-----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, Anxb5Jc4NLSNnk/Fol0iXnUc/S+F715LyoarQEaAPczzzWl3GKV9QMDDQWrVoVzN JsGg9kl64pwDJ9JZOCsopA== 0001144204-09-028625.txt : 20090522 0001144204-09-028625.hdr.sgml : 20090522 20090520162851 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-09-028625 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090520 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090520 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000912875 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: GOLD & SILVER ORES [1040] IRS NUMBER: 841236619 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MN FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-12401 FILM NUMBER: 09842883 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 SOUTH 8TH STREET STREET 2: SUITE 900 CITY: MINNEAPOLIS STATE: MN ZIP: 55402 BUSINESS PHONE: (612)349-5277 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 SOUTH 8TH STREET STREET 2: SUITE 900 CITY: MINNEAPOLIS STATE: MN ZIP: 55402 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ACTIVE IQ TECHNOLOGIES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20010702 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: METEOR INDUSTRIES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19960313 10-Q 1 v150269_10q.htm

U. S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC  20549

FORM 10-Q

 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009

OR

 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission file number 1-12401

WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC.
(Exact Name of Small Business Issuer as Specified in its Charter)

MINNESOTA
 
84-1236619
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
Incorporation or Organization)
   

900 IDS CENTER, 80 SOUTH EIGHTH STREET, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-8773
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

612.349.5277
(Issuer’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, If Changed Since Last Report)

Check whether the registrant:  (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨
 
Smaller reporting company x
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No x

As of May 19, 2009, there were 149,167,181 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01, outstanding.

 
 

 

WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MARCH 31, 2009

   
Page
     
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
 
 
As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008
     
 
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
22
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
26
     
Item 4T.
Controls and Procedures
26
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
28
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
28
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
28
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
28
     
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
28
     
Item 5.
Other Information
28
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
29
     
 
Signatures
30

 
2

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q contains certain statements which are forward-looking in nature and are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management, including statements related to the uncertainty of the quantity or quality of probable ore reserves, the fluctuations in the market price of such reserves, general trends in our operations or financial results, plans, expectations, estimates and beliefs. In addition, when used in this Form 10-Q, the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict” and similar expressions and their variants, as they relate to us or our management, may identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our judgment as of the date of this Form 10-Q with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to risks.  We have attempted to identify, in context, certain of the factors that we believe may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from our current expectations, which may have a significant impact on our business, operating results, financial condition or your investment in our common stock, as described in Part I, Item 1A entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described herein.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, your attention is directed to any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and Schedule 14A.

 
3

 

WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(audited)
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and equivalents
  $ 51,041     $ 230,729  
Prepaid expenses
    28,810       89,813  
Other receivable
    5,000,000        
Total current assets
    5,079,851       320,542  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,020,791       2,047,222  
Mineral properties and development costs
    5,255,635       5,255,635  
Advance payments on equity investments
          5,000,000  
Investments in partially-owned equity affiliates
    428,268       41,988  
Debt issuance costs, net
          7,514  
Total Assets
  $ 12,784,545     $ 12,672,901  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
               
Current liabilities:
               
Convertible notes payable, net of original issue discount
  $ 1,867,350     $ 1,871,628  
Short-term notes payable, net of original issue discount
    244,809       212,140  
Current portion of long-term notes payable, net of discount
    3,855,367       204,248  
Accounts payable
    197,619       252,215  
Accrued interest
    175,679       121,617  
Other accrued expenses
    1,596,122       2,432,658  
Total current liabilities
    7,936,946       5,094,506  
               
Long-term notes payable, net of discount
    10,649,768       13,493,131  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders’ equity (deficit):
               
Common stock, $.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized:
               
144,974,309 and 142,180,749 shares issued and outstanding
               
at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
    1,449,743       1,421,807  
Additional paid-in capital
    61,809,156       59,910,010  
Warrants outstanding
    7,086,000       7,961,908  
Accumulated deficit
    (22,932,460 )     (22,932,460 )
Deficit accumulated during the exploration stage,
               
subsequent to April 30, 2003
    (53,214,608 )     (52,276,001 )
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)
    (5,802,169 )     (5,914,736 )
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
  $ 12,784,545     $ 12,672,901  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
May 1, 2003
(inception) to
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
 
Revenues
  $     $     $  
Operating expenses:
                       
General and administrative
    1,145,454       1,228,862       27,611,022  
Exploration expenses
    44,412       565,034       12,035,171  
Depreciation and amortization
    26,431       4,127       567,887  
Merger transaction costs
                1,238,619  
Stock issued as penalty
                2,152,128  
Loss on impairment of Kwagga
                2,100,000  
Loss on sale of mining properties
                571,758  
Loss on disposal of assets
                13,995  
Loss from investments in partially-owned affiliates
    1,220             19,232  
Total operating expenses
    1,217,517       1,798,023       46,309,812  
Loss from operations
    (1,217,517 )     (1,798,023 )     (46,309,812 )
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
Other income (expense), net
    9       217       104,286  
Interest expense
    (1,313,073 )     (874,280 )     (8,602,654 )
Loss on debt extinguishment, net
                (1,485,558 )
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary, net
    1,461,078             1,461,078  
Foreign currency gains
    130,896             1,352,978  
Total other income (expense)
    278,910       (874,063 )     (7,169,870 )
Loss from operations before income tax benefit and discontinued operations
    (938,607 )     (2,672,086 )     (53,479,682 )
Benefit from income taxes
                243,920  
Loss from continuing operations
    (938,607 )     (2,672,086 )     (53,235,762 )
                         
Discontinued operations:
                       
Gain from discontinued operations
                21,154  
Net loss
  $ (938,607 )   $ (2,672,086 )   $ (53,214,608 )
                         
Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.69 )
Discontinued operations
                 
Net loss
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.69 )
                         
Basic and diluted weighted average
                       
common shares outstanding
    143,435,819       118,197,222       76,771,339  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 

WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)

               
May 1, 2003
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
(inception) to
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net loss
  $ (938,607 )   $ (2,672,086 )   $ (53,214,608 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash
                       
flows from operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    26,431       4,127       567,887  
Gain on disposal of miscellaneous assets
                (51,585 )
Loss from investments in partially-owned equity affiliates
    1,220             19,232  
Loss on sale of mining projects
                571,758  
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary, net
    (1,461,078 )           (1,461,078 )
Gain on foreign currency
    (130,896 )           (1,352,978 )
Issuance of common stock and warrants for exploration rights
          185,282       5,885,372  
Issuance of common stock and warrants for services
          151,797       2,348,737  
Amortization of prepaid consulting fees related to issuance and modifications of warrants and issuance of common stock
    55,109       36,588       6,649,899  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    7,514       17,023       259,226  
Amortization of original issue discount & beneficial conversion feature
    942,756       625,307       5,022,116  
Compensation expense related to stock options and warrants
    423,945       246,957       3,916,925  
Loss on debt extinguishment
                1,485,558  
Issuance of common stock and warrants for interest expense
                1,173,420  
Loss on impairment of Kwagga
                2,100,000  
Issuance of common stock as penalty related to private placement
                2,152,128  
Contributed services by an executive
                274,500  
Non-cash loss on nickel property (exploration)
                150,000  
Gain from discontinued operations
                (21,154 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable, net
                18,017  
Prepaid expenses
    5,894       (106,896 )     (227,585 )
Accounts payable
    (54,596 )     (101,085 )     127,338  
Accrued expenses
    291,104       360,120       2,911,861  
Net cash used in operating activities
    (831,204 )     (1,252,866 )     (20,695,014 )
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Purchases of property and equipment
                (143,629 )
Purchase of Bates-Hunter Mine (acquisition costs)
                (364,680 )
Advance to partially-owned equity affiliate
                (60,000 )
Proceeds from sale of mining projects
                220,820  
Proceeds from sale of miscellaneous assets
                89,639  
Purchases of investments
                (2,244,276 )
Refunds and (advance payments) on equity investments
                (5,150,000 )
Net cash used in investing activities
                (7,652,126 )

 
6

 

WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
(unaudited)

               
May 1, 2003
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
(inception) to
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
 
                   
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Payments on short-term and long-term debt
    (5,398,484 )     (250,000 )     (8,713,129 )
Cash proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs
          831,743       7,694,049  
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options
                199,900  
Cash proceeds from exercise of warrants
                6,724,547  
Cash proceeds from short-term debt and convertible notes payable
    200,000       1,020,000       15,555,000  
Cash proceeds from long-term debt
    5,850,000             6,500,000  
Debt issuance costs
          (57,362 )     (259,226 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    651,516       1,544,381       27,701,141  
                         
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
    179,688       291,515       (645,999 )
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    230,729       130,481       697,040  
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 51,041     $ 421,996     $ 51,041  
                         
Supplemental cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid for interest
  $ 301,517     $ 3,562     $ 1,850,378  
Issuance of common stock, warrants and options for prepaid consulting fees
  $     $ 150,600     $ 5,807,065  
Issuance of common stock in lieu of cash for debt, interest and accrued expenses
  $     $     $ 155,962  
Accrued interest added to debt principal
  $     $     $ 180,107  
Conversion of debt principal to common stock
  $ 165,000     $     $ 362,650  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
7

 

WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2009
(unaudited)

NOTE 1 - NATURE OF BUSINESS

Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc. (with its subsidiaries “we,” “us,” “our,” “Wits Basin” or the “Company”) is a minerals exploration and development company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  As of March 31, 2009, we own a past producing gold mine in Colorado (Bates-Hunter Mine), a 35% equity interest in Kwagga Gold (Barbados) Limited, which holds rights to properties located in South Africa (the FSC Project), a 50% equity interest in China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Ltd (which owns an iron ore mine and processing plant in the People’s Republic of China, the “PRC”) and certain rights in the Vianey Concession in Mexico. The following is a summary of our projects:

 
·
On March 17, 2009, we entered into a joint venture with London Mining, Plc, a United Kingdom corporation (“London Mining”) for the purpose of acquiring the processing plant of Nanjing Sudan Mining Co. Ltd (“Sudan”) and the iron ore mine of Xiaonanshan Mining Co. Ltd (“Xiaonanshan”) (the Sudan and Xiaonanshan collectively are referred to as the “PRC Properties”). Pursuant to that certain LM Subscription Agreement, London Mining purchased 100 ordinary A Shares of China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Ltd, a British Virgin Islands corporation and at the time, a wholly owned subsidiary of ours (“CGMR (BVI)”) for $38.75 million, which A Shares constitute a 50% equity interest in CGMR (BVI). We hold the remaining 50% equity interest in the form of 100 ordinary B Shares. The A Shares carry a preference with respect to return of capital and distributions until London Mining receives an aggregate of $44.5 million in return of capital or distributions and certain other conditions are met. On March 17, 2009, CGMR (BVI), through its wholly owned subsidiary China Global Mining Resources Limited, a Hong Kong corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of CGMR (BVI) (“CGMR HK”), acquired the PRC Properties.

 
·
On June 12, 2008, we completed the acquisition of the Bates-Hunter Mine, a prior producing gold mine located in Central City, Colorado, which included real property, mining claims, permits and equipment (the “Bates-Hunter Mine”).  We consummated the acquisition by transferring our right to purchase the Bates-Hunter Mine to a newly created wholly owned subsidiary of ours, the Hunter Bates Mining Corporation, pursuant to a formal asset purchase agreement dated September 20, 2006, in which we issued a limited recourse promissory note for Cdn$6,750,000 and issued 3,620,000 shares of our common stock.  Through August of 2008, a total of 12,039 feet of surface drilling was accomplished, which provided detailed data, which has been added to our existing 3-D map of the region. With the surface drilling program completed in August 2008, no further exploration activities will be conducted at the Bates-Hunter Mine until such time as we have sufficient funds.

 
·
We hold a 35 percent equity interest in Kwagga Gold (Barbados) Limited (“Kwagga Barbados”), which, through its wholly owned subsidiary Kwagga Gold (Proprietary) Limited, holds mineral exploration rights in South Africa.  This project is referred to as the “FSC Project” and is located adjacent to the historic Witwatersrand Basin.  The last completed drillhole on the FSC Project occurred in 2005. On December 12, 2007, we entered into an agreement with AfriOre International (Barbados) Limited (“AfriOre”), the holder of the other 65 percent of Kwagga Barbados, whereby we may acquire all of AfriOre’s interest of Kwagga Barbados.  On March 3, 2008, we entered into a letter of intent with Communications DVR Inc. (“DVR”), a capital pool company then listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, whereby it is anticipated that DVR will acquire the aforementioned 65 percent of Kwagga Barbados in exchange for 22 million common shares of DVR. Currently, no exploration activities are being conducted at the FSC Project.

 
8

 

 
·
On October 31, 2007, we executed an amendment to the formal joint venture agreement with Journey Resources Corp., a corporation formed under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (“Journey”) and Minerales Jazz S.A. De C.V., a corporation duly organized pursuant to the laws of Mexico and a wholly owned subsidiary of Journey. Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, we own a 50 percent undivided beneficial interest in “located mineral claims” in the property known as the Vianey Mine Concession located in the State of Guerrero, Mexico (“Vianey”).  In addition to located mineral claims, our interest includes all surface rights, personal property and permits associated with Vianey and all other claims, leases and interests in minerals acquired within two kilometers of the external perimeter of Vianey.  All work being performed at Vianey is under the supervision of Journey, which mainly consists of cleaning the site for a future work program.

As of March 31, 2009, we possess only a few pieces of equipment and we employ insufficient numbers of personnel necessary to actually explore and/or mine for minerals. Therefore, we are substantially dependent on the third party contractors we engage to perform such operations. As of the date of this Report, we do not claim to have any mineral reserves at the Bates-Hunter Mine, the FSC Project or the Vianey.

All dollar amounts expressed in this Report are in US Dollars ($), unless specifically noted, as certain transactions are denominated in the Canadian Dollar (“Cdn$”).

NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by us in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), for interim financial information pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by US GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K filed April 15, 2009.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year as a whole.

NOTE 3 – EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented.  Diluted net loss per common share is determined using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, consisting of shares that might be issued upon exercise of options, warrants and conversion of convertible debt.  In periods where losses are reported, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents, because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

 
9

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share calculation:
           
Net income (loss) to common shareholders
  $ (938,607 )   $ (2,672,086 )
Weighted average of common shares outstanding
    143,435,819       118,197,222  
                 
Basic net earnings (loss) per share
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.02 )
                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation:
               
Net income (loss) per common shareholders
  $ (938,607 )   $ (2,672,086 )
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    143,435,819       118,197,222  
Options, convertible debentures and warrants
    (1 )     (2 )
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    143,435,819       118,197,222  
                 
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.02 )

(1)
As of March 31, 2009, we had (i) 16,643,500 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, (ii) 61,601,174 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants and (iii) reserved an aggregate of 22,959,152 shares of common stock issuable under outstanding convertible debt agreements.  These 101,203,826 shares, which would be reduced by applying the treasury stock method, were excluded from diluted weighted average outstanding shares amount for computing the net loss per common share, because the net effect would be antidilutive for each of the periods presented.
(2)
As of March 31, 2008, we had (i) 13,643,500 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, (ii) 29,485,238 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants and (iii) reserved an aggregate of 49,327,901 shares of common stock issuable under outstanding convertible debt agreements.  These 92,456,639 shares, which would be reduced by applying the treasury stock method, were excluded from diluted weighted average outstanding shares amount for computing the net loss per common share, because the net effect would be antidilutive for each of the periods presented.
 
NOTE 4 – COMPANY’S CONTINUED EXISTENCE

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with US GAAP, assuming we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, we incurred losses from continuing operations of $938,607.  At March 31, 2009, we had an accumulated deficit of $76,147,068 and a working capital deficit of 2,857,095.  Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on our ability to raise the required additional capital or debt financing to meet short and long-term operating requirements.  We believe that private placements of equity capital and debt financing may be adequate to fund our long-term operating requirements.  We may also encounter business endeavors that require significant cash commitments or unanticipated problems or expenses that could result in a requirement for additional cash.  If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our current shareholders could be reduced, and such securities might have rights, preferences or privileges senior to our common stock.  Additional financing may not be available upon acceptable terms, or at all.  If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to take advantage of prospective business endeavors or opportunities, which could significantly and materially restrict our operations.  We are continuing to pursue external financing alternatives to improve our working capital position.  If we are unable to obtain the necessary capital, we may have to cease operations.

 
10

 

As of the date of this 10-Q Report, we do not claim to have any mineral reserves at the Bates-Hunter Mine, the FSC Project or the Vianey.

NOTE 5 – PREPAID EXPENSES

Prepaid expenses consist of two components: prepaid consulting fees and other prepaid expenses. The prepaid consulting fees included cash and calculated amounts from the issuance of common stock, warrants or options to consultants for various services that we do not have the internal infrastructure to perform.  The amortization periods coincide with terms of the agreements. The other prepaid expenses contain amounts we have prepaid for general and administrative purposes and are being expensed as utilized. Components of prepaid expenses are as follows:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Prepaid consulting fees
  $     $ 55,109  
Other prepaid expenses
    28,810       34,704  
    $ 28,810     $ 89,813  

NOTE 6 – OTHER RECEIVABLE AND ADVANCE PAYMENTS ON EQUITY INVESTMENTS

During 2007, we made a direct $5 million investment through one of our wholly owned subsidiaries to the sellers of the PRC iron ore properties of Sudan, Xiaonanshan and Maanshan Zhao Yuan Mining Co. Ltd (which holds the Matang iron ore deposit and is located in the Anhui Province of the PRC, the “Matang”), which secured our right to purchase these assets and provided the sellers with working capital. The original agreement, that certain Equity and Asset Transfer Heads of Agreement, dated May 4, 2007, went through a series of amendments and assignments. On March 17, 2009, we entered into a joint venture with London Mining, whereby the joint venture acquired the PRC Properties from the sellers. The joint venture vehicle was our previous wholly owned subsidiary of China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Ltd, a British Virgin Islands corporation (“CGMR (BVI)”). In January 2009, CGMR (BVI) entered into an amended employment agreement with Mr. Lu (one of the sellers).  One of the conditions of the amended agreement requires our $5 million investment to be repaid on December 31, 2009 by Mr. Lu.

As of December 31, 2008, we only held the rights to acquire these iron ore mining properties and, therefore, we continued to record the $5 million as an advanced payment for the eventual purchase of the iron ore properties until such time as we had some type of resolution. Effective with the consummation of the joint venture, this $5 million advance was not considered a partial payment on the iron ore properties purchase price but rather an advance still due back from the sellers and therefore, we have reclassed this advance as a current asset (“Other receivable”) with the understanding that it should be repaid on December 31, 2009.

NOTE 7 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Prior to the Bates-Hunter Mine acquisition in June 2008, we had made purchases of various pieces of equipment necessary to operate and de-water the Bates-Hunter Mine property. After the acquisition, we now have additional assets of land, buildings and other additional equipment all related to the Bates-Hunter Mine. Depreciation on allowable assets is calculated on a straight-line method over the estimated useful life, presently ranging from two to twenty years.  Components of our property, plant and equipment are as follows:

 
11

 

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Land
  $ 610,423     $ 610,423  
Buildings
    1,330,902       1,330,902  
Equipment
    199,694       199,694  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (120,228 )     (93,797 )
    $ 2,020,791     $ 2,047,222  

NOTE 8 – MINERAL PROPERTIES AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS

As of March 31, 2009, we own one mining property known as the Bates-Hunter Mine, which was purchased in June 2008. The initial allocation of the purchase price to the mining claims and permits acquired in the Bates-Hunter Mine transaction is still preliminary and future refinements are likely to be made based on the completion of final valuation studies.  Since the purchase, we have not commenced any mining operations due to the lack of funding and therefore, we have not recorded any amortization expense nor have we determined that impairment has occurred for the period ended March 31, 2009.  Components of our mineral properties and development costs are as follows:

Bates-Hunter Mine
 
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
Mining claims (1)
  $ 5,252,292     $ 5,252,292  
Mining permits (2)
    3,343       3,343  
    $ 5,255,635     $ 5,255,635  

(1)
We acquired some surface rights and some mining rights to 22 parcels located in Gilpin County, Colorado.
(2)
We acquired various mining, special use, water discharge, stormwater and drilling permits, all of which require renewal at various times.

NOTE 9 – INVESTMENTS IN PARTIALLY-OWNED EQUITY AFFILIATES

Kwagga Gold (Barbados) Limited

We hold a 35% interest in Kwagga Barbados which is accounted for under the equity method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock” (“APB 18”).  Kwagga Gold (Proprietary) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kwagga Barbados, holds the mineral exploration rights in the FSC Project. Through December 31, 2007, our previous investment of $2,100,000 was impaired to $0.

In an effort to maintain the permits and land claims of the FSC Project, we entered into a bridge financing arrangement with Hawk Uranium, Inc. (“Hawk”) in 2008, whereby Hawk made a loan to us of $60,000, which was then advanced to Kwagga Barbados. AfriOre, the majority owner (65%) of Kwagga Barbados, has decided not to commit any further resources to this project at this time.  Under the guidance provided by Emerging Issue Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 98-13, “Accounting by an Equity Method Investor for Investee Losses When the Investor Has Loans to and Investments in Other Securities of the Investee” (“EITF 98-13”) and EITF Issue No. 99-10, “Percentage Used to Determine the Amount of Equity Method Losses” (“EITF 99-10”), we will recognize 100% of this $60,000 advance as a loss from investments in partially-owned affiliates to coincide with the funds being dispersed by Kwagga Barbados over time. Since the losses relate to exploration activities, an integral part of our operations, the losses are shown in operations under the caption, Loss from investments in partially-owned equity affiliates.

 
12

 

China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Limited

On December 17, 2008, we created a new British Virgin Islands corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of ours under the name of China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Limited (“CGMR (BVI)”) to serve as the joint venture entity with London Mining. On December 23, 2008, we sold our 100% equity ownership of China Global Mining Resources Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“CGMR HK”) to CGMR (BVI) for $4.8 million, whereby CGMR HK became a wholly owned subsidiary of CGMR (BVI). CGMR HK was assigned all of our rights to acquire the PRC iron ore properties of the Sudan, Xiaonanshan and Matang. Due to this sale occurring between two commonly controlled entities, no gain ($4.8 million) was recorded by the Company.  As of December 31, 2008, we owned 100% of both CGMR’s.

On March 17, 2009, we entered into an amended and restated subscription agreement with London Mining (the “LM Subscription Agreement”), whereby they acquired a 50% equity interest in CGMR (BVI) by paying an aggregate of $38.75 million for 100 A Shares.  We hold the remaining 50% equity interest in CGMR (BVI) in the form of 100 ordinary B Shares.. Contemporaneously, CGMR (BVI) (through CGMR HK) completed the acquisition of the PRC Properties. Pursuant to the LM Subscription Agreement, we entered into a shareholders’ agreement with London Mining the “LM Shareholders’ Agreement”) setting forth certain preferences of the A Shares and governance terms applicable to CGMR (BVI).  The A Shares carry a preference with respect to return of capital and distributions until such time as an aggregate of $44.5 million (which includes the subscription amount of $38.75 million and $5.75 million in the form of a loan made to us) is returned or distributed to the holders of the A Shares (the “Repayment”).  The A Shares preference entitles them to 99% of the distributions of CGMR (BVI) until Repayment, while the B Shars that we hold will receive a 1% distribution, after which time London Mining will be entitled to 60% of the distributions and the Company 40% until the PRC Properties achieve an annual production output of 850,000 tons of iron ore. Upon achievement of such production, the respective holders of the A Shares and the B Shares, each as a class, will be entitled to 50% of the distributions.  Additionally, London Mining is entitled under the LM Shareholders’ Agreement to a management fee in the amount of $5.5 million for the first year following the acquisition, and $4.5 million annually thereafter until Repayment.  In the event Repayment occurs within three years, we may be entitled to receive a portion of the aggregate management fee paid to London Mining.  Under the LM Shareholders’ Agreement, we will be required to indemnify London Mining in the event certain events occur prior to Repayment, including (i) certain payments made under the consulting agreement with Mr. Lu that are to be deferred, (ii) payments incurred in developing Matang, (iii) failure to complete the acquisition of Matang in accordance with the business plan relating to the operation of the PRC Properties, or (iv) a material deviation from the business plan relating to the operation of the PRC Properties. Our indemnification, if any, would be satisfied by the transfer of a number of our B Shares, having a fair market value equal to the indemnified amount as determined under the LM Shareholders’ Agreement.  The LM Shareholders’ Agreement further provides for transfer restrictions agreed between the parties, including rights of first refusal, drag along and tag along rights.

Due to the additional shares issued to London Mining, and in conjunction with the LM agreements, we no longer have any board seats and effectively own only 1% of CGMR (BVI).  Accordingly, under the guidance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“FAS 160”), we have deconsolidated CGMR (BVI) effective March 17, 2009, and have recorded our retained interest at fair value.  Based on the current subscription from London Mining, we estimated the fair value of our retained interest at $387,500.  Since we no longer exercise significant influence over the operations or financial policies of CGMR (BVI), our investment, subsequent to March 17, 2009, will be accounted for under the cost method.

As part of the deconsolidation process, an intercompany note receivable of $4.8 million is no longer eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Therefore, the $4.8 million unrecognized gain mentioned above is, in effect, realized due to CGMR (BVI) no longer being controlled by the Company. However, due to the distribution ordering rules contained in the aforementioned LM Shareholders’ Agreement, collectability of the $4.8 million note receivable cannot be reasonably assured and will be allowed for as a doubtful account until collection can be reasonable assured.  Additionally, this $4.8 million note affects the carrying value of the CGMR (BVI) investment.  When the fair value of the retained interest is compared to the historical carrying value, the deconsolidation results in a gain of $6,261,078.    Accordingly, the Company has recorded a net gain on deconsolidation of $1,461,078 as of March 31, 2009.  The note receivable will continue to be carried on the Company’s books at $0, until collectability of the amount can be more reasonably assured.
 
CGMR HK continues to hold the right to acquire the equity interest in the Matang.

 
13

 

The following table summarizes our investments in partially-owned equity affiliates:

December 31, 2007
  $  
Advance to Kwagga
    60,000  
Losses recorded during 2008 from Kwagga
    (18,012 )
Balance at December 31, 2008
    41,988  
Deconsolidation of CGMR (BVI) & HK
    387,500  
Losses recorded during 2009 from Kwagga
    (1,220 )
Balance at March 31, 2009
  $ 428,268  

NOTE 10 – CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE

Platinum Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note

On February 13, 2008, we entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Platinum Agreement”) dated February 11, 2008 with Platinum Long Term Growth V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Platinum”), pursuant to which we issued to Platinum a 10% Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note in the principal amount of $1,020,000 (the “Platinum Note”).  The Platinum Note’s maturity date was February 11, 2009.  The Platinum Note continues to accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, with such interest payable on a quarterly basis commencing March 31, 2008. Subsequent to March 31, 2009, Platinum sold this Note, along with their $110,000 10% Senior Secured Promissory Note to China Gold, LLC.

Platinum (or its holder) has the option to convert the Platinum Note at any time into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.18 per share.  The conversion price is further subject to weighted-average anti-dilution adjustments in the event we issue equity or equity-linked securities at a price below the then-applicable conversion price.  At any time after August 11, 2008, if the seven trailing trading day volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) of our common stock is less than $0.30 per share (as appropriately adjusted for any splits, combinations or like events relating to the common stock), Platinum shall have the option to: (i) require us to prepay in cash all or any portion of the Platinum Note at a price equal to 115% of the aggregate principal amount to be repaid together with accrued and unpaid interest (“Option 1”) or (ii) demand that all or a portion of the Platinum Note be converted into common stock at a conversion price equal to the lesser of the then-applicable conversion price or 85% of the lowest VWAP for the 10 trading days preceding such demand (“Option 2”). The number of shares issuable under the Platinum Note is limited to 4.99% of the current aggregate common stock outstanding (approximately 7.3 million shares at March 31, 2009).

Our obligations under the Platinum Note are secured by a first priority security interest in all of our assets with the exception of our equity interests and assets held in Wits Basin (BVI) Ltd, a British Virgin Islands corporation (formally known as China Global Mining Resources Limited, renamed in January 2009) and Wits-China Acquisition Corp, a Minnesota corporation, to the extent such entities or assets are located in or relate to China and are subject to a lien in favor of China Gold, LLC.  Platinum’s security interest includes our equity interest in Gregory Gold Producers, Inc, Hunter Bates Mining Corporation and our 35% equity ownership in Kwagga Barbados. We also delivered to Platinum a guaranty of Gregory Gold Producers and Hunter Bates Mining Corporation.

Pursuant to the Platinum Agreement, we issued Platinum a five-year warrant to purchase up to 2.5 million shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.35 per share, which contains a cashless exercise provision beginning any time after August 11, 2008, and further provides for a weighted-average anti-dilution adjustment to the exercise price in the event we issue equity or equity-linked securities at a price below the then-applicable exercise price.

 
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As additional consideration pursuant to the terms of the Platinum Agreement, we agreed to accelerate the vesting of a previously issued warrant (to MHG Consultant LLC, an affiliate of Platinum) to purchase up to 3 million shares of our common stock that was transferred to Platinum at closing, such that the remaining 2.25 million unvested shares underlying such warrant became immediately vested and exercisable.  We provided Platinum piggy-back registration rights relating to the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Note and exercise of the warrants. The Platinum Agreement and other transaction documents contain standard representations, warranties, and covenants of the parties.

The Platinum Note is considered to be conventional convertible debt under the accounting guidance of EITF Issue No. 05-2 “The Meaning of ‘Conventional Convertible Debt’ in Issue No. 00-19” (“EITF 05-2”).  The application of the provisions of EITF Issue No. 98-5, “Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios” (“EITF 98-5”) and EITF Issue No. 00-27, “Application of Issue 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments” (“EITF 00-27”) resulted in the proceeds of the loan being allocated based on the relative fair value of the debt and warrants.  Using the Black-Scholes pricing model to value the 2.5 million warrant issued with the loan and the accelerated vesting of the 2.25 million warrant transferred from MHG to Platinum during the three month period ended March 31, 2008, the relative fair value allocated to the warrants and recorded as a debt discount was $523,367.  Furthermore, due to the reduced relative fair value assigned to the convertible debt, the debt had a beneficial conversion feature that was “in-the-money” on the commitment date which totaled $496,633.

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, Platinum gave notice to convert $165,000 of its principal balance into 2,793,560 shares of our common stock as follows:

Date of
Conversion
 
Principal
Amount
   
Conversion
Price (1)
   
Shares
Issued
   
Beneficial
Conversion
Charge (2)
 
January 16, 2009
  $ 50,000     $ 0.047345       1,056,077     $ 155,660  
February 26, 2009
  $ 25,000     $ 0.073000       342,465     $ 40,715  
March 9, 2009
  $ 25,000     $ 0.067830       368,568     $ 45,936  
March 16, 2009
  $ 65,000     $ 0.063325       1,026,450     $ 133,068  
    $ 165,000               2,793,560     $ 375,379  

(1)
The conversion price was calculated pursuant to Option 2 that became effective after August 11, 2008 as described above.
(2)
Because the reset feature occurred resulting in additional shares being issued, an additional beneficial conversion charge was recorded as interest expense and credited to additional paid in capital.

As of March 31, 2009, the principal balance is $657,350 with accrued interest of $67,783. Any discount to the debt for the warrants and initial beneficial conversion feature has been fully amortized to interest expense at February 11, 2009.  The accrued interest due represents the September 30, 2008, December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009 payments that are required to be paid in cash under the terms of the Platinum Note.

London Mining Plc

On August 22, 2008, we entered into a financing arrangement with London Mining, pursuant to which we issued to London Mining a Convertible Promissory Note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 (the “LM Note”).  The LM Note is convertible at the option of LM at any time into shares of our common stock at an original conversion price of $0.20 per share (as appropriately adjusted for any splits, combinations or like events relating to the common stock). Our obligations under the LM Note are unsecured and the LM Note accrues interest at a rate of 8% per annum. There was no beneficial conversion charge as the Company’s stock value on the commitment date was $0.17. On August 27, 2008, we received an initial $500,000 advance, on September 19, 2008 we received an additional $300,000 advance and on October 27, 2008, we received the final $200,000 advance. As of March 31, 2009, the outstanding principal balance is $1,000,000 with accrued interest of $43,978.

 
15

 

Effective March 17, 2009, upon the consummation of the acquisition of the PRC Properties, we executed an amendment to the LM Note described above, whereby the maturity date was fixed at August 22, 2009 and the conversion price was reduced to $0.10 per share.  There was no beneficial conversion charge as the Company’s stock value on the commitment date was $0.08.

Other Third Parties

(1)
In December 2007, in consideration of an unsecured loan from an unaffiliated third party, we received net proceeds of $100,000 and issued a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $110,000. The promissory note had a maturity date of March 31, 2008, and bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum.  Furthermore, the note holder has the right to convert any portion of the principal or interest of the outstanding note into shares of our common stock based on a conversion rate equal to $0.20 per share and is considered to be conventional convertible debt under the accounting guidance of EITF 05-2 “The Meaning of ‘Conventional Convertible Debt’ in Issue No. 00-19.”  Under the terms of the convertible promissory note and as additional consideration for the loan, we issued a warrant to purchase up to 100,000 shares of our common stock at $0.20 per share with an expiration date of December 28, 2009. The application of the provisions of EITF 98-5, “Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios” and EITF 00-27, “Application of Issue 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments” resulted in the proceeds of the loan being allocated based on the relative fair value of the loan and warrants. Lastly, due to the reduced relative fair value assigned to the convertible debt, the debt had a beneficial conversion feature that was “in-the-money” on the commitment date which totaled $27,500.

The lender provided an extension on the March 31, 2008 maturity date until September 30, 2008 and as consideration for the extension, we issued a two-year warrant to purchase up to 200,000 shares of our common stock at $0.20 per share and recorded the Black-Scholes pricing model calculation of $20,000 as additional interest expense. On September 30, 2008, the lender again provided an additional extension on the maturity date until December 31, 2008 and as consideration for the extension, we agreed to make a one-time cash payment of $3,100. On March 6, 2009, the lender again provided an extension until March 31, 2009 and has verbally provided an additional extension. As of March 31, 2009, the note has accrued interest of $14,676.

(2)
On February 26, 2009, in consideration of an unsecured loan from an unaffiliated third party, we received net proceeds of $100,000 and issued a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000. The promissory note has a maturity date of February 26, 2010, and bears interest at a rate of 12.25% per annum.  Furthermore, the note holder has the right to convert any portion of the principal or interest of the outstanding note into the number of shares of our common stock by the greater of (i) the current Fair Market Value (the closing sale price as reported on the date of conversion) and (ii) $0.05 per share.

Summary of All Convertible Notes

The following table summarizes the convertible note balances:

Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 1,871,628  
Add: gross proceeds received during 2009
    100,000  
Less: conversion of principal to common stock
    (165,000 )
Less: value assigned to additional beneficial conversion feature for the debt conversions
    (375,379 )
Add: amortization of original issue discount and beneficial conversion feature
    436,101  
Less: principal payments
     
Balance at March 31, 2009
  $ 1,867,350  

 
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NOTE 11 – SHORT-TERM NOTES PAYABLE

In November 2008, we entered into a bridge financing arrangement with Hawk, whereby Hawk loaned the Company $60,000 in consideration of a 90-day promissory note, which bears interest at a rate of 10%.  Our chairman, Vance White, is an officer and director of Hawk. In consideration of the loan, we issued a five-year warrant to purchase up to 250,000 shares of our common stock (with an original exercise price of $0.125 per share). The proceeds of the loan were allocated based on the relative fair value of the principal amount and the warrant granted in accordance with APB 14, “Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants” (“APB 14”).  The fair value allocated to the warrant was $16,842 based on the Black-Scholes pricing model and was fully amortized by February 2009. In March 2009, we received an extension until April 20, 2009 on the maturity date and for such extension we reduced the exercise price of the warrant from $0.125 per share to $0.0625 per share, which resulted in an additional fair value of $650.

In March 2009, we entered into an unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $125,000, which bears interest of 10% per annum and had a maturity date of March 20, 2009. We repaid $100,000 of the principal on the maturity date and as of March 31, 2009, there remains a balance of $25,000. We have been granted additional time from the lender to pay the remaining balance.

Summary

The following table summarizes the short-term notes payable balances:

Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 212,140  
Add: gross proceeds of 2009
    125,000  
Less: original issue discount     (25,000
Less: value assigned to re-pricing of warrant
    (650 )
Add: amortization of original issue discount
    33,319  
Less: principal payments
    (100,000 )
Balance at March 31, 2009
  $ 244,809  

The total principal outstanding for all short-term notes payable at March 31, 2009 is $245,000.

NOTE 12 – OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES

The Company has recorded a number of expenses relating to its transactions for the acquisition of various global mining properties, consulting agreements and general and administrative expenses. The following table summarizes the ending balances of other accrued expenses by relevant transaction:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
China related transactions (1)
  $ 286,110     $ 1,115,234  
Bates-Hunter Mine
    879,628       790,519  
Hawk Uranium’s management services agreements
    200,000       200,000  
FSC Project and proposed transaction with DVR
    96,804       96,804  
Other expenses
    133,580       230,101  
(1) Decrease from December 31, 2008 to March 31, 2009 due primarily to deconsolidation of CGMR(BVI)-See note 9.   $ 1,596,122     $ 2,432,658  
 

 
 
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NOTE 13 – LONG-TERM NOTES PAYABLE

Long-term limited recourse promissory note of Hunter Bates

On June 12, 2008, the Company and Hunter Bates Mining Corporation, a Minnesota corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Hunter Bates”), completed the acquisition of the Bates-Hunter Mine project, located in Central City, Colorado, which included land, buildings, equipment, mining claims and permits, financed through a limited recourse promissory note of Hunter Bates payable to Mr. Otten in the principal amount of Cdn$6,750,000. The note required Hunter Bates to pay to Mr. Otten Cdn$250,000 (valued at $204,248 as of December 31, 2008) on or before December 1, 2008, which was subsequently extended to January 30, 2009 and further extended to April 30, 2009. Furthermore, commencing on April 1, 2010, a quarterly installment of accrued interest plus a Production Revenue Payment (as defined in the note) becomes payable.  The note is interest-free until January 1, 2010, and from such date shall bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum, with a maturity date of December 31, 2015.  Hunter Bates’ payment of the Note is secured by a deed of trust relating to the all of the property acquired in favor of Gilpin County Public Trustee for the benefit of Mr. Otten. The note balance reflects a discount (originally $580,534) relating to the recourse note being non-interest bearing until the first payment in 2010. As of March 31, 2009, the note balance in US Dollars is $5,383,807.

Second Amended and Restated Promissory Note with China Gold, LLC

On December 22, 2008, we entered into Amendment No. 3 to Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement (“Amendment No. 3”) with China Gold, LLC, a Kansas limited liability company (“China Gold”). Pursuant to Amendment No. 3, the parties consolidated that certain Secured Promissory Note dated October 28, 2008 in the principal amount of $441,000 and that certain Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated November 10, 2008 in the principal amount of $9.8 million into a Second Amended and Restated Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $10,421,107 (the “Consolidated Note”), which reflected the outstanding principal and accrued interest under the existing notes. This refinancing was accounted for as an extinguishment of debt, which resulted in a discount to the Consolidated Note of $1,894,948 in December 2008.  The discount is being amortized over the life of the Note through February 15, 2010, using the effective interest method.

Pursuant to the Consolidated Note, we received an extension on the maturity dates relating to the prior notes from December 31, 2008 to February 15, 2010. The Consolidated Note accrues interest at a rate of 12.25% per annum with the principal and interest due on demand at any time on or after February 15, 2010.

On March 17, 2009 and contemporaneously with the closing of the joint venture with London Mining, we: (i) made a prepayment to China Gold under the Consolidated Note in the amount of $5.6 million, which included principal of $5,298,484 and accrued interest of $301,516, and (ii) reduced the exercise price of two warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 40,082,000 shares of our common stock issued to China Gold to $0.075 per share (from $0.15 and $0.11 under the respective warrants), which resulted in an additional fair value of $86,200 to be recorded as a discount to the remaining debt of which will be amortized over the remaining term of the debt to interest expense.

Promissory Note with London Mining Plc

Pursuant to the LM Subscription Agreement, London Mining made a loan to us in the aggregate amount of $5.75 million (the “WB Loan Agreement”).  The WB Loan Agreement provides for interest at a rate equal to the prime rate plus 2% per annum (subject to a cap of 8%), and the obligation matures on the earlier of January 31, 2014 or upon termination of the LM Shareholders’ Agreement. We used the proceeds of the loan to make: (i) a $5.6 million payment towards our obligation under the December 22, 2008 China Gold Promissory Note (as described in Note 16) and (ii) reductions in our accounts payable. As of March 31, 2009, the note has accrued interest of $11,578 with an interest rate of 5.25%.

 
18

 

Summary

The following table summarizes the long-term notes payable balances:

Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 13,697,379  
Add: gross proceeds from London Mining in 2009
    5,850,000  
Less: discount value assigned to re-pricing of warrants
    (86,200 )
Less: unrealized foreign currency gain from the Otten limited recourse note
    (130,896 )
Add: amortization of original issue discount
    94,346  
Add: amortization of discount related to the debt extinguishment in 2008
    378,990  
Less: principal payments
    (5,298,484 )
Balance
    14,505,135  
Less: current portion
    (3,855,367 )
Balance at March 31, 2009
  $ 10,649,768  

Long-term debt has the following scheduled annual maturities for the years ending December 31:

2009 – Remaining
  $ 199,400  
2010
    5,222,624  
2011
     
2012
    5,750,000  
2013
     
Thereafter
    5,184,407  
Total
  $ 16,356,431  

NOTE 14 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock Issuances

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, Platinum Long Term Growth V, LLC converted $165,000 of its senior secured convertible promissory note into 2,793,560 shares of our unregistered common stock.

Stock Option Grants

The Company has five stock option plans: the 1999 Stock Option Plan, the 2000 and 2003 Director Stock Option Plans, the 2001 Employee Stock Option Plan and the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.  Stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other stock and cash awards may be granted under the plans. In general, options vest over a period ranging from immediate vesting to five years and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Additionally, the Company has two non-plans, each titled “Non-Plan Stock Options” which are outside of the five plans listed above. As of March 31, 2009, an aggregate of 21,250,000 shares of our common stock may be granted under our plans and non-plans as determined by the board of directors, of which 1,664,000 are available for future issuances.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model as a method for determining the estimated fair value for employee stock awards under SFAS 123(R). Compensation expense for employee stock awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of service awards.  For performance-based awards, the Company recognizes the expense when the performance condition is probable of being met. The adoption of SFAS 123(R) also requires certain changes to the accounting for income taxes and the method used in determining diluted shares, as well as additional disclosure related to the cash flow effects resulting from share-based compensation.

 
19

 

No option grants were issued during the three months ended March 31, 2009 or 2008.  For options granted in prior periods, we recorded $423,945 and $246,957 for stock compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This expense is included in general and administrative expense. There was no tax benefit from recording this non-cash expense due to our income tax valuation allowance and due to a portion of the options being incentive stock options. The compensation expense had no material impact on the loss per share for the periods reported. As of March 31, 2009, $2,100,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately three years.

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s stock options:

   
Number of
Options
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
 Price
 
Options outstanding - December 31, 2008
    16,643,500     $ 0.47  
                 
Granted
           
Canceled or expired
           
Exercised
           
Options outstanding - March 31, 2009
    16,643,500     $ 0.47  
                 
Options exercisable - March 31, 2009
    9,893,500     $ 0.52  
                 
Weighted average fair value of options granted
               
during the three months ended March 31, 2009
          $  
Weighted average fair value of options granted
               
during the three months ended March 31, 2008
          $  

The following tables summarize information about stock options outstanding at March 31, 2009:

   
Options Outstanding
 
Range of
Exercise Prices
 
Number
Outstanding
 
Weighted
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value(1)
 
$0.15 to $0.30
    7,025,000  
7.6 years
  $ 0.23     $  
$0.31 to $0.43
    4,850,000  
6.4 years
  $ 0.38     $  
$0.56 to $1.02
    4,706,000  
4.7 years
  $ 0.87     $  
$2.75 to $3.00
    62,500  
2.0 years
  $ 2.84     $  
$0.15 to $3.00
    16,643,500  
6.5 years
  $ 0.47     $  

   
Options Exercisable
 
Range of
Exercise Prices
 
 
Number
Exercisable
 
Weighted
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value(1)
 
$0.15 to $0.30
    3,175,000  
7.6 years
  $ 0.24     $  
$0.31 to $0.43
    2,950,000  
6.4 years
  $ 0.38     $  
$0.56 to $1.02
    3,706,000  
3.7 years
  $ 0.83     $  
$2.75 to $3.00
    62,500  
2.0 years
  $ 2.84     $  
$0.15 to $3.00
    9,893,500  
5.7 years
  $ 0.52     $  

 
20

 

(1)  The aggregate intrinsic value in the table represents the difference between the closing stock price on March 31, 2009 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on March 31, 2009. No options were exercised during the three month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

Stock Purchase Warrants

For warrants issued to non-employees in exchange for services, we account for such warrants in accordance with EITF Issue No. 96-18 “Accounting For Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling Goods or Services” (“EITF 96-18”).  We value the fair value of the equity instrument using the Black-Scholes pricing model unless the value of the services is more reliably measurable.

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s warrants:

   
Number
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Range of
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    61,751,174     $ 0.21     $ 0.01 – $1.50  
                         
Granted
                 
Cancelled or expired
    (150,000 )     1.50       1.50  
Exercised
                 
Outstanding at March 31, 2009
    61,601,174     $ 0.16     $ 0.01 – $0.50  
                         
Warrants exercisable at March 31, 2009
    61,601,174     $ 0.16     $ 0.01 – $0.50  

NOTE 15 – EFFECT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Values When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.” This FSP provides guidance on (1) estimating the fair value of an asset or liability when the volume and level of the activity for the asset or liability have significantly declined and (2) identifying transactions that are not orderly. This FSP also amends certain disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 157 to require, among other things, disclosures in interim periods of the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. For the Company, this FSP is effective prospectively beginning April 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard, but would not expect it to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” This FSP essentially expands the disclosure about fair value of financial instruments that were previously required only annually to be also required for interim period reporting. In addition, this FSP requires certain additional disclosures regarding the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments. For The Company, these additional disclosures will be required beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2009. We are currently evaluating the requirement of these additional disclosures.

 
21

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

The following management discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in connection with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this report and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

OVERVIEW

Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc. (with its subsidiaries “we,” “us,” “our,” “Wits Basin” or the “Company”) is a minerals exploration and development company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  As of March 31, 2009, we own a past producing gold mine in Colorado (Bates-Hunter Mine), a 35% equity interest in Kwagga Gold (Barbados) Limited, which holds rights to properties located in South Africa (the FSC Project), a 50% equity interest in China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Ltd, which is limited initially to a 1% distribution right, (which owns an iron ore mine and processing plant in the People’s Republic of China, the “PRC”) and certain rights in the Vianey Concession in Mexico. The following is a summary of our projects:

On March 17, 2009, we entered into a joint venture with London Mining, Plc, a United Kingdom corporation (“London Mining”) for the purpose of acquiring the processing plant of Nanjing Sudan Mining Co. Ltd (“Sudan”) and the iron ore mine of Xiaonanshan Mining Co. Ltd (“Xiaonanshan”) (the Sudan and Xiaonanshan collectively are referred to as the “PRC Properties”). Pursuant to that certain LM Subscription Agreement, London Mining purchased 100 ordinary A Shares of China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Ltd, a British Virgin Islands corporation and at the time, a wholly owned subsidiary of ours (“CGMR (BVI)”) for $38.75 million, which A Shares constitute a 50% equity interest in CGMR (BVI). We hold the remaining 50% equity interest in the form of 100 ordinary B Shares. The A Shares carry a preference with respect to return of capital and distributions until London Mining receives an aggregate of $44.5 million in return of capital or distributions and certain other conditions are met. On March 17, 2009, CGMR (BVI), through its wholly owned subsidiary China Global Mining Resources Limited, a Hong Kong corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of CGMR (BVI) (“CGMR HK”), acquired the PRC Properties. The Company will account for this joint venture on the cost method of accounting. If and when distributions become available, the Company will receive 1% while London Mining will receive 99%.

On June 12, 2008, we completed the acquisition of the Bates-Hunter Mine, a prior producing gold mine located in Central City, Colorado, which included real property, mining claims, permits and equipment (the “Bates-Hunter Mine”).  We consummated the acquisition by transferring our right to purchase the Bates-Hunter Mine to a newly created wholly owned subsidiary of ours, the Hunter Bates Mining Corporation, pursuant to a formal asset purchase agreement dated September 20, 2006, in which we issued a limited recourse promissory note for Cdn$6,750,000 and issued 3,620,000 shares of our common stock.  Through August of 2008, a total of 12,039 feet of surface drilling was accomplished, which provided detailed data, which has been added to our existing 3-D map of the region. With the surface drilling program completed in August 2008, no further exploration activities will be conducted at the Bates-Hunter Mine until such time as we have sufficient funds.

We hold a 35 percent equity interest in Kwagga Gold (Barbados) Limited (“Kwagga Barbados”), which, through its wholly owned subsidiary Kwagga Gold (Proprietary) Limited, holds mineral exploration rights in South Africa.  This project is referred to as the “FSC Project” and is located adjacent to the historic Witwatersrand Basin.  The last completed drillhole on the FSC Project occurred in 2005. On December 12, 2007, we entered into an agreement with AfriOre International (Barbados) Limited (“AfriOre”), the holder of the other 65 percent of Kwagga Barbados, whereby we may acquire all of AfriOre’s interest of Kwagga Barbados.  On March 3, 2008, we entered into a letter of intent with Communications DVR Inc. (“DVR”), a capital pool company then listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, whereby it is anticipated that DVR will acquire the aforementioned 65 percent of Kwagga Barbados in exchange for 22 million common shares of DVR. Currently, no exploration activities are being conducted at the FSC Project.

 
22

 

On October 31, 2007, we executed an amendment to the formal joint venture agreement with Journey Resources Corp., a corporation formed under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (“Journey”) and Minerales Jazz S.A. De C.V., a corporation duly organized pursuant to the laws of Mexico and a wholly owned subsidiary of Journey. Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, we own a 50 percent undivided beneficial interest in “located mineral claims” in the property known as the Vianey Mine Concession located in the State of Guerrero, Mexico (“Vianey”).  In addition to located mineral claims, our interest includes all surface rights, personal property and permits associated with Vianey and all other claims, leases and interests in minerals acquired within two kilometers of the external perimeter of Vianey.  All work being performed at Vianey is under the supervision of Journey, which mainly consists of cleaning the site for a future work program.

As of March 31, 2009, we possess only a few pieces of equipment and we employ insufficient numbers of personnel necessary to actually explore and/or mine for minerals. Therefore, we are substantially dependent on the third party contractors we engage to perform such operations. As of the date of this Report, we do not claim to have any mineral reserves at the Bates-Hunter Mine, the FSC Project or the Vianey.

In the future, we will continue to seek new areas for exploration and the rights that would allow us to be either owners or participants.  These rights may take the form of direct ownership of mineral exploration or, like our interest in Kwagga Barbados, these rights may take the form of ownership interests in entities holding exploration rights.  Furthermore, although our main focus was in gold exploration projects, future projects will involve other minerals.

Our principal office is located at 900 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-8773. Our telephone number is (612) 349-5277 and our Internet address is www.witsbasin.com.  Our securities trade on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol “WITM.”

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008.

Revenues

We had no revenues from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. Furthermore, we do not anticipate having any future revenues until an economic mineral deposit is discovered or unless we make further acquisitions or complete other mergers or joint ventures with business models that produce such results.

Operating Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $1,145,454 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to $1,228,862 for the same period in 2008.  Of the $1,145,454 recorded for 2009, approximately $376,000 relates to our due diligence processes on China mining property acquisitions (travel and visa requirements, site visits and consultant costs), $345,000 relates to public relations services, consulting fees, shareowner services and general administrative expenses and $423,945 relates to non-cash charges for stock based compensation. Of the $1,228,862 recorded for general and administrative expenses in 2008, approximately $368,000 relates to our due diligence with respect to potential acquisitions of China mining properties (travel and visa requirements, site visits and significant costs with consultants), $614,000 relates to public relations services, consulting fees, shareowner services and general administrative expenses and $246,957 relates to non-cash charges for stock based compensation.  We anticipate that our operating expenses will increase during the year due to our continued plans for exploration and acquisition financing.

Exploration expenses were $44,412 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to $565,034 for the same period in 2008. Exploration expenses for 2009 relate to the limited property upkeep expenditures on the Bates-Hunter and other projects. Exploration expenses for 2008 relate primarily to the dewatering and drilling expenditures at the Bates-Hunter Mine, including a one-time non-cash expense of $185,282 representing the fair value of a warrant issued to a consultant.  We anticipate the rate of exploration spending will decrease during the year, unless we secure dedicated funding for a project.

 
23

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $26,431 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to $4,127 for the same period in 2008.  Prior to the acquisition of the Bates-Hunter Mine property in June 2008, we made normal purchases of various pieces of equipment necessary to operate and de-water the property. After the acquisition of the Bates-Hunter Mine, we allocated the purchase price to the land, buildings and additional equipment acquired. Depreciation on allowable assets is calculated on a straight-line method over the estimated useful life, presently ranging from two to twenty years.

We recorded $1,220 in losses for the three months ended March 31, 2009 related to an advance of funds to the FSC project. In November 2008, we entered into a bridge financing arrangement with Hawk, whereby Hawk made a loan to us of $60,000 as AfriOre informed us that they would not be providing any additional funding and that it was our responsibility to maintain the permits and land claims of the FSC Project. We will recognize 100% of this $60,000 advance as an equity loss in an unconsolidated affiliate to coincide with the funds being dispersed by Kwagga Barbados, all of which relate to such permit and land claim maintenance.

Other Income and Expenses

Our other income and expense consists of interest income, interest expense, gains from deconsolidation of one of our wholly owned subsidiaries and non-cash foreign currency adjustments. Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $9 compared to $217 for the same period in 2008.  Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $1,313,073 compared to $874,280 for the same period in 2008.  Interest expense relates primarily to interest on significant new debt, extensions to debt agreements and additional rights granted to the promissory note holders. Components of interest expense for 2009 were: $362,803 in principal loan interest and $942,756 representing the amortization of original issue discount and beneficial conversion feature costs relating to the issuance of common stock and warrants in connection with our loans. Components of interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were: $231,950 in principal loan interest and $642,330 representing the amortization of original issue discount relating to the issuance of warrants totaling $128,674, one-time beneficial conversion charge of $496,633 and debt issuance cost amortization of $17,023 in connection with notes payable. We expect interest expense to continue to increase during 2009, at amounts greater than previously recorded due to our continued need for cash.

On December 17, 2008, we created a new British Virgin Islands corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of ours, CGMR (BVI), to serve as the joint venture entity with London Mining.  On March 17, 2009, we entered into a subscription agreement and a shareholders’ agreement with London Mining, whereby they acquired 50% equity in CGMR (BVI). London Mining paid an aggregate of $38.75 million for 100 A Shares. The shareholders’ agreement set forth certain preferences of their A Shares, including: (i) governance terms applicable to CGMR (BVI); (ii) the A Shares carry a preference with respect to return of capital and distributions; and (iii) board seats.  Since we do not exercise significant influence over the operations or financial policies and will initially receive only 1% of the distributions, pursuant to the guidance of FAS 160: Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, we recorded a gain in the deconsolidation of CGMR (BVI) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 of $1,461,078.  The gain is primarily comprised of $1,073,578 in unpaid accrued liabilities assumed by the joint venture.
 
With the consummation of the Bates-Hunter Mine acquisition in June 2008, we are recording direct non-cash gains and losses due to our dealings with the recourse promissory note in the amount of Cdn$6,750,000.  We recorded a $130,896 gain for the three months ended March 31, 2009 due to the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Canadian Dollar as of March 31, 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is a measure of an entity’s ability to secure enough cash to meet its contractual and operating needs as they arise. We have funded our operations and satisfied our capital requirements primarily through the sale of securities and debt financing. We do not anticipate generating sufficient net positive cash flows from our operations to fund the next twelve months. We had a working capital deficit of $2,857,095 at March 31, 2009. Cash and cash equivalents were $51,041 at March 31, 2009, representing a decrease of $179,688 from the cash and cash equivalents of $230,729 at December 31, 2008.

 
24

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we had net cash used in operating activities of $831,204 and $1,252,866, respectively. During 2009, our primary capital requirement has been the funding of expenses related to our entrance into Chinese business opportunities, which we paid out approximately $376,000. During 2008 we paid out approximately $368,000 for Chinese opportunities and $767,000 for exploration.

For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we had no investing activities.

For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we had net cash provided by financing activities of $651,516 and $1,544,381, respectively. During 2009, we received cash proceeds of $6,050,000 from debt financing and repaid $5,398,484 of debt. During 2008, (i) through the sale of common stock (net of offering costs) and the exercise of warrants, we raised $831,743, (ii) we received cash proceeds of $1.02 million from debt financing and (iii) repaid $250,000 of debt.

The following table summarizes our debt as of March 31, 2009:

 
O/S Amount
 
Accrued Interest
 
Maturity Date
 
Type
110,000
  $ 8,216  
December 8, 2008 (1)
 
Conventional
50,000
  $ 814  
December 31, 2008 (1)
 
Conventional
657,350
  $ 67,783  
February 11, 2009 (1)
 
Convertible (2)
25,000
  $ 556  
March 20, 2009 (1)
 
Conventional
110,000
  $ 14,676  
March 31, 2009 (1)
 
Convertible (3)
60,000
  $ 2,320  
May 30, 2009
 
Conventional
1,000,000
  $ 43,978  
August 22, 2009
 
Convertible (4)
5,140,342
  $ 24,593  
February 15, 2010
 
Conventional
50,000
  $ 608  
February 23, 2010
 
Convertible (5)
50,000
  $ 557  
February 26, 2010
 
Convertible (5)
5,750,000
  $ 11,578  
January 31, 2014
 
Conventional
5,383,807
(6)    (7 )
December 31, 2015
 
Conventional

 
1.
Currently past due and being renegotiated; original terms apply in the default period.
 
2.
Convertible at the lesser of $0.18 per share or 85% of the lowest VWAP (volume-weighted average price) for the 10 trading days preceding the conversion notice date.
 
3.
Convertible at $0.20 per share.
 
4.
Convertible at $0.10 per share.
 
5.
Convertible at the greater of our common stocks current market trading price or $0.05 per share.
 
6.
Includes $199,400 of current portion (the equivalent of Cdn$250,000 at March 31, 2009) currently past due and being renegotiated; original terms apply in the default period.
 
7.
Interest does not begin accruing until January 1, 2010.

As part of the completion of the LM Subscription Agreement, the parties completed the issuance of a promissory note of CGMR (BVI) issued in favor of Wits Basin in the principal amount of $4.8 million (the “WB Note”), issued in consideration of our transfer to CGMR (BVI) of 100% of the equity of CGMR HK which was effected on December 23, 2008. Due to this sale occurring between two commonly controlled entities, no gain was recorded by the Company, see Note 9. The WB Note does not bear interest, and has a maturity date of December 31, 2014.  Pursuant to the WB Note, CGMR (BVI) is not required to make payments until 2011, and annual payments thereafter are based on a percentage of the outstanding principal under the WB Note. All payments of the WB Note prior to maturity will be subject to the available profits of CGMR (BVI). Any payments under the WB Note are required to be used to make payments toward any outstanding note obligations of ours in favor of China Gold.

 
25

 

Summary

Our existing sources of liquidity will not provide enough cash to fund operations for the next twelve months.  As of the date of this Report, we have estimated our cash needs over the next twelve months to be approximately $10,000,000 (which includes approximately $7,500,000 for repayment of debt, assuming some or all of such notes are not converted into equity prior to maturity.  Additionally, should any projects or mergers be completed during 2009, additional funds will be required.  We will continue our attempt to raise additional capital.  Some of the possibilities available to us are through private equity transactions, to develop a credit facility with a lender or the exercise of options and warrants. However, such additional capital may not be available to us at acceptable terms or at all.  In the event that we are unable to obtain additional capital, we would be forced to reduce operating expenditures and/or cease operations altogether.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we did not engage in any off balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Foreign Exchange Exposure

Since our entrance into the metals and minerals arena, we have had very limited dealings with foreign currency transactions, even though most of our transactions have been with foreign entities. Most of the funds requests have required US Dollar denominations. Even though we may not record direct losses due to our dealings with market risk, we have an associated reduction in the productivity of our assets.

ITEM 4T.  Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision of, and the participation of, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Based on this evaluation and taking into account that certain material weaknesses existed as of December 31, 2008, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.  As a result of this conclusion, the financial statements for the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q were prepared with particular attention to the material weaknesses previously disclosed. Notwithstanding the material weaknesses in internal controls that continue to exist as of March 31, 2009, we have concluded that the financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q present fairly, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as required for interim financial statements.

Due to the small number of employees dealing with general administrative and financial matters and the expenses associated with increases to remediate the disclosure controls and procedures that have been identified, the Company continued to operate without changes to its internal controls over financial reporting for the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q while continuing to seek the expertise it needs to remediate the material weaknesses.

 
26

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

On January 14, 2009, we were served with a complaint in the action Advanced Drilling, Inc. v. Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc., Hunter Bates Mining Corporation, Hunter Gold Mining, Inc., George E. Otten, Mammoth Hill LLC and Platinum Long Term Growth V, LLC, filed in the District Court, County of Gilpin, Colorado.  The complaint alleges claims of breach of contract, unjust enrichment and mechanic's lien foreclosure.  Advanced Drilling sought, among other unspecified damages, payment of approximately $409,000 (recorded in Other Accrued Expenses as of March 31, 2009) to which it believed it was entitled pursuant to a contract with the Company for services and materials used in mining exploration completed in Gilpin County, Colorado, and further sought to foreclose on the property upon which the services and work were provided if the suit is successful.   On April 28, 2009, in settlement of the legal action, the Company and Advanced Drilling entered into a convertible debenture in the principal amount of $511,589.59, the Company's obligations under which are secured by the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Hunter Bates Mining Corporation, pursuant to a Deed of Trust to Public Trustee, Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Production and Proceeds, Financing Statement and Fixture Filing in favor of Advanced Drilling.  Pursuant to the terms of the convertible debenture, Advanced Drilling has agreed to withdraw and dismiss with prejudice its legal action upon completion of the filing of the Deed of Trust with Gilpin County, Colorado, which the parties anticipate being completed promptly.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The most significant risk factors applicable to the Company are described in Part I Item 1A entitled “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (the “2008 Form 10-K”).  There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2008 Form 10-K.  The risks described in the 2008 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and/or operating results.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, Platinum Long Term Growth V, LLC converted $165,000 of its senior secured convertible promissory note into 2,793,560 shares of our unregistered common stock. The transaction was completed pursuant to a private placement exempt from registration under Section 3(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

Item 5.
Other Information

None.

 
27

 

Item 6.
Exhibits

Exhibit
 
Description
10.1**
 
Subscription Agreement by and between the Company and London Mining Plc, dated March 17, 2009.
10.2**
 
Shareholders Agreement by and between the Company and London Mining Plc, dated March 17, 2009.
10.3**
 
Loan Agreement between the Company and London Mining Plc in the principal amount of $5,750,000, dated March 17, 2009.
31.1**
 
Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2**
 
Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1**
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2**
  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

** Filed herewith electronically

 
28

 

SIGNATURES

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

 
WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC.
   
Date:       May 20, 2009
 
   
 
By:
/s/   Stephen D. King
   
Stephen D. King
   
Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By:
/s/   Mark D. Dacko
   
Mark D. Dacko
   
Chief Financial Officer

 
29

 
EX-10.1 2 v150269_ex10-1.htm
EXHIBIT 10.1


Dated      17    March       2009

(1)  London Mining plc

(2)  Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc.

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
 

 
CONTENTS

CLAUSE
 
PAGE
       
1.
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
 
4
       
2.
COMPLETION
 
19
       
3.
WARRANTIES
 
28
       
4.
UNDERTAKINGS
 
32
       
5.
CONFIDENTALITY
 
32
       
6.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
33
       
7.
TERMINATION
 
34
       
8.
COSTS
 
34
       
9.
APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION
 
34
       
10.
  GENERAL
 
34
       
11.
  NOTICES
 
36
 
SCHEDULES

1.
PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS

DOCUMENTS TO BE ENTERED INTO PRIOR TO FUNDING OF ESCROW

1.
ESCROW AGREEMENTS (Clause 2.1.6)
2.
CONSULTING AGREEMENT NOVATION AGREEMENT (Clause 2.1.4)

APPROVED TERM DOCUMENTS

3.
BUSINESS PLAN (Clause 2.1.9)
4.
GREEN AGREEMENT (Clause 2.1.10)
5.
OPERATOR AGREEMENT (Clause 2.1.11)
6.
MONITORING AGREEMENT (Clause 2.1.11)
7.
MZM AMENDMENT AND ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENTS (Clause 2.1.12)
8.
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION (Clause 2.1.13)
9.
BOARD RESOLUTIONS (Clause 2.1.13)
10.
SHAREHOLDERS' RESOLUTION (Clause 2.1.13)
11.
LM CONVERTIBLE NOTE (Clause 2.1.17)
12.
WB LOAN AGREEMENT (Clause 2.1.18)
 

 
13.
PROMISSORY NOTE (Clause 2.1.20)
14.
LM ESCROW LOAN AGREEMENT (Clause 2.5)
15.
COMPANY ESCROW LOAN AGREEMENT (Clause 2.5)
16.
SHAREHOLDERS' AGREEMENT (Clause 2.17.2)
 

 
THIS AGREEMENT is made on    17    March      2009

BETWEEN:-

(1)
LONDON MINING PLC a company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 5424040 whose registered office is at 39 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9LP ("London Mining"); and

(2)
WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC. a company incorporated in the State of Minnesota, United States with registered number 84-1236619 whose registered office is at 80 South 8th Street, Suite 900, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 ("Wits Basin").

WHEREAS:

(A)
The parties have agreed to incorporate, subscribe into and operate a joint venture company in the name of the Company on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(B)
The parties originally entered into a subscription agreement on 17 November 2008 (the "Original Agreement").  The parties agreed that with effect from 12 January 2009, the Original Agreement was terminated and was replaced by the subscription agreement entered into by the parties dated 12 January 2009 (the "Revised Subscription Agreement").

(C)
The parties have agreed to amend and restate the Revised Subscription Agreement with effect from 17 March 2009 on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(D)
The amendment and restatement of the Revised Subscription Agreement shall be without prejudice to rights or liabilities which have accrued, including in respect of any breach of warranty prior to the date on which the amendment and restatement takes effect, including rights or liabilities which have accrued under the Original Agreement, including in respect of any breach of warranty prior to the date on which the termination took effect.

IT IS AGREED as follows:-

1.
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1
Definitions

Throughout this Agreement, the following words and phrases have the meanings set out below:-

Acquisition Consideration
means an amount equal to the purchase price for the acquisition of each of the Target Entities determined pursuant to the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements as amended in accordance with clause 2.1.4, as reduced by any deductions as set out in the Escrow Agreements or the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements, as amended in accordance with clause 2.1.4.
 
4

 
Amended Consulting Agreement
means the Consulting Agreement as amended by the Agreement on Amendment dated 13 January 2009, as novated by the Novation Agreement dated 13 January 2009, as amended by the Agreement on Amendment dated 11 February 2009, by Letter Agreements dated 26 February 2009 and 5 March 2009 and as further amended, novated or substituted from time to time.

Amended LM Convertible Note
means the amended Convertible Promissory Note in the approved terms to be issued at Completion by Wits Basin in favour of London Mining for up to US$1,000,000.00 in replacement of the LM Convertible Note.

Announcements
means the announcements to be made by the parties, drafts of which have been approved by each of Wits Basin and London Mining.

A Shares
means fully paid A ordinary shares of US$0.01 each in the capital of the Company.

Board
means the board of Directors of the Company from time to time.

Board Resolutions
means the Board resolutions to give effect to the matters referred to in clause 2.17.1, as approved by London Mining as contemplated by clause 2.1.13.

B Shares
means the fully paid ordinary B shares of US$0.01 each in the capital of the Company.

Business Day
means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which clearing banks are open for business in the City of London, the British Virgin Islands, the United States and the People's Republic of China.
 
Business Plan
means the business plan in the approved terms.
 
5

 
BVI Co
means Wits Basin (BVI) Ltd, formerly known as China Global Mining Resources Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with registered number 1386052 whose registered office is at 56 Administration Drive, P.O. Box 3190, Road Town, British Virgin Islands.

Certificate of Approval
means the Certificate of Approval issued by MOFCOM relating to the transfer of equity of each Target Entity.

CGMR Promissory Notes
means the following promissory notes issued by BVI Co in favour of Wits Basin as amended from time to time:

 
(a)
Promissory Note for US$5,000,000.00 dated 15 June 2007;

 
(b)
Promissory Note for US$1,923,100.00 dated 15 June 2007;

 
(c)
Promissory Note for US$2,000,000.00 dated 15 June 2007,

all of which, as at the date of this Agreement, have reached their maturity date and are on demand notes.

China Gold
means China Gold, LLC, a limited liability company organised under the laws of the State of Kansas in the United States.

China Gold Debt
means US$5,600,000 (or such other amount agreed in writing by Wits Basin and London Mining under the WB Loan Agreement) being that part of the amount owing by Wits Basin to China Gold under the Wits Basin Promissory Note.

Company
means China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Limited with registered number 1513743 whose registered office is 56, Administration Drive, P.O. Box 3190, Road Town, British Virgin Islands, incorporated by Wits Basin in the British Virgin Islands to serve as the joint venture company for the purposes of this Agreement and the Shareholders' Agreement.
 
6

 
Company Escrow Loan Agreement
means the loan agreement in the approved terms to be entered into by the Company and HK Co on the Relevant Date pursuant to which the Company makes the Company Escrow Loan.

Company Escrow Loan
has the meaning given to it in clause 2.5.

Completion
means completion of the subscription by London Mining in the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Confidential Information
means all information (whether oral or recorded in any medium) relating to the business, financial or other affairs (including future plans) of any Group Company or of any party (to the extent provided to the other party) which is treated by a Group Company or the disclosing party (as applicable) as confidential (or is marked or is by its nature confidential).

Conditions
means the conditions specified in clause 2.1.

Consulting Agreement
means the Consulting Agreement entered into by  BVI Co dated 11 August 2008 pursuant to which Lu Benzhao agrees to provide consulting services to BVI Co.
 
Consulting Agreement Novation Agreement
means the agreement dated 13 January 2009 between the parties to the Consulting Agreement and the Company agreeing to novate the Consulting Agreement to the Company.

Director
means any director for the time being of the Company or any Subsidiary Company including, where applicable, any alternate director.

Due Diligence Reports
means all due diligence reports received by Wits Basin in relation to the acquisition of the Target Entities including:
 
7

 
 
(1)
the Legal Due Diligence Report from DLA Piper;

 
(2)
the financial Due Diligence Report from KPMG Transaction Advisory Services Limited; and

 
(3)
the operational Due Diligence Report from SRK Consulting.

Escrow Agents
means such persons or companies who are engaged by HK Co and the Sellers, pursuant to the terms of the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements (as amended in accordance with clause 2.1.4) and the Escrow Agreements, to serve as the escrow agents in connection with the acquisition by HK Co of the Target Entities.

Escrow Agreements
means the following agreements entered into by HK Co, the Sellers and relevant Escrow Agent setting out the terms and conditions of the escrow of the Escrow Amount:

 
(a)
in relation to the acquisition of MXM – the Escrow Agreement with China Construction Bank Maanshaan Branch dated 13 January 2009; and

 
(b)
in relation to the acquisition of NSM – the Escrow Agreement with Guangdong Development Bank dated 26 February  2009.

Escrow Amount
means US$24,767,621.43 or such other amount as the parties agree in writing.

Escrow Interest
means any interest as at the date of the final release or repayment of the Escrowed Funds under clauses 2.7 or 2.15 (as applicable), accrued on the Escrowed Funds in the period for which the Escrowed Funds (or any part of them) are held in escrow by the Escrow Agents under the Escrow Agreements.
 
8

 
Escrowed Funds
means the funds paid to the Escrow Agents in accordance with clause 2.5 and the terms of the Escrow Agreements.

ETA Termination Notice
has the meaning given to that expression in the Escrow Agreements.

First Escrow Amount
means such part of the Escrow Amount released to the Sellers in an amount agreed by the parties under the Payment Authorization Notifications dated 17 March 2009.

First Payment
means the US$10,210,000 payable to Lu Benzhao as the "First Payment" under the Consulting Agreement.

Funding of Escrow
means the payment of the Escrow Amount pursuant to the terms of the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements as amended in accordance with clause 2.1.4 and the Escrow Agreements.

Green Agreement
means the agreement in the approved terms between William Green and HK Co whereby HK Co agrees to pay the Green Completion Payment and the Green Deferred Payment to William Green.

Green Completion Payment
means the US$1,000,000 payable by HK Co to William Green at Completion.

Green Deferred Payment
means the US$890,000 (or such other amount agreed in writing by Wits Basin and London Mining) payable by HK Co to William Green under the terms of the Green Agreement.

Group
means the Company (on its incorporation), HK Co and any company which is a subsidiary undertaking of the Company or HK Co from time to time (including the Target Entities (on completion of the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements) and MZM (on completion of the acquisition of MZM pursuant to the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement, as amended pursuant to clause 2.1.12) and any of their subsidiary undertakings) and references to "Group Company" and "member of the Group" shall be construed accordingly and references to "Subsidiary Company" shall mean a member of the Group other than the Company.
 
9

 
HK Co
means China Global Mining Resources Limited, a limited liability company incorporated pursuant to the laws of Hong Kong whose registered office is at 41st Floor Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road Central, Hong Kong.

HK Co Transfer Agreement
means the transfer agreement between Wits Basin and the Company dated 23 December 2008 as approved under clause 2.1.20 pursuant to which all the issued shares in HK Co were transferred to the Company in consideration for the issue of the Promissory Note.

Incorporation Expenses
means the expenses incurred by London Mining in relation to the incorporation and registration of the Company as set out in section 9 of Schedule 1 or as otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.

Initial Payment
means the US$5,000,000 paid by London Mining on 5 March 2009 on behalf of the Company to Lu Benzhao in partial satisfaction of the First Payment.

 
Joint Venture Legal Costs
means the legal costs incurred by London Mining in relation to the transactions and documents to be entered into by the Company as contemplated by this Agreement (and documents referred to in this Agreement) as set out in section 10 of Schedule 1 or as otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.

JV Expenses
means the expenses to be paid by the Company as set out in section 2 of Schedule 1.

Licences
means up-to-date and valid licences, approvals, permits, certificates for each Target Entity and MZM issued by the appropriate body (and for the appropriate purpose) necessary for operation of the businesses (as set out in the Business Plan) of the Target Entities and MZM including, but not limited to:

 
(a)
in the case of MXM:
 
10

 
(i)
an updated business licence;

(ii)
a safe production permit;

(iii)
an explosives permit;

(iv)
a permit for water and soil conservation plan;

(v)
a land use and/or occupation rights certificate; and

(vi)
the extended mining licence referred to in the Target Entity Equity Transfer Agreement for MXM;

(b)
in the case of NSM:

(i)
the licences and permits set out in (a)(i) to(v) above.

(ii)
a land use right certificate;

(iii)
a premises ownership certificate;

 
(iv)
a construction and land use planning permit; and

(v)
a construction project planning permit; and

(c)
in the case of MZM:

(i)
an updated business licence; and

(ii)
a mining licence.

LM Convertible Note
means the Convertible Promissory Note issued by Wits Basin in favour of London Mining for up to US$1,000,000.00 dated 22 August 2008.

LM Escrow Loan
has the meaning given to it in clause 2.5.
 
11

 
LM Escrow Loan Agreement
means the loan agreement in the approved terms to be entered into on the Relevant Date by London Mining and the Company pursuant to which London Mining makes the LM Escrow Loan.

LM Loan
means the Loan for US$5,000,000 made by London  Mining to the Company under the terms of the LM Loan Agreement which was used by the Company on 5 March 2009 to make the Initial Payment.

LM Loan Agreement
means the loan agreement dated 5 March 2009 between London Mining and the Company pursuant to which London Mining granted the LM Loan to the Company.

LM Subscription Funds
means the US$38.75 million that London Mining has agreed to pay to the Company as subscription for the 100 A Shares to be issued to it in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Memorandum and Articles
means the memorandum and articles of association of the Company as approved by London Mining as contemplated by clause 2.1.13.

MOFCOM
means the Ministry of Commerce for the People’s Republic of China.

Monitoring Agreement
means the agreement in the approved terms to be entered into by Wits Basin and London Mining on or about the date of the Shareholders' Agreement pursuant to which Wits Basin agrees to review and monitor the Operator's compliance with the terms of the Operator Agreement.

MZM
means Maanshan Zhao Yuan Mining Co. Ltd.

MZM Amendment and Assignment Agreements
means the Amendment Agreement and the Assignment Agreement each dated 11 February 2009 and entered into by the parties to the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement and the letter agreement dated 5 March 2009 entered into by the parties to the  MZM Equity Transfer Agreement.
 
12

 
MZM Equity Transfer Agreement
means the equity transfer agreement dated 11 August 2008 relating to the acquisition of all the shares in MZM.

Nominated Directors
means Graeme Hossie and Rachel Rhodes on behalf of London Mining and Stephen King and William Green on behalf of Wits Basin, or such other person as may be agreed in writing by London Mining and Wits Basin.

Operator
means the company to be incorporated and owned by William Green, which is engaged by the Company or a member of the Group to manage and operate the Target Entities and MZM and any future operations of the Group as approved by London Mining and Wits Basin.

Operator Agreement
means the agreement in the approved terms to be entered into by a member of the Group appointing the Operator.

Outstanding Consulting Payment
means US$3,210,000, representing such part of the First Payment that is payable to Lu Benzhao at Completion under the Amended Consulting Agreement.

Outstanding Expenses
means expenses incurred by the Company not paid at Completion in accordance with clause 2.18.7 as set out in section 6 of Schedule 1, or as agreed in writing by London Mining and Wits Basin.

Payment Authorization Notification
has the meaning given to that expression in the Escrow Agreements.

Promissory Note
means the promissory note in the approved terms for US$4,800,000 (or such other amount agreed in writing by Wits Basin and London Mining) to be issued by the Company in favour of Wits Basin as consideration for the acquisition of HK Co from Wits Basin by the Company in accordance with the terms of the HK Co Transfer Agreement.
 
13


 
Relevant Date
means 12 January 2009 or such other later dates as the parties agree in writing, such date being the date that London Mining makes the LM Escrow Loan.

Residual Amount
means the amount to be paid by London Mining to the Company under clause 2.20.4 as part of the LM Subscription Funds and shall be an amount equal to: US$38.75 million less the aggregate of (i) A, (ii) B, and (iii) C,

where:

A = an amount equal to the LM Escrow Loan (excluding any accrued interest);

B = an amount equal to the LM Loan (excluding any accrued interest); and

C = an amount equal to that paid by London Mining on behalf of the Company under clauses 2.15 and 2.18.7 and on behalf of HK Co under clause 2.18.8.

Retained Consulting Payment
means such part (if any) of the US$2,000,000 retained from the First Payment at Completion pursuant to the Amended Consulting Agreement.

Second Escrow Amount
means such part of the Escrow Amount to be released to the Sellers in an amount agreed by the parties in writing on satisfaction of all the outstanding conditions precedent to the Target Entity Equity Transfer Agreements.

Security Agreement
means the Security Agreement between Wits Basin and China Gold dated 19 June 2007 entered into in connection with the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 10 April 2007 between China Gold and Wits Basin as amended by the Amendment to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 19 June 2007, by the Amendment No. 2 to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 10 November 2008, by Amendment No. 3 to the Convertible Loan Purchase Agreement dated  22 December 2008 and as amended from time to time.
 
14

 
Sellers
means Mr Lu Benzhao and Ms Lu Tinglan, the sellers under the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements.

Shares
means the A Shares and the B Shares.

Share Pledge
means the share pledge over the shares held by Wits Basin in BVI Co, HK Co and Wits-China Acquisition Corporation given by Wits Basin in favour of China Gold under the Second Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement dated 22 December 2008 entered into in relation to the Wits Basin Promissory Note.

Shareholder Group
means, in relation to Wits Basin, its subsidiary undertakings, any parent undertaking, whether direct or indirect, of Wits Basin and any other subsidiary undertaking of any such parent undertaking from time to time but excluding the Company and each Subsidiary and references to "member" or "members" of the "Shareholders' Group" shall be construed accordingly.

Shareholders' Agreement
means the shareholders' agreement in the approved terms to be entered into on or about the date of this Agreement in relation to the Company by London Mining, Wits Basin and the Company.

Shareholders' Resolution
means the shareholders' resolution to give effect to the matters referred to in clause 2.17.2, as approved by London Mining as contemplated by clause 2.1.13.

Subscriber Shares
means the 100 issued B shares of US$0.01 in the capital of the Company held by Wits Basin immediately prior to Completion.

Subsidiary Security
the security given by BVI Co and HK Co in favour of China Gold under the Subsidiary Security Agreement dated 7 February 2008 in relation to the Wits Basin Promissory Note.

Subsidiaries
means the Group excluding the Company.

Target Entities
means each of:-
 
15

 
(a)
Nanjing Sudan Mining Co. Ltd ("NSM"); and

(b)
Maanshan Xiaonanshan Mining Co. Ltd. ("MXM"),

together with their respective subsidiary undertakings.
 
Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements
means each of:-
 
(a)
the equity transfer agreement dated 11 August 2008 in respect of the acquisition of all the shares in NSM; and
 
(b)
the equity transfer agreement dated 11 August 2008 in respect of the acquisition of all the shares in MXM.

Termination Notice
has the meaning given to that expression in the Escrow Agreements.

Transaction Documents
means the:

(a)
Operator Agreement;

(b)
Monitoring Agreement;

(c)
MZM Assignment and Amendment Agreements;

(d)
WB Loan Agreement;

(e)
Business Plan

(f)
Green Agreement;

(g)
Promissory Note;

(h)
Amended LM Convertible Note; and
 
(i)
Shareholders' Agreement.

US$
means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States.
 
16

 
Warranties
means the warranties set out in clauses 3.1, 3.3 and 3.4 of this Agreement.

WB Expenses
means the expenses to be paid by Wits Basin at Completion using funds loaned to Wits Basin under the WB Loan in accordance with this Agreement and as set out in section 5 of Schedule 1.

WB Loan
means the loan in the approved terms for US$5,750,000 (or such other amount agreed in writing by London Mining and Wits Basin under the WB Loan Agreement) to be made by London Mining to Wits Basin under the terms of the WB Loan Agreement.

WB Loan Agreement
means the loan agreement in the approved terms to be dated on or about the date of the Shareholders' Agreement pursuant to which London Mining grants the WB Loan to Wits Basin.

Wits Basin Promissory Note
means the Second Amended and Restated Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of US$10,421,000 issued by Wits Basin to China Gold dated 22 December 2008 pursuant to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 10 April 2007 between China Gold and Wits Basin as amended by the Amendment to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 19 June 2007, by the Amendment No. 2 to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 10 November 2008, the Amendment No. 3 to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 22 December 2008 and as amended from time to time.

1.2
Interpretation

 
1.2.1
Unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions defined in or having a meaning provided by the UK Companies Act 2006 shall have the same meaning in this Agreement.  The term "connected person" shall have the meaning attributed to it at the date of this Agreement by section 839 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 and the words "connected with" shall be construed accordingly.

 
1.2.2
A reference to any statutory provision in this Agreement:-
 
17

 
 
(a)
includes any order, instrument, plan, regulation, permission and direction made or issued under such statutory provision or deriving validity from it;

 
(b)
shall be construed as a reference to such statutory provision as in force at the date of this Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any amendments made to such statutory provisions that are in force at the date of this Agreement);

 
(c)
shall also be construed as a reference to any statutory provision of which such statutory provision is a re-enactment or consolidation; and

 
(d)
shall also be construed as a reference to any later statutory provision which re-enacts or consolidates such statutory provision.

 
 1.2.3
References to a clause are (unless otherwise stated) to a clause of this Agreement.

 
 1.2.4
The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect its meaning.

 
 1.2.5
A document expressed to be "in the approved terms" means a document, the terms, conditions and form of which are acceptable to and approved by London Mining (as determined in its absolute discretion) and a copy of which has been identified as such and initialled by or on behalf of each of London Mining and Wits Basin.

 
 1.2.6
A document expressed to be an Annexure means a document a copy of which has been identified as such and initialled by or on behalf of each of the parties.

 
 1.2.7
Words importing one gender shall (where appropriate) include any other gender and words importing the singular shall (where appropriate) include the plural and vice versa.

 
 1.2.8
Any English legal term for any action, remedy, method of judicial proceeding, legal document, legal status, court, official or any legal concept or thing shall, in respect of any jurisdiction other than that of England, be deemed to include what most nearly approximates in that jurisdiction to the English legal term.

 
 1.2.9
Any time or date shall be construed as a reference to the time or date prevailing in England.

1.3
In construing this Agreement, general words introduced by the word "other" shall not be given a restrictive meaning by reason of the fact that they are preceded by words indicating a particular class of acts, matters or things and general words shall not be given a restrictive meaning by reason of the fact that they are followed by particular examples intended to be embraced by the general words.
 
18

 
2.
COMPLETION

Conditions

2.1
Clauses 2.14 to 2.21 are conditional in all respects on:-

 
 2.1.1
completion of due diligence (both legal, commercial and financial) on the Company, HK Co, the Target Entities and MZM (including in respect of the Licences) as determined by London Mining (in its absolute discretion) to be satisfactory;
 
 
 2.1.2
the Due Diligence Reports being either addressed to the Company and London Mining (in addition to Wits Basin) or the authors of the Due Diligence Reports having entered into reliance letters in favour of the Company and London Mining in a form acceptable to and approved by London Mining (as determined in its absolute discretion);
 
 
2.1.3
the restructuring of the Company's acquisition of the Target Entities in a form acceptable to and approved by London Mining (as determined in its absolute discretion);
 
 
 2.1.4
the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements being amended and the Consulting Agreement being novated to the Company or such other member of the Group (as approved in writing by London Mining), in each case, in a form acceptable to and approved by London Mining (as determined in its absolute discretion);
 
 
 2.1.5
satisfaction of the conditions precedent to each of the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements (as amended in accordance with clause 2.1.4), subject to any waiver of such conditions by the parties to the relevant Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreement provided that such waiver is in accordance with the terms of the relevant Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreement and has been consented to in writing by London Mining;
 
 
 2.1.6
execution by the relevant parties of the Escrow Agreements and the engagement, with the prior written approval of London Mining, of the agreed banks to act as the Escrow Agents;
 
 
 2.1.7
receipt of all necessary licences, permits and consents from the appropriate authority required by each Target Entity to operate its respective mine in each case as determined by London Mining (as determined in its absolute discretion) to be satisfactory;
 
 
19

 
 
 
 2.1.8
to the extent that any arrangements are entered into by MXM or NSM prior to the Relevant Date with the operators, managers or owners of the Sanbanquiao Mine or Guqiao Mine in connection with the extended mining licence for MXM, those arrangements being in a form that is acceptable to and approved by London Mining (as determined in its absolute discretion);
 
 
 2.1.9
finalisation of the five year Business Plan;
 
 
 2.1.10
the execution by William Green and HK Co of the Green Agreement;
 
 
 2.1.11
execution by the Operator and the Company or such other member of the Group (as approved in writing by London Mining) of the Operator Agreement and by Wits Basin, London Mining and the Company of the Monitoring Agreement;
 
 
 2.1.12
the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement being amended and novated to HK Co pursuant to the MZM Amendment and Assignment Agreements;
 
 
 2.1.13
the Memorandum and Articles, Board Resolutions, Shareholders' Resolution and the memorandum and articles of association of each Target Entity being in the approved terms;
 
 
 2.1.14
none of the Warranties being untrue, inaccurate or misleading at the date of this Agreement and there being no change of circumstances such that, if the Warranties were to be repeated at any time before Relevant Date by reference to the facts and circumstances then subsisting, any such Warranty would be untrue, inaccurate or misleading;
 
 
 2.1.15
the release of the Subsidiary Security, the release of the Share Pledge over the HK Co Shares held by Wits Basin and the release of any other security over the shares in, or assets of, the Company or HK Co (other than Wits Basin's shares in the Company) given under or as security for, the CGMR Promissory Notes, the Wits Basin Promissory Note or any other debt arrangements entered into by Wits Basin, the Company or HK Co ("Security") and the termination or amendment of the Security Agreement (and any other agreement or deed pursuant to which Security is granted) to effect the release of the Security, in each case, in a form acceptable and approved by London Mining (as determined in its absolute discretion);
 
 
 2.1.16
London Mining being satisfied (as determined in its sole discretion) with the security arrangements entered into by Wits Basin and China Gold in relation to the Group and Wits Basin's Shares and other interests in the Company;
 
20

 
2.1.17
the Amended LM Convertible Note being issued by Wits Basin subject to the receipt from London Mining of the cancelled LM Convertible Note (or an indemnity in respect of the note if it has been lost or destroyed) in replacement for the LM Convertible Note;
 
2.1.18
the execution by Wits Basin and London Mining of the WB Loan Agreement in the approved terms;
 
2.1.19
BVI Co having changed its business and company name so as to exclude "China Global Mining Resources" or any name confusingly similar to "China Global Mining Resources";
 
2.1.20
execution by the Company and Wits Basin of the HK Co Transfer Agreement, in the approved terms, the transfer of all the issued shares in HK Co ("HK Shares") to the Company, payment of any applicable stamp duty on such transfer and the entry of the Company in the register of members of HK Co in respect of the HK Shares and the issue of the Promissory Note by the Company to Wits Basin;
 
2.1.21
the receipt by HK Co from MOFCOM of the Certificate of Approval relating to the transfer of equity of the Target Entities to HK Co; and
 
2.1.22
the incorporation of the Company under the laws of the British Virgin Islands in a form acceptable to and approved by London Mining (as determined in its absolute discretion),
 
and accordingly clauses 2.14 to 2.21 of this Agreement shall have no effect unless and until London Mining gives notice in writing to Wits Basin that the Conditions have been satisfied or waived (in whole or in part) by London Mining in its absolute discretion.

2.2
Wits Basin undertakes to London Mining to use its best endeavours to fulfil or procure the fulfilment of the Conditions as soon as possible from the date of this Agreement and to provide London Mining with all information and to procure that the Target Entities and MZM provide all information requested to enable London Mining to complete due diligence as contemplated by clause 2.1.1.

2.3
Wits Basin undertakes to London Mining to:

2.3.1
regularly update and inform London Mining of the satisfaction of the Conditions:
 
2.3.2
to provide such evidence as London Mining requires of the satisfaction of the Conditions; and
 
2.3.3
provide London Mining with drafts of the proposed agreements to be approved by London Mining as contemplated by clause 2.1 (including any documents entered into in relation to the condition in clause 2.1.8 and any applications for any material licence (including for the avoidance of doubt, the extended mining licence for MXM) or permit referred to under clause 2.1.7) before circulating such drafts to the counterparties to such agreements or before submitting such applications to the relevant regulatory or governmental body (as applicable).
 
 
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2.4
If all of the Conditions have not been satisfied or waived on or before 14 April 2009 or such later date as the parties agree in writing, the provisions of this Agreement (other than this clause and clauses 1 (Definition and Interpretation), 5 (Confidentiality), 8 (Costs), 9 (Applicable Law and Jurisdiction), 10 (General) and 11 (Notices)) shall cease to have effect and, except in relation to this clause 2.4 and without prejudice to any claim in respect of breach of any of the operative provisions of this Agreement which has occurred prior to such date, none of the parties to this Agreement shall have any claim against any of the others for costs, damages, charges, compensation or otherwise under this Agreement.

Escrow Loan

2.5
On the Relevant Date, subject to the Transaction Documents being in the approved terms as contemplated by clause 2.1, the execution of the Escrow Agreements and the Consulting Agreement Novation Agreement, London Mining shall lend to the Company an amount equal to the Escrow Amount under the terms of the LM Escrow Loan Agreement (the "LM Escrow Loan").  Wits Basin agrees to procure that immediately on the making of the LM Escrow Loan the Company shall lend an amount equal to the LM Escrow Loan to HK Co ("Company Escrow Loan") and procure that immediately on the making of the Company Loan HK Co shall apply an amount equal to the LM Escrow Loan to complete the Funding of Escrow. Each of the LM Escrow Loan and the Company Escrow Loan shall earn interest at the same rate as the Escrowed Funds earn interest under the Escrow Agreements and shall be repayable in accordance with clause 2.7.

2.6
Wits Basin shall procure that each of the Company and HK Co directs London Mining to pay an amount equal to the Escrow Amount directly to the Escrow Agents (apportioned between the Escrow Agents in accordance with the Escrow Agreements) on the Relevant Date to satisfy the obligations of the parties under clause 2.5.

2.7
If (i) any of the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements terminates after Funding of Escrow or (ii) completion of the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements does not take place for any reason on or before the date that is 10 Business Days after the date of the Funding of Escrow or such later date as the parties agree under the Escrow Agreements or otherwise in writing (such agreement to be given by each party at its sole discretion) (the "Lapse Date"), in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreements and in the case of (ii) to the extent not prohibited by law or any regulatory requirement:
 
 
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2.7.1
Wits Basin shall procure, including by procuring that HK Co submits a ETA Termination Notice or a Termination Notice (or such other notice as is required under the Escrow Agreements to release the Escrowed Funds) to the Escrow Agents, that each Escrow Agent releases to HK Co such part of the Escrowed Funds as they hold in escrow and any Escrow Interest on such Escrowed Funds as soon as reasonably practicable after the date on which the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements terminate or the Lapse Date; and

 
2.7.2
Wits Basin shall procure that HK Co shall, immediately on the release of the Escrowed Funds and any Escrow Interest to HK Co by the Escrow Agents, repay the Company Escrow Loan to the Company (together with any accrued and unpaid interest on the Company Escrow Loan (which shall accrue in accordance with clause 2.5); and

 
2.7.3
Wits Basin shall procure that the Company shall, immediately on repayment of the Company Escrow Loan to the Company, repay the LM Escrow Loan to London Mining (together with any accrued and unpaid interest on the LM Escrow Loan (which shall accrue in accordance with clause 2.5).

2.8
Wits Basin shall procure that each of the Company and HK Co directs each Escrow Agent to release such part of the Escrowed Funds as they hold in escrow and any Escrow Interest on such Escrowed Funds directly to London Mining to satisfy the obligations of the parties under clause 2.7.

2.9
Wits Basin shall procure that HK Co does not submit a Payment Authorization Notice under either of the Escrow Agreements unless London Mining has confirmed that the condition precedents in clauses 2.1.5 and 2.1.7 have been satisfied.

2.10
In the event that there is a breach of either Escrow Agreement pursuant to Article 7(2) of each such agreement, Wits Basin shall, if so requested in writing by London Mining, procure that HK Co submits a Termination Notice and such other notices are required by the Escrow Agreements in accordance with Article 7(2).

2.11
Wits Basin shall procure that HK Co does not amend or agree to amend either of the Escrow Agreements without the prior written consent of London Mining.

2.12
No later than 7 Business Days after the Relevant Date, London Mining agrees to deposit an amount equal to US$10.2 million into a bank account with HSBC in Hong Kong in the name of London Mining.

2.13
Without prejudice to any other clause in this Agreement, the parties acknowledge that under the Escrow Agreements, the Funding of Escrow occured in two tranches as follows:

 
2.13.1
under the MXM Escrow Agreement:
 
 
(a)
US$7,284,594.54 was paid to the relevant Escrow Agent by London Mining on behalf of HK Co on 13 January 2009; and

 
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(b)
US$11,655,351.26 was paid to the relevant Escrow Agent by London Mining on behalf of HK Co on 12 March 2009;

 
2.13.2
under the NSM Escrow Agreement:
 
 
(a)
US$2,913,837.82 was paid to the relevant Escrow Agent by London Mining on behalf of HK Co on 26 February 2009; and

 
(b)
US$2,913,837.82 was paid to the relevant Escrow Agent by London Mining on behalf of HK Co on 12 March 2009,

and the parties acknowledge that the LM Escrow Loan and the Company Loan have been advanced by the relevant lender in accordance with the payment timetable set out in clauses 2.13.1 and 2.13.2.

Completion

2.14
Completion shall take place contemporaneously with the release of the First Escrow Amount to the Sellers in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreements.

2.15
At Completion, Wits Basin shall procure that HKCo completes the acquisition of each Target Entity in accordance with the relevant Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreement as amended under clause 2.1.4 (save that this shall not require HKCo to pay, or London Mining to authorise the payment of, the Second Escrow Amount until all the conditions to the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreement are satisfied) and the Company makes the Outstanding Consulting Payment to Lu Benzhao. The parties agree that London Mining shall pay the Outstanding Consulting Payment direct to Lu Benzhao (or such person as he directs and the Company agrees to) on behalf of the Company and that such payment shall form part of London Mining's subscription under clause 2.20.

2.16
Subject to clause 2.7, on satisfaction or waiver of all the Conditions to the Target Entity Equity Transfer Agreements (as determined to be satisfied by London Mining) Wits Basin shall procure that, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement and Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements (as applicable):

 
2.16.1
the Escrow Agents release the Acquisition Consideration (not already released under the First Escrow Amount) to the Sellers, including by procuring that HK Co submits the relevant Payment Authorization Notification to the Escrow Agents;

 
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2.16.2
the Escrow Agents release any amount of the Escrow Amount (excluding accrued and unpaid interest) not paid to the Sellers under clause 2.16.1 to HK Co, including by procuring that HK Co submits the relevant Payment Authorization Notification to the Escrow Agents; and

 
2.16.3
the Escrow Agents release any Escrow Interest to London Mining, including by procuring that HK Co submits the relevant Payment Authorization Notification to the Escrow Agents. The parties agree that this payment shall satisfy any obligation of HK Co to repay an amount equal to the Escrow Interest to the Company as a repayment of interest under the Company Escrow Loan Agreement and of the Company to repay an amount equal to the Escrow Interest to London Mining as a repayment of interest under the LM Escrow Loan Agreement.

2.17
Simultaneously with the payment of the First Escrow Amount:-

2.17.1
the parties shall procure that a Board meeting shall be convened and held at which the Board Resolutions in the approved terms to give effect to the following shall be passed:
 
 
(a)
the resignation and appointment of directors of the Company in accordance with clause 2.18.4;

 
(b)
the approval and execution of the Shareholders' Agreement by the Company; and

 
(c)
the allotment and issue of the A Shares in accordance with this Agreement;

2.17.2
the parties shall procure that a general meeting of the Company is held at which the Shareholders' Resolution in the approved terms to give effect to the following shall be passed:-
 
 
(a)
the adoption by the Company of the Memorandum and Articles as its memorandum and articles of association; and

 
(b)
the allotment and issue of the A Shares in accordance with this Agreement;

2.17.3
Wits Basin shall execute, or procure the execution of (other than by London Mining) the Transaction Documents (other than the Business Plan) and shall issue the Amended LM Convertible Note to London Mining; and
 
2.17.4
London Mining shall execute the Transaction Documents (other than the Business Plan) to which it is a party.
 
 
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2.18
Immediately following the general meeting referred to in clause 2.17.2:

2.18.1
London Mining shall subscribe for 100 A Shares in consideration for, in aggregate, US$38.75 million, which shares shall be allotted and issued fully paid to London Mining. The payment of the LM Subscription Funds by London Mining shall be made in accordance with clause 2.20;
 
2.18.2
the parties shall enter, and Wits Basin shall procure that the Company enters, into the Shareholders' Agreement;
 
2.18.3
the parties shall procure (to the extent that each party is able to do so) that each Target Entity adopts the memorandum and articles of association as approved in accordance with clause 2.1.13;
 
2.18.4
the parties shall procure that the Nominated Directors shall be appointed as Directors of the Company and of each of its subsidiary companies and that the existing Directors of the Company and each of its subsidiary companies (save to the extent that such Directors are Nominated Directors or as otherwise agreed by the parties) shall resign;
 
2.18.5
the parties shall procure that the Company shall open a bank account or accounts with such bank as the Board shall determine and shall amend the mandates for any existing bank accounts in such manner as the Board determines;

2.18.6
London Mining shall make the WB Loan to Wits Basin and Wits Basin agrees to use those funds to repay the WB Expenses and to repay to China Gold the China Gold Debt, as settlement of part of the amount owing by Wits Basin to China Gold under the Wits Basin Promissory Note. Wits Basin directs that London Mining pays an amount equal to the WB Expenses direct to Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP and an amount equal to the China Gold Debt direct to China Gold on behalf of Wits Basin in satisfaction of London Mining's obligations to make the WB Loan and Wits Basin's repayment obligations under this clause 2.18.6;

2.18.7
subject to the receipt of appropriate invoices (in a form satisfactory to London Mining, in its absolute discretion), the parties shall (so far as they are able to do so) procure that the Company shall use part of the LM Subscription Funds to pay the JV Expenses to the extent specified in section 2 of Schedule 1 as full and final settlement of those amounts.  The parties agree that London Mining shall pay the JV Expenses direct to relevant payees on behalf of the Company and HK Co and that such payment shall form part of its subscription under clause 2.20;

 
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2.18.8
the parties shall (so far as they are able to do so) procure that the Company shall use part of the LM Subscription Funds to make an inter-company loan of US$1,000,000 to HK Co and shall procure that HK Co shall use those funds to make the Green Completion Payment as full and final settlement of that amount. The parties agree that London Mining shall pay the Green Completion Payment direct to William Green on behalf of the Company and HK Co and that such payment shall form part of its subscription under clause 2.20;

2.18.9
subject to the receipt of appropriate invoices, Wits Basin agrees that it will promptly pay London Mining an amount equal to 50% of the Incorporation Expenses and an amount equal to 50% of the Joint Venture legal costs; and

2.18.10
the parties shall (so far as they are able to do so) procure that the Company shall repay to London Mining any accrued but unpaid interest under the LM Loan.

2.19
Following Completion, the parties shall, so far as they are able to do so, use best endeavours to procure (and, for the avoidance of doubt, this does not impose an obligation on Wits Basin or London Mining to put additional funds into the Company) that the Company pays:

 
2.19.1
the Retained Consulting Payment to Lu Benzhao to the extent payable under the Amended Consulting Agreement;

 
2.19.2
the Outstanding Expenses, subject to receipt of appropriate invoices (in a form satisfactory to London Mining, in its absolute discretion) at such time as is agreed in writing by Wits Basin and London Mining;  and

 
2.19.3
the Green Deferred Payment in accordance with the terms of the Green Agreement.

2.20
Payment by London Mining of the LM Subscription Funds will be satisfied by the:

 
2.20.1
the capitalisation of the LM Escrow Loan (excluding any accrued interest) which shall immediately on such capitalisation be deemed satisfied in full;

 
2.20.2
the capitalisation of the LM Loan (excluding any accrued interest) which shall immediately on such capitalisation be deemed satisfied in full;

 
2.20.3
payment by London Mining of the Outstanding Consulting Payment under clause 2.15, the JV Expenses under clause 2.18.7 and the Green Completion Payment under clause 2.18.8; and

 
2.20.4
payment by London Mining of the Residual Amount to the Company.

 
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2.21
As soon as practicable after the occurrence of the events specified in clause 17 the parties shall procure that the Company enters London Mining in the register of members of the Company as the holder of 100 A Shares and that there are delivered to London Mining share certificates in respect of such A Shares

Position pending Completion

2.22
From the date of this Agreement until Completion, Wits Basin undertakes to London Mining that it will take no action and shall procure that no member of the Wits Basin Shareholder Group or the Group (to the extent within its control) takes any action which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, failure to comply with the Conditions due to London Mining’s determination (in its absolute discretion) that any attempt to comply with any such Condition is not acceptable to or approved by London Mining shall not of itself constitute an action inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, without any further evidence of Wits Basin's breach of this clause.

2.23
From the date of this Agreement until Completion or termination of this Agreement, Wits Basin shall not and shall procure that its directors, employees, agents, advisers and members of its Shareholder Group, the Company, HK Co or BVI Co together with their respective directors, employees, agents and advisers shall not initiate, solicit, entertain, negotiate, make, accept or discuss, any proposal or offer to acquire any interest in the Company, HK Co, any Target Entity or MZM or their respective businesses and/or assets or directly or indirectly discuss, negotiate or establish a joint venture with another party to acquire any direct or indirect interest in the Company, HK Co, any Target Entity or MZM otherwise than as contemplated by this Agreement.

3.
WARRANTIES

3.1
Wits Basin warrants to London Mining as at the date of this Agreement that:-

 
3.1.1
other than in connection with its incorporation or filing of documents, neither HK Co nor the Company (in respect of the Warranties in this clause 3.1.1 deemed repeated immediately before Completion or before the Relevant Date in the case of the warranty in 3.1.1(h)) has entered into any agreement or contract save for the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements (as amended pursuant to this Agreement), the Escrow Agreements, the Amended Consulting Agreement, the Subsidiary Security, the LM Escrow Loan Agreement, the Company Escrow Loan Agreement, the LM Loan Agreement or the Loan Agreement entered into between William Green and HK Co dated 22 June 2007 (the "Original Green Loan Agreement") (in the case of HK Co), nor carried on any trade or business or engaged in any activities whatsoever and that it has not made any payments nor received any income nor incurred any expenditure or liabilities (other than under the Subsidiary Security, the Escrow Agreements, the Amended Consulting Agreement, the Original Green Loan Agreement, the LM Escrow Loan Agreement, the Company Escrow Loan Agreement and the LM Loan Agreement) and in particular but without limitation neither HK Co nor the Company: (in respect of the warranties repeated immediately before Completion):

 
28

 
 
 
(a)
has any indebtedness, mortgages, charges, debentures, guarantees or other commitments or voluntarily incurred liabilities (present or contingent) outstanding except in the case of HK Co, under the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements, the Escrow Agreements, the Amended Consulting Agreement, the Subsidiary Security, the Share Pledge, the Wits Basin Promissory Note, the Original Green Loan Agreement, the LM Escrow Loan Agreement, the Company Escrow Loan Agreement and the LM Loan Agreement or);

 
(b)
has any employees or consultants;

 
(c)
or as far as Wits Basin is aware, the Target Entities, have entered into any service agreement with Lu Benzhao or any agreement pursuant to which fees are payable to Lu Benzhao other than under the Consulting Agreement and Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements;

 
(d)
or as far as Wits Basin is aware, the Target Entities have entered into any arrangements with William Green regarding the operation of the Target Entities and MZM other than under the Operating Agreement;

 
(e)
has any executive officers other than:

 
 (i) 
 Stephen D. King, Chief Executive Officer;

 (ii) 
 Mark D. Dacko, Chief Financial Officer;

 (iii)
William Green, President of Asia Operations; and

 (iv)
Harvey V White, Chairman,

each of whom is employed by Wits Basin with the title as set out above and has been appointed as an officer of HK Co or the Company (with respect of this warranty as deemed given by the Company at Completion), but none of whom receives fees for his role as an officer of HK Co or the Company or has any outstanding claim (including for any costs or expenses) against HK Co or the Company;

 
29

 

 
(f)
is party to any contract whatsoever other than in the case of the Company and HK Co (as applicable), the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements, the Subsidiary Security, the Original Green Loan Agreement, the LM Escrow Loan Agreement, the Company Escrow Loan Agreement and the LM Loan Agreement;

 
(g)
has given any power of attorney;

 
(h)
is, as far as Wits Basin is aware, party to any litigation or arbitration, nor so far as Wits Basin is aware, are there any proceedings pending or threatened by or against HK Co or the Company nor are there any facts or circumstances which might reasonably be expected to give rise to any proceedings being commenced by or against HK Co or the Company;

 
(i)
has granted or agreed to grant any options or other rights to subscribe for or call for the allotment of any shares or loan capital in HK Co, the Company or any other Subsidiary Company except as contemplated in this Agreement;

 
(j)
is the lessee of any property; or

 
(k)
is the owner of, or interested in any assets whatsoever including, without limitation, the share capital of any other body corporate except as contemplated in this Agreement; and

 
3.1.2
all of the issued shares in HK Co are owned by the Company and that the appropriate stamp duty has been paid on the transfer of all of the issued shares in HK Co from Wits Basin to the Company and all of the issued shares in the Company will be owned by Wits Basin immediately before Completion;

 
3.1.3
all of the issued shares in HK Co and in the Company (in respect of the warranties repeated immediately before Completion) except pursuant to the Security Agreement, the Subsidiary Security and the Share Pledge (when this warranty is given at the date of this agreement) and the Share Pledge as amended under clause 2.1.15 (when this warranty is deemed repeated immediately before Completion) are held free from all liens, charges and encumbrances or interests in favour of, or claims made by or which could be made by, any other person and are held with all rights now or hereafter attaching to them and such shares are fully paid and have been properly and validly allotted.
 
30

 
3.2
Wits Basin shall be deemed to warrant again to London Mining in the terms of the Warranties given under clause 3.1 in respect of HK Co and the Company immediately before Completion (except with respect to clause 3.1.1(h) which will be deemed to be repeated immediately before the Relevant Date) with reference to the facts and circumstances then subsisting (save that a reference to any fact, matter, event or circumstance existing, occurring or having occurred at or before the date of this Agreement shall also be construed as a reference to its existing, occurring or having occurred at or before Completion).  The Warranties as deemed to be repeated shall be qualified to the extent of any matters contemplated by the Conditions including entry into the various documents by HK Co or the Company.

3.3
Wits Basin warrants to London Mining as at the date of this Agreement, and shall be deemed to warrant to London Mining immediately before Completion (in respect of the Warranties given under clauses 3.3.1 and 3.3.3) or immediately before the Relevant Date (in respect of the Warranties given under clauses 3.3.2 and 3.3.4) that:

 
3.3.1
all material information received by Wits Basin prior to Completion relating to the Target Entities and MZM has been provided to London Mining;

 
3.3.2
Wits Basin is not aware of any material information that has not been disclosed to London Mining which might reasonably affect the willingness of London Mining to invest in the Company; and

 
3.3.3
the final versions of the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements, the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement, the Consulting Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and any other document disclosed in writing to London Mining and identified as an acquisition document (in each case as amended as contemplated by the Conditions) contain all of the material terms relating to the acquisition of the Target Entities and NSM; and

 
3.3.4
so far as Wits Basin is aware, there are no circumstances which entitle, or are reasonably likely to entitle, any member of the Wits Basin Shareholder Group, the Company, HK Co or BVI Co to make any claims under any of the representations, warranties, undertakings or indemnities given or made pursuant to the final versions of the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements, the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement and the Consulting Agreement.

3.4
Immediately before the Relevant Date Wits Basin shall also be deemed to warrant to London Mining that:

 
3.4.1
the factual information contained in the Business Plan is true and accurate in all material respects;
 
 
3.4.2
the forecasts and projections contained in the Business Plan have been prepared in good faith and after careful consideration; and

 
3.4.3
the assumptions set out in the Business Plan are reasonable and realistic and no material facts or assumptions have been omitted from the Business Plan which would render the information, forecasts, projections or the other expressions of opinion, intention and expectation contained in it misleading.
 
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3.5
Wits Basin undertakes to London Mining that it shall not, and shall procure that each member of the Wits Basin Shareholder Group, the Company, HK Co or BVI Co shall not, do allow or procure any act or omission before Completion which would or might constitute a breach of any of the Warranties upon their being deemed to be given again under clause 3.2.

3.6
Wits Basin undertakes to London Mining to disclose to it in writing, immediately upon it becoming aware of the same, full details of any fact, matter, event or circumstance which:-

 
3.6.1
does or might constitute a breach of any of the Warranties given upon the execution of this Agreement; or

 
3.6.2
will or might constitute a breach of any of the Warranties when deemed given again immediately prior to Completion or the Relevant Date (as applicable).

3.7
If at any time prior to the Relevant Date it comes to the knowledge of London Mining (whether by way of notification pursuant to clause 3.6 or otherwise) that any of the Warranties was untrue, inaccurate or misleading in a material respect when made and/or that any of the Warranties has ceased to be true or accurate in a material respect or has become misleading in a material respect by reference to the facts and circumstances then subsisting, London Mining shall be entitled to terminate its obligations under this Agreement by giving notice to Wits Basin and the Company at any time prior to the Relevant Date.

4.
UNDERTAKINGS

Each party undertakes to the other from the date of this Agreement to Completion or termination of this Agreement:-

4.1
to observe and perform its own obligations under this Agreement and give full effect to the provisions of this Agreement;

4.2
to disclose to the other party as soon as practicable after it becomes aware of the same, any information of a material nature relating to the business of the Target Entities or MZM of which it becomes aware.

5.
CONFIDENTALITY

5.1
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the parties shall be entitled at all times to:

 
32

 

 
5.1.1
consult freely about the Group and its affairs with; and

 
5.1.2
disclose Conditional Information to,

their auditors, lenders and proposed lenders and with any other member of their respective Groups or investors (or with or to any of its or their respective professional advisers) in connection with the entry into this agreement and the subscription in, and proposed operation of, the Company and the Group, provided that the party disclosing such information shall use reasonable endeavours to procure that any such recipient is made aware that it is Confidential Information and agrees to treat it accordingly.

5.2
Subject to clause 5.1, each party shall in all respects keep confidential and not at any time disclose or make known in any other way to anyone whomsoever or use for his own or any other person's benefit or to the detriment of the other party or any Group Company any Confidential Information, provided that:

 
5.2.1
such obligation shall not apply to information which becomes generally known (other than through a breach by any party of this clause);

 
5.2.2
any party shall be entitled at all times to disclose such information as may be required by law or by any competent judicial or regulatory authority or by any securities exchange on which it is linked or for tax or accounting purposes (provided that, so far as practicable, the disclosing party shall consult with the other parties prior to making such disclosure); and

 
5.2.3
nothing contained in this clause shall prevent any employee of any party from disclosing information in the proper performance of his duties as an employee.

6.
ANNOUNCEMENTS

No party shall (without the consent of the other party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) issue any press release or make any public statement or publish any document or make any public statement or otherwise make any disclosure to any person who is not a party to this Agreement, other than the Announcements, before or after Completion, relating to any of the matters provided for or referred to in this Agreement or any ancillary matter.  This clause shall not apply to any announcement or disclosure required by law, by any competent judicial or regulatory authority, Oslo Axess, the Securities and Exchange Commission or by any securities exchange (in which case the parties shall co-operate, in good faith, in order to agree the content of any such announcement, so far as practicable, prior to its being made).

 
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7.
TERMINATION

Save as expressly provided in this Agreement to the contrary and unless otherwise agreed by the parties, this Agreement other than clauses 1 (Definitions and Interpretation), 3 (Warranties), 5 (Confidentiality), 6 (Announcements), 9 (Applicable Law and Jurisdiction), 10 (General) and 11 (Notices), shall terminate upon the happening of the earliest of the following:-

7.1
the termination of either of the Target Entities Equity Transfer Agreements;

7.2
termination under clause 3.7; and

7.3
all of the Conditions not having been satisfied or validly waived on or before 14 April 2009 or such other later date as agreed in writing between the parties in accordance with clause 2.4.

8.
COSTS

 
Each of the parties shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by it in its own right in connection with the negotiation and conclusion of this Agreement.

9.
APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION

9.1
This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

9.2
The parties irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales in respect of any claim, dispute or difference arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.

10.
GENERAL

Entire agreement

10.1
This Agreement (together with any documents referred to herein or entered into pursuant to this Agreement) contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings or arrangements (both oral and written) relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and any such document.

10.2
This Agreement shall not be construed as creating any partnership or agency relationship between any of the parties.

 
34

 

Variations and waivers

10.3
No variation of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by or on behalf of all the parties and expressed to be such a variation.

10.4
No failure or delay any party or time or indulgence given in exercising any remedy or right under or in relation to this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of the same nor shall any single or partial exercise of any remedy or right preclude any further exercise of the same or the exercise of any other remedy or right.

10.5
No waiver by any party of any requirement of this Agreement, or of any remedy or right under this Agreement, shall have effect unless given in writing and signed by such party.  No waiver of any particular breach of the provisions of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any repetition of such breach.

10.6
Any waiver, release or compromise or any other arrangement of any kind whatsoever which a party gives or enters into with any other party in connection with this Agreement shall not affect any right or remedy of that party as regards any other parties or the liabilities of any other such parties under or in relation to this Agreement.

Assignment

10.7
No party shall be entitled to assign the benefit or burden of any provision of this Agreement (or any of the documents referred to herein) without the consent of the other party.

Effect of Completion

10.8
The provisions of this Agreement, insofar as the same shall not have been performed at Completion, shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding Completion.

Counterparts

10.9
This Agreement may be executed as two or more counterparts and execution by each of the parties of any one of such counterparts will constitute due execution of this Agreement.

Further assurance

10.10
Each party shall, and shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure that any necessary third party shall, do and execute and perform all such further deeds, documents, assurances, acts and things as may reasonably be required to give effect to this Agreement.

 
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Injunctive relief

10.11
It is acknowledged and agreed that any breach of the terms of this Agreement could cause the parties irreparable injury for which damages may not be an adequate remedy.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by any party of the terms of this Agreement, but without limitation to any other remedies available to it, the other parties shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief in any Court of competent jurisdiction restraining the party in breach from breaching the terms of this Agreement.

Other remedies

10.12
Any remedy or right conferred upon a party for breach of this Agreement shall be in addition, and without prejudice, to all other rights and remedies available to it.

Third party rights

10.13
No provision of this Agreement is intended to benefit or be enforceable by any third party pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, but this shall not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from that Act.

Amendment and restatement of Revised Subscription Agreement

10.14
The parties agree that with effect from the execution of this agreement the Revised Subscription Agreement dated 12 January 2009 is amended and restated by this Agreement.

10.15
The amendment and restatement of the Revised Subscription Agreement shall be without prejudice to rights or liabilities which have accrued, including in respect of any breach of warranty prior to the date on which the amendment and restatement takes effect, including rights or liabilities which have accrued under the Original Agreement, including in respect of any breach of warranty prior to the date on which the termination took effect.

11.
NOTICES

Form of Notice

11.1
Any notice, consent, request, demand, approval or other communication to be given or made under or in connection with this Agreement (each a "Notice" for the purposes of this clause) shall be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the person giving it.

Method of service

11.2
Service of a Notice must be effected by one of the following methods:

 
11.2.1
by hand to the relevant address set out in clause 11.4 and shall be deemed served upon delivery if delivered during a Business Day, or at the start of the next Business Day if delivered at any other time; or
 
 
36

 

 
11.2.2
by prepaid first-class post to the relevant address set out in clause 11.4 and shall be deemed served at the start of the second Business Day after the date of posting; or
 
 
11.2.3
by prepaid international airmail to the relevant address set out in clause 11.4 and shall be deemed served at the start of the fourth Business Day after the date of posting; or
 
 
11.2.4
by facsimile transmission to the relevant facsimile number set out in clause 11.4 and shall be deemed served on despatch if despatched during a Business Day, or at the start of the next Business Day if despatched at any other time, provided that in each case a receipt indicating complete transmission of the Notice is obtained by the sender and that a copy of the Notice is also despatched to the recipient using a method described in clause 11.2.1 to clause 11.2.3 (inclusive) no later than the end of the next Business Day.
 
11.3
In clause 11.2 "during a Business Day" means any time between 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on a Business Day based on the local time where the recipient of the Notice is located.  References to "the start of [a] Business Day" and "the end of [a] Business Day" shall be construed accordingly.

Address for service

11.4
Notices shall be addressed as follows:

 
11.4.1
Notices for London Mining shall be marked for the attention of:
 
Name:
 
Rohit Bhoothalingam
     
Address:
 
London Mining Plc
   
39 Sloane Street
   
London
   
United Kingdom
   
SW1X 9LP
     
Fax number:
 
00 44 (0)20 7201 5050

 
11.4.2
Notices for Wits Basin shall be marked for the attention of:
 
Name:
 
Stephen King
     
Address:
 
Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc.
   
80 South 8th Street, Suite 900
   
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-8773
     
Fax number:
 
(US) 1 (612) 395-5276
 
 
37

 

Change of details

11.5
A party may change its address for service provided that it gives the other party not less than 28 days' prior notice in accordance with this clause 11.  Until the end of such notice period, service on either address shall remain effective.

THIS AGREEMENT has been duly executed and delivered as a deed by the parties on the date stated above.

 
38

 

 EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED
)
   
by LONDON MINING PLC
)
   
acting by RACHEL RHODES
)
/s/ Rachel Rhodes
 
 
)
Director
 
in the presence of:
     
       
Witness signature: …………………………………..
     
       
Witness name: ………………………………………
     
       
Witness address: …………………………………….
     
       
Witness occupation: …………………………………
     
 
 
 

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED
)
   
by WITS BASIN PRECIOUS
)
   
MINERALS INC.
)
/s/ Stephen D. King
 
acting by:
)
   
 
 
 

 
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EXHIBIT 10.2

Dated      17    March            2009

(1)  LONDON MINING PLC

(2)  WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC.

(3)  CHINA GLOBAL MINING RESOURCES (BVI) LIMITED

SHAREHOLDERS' AGREEMENT
relating to
CHINA GLOBAL MINING RESOURCES (BVI) LIMITED

 
 

 

CONTENTS

CLAUSE
PAGE
1.
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
4
2.
BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY
19
3.
SHAREHOLDERS' UNDERTAKINGS
19
4.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
20
5.
PROVISION OF INFORMATION
28
6.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
30
7.
FINANCE
37
8.
VOTING RIGHTS
39
9.
TRANSFERS AND ALLOTMENTS OF SHARES
40
10.
QUOTATION
46
11.
COME ALONG
48
12.
BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT/INSOLVENCY
51
13.
WITS BASIN INDEMNITY
54
14.
DEADLOCK
62
15.
SHARE RIGHTS
62
16.
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
66
17.
CONFIDENTIALITY
69
18.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
71
19.
TERMINATION
71
20.
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES
71
21.
COSTS
71
22.
APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION
71
23.
GENERAL
72
24.
NOTICES
73
     
 
     
1.
RESERVED MATTERS
77
2.
DEED OF ADHERENCE
 
     
APPROVED TERM DOCUMENTS
 
     
1.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
2.
BUSINESS PLAN
 
3.
MONITORING AGREEMENT
 
4.
OPERATOR AGREEMENT
 
 

 
WB LOAN AGREEMENT
 
6.
PROMISSORY NOTE
 
 
 
 

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made on                           17      March              2009

BETWEEN:-

(1)
LONDON MINING PLC a company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 5424040 whose registered office is at 39 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9LP ("London Mining");

(2)
WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC. a company incorporated in the State of Minnesota, United States with registered number 84-1236619 whose registered office is at 80 South 8th Street, Suite 900, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 ("Wits Basin"); and

(3)
CHINA GLOBAL MINING RESOURCES (BVI) LIMITED, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with registered number 1513743 whose registered office is at 56 Administration Drive, P.O. Box 3190, Road Town, British Virgin Islands (the "Company").

WHEREAS:

The parties have agreed to regulate their affairs in relation to the Company on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

IT IS AGREED as follows:-

1.
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
 
1.1
Definitions
 
 
Throughout this Agreement, the following words and phrases have the meanings set out below:-

20% Shareholder
means any person who holds A Shares and/or B Shares which carry the right to exercise 20% or more of the votes ordinarily exercisable at a general meeting of the Shareholders.
   
50% Notice
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 4.2.3.

 
4

 

50% Shareholder
means any person who holds A Shares and/or B Shares which carry the right to exercise more than 50% of the votes ordinarily exercisable at a general meeting of the Shareholders.
   
Announcements
means the announcements to be made by the parties in the approved terms.
   
Annual Budget
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 5.2.5.
   
A Shares
means the fully paid A ordinary shares of $0.01 each in the capital of the Company.
   
Attorney
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 11.6 where used in clause 11, in clause 12.10 where used in clause 12 and in clause 13.14 where used in clause 13.
   
Available Profits
means the Company's accumulated, realised profits, so far as not previously utilised by distribution or capitalisation, less its accumulated, realised losses, so far as not previously written off as a reduction or reorganisation of capital duly made.
   
Board
means the board of Directors of the Company from time to time.
   
B Shares
means the fully paid B ordinary shares of $0.01 each in the capital of the Company.
   
Business
means the business to be carried on by the Company set out in clause 2.1.
   
Business Day
means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which clearing banks are open for business in the City of London, the British Virgin Islands, the United States, Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China.

 
5

 

Business Plan
means the business plan of the Group, as may be amended or replaced from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, the first such business plan being the business plan in the approved terms.
   
Chairman
means the Chairman of the Board appointed in accordance with clause 4.24.
   
China Gold
China Gold, LLC, a limited liability company organised under the laws of the State of Kansas in the United States.
   
Competitor
a person engaged or interested in the mining of iron ore within 100kms of any of the land owned by any member of the Group at the date of this Agreement or of any other land owned by any member of the Group from time to time.
   
Confidential Information
means all information (whether oral or recorded in any medium) relating to any Group Company's business, financial or other affairs (including future plans of any Group Company) which is treated by a Group Company as confidential (or is marked or is by its nature confidential).
   
Consulting Agreement
the Consulting Agreement entered into by the Company and Lu Benzhao dated 11 August 2008 as amended by the Agreement on Amendment dated 13 January 2009, as novated by the Novation Agreement dated 13 January 2009, as amended by the Agreement on Amendment dated 11 February 2009, by Letter Agreements dated 26 February 2009 and 5 March 2009 and as further amended novated or substituted from time to time.
   
Conversion Notice
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 13.16.

 
6

 

Deed of Adherence
means the deed of adherence to this Agreement in the form of Schedule 2.
   
Deferred Shares
means the deferred non-voting shares of $0.01 in the capital of the Company resulting from the conversion of the B Shares under clause 13 which shall carry the rights set out in the Memorandum and Articles.
   
Diminution Value
means the diminution in fair market value of each A Share and B Share held (or deemed to be held under clause 13.7.3) by London Mining and calculated in accordance with clauses 13.5 to 13.8.
   
Director
means any director for the time being of the Company or any Subsidiary Company including, where applicable, any alternate director.
   
Director Fee
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 4.2.5.
   
Exit
means a Sale or Quotation.
   
Extra Shares
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 9.10 where used in clause 9 and in clause 12.5 where used in clause 12.
   
Fee Adjustment Date
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 6.15.1.
   
Fee Repayment Amount
means the amount repaid by London Mining as determined by clauses 6.16.15 and 6.16.16.
   
Group
means the Company and any company which is a subsidiary undertaking of the Company from time to time (including the Target Entities and MZM (on completion of the acquisition of MZM pursuant to the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement) and any of their subsidiary undertakings) and references to "Group Company" and "member of the Group" shall be construed accordingly and references to "Subsidiary Company" shall mean a member of the Group other than the Company.

 
7

 

HK Co
means China Global Mining Resources Limited, a limited liability company incorporated pursuant to the laws of Hong Kong whose registered office is at 41st Floor Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road Central, Hong Kong.
   
Independent Valuer
means a partner of at least 10 years' standing at a leading UK firm of accountants (acting as an expert and not an arbitrator) nominated and agreed to by the parties concerned or in the event that the parties concerned disagree on the nomination and no agreement is reached within 10 Business Days of the proposed nomination by one party, appointed by the President from time to time of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales on application by any of the parties concerned.
   
JORC Code
means the Australian Code for Reporting Mineral Resources and Reserves published by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian institute of Geoscientist and the Minerals Council of Australia.
   
Licences
means up-to-date and valid licences, approvals, permits and certificates for each Target Entity and MZM issued by the appropriate body (and for the appropriate purpose) necessary for operation of the businesses (as set out in the Business Plan) of the Target Entities and MZM including, but not limited to:
   
 
(a) in the case of MXM:

 
8

 

   
(i)
an updated business licence;
       
   
(ii)
a safe production permit;
       
   
(iii)
an explosives permit;
       
   
(iv)
a permit for water and soil conservation plan;
       
   
(v)
a land use and/or occupation rights certificate; and
       
   
(vi)
the extended mining licence referred to the Target Entity Equity Transfer Agreement for MXM;
       
 
(b)
in the case of NSM:
       
   
(i)
the licences and permits set out in (a)(i) to (v) above.
       
   
(ii)
a land use right certificate;
       
   
(iii)
a premises ownership certificate;
       
   
(iv)
a construction and land use planning permit; and
       
   
(v)
a construction project planning permit; and
       
 
(c)
in the case of MZM:
       
   
(i)
an updated business licence;
       
   
(ii)
the licences and permits set out in (a)(ii) to (v), (b)(iv) and (v) above; and
       
   
(iii)  
a mining licence.

 
9

 

LM Fee Termination Date
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 6.11.
   
LM Management Fee
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 6.11.
   
LM Services Agreement
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 6.19.
   
Management Information
means the financial statements and management accounts for the Group made up to, and as at the end of, the relevant calendar month, in such form as may be specified by the Board from time to time but, in any event (or unless otherwise specified) incorporating:
     
 
(a)
an operational report from the Operator (or, if the Operator Agreement is terminated, any successor appointed by the Company or if no successor is appointed, the Company) identifying key issues relating to the Business including a description of any matters that have arisen which may affect the reputation of the Group and details of any iron ore or iron ore related products both mined, produced or sold;
     
 
(b)
a profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement (including details of all funds spent and all commitments made during the relevant period) for the Group on a monthly and year-to-date basis together with a breakdown identifying and explaining variances from the current Business Plan and the prior year figures; and
     
 
(c)
a commentary by the Operator (or, if the Operator Agreement is terminated, any successor appointed by the Company or if no successor is appointed, the Company) on the items listed in paragraph (b) above.

 
10

 

Matang Development Cost
means any cost or expense incurred or agreed to be incurred in connection with the development of MZM and its operations required in order for MZM to have an ongoing production rate as contemplated by the Business Plan as approved as at the date of this Agreement.
   
Memorandum and Articles
means the memorandum and articles of association of the Company, as amended from time to time.
   
MOFCOM
means the Ministry of Commerce for the People’s Republic of China.
   
Monitoring Agreement
means the agreement in the approved terms entered into by Wits Basin and London Mining on or around the date of this Agreement pursuant to which Wits Basin agrees to review and monitor the Operator's compliance with the terms of the Operator Agreement as amended, novated or substituted from time to time.
   
MXM
means Maanshan Xiaonanshan Mining Co. Ltd, a limited liability company incorporated in the People's Republic of China whose registered address is Putang Village, Huoli Town, Maanshan Municipality, Anhui Province, PRC.
   
MXM Equity Transfer Agreement
means the equity transfer agreement dated 11 August 2008 relating to the acquisition of all the shares in MXM, as amended by an agreement dated 29 October 2008 and as further amended, assigned, novated or substituted from time to time.
   
MZM
means Maanshan Zhao Yuan Mining Co. Ltd, a limited liability company incorporated in the People's Republic of China whose registered address is 6 South Hongqi Road, Maanshan Economic and Technology Development Zone, Maanshan Municipality, Anhui Province, PRC.

 
11

 

MZM Consideration
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 6.24.
   
MZM Equity Transfer Agreement
means the equity transfer agreement dated 11 August 2008 relating to the acquisition of all the shares in MZM, as amended by letter agreements dated 11 February 2009 and 5 March 2009 and as further  amended, assigned, novated or substituted from time to time.
   
Nominated Director
means a director appointed by a Shareholder in accordance with clauses 4.2 or 6.5 (other than a Non-Shareholder Director).
   
Non-Shareholder Director
means Lu Benzhao, pursuant to his appointment to the board of the Target Entities in accordance with clause 4.2.5.
   
NSM
means Nanjing Sudan Mining Co. Ltd, a limited liability company incorporated in the People's Republic of China whose registered address is Dangyang Town, Jiangning District, Nanjing Municipality, Jiangsu Province, PRC.
   
NSM Equity Transfer Agreement
means the equity transfer agreement dated 11 August 2008 relating to the acquisition of all the shares in NSM, as amended by an agreement dated 29 October 2008 and as further amended, assigned, novated or substituted from time to time.

 
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Operator
means Green Earth Mining Resources Limited, registration number 1518318 with registered address: c/o Chu & Chu/Comsec Ltd, 1801-5, 18/F, Tower 2, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, TST, Hong Kong, that is the company incorporated and owned by William Green, which is engaged by the Company or a member of the Group to manage and operate the Target Entities and MZM and any future operations of the Group as approved by the Qualifying Shareholders.
   
Operator Agreement
means the agreement in the approved terms dated on or around the date of this Agreement entered into by MXM, the Company, Wits Basin, London Mining and the Operator as amended, novated or substituted from time to time.
   
Oslo Axess
means a regulated marketplace at the Oslo Børs ASA (in English: "the Oslo Stock Exchange").
   
Other Shareholders
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 9.9 where used in clause 9 and in clause 11.1 where used in clause 11.
   
Outstanding Sudan Consideration
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 6.23.
   
Payment Date
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 6.14.
   
Percentage Threshold
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 4.2.1
   
Promissory Note
means the Promissory Note in the approved terms dated on or around the date of this Agreement for US$4,800,000 in principal issued by the Company in favour of Wits Basin in consideration for the acquisition of HK Co by the Company from Wits Basin.

 
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Proportionate Allocation
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 9.10 where used in clause 9 and in clause 12.5 where used in clause 12.
   
Qualifying Shareholder
means any person who holds A Shares and/or B Shares which carry the right to exercise 40% or more of the votes ordinarily exercisable at a general meeting of the Shareholders.
   
Quotation
means the admission of the whole of any class of the issued share capital of the Company or any Subsidiary Company to the Official List of the Financial Services Authority, and to trading on the London Stock Exchange's market for listed securities, or to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, or to trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's market for listed securities or on any other recognised investment exchange, recognised overseas investment exchange, designated investment exchange or designated overseas investment exchange, in each case as defined in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 or any other securities exchange.
   
Reserved Matters
means the matters listed in Schedule 1 requiring Qualifying Shareholders' consent.
   
Repayment Amount
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 6.11.
   
Repayment Date
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 15.4.
   
Retained Consulting Payment
means such part of the US$2 million retained from the First Payment (as that term is defined under the Consulting Agreement) that is payable to Lu Benzhao in accordance with the Consulting Agreement.

 
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RMB
means Renminbi, the lawful currency of the People's Republic of China.
   
Sale
means the sale of the whole of the issued equity share capital of the Company or all or substantially all of the assets of the Group to a single buyer or to one or more buyers as part of a single transaction.
   
Second Amended and Restated
 
Pledge Agreement
means the Second Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement dated 22 December 2008 granted by Wits Basin in favour of China Gold.
   
Shares
means the A Shares and the B Shares.
   
Shareholders
means any holder of any Share from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
   
Shareholder's Group
means, in relation to a Shareholder, that Shareholder and its subsidiary undertakings, any parent undertaking, whether direct or indirect, of such Shareholder and any other subsidiary undertaking of any such parent undertaking from time to time but excluding the Company and each Subsidiary and references to "member" or "members" of the "Shareholder's Group" shall be construed accordingly.
   
Subscription
means the subscription by London Mining for A Shares on or around the date of this Agreement.
   
Subscription Agreement
means the subscription agreement dated 12 January 2009 entered into by Wits Basin and London Mining in relation to the establishment of the joint venture through which the Business will be operated as amended by the amendment agreement dated 17 March 2009, and as further amended, novated, restated  or substituted from time to time.

 
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Subsidiaries
means the Group excluding the Company.
   
Target Entities
means each of NSM and MXM, together with their respective subsidiary undertakings.
   
Term
means the period of two years commencing on the date of this Agreement or such longer period as may be agreed in writing by the Qualifying Shareholders.
   
Third Party Funding
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 7.5.2.
   
Top Up Shares
shall have the meaning given to that expression in clause 9.11 where used in clause 9 and in clause 12.6 where used in clause 12.
   
Transfer Shares
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 13.1.
   
Trigger Event
has the meaning given to that expression in clause 13.2.
   
US$
means United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States.
   
WB Loan
means the loan in the amount of US$5,750,000 granted by London Mining to Wits Basin under the terms of the WB Loan Agreement.
   
WB Loan Agreement
means the loan agreement in the approved terms dated on or around the date of this Agreement pursuant to which London Mining grants Wits Basin the WB Loan.

 
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Wits Basin Promissory Note
means the Second Amended and Restated Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of US$10,421,000 issued by Wits Basin to China Gold dated 22 December 2008 pursuant to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 10 April 2007 between China Gold and Wits Basin as amended by the Amendment to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 19 June 2007, by the Amendment No. 2 to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 10 November 2008, the Amendment No. 3 to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 22 December 2008 and as amended from time to time.

1.2
Interpretation
 
 
1.2.1
Unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions defined in or having a meaning provided by the UK Companies Act 2006 shall have the same meaning in this Agreement.  The term "connected person" shall have the meaning attributed to it at the date of this Agreement by section 839 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 and the words "connected with" shall be construed accordingly.
 
 
1.2.2
A reference to any statutory provision in this Agreement:-
 
 
(a)
includes any order, instrument, plan, regulation, permission and direction made or issued under such statutory provision or deriving validity from it;
 
 
(b)
shall be construed as a reference to such statutory provision as in force at the date of this Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any amendments made to such statutory provisions that are in force at the date of this Agreement);
 
 
(c)
shall also be construed as a reference to any statutory provision of which such statutory provision is a re-enactment or consolidation; and
 
 
(d)
shall also be construed as a reference to any later statutory provision which re-enacts or consolidates such statutory provision.
 
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1.2.3
References to a clause are (unless otherwise stated) to a clause of this Agreement.
 
 
1.2.4
The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect its meaning.
 
 
1.2.5
A document expressed to be "in the approved terms" means a document, the terms, conditions and form of which have been approved by the Shareholders and a copy of which has been identified as such and initialled by or on behalf of each of London Mining and Wits Basin.
 
 
1.2.6
A document expressed to be an Annexure means a document a copy of which has been identified as such and initialled by or on behalf of each of the Shareholders.
 
 
1.2.7
Words importing one gender shall (where appropriate) include any other gender and words importing the singular shall (where appropriate) include the plural and vice versa.
 
 
1.2.8
Any English legal term for any action, remedy, method of judicial proceeding, legal document, legal status, court, official or any legal concept or thing shall, in respect of any jurisdiction other than that of England, be deemed to include what most nearly approximates in that jurisdiction to the English legal term.
 
 
1.2.9
Any time or date shall be construed as a reference to the time or date prevailing in England.
 
 
1.2.10
If any event or payment under this Agreement must occur on a stipulated day which is not a Business Day, then the stipulated day will be taken to be the next Business Day.
 
 
1.2.11
A reference in this Agreement to London Mining or Wits Basin (as the case may be) shall be deemed where the context permits to be or to include a reference to any permitted transferee under this Agreement (including in the case of Wits Basin, China Gold if it enforces its  security over the Shares held by Wits Basin).
 
1.3
A reference in this Agreement to the transfer of any Share shall mean the transfer of either or both of the legal and beneficial ownership in such Share and/or the grant of an option to acquire either or both of the legal and beneficial ownership in such Share and the following shall be deemed (but without limitation) to be a transfer of a Share:-
 
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1.3.1
any direction (by way of renunciation or otherwise) by a Shareholder entitled to an allotment or issue of any Share that such Share be allotted or issued to some person other than himself;
 
 
1.3.2
any sale or other disposition of any legal or equitable interest in a Share (including any voting right attached thereto) and whether or not by the registered holder thereof and whether or not for consideration or otherwise and whether or not effected by an instrument in writing; and
 
 
1.3.3
any grant of a legal or equitable mortgage or charge over any Share.
 
1.4
In construing this Agreement, general words introduced by the word "other" shall not be given a restrictive meaning by reason of the fact that they are preceded by words indicating a particular class of acts, matters or things and general words shall not be given a restrictive meaning by reason of the fact that they are followed by particular examples intended to be embraced by the general words.
 
2.
BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY
 
The Business

2.1
The Business shall be:-
 
 
2.1.1
the operation of the Target Entities and, following the completion of the acquisition of MZM pursuant to the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement (if applicable), MZM, whose main businesses are the mining, processing and sale of iron ore; and
 
 
2.1.2
to do such other things as may be ancillary to any of the above or agreed from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
 
2.2
Unless otherwise agreed by the Qualifying Shareholders, the Company shall not carry on any business other than the Business.
 
3.
SHAREHOLDERS' UNDERTAKINGS
 
Each of the Shareholders undertakes to the other:-

3.1
to observe and perform its own obligations under this Agreement and give full effect to the provisions of this Agreement and (so far as it is able so to do by the exercise of voting rights in the Company and the power to appoint and remove directors of the Company and the Subsidiary Companies in accordance with this Agreement) to procure that the Company will and procure that each Subsidiary Company will at all times perform and observe all its obligations under this Agreement;
 
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3.2
to procure that, in the case of a meeting of the Company, a duly authorised representative empowered to do all acts and make all decisions on its behalf in connection with such meeting, and in the case of a meeting of the Board, a Shareholder shall procure that a director nominated by it, or his alternate, shall at all reasonable times be available to attend relevant meetings of the Company or the Board or the board of each Subsidiary Company (as the case may be); and
 
3.3
to disclose to the Company and the other Shareholders as soon as practicable after it becomes aware of the same, any information of a material nature relating to the Business of which it becomes aware.
 
4.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
Appointment and removal of Directors

4.1
The number of Directors of the Company shall be not less than two and not more than five (or such higher number as shall be required to give effect to the provisions of this clause 4 or clause 6.5) unless otherwise agreed in writing by all of the Qualifying Shareholders.
 
4.2
Subject to the receipt of any required regulatory approvals:
 
 
4.2.1
subject also to clauses 4.2.3 and 6.5, each Shareholder shall be entitled, by serving written notice of appointment on the Company, to appoint from time to time one Director to the Board (and to any committee of the Board) for every 20% of the issued Shares held by it (each a "Percentage Threshold") and to remove or substitute from time to time any Director so appointed by it by serving written notice of such removal or substitution on the Company and, by serving written notice of appointment, to appoint from time to time another Director in place of any Director so removed or who vacates office for any reason;
 
 
4.2.2
subject also to clauses 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6 and 4.10, each Qualifying Shareholder shall be entitled, by serving written notice of appointment on a Subsidiary Company, to appoint from time to time two Directors to the board of each Subsidiary Company (and to any committee of any such board) or such other number as the Qualifying Shareholders shall agree in writing and to remove or substitute from time to time any Director so appointed by it by serving written notice of such removal or substitution on the relevant Subsidiary Company and by serving written notice of appointment, to appoint from time to time another Director from time to time in place of any Director so removed or who vacates office for any reason;
 
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4.2.3
subject also to clauses 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.3.3, 4.10, and 6.5, any 50% Shareholder shall be entitled by serving written notice of appointment or removal on the Company or relevant Subsidiary Company to appoint and remove from time to time such Directors to or from the Board and/or to or from the board of each Subsidiary Company (and to any committee of any such board) ("50% Notice") such that the 50% Shareholder has a majority of Directors appointed to the Board and/or the board of each Subsidiary (and to any committee of any such board) ("Majority Representation") and by serving written notice of appointment from time to time to remove any such appointed Director and replace him with any other Nominated Director.  This clause shall not entitle any 50% Shareholder to serve a notice of removal on the Company or any Subsidiary Company in respect of a Nominated Director (other than in respect of a Director nominated by the 50% Shareholder) unless the articles of association of the relevant company prevent the appointment by the 50% Shareholder of such additional Directors required to give it a Majority Representation on the relevant board;
 
 
4.2.4
subject also to clauses 4.10 and 6.5, for so long as the articles of association of any Target Entity limits the number of directors appointed to the board of such Target Entities to three, each Qualifying Shareholder shall be entitled, by serving written notice of appointment on such Target Entity, to appoint from time to time 1 Director to the board of such Target Entity (and to any committee of any such board) and to remove or substitute from time to time any Director so appointed by it by serving written notice of such removal or substitution on the relevant Subsidiary Company and by serving written notice of appointment, to appoint from time to time another Director from time to time in place of any Director so removed or who vacates office for any reason;
 
 
4.2.5
the Qualifying Shareholders agree that Lu Benzhao shall be appointed as a Non-Shareholder Director of the Target Entities. The Non-Shareholder Director shall be removed as a Director of the Target Entities in accordance with clause 4.5. The parties agree that for so long as the Non-Shareholder Director is appointed as a Director to the Target Entities, the Company and the Shareholders shall (so far as they are able) procure that:
 
21

 
 
(a)
the Non-Shareholder Director shall receive from the Target Entities a monthly fee as agreed by the Qualifying Shareholders in respect of his role as a director of both of XNS and Sudan ("Director Fee") provided that, in the absence of agreement from London Mining, the Director Fee shall not be, in aggregate, in excess of US$0.5 million in 2009 and US$0.5 million in 2010. There shall be no Director Fee payable in any subsequent year unless agreed in writing by each of the Qualifying Shareholders;
 
 
(b)
the Director Fee shall be paid in US Dollars, however if regulatory requirements require that the Director Fee is paid in RMB, the Director shall be paid in RMB, using an exchange rate of US Dollars to RMB at the middle rate issued by the People's Bank of China on the date immediately prior to payment; and
 
 
(c)
the amount or timing of payment of the Director Fee cannot be varied without the consent of each Qualifying Shareholder; and
 
 
4.2.6
subject also to clauses 4.10 and 6.5, following the amendment to the articles of association of the relevant Target Entity pursuant to clause 4.3.2 and for so long as Lu Benzhao is a Non-Shareholder Director of the relevant Target Entity, London Mining, so long as it is a Qualifying Shareholder, shall be entitled, by serving written notice of appointment on the relevant Target Entity, to appoint two directors to the board of the relevant Target Entity (and to any committee of the board) (in addition to the appointment rights of London Mining under clauses 4.2.1 to 4.2.4 and 6.5) and Wits Basin shall be entitled, so long as it is a Qualifying Shareholder, by serving written notice of appointment on the relevant Target Entity, to appoint 1 Director to the board of the relevant Target Entity (and to any committee of the board) (in addition to the appointment rights of Wits Basin under clauses 4.2.1 to 4.2.4) and each of London Mining and Wits Basin shall be entitled from time to time to remove such further directors so appointed and replace them with any other Director.
 
4.3
The Company (or the Company will procure that the relevant Subsidiary Company (as appropriate)) shall as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this agreement:
 
 
4.3.1
use its best endeavours to obtain any regulatory approvals required to:
 
 
(a)
appoint and remove Directors in accordance with clauses 4.2, 4.4 and 6.5; and
 
22

 
 
(b)
amend the memorandum and articles of association of any Subsidiary Company in accordance with clause 4.3.2 and clause 4.3.3;
 
 
4.3.2
amend the articles of association of the Target Entities such that they permit the appointment of 4 or more Directors to the board of each Target Entity; and
 
 
4.3.3
amend the articles of association of any Subsidiary Company (as applicable) such that they permit the appointment of a majority of Directors to the board of each Subsidiary Company in accordance with clause 6.5 or by a 50% Shareholder pursuant to clause 4.2.3 with effect from (or as soon as practicable following) a Shareholder becoming a 50% Shareholder.
 
4.4
Subject to clause 6.5, a Shareholder shall be obliged to remove from:
 
 
4.4.1
the Board (and any relevant committee of the Board) such number of Directors appointed by it each time its holding of Shares decreases to below a Percentage Threshold such that the number of remaining Directors appointed by such Shareholder is commensurate with its revised percentage shareholding in accordance with clause 4.2. Any Shareholder whose holding of Shares decreases, for any reason, to less than 20% of the Shares shall cease to be entitled to appoint a Director and shall be obliged to remove all of its existing Directors appointed by it from the Board;
 
 
4.4.2
the board of any Subsidiary Company (and any relevant committee of the board of a Subsidiary Company), any Director nominated by it under clause 4.2 if it ceases to be a Qualifying Shareholder; and
 
 
4.4.3
the Board or any board of any Subsidiary Company (and any relevant committee of such board), such Directors nominated by it under clause 4.2.3 to give effect to any 50% Notice if that Shareholder ceases to hold A Shares or B Shares which carry the right to exercise 50% of the votes ordinarily exercisable at a general meeting of Shareholders.
 
4.5
The Shareholders and the Company shall procure that the relevant shareholder of each Target Entity shall remove from the board of the Target Entity (and any associated committee) the Non-Shareholder Director on the earlier of the date that is 12 months following the date of this Agreement and as requested in writing by London Mining, or as otherwise agreed by the Qualifying Shareholders in writing.
 
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4.6
A Shareholder removing any of its Nominated Directors from the Board or any Subsidiary Company, shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify the Company or the Subsidiary Company (as applicable) and the other Shareholders, against any claim by any Director so removed for wrongful or unfair dismissal or redundancy or any other claim for compensation arising out of such removal or loss of office.
 
4.7
Each Shareholder entitled to appoint a Director or Directors under clause 4.2 may at any time elect to appoint observers instead of appointing directors, provided that no Shareholder may elect to appoint an observer instead of appointing a Director if it would result in the Board having less than the number of Directors required pursuant to clause 4.1.
 
4.8
Other than in accordance with clauses 4.2 and 6.5, no Directors of the Company or any Subsidiary Company can be appointed or removed without the prior written consent of each Qualifying Shareholder.
 
4.9
No Shareholder may exercise its voting or other powers in relation to the Company to remove a Nominated Director unless requested to do so by the Qualifying Shareholder which appointed the Nominated Director.
 
4.10
In respect of any appointment or removal of directors to the Company or any Subsidiary Company to be made pursuant to clauses 4 or 6.5, each party agrees to do all things necessary to give effect to such appointment or removal.
 
Alternate Directors

4.11
Each Nominated Director shall be entitled to appoint by written notice any person to be his alternate, and each Director or any such alternate shall not be required to hold any share qualification, shall not be subject to retirement by rotation and, with respect to any such alternate, shall not be removed except by the Nominated Director who appointed him. Any Director who is also appointed as an alternate shall be entitled to vote at a meeting of the Board or the board of each Subsidiary Company on behalf of the Director so appointing him in addition to being entitled to vote in his own capacity as a Director and in such circumstances his two votes shall be counted as votes from two Directors for the purposes of clause 4.17.
 
4.12
Any Director appointed under clauses 4.2 or 6.5 shall be entitled to pass to the Shareholder appointing him and any member of such Shareholder's Group full details of any information which may come into his possession as a Director of the Company or any Subsidiary Company.
 
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Board Meetings

4.13
Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Nominated Directors of the relevant board, 10 Business Days' prior notice shall be given of each meeting of the Board or the board of each Subsidiary Company (except in the case of an emergency or in order to comply with any timetable laid down by this Agreement).  Notice of a meeting of the Board or the board of each Subsidiary Company shall be deemed to be properly given to a Director if it is given to him personally or sent in writing to him by email or facsimile transmission to such address or number as the Director may have notified to the Company or Subsidiary Company (as applicable) for this purpose or, if no such address or number has been notified, by first class pre-paid post (or by first class pre-paid airmail if from one country to another country) at his last known address or any other address given by him to the Company or Subsidiary Company (as appropriate) for this purpose.  Such notice shall, unless the Board or the board of the relevant Subsidiary Company otherwise determines, include an agenda of the business to be considered at that meeting. A Director may waive notice of any board meeting either prospectively or retrospectively.
 
4.14
The Board shall meet or convene a Board meeting as often and in such places as the Board shall decide, provided that, unless otherwise agreed by the Board, a Board meeting shall be held at least once every quarter at such place as the Board may agree in each year provided that a Director shall be entitled to attend the meeting by telephone.  The board of each Subsidiary Company shall meet or convene a board meeting as often and in such places as the relevant board shall decide provided that a Director shall be entitled to attend the meeting by telephone.
 
4.15
The quorum for any meeting of the Board or of the board of any Subsidiary Company shall be two and shall consist of at least one Nominated Director (or his alternate) appointed by each Qualifying Shareholder entitled to do so under clauses 4.2 or 6.5 and a quorum of Directors must be present throughout all meetings of the Board or the board of any Subsidiary Company except that a Nominated Director (or his alternate) shall not be required to be present for the discussion of any business in respect of which such Nominated Director is not entitled to attend or vote pursuant to clause 4.20 and the quorum for such meeting shall be altered accordingly.
 
4.16
If within half an hour from the time appointed for a meeting of the Board or a board of a Subsidiary Company a quorum of Directors is not present, or during a meeting a quorum of Directors ceases to be present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week, at the same time and place, or to such other time and place as the Directors present may decide and at the adjourned meeting, any two Directors shall constitute a quorum.
 
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4.17
Subject to clause 4.11, each Director shall have one vote.  Subject to clause 4.18, a simple majority of votes cast by those Directors present and eligible to vote will be required to pass any resolution of the Board or the board of each Subsidiary Company.
 
4.18
Subject to clauses 6.5 and 7.5.4, the Board and the board of directors of any Subsidiary, shall not have the power to carry out any of the Reserved Matters without prior written consent of the Qualifying Shareholders in accordance with clause 6.2.
 
4.19
For so long as the Non-Shareholder Director is appointed to the board of a Target Entity, subject to clause 4.2.3 having effect and subject to clauses 6.5 and 7.5.4, each Shareholder covenants that it shall procure that its Nominated Directors (if any) shall exercise their voting rights at any board meeting of such Target Entity to procure that all decisions of the board have the prior written consent of each of the Qualifying Shareholders. The parties agree that breach of this clause by a Shareholder shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement by that Shareholder.
 
Conflicts of Interest

4.20
No Director (or his alternate) shall be entitled to vote on any resolution concerning a matter in which he has a direct interest or duty which is material and which conflicts with the interests of the Company or any Subsidiary Company, and for the purposes of this clause 4.20, the interests of the Shareholder which appointed a Nominated Director shall be deemed to be the interests of the Nominated Director (and his alternate) so appointed provided that this clause 4.20 shall not apply to any matter if all the Nominated Directors have a conflict in respect of such matter and provided further that, subject to clause 4.23, such Director (and his alternate) shall still be entitled to receive notice of and attend and speak in respect of the business at any meeting in respect of which a resolution is proposed on which, by virtue of this clause 4.20, such Director is not entitled to vote.  For the avoidance of doubt, Wits Basin’s obligation to monitor and review the Operator’s performance shall not constitute a conflict of interest of Wits Basin or any Wits Basin Nominated Director (other than William Green) in connection with any resolution concerning the Operator absent any additional evidence of such conflict. However, to the extent that there is a resolution on a matter concerning the Operator and any Wits Basin Nominated Director is connected with the particular matter by virtue of being employed by, engaged by or otherwise affiliated with the Operator, that would give rise to a conflict of interest for the purpose of this Agreement.
 
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4.21
For the purposes of clause 4.20, an interest of the Nominated Director who appointed an alternate or the Shareholder which appointed the relevant Nominated Director shall be treated as an interest of the alternate, without prejudice to any interest which the alternate otherwise has (but not vice versa).
 
4.22
A Director (or an alternate) shall not be entitled to attend and speak at such part of the meeting of the Directors at which it is proposed to discuss or vote on any matter upon which he (or if an alternate, the Nominated Director who appointed him) is not entitled to vote by virtue of clause 4.20 if the disclosure to such Director or his nominating Shareholder or his alternate of the specific commercial terms being discussed or voted upon could compromise the Company's ability or Subsidiary Company's ability to secure the most favourable commercial deal or where the information or proposals to be discussed or voted upon at the meeting directly relate to a dispute between the Company or any Subsidiary Company and the Shareholder which appointed the Nominated Director or a member of the respective Shareholder's Group.
 
4.23
All of the Directors present at a meeting of the Board or the board of a Subsidiary Company shall together determine in good faith whether any Director is or is not eligible to vote in accordance with this clause 4 or is or is not eligible to attend in accordance with clause 4.22 and, unless the vote of the conflicted Director would not affect the decision of the Board or the board of a Subsidiary Company reached in accordance with clause 4.17, in the absence of agreement a dispute shall be deemed to have arisen and the provisions of clause 14 shall apply.
 
Chairman

4.24
The Qualifying Shareholders agree that the first Chairman of the Board shall be Stephen D. King, who shall be appointed for a term of two years from the date of this Agreement subject to his being a Nominated Director throughout that term.  Thereafter, the Qualifying Shareholders shall co-operate to appoint one of the Nominated Directors to be Chairman of the Board who shall be appointed for such term as the Qualifying Shareholders shall agree from time to time.  If no such appointment is agreed on the expiry of the term of Stephen D. King, the Qualifying Shareholders shall procure that the Chairman of the Board shall be appointed for successive terms of two years (or such other terms as the Qualifying Shareholders shall from time to time agree) from among the Nominated Directors appointed by each of the Qualifying Shareholders in rotation, starting with London Mining.
 
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Directors' Expenses

4.25
The Company (or the Company will procure that the relevant Subsidiary Company as the case may be) shall pay the Shareholders monthly in arrears, all out-of-pocket expenses properly incurred by their respective Nominated Directors (or alternates) in connection with the performance of their duties as directors (together with VAT or any similar tax if applicable thereon).  Unless the Qualifying Shareholders otherwise all agree, none of the Nominated Directors shall be entitled to a fee for acting as a director, for attending to its business or for attending meetings of any board (or committee) meeting of the Company or any Subsidiary Company.
 
Subsidiary Company

4.26
The Shareholders agree that the provisions of clause 4 relating to board meetings of Subsidiary Companies can be varied with the prior written consent of the Qualifying Shareholders and otherwise each of the Company and each Shareholder undertakes to procure, so far as legally possible, that the constitution of the boards of the Subsidiary Companies and the proceedings of meetings of the board (and committees) of any Subsidiary Company reflects clauses 4 and 6.5.
 
5.
PROVISION OF INFORMATION
 
5.1
The Company agrees with the Shareholders that it will introduce and maintain effective and appropriate control systems in relation to the financial, accounting and record-keeping functions of the Group and will keep the Board and the Shareholders informed of the progress of each Group Company's business and affairs and in particular will:-
 
 
5.1.1
procure that the Qualifying Shareholders are given such information and such access to the officers, employees and premises of the Group as such Qualifying Shareholder may reasonably require for the purposes of enabling it to monitor its investment in the Company and the development of the Group and to enable it to comply with rules of any exchange on which such Shareholder is listed; and
 
 
5.1.2
direct the Company's auditors from time to time to provide direct to the Qualifying Shareholders such information as such Qualifying Shareholder may reasonably request for the purposes of enabling them to monitor their investment in the Company and the development of the Group or to satisfy the requirements of Oslo Axess, or any other securities exchange on which the Qualifying Shareholder or any member of the Qualifying Shareholder's Group is listed or seeks a listing.
 
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5.2
Without prejudice to the generality of clause 5.1, the Company agrees with the 20% Shareholders that it will prepare and send to them or as they may direct (all in such form and detail as is specified by them or as is approved by the Board):-
 
 
5.2.1
the Management Information for each monthly accounting period, as soon as reasonably practicable following, and in any event within three weeks of, the end of the relevant month;
 
 
5.2.2
the audited consolidated accounts of the Group (together with the notes to those accounts and the Directors' report and auditors' report on those accounts), as soon as reasonably practicable following, and in any event within three months of, the end of the financial year to which they relate;
 
 
5.2.3
minutes of each board meeting of any Group Company (and of each committee meeting of any such board), as soon as reasonably practicable following, and in any event within two weeks of, such meeting;
 
 
5.2.4
immediately on the Company or any Subsidiary Company becoming aware of them, written details of any circumstances which will or might:-
 
 
(a)
cause any actual or prospective material adverse change in the financial position, prospects, assets or business of any Group Company; or
 
 
(b)
materially adversely affect the Company's ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any Group Company's ability to perform its obligations under any material contract to which it is a party; and
 
 
5.2.5
no later than 30 Business Days before the start of each financial period of the Company, the budget and financial plans for the Group in respect of such financial period including the projected income, costs, capital expenditure and cash flows of the Group for each month of the relevant financial period and shall specify the key assumptions used and/or adopted in respect of such projections (the "Annual Budget") and thereafter the Directors and the Qualifying Shareholders shall meet to discuss the draft Annual Budget in good faith with a view to the Company adopting the Annual Budget for the relevant financial period prior to the start of that period, provided that the Board shall not adopt any Annual Budget which has not been approved in writing by each of the Qualifying Shareholders.  If and for so long as no Annual Budget has been approved and adopted in respect of any financial period, then for the duration of such period, the last Annual Budget adopted in accordance with this Agreement, or the Business Plan in respect of any year prior to the adoption of the first Annual Budget, shall apply in respect of that financial period.
 
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5.3
If the Company shall be in breach of any of its obligations under clauses 5.1 or 5.2 then (without prejudice to any other rights which each Qualifying Shareholder may have in respect of such breach) any of the Qualifying Shareholders shall be entitled (at the cost of the Company) to appoint a firm of accountants to obtain, prepare and deliver to it any documents or information that the Company has failed to obtain, prepare or deliver.  For this purpose, the Company shall (and shall procure that each Subsidiary Company shall) promptly make available all its books and records to the relevant Qualifying Shareholder and/or such firm of accountants, each of whom shall be entitled without further authority to enter into and remain on any Group Company's premises for the purpose of, or in connection with, preparing such items.
 
6.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
 
Management of the Group

6.1
Subject to this clause 6, the day to day management of the Group will be vested in the Operator pursuant to the Operator Agreement.  Wits Basin undertakes and covenants to the Company and the other Shareholders, in accordance with the terms of the Monitoring Agreement, to monitor and review the Operator's performance under the Operator Agreement on behalf of the Company and to notify the Company, London Mining and the other Shareholders if Wits Basin becomes aware that the Operator has committed, or has taken steps which are reasonably likely to give rise to a breach (excluding any non-material breach) of the Operator Agreement.
 
6.2
Subject to clauses 6.5 and 7.5.4, the Company undertakes to and covenants with each of the Shareholders that it shall not, and each Shareholder undertakes to and covenants with the other Shareholders that it shall exercise and procure that its Nominated Directors (if any) shall exercise their voting rights in the Company to procure (so far as they are able) that the Company shall not, and no Subsidiary Company shall, without the prior written consent of each of the Qualifying Shareholders expressly given for the purpose of this clause 6.2, carry out or agree (whether or not subject to the fulfilment of any conditions) to carry out any of the Reserved Matters.

 
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6.3
The Company agrees with the Shareholders to procure that each Subsidiary Company will comply with the obligations and restrictions contained in clause 6.2 and Schedule 1.
 
6.4
For the purposes of clause 6.2, a Qualifying Shareholder's consent may be validly given by a Nominated Director appointed by such Qualifying Shareholder if the Nominated Director:
 
 
 6.4.1
gives his consent in writing to the Board or board of the relevant Subsidiary Company; or
 
 
 6.4.2
signs a written resolution of the Board or board of the relevant Subsidiary Company or signs the minutes of the meeting of the Board or board of the relevant Subsidiary Company approving the relevant transaction or matter.
 
6.5
Subject to clause 6.6, if in the reasonable opinion of the Company or London Mining, the Group is not at any time achieving the Business Plan or any member of the Group is breaching or is likely to breach the terms of any Third Party Funding (as defined in clause 7.5.2), the Company shall procure that the Operator shall take all necessary steps promptly to remedy such matter (if capable of remedy by the Operator) and if not remedied within 30 Business Days (the "Operator Remedy Period") of notice from the Company to the reasonable satisfaction of London Mining then, Wits Basin shall use its best endeavours to remedy such matter (if capable of remedy) within a further 30 Business Day period (the "Wits Basin Remedy Period").  If Wits Basin shall fail to remedy the matter to the reasonable satisfaction of London Mining, London Mining shall be entitled, at its sole discretion, to take such reasonable action to remedy the matter and Wits Basin shall, for the purpose of giving effect to this sentence, be deemed irrevocably to have given all consents necessary in accordance with clauses 4.19 and 6.2 to any matters proposed by London Mining to the extent necessary to remedy the matter. Further, if Wits Basin shall fail to remedy the matter to the reasonable satisfaction of London Mining, London Mining shall be entitled to appoint a majority of the Directors to the Board and to the board of each Subsidiary Company from the time it provides written notice of its intent to remedy the matter until the matter is resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of London Mining.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if London Mining is reasonably required to take action to remedy a matter three or more times (whether arising from the same or different circumstances, provided that multiple actions to remedy a single matter shall constitute one remedy), it shall be entitled, in its sole discretion to appoint a majority of the Directors to the Board and to the board of each Subsidiary Company until such time as London Mining ceases to be a 20% Shareholder. While London Mining has appointed a majority of the Directors to the Board under the provisions of this clause 6.5, clauses 4.2.3 and 4.19 shall not apply.  If London Mining ceases to be a 20% Shareholder, the other provisions of this Agreement suspended by this clause 6.5 will continue to apply in accordance with their terms.

 
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6.6
If in the reasonable opinion of London Mining, the length of the Operator Remedy Period and Wits Basin Remedy Period is likely to cause irreparable harm to the Business, London Mining shall reduce the Operator Remedy Period and Wits Basin Remedy Period to a length it considers, acting reasonably, to be appropriate.
 
6.7
In the event Wits Basin or London Mining is required to take action pursuant to clause 6.5, the expenses incurred on behalf of the Company or any other member of the Group in connection with their duties shall be paid by the Company (or in the event Wits Basin or London Mining incurs such expenses, it shall be reimbursed by the Company) as soon as practicable after presentation of such valid invoices and other documentation as are reasonably required by the Company; provided that:
 
 
 6.7.1
to the extent reasonably permitted, Wits Basin or London Mining (as applicable) shall promptly notify the Company and the other shareholders of any material expenses anticipated in connection with the performance of such actions; and
 
 
 6.7.2
any expenses of in aggregate US$100,000 or more must have the prior written approval of the Company before being incurred by London Mining or Wits Basin on behalf of a member of the Company's Group.
 
6.8
For the avoidance of doubt, any costs associated with time spent by management of either Wits Basin or London Mining in connection with any action taken pursuant to clause 6.5 shall not constitute an expense that is covered by the reimbursement mechanism in clause 6.7.
 
6.9
Wits Basin shall meet all its obligations under the Consulting Agreement, including in respect of the provisions dealing with the issue of shares in Wits Basin to Lu Benzhao.
 
6.10
The Company shall, and the Shareholders shall procure, so far as they are able, that the Company shall:
 
 
 6.10.1
meet its obligations under the Promissory Note;
 
 
 6.10.2
make the Retained Consulting Payment (or such part as is payable) to Lu Benzhao to the extent payable under the Consulting Agreement, and

 
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 6.10.3
not use the US$2 million subscribed by London Mining for the purpose of paying the Retained Consulting Payment for any reason other than paying the Retained Consulting Payment provided that if the Retained Consulting Payment (or any part of it) is not payable to Lu Benzhao under the terms of the Consulting Agreement ("Retained Sum"), the Retained Sum shall be applied to the operations of the Business as working capital or as otherwise agreed in writing by the parties,
 
provided that nothing in this provision creates any obligation on any Shareholder to provide further finance to the Group unless otherwise agreed in accordance with this Agreement.
 
LM Management Fee

6.11
Until such time (the "LM Fee Termination Date") as the holders of A Shares have received in aggregate, a net amount after withholding and business tax of US$44.5 million by distributions from the Company (whether by dividends, distributions, return of capital or other means (and including any amounts received by dividend, distribution, return of capital or other means by holders of A Shares in respect of any B Shares acquired from time to time)), but excluding by way of any LM Management Fee and any reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses) (such aggregated amount received being referred to as the ("Repayment Amount"), the Company shall procure the payment by MXM (or such other member of the Group as the Qualifying Shareholders shall agree) of a fee (the "LM Management Fee") to London Mining (or such other member of its Shareholder's Group as London Mining shall nominate) in accordance with clauses 6.12 to 6.22 in consideration for the provision of consulting and management services ("Services") by London Mining (or such other member of its Shareholder's Group as London Mining may determine) to the Target Entities and such other members of the Group as the Qualifying Shareholders shall agree.
 
6.12
Subject to clause 6.13, until the LM Fee Termination Date, the LM Management Fee shall be due and payable, in cash and in arrears, in the following amounts:
 
 
 6.12.1
a net amount after withholding tax or business tax of US$5,500,000 on the date that is twelve months following the date of this Agreement; and
 
 
 6.12.2
a net amount after withholding tax or business tax of US$4,500,000 on each subsequent anniversary of the date of this Agreement.

 
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6.13
The LM Management Fee shall be paid in US Dollars, however if regulatory requirements require that the LM Management Fee is paid in RMB, the LM Management Fee shall be paid in RMB, using an exchange rate of US Dollars to RMB at the middle rate issued by the People's Bank of China on the Business Day before the relevant payment date (as set out in clause 6.12).
 
6.14
The LM Management Fee shall accrue on a daily basis from the date of this Agreement, shall be paid to London Mining every 6 months, commencing on the date that is 6 calendar months after the date of this Agreement (each such date being a "Payment Date"). On the date London Mining receives the Repayment Amount (if such date is not a Payment Date), the LM Management Fee for the relevant 6 month period shall be pro-rated up to and including the date of payment and paid to London Mining within 5 days of receiving the Repayment Amount.  For the avoidance of doubt if London Mining receives the Repayment Amount on a Payment Date, it shall receive the LM Management Fee payable on that Payment Date.
 
6.15
If:
 
 
 6.15.1
London Mining receives the Repayment Amount within 3 years of the date of the Shareholders' Agreement ("Fee Adjustment Date"); and
 
 
 6.15.2
at the Fee Adjustment Date there is a material change in the relative net present value of the A Shares owned by London Mining (by reference to the number of A Shares held by London Mining at the date of London Mining's Subscription) ("LM NPV") when compared to the net present value of the B Shares owned by Wits  Basin (by reference to the number of B Shares held by Wits Basin at the date of London Mining's Subscription) ("WB NPV"), in each case calculated on the basis set out in clause 6.16 (such new NPVs being "Adjusted NPVs"), such that the LM NPV has increased so that it is greater than the WB NPV as set out in the approved Business Model as at the date of this Agreement (such excess being the "LM Excess"),
 
the parties agree that London Mining shall repay to Wits Basin the Fee Repayment Amount.
 
6.16
For the purposes of clause 6.15:
 
 
 6.16.1
the Adjusted NPVs shall be calculated using the following formula:
 

 where:

 
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Ct = net cash flows for the Group each year, for a 12 year period ("Cash Flow Period"), relating to MXM, NSM and MZM (and for the avoidance of doubt excluding any cash flows relating to any mines, mining operations or other companies acquired or operated by any member of the Group after the date of this Agreement)
 
C0 = the amount of the "Initial Cost Investment" as that is set out in the approved Business Plan as at the date of this Agreement
 
R = Discount rate of 20%
 
T = cash flow period
 
and on the following basis:
 
 
 (a)
the number of shares held by each of London Mining and Wits Basin shall reflect the shareholdings as at the date of London Mining's Subscription; and
 
 
 (b)
the Adjusted NPVs shall be calculated at t0 (that is the date of this Agreement) and shall include (based on the audited accounts of the Group) the actual net cash flows received in the period up to the Fee Adjustment Date and the forecast net cash flows for the remainder of the Cash Flow Period after the Fee Adjustment Date;
 
 
 6.16.2
the Fee Repayment Amount shall be an amount equal to 50 per cent of the LM Excess and shall be capped at an amount equal to the aggregate LM Management tax which London Mining receives in the financial year in which the Fee Repayment Amount is due.
 
6.17
London Mining and Wits Basin shall use reasonable endeavours to agree the WB NPV Shortfall and the Fee Repayment Amount within 15 Business Days of the Fee Adjustment Date; or, in default of agreement within 20 Business Days of the Fee Adjustment Date London Mining or Wits Basin may refer the matters set out in clauses 6.15 and 6.16 to an Independent Valuer for a resolution.  The decision of the Independent Valuer shall, save in the case of manifest error, be final and binding on the parties. The Independent Valuer shall be instructed to determine the WB NPV Shortfall and the Fee Repayment Amount on the basis set out in clauses 6.15 and 6.16.
 
6.18
The parties agree to work together to establish a tax efficient means of paying the LM Management Fee and giving effect to clauses 6.11 to 6.22.

 
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6.19
The parties shall use best endeavours to enter into, and to procure that MXM (and/or such other member of the Group as the parties shall agree) enters into, a services agreement setting out the terms of the LM Management Fee and the Services in a form reasonably acceptable to London Mining (each being a "LM Services Agreement") within 40 Business Days of the date of this Agreement and to procure that all regulatory approvals for such agreement are obtained. For the avoidance of doubt failure to agree the terms of any LM Services Agreement in accordance with this clause 6.19 shall not affect any of the other obligations in clauses 6.11 to 6.22.
 
6.20
All amounts paid under the LM Management Fee are inclusive of any applicable sales or value added tax levied on or payable in connection with the services to be provided by London Mining under the LM Services Agreement.
 
6.21
The Company shall procure that all payments by MXM (or such other member of the Group as the parties shall agree) under the LM Management Fee shall be made without set off or counterclaim, free and clear of any deduction or withholding of any kind.
 
6.22
If MXM (or such other member of the Group as the parties shall agree) is required by law to make any deduction or withholding from any payment under the LM Management Fee, whether on account of tax or otherwise, the Company shall procure that the sum due from it in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, London Mining receives and retains (free from any liability in respect of any such deduction or withholding) a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no deduction or withholding been made or been required to be made. The Company shall procure that MXM (or such other member of the Group as the parties shall agree) shall promptly supply London Mining with evidence satisfactory to London Mining that it has accounted to the relevant authority for any sum deducted or withheld.
 
Acquisition Structure

6.23
Wits Basin shall use best endeavours to procure an amendment to the NSM Equity Transfer Agreement together with any applicable regulatory and governmental approval (including from MOFCOM) or implementation of such other structure as agreed in writing by London Mining and as shall be permitted by law, such that HKCo's obligation to pay any consideration to Lu Benzhao outstanding as at the date of this Agreement under the NSM Equity Transfer Agreement ("Outstanding Sudan Consideration") is deferred such that it is not payable until the earlier to occur of the expiry of:

 
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 6.23.1
in the case of the first deferred payment of US$6 million, a 12 month period after the date of this Agreement or in the case of the second deferred payment of US$11 million, a 24 month period after the date of this Agreement; and
 
 
 6.23.2
the date on which the Company or HKCo receives Third Party Funding in accordance with clause 7.3 to fund the Outstanding Sudan Consideration.
 
6.24
Wits Basin shall use best endeavours to procure an amendment to the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement together with any applicable regulatory and governmental approving (including from MOFCOM) such that the consideration payable to Lu Benzhao under the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement ("MZM Consideration") is deferred so that it is not payable until the earlier to occur of the expiry of:
 
 
 6.24.1
in the case of approximately US$5.83 million, a 4 year period after the date of this Agreement; and in the case of approximately US$5.83 million, a 5 year period after the date of this Agreement; and
 
 
 6.24.2
the date on which the Company or HKCo receives Third Party Funding in accordance with clause 7.3 to fund the MZM Consideration.
 
6.25
Each of the Company and the Shareholders shall use best endeavours to take all such action, and to procure that HKCo shall take all such action, as may be reasonably required to satisfy the conditions precedent under the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement.
 
6.26
Wits Basin shall be deemed irrevocably to have given all consents and approvals necessary in accordance with this Agreement to complete the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement and for the Company or any member of its Group to carry out any steps required to develop MZM and its operations such that MZM has an ongoing production rate as set out in the Business Plan approved as at the date of this Agreement.
 
7.
FINANCE
 
7.1
No Shareholder shall be under any obligation or liability to provide or procure any further finance to any Group Company or provide or procure any guarantee or indemnity in respect of such finance and shall not have any liability for any other Shareholder's obligations.
 
7.2
The Company shall use its best endeavours to procure Third Party Funding as soon as possible after the date of this Agreement to meet capital expenditure requirements as set out in the Business Plan for the purpose of maximising cash flow available for the payment of dividends to Shareholders, to be paid in accordance with clause 15 of the Agreement.

 
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7.3
Wits Basin shall use its best endeavours to procure Third Party Funding as soon as possible after the date of this Agreement to meet any Outstanding Sudan Consideration payments, any payments of MZM Consideration and any Matang Development Costs. Such Third Party Funding shall be on terms reasonably satisfactory to London Mining. London Mining agrees that it will not unreasonably withhold its consent to the Third Party Funding provided that the relevant terms are arms length and reasonable terms available to the market.
 
7.4
The Shareholders shall be under no obligation to give guarantees or indemnities of any nature to or in favour of any Group Company or to or in favour of any other person in respect of any obligations or liabilities of any Group Company.
 
7.5
The Shareholders agree that the Board shall ensure that the Company shall use its reasonable commercial endeavours to procure that the future financial requirements of the Group, as set out in the last Annual Budget approved by the Qualifying Shareholders as contemplated by clause 5.2.5, are provided for and are met from:-
 
 
 7.5.1
first, the Group's own resources;
 
 
 7.5.2
subject to clause 7.6, thereafter from banks and other third party sources ("Third Party Funding") provided that no Third Party Funding shall permit any prospective lender a right to participate in the equity share capital of the Company (save with the prior written consent of the Qualifying Shareholders) and that any security required in respect of such finance shall, if possible, only be provided by the Company and any member of the Group which shall, if necessary and if so agreed by the Board and the Qualifying Shareholders, be empowered to mortgage, charge, pledge or otherwise encumber their assets as security for such finance;
 
 
 7.5.3
thereafter, from the Shareholders subscribing for further B Shares on a pro rata basis at a price to be agreed by the Qualifying Shareholders; and
 
 
 7.5.4
finally, if any Shareholder is unwilling or unable to subscribe for B Shares in accordance with clause 7.5.3 (the "Non-Contributing Shareholder"), from the remaining Shareholders subscribing for B Shares at a price to be agreed by the Qualifying Shareholders, or if no agreement on price is reached, at a price to be determined by an Independent Valuer.  The decision of the Independent Valuer shall, save in the case of manifest error, be final and binding on the parties.  The Non-Contributing Shareholder shall, for the purpose of giving effect to this clause 7.5.4, be deemed irrevocably to have given all consents necessary in accordance with clause 6.2 and shall instruct any Nominated Directors appointed by it to approve all resolutions to give effect to clause 7.5.4 and shall attend and vote in favour of all resolutions proposed at any general meeting and required to give effect to clause 7.5.4.
 
 
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7.6
Each of the 20% Shareholders shall have the right to provide debt finance on the same terms as the Third Party Funding as an alternative to such funding.  The Company shall provide the 20% Shareholders with details of the material terms applicable to the proposed Third Party Funding and afford the 20% Shareholders a reasonable period of time (being not less than 15 Business Days) within which to commit in writing to match such financing terms in all material respects.  If more than one of the 20% Shareholders decide to provide funding, and the total amount of funding exceeds the Company's requirements, such offers of funding shall be treated as offered by such 20% Shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may be) to their existing holdings of Shares.  The Company shall not permit the provision of Third Party Funding on terms more favourable than those notified to the 20% Shareholders in accordance with this clause and to the extent that financing is to be provided by a 20% Shareholder, enter into financing documents on terms and conditions no more onerous than those which would have been required under the Third Party Funding.
 
8.
VOTING RIGHTS
 
8.1
The voting rights attached to the Shares shall be as follows:-
 
 
 8.1.1
on a resolution to be passed at a general meeting of the Company on a show of hands, every member present in person or by proxy or (being a corporation) is present by a duly authorised representative shall have one vote;  and
 
 
 8.1.2
on a resolution to be passed at a general meeting of the Company on a poll, every member present in person or by proxy or (being a corporation) is present by a duly authorised representative, shall have one vote per Share.
 
8.2
No business shall be transacted at any general meeting or at any adjourned meeting unless a quorum of Shareholders is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business and for its duration.  The quorum for a general meeting will be two members either attending in person or by proxy or (being a corporation) is present by a duly authorised representative, provided that each Qualifying Shareholder is represented.
 
 
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8.3
If within half an hour from time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, or if during a meeting a quorum ceases to be present, the general meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week, at the same time and place, or to such other time and place as the Shareholders present may decide. The quorum for any adjourned general meeting will be any two members either attending in person or by proxy or (being a corporation) present by a duly authorised representative.
 
8.4
The Deferred Shares shall carry no right to receive written notice of general meetings of the Company or the right to attend or vote on them.
 
9.
TRANSFERS AND ALLOTMENTS OF SHARES
 
Transfers

9.1
Subject to clause 9.5, each Shareholder agrees that it will not, during the Term, without the consent of the Qualifying Shareholders effect a transfer of any of its Shares or Deferred Shares other than a transfer of Shares held by Wits Basin in accordance with clause 13 or the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Share Pledge Agreement.
 
9.2
Each Shareholder agrees that it will not, without the consent of the Qualifying Shareholders create or allow to be created any claim, charge, lien, encumbrance or equity on or over or affecting any of its Shares or Deferred Shares, other than an equitable charge over the Shares held by Wits Basin in favour of China Gold in accordance with the Second Amended and Restated Share Pledge Agreement.
 
Deeds of Adherence

9.3
Subject to clause 9.4, no transfer or allotment of any Shares shall be made unless the transferee or allottee shall have first executed a Deed of Adherence in the form set out in Schedule 2 and the parties agree that, having executed such Deed of Adherence, the transferee or allottee (as the case may be) shall be bound by, and shall be entitled to the benefit of, the provisions of this Agreement, subject to and in accordance with the terms of the relevant Deed of Adherence, as if they had been named as a party to this Agreement in such capacity as shall be referred to in the Deed of Adherence.
 
9.4
No Deed of Adherence need be executed where:
 
 
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 9.4.1
the transferee is already a party to this Agreement (in the same capacity as that in which the transferor is a party in respect of the Shares in question); or
 
 
 9.4.2
the allottee is already a party to this Agreement (in the same capacity as that in which the allottee is to be allotted the Shares in question).
 
Intra Group Transfers

9.5
At any time after the date of this Agreement, each Shareholder may transfer to one or more wholly-owned members of its Group (the "Intra Group Transferee") all of its Shares and the relevant Shareholder shall provide notice to the other Shareholders immediately upon any such transfer, provided that if following the transfer the Intra Group Transferee ceases to be a wholly-owned member of the relevant Shareholder's Group, the relevant Shareholder shall give notice to the Qualifying Shareholders any of whom shall have the right to require the Shares to be transferred back to the Shareholder or a wholly-owned member of its Group within 30 Business Days of the relevant Qualifying Shareholder's notice.
 
Pre-emption on transfers following the Term

9.6
The Shareholders agree that following the end of the Term, each Shareholder is entitled to sell all its Shares in accordance with clauses 9 to 12 (but not part of its shareholding except with the written consent of the Qualifying Shareholders or pursuant to the pre-emption provisions contained in clauses 9.7 to 9.15 (inclusive) or under clauses 10 or 12).
 
9.7
Except in relation to any transfer pursuant to clause 9.5 or by the Other Shareholders (as defined in clause 9.9) pursuant to the tag along provisions in clauses 9.16 to 9.19, or as part of a Quotation in accordance with clause 10, or by Accepting Shareholders (as defined in clause 11.1) pursuant to clause 11, or pursuant to clause 12, following the end of the Term every holder of Shares who wishes to transfer any Shares (the "Seller") to a third party shall give notice in writing of such wish to the Company (the "Transfer Notice").  Each Transfer Notice shall:
 
 
 9.7.1
specify the number of Shares which the Seller wishes to transfer (the "Sale Shares") provided that if such number is less than the number of Shares held by the Seller and members of the Seller's Group, to be effective, such Transfer Notice will require the written consent of the Qualifying Shareholders;
 
 
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 9.7.2
specify the identity of the person to whom the Seller wishes to transfer the Sale Shares (the "Proposed Transferee");
 
 
 9.7.3
specify the price per Share (the "Sale Price") at which the Seller wishes to transfer the Sale Shares and other terms and conditions of sale (including details of any warranties, representations, indemnities, covenants and other assurances to be given to the Proposed Transferee and any guarantees to be given) provided that to the extent that any such disclosure of information would result in any breach of any confidentiality undertaking given by the Seller, the Seller may require the other Shareholders to undertake to maintain the confidentiality of such information and any information so supplied shall be deemed to be Confidential Information;
 
 
 9.7.4
be deemed to constitute the Company as the Seller's agent for the sale of the Sale Shares at the Sale Price in the manner prescribed by clauses 9.8 to 9.15; and
 
 
 9.7.5
not be varied or cancelled.
 
9.8
Subject to clause 9.7.1, the Seller may provide in the Transfer Notice that, unless buyers are found for all or not less than a specified number of the Sale Shares, he shall not be bound to transfer any of such Shares ("Minimum Transfer Condition") and any such provision shall be binding on the Company.  Notwithstanding the other provisions of clauses 9.9 to 9.15, if the Transfer Notice contains a Minimum Transfer Condition the Company may not make any allocation of Sale Shares unless and until it has found buyers for the minimum number specified in the Minimum Transfer Condition.
 
9.9
The Company shall, within 10 Business Days of receipt of the Transfer Notice, give notice in writing to the other Shareholders (the "Other Shareholders") offering for sale the Sale Shares at the Sale Price.  The notice shall specify that the Other Shareholders shall have a period of 30 Business Days from the date of such notice to apply for some or all of the Sale Shares.
 
9.10
It shall be a further term of the offer under clause 9.9 that, if there is competition among the Other Shareholders for the Sale Shares, such Sale Shares shall be treated as offered among such Shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may be) to their existing holdings of Shares (the "Proportionate Allocation").  However, a Shareholder in his application for Sale Shares may, if he so desires, indicate that he would be willing to purchase a particular number of Shares in excess of his Proportionate Allocation ("Extra Shares").
 
 
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9.11
If the total number of Sale Shares applied for under clauses 9.9 and 9.10 is less than the available number of Sale Shares, the Company shall give notice in writing to the Other Shareholders offering any unsold Shares at the Sale Price.  The notice shall specify that the Other Shareholders shall have a further period of 15 Business Days from the date of such notice to apply for some or all of the unsold Shares ("Top Up Shares").
 
9.12
The Company shall allocate the Sale Shares as follows:
 
 
 9.12.1
if the total number of Sale Shares applied for under clauses 9.9 and 9.10 and, if applicable, clause 9.11 is equal to or less than the available number of Sale Shares, subject to satisfaction of any Minimum Transfer Condition, each Other Shareholder shall be allocated the number applied for in accordance with his application(s); or
 
 
 9.12.2
if the total number of Sale Shares applied for under clauses 9.9 and 9.10 is greater than the available number of Sale Shares, each Other Shareholder shall be allocated his Proportionate Allocation or such lesser number of Sale Shares for which he has applied and applications for Extra Shares shall be allocated among those Other Shareholders applying for Extra Shares in such proportions as equal (as nearly as may be) the proportions of all the Shares held by such Other Shareholders or such lesser number of Extra Shares for which he has applied; and
 
 
 9.12.3
if having allocated the Sale Shares in accordance with clauses 9.12.1 or 9.12.2, there remain unallocated Sale Shares, applications for Top Up Shares shall be allocated among those Other Shareholders applying for Top Up Shares in such proportions as equal (as nearly as may be) the proportion of all the Shares held by such Other Shareholders, provided that no person shall be obliged to take more than the maximum number of Shares that he has indicated to the Company he is willing to purchase.
 
9.13
Allocations of Sale Shares made by the Company pursuant to clause 9.12 shall constitute the acceptance by the persons to whom they are allocated of the offer to purchase those Sale Shares on the terms offered to them.
 
 
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9.14
The Company shall immediately on allocating any Sale Shares in accordance with clause 9.12 give notice in writing (a "Sale Notice") to the Seller and to each person to whom Sale Shares have been so allocated of the number of Sale Shares so allocated ("Allocated Shares") and the aggregate price payable on such Allocated Shares.  Completion of the sale and purchase of the Allocated Shares in accordance with the Sale Notice shall take place within 15 Business Days of the date of the Sale Notice, whereupon the Seller shall, on payment of the price due in respect of the Allocated Shares, transfer the Allocated Shares with full title guarantee free from all liens, charges and encumbrances to the applicable transferee and deliver the relevant share certificates.  If within 15 Business Days of the date of the Sale Notice, the Transferee has not made payment of the price due in respect of his Allocated Shares, such allocation shall be withdrawn and the entitlement of such person under clauses 9.8 to 9.14 shall be lost.  If the Seller stipulated in the Transfer Notice a Minimum Transfer Condition which, as a consequence of the withdrawal, has not been satisfied, the Sale Notices shall be revoked and the Company may not make any allocation of Sale Shares.
 
9.15
If the Seller defaults in transferring any Sale Shares pursuant to clause 9.14, the Company may receive the purchase money and may nominate some person to execute an instrument of transfer of such Sale Shares in the name and on behalf of the Seller and thereafter, when such instrument has been duly stamped (if required), the Company shall cause the name of the relevant Other Shareholder to be entered in the register of members as the holder of such Sale Shares and shall hold the purchase money on trust (without interest) for the Seller.  The receipt of the Company for the purchase money shall be a good discharge to the relevant Other Shareholder (who shall not be bound to see to the application thereof) and, after his name has been so entered in the register of members, the validity of the proceedings shall not be questioned by any person.
 
Tag Along

9.16
If all the Sale Shares are not sold under the pre-emption provisions contained in clauses 9.7 to 9.15 (inclusive) the Company shall (immediately on the exhaustion of such provisions) so notify the Seller and the Other Shareholders (the "Tag Along Notice").  The Tag Along Notice shall include the terms and conditions of the Transfer Notice given in accordance with clause 9.7 and the Seller may at any time, within four calendar months after receiving such notification, transfer to the Proposed Transferee the unsold Sale Shares on the terms and conditions set out in the Transfer Notice and at a price not less than the Sale Price, provided that:
 
 
 9.16.1
the Board may refuse registration of any Proposed Transferee if the Board reasonably believes the Proposed Transferee to be a Competitor of the Group or a person connected with such a Competitor (or a nominee of either);
 
 
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 9.16.2
the Board may refuse registration of any Proposed Transferee if the Board reasonably believes that the transfer to the Proposed Transferee will materially prejudice the Licences;
 
 
 9.16.3
any such sale shall be a sale in good faith and the Board may require to be satisfied (in such manner as it may reasonably think fit) that the Sale Shares are being sold for not less than the Sale Price without any deduction, rebate or allowance whatsoever and if not so satisfied may require the Company to refuse to register the transfer;
 
 
 9.16.4
the Proposed Transferee has executed a Deed of Adherence in accordance with clause 9.3 of this Agreement; and
 
 
 9.16.5
the provisions of clause 9.17 to 9.19 have been complied with.
 
9.17
The Tag Along Notice shall specify that each of the Other Shareholders shall have a period of 30 Business Days from the date of such Tag Along Notice to give written notice (the Acceptance Notice") to the Company that it wishes to sell its Shares at the Sale Price to the Proposed Transferee on the same terms and conditions as set out in the Tag Along Notice which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, include such Other Shareholders giving no more warranties, representations, indemnities, covenants and other assurances than those given by the Seller provided that:
 
 
 9.17.1
each Other Shareholder shall only be required to give warranties, representations, indemnities, covenants and other assurances which relate to or are in respect of the Company and any member of the Group, the Shares owned by it and its capacity to enter into the relevant agreement for the Sale of its Shares;
 
 
 9.17.2
the aggregate liability of each Other Shareholder under such warranties, representations, indemnities, covenants and other assurances shall be limited to the consideration payable to each Other Shareholder for its Shares by the Proposed Transferee;
 
 
 9.17.3
any warranties and representations relating to title to the Shares to be given by each Other Shareholder shall only relate to the title to the Shares to be sold by it and any warranties and representations relating to the capacity of such Other Shareholder to enter into the sale and purchase agreement to be given by such Other Shareholder shall only relate to the capacity of such Other Shareholder;
 
 
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 9.17.4
no Other Shareholder shall be required to given any restrictive covenants which in any way restrict such Other Shareholder from carrying on any business in any manner or to any degree.
 
9.18
The proposed sale to the Proposed Transferee in accordance with the Transfer Notice may not be completed unless the Proposed Transferee has unconditionally offered to buy all or any Shares the subject of an Acceptance Notice in accordance with clause 9.17 and the relevant Shareholder shall provide details in writing of any unconditional offers to the Other Shareholders as soon as possible following receipt of an unconditional offer.  The relevant offer shall not be made conditional on all of the Other Shareholders accepting it and shall be on terms that it may be accepted by such Shareholder in respect of the whole (but not part only) of its holding of  Shares.  Such offer shall remain open for acceptance for 30 Business Days.
 
9.19
The sale and purchase of all the Shares agreed to be sold pursuant to a relevant offer shall be completed within 15 Business Days after acceptance of the relevant offer or, if later, at the same time as the Sale of the Shares by the Seller to the Proposed Transferee and the relevant Shareholder shall provide details in writing of such sale to the Other Shareholders as soon as possible following the sale.
 
9.20
The provisions of clause 9.16 and 9.17 shall not apply to any sale of Shares which is to take place pursuant to an Offer under clause 11.
 
10.
QUOTATION
 
10.1
If, at any time on or after the second anniversary of the date of this Agreement (or such earlier time as the Qualifying Shareholders may agree in writing), a Qualifying Shareholder serves a written notice on the Company pursuant to this clause 10.1 (an "IPO Notice"), the Company shall promptly appoint a recognised investment bank (an "Investment Bank") to provide to the Company and to each Qualifying Shareholder a written opinion (the "Opinion") as to whether a Quotation valuing the equity share capital of the Company at an aggregate amount equal to not less than US$400 million (the "Target Value") is reasonably likely and the most appropriate securities exchange (as referred to in the definition of Quotation) on which the Quotation could take place.  No IPO Notice may be served pursuant to this clause 10.1 within 12 months of the date of service of an earlier IPO Notice on the Company by the same Qualifying Shareholder.
 
10.2
The Investment Bank shall be instructed to deliver its Opinion to the Company and each Qualifying Shareholder as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 20 Business Days of being engaged by the Company.  The Company shall be responsible for the fees and expenses of the Investment Bank and shall provide such information to the Investment Bank in its possession or control as the Investment Bank reasonably requests.
 
 
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10.3
If the Opinion advises that a Quotation which would value the equity share capital at an aggregate amount equal to not less than the Target Value is reasonably likely, any Qualifying Shareholder shall be entitled, in its sole discretion, by giving notice in writing to the other Shareholders and the Company within 30 Business Days following delivery of the Opinion to it, to elect to pursue the Quotation and each Shareholder and the Company shall forthwith undertake such acts, matters or things and execute all such documents as are reasonably necessary and within its power to facilitate the Quotation as expeditiously as practicable on the basis set out in the Opinion provided that, save with the written approval of the Qualifying Shareholders, the Quotation shall only take place if the sale or issue price of Shares at Quotation values the equity share capital of the Company at an aggregate amount equal to not less than the Target Value.  Without prejudice to the generality of the previous sentence, each Shareholder agrees that:
 
 
 10.3.1
any Nominated Director appointed by it shall (subject to his fiduciary duties) join with the other members of the Board in undertaking such acts, matters or things as are (in the reasonable opinion of the Investment Bank) reasonably necessary or desirable for the purpose of facilitating the Quotation;
 
 
 10.3.2
it shall vote in favour of such changes to the Memorandum and Articles as may reasonably be recommended by the Investment Bank for the purpose of facilitating the Quotation;
 
 
 10.3.3
conditional upon the Quotation occurring, it shall vote in favour of any resolutions required to convert the A Shares and B Shares into one class of shares and to consolidate or sub-divide such shares into such number as is (in the reasonable opinion of the Investment Bank) reasonably necessary or desirable for the purpose of facilitating the Quotation;
 
 
 10.3.4
it shall do such things as may reasonably be required to establish a new holding company for the Company if such course of action is (in the reasonable opinion of the Investment Bank) required for the purpose of facilitating the Quotation provided that the provisions of this Agreement, the Memorandum and Articles and any other shareholder arrangements relating to the Company which may be entered into from time to time are emulated in relation to such holding company to the reasonable satisfaction of each Shareholder prior to the Quotation occurring and provided further that the establishment of such holding company does not have any adverse tax or other consequences for any such Shareholder; and
 
 
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 10.3.5
it shall enter into such agreements as the Board (taking account of advice from the Investment Bank) may reasonably require for the purpose of facilitating a Quotation on terms mutually acceptable to the Investment Bank and such Shareholder (and each Shareholder undertakes that it will act reasonably in seeking to reach agreement on such terms and will not unreasonably object to any terms reasonably proposed by the Board including in relation to any customary lock up which applies equally to each Shareholder in relation to the sale of the Shares following the Quotation),
 
PROVIDED that this clause 10.3 shall not require any Shareholder to enter into or give any warranties, representations or indemnities (other than in respect of the ownership of its own Shares) or any non-competition or similar undertakings or to give any additional obligations beyond those which any other Shareholder is required to give unless such Shareholder in its absolute discretion agrees to provide the same.

10.4
The parties hereby agree that each Qualifying Shareholder shall be entitled at its option to sell all or some of its Shares as part of the Quotation save that if and to the extent that one or more of them do exercise such option and the resulting aggregate number of Shares to be sold by them as part of the Quotation (the "Aggregate Number") exceeds such number as in the reasonable opinion of the Investment Bank is the maximum number of Shares that can be so sold as part of the Quotation, taking into account any new shares which in the reasonable opinion of the Investment Bank need to be issued in connection with the Quotation (the "Maximum Number"), the parties agree that such number of Shares to be sold by each of them shall be such number of Shares as they wished to sell, multiplied by the fraction arrived at by dividing the Maximum Number by the Aggregate Number rounded down to the nearest whole number.
 
10.5
The parties agree that in the event of a Quotation occurring, this Agreement shall terminate and, without prejudice to the accrued rights of any party, the provisions hereof shall cease to apply.
 
11.
COME ALONG
 
11.1
Without prejudice to the provisions of clauses 9.7 to 9.15 (inclusive) if a Shareholder or Shareholders holding in aggregate not less than 75% in nominal value of the equity share capital then in issue wishes to accept a bona fide offer from an independent third party (the "Offeror") for the entire equity share capital of the Company or if London Mining wishes to accept a bona fide offer from an Offeror which values the entire equity share capital of the Company at an amount equal to not less than US$400 million (the "Offer"), such Shareholder or Shareholders (the "Accepting Shareholders") shall give written notice to the other Shareholders (the "Other Shareholders") of their wish to accept the Offer and the price to be paid by the Offeror (the "Come Along Notice").
 
 
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11.2
The Accepting Shareholders shall supply to the Other Shareholders such information as they may reasonably request in connection with the Offer (including details of any warranties, representations and indemnities, to be given in connection with the sale to the Offeror) provided that to the extent that any such disclosure of information would result in any breach of any confidentiality undertaking given by the Accepting Shareholders, the Accepting Shareholder may require the Other Shareholders to undertake to maintain the confidentiality of such information.  Any information so supplied shall be deemed to be Confidential Information.
 
11.3
Any Offer shall be to the following specification:
 
 
 11.3.1
an Offer may be by way of an offer for Shares made by a third party purchaser or a sale by private treaty;
 
 
 11.3.2
subject to clause 15.10, the consideration for the Offer Shares to be sold by the Shareholders pursuant to the Offer shall be apportioned between the Shareholders pro rata to the Shares to be sold by them;
 
 
 11.3.3
subject to clause 15.10, the Other Shareholders shall be entitled to receive in full their respective consideration for the Shares to be sold by them at the same time as the Accepting Shareholder;
 
 
 11.3.4
each Other Shareholder shall be required to give no more warranties, representations and indemnities in connection with the sale to the Offeror than those given by the Accepting Shareholders and shall only be required to give warranties, representations and indemnities which relate to or are in respect of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings, the Shares and its capacity to enter into the relevant agreement for the sale of its Shares;
 
 
 11.3.5
the aggregate liability of each Other Shareholder under such warranties, representations and indemnities shall be limited to the consideration received by such Other Shareholder pursuant to the sale to the Offeror;
 
 
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 11.3.6
no Other Shareholder shall be required to give any restrictive covenants which in any way restrict such Other Shareholder from carrying on any business in any manner or to any degree;
 
11.4
Conditional on the Other Shareholders each receiving not less than 10 Business Days' prior notice from the Accepting Shareholder of the proposed execution date together with a final version of the documentation for the Offer which the Other Shareholders are required to execute, each of the Other Shareholders undertakes to and covenants with the Accepting Shareholder that it will:
 
 
 11.4.1
execute and deliver such documentation, always provided that such documentation is on terms which comply with clause 11.3;
 
 
 11.4.2
on completion of the sale to the Offeror, deliver to the third party purchaser the certificates evidencing all Shares in the Company owned by him;
 
 
 11.4.3
with effect from completion of the sale to the Offeror, execute and deliver a stock transfer form transferring all shares in the Company owned by him to the third party purchaser and, unless the third party purchaser otherwise consents in writing, procure the removal of any persons appointed by him as a Nominated Director.
 
11.5
If any Other Shareholder has any shareholder loans granted to the Company or any Subsidiary Company, it shall at the same time as completing the sale of its shares as contemplated by clause 11.4, also assign such shareholder loans to the Offeror for a consideration equal to the face value of such loan plus any accrued but unpaid interest.
 
11.6
In order to secure the obligations of the Shareholders under clauses 11.4 to 11.5, each Shareholder hereby appoints the Company (the "Attorney") to act as his attorney with authority in its name and on its behalf to execute and sign any and all agreements, instruments, deeds or other papers and documents and to do all things in its name to execute and deliver transfers in respect of the Shares (and any shareholder loan) held by him and deliver the certificate(s) in respect of the same (or a suitable indemnity in lieu of such certificate) and, against receipt by the Company (on trust for the Shareholder) of the consideration payable for the relevant Shares (and any shareholder loan), deliver such transfer(s) and certificate(s) or indemnities to the Offeror (or his nominee) and register such Offeror (or his nominee) as the holder thereof and, after such registration, the validity of such proceedings shall not be questioned by any person.
 
 
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12.
BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT/INSOLVENCY
 
12.1
If:
 
 
 12.1.1
a Shareholder (the "defaulting party") commits a material breach of this Agreement to which the relevant Shareholder is party which is not remedied (if capable of remedy) within 20 Business Days of notice from the Company or other Shareholders (as applicable); or
 
 
 12.1.2
a Shareholder (the "defaulting party") makes an arrangement with its creditors or has an administration order made in relation to it or has a receiver or manager or administrative receiver appointed of the whole or a substantial part of its property, undertaking or assets or is voluntarily or compulsorily wound up (other than a voluntary winding up for the purposes of reconstruction, full particulars of which have, prior to the commencement of such winding up been given to the other Shareholders and during the course of which winding up such defaulting party or its parent undertaking does not become insolvent) or enters into any equivalent insolvency proceedings in any jurisdiction other than that of England,
 
then the defaulting party shall be deemed (in the case of clause 12.1.1, upon commission of the breach or expiry of the notice, as the case may be, or in the case of clause 12.1.2, or immediately prior to the happening of the event), to have offered all Shares owned by it in the Company for sale to the other Shareholders (the "non-defaulting parties") at a discount of 20% to fair market value of such Shares (the "Discounted Sale Shares") determined in accordance with the provisions of clauses 12.2 and 12.3 (the "Discounted Sale Price") and to have constituted the Company as its agent for the sale of such Shares at the Discounted Sale Price in the manner prescribed by clauses 12.2 to 12.10.

12.2
The market value of such Discounted Sale Shares shall be as agreed between the non-defaulting parties and the defaulting party (or its receiver, administrator or liquidator as the case may be) or, in default of agreement within 10 Business Days of the non-defaulting parties becoming aware of the happening of the relevant event, determined by an Independent Valuer.  The decision of the Independent Valuer shall, save in the case of manifest error, be final and binding on the parties.
 
12.3
The Independent Valuer shall be instructed to determine the fair market value as quickly as possible on the basis of a sale between willing buyer and willing seller as a going concern, if such be the case, and having regard to such criteria as they shall consider appropriate for the purpose including any rights, restrictions or obligations attaching to the Discounted Sale Shares to be transferred imposed by this Agreement and the Memorandum and Articles save that they shall be instructed to take no account of:
 
 
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 12.3.1
the size of the holding to be transferred; or
 
 
 12.3.2
the number of Shares already held by the non-defaulting parties.
 
12.4
The Company shall, within 10 Business Days of receipt of the Discounted Sale Price, give notice in writing to the non-defaulting parties offering for sale the Discounted Sale Shares at the Discounted Sale Price.  The notice shall specify that the non-defaulting parties shall have a period of 30 Business Days from the date of such notice within which to apply for some or all of the Discounted Sale Shares and that there will be no minimum transfer conditions.
 
12.5
It shall be a further term of the offer that, if there is competition among the non-defaulting parties for the Discounted Sale Shares, such Discounted Sale Shares shall be treated as offered among such non-defaulting parties in proportion (as nearly as may be) to their existing holdings of Shares (the "Proportionate Allocation").  However, the non-defaulting party in his application for Discounted Sale Shares may, if he so desires, indicate that he would be willing to purchase a particular number of Discounted Sale Shares in excess of his Proportionate Allocation ("Extra Shares").
 
12.6
If the total number of Discounted Sale Shares applied for is less than the available number of Discounted Sale Shares, the Company shall give notice in writing to the non-defaulting parties offering any unsold Discounted Sale Shares at the Discounted Sale Price.  The notice shall specify that the non-defaulting parties shall have a further period of 15 Business Days from the date of such notice to apply for some or all of the unsold Discounted Sale Shares ("Top Up Shares").
 
12.7
The Company shall allocate the Discounted Sale Shares as follows:
 
 
 12.7.1
if the total number of Discounted Sale Shares applied for under clauses 12.4 and 12.5 and, if applicable, clause 12.6 is equal to or less than the available number of Discounted Sale Shares, each non-defaulting party shall be allocated the number applied for in accordance with his application(s);
 
 
 12.7.2
if the total number of Discounted Sale Shares applied for under clauses 12.4 and 12.5 is greater than the available number of Discounted Sale Shares, each non-defaulting party shall be allocated his Proportionate Allocation or such lesser number of Discounted Sale Shares for which he has applied and applications for Extra Shares shall be allocated in accordance with such applications or, in the event of competition, among those non-defaulting parties applying for Extra Shares in such proportions as equal (as nearly as may be) the proportions of all the Shares held by such non-defaulting parties; or
 
 
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 12.7.3
if having allocated the Discounted Sale Shares in accordance clauses 12.7.1 and 12.7.2, there remain unallocated Discounted Sale Shares, applications for Top Up Shares shall be allocated among those non-defaulting parties applying for Top Up Shares in such proportions as equal (as nearly as may be) the proportion of all the Shares held by such non-defaulting parties, provided that no person shall be obliged to take more than the maximum number of Discounted Sale Shares that he has indicated to the Company he is willing to purchase
 
12.8
Allocations of Discounted Sale Shares made by the Company pursuant to clause 12.7 shall constitute the acceptance by the persons to whom they are allocated of the offer to purchase those Discounted Sale Shares on the terms offered to them.
 
12.9
The Company shall immediately on allocating any Discounted Sale Shares in accordance with clause 12.7 give notice in writing (a "Sale Notice") to the defaulting party (or its receiver, administrator or liquidator as the case may be) and to each person to whom Discounted Sale Shares have been so allocated of the number of Discounted Sale Shares so allocated and the aggregate price payable on such allocated Discounted Sale Shares.  Completion of the sale and purchase of those Discounted Sale Shares in accordance with the Sale Notice shall take place within five Business Days of the date of the Sale Notice, whereupon the defaulting party (or its receiver, administrator or liquidator as the case may be) shall, on payment of the price due in respect of such allocated Discounted Sale Shares, transfer those Discounted Sale Shares specified in the Sale Notice with full title guarantee free from all liens, charges and encumbrances to the persons to whom they have been allocated and deliver the relevant share certificates.
 
12.10
In order to secure the obligations of the defaulting party under clause 12.9, each Shareholder irrevocably appoints the Company (the "Attorney") to act as his attorney with authority in such Shareholder's name and on his behalf to execute and sign any and all agreements, instruments, deeds or other papers and documents and to do all things in such Shareholder's name (or its receiver, administrator or liquidator as the case may be) to transfer any Discounted Sale Shares pursuant to clause 12.9 and the Attorney may receive such purchase money and may nominate some person to execute an instrument of transfer of such Discounted Sale Shares in the name and on behalf of the defaulting party (or its receiver, administrator or liquidator as the case may be) and thereafter, when such instrument has been duly stamped (if required), the Company shall cause the name of the proposed transferee to be entered in the register of members as the holder of such Discounted Sale Shares and shall hold the purchase money on trust (without interest) for the defaulting party (or its receiver, administrator or liquidator as the case may be).  The receipt of the Company for the purchase money shall be a good discharge to the proposed transferee (who shall not be bound to see to the application thereof) and, after his name has been so entered in the register of members, the validity of the proceedings shall not be questioned by any person.
 
 
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12.11
The defaulting party shall be entitled to keep any Discounted Sale Shares not sold pursuant to clause 12.
 
12.12
Each of the Shareholders undertakes to inform the other forthwith upon the happening in relation to it of any of the events referred to in clauses 12.1.1 and 12.1.2.
 
12.13
Any exercise by a Shareholder of its rights under clauses 12.1 to 12.12 shall not limit access to any other rights and remedies, including the right to damages, available to it under this Agreement or otherwise.
 
13.
WITS BASIN INDEMNITY
 
13.1
Without prejudice to the requirements of clause 15.8, in the event that:
 
 
 13.1.1
during the period from the date of this Agreement until the date that is 3 years after the date of this Agreement ("Relevant Period"), there is a Trigger Event (as defined below) and the holders of A Shares have received in aggregate, a net amount after withholding tax of US$44.5 million by distributions from the Company (whether by dividends, distributions, return of capital or other means (and including any amounts received by dividend, distribution, return of capital or other means by holders of A Shares in respect of any B Shares acquired from time to time), by the last day of the Relevant Period ("Dividend Date"); or
 
 
 13.1.2
during any 12 month period following the date that is 3 years after the date of this Agreement (each, a "Subsequent Period"), commencing with the 12 month period ending on the date that is 4 years after the date of this Agreement, there is a Trigger Event (as defined below) and as the holders of A Shares have received in aggregate, a net amount after withholding tax of US$44.5 million by distributions from the Company (whether by dividends, distributions, return of capital or other means (and including any amounts received by dividend, distribution, return of capital or other means by holders of A Shares in respect of any B Shares acquired from time to time), in the period from the date of this Agreement to the end of the relevant 12 month period ("Subsequent Dividend Date");
 
 
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Wits Basin shall transfer or procure the transfer to London Mining with full title guarantee free from all liens, charges and encumbrances for an aggregate nominal amount of US$1, such number of B Shares as is determined in accordance with clauses 13.4 to 13.9 (the "Transfer Shares"). The Transfer Shares shall be transferred within 5 Business days of the determination of the fair market value of the B Shares and the Diminution Value (in respect of the Trigger Events under clause 13.2.5 and 13.2.6) pursuant to clauses 13.4 to 13.9 (such date of transfer being the "Transfer Date"). For the avoidance of doubt, the total number of B Shares to be transferred at each Transfer Date shall be the aggregate number of Transfer Shares calculated in respect of all Trigger Events which arose in the Relevant Period or the relevant Subsequent Period (as applicable).
 
13.2
A Trigger Event for the purposes of clause 13.1 shall constitute;
 
 
 13.2.1
any payment to Lu Benzhao or his connected persons under the Consulting Agreement (including H.K. Blossom Mining Resourse Group Ltd);
 
 
 13.2.2
any payment  to Lu Benzhao or his connected persons under the Consulting Agreement (including H.K. Blossom Mining Resourse Group Ltd) in respect of the Outstanding Sudan Consideration or in respect of the MZM Consideration;
 
 
 13.2.3
any payment  made for a Matang Development Cost;
 
 
 13.2.4
any financing costs or expenses (including payments of interest) that are incurred by any member of the Group in connection with any of the payments referred to in clauses 13.2.1 to 13.2.3;
 
 
 13.2.5
the failure of the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement to complete within the time period contemplated in the Business Plan; or
 
 
 13.2.6
the input cost assumptions to the Business Plan approved as at the date of this Agreement ("Assumptions") regarding fixed costs and operating costs (including strip ratio) being materially different (other than as a result of changes in the market or force majeure) such that the net present value of the A Shares owned by London Mining as set out the Business Plan approved as at the date of this Agreement has decreased by US$1 million.
 
 
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13.3
It shall not be a Trigger Event under clause 13.1:
 
 
 13.3.1
if the payment, cost or circumstance giving rise to the Trigger Event has the prior written approval of the parties, including without limitation any payment contemplated under the Business Plan as at date of this Agreement (provided that all other material aspects of the Business Plan as at date of this Agreement have been met);
 
 
 13.3.2
in respect of clause 13.2.5, if the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement does not complete as a result of London Mining not agreeing to proceed with the acquisition of MZM and the Company has conducted and completed a Feasibility Study (which shall include, among other parameters, drilling to confirm ore reserves to standards as set out in the JORC Code, analysis of mine plan, construction costs, permitting) which demonstrates that the project is economically and technically viable, financing for the project is available, the costs of developing the project are materially in line with the Business Plan as at the date of this Agreement and where production of iron ore is sufficient to meet target production as set out in the Business Plan as at the date of this Agreement (at the required grade of iron ore);
 
 
 13.3.3
if any payment under clauses 13.2.1, 13.2.2 and 13.2.3 above is made out of funds received by the Target Entities or MZM as a result of the Company or another member of the Group obtaining Third Party Funding on terms as agreed by the parties to this Agreement; or
 
 
 13.3.4
if any payment was made to Lu Benzhao or his connected persons under the Consulting Agreement (including H.K. Blossom Mining Resourse Group Ltd) prior to the date of this Agreement and as agreed by London Mining.
 
13.4
The number of shares to be transferred to London Mining in respect of a Trigger Event set out in the clause 13.2.1, 13.2.2, 13.2.3 and 13.2.4 shall be calculated based on the following:
 
A = B ÷ C

Where:
A = the number of B Shares to be transferred.

 
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B = the amount in USD equal to the aggregate amount of all payments made under a Trigger Event set out in clauses 13.2.1 to 13.2.4 paid in either the Relevant Period or any Subsequent Period (as applicable).

C = the fair market value of each B Share as at the Dividend Date or any Subsequent Dividend Date (as applicable) as determined in accordance with clause 13.6 and 13.7.

13.5
The number of shares to be transferred to London Mining in respect of a Trigger Event set out in the clause 13.2.5 and 13.2.6 shall be calculated based on the following:
 
A = (D  + E) ÷ C

Where:
A = the number of B Shares to be transferred.

D = an amount equal to the Diminution Value of the A Shares and B Shares (if any) (including those acquired under this clause 13) held (or deemed to be held under clause 13.7.3(b)) by London Mining arising as a result of the Trigger Event set out in clause 13.2.5 as determined in accordance with clauses 13.6, 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9.

E = an amount equal to the Diminution Value of the A Shares and B Shares (if any) (including those acquired under this clause 13) held (or deemed to be held under clause 13.7.3(b))by London Mining arising as a result of the Trigger Event set out in clause 13.2.6 as determined in accordance with clauses 13.6, 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9.

C = the fair market value of each B Share as at the Dividend Date or any Subsequent Dividend Date (as applicable) as determined in accordance with clause 13.6 and 13.7.

13.6
London Mining and Wits Basin shall use reasonable endeavours to agree (as applicable):
 
 
 13.6.1
the amount of any payment, cost or expense referred to in clauses 13.2.1 to 13.2.4;
 
 
 13.6.2
the fair market value of the B Shares for the purposes of clauses 13.4 and 13.5; and
 
 
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 13.6.3
the Diminution Value,
 
within 10 Business Days of the Dividend Date or any Subsequent Dividend Date (as applicable); or, in default of agreement within 20 Business Days of the Dividend Date or any Subsequent Dividend Date (as applicable) London Mining or Wits Basin may refer the matters set out in paragraphs 13.6.1 to 13.6.3 to an Independent Valuer for a resolution.  The decision of the Independent Valuer shall, save in the case of manifest error, be final and binding on the parties.
 
13.7
The Independent Valuer shall be instructed to determine:
 
 
 13.7.1
the amount of any payment, cost or expense referred to in clauses 13.2.1 to 13.2.4 as quickly as possible and having regard to such criteria as they shall consider appropriate for the purpose;
 
 
 13.7.2
the fair market value of the B Shares as quickly as possible on the basis of a sale between willing buyer and willing seller as a going concern, if such be the case, and having regard to such criteria as they shall consider appropriate for the purpose including any rights, restrictions or obligations attaching to the B Shares to be transferred imposed by this Agreement and the Memorandum and Articles save that they shall be instructed to take no account of:
 
 
 (a)
the size of the holding to be transferred; or
 
 
 (b)
the number of Shares already held by London Mining,
 
 
 13.7.3
the Diminution Value as quickly as possible having regard to such criteria as they shall consider appropriate for the purpose, and on the basis:
 
 
 (a)
of a sale of the Company between willing buyer and willing seller as a going concern, if such be the case;
 
 
 (b)
that any transfer of B Shares under clause 13.1 resulting from a Trigger Event arising under clauses 13.2.1 to 13.2.4 and 13.2.5 (in the case of E in clause 13.5 above) has taken place (and the parties agree that any such B Shares shall be deemed to be held by London Mining for the purposes of clauses 13.5, 13.8 and 13.9),
 
  and otherwise in accordance with clause 13.8 and 13.9.
 
13.8
In order to calculate the Diminution Value the Independent Valuer shall determine:
 
 
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 13.8.1
subject to clause 13.8.2, the fair market value of each A Share and B Share (if any) (including those acquired under this clause 13) held (or deemed to be held under clause 13.7.3(b)) by London Mining as at the Dividend Date or Subsequent Dividend Date (as applicable) calculated on the basis of the value of the Group determined as if the Business Plan as approved at the date of this Agreement had been met and that the relevant Trigger Event had not occurred ("Projected FMV"); and
 
 
 13.8.2
if there is a Trigger Event under both clause 13.2.5 and 13.2.6, in calculating the Diminution Value for the purpose of a Trigger Event under clause 13.2.6, the Projected FMV will be calculated on the basis of the Business Plan as approved at the date of this Agreement but adjusted to exclude any assumed acquisition of MZM; and
 
 
 13.8.3
the actual fair market value of each A Share or B Share (if any) (including those acquired under this clause 13(b)) held (or deemed to be held under clause 13.7.3(b)) by London Mining as at the Dividend Date or Subsequent Dividend Date (as applicable) ("Actual FMV"); and
 
13.9
The Diminution Value shall be the calculated in accordance with the following formula:
 
 X = ((YA x SA) +(YB x SB))  – ((ZA x SA) +(ZB x SB)),
 
where:
 
X is the Diminution Value
YA is the Projected FMV of each A Share
YB is the Projected FMV of each B Share
ZA is the Actual FMV of each A Share
ZB is the Actual FMV of each B Share
SA is the number of A Shares  held by London Mining as at the Dividend Date or Subsequent Dividend Date (as applicable).
SB is the number of B Shares held (or deemed to be held under clause 13.7.3(b)) by London Mining (including those acquired under clause 13.1) as at the Dividend Date or Subsequent Dividend Date (as applicable).

13.10
If there is a transfer of B Shares pursuant to clause 13.1:
 
 
13.10.1
Wits Basin shall deliver or procure the delivery of a transfer form to London Mining duly executed by the owner of the Transfer Shares and the relevant share certificates for the Transfer Shares to the Company for cancellation;
 
 
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13.10.2
the Company shall enter London Mining in the register of members of the Company as the holder of such Transfer Shares transferred under clause 13.1;
 
 
13.10.3
the Company shall amend the register of members to reflect the change in holding of B Shares; and
 
 
13.10.4
the Company shall issue and deliver share certificates to London Mining to reflect its revised holdings of Shares, revised as a result of clause 13.1.
 
13.11
Wits Basin shall not and shall procure that none of its Group members shall increase, or agree to increase the total amount of its principal (or the rate of interest payable on the principal) owed to China Gold above the amount which it has outstanding to China Gold as at the date of this Agreement under the Wits Basin Promissory Note (being US$10,421,000), nor shall it extend, or agree to extend the maturity date of the Wits Basin Promissory Note beyond the date that is 3 years after the date of this Agreement ("Maturity Date Extension") without the prior written consent of London Mining, where such an increase is secured by, or such Maturity Date Extension contains, an equity charge over the B Shares held by Wits Basin or any member of its Group or where such an increase or Maturity Date Extension would otherwise have a materially detrimental effect on London Mining's rights under this Agreement.  London Mining shall not withhold its consent to a Maturity Date Extension if such new maturity date is on or before the maturity date of the Promissory Note and if China Gold has provided a written irrevocable and unconditional confirmation to the Company and each Qualifying Shareholder that any equity charge in favour of China Gold over any B Shares which are determined to be Transfer Shares under this Clause 13, shall automatically and unconditionally release on the Transfer Date.
 
13.12
If so requested in writing by London Mining, Wits Basin must repay the Wits Basin Promissory Note ahead of its maturity date in order to effect a full release of any Transfer Shares from the Second Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement ("Security Release").
 
13.13
In the event that London Mining requests the early repayment pursuant to clause 13.12, it may offer to make a loan to Wits Basin for an amount equal to the total outstanding principal and interest under the Wits Basin Promissory Note in order to effect the Security Release. Any such loan shall be made on equivalent terms to the Wits Basin Promissory Note (including as to security other than in respect of the Transfer Shares).  If London Mining shall make such an offer, Wits Basin must agree to enter into such loan arrangements.
 
 
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13.14
If at any time Wits Basin transfers any of its B Shares after the date of this Agreement to any person (other than London Mining) including to China Gold under the Second Amended and Restated Share Pledge Agreement) and prior to the provisions of this clause 13 expiring, it shall procure that any transferee shall enter into a similar commitment in respect of such B Shares as that given by Wits Basin under this clause 13 (and which shall include the appointment of the Company as an attorney on terms of the clause 13.14)  in a form reasonably acceptable to London Mining and the Company shall not approve any such transfer unless such a commitment is so given.
 
13.15
Subject to clause 13.16, in order to secure the obligations of Wits Basin under clause 13.1, Wits Basin irrevocably (and shall procure that such other member of its Group who validly holds the relevant Transfer Shares) appoints the London Mining (the "Attorney") to act as its attorney with authority in its name and on its behalf to execute and sign any and all agreements, instruments, deeds or other papers and documents and to do all things in Wits Basin's name (or its receiver, administrator or liquidator as the case may be) to transfer any Transfer Shares pursuant to clause 13.1. The Attorney may receive such purchase money and may nominate some person to execute an instrument of transfer of such Transfer Shares in the name and on behalf of Wits Basin (or its receiver, administrator or liquidator as the case may be) and thereafter, when such instrument has been duly stamped (if required), the Company shall cause the name of London Mining (or such other person as it directs) to be entered in the register of members as the holder of such Transfer Shares and shall hold the purchase money on trust (without interest) for Wits Basin (or its receiver, administrator or liquidator as the case may be).  The receipt of London Mining for the purchase money shall be a good discharge to London Mining (who shall not be bound to see the application thereof) and, after London Mining's name has been so entered in the register of members, the validity of the proceedings shall not be questioned by any person.
 
13.16
London Mining shall only exercise its rights in relation to the Transfer of any B Shares held by Wits Basin under the power of attorney granted under clause 13.15 in the event that the B Shares have been determined to be Transfer Shares in accordance with clauses 13.1 to 13.9 and London Mining and Wits Basin have determined that there has been a Trigger Event, or in default of agreement by London Mining and Wits Basin, it is finally determined that there has been a Trigger Event by an Independent Valuer (such Independent Valuer may be appointed for this purpose in default of agreement by London Mining and Wits Basin within 30 days of the Dividend Date or any Subsequent Dividend Date) or it is otherwise finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitration tribunal. The decision of the Independent Valuer shall, save in the case of manifest error, be final and binding on the parties.
 
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13.17
Without prejudice to clause 13.15, if, following the Transfer Date the B Shares which have been determined to be Transfer Shares under this clause 13 (provided that London Mining and Wits Basin have determined that there has been a Trigger Event or in default of agreement by London Mining and Wits Basin, it is finally determined that there has been a Trigger Event by an Independent Valuer (such Independent Valuer may be appointed for this purpose in default of agreement by London Mining and Wits Basin within 30 days of the Dividend Date or any Subsequent Dividend Date. The decision of the Independent Valuer shall, save in the case of manifest error, be final and binding on the parties.) are not transferred by the transferee to London Mining in accordance with this clause 13, London Mining shall be entitled, at its sole discretion by serving a written notice on with the Company (with a copy to the other Shareholders), to require the conversion of the B Shares into Deferred Shares at the rate set out in clause 15.12 ("Conversion Notice"), without prejudice to any other rights of London Mining.
 
14.             DEADLOCK
 
14.1
If there is a dispute or disagreement between the Qualifying Shareholders as to any question which either of them (in its sole judgement) shall consider is of fundamental importance to the future of the Company or the Business, either Qualifying Shareholder may give notice in writing to the other Qualifying Shareholder referring to the dispute or disagreement and the Qualifying Shareholders shall immediately refer the matter giving rise to the deadlock to the chief executives of their respective Groups and to use all reasonable endeavours to resolve such dispute or disagreement.
 
14.2
The Qualifying Shareholders agree that until such time as the deadlock is resolved, the Reserved Matter or other matter giving rise to the deadlock shall not be undertaken or affected by the Company or Subsidiary Company.
 
15.             SHARE RIGHTS
 
Return of Capital Rights

15.1
The rights as regards return of capital attaching to each class of Shares shall be as follows:
 
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15.1.1
on a return of capital on liquidation or otherwise (except on a purchase by the Company of any Shares), the surplus assets of the Company remaining after the payment of its liabilities (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any debts) shall be applied in the following order of priority:
 
 
(a)
first, in paying to the holders of A Shares, (paid pro rata to the number of A shares held), a net amount after withholding tax equal to US$44.5 million (which shall exclude any payment by way of any LM Management Fee and any reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses) less any amounts received by holders of A Shares pursuant to clauses 15.2 to 15.5;
 
 
(b)
second, the balance of such assets (if any) shall be distributed amongst the holders of the A Shares and B Shares (pari passu as if the same constituted one class of Shares) according to the amount paid up or credited as paid up on each such Share,  up to a maximum of $10 million on each A Share and each B Share;
 
 
(c)
third, in paying to each holder of Deferred Shares in respect of each Deferred Share of which it is a holder, a sum equal to the par value of such shares; and
 
 
(d)
fourth, the balance of such assets (if any) shall be distributed amongst the holders of the A Shares and B Shares (pari passu as if the same constituted one class of Shares) according to the amount paid up or credited as paid up on each such Share.
 
Distributions

15.2
Subject to capital expenditure and working capital requirements of the Group as agreed in the Business Plan (including without limitation the obligations under the Promissory Note) and to applicable law, and subject to the provisions of clauses 15.4, 15.5, 15.7 and 15.8, the Company shall in each calendar year distribute the remaining Available Profits by way of dividend or any other means to the holders of the A Shares and the B Shares (pari passu as if the same constituted one class of Share) according to the number of Shares held by the relevant Shareholder at the relevant time and the parties shall procure that such distributions are made.
 
15.3
The Company shall procure (so far as it is able) that each Subsidiary Company which has Available Profits shall from time to time declare and pay to the Company (or, as the case may be, the relevant Subsidiary Company that is its immediate holding company or parent undertaking) such dividends as are necessary to enable the Company to make distributions in accordance with clause 15.2 in the maximum sums it is able following payment of such dividends by such Subsidiary Companies.
 
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15.4
Until the holders of A Shares have received in aggregate distributions by the Company, (whether by dividend, distribution, return of capital or other means (and including any amounts received by dividend, distribution, return of capital or other means by holders of A Shares in respect of any B Shares acquired pursuant to clause 13, but excluding by way of any LM Management Fee and any reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses)) a net amount after withholding tax equal to US$44.5 million ("Repayment Date"), the Available Profits of the Company shall be distributed in the following order of priority: 99% of the Available Profits shall be payable to the holders of the A Shares and 1% of the Available Profits shall be payable to the holders of the B Shares (in each case on a pro rata basis to the number of A Shares and B Shares held (as applicable)).
 
15.5
Following the Repayment Date, the Available Profits of the Company shall be distributed in the following order of priority:
 
 
15.5.1
60% of the Available Profits accrued between the Repayment Date and Dividend Review Date shall be payable to the holders of the A Shares and 40% of such Available Profits shall be payable to the holders of the B Shares (in each case on a pro rata basis to the number of A Shares and B Shares held (as applicable)); and
 
 
15.5.2
50% of the Available Profits accrued after the Dividend Review Date shall be payable to the holders of the A Shares and 50% of the Available Profits accrued after the Dividend Review Date shall be payable to the holders of the B Shares (in each case on a pro rata basis to the number of A Shares and B Shares held (as applicable)).
 
15.6
In clause 15.5.2:
 
 
15.6.1
"Dividend Review Date" means January 1 in the first full calendar year after the Repayment Date in which the Target Entities reach the Production Level; and
 
 
15.6.2
"Production Level" means a level of production whereby the XNS and MZM mines operated by the Target Entities have produced during a calendar year an aggregate of 850 tonnes of iron ore concentrate at a grade of not less than 62%.
 
15.7
The Company shall use its best endeavours to ensure that payments (whether by dividend, distribution, return of capital or other means (but excluding by way of any LM Management Fee and any reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses)) of not less than in aggregate, a net amount after withholding tax equal to US$44.5 million, are paid to the A Shareholders prior to the date that is 3 years after the date of this Agreement.
 
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15.8
Despite any other provision of this Agreement, the parties agree that the Company shall make no payment to Lu Benzhao under the Consulting Agreement until the A Shareholders have, in aggregate, received a net amount after withholding tax equal to US$44.5 million, whether by dividend, distribution, return of capital or other means (including any amounts received by dividend, distribution, return of capital or other means by holders of A Shares in respect of any B Shares acquired pursuant to clause 13) but excluding by way of any LM Management Fee and any reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses), unless any such payment to Lu Benzhao is required by law or by contract or  with the prior written consent of London Mining and Wits Basin.
 
15.9
The holders of Deferred Shares shall have no rights to any dividends or other distributions other than on a return of capital as set out in clause 15.1.
 
Rights on Exit

15.10
In the event of an Exit (other than a Sale under clauses 9.16 to 9.19 or a Quotation) which shall include any sale in accordance with clauses 11.2 to 11.6 (inclusive), notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the terms and conditions governing such Exit, the Shareholders immediately prior to such Exit shall procure that the consideration (whenever received) shall be placed in a designated trustee account and shall be distributed amongst such selling Shareholders in such amounts and in such order of priority as would be applicable on a return of capital (pursuant to clause 15.1).
 
15.11
In the event of a sale by Wits Basin of any of its shares to a third party, any principal outstanding under the WB Loan and any accrued but unpaid interest on that amount shall be repaid to London Mining (or such other holders of the WB Loan at such time) as a condition of transfer of the Shares held by Wits Basin pursuant to the WB Loan Agreement.
 
Conversion of B Shares

15.12
On receipt of a valid Conversion Notice from London Mining, such number of B Shares shall automatically convert into Deferred Shares so that, on the conversion London Mining owns such percentage of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as it would have done if the Transfer Shares had been transferred to it under clause 13.
 
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15.13
Any conversion of B Shares pursuant to clause 15.12 shall be made on the following terms:
 
 
15.13.1
the conversion shall take effect immediately on  the date on which the Conversion Notice is received by the Company at no cost to the A Shareholders;
 
 
15.13.2
the  relevant holder of the B Shares shall deliver the certificates for the relevant B Shares to the Company for cancellation; and
 
 
15.13.3
the Company shall issue to the relevant Shareholders new share certificates for the new holdings of B Shares and Deferred Shares resulting from the conversion.
 
15.14
Following any conversion of B Shares into Deferred Shares pursuant to clause 15.12, any such Deferred Shares may either be transferred to a person nominated by the Board or (subject to the law) purchased by the Company in each case for an aggregate amount of $1 for all Deferred Shares then in issue.
 
15.15
Following the conversion of the B Shares into Deferred Shares pursuant to clause 15.12, the Company shall procure that the Company Secretary and, if required, the Board shall take all necessary steps to ensure that such conversion is documented accurately and all filings and any other relevant formalities are complied with.
 
16.             RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
 
16.1
Each Shareholder undertakes to the Company (for itself and as trustee for each other Subsidiary Company) and (as a separate undertaking) to the other Shareholders that:
 
 
16.1.1
he will not, directly or indirectly, at any time prior to, nor during the period of 12 calendar months from, the Relevant Date:
 
 
(a)
solicit or entice away, or endeavour to solicit or entice away, from the Company or any other Subsidiary Company; or
 
 
(b)
employ or engage, or endeavour to employ or engage,
 
any person who was at the Relevant Date, or who at any time during the period of 12 calendar months prior to the Relevant Date had been, an employee of the Company or any other Subsidiary Company (and with whom the Shareholder had dealings (other than in a de minimis way) during such 12 calendar-month period) whether or not such person would commit a breach of his employment contract by reason of leaving service, save that this clause shall not apply to any employee employed by the Company or any other Subsidiary Company in a non-managerial or purely administrative role. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the solicitation, enticement, employment or engagement by Wits Basin or any member of Wits Basin's Group of William Green, Mark Dacko or Stephen King shall not constitute a breach of this clause 16;
 
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16.1.2
he will not, directly or indirectly, within 100kms of any of the land owned by any member of the Group at the date of this Agreement at any time during the period of 12 calendar months from the Relevant Date:
 
 
(a)
engage in; or
 
 
(b)
be concerned or interested in,
 
any business carried on in competition with any of the businesses of the Company or any Subsidiary Company with which he was associated at any time during the period of 12 calendar months prior to the Relevant Date.

16.2
Each Shareholder undertakes to the Company (for itself and as trustee for each other Company Group member) that, in the period from the date of this Agreement until the date that is 12 months after the Relevant Date, it shall introduce and first offer to the Company (for itself and on behalf of each other Company Group member), any opportunities relating, directly or indirectly, to iron ore mining or iron ore product processing in the People's Republic of China of which it or any member of the respective Shareholder's Group becomes aware ("Mining Opportunity").
 
16.3
Each Shareholder shall notify in writing the Company and the other Shareholders promptly on it, or any member of its respective Shareholder's Group ("Notifying Party"), becoming aware of a Mining Opportunity. The Notifying Party shall promptly on written request, provide to the Company and the other Shareholders all such information within its control and as reasonably requested by the Company or the other Shareholders, in order to enable the Company and its Group to properly assess the Mining Opportunity. Any information provided to any of the Company or the other Shareholders (each an "Interested Party") under this clause 16.3 should be provided at the same time to the other Interested Parties.
 
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16.4
If the Company does not provide written notice to the Notifying Party, with a copy to the other Interested Parties, within 45 days of receiving notice of the Mining Opportunity, that it wishes to pursue the Mining Opportunity, the right of first offer granted in clauses 16.2 will lapse.
 
16.5
The parties agree that in the period from the date of this Agreement until the date that is 12 months after the Relevant Date, each Shareholder and each member of its respective Shareholder's Group and its respective Personnel ("Relevant Shareholder") shall be prohibited from pursuing any Mining Opportunity in the event that the Company or any member of its Group:
 
 
16.5.1
pursues (or takes action to pursue) the relevant Mining Opportunity; or
 
 
16.5.2
declines to pursue the relevant Mining Opportunity as a result of the Relevant Shareholder (or its Nominated Directors) voting against or otherwise vetoing the pursuit of the relevant Mining Opportunity whether directly or indirectly (including by refusing to provide or approve additional funding) at the Company level and where the other Shareholder(s) (or its Nominated Directors) was in favour of pursuing the relevant Mining Opportunity.
 
16.6
For the purpose of clause 16.3:
 
 
16.6.1
the awareness of Wits Basin includes the awareness of Stephen King any employee of, or consultant to, Wits Basin or any member of its Shareholder's Group that performs the role of "Supervisor" for any of the Target Entities or any other Subsidiary Company incorporated in the PRC from time to time and any other persons who perform similar functions at Wits Basin with respect to the Company's Group from time to time; and
 
 
16.6.2
the awareness of London Mining includes the awareness of Graeme Hossie Rachel Rhodes and Luciano Ramos and any other persons who perform similar functions at London Mining with respect to the Company's Group from time to time,
 
in each case in their capacity as an employee or consultant of Wits Basin or London Mining (as applicable).
 
16.7
For the purposes of clauses 16.1, 16.2 and 16.5:
 
 
16.7.1
the "Relevant Date" shall mean the date on which the Shareholder cease to hold any Shares (or any shares in any Subsidiary Company);
 
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16.7.2
"directly or indirectly" shall mean a Shareholder acting either alone or jointly with or on behalf of any other person, firm or company whether as principal, partner, Operator, employee, contractor, director, consultant, investor or otherwise; and
 
 
16.7.3
"Personnel" shall mean directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, sub-contractors or professional advisers of a party or any other member or its Group
 
16.8
Nothing contained in clause 16.1 shall prevent a Shareholder from being the holder or beneficial owner, by way of bona fide investment, of any class of securities in any company if such class of securities is listed, or dealt in, on a recognised investment exchange (within the meaning of section 285(1) of the English Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) provided that it (together, in the case of an individual, with his spouse and minor children and, in the case of a body corporate, with all other members of its Group) neither holds nor is beneficially interested in more than a total of 1% of any single class of the securities in that company.
 
16.9
Each of the undertakings contained in clauses 16.1, 16.2 and 16.5 is a separate undertaking by each Shareholder in relation to itself and its interests and shall be enforceable by the Company and the other Shareholders separately and independently of its rights to enforce any one or more of the other covenants contained in clause 16.
 
16.10
Each Shareholder agrees (having taken independent legal advice) that the undertakings contained in clauses 16.1, 16.2 and 16.5 are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the legitimate interests of the Company and members of its Group and that these restrictions do not work harshly on it.  Each Shareholder nevertheless agreed that, if any such undertaking shall be found to be void but would be valid if some part were deleted, then such undertaking shall apply with such deletions as may be necessary to make it valid and enforceable.
 
16.11
Each Shareholder shall procure that each member of its respective Shareholder's Group and each employee and consultant, agent and officer of each member of its respective Shareholder's Group is aware of and complies with the undertakings contained in clauses 16.1, 16.2 and 16.5.
 
17.             CONFIDENTIALITY
 
17.1
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Shareholders shall be entitled at all times:
 
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17.1.1
to consult freely about the Group and its affairs with, and to disclose Conditional Information to, their auditors, lenders and proposed lenders and with any other member of their respective Groups or investors (or with or to any of its or their respective professional advisers); and
 
 
17.1.2
for the purposes of facilitating an Exit or sale of some or all of their Shares, to disclose any Confidential Information to any proposed purchaser, underwriter, sponsor or broker,
 
provided that the Shareholder disclosing such information shall use reasonable endeavours to procure that any such recipient is made aware that it is Confidential Information and agrees to treat it accordingly and, with respect to clause 17.1.2, shall keep the Board informed of the identity of any persons to whom disclosures are made pursuant to this clause. The Company agrees with the Shareholders who, for these purposes, shall also act as trustee for the persons to whom Confidential Information may be disclosed under this clause 17.1, to waive any claim for breach of confidence in respect of any disclosure of Confidential Information made by the Shareholders in compliance with this clause 17.1.
 
17.2
Subject to clause 17.1, each party shall in all respects keep confidential and not at any time disclose or make known in any other way to anyone whomsoever or use for his own or any other person's benefit or to the detriment of any Group Company any Confidential Information, provided that:
 
 
17.2.1
such obligation shall not apply to information which becomes generally known (other than through a breach by any party of this clause);
 
 
17.2.2
any party shall be entitled at all times to disclose such information as may be required by law or by any competent judicial or regulatory authority to enable it to comply with the requirements of Oslo Axess or any other any securities exchange on which it or any member of a Shareholder's Group is listed or for tax or accounting purposes (provided that, so far as practicable, the disclosing party shall consult with the other parties prior to making such disclosure); and
 
 
17.2.3
nothing contained in this clause shall prevent any employee of any Group Company from disclosing information in the proper performance of his duties as an employee.
 
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18.             ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
No Shareholder shall (without the consent of the other Shareholder, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) issue any press release or make any public statement or publish any document or make any public statement or otherwise make any disclosure to any person who is not a party to this Agreement, other than the Announcements, before or after the date of this Agreement, relating to any of the matters provided for or referred to in this Agreement or any ancillary matter.  This clause shall not apply to any announcement or disclosure required by law, by any competent judicial or regulatory authority, Oslo Axess, the Securities and Exchange Commission or by any securities exchange (in which case the parties shall co-operate, in good faith, in order to agree the content of any such announcement, so far as practicable, prior to its being made).
 
19.             TERMINATION
 
Save as expressly provided in this Agreement to the contrary and unless otherwise agreed by the Shareholders, this Agreement other than clauses 1 (Definitions and Interpretation), 16 (Restrictive Covenants), 17 (Confidentiality), 18 (Announcements), 22 (Applicable Law and Jurisdiction), 23 (General) and 24 (Notices), shall terminate upon the happening of the earliest of the following:-

19.1
the acquisition by one Shareholder or its nominee of all of the Shares in the Company held by the other Shareholders;
 
19.2
the sale of all of the Shares to a third party; and
 
19.3
completion of the liquidation of the Company.
 
20.             MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES
 
If the provisions of the memorandum and articles of association for the time being of any Group Company conflict with the provisions of this Agreement then, during such period, the parties agree that the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail and the parties agree to amend the provisions of the relevant memorandum and articles of association to remove the conflict.

21.             COSTS
 
Each of the parties shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by it in its own right in connection with the negotiation and conclusion of this Agreement.

22.             APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION
 
22.1
This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
 
71

 
22.2
The parties irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales in respect of any claim, dispute or difference arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.
 
23.             GENERAL
 
Entire agreement

23.1
This Agreement (together with any documents referred to herein or entered into pursuant to this Agreement) contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings or arrangements (both oral and written) relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and any such document.
 
23.2
This Agreement shall not be construed as creating any partnership or agency relationship between any of the parties.
 
Variations and waivers

23.3
No variation of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by or on behalf of all the parties and expressed to be such a variation.
 
23.4
No failure or delay any party or time or indulgence given in exercising any remedy or right under or in relation to this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of the same nor shall any single or partial exercise of any remedy or right preclude any further exercise of the same or the exercise of any other remedy or right.
 
23.5
No waiver by any party of any requirement of this Agreement, or of any remedy or right under this Agreement, shall have effect unless given in writing and signed by such party.  No waiver of any particular breach of the provisions of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any repetition of such breach.
 
23.6
Any waiver, release or compromise or any other arrangement of any kind whatsoever which a party gives or enters into with any other party in connection with this Agreement shall not affect any right or remedy of that party as regards any other parties or the liabilities of any other such parties under or in relation to this Agreement.
 
Assignment

23.7
Subject to clauses 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 and 9.5, no Shareholder shall be entitled to assign the benefit or burden of any provision of this Agreement (or any of the documents referred to herein) without the consent of the other Shareholders.
 
72

 
Counterparts

23.8
This Agreement may be executed as two or more counterparts and execution by each of the parties of any one of such counterparts will constitute due execution of this Agreement.
 
Further assurance

23.9
Each party shall, and shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure that any necessary third party shall, do and execute and perform all such further deeds, documents, assurances, acts and things as may reasonably be required to give effect to this Agreement.
 
Injunctive relief

23.10
It is acknowledged and agreed that any breach of the terms of this Agreement could cause the Shareholders irreparable injury for which damages may not be an adequate remedy.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by any Shareholder of the terms of this Agreement, but without limitation to any other remedies available to it, the other Shareholders shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief in any Court of competent jurisdiction restraining the party in breach from breaching the terms of this Agreement.
 
Other remedies

23.11
Any remedy or right conferred upon a Shareholder for breach of this Agreement shall be in addition, and without prejudice, to all other rights and remedies available to it.
 
Third party rights

23.12
No provision of this Agreement is intended to benefit or be enforceable by any third party pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, but this shall not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from that Act.
 
24.             NOTICES
 
Form of Notice

24.1
Any notice, consent, request, demand, approval or other communication to be given or made under or in connection with this Agreement (each a "Notice" for the purposes of this clause) shall be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the person giving it.
 
73

 
Method of service

24.2
Service of a Notice must be effected by one of the following methods:
 
 
24.2.1
by hand to the relevant address set out in clause 24.4 and shall be deemed served upon delivery if delivered during a Business Day, or at the start of the next Business Day if delivered at any other time; or
 
 
24.2.2
by prepaid first-class post to the relevant address set out in clause 24.4 and shall be deemed served at the start of the second Business Day after the date of posting; or
 
 
24.2.3
by prepaid international airmail to the relevant address set out in clause 24.4 and shall be deemed served at the start of the fourth Business Day after the date of posting; or
 
 
24.2.4
by facsimile transmission to the relevant facsimile number set out in clause 24.4 and shall be deemed served on despatch if despatched during a Business Day, or at the start of the next Business Day if despatched at any other time, provided that in each case a receipt indicating complete transmission of the Notice is obtained by the sender and that a copy of the Notice is also despatched to the recipient using a method described in clause 24.2.1 to clause 24.2.3 (inclusive) no later than the end of the next Business Day.
 
24.3
In clause 24.2 "during a Business Day" means any time between 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on a Business Day based on the local time where the recipient of the Notice is located.  References to "the start of [a] Business Day" and "the end of [a] Business Day" shall be construed accordingly.
 
Address for service

24.4
Notices shall be addressed as follows:
 
 
24.4.1
Notices for London Mining shall be marked for the attention of:
 
Name: 
Rohit Bhootralingam

Address: 
London Mining Plc
39 Sloane Street
London
United Kingdom
SW1X 9LP

Fax number:
00 44 (0)20 7201 5050
 
74

 
 
24.4.2
Notices for Wits Basin shall be marked for the attention of:
 
Name: 
Stephen King

Address: 
Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc.
80 South 8th Street, Suite 900
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-8773

Fax number:
(US) 1 (612) 395-5276

 
24.4.3
Notices for the Company shall be marked for the attention of:
 
Name: 
Stephen King

Address: 
China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Ltd.
80 South 8th Street, Suite 900
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-8773

Fax number:
(US) 1 (612) 395-5276

Copies of Notices

24.5
Copies of all Notices sent to the Company shall also be sent or given to Rohit Bhootralingam of London Mining of 39 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9LP, United Kingdom.  Such copies shall be sent or given in accordance with one of the methods described in clause 24.2.  Failure to communicate such copies shall not invalidate such Notice.
 
Change of details

24.6
A party may change its address for service provided that it gives the other party not less than 28 days' prior notice in accordance with this clause 24.  Until the end of such notice period, service on either address shall remain effective.
 
75

 
THIS AGREEMENT has been duly executed and delivered as a deed by the parties on the date stated above.

 
76

 

SCHEDULE 1

RESERVED MATTERS

(i)
Any material change in the nature or scope of the Business of the Company or any of its Subsidiary Companies.

(ii)
The disposal of the whole or a substantial part of the undertaking, assets or mining rights of the Company or any of its Subsidiary Companies or any interest therein (other than to any member of the Group).

(iii)
The acquisition of any company or of the whole or part of the assets or undertaking of any company or other person by the Company or any Subsidiary Company including the acquisition of MZM under the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement.

(iv)
The passing of a resolution to wind-up or dissolve the Company or any Subsidiary Company or to apply to the court for an administration order or the appointment of a receiver, administrative receiver, liquidator, trustee or similar officer of the Company or any Subsidiary Company or of any or all of the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary Company.

(v)
The commencement by the Company or any Subsidiary Company of negotiations with creditors as a whole or any class thereof with a view to the readjustment or rescheduling of its indebtedness or the making of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors as a whole.

(vi)
The making of loans or advances by the Company or any Subsidiary Company to any Shareholder or connected person or the giving of guarantees by the Company or any Subsidiary Company in respect of obligations of any Shareholder or connected person or the amendment of any terms, or settlement, of any outstanding loan given by or to the Company or any member of the Group.

(vii)
The purchase, cancellation or redemption of any Shares of the Company or any Subsidiary Company.

(viii)
The initiation (by commencement of proceedings) or the settlement of any litigation or arbitration by the Company or any Subsidiary Company save for debt collection in the ordinary course of business.
 
77

 
(ix)
The entry into of any joint venture or profit sharing agreement or partnership by the Company or any Subsidiary Company with any third party.

(x)
The approval, replacement, revision, modification or variation of the Business Plan.

(xi)
The approval of the Annual Budget referred to in clause 5.2.5.

(xii)
The incurring of expenditure by the Company or any Subsidiary Company during a financial period of the Company which is in excess of 5% of the expenditure provided for in respect of that financial period in the relevant Annual Budget.

(xiii)
The giving of any guarantee, indemnity or security by the Company or any Subsidiary Company in respect of the obligations of any person (other than the Company or any Subsidiary Company) and any subsequent variation to any such guarantee, indemnity or security once given.

(xiv)
The creation or issue of any mortgage, debenture, fixed or floating charge, lien (other than a lien arising by operation of law) or other encumbrance over the whole or any part of the undertaking, property or assets of the Group other than for permitted borrowings in accordance with clause 7.5.

(xv)
The entry into or variation to a material extent, or termination (other than in accordance with its terms) of any arrangement or agreement between the Company or any Subsidiary Company and any shareholder or connected person.

(xvi)
The appointment of any committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any Subsidiary Company or the delegation of any of the powers of the board to such committee (unless a representative of each Shareholder has been appointed to the committee).

(xvii)
The appointment of any senior manager or employee (with a total remuneration package of over US$100,000) ("Senior Employee") to work for any member of the Group or the material amendment to the terms (including as to remuneration) or scope of engagement of any Senior Employee employed by any member of the Group from time to time.

(xviii)
The payment of any bonus or other material benefit to any Senior Employee.
 
78

 
(xix)
Any payment to Lu Benzhao under the Consulting Agreement, the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement, the NSM Equity Transfer Agreement or any amendment of any payment to Lu Benzhao set out under clause 4.2.5.

(xx)
The setting of any performance hurdles or performance incentives imposed under the Operator Agreement or in respect of any employee or consultant plus determination of the bonus arrangements.

(xxi)
The incurring of any Marketing Costs (as that term is defined under the Operator Agreement) in excess of an aggregate of US$100,000.

(xxii)
The termination or amendment of the Operator Agreement, including without limitation any variation to the Operator Fee paid under the Operator Agreement.

(xxiii)
The approval of the reimbursement of Expenses by the Company or any of member of its Group under the Operator Agreement which are not approved under paragraphs 3.3.1 to 3.3.4 of Schedule 2 to the Operator Agreement.

(xxiv)
The entry into of any contract or transaction by the Company or any Subsidiary Company except in the ordinary course of trading and on arm's length terms.

(xxv)
The factoring or assignment of any of the book debts of the Company or any Subsidiary Company.

(xxvi)
An alteration of the financial year end or accounting policies of the Company or any Subsidiary Company.

(xxvii)
The making of any claim, disclaimer, surrender, election or consent which would have a material adverse taxation effect on the Company or any Subsidiary Company or the Shareholders (in respect of their Shares in the Company) or any member of the Shareholder's Group.

(xxviii)
Any change to the name of the Company or any Subsidiary Company.

(xxix)
Any change of the auditors of the Company or any Subsidiary Company.

(xxx)
The consolidation, sub-division or conversion of any equity capital of the Company or any Subsidiary Company or other reorganisation of the equity securities of in the Company or any Subsidiary Company.
 
79

 
(xxxi)
The issue of any securities in the Company or any Subsidiary Company or rights to subscribe for or options over such securities.

(xxxii)
The entry by the Company or any member of the Group into any long term pricing contracts or purchase contracts with other operators.

(xxxiii)
The initiation of discussions by the Company or any member of the Group or any of their employees, officers, agents or advisors in relation to, or the implementation of any integration plan proposed by a governmental authority which involves the Company or any Subsidiary Company including any discussions with the operators, managers or owners of the Sanbanquiao Mine or Guqiao Mine and their successors in interest.

(xxxiv)
The incurring of any indebtedness for borrowed money by the Company or any Subsidiary Company which is material in the context of the Business except as permitted by the terms of this Agreement and except in the ordinary course of business.

(xxxv)
Any amendment, substitution or replacement to the memorandum or articles of association of the Company or any Subsidiary Company save as contemplated by clause 4.

(xxxvi)
Any amendment, substitution or replacement to the Consulting Agreement, the MZM Equity Transfer Agreement or the NSM Equity Transfer Agreement.

(xxxvii)
The engagement of any person by the Company or any member of its Group to conduct a feasibility report in respect of any acquisition, joint venture or other project proposed to be undertaken by the Company or any member of its Group, to provide a technical report on the operations or reserves and resources of the Business, to provide a competent persons report or a mining expert's report or to otherwise comment on or verify the reserves and resources of the Target Entities and any other members of the Group (from time to time).

(xxxvii)
The entry into of any agreement to effect any of the matters referred to above.

 
80

 

 EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED
)
 
by LONDON MINING PLC
)
 
acting by:
)
 

 
Director:    /s/ Rachel Rhodes

 
Director/Secretary:

 
81

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED
)
 
by WITS BASIN PRECIOUS
)
 
MINERALS INC.
)
 
acting by:
)
 

 
Director:   /s/ Stephen D. King

 
Director/Secretary:

EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED
)
 
by CHINA GLOBAL MINING
)
 
RESOURCES (BVI) LIMITED
)
 
acting by:
)
 

 
Director:   /s/ Stephen D. King

 
Director/Secretary:

 
82

 
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EXHIBIT 10.3


Dated      17 March   2009

(1)  LONDON MINING PLC

(2)  WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC.

WITS BASIN LOAN AGREEMENT

 
 

 

THIS AGREEMENT IS MADE ON                  17    March           2009

BETWEEN:-

(1)
LONDON MINING PLC a company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 5424040 whose registered office is at 39 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9LP (the "Lender"); and

(2)
WITS BASIN PRECIOUS MINERALS INC. a company incorporated in the State of Minnesota, United States with registered number 84-1236619 whose registered office is at 80 South 8th Street, Suite 900, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 ("Wits Basin")  (the "Borrower").

WHEREAS:-

(A)
Under the Subscription Agreement the Lender agrees to advance to the Borrower the sum of US$5,750,000 by way of loan to fund the repayment of the China Gold Debt and the payment of the WB Expenses.

(B)
This Agreement sets out the terms on which the Loan is made.

NOW IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1.
DEFINITIONS

 
In this Agreement, the following words and phrases have the following meanings:

 
Business Day
means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which clearing banks are open for business in the City of London, the United States, the British Virgin Islands and the People's Republic of China.
     
 
CGMR BVI
means China Global Mining Resources (BVI) Limited with company number 1513743 duly incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands whose registered office is 56, Administration Drive, P.O. Box 3190, Road Town, British Virgin Islands.
     
 
China Gold
means China Gold, LLC, a limited liability company organised under the laws of the State of Kansas in the United States.
     
 
China Gold Debt
means US$5,600,000, being part of the principal and accrued but unpaid interest outstanding under the Wits Basin Promissory Note.


 
 

 

 
Completion Date
means the date on which the Lender subscribes for shares in CGMR BVI pursuant to the Subscription Agreement.
     
 
Event of Default
has the meaning ascribed to that expression in clause 7.1.
     
 
Group
means, in relation to a company, the company and any parent undertaking of that company from time to time and all subsidiary undertakings of that company or any such parent undertaking from time to time (other than, in the case of CGMR BVI: the Borrower, the Lender and any of their parent undertakings from time to time, and in the case of the Borrower: other than CGMR BVI and any of its subsidiaries from time to time, and in the case of the Lender, other than CGMR BVI and any of its subsidiaries from time to time).
     
 
Loan
means the amount outstanding from time to time under the loan facility of US$5,750,000 made available by the Lender to the Borrower on the Completion Date under the terms of this Agreement.
     
 
Long Stop Date
31 January 2014.
     
 
Shares
means any shares in CGMR BVI held by the Borrower or any other member of the Borrower's Group at the time of repayment of the Loan in accordance with this Agreement.
     
 
Subscription Agreement
means the subscription agreement between the Lender and the Borrower dated 12 January 2009 whereby the Lender conditionally agrees to subscribe for shares in CGMR BVI, as amended, novated or substituted from time to time.
     
 
Target Entities
means each of Nanjing Sudan Mining Co. Ltd and Maanshan Xiaonanshan Mining Co. Ltd, and if subsequently acquired by a member of CGMR BVI's Group, Maanshan Zhao Yuan Mining Co. Ltd.
     
 
WB Expenses
means the outstanding payment obligation of the Borrower of US$150,000 owing to Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP.

 
 

 

 
Wits Basin Promissory Note
means the Second Amended and Restated Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of US$10,421,000 issued by Wits Basin to China Gold on 22 December 2008 pursuant to the Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 10 April 2007 between China Gold and Wits Basin as amended by the Amendment to Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 19 June 2007, by the Amendment No. 2 to Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 10 November 2008, by the Amendment No. 3 to Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement dated 22 December 2008 and as amended from time to time.

2.
USE OF LOAN

2.1
The Lender shall advance the Loan to the Borrower on the date of this Agreement and the Borrower agrees to use those funds to repay the WB Expenses and to repay to China Gold the China Gold Debt.

2.2
The Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally instructs the Lender to advance on the Completion Date:

 
2.2.1
an amount equal to WB Expenses direct to Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand LLP; and

 
2.2.2
an amount equal to China Gold Debt direct to China Gold,

and the parties agree that receipt of the amounts set out in paragraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 above into the respective accounts of Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand LLP and China Gold shall be evidence that the Borrower and Lender have satisfied their respective obligations under clause 2.1.

3.
INTEREST

3.1
The Loan shall carry interest at the rate of two per cent per annum above the Prime Rate, as reported by the Wall Street Journal from time to time, (the "Interest Rate"), subject to a maximum Interest Rate of eight per cent (8%), or at such other commercial rate of interest as the Borrower and the Lender may agree from time to time.

3.2
Interest shall accrue from day to day and shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 365 days and the actual number of days elapsed.

3.3
Interest shall only be payable in accordance with clause 4.

3.4
For the avoidance of doubt, no interest accruing in respect of the Loan shall compound on any date.

 
 

 

4.
REPAYMENT

4.1
The Borrower shall repay the Loan and any accrued but unpaid interest on the Loan to the Lender (less any tax which the Borrower is required by law to deduct or withhold), in the event of a sale by the Borrower or any other member of the Borrower's Group of any of their Shares, or the granting of a charge over the Shares to a third party (other than the charge given in favour of China Gold under the Amended and Restated Share Pledge given by the Borrower in favour of China Gold dated 22 December 2008 or as otherwise agreed by the Lender) or if earlier, any of the following:

 
4.1.1
the Long Stop Date;

 
4.1.2
the termination of the Shareholders' Agreement pursuant to clause 18 of the Shareholders' Agreement;

 
4.1.3
the making of an order or the passing of an effective resolution for the winding-up of the Borrower or any member of the Borrower's Group (other than a solvent winding-up for the purposes of amalgamation or reconstruction); or

 
4.1.4
as otherwise agreed by the parties from time to time.

4.2
In the event of a sale by the Borrower or any other member of  the Borrower's Group of any of their Shares, the Borrower agrees to procure that a condition to the completion of any such sale will be the repayment to the Lender of an amount equal to no more than the gross proceeds of such sale. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement will continue to apply to the extent that any of the principal outstanding under the Loan and any accrued but unpaid interest on the Loan has not been repaid to the Lender under this clause 4.2.

5.
VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENT

The Borrower may at any time prepay without premium or penalty the whole or any part of the Loan. Any such prepayment shall be accompanied by accrued but unpaid interest (less any tax which the Borrower is required by law to deduct or withhold) on the prepaid amount.

6.
ASSIGNMENT

6.1
This Agreement shall be binding on and ensure for the benefit of the Lender and its successors, assigns and transferees.

6.2
The Borrower shall not be entitled to assign or transfer all or any of its rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Lender.

 
 

 

6.3
The Lender shall not be entitled to assign or transfer all or any of its rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Borrower, provided that if such assignment or transfer is to another member of the Lender's Group, such consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, delayed or conditioned by the Borrower.

7.
DEFAULT

7.1
Each of the events set out below is an Event of Default:

 
7.1.1
the Borrower or any relevant member of the Borrower's Group does not pay any sum due from it under this Agreement at the time and in the manner provided in this Agreement and such sum remains unpaid for at least 30 days from such time;

 
7.1.2
the appointment of an administrator or a receiver or a similar official in respect of the undertaking and all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower or any member of the Borrower's Group;

 
7.1.3
distress or execution (or other similar process) being levied upon, or enforced against, all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower or any member of the Borrower's Group and not being either disputed or fully paid out or discharged within ninety days; or

 
7.1.4
the Borrower is unable to (or admits its inability to) pay its debts as they fall due or is (or deemed to be) insolvent under any applicable law.

7.2
If any Event of Default shall occur, the Lender may, at any time after the occurrence of such Event of Default, by notice to the Borrower declare the Loan to be due and payable on such date as it may specify in such notice.

7.3
On the issue of a notice under clause 7.2, the Loan shall become so due and payable on the date specified in the notice, together with all accrued but unpaid interest (less any tax which the Borrower is required by law to deduct or withhold) then owed by the Borrower under this Agreement.

8.
TAXES

All payments by the Borrower under this Agreement shall be made free and clear of any deduction or withholding of any kind save for any withholding or deduction of tax which the Borrower is required by law to withhold or deduct.

9.
PAYMENTS

9.1
All sums payable by the Borrower under this Agreement shall be paid in US Dollars without any counterclaim or setoff.

 
 

 

9.2
Any sum which falls due under this Agreement on a day which is not a Business Day shall be payable on the next Business Day.

10.
NOTICES

Form of Notice

10.1
Any notice, consent, request, demand, approval or other communication to be given or made under or in connection with this Agreement (each a "Notice" for the purposes of this clause) shall be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the person giving it.

Method of service

10.2
Service of a Notice must be effected by one of the following methods:

 
10.2.1
by hand to the relevant address set out in clause 10.4 and shall be deemed served upon delivery if delivered during a Business Day, or at the start of the next Business Day if delivered at any other time; or

 
10.2.2
by prepaid first-class post to the relevant address set out in clause 10.4 and shall be deemed served at the start of the second Business Day after the date of posting; or

 
10.2.3
by prepaid international airmail to the relevant address set out in clause 10.4 and shall be deemed served at the start of the fourth Business Day after the date of posting; or

 
10.2.4
by facsimile transmission to the relevant facsimile number set out in clause 10.4 and shall be deemed served on despatch if despatched during a Business Day, or at the start of the next Business Day if despatched at any other time, provided that in each case a receipt indicating complete transmission of the Notice is obtained by the sender and that a copy of the Notice is also despatched to the recipient using a method described in clause 10.2.1 to clause 10.2.3 (inclusive) no later than the end of the next Business Day.

10.3
In clause 10.2 "during a Business Day" means any time between 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on a Business Day based on the local time where the recipient of the Notice is located.  References to "the start of [a] Business Day" and "the end of [a] Business Day" shall be construed accordingly.

Address for service

10.4             Notices shall be addressed as follows:

 
 

 

10.4.1
Notices for the Lender shall be marked for the attention of:

Name: 
Rohit Bhoothalingam

Address: 
39 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9LP

Fax number:
+44 (0) 207 201 5050

 
10.4.2
Notices for the Borrower shall be marked for the attention of:

Name: 
Stephen King

Address: 
Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc
   
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-8773
    80 South 8th Street, Suite 900

Fax number:
(US) 1 (612) 395-5276

Change of details

10.5
A party may change its address for service provided that it gives the other party not less than 28 days' prior notice in accordance with this clause 10. Until the end of such notice period, service on either address shall remain effective.

11.
GENERAL

Entire Agreement

11.1
This Agreement (together with any documents referred to in this Agreement or required to be entered into pursuant to this Agreement) contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings or arrangements (both oral and written) relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and any such document.

Counterparts

11.2
This Agreement may be executed in two or more parts or copies and execution by each of the parties of any one or more of such part or copies will constitute due execution of this Agreement.

No Partnership or Agency

11.3
This Agreement shall not be construed as creating any partnership or agency relationship between any of the parties

 
 

 

Variation

11.4
No variation of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by or on behalf of all the parties and expressed to be such a variation.

Governing law

11.5
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of England and Wales.

11.6
The Parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales in respect of any claim or matter arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

 
 

 

SIGNED by
)
for and on behalf of
)
LONDON MINING PLC
)
 
/s/ Rachel Rhodes
 

SIGNED by
)
for and on behalf of
)
WITS BASIN PRECIOUS
)
MINERALS INC.
)
 
/s/ Stephen D. King
 

 
 

 
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EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Stephen D. King, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc. (the “Registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the Registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, and evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, and printed in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: May 20, 2009
By:
/s/ Stephen D. King
   
Stephen D. King
   
Chief Executive Officer
   
Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc.

 
 

 
EX-31.2 9 v150269_ex31-2.htm
EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Mark D. Dacko, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc. (the “Registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the Registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, and evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, and printed in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: May 20, 2009
By:
/s/ Mark D. Dacko
   
Mark D. Dacko
   
Chief Financial Officer
   
Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc.

 
 

 
EX-32.1 10 v150269_ex32-1.htm
EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the report of Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Stephen D. King, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to and for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: May 20, 2009
By:
/s/ Stephen D. King
   
Stephen D. King
   
Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 

EX-32.2 11 v150269_ex32-2.htm
EXHIBIT 32.2


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the report of Wits Basin Precious Minerals Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mark D. Dacko, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to and for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: May 20, 2009
By:
/s/ Mark D. Dacko
   
Mark D. Dacko
   
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 
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