fv80
As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3, 2006
Registration No. 333-_______
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form F-80
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Glamis Gold Ltd.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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British Columbia
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1041
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Not Applicable |
(Province or other jurisdiction of
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(Primary Standard Industrial
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(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization)
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Classification Code Number)
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Identification Number) |
5190 Neil Road, Suite 310
Reno, Nevada 89502
(775) 827-4600
(Address and telephone number of Registrants principal executive offices)
Charles A. Jeannes, Esq.
Senior Vice President, Administration,
General Counsel and Secretary
Glamis Gold Ltd.
5190 Neil Road, Suite 310, Reno, Nevada 89502
(775) 827-4600
(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code)
of agent for service in the United States)
Copies to:
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David S. Stone, Esq.
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G. Barry Finlayson, Esq. |
Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP
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Lang Michener |
Two North LaSalle Street
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1500 Royal Centre |
Suite 2200
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P.O. Box 11117 |
Chicago, Illinois 60602
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1055 West Georgia Street |
(312) 269-8000
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Vancouver, British Columbia V6E4N7 |
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(604) 689-9111 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
This registration statement shall become effective upon filing with the Commission in accordance
with Rule 467(a).
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or
continuous basis pursuant to the home jurisdictions shelf prospectus offering procedures, check
the following box o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title Of Securities To |
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Amount To Be |
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Proposed Maximum |
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Proposed Maximum |
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Amount Of |
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Be Registered |
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Registered (1) |
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Offering Price Per |
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Aggregate Offering |
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Registration Fee (4) |
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Unit (2)(3) |
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Price(2)(3) |
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Common Shares |
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1,385,055 |
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$25.49 |
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$35,305,052 |
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$0 |
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(1) |
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Represents the maximum number of Glamis Gold Ltd. (Glamis) common shares to be
issuable upon exercise of options issued in connection with the consummation of the business
combination of Glamis and Western Silver Corporation (Western Silver), calculated as the product
of (a) 2,013,162, which is the number of shares of Western Silver common shares issuable
upon the exercise of options outstanding as of May 3, 2006, and (b) the exchange ratio of 0.688
Glamis common shares for each Western Silver common share. If, as a result of stock splits, stock
dividends or similar transactions, the number of securities purported to be registered on this
registration statement changes, the provisions of Rule 416 shall apply to this registration
statement. |
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(2) |
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Calculated pursuant to General Instruction IV.H. of Form F-80
based on Cdn. $29.26, being the
average of the high and low prices reported on the Toronto Stock Exchange for Western Silver common
shares on April 12, 2006, and expressed in U.S. dollars, based on the
noon buying rate in New York City for Canadian dollars on April 12,
2006 of U.S. $1.00 equals Cdn. $1.1479. |
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Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration
fee. |
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The $3,778 fee is offset by the $336,228 amount previously
paid by Glamis upon the filing of its registration statement on Form
F-10,
file number 333-121894, on January 7, 2005 (which was
subsequently withdrawn). This amount is offset against the
registration fee due hereunder pursuant to the provisions of Rule
457(p) of Regulation C. |
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement relates to common shares of the Registrant issuable upon exercise
of options issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 3(a)(10) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, under a Plan of Arrangement in exchange for options to purchase
common shares of Western Silver Corporation, as described in the Notice of Meeting and Information
Circular.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE
DELIVERED TO OFFEREES OR PURCHASERS
Item 1. Home Jurisdiction Document
Notice of Meeting and Information Circular for Annual General and Special Meeting of
Shareholders of Western Silver Corporation, dated March 24, 2006 (the Information Circular),
which is contained in and made part of the prospectus (the Prospectus).
Item 2. Informational Legends
See Note to United States Shareholders on the outside cover of the Prospectus.
Item 3. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference
See Documents Incorporated by Reference in the Information Circular.
Item 4. List of Documents Filed with the Commission
See Documents filed as part of the United States Registration Statement on the outside cover
of the Prospectus.
I-1
Prospectus
Glamis Gold Ltd.
1,385,055 Common Shares
All of the common shares of Glamis Gold Ltd. being offered in this prospectus are
issuable upon exercise of stock options received by employees of Western Silver Corporation in an
exchange of stock options as part of a plan of arrangement dated as of March 24, 2006, by and
between Glamis Gold Ltd. and Western Silver Corporation. The plan of arrangement is more fully
described in the Notice of Meeting and Information Circular, contained in and made part of this
prospectus.
Note to United States Shareholders:
This offering is made by a foreign issuer that is permitted, under a multijurisdictional
disclosure system adopted by the United States, to prepare this prospectus in accordance with the
disclosure requirements of its home country. Prospective investors should be aware that such
requirements are different from those of the United States. The financial statements included or
incorporated herein, if any, have been prepared in accordance with foreign generally accepted
accounting principles, and may be subject to foreign auditing and auditor independence standards,
and, thus, may not be comparable to financial statements of United States companies.
Prospective investors should be aware that acquisition of the securities described herein may
have tax consequences both in the United States and in the home country of the Registrant. Such
consequences for investors who are resident in, or citizens of, the United States may not be
described fully herein.
The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under the federal securities laws may be
affected adversely by the fact that the Registrant is incorporated or organized under the laws of a
foreign country, that some or all of its officers and directors may be residents of a foreign
country, that some or all of the underwriters or experts named in the registration statement may be
residents of a foreign country, and that all or a substantial portion of the assets of the
Registrant and said persons may be located outside the United States.
For a discussion of possible risks that you should consider, the Summary The Arrangement
Risk Factors on page 14 of the Notice of Meeting and Information Circular referred to herein as
the Information Circular; the The Arrangement Arrangement Risk Factors on page 27 of
Information Circular; the Western Silver Corporation Risk Factors on page 70 of the Information
Circular; and the Glamis Gold Ltd. Risk Factors on page 71 of the Information Circular.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Prospectus
dated May 3, 2006
Documents filed as part of the United States Registration Statement:
The following documents have been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission as part of the Glamis Gold Ltd.s Registration Statement on Form F-80: (a) the documents
listed under Documents Incorporated by Reference in the Information Circular contained in and
made part of this prospectus; (b) the Plan of Arrangement; (c) Consent of Lang Michener LLP; (d)
Consent of Macquarie North America Ltd.; (e) Consent of Thorsteinssons LLP; (f) Consent of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; (g) Consent of KPMG LLP;
(h) Awareness Letter of KPMG LLP; (i) Consent of M3 Engineering &
Technology Corp.; (j) Consent of Mine Development Associates, Inc.; (k) Consent of James S.
Vorhees; (l) Consent of Orequest Consulting Ltd.; (m) Consent of Jonathan
Clegg; and (n) powers of attorney.
Requests for Information:
Information incorporated by reference in the Notice of Meeting and Information Circular,
this prospectus, or the Registration Statement on Form F-80 may be obtained upon request without
charge from: Investor Relations, Glamis Gold Ltd., 5190 Neil Road, Suite 310, Reno, Nevada, 89502,
USA, telephone no. (775)-827-4600 or fax to: (775) 827-6992 or email to: info@glamis.com. Documents
incorporated by reference and additional information relating to Glamis or Western are also
available through the Internet on EDGAR, which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences:
As of March 24, 2006, Glamis Gold Ltd., referred to in this prospectus as Glamis and
Western Silver Corporation, referred to in this prospectus as Western Silver, entered into a plan
of arrangement under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act, referred to in this prospectus
as the Plan of Arrangement. Under the terms of the Plan of Arrangement, common shares of Glamis,
referred to in this prospectus as Glamis Shares were issued in exchange of common shares of
Western Silver pursuant to the terms of the Plan of Arrangement and options to purchase Glamis
Shares, referred to in this prospectus as Glamis New Options were issued to employees [and
consultants] of Western Silver in partial exchange of options to purchase common shares of Western
Silver. The Glamis New Options were issued pursuant to a business combination of Glamis and
Western Silver in partial exchange of compensatory stock options issued by Western Silver under a
plan to which section 421 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
referred to in this prospectus as the Code, did not apply. The receipt of the Glamis New Options
by United States persons should not result in the recognition of gross income by such persons for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. The timing, character and amount of gross income recognized as a
result of the exercise or disposition of the Glamis New Options by such persons generally will be
governed by section 83 of the Code.
Section 83(a) of the Code and the regulations thereunder provide generally that stock received
upon the exercise of a non-publicly traded option will result in income recognition on the date the
stock is substantially vested. Stock is substantially vested on the earlier of the date on which
it is not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture or the date on which it is transferable
without subjecting the transferee to such risk. The holding period for the stock would normally
commence just after the property is substantially vested. The compensation income recognized would
equal the excess of the fair market value of the stock just after it becomes substantially vested
over the amount paid for the stock.
Under certain circumstances, compensation earned by a United States person with respect to
services performed while living abroad, including income from the exercise of stock options, may be
subject to exclusion under section 911 of the Code. Compensation income recognized as a result of
the exercise of the Glamis New
ii
Options and the receipt of Glamis Shares will be subject to withholding for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and may be subject to withholding for state and local income tax purposes.
If the Glamis Shares received upon the exercise of the Glamis New Options in the circumstances
described above are held as a capital asset after the commencement of the holding period of such
Glamis Shares under the rules described above, any subsequent gain or loss will be taxable as
long-term or short-term gain or loss depending upon the holding period of the Glamis Shares sold.
For this purpose, the tax basis of the Glamis Shares acquired upon the exercise of the Glamis New
Options will be the sum of the exercise price for such shares and the amount of the compensation
income realized by the taxpayer as a result of such exercise.
The rules on the timing and amount of income recognition discussed above assume that the
arrangement governing the issuance and exercise of all Glamis New Options and the subsequent
transfer of Glamis Shares to the holders of Glamis New Options upon the exercise of such Glamis New
Options complies with the provisions of section 409A of the Code, which generally applies to
deferrals of compensation after December 31, 2004. Failure to comply with the provisions of
section 409A of the Code will result in an acceleration of otherwise deferred compensation not
subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such deferrals are also subject to an additional tax
equal to 20% of the compensation required to be included in gross income, plus interest from the
year the amount was first deferred, or no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, if
later, to the year in which it is included in income.
Each United States person whose options to purchase shares of Western Silver became vested as
a result of the Plan of Arrangement should consult with his or her tax advisor concerning whether
the accelerated vesting results is an excess parachute payment under section 280G of the Code.
An excise tax of 20% of an excess parachute payment is imposed on the option holder under section
4999 of the Code.
EACH UNITED STATES PERSON RECEIVING GLAMIS NEW OPTIONS IS URGED TO CONSULT WITH HIS OR HER TAX
ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECEIPT OF THE GLAMIS NEW OPTIONS, THE POSSIBLE
EXERCISE OR DISPOSITION OF SUCH GLAMIS NEW OPTIONS AND THE CONSEQUENT OWNERSHIP AND POSSIBLE
DISPOSITION OF GLAMIS SHARES, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN
AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY THE UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
UNDER TREASURY CIRCULAR 230, WE INFORM YOU THAT (1) ANY DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX
ISSUES CONTAINED IN OR MADE PART OF THIS PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ANY DOCUMENTS ATTACHED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN), UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY STATED, WAS NOT INTENDED OR
WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES UNDER THE CODE, (2)
SUCH DISCUSSION WAS WRITTEN TO SUPPORT THE PROMOTION OR MARKETING OF THE ARRANGEMENT OR MATTERS
ADDRESSED HEREIN AND (3) EACH U.S. PERSON SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED UPON ITS PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.
iii
NOTICE OF MEETING
AND
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
for Annual General and Special Meeting of
Shareholders of
WESTERN SILVER CORPORATION
Dated as of March 24, 2006
WESTERN SILVER CORPORATION
Suite 2050, 1111 W. Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4M3
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the
Court) dated March 31, 2006 (the Interim Order), an annual general and special meeting of the
shareholders (the Meeting) of Western Silver Corporation (Western or the Company) will be
held at the Terasen Building, Georgia Room, Main Floor, 1111 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver, British
Columbia, on May 1, 2006, at the hour of 10:00 A.M., Vancouver time, for the following purposes:
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To receive the report of the directors; |
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To determine the number of directors at eight (8) and to elect directors; |
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To receive the audited financial statements of the Company for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 (with comparative statements
relating to the preceding fiscal period) together with the report of the
auditors thereon; |
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To appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors of the Company and to
authorize the directors to fix their remuneration; |
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To consider and, if thought fit, to pass a special resolution (the
Arrangement Resolution) approving an arrangement (the Arrangement)
under section 288 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia)
(the BCBCA) which involves, among other things, the acquisition of all
of the shares of Western (Western Shares) by Glamis Gold Ltd.
(Glamis) in exchange for common shares of Glamis and for common shares
of Western Copper Corporation (Western Copper), all as more fully set
forth in the accompanying information circular of Western (the
Information Circular); and |
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To transact such further or other business as may properly come before
the meeting and any adjournments thereof. |
Copies of the Arrangement Resolution, the Plan of Arrangement made pursuant to the Arrangement
Agreement among Western, Glamis and Western Copper pursuant to which the Arrangement will be
undertaken, the Interim Order and Notice of Application for Final Order are attached to the
Information Circular as Schedules A, D, F and G, respectively.
AND TAKE NOTICE that dissenting shareholders in respect of the proposed Arrangement are entitled to
be paid the fair value of their Western Shares in accordance with the provisions of the Plan of
Arrangement and sections 237 to 247 of the BCBCA. The dissent rights are described in the
accompanying Information Circular (and specifically in Schedule H). Failure to strictly comply
with the requirements set forth in the Plan of Arrangement and sections 237 to 247 of the BCBCA may
result in the loss of any right of dissent.
The accompanying Information Circular provides additional information relating to the matters to be
dealt with at the Meeting and is deemed to form part of this notice. Also accompanying this notice
is a form of Proxy and an Annual Return Card Form. Any adjournment of the Meeting will be held at a
time and place to be specified at the Meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of business
on March 24, 2006 will be entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting.
DATED this 24th day of March, 2006.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Dale Corman
Dale Corman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Registered shareholders unable to attend the Meeting are requested to date,
sign and return their form of proxy in the enclosed envelope. If you are a
non-registered shareholder of Western and receive these materials through your
broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the
materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by your broker or
by the other intermediary. Failure to do so may result in your shares not being
eligible to be voted by proxy at the Meeting.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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VIII |
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- II -
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- III -
LIST OF SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE A
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TEXT OF ARRANGEMENT RESOLUTION |
SCHEDULE B
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PRO FORMA GLAMIS CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
SCHEDULE C1
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PRO FORMA WESTERN COPPER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
SCHEDULE C2
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AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE WESTERN COPPER BUSINESS |
SCHEDULE C3
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AUDITED WESTERN COPPER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
SCHEDULE D
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PLAN OF ARRANGEMENT |
SCHEDULE E
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FAIRNESS OPINION |
SCHEDULE F
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INTERIM ORDER |
SCHEDULE G
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR FINAL ORDER |
SCHEDULE H
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S. 237 TO 247 OF THE BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT (BRITISH COLUMBIA) |
- IV -
NOTE TO UNITED STATES SHAREHOLDERS
THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE ARRANGEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY
THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITIES IN ANY
STATE, NOR HAS THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES REGULATORY
AUTHORITIES OF ANY STATE PASSED ON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION CIRCULAR. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares to be issued under the Arrangement have not been
registered under the U.S. Securities Act and are being issued in reliance on the exemption from
registration set forth in Section 3(a)(10) thereof on the basis of the approval of the Court as
described under Securities Laws Considerations. The solicitation of proxies is not subject to the
requirements of Section 14(a) of the U.S. Exchange Act by virtue of an exemption applicable to
proxy solicitation by foreign private issuers as defined in Rule 3b-4 of the U.S. Exchange Act.
Accordingly, this Information Circular has been prepared in accordance with the applicable
disclosure requirements in Canada. Residents of the United States should
be aware that such requirements are different than those of the United States applicable to proxy
statements under the U.S. Exchange Act.
Likewise, information concerning the properties and operations of Western, Glamis and Western
Copper has been prepared in accordance with Canadian standards, and may not be comparable to
similar information for United States companies. The terms Mineral Resource, Measured Mineral
Resource, Indicated Mineral Resource and Inferred Mineral Resource used in this Information
Circular are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101,
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) under the guidelines set out in the
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the CIM) Standards on Mineral Resources
and Mineral Reserves Definitions and guidelines adopted by the CIM Council on August 20, 2000.
While the terms Mineral Resource, Measured Mineral Resource, Indicated Mineral Resource and
Inferred Mineral Resource are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they are not
defined terms under standards in the United States. As such, certain of the information contained
in this Information Circular concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under Canadian
standards is not comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the
reporting and disclosure requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission (the SEC). Indicated
Mineral Resource and Inferred Mineral Resource have a great amount of uncertainty as to their
existence and a great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It can not be assumed
that all or any part of an Indicated Mineral Resource or Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be
upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of
mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
The definition for Proven Mineral Reserves under CIM standards differs from the SEC standards,
where proven or measured reserves are defined as reserves in which (a) quantity is computed from
dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes; (b) grade and/or quality are
computed from the results of detailed sampling and (c) the sites for inspection, sampling and
measurement are spaced so closely and the geographic character is so well defined that size, shape,
depth and mineral content of reserves are well established.
The definition for Probable Mineral Reserves under CIM standards differs from the SEC standards,
where probable reserves are defined as reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are
computed from information similar to that of proven reserves (under SEC standards), but the sites
for inspection,
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sampling, and measurement are further apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced, and the degree
of assurance, although lower than that for proven mineral reserves, is high enough to assume
continuity between points of observation. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for
proven mineral reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.
Financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and subject to auditing and auditor independence standards in Canada, and
thus may not be comparable to financial statements of United States companies. Western Shareholders
should be aware that the acquisition of the securities described herein may have tax consequences
both in the United States and in the Canada. Such consequences for investors who are resident in,
or citizens of, the United States may not be described fully herein. See United States Federal
Income Tax Considerations. The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under the United
States federal securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that Western, Glamis and
Western Copper are incorporated or organized under the laws of a foreign country, that some or all
of their officers and directors and the experts named herein may be residents of a foreign country,
and that all or a substantial portion of the assets of Glamis and Western Copper and said persons
may be located outside the United States.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements contained in this Information Circular that are not historical facts are forward-looking
statements (within the meaning of the Canadian securities legislation and the U.S. Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future price of metals;
the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the
timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, and capital expenditures;
costs and timing of the development of new deposits; success of exploration activities, permitting
time lines, currency fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of
mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or
claims, limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending
litigation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such
as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates,
forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of
such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would,
might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or
achievements of Western and Western Copper, post-Arrangement, to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the integration of
acquisitions; risks related to operations; risks related to joint venture operations; actual
results of current exploration activities; actual results of current reclamation activities;
conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined;
future prices of metals; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of
plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks
of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the
completion of development or construction activities, as well as those factors discussed in the
sections entitled Risk Factors in this Information Circular. Although Western has attempted to
identify important factors that could affect Western and Western Copper and may cause actual
actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements,
there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated,
estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be
accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in
such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements. The forward-looking statements in this Information Circular speak only as of the date
hereof. Western does not undertake any obligation to release publicly
- VI -
any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Forward-looking statements and other information contained herein concerning the mining industry
and our general expectations concerning the mining industry are based on estimates prepared by us
using data from publicly available industry sources as well as from market research and industry
analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this industry which we believe to be
reasonable. However, this data is inherently imprecise, although generally indicative of relative
market positions, market shares and performance characteristics. While we are not aware of any
misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, the industries involve risks and
uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors.
CERTAIN HISTORICAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS INFORMATION CIRCULAR HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY, OR
DERIVED FROM INFORMATION PROVIDED BY, CERTAIN PERSONS OTHER THAN WESTERN. IN PARTICULAR, CERTAIN
INFORMATION PERTAINING TO GLAMIS HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY GLAMIS. ALTHOUGH WESTERN DOES NOT HAVE ANY
KNOWLEDGE THAT WOULD INDICATE THAT ANY SUCH INFORMATION IS UNTRUE OR INCOMPLETE, WESTERN ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF SUCH INFORMATION OR THE FAILURE BY SUCH OTHER
PERSONS TO
DISCLOSE EVENTS WHICH MAY HAVE OCCURRED OR MAY AFFECT THE COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY OF SUCH
INFORMATION BUT WHICH IS UNKNOWN TO WESTERN.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents, filed by Western with securities commissions or similar regulatory
authorities in Canada (the Canadian Securities Authorities) and with the SEC, are specifically
incorporated by reference into, and form an integral part of, this Information Circular.
1. |
|
Audited financial statements for financial years ended September 30,
2005 and September 30, 2004 and the MD&A filed in connection with
those financial statements. |
|
2. |
|
Unaudited financial statements for the three month periods ended
December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and the MD&A filed in
connection with those financial statements. |
|
3. |
|
Information Circular dated February 22, 2005. |
|
4. |
|
Annual Information Form dated December 22, 2005. |
|
5. |
|
Material Change Report dated March 2, 2006 respecting this Arrangement. |
- VII -
The following documents, filed by Glamis with Canadian Securities Authorities and the SEC, are
specifically incorporated by reference into, and form an integral part of, this Information
Circular:
1. |
|
The Annual Information Form of Glamis dated March 6, 2006 for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005. |
|
2. |
|
Audited consolidated financial statements of Glamis, including notes thereto, as at
December 31, 2005 and 2004 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2005, together with the auditors report thereon. |
|
3. |
|
Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations of Glamis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. |
|
4. |
|
Management Information Circular (Proxy Statement) of Glamis dated March 6, 2006
distributed in connection with the annual general meeting of shareholders held on
May 3, 2006 (excluding the sections entitled Performance Graphs, Report of the
Compensation and Nominating Committee on Compensation of Executive Officers and
Others and Corporate Governance and Committees). |
|
5. |
|
Material Change Report of Glamis filed on March 3, 2006 relating to the Arrangement. |
Copies of the Western documents incorporated herein by reference may be obtained on request without
charge from the Secretary of Western at Suite 2050, 1111 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver, British
Columbia V6E 4M3 (Telephone (604) 684-9497). Copies of the Glamis documents incorporated by
reference in this Information Circular may be obtained upon request without charge from the
Executive Vice-President, Administration of Glamis at 5190 Neil Road, Suite 310, Reno, Nevada 89502
(telephone (775) 827-4600). These documents are also available through the internet on the System
for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval, which can be accessed online at www.sedar.com. For
the purposes of the Province of Québec, this Information Circular contains information to be
completed by consulting the permanent information records for each of Western and Glamis. A copy of
the Western permanent information record may be obtained from the Secretary of Western and a copy
of the Glamis permanent information record from the Executive Vice-President, Administration of
Glamis at the above mentioned addresses and telephone numbers.
Material change reports (other than confidential reports) and all other documents of the type
referred to above, filed by Western and Glamis with Canadian Securities Authorities subsequent to
the date of this Information Circular and prior to the Meeting, will be deemed to be incorporated
by reference into this Information Circular.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this Information Circular to the
extent that a statement contained in this Information Circular or in any subsequently filed
document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes
such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not constitute a part of this
Information Circular, except as so modified or superseded. The modifying or superseding statement
need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other
information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of such a
modifying or superseding statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purpose that the
modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement
of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or
- VIII -
that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was
made.
EXCHANGE RATE DATA
This Information Circular contains references to United States (US$) and Canadian dollars.
The following table sets out, for each period indicated, the high and low closing exchange rates
for one United States dollar expressed in Canadian dollars, the average of such exchange rates
during such period (based on the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during
the period), and the exchange rate at the end of such period based on the noon buying rate in New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Close |
|
2005 |
|
|
1.2703 |
|
|
|
1.1507 |
|
|
|
1.2083 |
|
|
|
1.1656 |
|
2004 |
|
|
1.3970 |
|
|
|
1.1775 |
|
|
|
1.2984 |
|
|
|
1.2034 |
|
2003 |
|
|
1.5750 |
|
|
|
1.2923 |
|
|
|
1.3916 |
|
|
|
1.2923 |
|
2002 |
|
|
1.6128 |
|
|
|
1.5108 |
|
|
|
1.5702 |
|
|
|
1.5800 |
|
On March 24, 2006, the noon rate of exchange as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
for the conversion of one United States dollar into one Canadian dollar was $1.1675 ($1.00 equals
US$0.8565) .
REPORTING CURRENCIES AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The historical financial statements of Western contained in this Information Circular are reported
in Canadian dollars and have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The historical
financial statements of Glamis contained in this Information Circular are reported in United States
dollars and have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. All references to dollar amounts
in this Information Circular are to Canadian dollars unless expressly stated otherwise.
INFORMATION PERTAINING TO WESTERN AND GLAMIS
The information contained or referred to in this Information Circular with respect to Western and
Western Copper has been furnished by Western. The information contained or referred to in this
Information Circular (including in the Schedules) with respect to Glamis has been furnished by
Glamis. As such, Western and its directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents assume
no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information.
- IX -
GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS
In this Information Circular, the following capitalized words and terms shall have the following
meanings:
|
|
|
Acquisition Proposal
|
|
Any effort or attempt with respect to, the direct or indirect acquisition of, or
other business combination involving, Western or its material properties on the
basis set out in the Arrangement Agreement. |
|
|
|
AMEX
|
|
The American Stock Exchange. |
|
|
|
Arrangement
|
|
The Arrangement involving Western, the Western Shareholders, Glamis and Western
Copper to be completed pursuant to the provisions of Part 9 of Division 5 of the
BCBCA on the terms and conditions set out in the Plan of Arrangement and any
amendments thereto or variations thereof made in accordance with its terms and
the Arrangement Resolution. |
|
|
|
Arrangement
Agreement
|
|
The Arrangement Agreement dated for reference as at February 23, 2006 between
Western, Glamis and Western Copper which is filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com. |
|
|
|
Arrangement
Resolution
|
|
The Special Resolution approving the Arrangement to be voted on, with or without
variation, by Western Shareholders at the Meeting substantially in the form
attached as Schedule A to this Information Circular. |
|
|
|
BCBCA
|
|
Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), as amended. |
|
|
|
BCSC
|
|
British Columbia Securities Commission. |
|
|
|
Break Fee
|
|
The amount of 3.5% of the market capitalization of Western calculated and
payable pursuant to terms of the Arrangement Agreement in the event of
termination of the Arrangement Agreement under certain prescribed terms. |
|
|
|
Carmacks
|
|
Carmacks Copper Ltd. |
|
|
|
CEO
|
|
Chief Executive Officer. |
|
|
|
CFO
|
|
Chief Financial Officer. |
|
|
|
Code
|
|
United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. |
|
|
|
Company
|
|
Western, Glamis or Western Copper, as the context requires, and means Western,
Glamis and Western Copper, when used in the plural. |
|
|
|
Computershare
|
|
Computershare Investor Services Inc., the registrar and transfer agent for each
of the Companies. |
|
|
|
Confidentiality Agreement
|
|
The agreement entered into by Glamis and Western dated December 21, 2005. |
|
|
|
Court
|
|
The Supreme Court of British Columbia. |
|
|
|
Depositary
|
|
Computershare, which will act as the depositary for the exchange of the Western
Shares, the Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares pursuant to the Arrangement. |
|
|
|
Dissent Rights
|
|
The rights of a Western Shareholder to dissent to the Arrangement Resolution and
receive fair value for all Western Shares held, as more particularly described
under the heading Rights of Dissenting Shareholders and in Sections 237-247 of
the BCBCA. |
|
|
|
Dissent Procedures
|
|
The procedures to be taken by a Western Shareholder in exercising Dissent Rights. |
|
|
|
Effective Date
|
|
The date of closing of the Arrangement, to occur on the filing date stamped on
the final Notice of Change to the Notice of Articles of Western that is filed
with the Registrar in respect of the Arrangement. |
|
|
|
Effective Time
|
|
The time stamped on the final Notice of Change to the Notice of Articles of
Western that is filed with the Registrar in respect of the Arrangement. |
|
|
|
Exchange Ratio
|
|
0.688 of a Glamis Share for each one Class A Share (as defined in the Plan of
Arrangement) of Western. |
|
|
|
Fairness Opinion
|
|
The fairness opinion dated March 16, 2006 prepared by the Financial Advisor
described under Fairness Opinion in the Information Circular and in form
attached as Schedule E hereto. |
|
|
|
Final Order
|
|
The final order to be made by the Court approving the Arrangement. |
- X -
|
|
|
Financial Advisor
|
|
Macquarie North America Ltd., the financial advisor in respect of Western. |
|
|
|
GAAP
|
|
Generally accepted accounting principles in effect in Canada including
the accounting recommendations published in the Handbook of the Canadian
Institute of Chartered Accountants. |
|
|
|
Glamis
|
|
Glamis Gold Ltd., a company existing under the BCBCA. |
|
|
|
Glamis Board
|
|
The board of directors of Glamis. |
|
|
|
Glamis New Option
|
|
The options of Glamis to be issued in partial exchange for the Western
Stock Options pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement. |
|
|
|
Glamis Shareholders
|
|
At the relevant time, the holders of Glamis Shares. |
|
|
|
Glamis Shares
|
|
Voting common shares in the capital of Glamis. |
|
|
|
Glamis Stock Option
|
|
The share purchase options of Glamis issued under its Incentive Share
Purchase Option Plan. |
|
|
|
IMC
|
|
Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. of Tucson, AZ, USA. |
|
|
|
Independent Committee
|
|
The Independent Committee of independent directors established by Western
to consider options to enhance the value of Western for Western
Shareholders. |
|
|
|
Information Circular
|
|
This Information Circular to be sent to Western Shareholders in
connection with the Meeting. |
|
|
|
Interim Order
|
|
The interim order of the Court dated March 31, 2006 pursuant to Section
288 of the BCBCA, providing for, among other things, the calling of the
Meeting. |
|
|
|
IRS
|
|
Internal Revenue Service (United States) |
|
|
|
ITA
|
|
Income Tax Act (Canada) |
|
|
|
Kennecott
|
|
Kennecott Canada Explorations Inc. |
|
|
|
M3
|
|
M3 Engineering and Technology Corporation of Tucson, AZ, USA. |
|
|
|
Material, Material
Adverse Change and
Material Adverse
Effect
|
|
Each have the meanings ascribed to them in the Arrangement Agreement. |
|
|
|
Meeting
|
|
The annual general and special meeting of Western Shareholders to be held
at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on May 1, 2006 for the purpose of voting
on the Annual General Meeting Matters, the Arrangement Resolution and all
other matters to be presented by management at the Meeting and any
adjournment or postponement thereof. |
|
|
|
NYSE
|
|
The New York Stock Exchange. |
|
|
|
Plan of Arrangement
|
|
The plan of arrangement of Western attached as Schedule D hereto and
any amendment thereto agreed to by the directors of Western. |
|
|
|
Record Date
|
|
March 24, 2006, being the date for determining Western Shareholders
entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting. |
|
|
|
Registered Holder
|
|
A shareholder of record of Western Shares. |
|
|
|
Registrar
|
|
The British Columbia Registrar of Companies appointed under Section 400
of the BCBCA. |
|
|
|
Regulation S
|
|
Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act. |
|
|
|
Section 3(a)(10)
|
|
The exemption from registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act |
|
|
|
Exemption
|
|
provided under Section 3(a)(10 ) thereof. |
|
|
|
Securities
Acts
|
|
The securities acts or the equivalent securities legislation of each of
the provinces and territories of Canada, as amended. |
|
Securities Laws or Securities
Legislation
|
|
The Securities Acts, the U.S. Exchange Act and U.S. Securities Act, the
blue sky or securities laws of the states of the United States, each as
now enacted or as amended and the applicable rules, regulations, rulings,
orders, instruments and forms made or promulgated under such laws, as
well as the rules, regulations, by-laws and policies of the TSX, AMEX and
the NYSE. |
|
|
|
SEDAR
|
|
The System for Electronic Document Analysis and retrieval of the Canadian
Securities Administrators. |
- XI -
|
|
|
Special Resolution
|
|
A resolution required to be approved by not less than a two-thirds
(2/3) majority of the votes cast by those shareholders who (being
entitled to do so) vote in person or by proxy at the Meeting. |
|
|
|
Stock Exchanges
|
|
Collectively, the TSX, AMEX and NYSE. |
|
|
|
Superior Proposal
|
|
An Acquisition Proposal that is determined to be superior to the
Arrangement on the basis set forth in the Arrangement Agreement. |
|
|
|
Teck or Teck Cominco
|
|
Teck Cominco Limited, a mining company with its head office in
Vancouver, Canada. Teck Cominco is a joint venture partner of
Western. |
|
|
|
Termination Date
|
|
September 30, 2006. |
|
|
|
TSX
|
|
The Toronto Stock Exchange. |
|
|
|
Voting and
Standstill
Agreements
|
|
Agreements of the officers and directors of Western and their
affiliates to vote their Western Shares in favour of the
Arrangement and all related matters at the Meeting as described
under The Arrangement Voting and Standstill Agreements in the
Information Circular. |
|
|
|
Western
|
|
Western Silver Corporation, a corporation existing under the BCBCA. |
|
|
|
Western Board
|
|
The board of directors of Western. |
|
|
|
Western Class A
Shares
|
|
Class A common shares without par value in the authorized share
structure of Western which are to be created in accordance with
the Plan of Arrangement. |
|
|
|
Western Class B
Share
|
|
The Western Shares, once they have been redesignated as class B
common shares and to which have been added a preferential right
with respect to the payment of dividends in accordance with the
Plan of Arrangement. |
|
|
|
Western Copper
|
|
Western Copper Corporation, a corporation existing under the BCBCA. |
|
|
|
Western Copper
Class A Shares
|
|
Class A shares, par value $0.00001 each, in the authorized share
structure of Western Copper. |
|
|
|
Western Copper
Options
|
|
Stock options for the purchase of Western Copper Shares that will
be issued by Western Copper in accordance with the Plan of
Arrangement. |
|
|
|
Western Copper
Shareholders
|
|
At the relevant time, the holders of Western Copper Shares. |
|
|
|
Western Copper
Shares
|
|
Voting common shares in the capital of Western Copper. |
|
|
|
Western Copper
Warrant
|
|
A share purchase warrant of Western Copper to be issued to Glamis
for the purchase of 5% of the fully-diluted Western Copper Shares
as of the Effective Date, for a period of two years following the
Effective Date, at a price of $3.50 per share. |
|
|
|
Western Shareholders
|
|
At the relevant time, the holders of Western Shares. |
|
|
|
Western Shares
|
|
Voting common shares in the capital of Western. |
|
|
|
Western Stock Options
|
|
Stock options for the purchase of Western Shares which are
outstanding immediately before the Effective Date. |
|
|
|
U.S. Exchange Act
|
|
The United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
|
|
|
U.S. Securities Act
|
|
The United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
- XII -
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
The following is a glossary of certain mining or other technical terms used in this Information
Circular:
|
|
|
AAS
|
|
Atomic absorption spectroscopy analytical technique. |
|
|
|
Alteration
|
|
Changes in the chemical or mineralogical composition of a rock, generally
produced by weathering or hydro-thermal solutions. |
|
|
|
Anomalous
|
|
Inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal or expected.
|
|
|
|
block model
|
|
A 3 dimensional volume created using small regularly shaped (cubes or
rectangles) blocks each with an assigned grade estimated from the data set.
Many of the blocks have no data points within their boundaries. |
|
|
|
BQ
|
|
Diamond drill core size. |
|
|
|
Cu
|
|
Copper. |
|
|
|
EM
|
|
Electro-magnetic |
|
|
|
fire assay
|
|
A technique for determining the amount of gold in a rock sample. |
|
|
|
footwall zone
|
|
Zone of rocks in the footwall, the underside of a vein, deposit or structure. |
|
|
|
Grade
|
|
The concentration of an ore metal in a rock sample, given either as weight
percent for base metals or in grams per tonne (g/tonne) or ounces per short
ton for precious metals. The grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often
using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a
very large number of samples collected from throughout the deposit. |
|
|
|
g/tonne or gpt
|
|
Gram per tonne. |
|
|
|
H2 SO4
|
|
Hydrogen sulphide. |
|
|
|
ha
|
|
Hectare. |
|
|
|
hanging wall
|
|
The upper side of a vein, deposit or structure. |
|
|
|
heap leach
|
|
A process of extracting metals from low grade ores including piling
relatively coarse ore on an impervious membrane and allowing a dissolving
fluid to seep down through the pile and through a collection system. |
|
|
|
HQ
|
|
Diamond drill core size |
|
|
|
Indicated mineral
resource
|
|
That part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality,
densities, shape, and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level
of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical
and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the
economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and
reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate
techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and
drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade
continuity to be reasonably assumed. |
|
|
|
Inferred mineral
resource
|
|
That part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality can
be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and
reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The
estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through
appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits,
workings and drill holes. |
|
|
|
Intrusive
|
|
An igneous rock that was once molten and has intruded into pre-existing
rocks in that state, after which it cools. |
|
|
|
km
|
|
Kilometre. |
|
|
|
kriging resources
|
|
Resources determined by using a method of estimating grade where a
rectangular block is assigned a grade based on the nearest data points
available. Data points are averaged by weighting according to distance from
the block. Data points are used when located within an elliptical volume
(ellipsoid) determined by variography. |
|
|
|
m
|
|
Metre. |
- XIII -
|
|
|
Measured mineral
resource
|
|
That part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality,
densities, shape, and physical characteristics are so well established
that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the
appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support
production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the
deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration,
sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques
from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes
that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade
continuity. |
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Mineralization
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|
Minerals of value occurring in rocks. |
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|
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NI 43-101
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National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. |
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NPV
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Net present value. |
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NQ
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Diamond drill core size. |
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NSR
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|
Net smelter return a calculation of net value metal produced less
smeltering and refining changes. |
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Ore
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|
A naturally occurring material from which one or more minerals may be
mined and sold at a profit, or from which some part may be profitably
separated. |
|
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polygonal modelling
|
|
A method of estimating resources where areas are constructed on section
based on half the distance to the next data point. Each area is then
represented by the individual data point ( drill hole intersection). |
|
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polygonal resources
|
|
Resources determined by using polygonal modelling. |
|
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porphyry
|
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Any igneous rock with crystals embedded in a finer groundmass of minerals. |
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Probable mineral
reserves
|
|
The economically mineable part of an indicated and in some circumstances
a measured mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary
feasibility study. The study must include adequate information on mining,
processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that
demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be
justified. |
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Proven mineral
reserves
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|
The economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource
demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. The study must
include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical,
economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate at the time of
reporting, that economic extraction is justified. |
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reverse circulation
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A drilling technique that does not result in the recovery of drill core. |
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Sulphide
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A compound containing sulphur and some other metal. |
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SX-EW
|
|
Copper sulphate solution and electro mining. |
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tpd
|
|
Tonnes per day. |
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variography
|
|
The statistical analysis which shows the directional variation of data.
This technique is used to align the ellipsoid for Kriging in block
models. |
|
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|
VLF-EM
|
|
A geophysical exploration technique utilising magnetic fields. |
SUMMARY
The following is a summary of the principal features of the Arrangement and certain other matters
and should be read together with the more detailed information and financial data and statements
contained elsewhere in this Information Circular, including the schedules hereto and incorporated
in this Information Circular by reference. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Summary
are defined in the Glossary of Terms or elsewhere in the Information Circular. This Summary is
qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information appearing or referred to elsewhere
herein.
The Meeting
Date, Time and Place of Meeting
The Meeting will be held on May 1, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) in the Terasen Building,
Georgia Room, Main Floor, 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4M3.
The Record Date
The Record Date for determining the registered shareholders for the Meeting is March 24, 2006.
Purposes of the Meeting
This Information Circular is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by management
of Western for use at the Meeting.
At the Meeting, Western Shareholders will receive the 2005 Report of the Directors and Audited
Financial Statements for the fiscal period ending September 30, 2005, together with the Auditors
Report thereon, and will be asked to appoint the auditors for the upcoming year, authorize the
directors to approve the auditors remuneration and to elect directors (collectively, the Annual
General Meeting Matters).
Western Shareholders will also be asked to consider and to pass, with or without variation, a
special resolution (the Arrangement Resolution) approving an arrangement (the Arrangement)
under Part 9, Division 5 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (BCBCA) involving
Western, its securityholders and Western Copper. The Arrangement involves the following
transactions:
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the issuance by Glamis to Western Shareholders of 0.688 of a Glamis Share for each one
(1) Western Share to effect a business combination of Western and Glamis; |
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the transfer of Westerns Almoloya Project, the shares of Carmacks and approximately
$38 million of cash held by Western to Western Copper, in exchange for common shares of
Western Copper (the Western Copper Shares); and |
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the distribution of the Western Copper Shares to Western Shareholders on the basis of
one (1) Western Copper Share for each one (1) Western Share. |
The Arrangement
Purpose
The principal business of Western has been mining exploration and the initial development of mining
properties. Western is not engaged in the operation of mines. On November 11, 2005, Western
received a feasibility study on its Peñasquito project (the Peñasquito Project) located in
Mexico. Since that time Western has focused its efforts on the Peñasquito Project.
On February 24, 2006, Western and Glamis announced an agreement whereby Glamis would acquire all of
the outstanding Western Shares.
Glamis is a mine operator with experience in exploration, development and operation of mines in the
Americas, including Mexico. Western believes that this experience will enable Glamis to complete
the development of the Peñasquito Project into an operating mine.
The Arrangement will split the business of Western into two parts: (i) one part, comprised of the
Mexico assets of Western, save and except for Westerns Almoloya Project, will be owned by Glamis
and (ii) the other part, comprised of approximately $38 million in cash, Westerns interest in the
Carmacks copper deposit (the Carmacks Copper Project) located in the Yukon Territory and
Westerns interest in the Almoloya Project in Mexico, will be owned by Western Copper, a new public
company formed in connection with the Arrangement.
Following completion of the Arrangement, Western Shareholders will hold an interest in each part of
the current business of Western through the ownership of Glamis Shares and the ownership of Western
Copper Shares. On the Effective Date, Western Shareholders will hold approximately 20.22% (21.1% on
a fully diluted basis based on the issued capital and outstanding options of Western and Glamis on
February 24, 2006) of the issued Glamis Shares and 100% of the issued Western Copper Shares.
Reasons for the Arrangement and Recommendation of the Western Board
After careful consideration, the Western Board has unanimously determined that the Arrangement is
fair to Western Shareholders and is in the best interest of Western. Accordingly, the Western
Board unanimously recommends that Western Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution and,
therefore, the acquisition of Western by Glamis.
In the course of its evaluation of the Arrangement, the Western Board consulted with Westerns
senior management, legal counsel and Financial Advisor, reviewed a significant amount of
information and considered a number of factors, including, among others, the following factors:
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|
|
Glamis has offered a significant premium to the Western share price, which provides
immediate value for Western Shareholders. The terms of the Arrangement provide a premium
of 40% based on the volume-weighted average share prices of both Glamis and Western on the
TSX for the 20 trading days preceding announcement of the transaction, or 27% based on the
closing TSX prices of Glamis Shares and Western Shares on the day preceding the
announcement of the transaction. |
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The terms of the Arrangement represent a premium to all analysts forecasts which were
available on February 23, 2006, for the Western Shares. |
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Glamis is already a significant, low-cost silver producer, projecting an average of
nearly four million ounces of silver production annually from its Marlin Mine. With the
addition of |
- 3 -
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production from the Peñasquito Project, Glamis will become one of the leading silver
producers in the world with significant low cost silver production from two large mines. |
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Glamis has the experience and technical ability, particularly as demonstrated by the
recent construction of the El Sauzal gold mine in Mexico and the Marlin gold-silver mine
in Guatemala, to put the Peñasquito Project into production. Glamis has advised that its
mine development team from El Sauzal will be utilized at Peñasquito. As a result, Western
Shareholders will no longer be subject to the development risks inherent in a junior
company developing a mine, nor will they be subject to the potentially considerable
dilution that will result from the financing activities that would be necessary if Western
was to construct a mine at Peñasquito alone. |
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Western Shareholders will continue to participate in any increase in value of the
Peñasquito Project by holding Glamis Shares. Western Shareholders will hold approximately
20.22% (21.1% on a fully diluted basis based on the issued capital and outstanding options
of Western and Glamis on February 24, 2006) of Glamis upon completion of the Arrangement. |
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Western Shareholders will participate in a leading growth company which has four
existing mines located in Nevada, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, including the newly
completed, low-cost Marlin and El Sauzal mines. Additionally, Western Shareholders will
gain exposure to Glamis development and exploration projects underway in Nevada, Mexico
and Guatemala. |
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Western Shareholders will receive a share of a new company, Western Copper, giving them
exposure to a well-funded resource company with experienced management prepared to proceed
with the development of the Carmacks Copper Project in the Yukon as well as new
exploration efforts. |
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The Western Board concluded that the possible alternatives to the Arrangement
(including the possibility of continuing to operate Western as an independent entity), and
the perceived risks thereof, the range of possible benefits to Western Shareholders of
such alternatives and the timing and uncertainty of successfully accomplishing any of such
alternatives, were such that none of the
alternatives were considered reasonably likely to present superior opportunities for
Western, or reasonably likely to create greater value for Western Shareholders, than the
Arrangement with Glamis. |
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In order for Western to proceed with the Peñasquito Project alone, it would require
significant capital, both equity and debt, and would need to recruit a technically capable
mine development team. Western would incur significant dilution in raising such capital
and could have significant difficulty in attracting a technically capable mine development
team due to the current shortage of available qualified people. |
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Mine development and construction is risky and uncertain. Western has never put a mine
into production and during the entire period of development and construction Western would
have no revenues and would depend entirely on the proceeds raised from debt and equity
financing, which may or may not be available to it on reasonable terms, if at all. |
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|
While Westerns assets represent substantial exploration potential, because of the size
and longevity of the Peñasquito Project, only a very large new discovery at the Peñasquito
Project would have a significant impact on the current market value of Western Shares.
Furthermore, any change in the scope of the Peñasquito Project to accommodate future
exploration would inevitably delay the construction of the Peñasquito Project. |
- 4 -
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|
|
The financial presentation of the Financial Advisor, including its oral opinion of February 22, 2006, which
was confirmed by a written opinion dated March 16, 2006, to the Independent Committee as to the fairness,
from a financial point of view of the consideration to be received by Western Shareholders, other than
Glamis, pursuant to the Arrangement, as more fully described under The Arrangement Opinion of Westerns
Financial Advisor. |
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|
The recommendation of the Independent Committee regarding the terms of the Arrangement and its
recommendation that the Western Board approve the Arrangement on the terms presented to it. |
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The likelihood that the Arrangement would be consummated, in light of the experience, reputation and
financial capabilities of Glamis and the absence of significant closing conditions, other than approval by
Western Shareholders of the Arrangement and other customary closing conditions. |
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|
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|
The terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, including: |
|
o |
|
the ability of the Western Board, under certain circumstances, to
furnish information to and conduct negotiations with a third party
and, upon payment to Glamis of the Break Fee (3.5% of the aggregate
market value of Western calculated on a fully diluted basis and
based on the volume weighted average trading prices per Western
Share on the TSX on the trading day prior to termination), to
terminate the Arrangement Agreement and accept a Superior Proposal; |
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|
o |
|
the belief of the Western Board that the Break Fee is within the
range of reasonable termination fees provided for in comparable
transactions and is not a significant deterrent to possible
competing offers; and |
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|
o |
|
the limited ability of Glamis to terminate the Arrangement Agreement. |
In the course of its deliberations, the Western Board also identified and considered a variety of
risks and potentially negative factors, including, but not limited to:
|
|
|
The price of Westerns Shares may be capped at or near the value contemplated by the
Arrangement to the extent that there is a market assumption that the Arrangement will
complete. |
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|
In certain circumstances set out under The Arrangement Agreement Non-Solicitation
of Acquisition Proposals and Break Fee, Western may be required to pay the Break Fee to
Glamis, which, if an alternative transaction is not concluded, will adversely affect
Westerns financial condition. |
|
|
|
|
If the Arrangement Agreement is terminated and the Western Board decides to seek
another merger or business combination, there can be no assurance that it will be able to
find a party willing to pay an equivalent or more attractive price than the purchase price
to be paid pursuant to the Arrangement with Glamis. |
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|
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|
Implementing the Arrangement will require the devotion of significant management time
and attention, which will have to be diverted from the existing business of Western and
which could have an adverse impact on Western if the Arrangement is not approved. |
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|
Under the Arrangement Agreement, Western would be required to pay the Break Fee in the
event that the Arrangement Agreement is terminated in certain circumstances. The Break
Fee, together |
- 5 -
|
|
|
with Glamis right to match a Superior Proposal, may discourage other parties from
attempting to acquire the Western Shares even if those parties might be willing to offer
greater value than Glamis has offered under the Arrangement Agreement. |
The foregoing discussion summarizes the material information and factors considered by the
Independent Committee and the Western Board in their consideration of the Arrangement. The Western
Board collectively reached its unanimous decision with respect to the Arrangement in light of the
factors described above and other factors that each member of the Western Board felt were
appropriate. In view of the wide variety of factors and the quality and amount of information
considered, the Western Board did not find it useful or practicable to and did not make specific
assessments of, quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors
considered in reaching its determination. Individual members of the Western Board may have given
different weight to different factors.
Fairness Opinion
Macquarie North America Ltd. (the Financial Advisor) has provided an opinion (the Fairness
Opinion) to the Independent Committee in respect of the fairness from a financial point of view of
the consideration to be received by the Western Shareholders other than Glamis. Based upon the
information and procedures and subject to the limitations described in its opinion, the Financial
Advisor has concluded that the terms of the Arrangement are fair, from a financial point of view,
to Western Shareholders, other than Glamis. See The Arrangement Fairness Opinion in the
Information Circular and a copy of the Fairness Opinion which is attached as Schedule E hereto.
Summary and Effect of the Arrangement
Prior to the Arrangement, Western incorporated Western Copper as its new wholly-owned subsidiary.
Upon completion of the Arrangement:
|
1. |
|
Western will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glamis and will cease to be a public company; |
|
|
2. |
|
Western will continue to hold all of its mineral properties, cash and assets, save and except
for the cash and assets to be transferred to Western Copper as part of the Arrangement; |
|
|
3. |
|
Western Shareholders, other than Western Shareholders who duly exercise their Dissent Rights,
will receive 0.688 of a Glamis Share and one (1) Western Copper Share for each one Western
Share owned; |
|
|
4. |
|
each Western Stock Option outstanding immediately before the Effective Date will be exchanged
for: |
|
a. |
|
an option to be issued by Glamis (a Glamis
New Option) pursuant to which the holder of
the related Western Stock Option will be
entitled to receive, upon exercise of the
Glamis New Option, that number of Glamis
Shares that is equal to the number of
Western Shares that was issuable upon
exercise of the related Western Stock Option
immediately before the Effective Time
multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, and the
exercise price per Glamis Share under the
Glamis New Option will, subject to
adjustment, be equal to the quotient
obtained by dividing the exercise price per
share of the related Western Stock Option in
effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time, less $0.88, by the Exchange Ratio; and |
- 6 -
|
b. |
|
an option (a Western Copper Option) pursuant to which the holder of
the Western Stock Option will be entitled to acquire that number of
Western Copper Shares that is equal to the number of Western Shares
that was issuable upon exercise of the Western Stock Option
immediately before the Effective Time at an exercise price per Western
Copper Share of $0.88; |
5. |
|
assuming there are 48,864,680 Western Shares issued and outstanding at
the Effective Time and outstanding Western Stock Options in respect of
2,394,901 Western Shares, Glamis will issue approximately 33,618,899
Glamis Shares to acquire the Western Shares and reserve approximately
1,647,691 Glamis Shares for issue upon exercise of Glamis New Options.
Upon completion of the Arrangement, there will be, using Glamis
issued share capital as at March 24, 2006, approximately 165,638,804
Glamis Shares issued and outstanding. In addition, approximately
48,864,680 Western Copper Shares will be issued to Western
Shareholders on the basis of one (1) Western Copper Share for each one
(1) Western Share held and approximately 2,394,901 Western Copper
Shares will be reserved for issuance in accordance with the terms of
the Western Copper Options; |
|
6. |
|
the rights of creditors against the property and interests of Western
will be unimpaired by the Arrangement; |
|
7. |
|
the subsidiaries of Western (other than Western Copper and Carmacks)
will remain as subsidiaries and related corporations of Western, such
that the Peñasquito Project will be owned by Glamis; |
|
8. |
|
Western Copper will be a reporting company, all of whose shares will
be owned by Western Shareholders. Western Copper will hold the
Carmacks Copper Project in the Yukon, the Almoloya Project in Mexico
and approximately $38 million in working capital; and |
|
9. |
|
the Glamis Board will be increased from six members to seven members
and Dale Corman, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Western
will be appointed to the Glamis Board. |
See The Arrangement for additional information. Full particulars of the Arrangement are contained
in the Plan of Arrangement which is attached hereto as Schedule D.
The Companies
Glamis is a reporting issuer in all of the Provinces of Canada. Glamis shares trade on the Toronto
Stock Exchange (the TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol GLG. The
principal office of Glamis is located at 5190 Neil Road, Suite 310, Reno, Nevada 895025. Glamis
registered and records office is located at 1500 1055 West Georgia St., Vancouver, British
Columbia, V6E 4N7. Glamis is engaged in exploration, mine development, and the mining and
extraction of precious metals, both gold and silver. It has operating mines in Nevada, U.S.A.,
Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala, and development projects in Nevada, Mexico and Guatemala.
Western is a reporting issuer in all of the Provinces of Canada. Westerns shares trade on the TSX
under the symbol WTC and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) under the symbol WTZ. The
registered and records office of Western is located at 595 Howe Street, 10th Floor,
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 2T5, and its head office and principal place of business is
located at Suite 2050, 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 4M3. Western is a
mineral exploration company whose principal property is the Peñasquito Project in Mexico.
- 7 -
Western Copper is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western. The registered and records office
of Western Copper is located at 595 Howe Street, 10th Floor, Vancouver, British
Columbia, V6C 2T5, and its head office and principal place of business will be located at Suite
2050, 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 4M3.
Upon completion of the Arrangement, Western Copper will be a reporting issuer in British Columbia,
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland
and Labrador. Application will be made for listing of the Western Copper Shares on the TSX. Any
listing will be subject to meeting TSX original listing requirements and there is no assurance such
a listing will be obtained. The Western Copper Shares will be a registered class of securities in
the United States but will not be listed for trading on a stock exchange in the United States.
Western Copper will be well financed with approximately $38 million in working capital and will
conduct mineral exploration and development of the Carmacks Copper Project in the Yukon and the
early stage exploration project, the Almoloya Project, in Mexico.
See the pro forma financial statements of Glamis and Western Copper attached to this Information
Circular as Schedules B and C1 respectively for a description of the respective status of each
of these Companies as at December 31, 2005 after giving effect to the Arrangement.
The Western Board unanimously recommends that the Western Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement
Resolution and, therefore, the acquisition of Western by Glamis. See The Arrangement
Recommendations of the Directors.
Conditions to the Arrangement
Completion of the Arrangement is subject to a number of usual specified conditions being met as of
the Effective Date, including:
1. |
|
the approval or acceptance of the Arrangement by a two-thirds majority of the
Western Shareholders present and entitled to vote at the Meeting. |
|
2. |
|
the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the Court) must grant its Final Order
with respect to the Arrangement; |
|
3. |
|
all covenants of the Companies shall have been duly performed and all
representations and warranties of the Companies must be true and correct at the
time of closing; |
|
4. |
|
no Material Adverse Change with respect to the Companies will have occurred; and |
|
5. |
|
Dissent Rights must not have been exercised in respect of, in the aggregate,
more than 1% of the outstanding Western Shares. |
The TSX has conditionally approved the Arrangement, subject to filing standard closing documents.
The Arrangement Agreement also provides that it may be terminated in certain circumstances by the
boards of directors of the Companies before the Effective Date notwithstanding approval of the
Arrangement by the Western Shareholders and the Court. See The Arrangement Effective Date and
Conditions of Arrangement.
Non-Solicitation of Acquisition Proposal and Break Fee
Western has agreed that it will not directly or indirectly take any action which might reduce the
likelihood of, or interfere with, the completion of the Arrangement, solicit, assist, initiate or
knowingly encourage, discuss or assist others in making an alternate acquisition proposal
(Acquisition Proposal) for the
- 8 -
Western Shares or the mineral properties of Western. However, these restrictions will not apply if
Western receives an unsolicited Acquisition Proposal that the Western Board, acting reasonably and
in good faith, determines after consultation with its independent financial advisor and outside
legal counsel and subject to certain conditions in the Arrangement Agreement, would, if consummated
in accordance with its terms, be reasonably likely to lead to a Superior Proposal and the Western
Board determines that its failure to consider or participate in such discussions would be
inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable laws. In such event, the Western Board may,
subject to execution of an appropriate confidentiality agreement, provide the person making the
Acquisition Proposal access to Westerns non-public information.
If the Western Board determines that an Acquisition Proposal would be a Superior Proposal, it must
give Glamis five business days notice of the Boards intention to accept, approve, recommend or
enter into an agreement relating to such Acquisition Proposal. If the notice is given less than
five business days prior to the Meeting, Western will, unless otherwise mutually agreed with
Glamis, adjourn the Meeting to a time that is not less than five business days after the time the
notice of the Superior Proposal was given.
During the five day period, Glamis may offer to amend the terms of the Arrangement. If Glamis makes
an amended offer, the Western Board will determine if the Acquisition Proposal is no longer a
Superior Proposal and in such case, Western will accept the amended Glamis offer and, if necessary,
adjourn the Meeting to allow Western to prepare an amendment to the Information Circular and to
forward such to the Western Shareholders.
If the Western Board continues to believe that the Superior Proposal remains a Superior Proposal,
Western may terminate the Arrangement Agreement, in which case Western will pay Glamis a fee equal
to 3.5% of the aggregate market value of the Western Shares (calculated on a fully diluted basis),
based on the volume weighted average trading prices per Western Share on the TSX on the trading day
immediately preceding the date of termination. Upon termination and payment of 50% of the fee prior
to or concurrent with the termination, Western may accept, approve, recommend or enter into an
agreement, understanding or arrangement in respect of the Superior Proposal and Western will pay
the remaining 50% of the fee on the earlier of (i) the date on which the Acquisition Proposal or
Superior Proposal is completed and (ii) 120 days from the date on which the first 50% of the
termination fee is paid.
The above is a summary of the provisions of the Arrangement Agreement relating to non-solicitation
and the Break Fee. The Break Fee will be payable by Western in certain other circumstances and
shareholders should refer to Additional Terms of the Arrangement Agreement Non-Solicitation of
Acquisition Proposals and Break Fee in this Information Circular and to the Arrangement Agreement
which is filed on SEDAR.
Termination of Arrangement Agreement
The Arrangement Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Date, in the
circumstances specified in the Arrangement Agreement, including:
1. |
|
by mutual written consent of Western and Glamis; |
|
2. |
|
by either Western or Glamis in the event the conditions precedent of
the Arrangement Agreement are not satisfied, or waived by the party to
whom they are of benefit; |
|
3. |
|
by either Western or Glamis if the Western Shareholders fail to
approve the Arrangement Resolution or if the Meeting has not been held
by the Termination Date; |
- 9 -
4. |
|
by Western following receipt of, and in order to accept or recommend,
a Superior Proposal and subject to the provisions of the Arrangement
Agreement regarding Superior Proposals; or |
|
5. |
|
by Glamis if the Board of Directors of Western withdraws or modifies
in a manner adverse to Glamis its approval or recommendation of the
Arrangement. |
The above is a summary of the termination provisions of the Arrangement Agreement and Shareholders
should refer to the Arrangement Agreement which is filed on SEDAR for the specific terms.
Exchange of Certificates and Fractional Shares
On or about the Effective Date, a letter of transmittal containing instructions with respect to the
deposit of certificates for Western Shares with the Depositary at its principal office in Toronto,
Ontario will be forwarded to Western Shareholders for use in exchanging their Western Share
certificates for certificates representing Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares promptly after
the Effective Date. Upon return of a properly completed letter of transmittal, together with
certificates representing Western Shares and such other documents as the Depositary may require,
certificates for the appropriate number of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares will be
distributed.
No fractional Glamis Shares will be issued to Western Shareholders. Western Shareholders will
receive cash in lieu of a fractional share of Glamis based on one whole Glamis Share being valued
at $34.73, the closing price for Glamis Shares on February 23, 2006, the reference date of the
Arrangement Agreement.
Cancellation of Rights after Six Years
Any certificate which immediately prior to the Effective Date represented outstanding Western
Shares and which has not been surrendered, with all other instruments required by the Plan of
Arrangement on or prior to the sixth anniversary of the Effective Date, will cease to represent any
claim against or interest of any kind or nature in Western, Glamis, Western Copper or the
Depositary. Accordingly, persons who tender certificates for Western Shares after this sixth
anniversary will not receive Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares, will not own any interest in
Western, and will not be paid any cash or other compensation
Treatment of Dividends
No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective Date with respect to
Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares, with a record date after the Effective Date, will be
payable or paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificates for Western Shares and will not be
payable until the surrender of certificates for Western Shares for exchange for Glamis Shares and
Western Copper Shares in accordance with the terms of the Plan of Arrangement.
Rights of Dissent
Western Shareholders have the right to dissent to the proposed Arrangement and to be paid the fair
value of their shares upon strict compliance with the provisions of applicable law. See Rights of
Dissenting Shareholders. It is a condition of the Arrangement that Dissent Rights shall not have
been exercised in the aggregate for more than 1% of the outstanding Western Shares.
Income Tax Considerations
Holders of Western securities should consult their own tax advisors about the applicable Canadian,
United States or Mexican federal, provincial, state and local tax consequences of the Arrangement.
- 10 -
For Canadian federal income tax purposes, a Western Shareholder whose Western Shares constitute
capital property generally will not realize a capital gain or capital loss on the exchange of
such shares for Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares under the Arrangement except that a Western
Shareholder will realize a capital gain to the extent that the fair market value of the Western
Copper Shares received by the shareholder exceeds the adjusted cost base of the shareholders
Western Shares. A summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations in respect of
the proposed Arrangement is included under Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations and the
foregoing is qualified in full by the information in such section.
Western believes that the exchange (the Exchange) by a U.S. Holder of Western Class A Shares for
Glamis Shares should qualify as a tax free reorganization (Reorganization) for United States
federal income tax purposes, although there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) will not take a contrary position. Regardless of whether the Exchange qualifies as a
Reorganization, the Exchange may be treated as a fully taxable exchange under the PFIC rules of
Sections 1291-1298 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). In addition, if
the Exchange qualifies as a Reorganization, the rules of Section 367 of the Code may under certain
circumstances apply impose additional requirements on certain U.S. Holders in order to preserve
Reorganization treatment for the Exchange. The distribution of Western Copper shares to a U.S.
Holder may be tax free, or may be partially or wholly taxable for United States federal income tax
purposes, depending on whether such distribution qualifies as a tax free Reorganization and upon
the application of the PFIC rules of Sections 1291-1298 of the Code. A summary of the principal
U.S. federal income tax considerations in respect of the proposed Arrangement is included under
The Arrangement United States Federal Income Tax Considerations and the foregoing is qualified
in full by the information in such section.
Western Shareholders should carefully review the tax considerations described in this Information
Circular and are urged to consult their own tax advisors in regard to their particular
circumstances. See Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations and United States Federal Income
Tax Considerations in this Information Circular, for discussions of Canadian income tax
considerations and United States income tax considerations. See also Mexican Income Tax
Considerations.
Securities Laws Information for Canadian Shareholders
The issuances of the Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares pursuant to the Arrangement will be
exempt from the registration and prospectus requirements of Canadian securities legislation. The
Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares may be resold in each of the provinces and territories of
Canada, without significant restriction, provided the trade is not a control distribution as
defined in the applicable legislation, no unusual effort is made to prepare the market or create a
demand for those securities and no extraordinary commission or consideration is paid in respect of
that sale.
Upon completion of the Arrangement, Western Copper will be a reporting issuer in British Columbia,
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland
and Labrador. Application will be made for listing of the Western Copper Shares on the TSX. Any
listing will be subject to meeting TSX original listing requirements and there is no assurance such
a listing will be obtained. The Western Copper Shares will be a registered class of securities in
the United States but will not be listed for trading on a stock exchange in the United States.
See Securities Laws Considerations Canadian Securities Laws.
- 11 -
Securities Laws Information for United States Shareholders
The Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares to be issued to Western Shareholders pursuant to the
Arrangement will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or the securities laws of any
state of the United States and will each be issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration
provided by the Section 3(a)(10) Exemption and exemptions provided under the securities laws of
each state of the United States in which Western shareholders reside. Applicability of restrictions
on resale of shares imposed by the U.S. Securities Act will depend on whether the holder of the
Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares issued pursuant to the Arrangement is an affiliate of
Glamis or Western before the Arrangement or an affiliate of Glamis or Western Copper after the
Arrangement. As defined in Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act, an affiliate of an issuer is a
person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled
by, or is under common control with, such issuer. See Securities Laws Considerations U.S.
Securities Laws.
Glamis Selected Financial Information
The following table sets out selected financial information for the periods indicated which is
qualified by the more complete information contained in the audited financial statements of Glamis
filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and incorporated by reference into this Information
Circular.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
Production statistics: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash cost per ounce(1) |
|
US$ |
195 |
|
|
US$ |
192 |
|
|
US$ |
184 |
|
Ounces of gold produced |
|
|
434,010 |
|
|
|
234,433 |
|
|
|
230,294 |
|
Average gold price realized per ounce |
|
US$ |
454 |
|
|
US$ |
416 |
|
|
US$ |
368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating summary (millions of US $): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
US$ |
202.6 |
|
|
US$ |
94.7 |
|
|
US$ |
84.0 |
|
Net earnings
|
|
|
27.1 |
|
|
|
20.9 |
|
|
|
18.2 |
|
Cash flow from operations
(before changes in non-cash working
capital and site closure and reclamation expenditures) |
|
|
89.0 |
|
|
|
37.4 |
|
|
|
33.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Status: (millions of US $): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital |
|
US$ |
36.7 |
|
|
US$ |
27.4 |
|
|
US$ |
145.4 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
721.2 |
|
|
|
613.3 |
|
|
|
534.1 |
|
Long-term liabilities |
|
|
188.6 |
|
|
|
123.6 |
|
|
|
88.6 |
|
Shareholders equity |
|
|
503.6 |
|
|
|
460.3 |
|
|
|
434.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per common share ($): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
US$ |
0.21 |
|
|
US$ |
0.16 |
|
|
US$ |
0.14 |
|
Book value |
|
|
3.82 |
|
|
|
3.52 |
|
|
|
3.34 |
|
Dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Total cash cost of production includes mining, processing (including
transportation and refining), costs associated with movements in
production inventories net of pre-production stripping costs (which
are capitalized to mine development costs), direct mine overhead
costs, local production taxes and royalties, but excludes general and
administrative costs at the corporate level, depreciation and
depletion and end-of-mine reclamation accruals. Cash costs of
production should not be considered as an alternative to operating
profit or net profit attributable to shareholders, or as an
alternative to other Canadian or U.S. generally accepted accounting
principle measures and may not be comparable to other similarly titled
measures of other companies. However, Glamis believes that cash costs
of production per ounce of gold, by mine, is a useful indicator to
investors and management of a mines performance. |
- 12 -
Glamis Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for Glamis is based
on the assumptions described in the respective notes to the Glamis unaudited pro forma consolidated
financial statements as at December 31, 2005, attached to this Information Circular as Schedule
B. These pro forma consolidated financial statements have been prepared based on the assumption,
among other things, that the Arrangement had occurred on December 31, 2005. The unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of Glamis consolidated financial
position and results from operations if the events reflected therein have been in effect on
December 31, 2005, nor do they purport to project Glamis consolidated financial position or
results from operations for any future periods.
The pro forma consolidated financial statements are based on certain assumptions and adjustments,
including the non-recurring expenditures related to the Arrangement. The selected unaudited pro
forma consolidated financial information given below should be read in conjunction with the
description of the Arrangement contained in this Information Circular, the unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements contained in Schedule B and the audited and unaudited financial
statements of Western and Glamis incorporated by reference into this Information Circular.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
|
December 31, 2005 (in millions of US $) |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
Balance Sheet Data |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents: |
|
|
20.1 |
|
Other current assets: |
|
|
33.6 |
|
Mineral property, plant and equipment: |
|
|
1,962.8 |
|
Other assets: |
|
|
24.7 |
|
Total assets: |
|
|
2,041.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
29.0 |
|
Site closure and reclamation costs: |
|
|
12.2 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
80.0 |
|
Future income taxes: |
|
|
459.7 |
|
Shareholders equity: |
|
|
1,460.3 |
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity: |
|
|
2,041.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of Operations Data |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
202.6 |
|
Earnings from operations |
|
|
15.8 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
7.6 |
|
- 13 -
Glamis Share Capitalization
The following table sets forth information on the share capitalization of Glamis as at the dates
indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Assuming |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at |
|
|
Completion of the |
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Arrangement (1)(2) |
|
Designation of Security |
|
Authorized |
|
|
(audited) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
Common Shares |
|
Unlimited |
|
|
131,918,803 |
|
|
|
165,638,804 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Assuming an issued capital of 48,864,680 Western Shares and,
132,019,905 Glamis Shares (its issued share capital at March 24, 2006)
and the issuance of 33,618,899 Glamis Shares under the Arrangement.. |
|
(2) |
|
In addition, based upon the number of outstanding Western Options as
at the date of this Information Circular, Glamis will be committed to
issue up to an additional 1,647,691 Glamis Shares upon exercise of the
Glamis New Options in addition to the 2,518,153 Glamis Shares that
Glamis is committed, as of the date of this Information Circular, to
issue under outstanding Glamis Stock Options. Glamis also has an
Equity Incentive Plan under which up to 865,185 Glamis Shares may be
issued. |
Western Selected Financial Information
The following table sets out selected financial information for the periods indicated which is
qualified by the more complete information contained in the audited financial statements of Western
for the periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the unaudited interim financial statements
of Western for the period ended December 31, 2005, as filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and
incorporated by reference into this Information Circular.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at December 31, |
|
|
As at September 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
(audited) |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents: |
|
$ |
55,823,147 |
|
|
$ |
60,513,188 |
|
|
$ |
13,528,534 |
|
Other current assets: |
|
|
1,061,097 |
|
|
|
1,093,748 |
|
|
|
693,521 |
|
Plant, equipment and mine
development costs: |
|
|
61,694,461 |
|
|
|
56,968,576 |
|
|
|
43,194,729 |
|
Other assets: |
|
|
376,419 |
|
|
|
383,722 |
|
|
|
311,886 |
|
Total assets: |
|
$ |
118,955,124 |
|
|
$ |
118,959,234 |
|
|
$ |
57,728,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
$ |
2,870,184 |
|
|
$ |
2,924,940 |
|
|
$ |
1,509,410 |
|
Reserve for reclamation costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future income taxes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity: |
|
|
116,084,940 |
|
|
|
116,034,294 |
|
|
|
56,219,260 |
|
Total liabilities and
shareholders equity: |
|
$ |
118,955,124 |
|
|
$ |
118,959,234 |
|
|
$ |
57,728,670 |
|
- 14 -
Western Copper Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Financial Information
The following table sets out selected unaudited pro forma financial information for Western Copper,
assuming completion of the Arrangement as of December 31, 2005, and subject to the assumptions in
the notes all of which is qualified by the more complete information contained in the unaudited pro
forma financial statements of Western Copper attached as Schedule C1 to this Information
Circular.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents: |
|
$ |
38,761,000 |
|
Other current assets: |
|
|
|
|
Plant, equipment and mine development costs: |
|
$ |
4,423,514 |
|
Other assets: |
|
$ |
109,327 |
|
Total assets: |
|
$ |
43,293,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
Reserve for reclamation costs: |
|
|
|
|
Future income taxes: |
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity: |
|
$ |
43,292,841 |
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity: |
|
$ |
43,293,841 |
|
Refer also to the audited financial statements of the business of Western Copper as at December 31,
2005 attached as Schedule C2 and the audited financial statements of Western Copper as at March
20, 2006 attached as Schedule C3 to this Information Circular.
Western Copper Pro Forma Share Capitalization
The following table sets forth information on the share capitalization of Western Copper as at the
dates indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Assuming |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at |
|
|
Completion of the |
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Arrangement (1)(2) |
|
Designation of Security |
|
Authorized |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
Common Shares |
|
Unlimited |
|
|
48,585,581 |
|
|
|
51,259,581 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Assuming an issued capital of 48,864,680 Western Shares immediately prior to the Arrangement. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes, based upon the number of outstanding Western Stock Options as at the date of this
Information Circular, 2,394,901 Western Copper Shares that will be issuable under the
Western Copper Options that are issued in part exchange for the Western Options. |
Risk Factors
There are risks associated with the completion of the Arrangement. These risks include: (i) market
reaction to the Arrangement and the future trading prices of the Glamis Shares and of the Western
Copper Shares, if listed, cannot be predicted; (ii) the Arrangement may give rise to significant
adverse tax consequences to Western Shareholders, particularly as to the possible taxable treatment
for U.S. income tax purposes of the transactions contemplated under the Arrangement as discussed
under United States Income Tax Considerations, and each Western Shareholder is urged to consult
his own tax advisor; (iii) uncertainty as to whether the Arrangement will have a positive impact on
the business of the entities
- 15 -
involved in the transactions; and (iv) there is no assurance that required approvals will be
received or that the Western Copper Shares will be listed on a stock exchange.
An investment in a natural resource issuer involves a significant degree of risk. The Glamis Shares
are subject to a number of risks and the Western Copper Shares to be issued to the Western
Shareholders pursuant to the Arrangement are speculative and subject to a number of risks.
Holders of Western Shares should review carefully the risk factors set forth under The Arrangement
Risk Factors in this Information Circular, under Risk Factors in the Western Annual
Information Form dated December 22, 2005, under Risk Factors in the Glamis Annual Information
Form dated March 6, 2006, and under Western Copper Post Arrangement Risk Factors in this
Information Circular.
WESTERN SILVER CORPORATION
Suite 2050, 1111 W. Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4M3
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
(As at March 24, 2006, and in Canadian dollars, except as indicated)
GENERAL PROXY INFORMATION
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
This Information Circular is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
management of Western for use at the Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
Western will conduct its solicitations by mail and officers and employees of Western may, without
receiving special compensation, also telephone or make other personal contact. Western will pay its
costs of solicitation. Western may retain, and pay a fee to, one or more additional proxy
solicitation firms to solicit proxies from Western Shareholders.
At the Meeting, Western Shareholders will receive the 2005 report of the directors and audited
financial statements for the fiscal period ending September 30, 2005, together with the auditors
report thereon, and will be asked to appoint the auditor for the upcoming year and to elect
directors (collectively, the Annual General Meeting Matters). Western Shareholders will also be
asked to consider and to pass, with or without variation, the Arrangement Resolution which is a
Special Resolution approving the Arrangement under Section 288 of the BCBCA between Western and its
securityholders.
APPOINTMENT OF PROXYHOLDER
The purpose of a proxy is to designate persons who will vote the proxy on a Western Shareholders
behalf in accordance with the instructions given by the Western Shareholder in the proxy. The
persons whose names are printed in the enclosed form of proxy are officers or directors of Western
(the Management Proxyholders).
A Western Shareholder has the right to appoint a person other than a Management Proxyholder, to
represent the Western Shareholder at the Meeting by striking out the names of the Management
Proxyholders and by inserting the desired persons name in the blank space provided or by executing
a proxy in a form similar to the enclosed form. A proxyholder need not be a Western Shareholder.
VOTING BY PROXY
Only registered Western Shareholders or duly appointed proxyholders are permitted to vote at the
Meeting. Shares represented by a properly executed proxy will be voted or be withheld from voting
on each matter referred to in the Notice of Meeting accompanying this Information Circular in
accordance with the instructions of the Western Shareholder on any ballot that may be called for
and if the Western Shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the
shares will be voted accordingly.
If a Western Shareholder does not specify a choice and the Western Shareholder has appointed one of
the Management Proxyholders as proxyholder, the Management Proxyholder will vote in favour
- 2 -
of the matters specified in the Notice of Meeting and in favour of all other matters proposed by
management at the Meeting including on the Arrangement Resolution.
The enclosed form of proxy also gives discretionary authority to the person named therein as
proxyholder with respect to amendments or variations to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting
and with respect to other matters which may properly come before the Meeting. At the date of this
Information Circular, management of Western know of no such amendments, variations or other matters
to come before the Meeting.
COMPLETION AND RETURN OF PROXY
Each proxy must be dated and signed by the Nominee (as defined in Non-Registered Holders below)
acting on behalf of a Western Shareholder, or by the Western Shareholder or his/her attorney
authorized in writing. In case of a corporation, the proxy must be dated and executed under its
corporate seal or signed by a duly authorized officer or attorney for the corporation.
Completed forms of proxy for Western must be deposited at the office of its registrar and transfer
agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 100 University Avenue, 9th Floor,
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1, not later than forty-eight (48) hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays, prior to the time of the Meeting, unless the chairman of the Meeting elects to exercise
his discretion to accept proxies received subsequently.
NON-REGISTERED HOLDERS
Only Western Shareholders whose names appear on the records of Western as the registered holders of
shares or duly appointed proxyholders are permitted to vote at the Meeting. Most Western
Shareholders are non-registered Western Shareholders because the shares they own are not
registered in their names but instead registered in the name of a nominee (a Nominee) such as a
brokerage firm through which they purchased the shares, bank, trust company, trustee or
administrator of self-administered registered retirement savings plans, registered retirement
income funds, registered education savings plans and similar plans; or clearing agency such as The
Canadian Depository for Securities Limited. If you purchased your shares through a broker, you are
likely an unregistered holder.
In accordance with securities regulatory policy, Western has distributed copies of its Meeting
materials, being the Notice of Meeting and Proxy, and this Information Circular to the Nominees for
distribution to non-registered holders.
Nominees are required to forward the Meeting materials to non-registered holders to seek their
voting instructions in advance of the Meeting. Shares held by Nominees can only be voted in
accordance with the instructions of the non-registered holder. The Nominees often have their own
form of proxy, mailing procedures and provide their own return instructions. If you wish to vote by
proxy, you should carefully follow the instructions from the Nominee in order to ensure that your
shares are voted at the Meeting.
If you, as a non-registered holder, wish to vote at the Meeting in person, you should appoint
yourself as proxyholder by writing your name in the space provided on the request for voting
instructions or proxy provided by the Nominee and return the form to the Nominee in the envelope
provided. Do not complete the voting section of the form as your vote will be taken at the Meeting.
In addition, Canadian securities legislation now permits Western to forward Meeting materials
directly to non objecting beneficial owners. If either Western or its agent has sent these
materials directly to you (instead of through a Nominee), your name and address and information
about your holdings of securities have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities
regulatory requirements from the Nominee
- 3 -
holding on your behalf. By choosing to send these materials to you directly, Western (and not the
Nominee holding on your behalf) has assumed responsibility for (i) delivering these materials to
you and (ii) executing your proper voting instructions. Please return your voting instructions as
specified in the Request for Voting Instructions.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXY
Any registered Western Shareholder who has returned a proxy may revoke it at any time before it has
been exercised. In addition to revocation in any other manner permitted by law, a registered
Western Shareholder, his attorney authorized in writing or, if the registered Western Shareholder
is a corporation, a corporation under its corporate seal or by an officer or attorney thereof duly
authorized, may revoke a proxy by instrument in writing, including a proxy bearing a later date.
The instrument revoking the proxy must be deposited at the registered office of Western at any time
up to and including the last business day preceding the date of the Meeting, or any adjournment
thereof, or with the chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting. Only registered Western
Shareholders have the right to revoke a proxy. Non-registered holders who wish to change their vote
must, at least 7 days before the Meeting, arrange for their Nominees to revoke the proxy on their
behalf.
RECORD DATE AND VOTING OF SHARES
Western has set March 24, 2006, as the record date for the Meeting. Only Western Shareholders of
record as at that date are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting.
Western is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value, of which
48,864,680 common shares were issued and outstanding as of the close of business on March 24, 2006.
Each issued and outstanding Western Share confers upon its holder the right to one vote.
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
To the knowledge of the directors and the officers of Western, at the date hereof, no person holds,
directly or indirectly, or has control or direction over more than ten (10%) per cent of the
outstanding Western Shares.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
None of the directors or executive officers of Western, nor any person who has held such a position
at any time since the beginning of the last completed financial year of Western, nor any proposed
nominee for election as a director of Western, nor any associate or affiliate of the foregoing
persons, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of
securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted on at the Meeting other than the election of
directors and the approval of the Arrangement.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MATTERS
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The persons named in the enclosed Instrument of Proxy intend to vote in favour of setting the
number of directors at eight (8). The persons named in the following table are proposed by
management for election as directors of Western.
Each Director of Western is elected annually and holds office until the next annual general meeting
of the Western Shareholders unless that person ceases to be a director before then. If the
Arrangement completes, these directors will resign, as Western will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Glamis. For information on the directors of Glamis, see the AIF and the Information Circular of
Glamis which are
- 4 -
incorporated by reference herein. In the absence of instructions to the contrary, the Western
Shares represented by proxy will, on a poll, be voted for the nominees herein listed. Management
does not contemplate that any of the nominees will be unable to serve as a director.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
Principal Occupation or |
|
|
|
beneficially owned, |
|
|
employment and, if not a |
|
|
|
directly or |
Name, Jurisdiction of |
|
previously elected Director, |
|
|
|
indirectly, or |
Residence and |
|
occupation during the past 5 |
|
Previous Service |
|
Controlled |
Position (1) |
|
years (1) |
|
as a Director |
|
or directed (2) |
Dale Corman
Director, Chairman of the |
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the |
|
Since October 21, 1995 |
|
500,000 |
Board & Chief Executive |
|
Company |
|
|
|
|
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vancouver, Canada
Thomas C. Patton
Director, President & Chief
Operating Officer |
|
President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company |
|
Since January 1, 1998 |
|
265,000 |
Washington, U.S.A. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lee Bilheimer |
|
Engineering consultant since |
|
Since July 25, 1997 |
|
3,000 |
Director |
|
1994; formerly Vice-President |
|
|
|
|
West Vancouver, Canada |
|
Construction, Teck Corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lawrence Page, Q.C.
Director |
|
Lawyer |
|
Since January 28, 1997 |
|
Nil |
British Columbia, Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Williams(3)(4) (5) |
|
President of Roxborough |
|
Since August 10, 2003 |
|
364,800(7) |
Director |
|
Holdings Limited, a private |
|
|
|
|
Ontario, Canada |
|
company, since 1995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Klaus Zeitler(3) (4) (5) (6) |
|
President, Amerigo Resources |
|
Since September 18, 2000 |
|
10,000 |
Director |
|
Ltd., formerly Senior Vice- |
|
|
|
|
British Columbia, Canada |
|
president, Teck Cominco Limited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Gayton,
FCA(3) (5)
(6) |
|
Chartered Accountant; Vice-President Finance of the |
|
Since January 21, 2004 |
|
12,900 |
Director
British Columbia, Canada |
|
Company (1995 to January 2004);
Chartered Accountant; Vice- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial consultant to the mineral |
|
|
|
|
|
|
exploration and technology |
|
|
|
|
|
|
industries since 1990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brent Kinney, B.Sc. LLB |
|
Petroleum lawyer, director of |
|
Since May 25, 2005 |
|
Nil |
Director |
|
Husky Energy, Inc. and Dragon |
|
|
|
|
Dubai, UAE |
|
Oil PLC, President of Sky |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The information as to country and province or state of residence, and
principal occupation, not being within the knowledge of the Company, has
been furnished by the respective nominees. |
|
(2) |
|
Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control
or direction is exercised, as at February 22, 2005, based upon
information furnished to the Company by individual Directors. Unless
otherwise indicated, such shares are held directly. |
|
(3) |
|
Member of the Audit Committee. |
|
(4) |
|
Member of Nominating Committee. |
|
(5) |
|
Member of the Compensation Committee. |
|
(6) |
|
Member of Corporate Governance, Environment, Health and Safety Committee. |
|
(7) |
|
100,000 of these shares are held by Roxborough Holdings, a private
company controlled by Mr. Williams. 74,800 of these shares are held by
Seed Foundation, a private company controlled by Mr. Williams. |
- 5 -
Except as indicated above, the above information was provided by management of Western.
No proposed director:
1. |
|
is, as at the date of the information circular, or has been, within 10
years before the date of the information circular, a director or
executive officer of any company (including the Company) that, while
that person was acting in that capacity, |
|
a. |
|
was the subject of a cease trade or similar order or
an order that denied the relevant company access to
any exemption under securities legislation, for a
period of more than 30 consecutive days; |
|
|
b. |
|
was subject to an event that resulted, after the
director or executive officer ceased to be a director
or executive officer, in the company being the subject
of a cease trade or similar order or an order that
denied the relevant company access to any exemption
under securities legislation, for a period of more
than 30 consecutive days; or |
|
|
c. |
|
or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that
capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any
legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or
was subject to or instituted any proceedings,
arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a
receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to
hold its assets; or |
|
|
d. |
|
has, within the 10 years before the date of the
information circular, become bankrupt, made a proposal
under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or
insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any
proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors,
or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee
appointed to hold the assets of the proposed director, |
save as described below.
Thomas Patton was a director of Calais Resources Inc. when it received a cease trade order dated
November 22, 2000, for failure to file financial statements. The order was revoked on November 26,
2001.
Lawrence Page, Robert Gayton, Thomas Patton and Jeffrey Giesbrecht were directors or officers of
Newcoast Silver Mines Ltd. at the date of a Cease Trade Order issued by the British Columbia
Securities Commission on September 30, 2003, and by the Alberta Securities Commission on October
31, 2003, for failure to file financial statements. The orders were revoked on October 23, 2003,
and March 25, 2004, respectively.
Lawrence Page is a director and the President of Saturna Beach Estates Ltd., a private company
formed under the laws of British Columbia, Canada (SBEL). This company conducts the business of a
vineyard and winery. On August 17, 2004, SBEL obtained an Order from the Supreme Court of British
Columbia under the provisions of the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) that allows the
Company to continue to run the daily business affairs of SBEL without creditor action during
financial reorganization. The financial restructuring was completed in May 2005 and the CCAA Order
terminated.
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The purpose of this Statement of Executive Compensation is to provide disclosure of all
compensation earned by certain executive officers and directors in connection with office or
employment by Western.
- 6 -
Compensation Summary
This table sets out all compensation paid during the previous three financial years to Westerns
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as well as each of Westerns three most highly
compensated executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
who were serving as executive officers at the end of the most recently completed financial year and
whose total salary and bonus exceeds $150,000 (collectively the Western Named Executive
Officers):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE WESTERN NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation |
|
|
Long Term Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Payouts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
SAR's |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual |
|
|
Granted |
|
|
Shares/Units |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compen- |
|
Principal |
|
Year |
|
|
Salary |
|
|
Bonus |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
Subject to Resale |
|
|
LTIP |
|
|
sation |
|
Position |
|
(1) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
Restrictions |
|
|
Payouts |
|
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
Dale Corman |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
83,333 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
166,804 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
CEO |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
150,198 |
(4) |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
152,050 |
|
|
Nil |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Thomas Patton |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
93,900 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
159,200 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
COO |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
9,600 |
|
|
Nil |
|
|
125,190 |
(4) |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
9,600 |
|
|
Nil |
|
|
140,400 |
|
|
Nil |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
138,000 |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
Litnosky(3) |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
94,500 |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
CFO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Fiscal Year ended September 30. |
|
(2) |
|
The Company does not have any Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR). SAR means a right,
granted by Western as compensation for employment services or office, to receive
cash or an issue or transfer of securities based wholly or in part on changes in the
trading price of publicly traded securities. |
|
(3) |
|
Appointed as Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer on January 20, 2004. |
|
(4) |
|
Pursuant to a consulting agreement described under Interests of Informed Persons in
Material Transactions. |
Options
The Western Board has established and shareholders have approved an incentive stock option plan
(the Plan). The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain directors, employees and consultants
of, and service providers to, Western and motivate them to advance Westerns interests by affording
such persons with an opportunity to acquire an equity interest in Western through stock options.
- 7 -
The following table discloses the particulars of options to purchase common shares granted by
Western during the preceding financial year to the Western Named Executive Officers:
OPTION/SAR (1) GRANTS TO WESTERN NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS DURING
THE MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED FINANCIAL YEAR
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
% of Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Market Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Granted to |
|
|
Or |
|
|
on the Date of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
Optionees in |
|
|
Base Price |
|
|
Grant |
|
|
Expiration |
|
Name |
|
(#) |
|
|
Financial Year |
|
|
($/Security) |
|
|
($/Security)(2) |
|
|
Date |
|
Dale Corman |
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
% |
|
$ |
10.25 |
|
|
$ |
9.92 |
|
|
May 25, 2010 |
Joseph Litnosky |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
% |
|
$ |
10.25 |
|
|
$ |
9.92 |
|
|
May 25, 2010 |
Thomas Patton |
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
% |
|
$ |
10.25 |
|
|
$ |
9.92 |
|
|
May 25, 2010 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
No SARs were granted. |
|
(2) |
|
The closing price of the securities underlying Options on the date of grant. |
A description of the material features of the Plan is provided in Note 5(e) to the Companys
audited financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2005. See also Western Silver
Corporation Stock Option Plan.
The following table discloses the particulars of stock options of Western exercised during the last
financial year by the Western Named Executive Officers:
OPTION/SAR (1) EXERCISES BY WESTERN NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS DURING THE MOST
RECENTLY COMPLETED FINANCIAL YEAR AND FINANCIAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Value of Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
In the Money Options |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
at September 30, |
|
|
At September 30, |
|
|
|
Acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005(2) |
|
|
|
On |
|
|
Aggregate Value |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Realized |
|
|
Exercisable/ |
|
|
Exercisable/ |
|
Name |
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
Dale Corman |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
384,000 |
|
|
|
630,000/60,000 |
|
|
4,171,700/Nil |
Joseph Litnosky |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
77,700 |
|
|
|
115,000/30,000 |
|
|
298,000/Nil |
Thomas Patton |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
130,000/60,000 |
|
|
24,000/Nil |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
As no SARs were granted, no SARs were exercised. |
|
(2) |
|
Value is the product of the number of shares multiplied by the
difference between the closing market price of $9.78 on September 30,
2005 and the exercise price. |
Options and SARs Repricings
None of the options granted by Western were repriced during the most recently completed financial
year. Western has never granted any SARs.
- 8 -
Pension Plans
Western does not have any pension plans or long-term incentive plans.
Termination of Employment, Change in Responsibility and Employment and Management Contracts
Each of Dale Corman, Thomas Patton and Joseph Litnosky entered into three-year employment contracts
with the Company effective June 1, 2005. Each contract provides that, upon a change of control, the
Named Executive Officer has the right, but not the obligation, to terminate the employment
contract. Upon such termination, the Named Executive Officer will be entitled to receive payment
from the Company in an amount equal to his compensation otherwise payable during the unexpired term
of the employment contract.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Companys Compensation Committee are Klaus Zeitler and David Williams. This
committee is responsible for determining the compensation to be paid to the Companys Board of
Directors and executive officers and for reviewing the corporate goals and objectives of the
executive officers.
Report on Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee and the Board collectively have the responsibility to administer the
compensation policies related to the executive management of the Company, including those named in
the Summary Compensation Table above. Executive compensation is based upon the need to provide a
compensation package that will allow the Company to attract and retain qualified and experienced
executives, balanced with a pay-for-performance philosophy.
Compensation for the 2005 and prior fiscal years has historically been based upon negotiated
consulting contracts, with stock options being issued as an incentive for performance. The
shareholders have approved a number of stock option plans pursuant to which the Western Board has
granted stock options to executive officers. The stock option plans allow compensation of
participants while providing additional incentive to work toward long term corporate performance.
The stock option plans have been and will be used to provide share purchase options which are
granted in consideration of the level of responsibility of the executive as well as their impact
and/or contribution to the longer-term operating performance of Western. In determining the number
of options to be granted to the executive officers, the Western Board takes into account the number
of options, if any, previously granted to each executive officer, and the exercise price of any
outstanding options to ensure that such grants are in accordance with the policies of the TSX, and
closely align the interests of the executive officers with the interests of shareholders. All stock
options issued by the Company are 1/3 vested immediately, 1/3 after 1 year and the remaining 1/3
after 2 years.
- 9 -
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder
return on the common shares of the Company, for the last five years, with the cumulative total
return of the S&P/TSX composite index. The common share trading data is as reported by the TSX. The
value for each year represents the closing price as of September 30 on that year.
Compensation of Directors
The Company pays its Directors $2,500 per month for their services in their capacity as Directors.
In addition, Board and Committee members are paid $1,000 per day for participation in meetings.
Directors received $139,225 during the most recently completed financial year. Directors also
receive compensation pursuant to the Companys stock option plans and as described under the
heading Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions. The non-executive Directors
received stock options for the purchase of 200,000 shares during the last completed financial year
exercisable at $10.25 per share. All options are exercisable for a period of 5 years.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes relevant information as of September 30, 2005 with respect to
compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for |
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
future issuance under |
|
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
|
Weighted average |
|
|
equity compensation |
|
|
|
exercise of |
|
|
exercise price of |
|
|
plans (excluding |
|
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
securities reflected in |
|
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
column (a) |
|
Plan Category |
|
(a) |
|
|
(b) |
|
|
(c) |
|
Equity compensation
plans
approved by security
holders |
|
2,961,000 |
|
|
|
6.07 |
|
|
|
1,868,858 |
|
|
Equity compensation
plans
not approved by security
holders |
|
Nil |
|
|
|
Nil |
|
|
|
Nil |
|
|
Total |
|
2,961,000 |
|
|
|
6.07 |
|
|
|
1,868,858 |
|
|
- 10 -
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
None of the current or former directors or executive officers of Western or its subsidiaries, none
of the proposed directors of Western and none of the associates of such persons is or has been
indebted to Western at any time since the beginning of Westerns last completed financial year.
Furthermore, none of such persons were indebted to a third party during such period where their
indebtedness was the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar
arrangement or understanding provided by Western.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
No management functions of Western or any of its subsidiaries are performed to any substantial
degree by a person other than the directors or executive officers of Western.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURE
National Instrument 58-201 establishes corporate governance guidelines which apply to all public
companies. The Company has reviewed its own corporate governance practices in light of these
guidelines and, as prescribed by National Instrument 58-101, discloses its corporate governance
practices.
Independence of Members of Board
The Companys Board consists of eight directors, five of whom are independent based upon the tests
for independence set forth in Multilateral Instrument 52-110. Klaus Zeitler, David Williams, Robert
Gayton, Brent Kinney, and Lee Bilheimer are independent. Dale Corman is not independent as he is
the CEO of the Company. Thomas Patton is not independent as he is the President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company. Lawrence Page, Q.C. is not independent as he served as secretary until
April 4, 2005.
Management Supervision by Board
The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the overall governance of the Company. This
includes defining the responsibilities of senior management. The Board reviews and approves the
corporate objectives that the senior management is responsible for meeting. There is a clear
understanding between senior management and the Board that all strategic decisions will be
presented by management to the Board for approval. The Board expects management to:
1. |
|
review the Companys strategies and their implementation in all key
areas of the Companys activities; |
|
2. |
|
carry out a comprehensive budgeting process and monitor the Companys
financial performance against the budget; and |
|
3. |
|
identify opportunities and risks affecting the Companys business and
find ways of dealing with them. |
The Board is comprised of a majority of independent directors. In addition, the Audit Committee,
the Nominating Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance, Environment,
Health and Safety Committee consist entirely of independent directors. The Chair of the Board is
not an independent director, but the Board believes that it has strong independent directors who
candidly voice their opinions at meetings. As well, the independent members of the Board meet after
every regularly scheduled Board meeting without management present. The Board believes that this
structure facilitates
- 11 -
the functioning of the Board independently of the Companys management and has therefore not
appointed an independent lead director.
The CEO and CFO report upon the operations of the Company, on an annual basis directly to the Audit
Committee without the presence of non-independent directors. The independent directors are also
encouraged to meet at any time they consider necessary without any members of management including
the non-independent directors being present. The Companys auditors, legal counsel and employees
may be invited to attend. The independent directors are able to exercise their responsibilities for
independent oversight of management through their majority control of the Board and through the
committees established by the Board which are composed entirely of independent directors.
Participation of Directors in Other Reporting Issuers
The participation of the directors in other reporting issuers is described in the following table.
|
|
|
Name of Director |
|
Name of Reporting Issuer |
Dale Corman, B. Sc., P. Eng.
|
|
Radiant Resources Inc.
Avalon Ventures Ltd. |
|
|
|
Thomas C. Patton, B. Sc., P. Geo., Ph.D.
|
|
Southern Silver Exploration Corp.
Fortune River Resource Corp.
Quaterra Resources Inc. |
|
|
|
Lee Bilheimer, B. Sc., P. Eng.
|
|
Nil |
|
|
|
Lawrence Page, B.A., LL. B., Q.C.
|
|
Fortune River Resource Corp.
Quaterra Resources Inc.
Avalon Ventures Ltd.
Canadian Empire Exploration Corp.
Bravo Venture Group Inc.
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. |
|
|
|
David Williams, MBA
|
|
Bennett Environmental Inc.
Roador Inc.
Calvalley Petroleum Inc.
Resin Systems Inc.
Newport Partners Income Fund
Atlantis Systems Corp. |
|
|
|
Klaus Zeitler, Ph. D.
|
|
Amerigo Resources Ltd.
Aurea Mining Inc. |
|
|
|
Robert Gayton, B. Comm., Ph. D., FCA
|
|
Bema Gold Corporation
Northern Orion Resources, Inc.
Amerigo Resources Ltd.
Nevsun Resources Ltd.
Minco Mining & Metals Corp.
Canadian Zinc Corporation
Intrinsyc Software International, Inc.
Quaterra Resources Inc.
Fortune River Resource Corp.
Bravo Venture Group Inc.
Southern Silver Exploration Corp.
Doublestar Resources Ltd. |
|
|
|
Brent Kinney, B. Sc., LL. B.
|
|
Husky Energy Inc.
Dragon Oil PLC
Aurado Energy Inc.
Sky Petroleum Inc. |
- 12 -
Participation of Directors in Board Meetings
Since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year, three board meetings were held.
The attendance record of each director for the board meetings held is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Director |
|
Number of Board Meetings Attended |
|
Dale Corman, B. Sc., P. Eng. |
|
|
8 |
|
Thomas C. Patton, B. Sc., P. Geo., Ph.D. |
|
|
8 |
|
Lee Bilheimer, B. Sc., P. Eng. |
|
|
7 |
|
Lawrence Page, B.A., LL. B., Q.C. |
|
|
8 |
|
David Williams, MBA |
|
|
8 |
|
Klaus Zeitler, Ph. D. |
|
|
8 |
|
Robert Gayton, B. Comm., Ph. D., FCA |
|
|
8 |
|
Brent Kinney, B. Sc., LL. B. |
|
|
2 |
(1) |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Kinney was ill for an extended period during the year. |
Board Mandate
The Boards mandate is set forth in the Companys Corporate Governance Charter. Its mandate is to
supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Company. The Boards principal
responsibilities are to supervise and evaluate management, to oversee the conduct of the Companys
business, to set policies appropriate for the business of the Company and to approve corporate
strategies and goals. The Board is to carry out its mandate in a manner consistent with the
fundamental objective of enhancing shareholder value. Every director is required to act honestly
and in good faith in the best interests of the Company and to exercise the care, diligence and
skill of a reasonably prudent person. Responsibilities not delegated to senior management or to a
committee of the Board remain those of the full Board. Prior approval by the Board is also required
in many specific instances under the BCBCA, securities legislation and the rules and policies of
the TSX and AMEX.
Position Descriptions
The Board of Directors had not adopted position descriptions for the Chair of the Board or for the
Chair of each of the committees. It has, however, adopted written mandates for the Board of
Directors and each of the committees. The Board of Directors and each committee has designated a
chairman, whose responsibility it is to ensure that the mandate is followed, and in the case of the
committees, to report to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has not adopted a position
description for the President or Chief Executive Officer. However, the CEO and President each have
a list of enumerated duties and responsibilities in their employment contracts, as approved by the
Compensation Committee.
Orientation and Continuing Education
In accordance with the Nominating Committee Charter, the Nominating Committee is responsible for
monitoring managements programs for the provision of orientation and education to new directors.
Prior to official appointment, new directors are provided with considerable information regarding
the industry and the Company. Included in that information is:
1. |
|
information respecting the functioning of the Board Directors,
committees and copies of the Companys corporate governance policies; |
- 13 -
2. |
|
access to recent, publicly filed documents of the Company, technical
reports, and the Companys internal financial information; and |
|
3. |
|
access to management, technical experts, and consultants. |
Board members are encouraged to communicate with management, auditors and technical consultants; to
keep themselves current with industry trends and developments and changes in legislation with
managements assistance; and to attend related industry seminars and visit the Companys
operations. Board members have full access to the Companys records.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board views good corporate governance as an integral component to the success of the Company
and to meet responsibilities to shareholders.
The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code) that is posted on its
website at www.westernsilvercorp.com. The Board has instructed its management and employees to
abide by the Code. Waivers of the Code with respect to a director or officer of the Company may
only be made by the Western Board or the Audit Committee. Breaches of the Code can be reported to
the Companys general legal counsel or the Compliance Hotline for anonymous reporting that will be
directed to the Chairman of the Audit Committee or other appropriate persons. The Corporate
Governance, Environment, Health and Safety Committee has responsibility for developing and
implementing the Corporations approach to governance. The Board confirms that no material change
reports have been filed by the Company since the beginning of the Companys most recently completed
financial year pertaining to any conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a
departure from the Code.
The Code provides that activities that could give rise to a conflict of interest are prohibited
unless specifically approved by the Board. In addition, directors and executive officers are aware
that if they have an interest in a transaction or agreement with the Company, they must promptly
disclose that interest at any meeting of the Board at which the transaction or agreement will be
discussed and abstain from discussions and voting in respect to same if the interest is material or
if required to do so by corporate or securities law.
Nomination of Directors
The Nominating Committee has responsibility for identifying potential Board candidates. Klaus
Zeitler and David Williams are the members of the Nominating Committee and each is independent. The
Committee assesses potential Board candidates on the basis of track record in general business
management, special expertise in an area of strategic interest to the Company, the ability to
devote the time required, show support for the Companys strategic objectives, and a willingness to
serve as well as their ability to actively contribute on a broad range of issues. Members of the
Board and representatives of the mining industry are consulted for possible candidates.
The Nominating Committee also
1. |
|
is responsible for the ongoing assessment of directors; |
|
2. |
|
works with the Chair of the Board to ensure the effective operation of the Board; |
|
3. |
|
evaluates individual directors and the Board as a whole; |
- 14 -
4. |
|
is responsible for monitoring managements programs for the provision
of orientation and education to new directors; |
|
5. |
|
reviews the size of the Board on an annual basis. |
Compensation of Directors and the CEO
The members of the Compensation Committee are Klaus Zeitler and David Williams, both of whom are
independent. The Compensation Committee has the task of reviewing directors compensation on an
ongoing basis. The Compensation Committee takes into account the types of compensation and the
amounts paid to directors of comparable publicly traded Canadian companies.
To determine compensation payable, the Compensation Committee reviews compensation paid to
directors and CEOs of companies of similar size and stage of development in the mineral exploration
industry and determines an appropriate compensation reflecting the need to provide incentive and
compensation for the time and effort expended by the directors and senior management while taking
into account the financial and other resources of the Company. In setting the compensation, the
independent Compensation Committee annually reviews the performance of the CEO in light of the
Companys objectives and considers other factors that may have impacted the success of the Company
in achieving its objectives.
Other Board Committees
In addition to the Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees, the Company has the following
committees:
Corporate Governance, Environment, Health and Safety Committee: This committee consists of
two directors, Klaus Zeitler and Robert Gayton, who are independent directors. This committee is
responsible for:
1. |
|
monitoring corporate governance compliance and setting corporate governance policy; |
|
2. |
|
monitoring best practices among major Canadian companies to ensure the Company
continues to carry out high standards of corporate governance; and |
|
3. |
|
monitoring compliance with environmental and safety standards and setting
environmental and safety policy. |
The Disclosure Committee: The Disclosure Committee consists of the Chief Financial Officer,
VP Legal, VP Corporate Development, and two directors, Dale Corman and Thomas Patton. The directors
who are members of the Disclosure Committee are not independent directors. This committee is
responsible for:
1. |
|
establishing and monitoring the Companys Disclosure Policy which
governs the timeliness and content of the Companys major
communications, as required by securities laws and stock exchange
policy, and relates to the Companys Insider Trading Policy; and |
|
2. |
|
ensuring disclosure is made pursuant to the Companys Disclosure Policy. |
See Audit Committee Information in Westerns Annual Information Form for the year ended September
30, 2005, which is incorporated by reference into this Information Circular, for more information
concerning the Audit Committee and its members.
- 15 -
Assessments
The Board conducts informal assessments of its committees, its directors, and its own performance
on a regular basis. The independent directors meet and discuss the effectiveness of each committee,
as compared to the duties described in each respective charter. Before nominating individual
directors, the Nominating Committee satisfies itself, through discussion, that existing directors
are contributing what is expected of them.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
The persons named in the enclosed Instrument of Proxy will vote for the re-appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants of Vancouver, British Columbia, as auditor of
Western for the ensuing year, until the close of the next annual general meeting of the
Shareholders at a remuneration to be fixed by the Western Board. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
Chartered Accountants was
appointed to the position of auditor of Western in 1986. In the event the Arrangement completes,
Western will be a subsidiary of Glamis. For information on the auditors of Glamis, see the AIF of
Glamis which is incorporated by reference into this Information Circular.
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
None of the directors or executive officers of the Company, nor any proposed director of the
Company, nor any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, shares of the Company or who
exercises control or direction over shares carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to
all outstanding shares of the Company, nor any associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons has
any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of the
Companys last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction not otherwise disclosed
herein which, in either case, has affected or will materially affect the Company, except as
disclosed below.
Dale Corman will be appointed as a director of Glamis after completion of the Arrangement and may
receive compensation as a director. Dale Corman, Klaus Zeitler, Robert Gayton, David Williams, and
Brent Kinney will be the directors and officers of Western Copper on completion of the Arrangement
and may receive compensation for their services in such capacities.
By Employment Agreement made effective on June 1, 2005, the Company employed Dale Corman as its CEO
for a 36 month term at an annual salary of $250,000. In the event of the acquisition made by any
person and such persons affiliates or associates of 35% or more of the outstanding common shares
of the Company (collectively referred to in the Agreement as a change of control), Mr. Corman has
the right to terminate the Employment Agreement whereupon he will be entitled to receive payment
from the Company of an amount equal to his compensation otherwise payable during the unexpired term
of the Employment Agreement.
By Employment Agreement made effective June 1, 2005, the Company employed Thomas C. Patton as its
President and COO for a 36 month term at an annual salary of $250,000. In the event of the
acquisition by any person and such persons affiliates or associates of 35% or more of the
outstanding common shares of the Company (collectively referred to in the Agreement as a change of
control), Mr. Patton has the right to terminate the Employment Agreement whereupon he will be
entitled to receive payment from the Company of an amount equal to his compensation otherwise
payable during the unexpired term of the Employment Agreement.
By Employment Agreement made effective June 1, 2005, the Company employed Joseph Litnosky as its
CFO for a 36 month term at an annual salary of $150,000. In the event of the acquisition by any
person
- 16 -
and such persons affiliates or associates of 35% or more of the outstanding common shares of the
Company (collectively referred to in the Agreement as a change of control), Mr. Litnosky has the
right to terminate the Employment Agreement whereupon he will be entitled to receive payment from
the Company of an amount equal to his compensation otherwise payable during the unexpired term of
the Employment Agreement.
THE ARRANGEMENT
APPROVAL OF ARRANGEMENT RESOLUTION
At the Meeting, Western Shareholders will be asked to approve the Arrangement Resolution,
substantially in the form set out in Schedule A. For the details of the Arrangement, see below.
BACKGROUND TO THE ARRANGEMENT
The provisions of the Arrangement Agreement are the result of arms length negotiations conducted
among representatives of Western and Glamis and their respective legal and financial advisors. The
following is a summary of the background to the execution of the Arrangement Agreement.
During 2004, due to the potential size of the Peñasquito Project, it became apparent to the Western
Board that if Western was going to develop the Peñasquito Project on its own it would need to
recruit an experienced team of technical personnel and would need to raise a significant amount of
debt and equity financing. Although the development of the Peñasquito Project by Western remained a
viable option, the Western Board believed it was prudent to consider alternatives, including
seeking a joint venture partner with mine development experience or pursuing a merger or
acquisition with a company capable of developing a large project like the Peñasquito Project.
Accordingly, during 2005 the Western Board instructed management to consider and report to the
Western Board with a list of potential joint venture and merger and acquisition candidates. Based
on managements recommendations over the course of the next several months, Western entered into
confidentiality agreements with a number of companies, nine of which were active at January 1,
2006, granting them access to confidential information relating to, and access to, the Peñasquito
Project.
Concurrently with its efforts to explore joint venture and merger and acquisition alternatives,
management continued to pursue options for the development of the Peñasquito Project by Western. In
that regard in November 2005 Western engaged Standard Bank plc to act as the Companys exclusive
debt financing advisor with a mandate to consider and pursue project financing alternatives for the
Peñasquito Project.
On July 5, 2004, Western and Glamis had entered into a confidentiality agreement under the terms of
which Glamis received access to confidential information regarding the Peñasquito Project. Glamis
exploration team had visited the Project during July 2004 however, no further material discussions
were held between the parties until November 2005 when the CEO of Glamis requested a meeting with
the CEO of Western. The executives discussed the Peñasquito Project in detail and, in general
terms, the possibility of an acquisition of Western by Glamis.
On December 21, 2005 Western and Glamis signed an updated confidentiality agreement and in December
of 2005 Glamis began a detailed review of the Peñasquito Project.
On January 27, 2006, Western retained Macquarie North America Ltd. (Macquarie) to act as its
financial advisor with respect to any merger and acquisition discussions with Glamis. Macquarie
contacted several other parties that had demonstrated an interest in pursuing a transaction in
respect of the
- 17 -
Peñasquito Project to advise them that if they were interested in making a proposal in respect of
the acquisition or joint venture of the Peñasquito Project, or a merger or acquisition with
Western, they should accelerate their review process.
On February 7, 2006, Glamis engaged Orion Securities Inc. as its financial advisor with respect to
a possible transaction with Western.
In early February 2006, Macquarie met with Westerns management team to discuss a possible
transaction with Glamis. At the meeting Macquarie discussed its view of the value of Western and
compared the value to be delivered to Western Shareholders in a transaction with Glamis to the
value that might be delivered under the various other alternatives available to Western. After
fully considering the matter, and taking into consideration the discussion with Macquarie, Western
management determined that it would pursue merger and acquisition discussions with Glamis.
After continuing discussions among the management teams for each of Glamis and Western, on February
13, 2006, Glamis presented a non-binding written proposal to Western which would result in Western
becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glamis through a statutory plan of arrangement. The proposal
contemplated an arrangement with Western and included a spin-out of certain of Westerns assets to
a new company, Western Copper, the shares of which would be distributed to existing Western
Shareholders as part of the arrangement.
During February 13 and 14, 2006, Glamis and Western representatives, along with their financial
advisors, discussed the terms of the proposal but ultimately no agreement could be reached
regarding the material terms, resulting in the termination of discussions on February 15, 2006.
On Friday, February 17, 2006, discussions recommenced and continued through to February 21, 2006.
Glamis presented an alternative proposal that was consistent in structure with its previous
proposal, except that the consideration payable by Glamis under the transaction would be 0.688 of a
Glamis Share for each Western Share.
On February 22, 2006, the Western Board considered the terms of the transaction proposed by Glamis
and discussed with Macquarie the relative values of Glamis and Western, the risks inherent in or
mitigated by the transaction, and compared the proposed Glamis transaction to alternative
transactions available to Western. Macquarie reviewed with the Western Board its financial analysis
of the consideration payable under the Glamis proposal and delivered to the Western Board an oral
opinion, which was confirmed by subsequent delivery of a written opinion dated March 16, 2006, to
the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions, matters
considered and limitations described in its opinion, the consideration to be received by Western
Shareholders, other than Glamis, pursuant to Glamis proposal was fair, from a financial point of
view, to such holder other than Glamis. The Western Board unanimously determined that the proposed
transaction with Glamis was fair to Western Shareholders and in the best interest of Western, and
unanimously determined to approve the proposed transaction.
At the meeting on February 22, 2006, the Western Board also appointed a committee comprised of Dr.
Robert Gayton, David Williams and Klaus Zeitler, each an independent director (the Independent
Committee) and authorized it to resolve the outstanding issues and to finalize the terms of the
agreement with Glamis.
On February 22, 2006, the Independent Committee appointed Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP as its
special legal counsel to advise it in connection with the Arrangement. The Independent Committee
also retained accounting advisors and M3 Engineering and Technology Corp. to carry out a due
diligence review of Glamis in order to confirm the representations and warranties to be given by
Glamis in the
- 18 -
binding letter agreement of February 23, 2006, and the disclosure relating to Glamis in the
Information Circular to be prepared for the Meeting.
On February 23, 2006, Western and Glamis agreed on the final material terms of a transaction and,
after final approval of the terms by the Independent Committee, Western and Glamis executed a
binding letter agreement after the close of trading late on February 23, 2006. The execution of the
letter agreement and the terms of the transaction were announced by joint press release on February
24, 2006, released prior to the opening of trading.
During the period from February 24, 2006 to March 24, 2006, the parties respective technical,
legal and financial advisors conducted certain due diligence investigations. On March 16, 2006, the
parties finalized the terms of a definitive arrangement agreement among Glamis, Western and Western
Copper.
On March 16, 2006, the Independent Committee met with its counsel and with Macquarie and the
Companys legal counsel. Macquarie re-affirmed its opinion that the consideration to be received by
the Western Shareholders other than Glamis was fair, from a financial point of view and confirmed
that it would be providing the Fairness Opinion for inclusion in this Information Circular. After a
full consideration of the transaction, including the factors discussed below under Reasons for the
Arrangement and Recommendation of the Western Board, the Independent Committee unanimously
resolved to
recommend to the Western Board that the Arrangement be approved and the Arrangement Agreement be
entered into by Western. That recommendation of the Independent Committee was subsequently
unanimously accepted by the Western Board as part of its consideration of the Arrangement, and the
Arrangement Agreement was executed and delivered by Western on March 17, 2006.
REASONS FOR THE ARRANGEMENT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE DIRECTORS
After careful consideration, the Western Board has unanimously determined that the Arrangement is
fair to Western Shareholders and is in the best interest of Western. Accordingly, the Western Board
unanimously recommends that Western Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution and,
therefore, the acquisition of Western by Glamis. In the course of its evaluation of the
Arrangement, the Western Board consulted with Westerns senior management, legal counsel and
Financial Advisor, reviewed a significant amount of information and considered a number of factors,
including, among others, the following:
|
|
|
Glamis has offered a significant premium to the Western share price, which provides
immediate value for Western Shareholders. The terms of the Arrangement provide a premium
of 40% based on the volume-weighted average share prices of both Glamis and Western on the
TSX for the 20 trading days preceding announcement of the transaction, or 27% based on the
closing TSX prices of Glamis Shares and Western Shares on the day preceding the
announcement of the transaction. |
|
|
|
|
The terms of the Arrangement represent a premium to all analysts forecasts for the
Western Shares which were available on February 23, 2006. |
|
|
|
|
Glamis is already a significant, low-cost silver producer, projecting an average of
nearly four million ounces of silver production annually from its Marlin Mine. With the
addition of production from the Peñasquito Project, Glamis will become one of the leading
silver producers in the world with significant low cost silver production from two large
mines. |
|
|
|
|
Glamis has the experience and technical ability, particularly as demonstrated by the
recent construction of the El Sauzal gold mine in Mexico and the Marlin gold-silver mine
in Guatemala, to put the Peñasquito Project into production. Glamis has advised that the
team from El Sauzal |
- 19 -
|
|
|
will be utilized at Peñasquito. As a result, Western Shareholders will no longer be subject
to the development risks inherent in a junior company developing a mine, nor will they be
subject to the potentially considerable dilution that will result from the financing
activities that would be necessary if Western was to construct a mine at Peñasquito alone. |
|
|
|
|
Western Shareholders will continue to participate in any increase in value of the
Peñasquito Project by holding Glamis Shares. Western Shareholders will hold approximately
20.22% (21.1% on a fully diluted basis) of Glamis upon completion of the Arrangement. |
|
|
|
|
Western Shareholders will participate in a growth company which has four existing mines
located in Nevada, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, including the newly completed, low-cost
Marlin and El Sauzal mines. Additionally, Western Shareholders will gain exposure to
Glamis development and exploration projects underway in Nevada, Mexico and Guatemala. |
|
|
|
|
Western Shareholders will receive a share of a new company, Western Copper, giving them
exposure to a well-funded resource company with experienced management prepared to proceed
with the development of the Carmacks Copper Project in the Yukon as well as new
exploration efforts. |
|
|
|
|
The Western Board concluded that none of the possible alternatives to the Arrangement
(including the possibility of continuing to operate Western as an independent entity, and
the perceived risks thereof, the range of possible benefits to Western Shareholders of
such alternatives and the timing and uncertainty of successfully accomplishing any of such
alternatives), were considered reasonably likely to present superior opportunities for
Western, or reasonably likely to create greater value for Western Shareholders, than the
Arrangement with Glamis. |
|
|
|
|
In order for Western to proceed with the Peñasquito Project alone, it would require
significant capital, both equity and debt, and Western would need to recruit a technically
capable mine development team. Western would incur significant dilution in raising such
capital and could have significant difficulty in attracting a technically capable mine
development team due to the current shortage of available qualified people. |
|
|
|
|
Mine development and construction is risky and uncertain. Western has never put a mine
into production and during the entire period of development and construction Western would
have no revenues and would depend entirely on the proceeds raised from debt and equity
financing, which may or may not be available to it on reasonable terms, if at all. |
|
|
|
|
While Westerns assets represent substantial exploration potential, because of the size
and longevity of the Peñasquito Project, only a very large new discovery at the Peñasquito
Project would have a significant impact on the current market value of Western Shares.
Furthermore, any change in the scope of the Peñasquito Project to accommodate future
exploration would inevitably delay the construction of the Peñasquito Project. |
|
|
|
|
The financial presentation of the Financial Advisor, including its oral opinion of
February 22, 2006 to the Western Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view
of the consideration to be received by Western Shareholders, other than Glamis, pursuant
to the Arrangement, as more fully described under The Arrangement Opinion of Westerns
Financial Advisor. |
|
|
|
|
The recommendation of the Independent Committee regarding the terms of the Arrangement
and its recommendation that the Western Board approve the Arrangement on the terms
presented to it. |
- 20 -
|
|
|
The likelihood that the Arrangement would be consummated, in light of the experience, reputation and
financial capabilities of Glamis and the absence of significant closing conditions, other than approval by
Western Shareholders of the Arrangement and other customary closing conditions. |
|
|
|
|
The terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, including: |
|
o |
|
the ability of the Western Board, under certain circumstances, to
furnish information to and conduct negotiations with a third party
and, upon payment to Glamis of the Break Fee (of 3.5% of the
aggregate market value of Western calculated on a fully diluted
basis and based on the volume weighted average trading prices per
Western Share on the TSX on the trading day prior to termination),
to terminate the Arrangement Agreement and accept a Superior
Proposal; |
|
|
o |
|
the belief of the Western Board that the Break Fee is within the
range of reasonable termination fees provided for in comparable
transactions and is not a significant deterrent to possible
competing offers; and |
|
|
o |
|
the limited ability of Glamis to terminate the Arrangement Agreement. |
In the course of its deliberations, the Western Board also identified and considered a variety of
risks and potentially negative factors, including, but not limited to:
|
|
|
The price of Westerns Shares may be capped at or near the value contemplated by the
Arrangement to the extent that there is a market assumption that the Arrangement will
complete. |
|
|
|
|
In certain circumstances set out under The Arrangement Agreement Non-Solicitation
of Acquisition Proposals and Break Fee, Western may be required to pay the Break Fee to
Glamis, which, if an alternative transaction is not concluded, will adversely affect
Westerns financial condition. |
|
|
|
|
If the Arrangement Agreement is terminated and the Western Board decides to seek
another merger or business combination, there can be no assurance that it will be able to
find a party willing to pay an equivalent or more attractive price than the purchase price
to be paid pursuant to the Arrangement with Glamis. |
|
|
|
|
Because the Arrangement is dependent upon receipt of certain approvals and satisfaction
of certain conditions, its completion is subject to uncertainty. In addition, implementing
the transactions contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement will require the devotion of
significant management time and attention, which will have to be diverted from the
existing business of Western and which could have an adverse impact on Western if the
Arrangement is not completed. |
|
|
|
|
Under the Arrangement Agreement, Western would be required to pay the Break Fee of 3.5%
of Westerns market capitalization as of the date prior to termination in the event that
the Arrangement Agreement is terminated in certain circumstances. The Break Fee, together
with Glamis right to match a Superior Proposal, may discourage other parties from
attempting to acquire the Western Shares even if those parties might be willing to offer
greater value than Glamis has offered under the Arrangement Agreement. |
|
|
|
|
The risks set out under Arrangement Arrangement Risk Factors. |
- 21 -
The foregoing discussion summarizes the material information and factors considered by the
Independent Committee and the Western Board in their consideration of the Arrangement. The Western
Board collectively reached its unanimous decision with respect to the Arrangement in light of the
factors described above and other factors that each member of the Western Board felt were
appropriate. In view of the wide variety of factors and the quality and amount of information
considered, the Western Board did not find it useful or practicable to and did not make specific
assessments of, quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors
considered in reaching its determination. Individual members of the Western Board may have given
different weight to different factors.
FAIRNESS OPINION
Western retained Macquarie to act as its financial advisor in connection with the proposed
transaction with Glamis. As part of the engagement, Western requested that the Financial Advisor
evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Western Shares, other than
Glamis, of the consideration provided for in the Arrangement. On February 22, 2006, at a meeting of
the Western Board held to evaluate the Arrangement, Macquarie delivered to the Western Board an
oral opinion, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion to the Independent Committee
dated March 16, 2006, to the effect that, as of February 22, 2006, and as of March 16, 2006, and
based on and subject to various assumptions, matters considered and limitations described in its
opinion, the consideration to be received by Western Shareholders, other than Glamis, pursuant to
the Arrangement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.
The full text of the Financial Advisors opinion describes the assumptions made, procedures
followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by the Financial Advisor.
This opinion is attached as Schedule E and is incorporated into this Information Circular by
reference. Western Shareholders are encouraged to read this opinion carefully in its entirety. The
Financial Advisors opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of
the purchase price consideration payable by Glamis to the Western Shareholders, other than Glamis,
and does not address any other aspect of the Arrangement or any related transaction. The opinion
does not address the relative merits of the Arrangement or any related transaction as compared to
other business strategies or transactions that might be available to Western or the underlying
business decision of Western to effect the Arrangement or any related transaction. The opinion does
not constitute a recommendation to any Western Shareholder as to how such Western Shareholder
should vote or act with respect to any matters relating to the Arrangement.
The Financial Advisors opinion and financial analyses were only one of many factors considered by
the Independent Committee and the Western Board in its evaluation of the Arrangement and should not
be viewed as determinative of the views of the Western Board or the Independent Committee with
respect to the Arrangement or the consideration provided for in the Arrangement.
Under the terms of the Financial Advisors engagement, Western has agreed to pay the Financial
Advisor customary fees for its financial advisory services in connection with the Arrangement, a
portion of which is payable in connection with the Fairness Opinion and a portion of which is
contingent upon the consummation of the Arrangement.
In addition, Western has agreed to reimburse the Financial Advisor for its expenses, including
fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel, and to indemnify the Financial Advisor and
related parties against liabilities relating to, or arising out of, its engagement.
Western selected Macquarie as its financial advisor in connection with the Arrangement because it
is an internationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial experience in similar
transactions in the resource sector. The Financial Advisor is continually engaged in the valuation
of resource businesses
- 22 -
and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, competitive bids and
distributions of securities.
PRINCIPAL STEPS OF THE ARRANGEMENT
At the Effective Time (see also Effective Date and Conditions of Arrangement) of the Arrangement:
|
a. |
|
the authorized share structure of Western will be amended by redesignating
the Western Shares as Class B Shares and attaching a preferential right with
respect to the payment of dividends and the Notice of Articles of Western
will be amended accordingly; |
|
|
b. |
|
the authorized share structure of Western will be amended by the creation of
100,000,000 Class A Shares and the Notice of Articles and Articles of Western
will be amended accordingly; |
|
|
c. |
|
Western will transfer the Assets (as defined in the Plan of Arrangement) to
Western Copper and in consideration therefor Western Copper will issue to
Western, as fully paid and non-assessable, that number of Western Copper
Shares equal to the number of Western Shares issued and outstanding
immediately before the Effective Time, other than those held by Dissenters
(as defined in the Plan of Arrangement); |
|
|
d. |
|
each issued Class B Share, other than those held by Dissenters, will be
exchanged for one Class A Share and one Western Copper Share acquired by
Western in accordance with paragraph (c) above; |
|
|
e. |
|
each issued Class B Share held by Dissenters (for greater certainty, being
Western Shareholders who have duly complied with the Dissent Procedures and
are ultimately entitled to be paid for their Dissenting Shares) will be
acquired by Western Copper in consideration for Western Copper agreeing to
pay the amount to be paid as determined in accordance with the Dissent
Procedures in respect of the Dissenting Shares (as defined in the Plan of
Arrangement); |
|
|
f. |
|
each issued Class B Share acquired by Western Copper in accordance with
paragraph (e) above will be exchanged for one Class A Share; |
|
|
g. |
|
the capital of Western for the Class A Shares will be the amount equal to the
capital of Western for the Class B Shares, less the fair market value of the
Western Copper Shares distributed to Western Shareholders, other than
Dissenters, pursuant to paragraph (d) above and the paid-up capital of
Western will be reduced accordingly; |
|
|
h. |
|
the Class B Shares will be cancelled; |
|
|
i. |
|
each issued Class A Share will be exchanged for 0.688 of a Glamis Share; |
|
|
j. |
|
each Western Stock Option outstanding immediately before the Effective Date
will be exchanged for: |
|
i. |
|
a Glamis New Option pursuant to
which the holder of the related
Western Stock Option will be
entitled to receive, upon exercise
of the Glamis New Option, that
number of Glamis Shares that is
equal to the number of Western
Shares that was issuable upon
exercise of the related Western
Stock Option immediately before the
Effective Time multiplied by the
Exchange Ratio, and the exercise
price per |
- 23 -
|
|
|
Glamis Share to be issued will, subject to adjustment, be equal to the
quotient obtained by dividing the exercise price per share of the
related Western Stock Option in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time, less $0.88, by the Exchange Ratio; and
|
|
|
ii. |
a Western Copper Option pursuant to which the holder of the Western
Stock Option will be entitled to acquire that number of Western Copper
Shares that is equal to the number of Western Shares that was issuable
upon exercise of the Western Stock Option immediately before the
Effective Time at an exercise price per Western Copper Share of $0.88. |
|
|
|
All Glamis New Options being exercised by a holder will be aggregated
to produce the maximum number of whole Glamis Shares and if an
entitlement to a fractional Glamis Share results from the exercise,
the number of Glamis Shares to be issued will be rounded down to the
next whole number of Glamis Shares. Save and except as otherwise
agreed to by Glamis or Western Copper, as the case may be, and the
holders of Western Stock Options, the term to expiry, conditions to
and manner of exercising, vesting schedule, the status under
applicable laws, and all other terms and conditions of the Glamis New
Options and the Western Copper Options will otherwise be unchanged
from those contained in or otherwise applicable to the related Western
Stock Option. Glamis and Western Copper will reserve a sufficient
number of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares, respectively, for
issue upon exercise of the Glamis New Options and Western Copper
Options, provided, however, that the right to exercise such options
will be subject to applicable regulatory and shareholder approvals; |
|
|
k. |
|
Western Copper will redeem the Western Copper Class A Shares that were
issued to Western at the time of the incorporation of Western Copper
at par and such shares will be cancelled; |
|
|
l. |
|
no fractional Glamis Share will be issued in connection with the
exchange in paragraph i above, but rather shareholders entitled to a
fractional Glamis Share will receive cash in lieu thereof based on one
whole Glamis Share being valued at $34.73; |
|
|
m. |
|
the names of Western Shareholders, other than Glamis, will be removed
from the central securities register of Western; |
|
|
n. |
|
Glamis will become the holder of all Class A Shares and the central
securities register of Western will be revised accordingly; and |
|
|
o. |
|
these exchanges and cancellations will be deemed to occur on the
Effective Date, notwithstanding that certain of the procedures related
thereto are not completed until after the Effective Date. |
EFFECT OF THE ARRANGEMENT
Upon completion of the Arrangement:
1. |
|
Western will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glamis and will cease to be a public company; |
|
2. |
|
Western will continue to hold all of its mineral properties, cash and assets, save and
except for the cash and assets to be transferred to Western Copper as part of the
Arrangement; |
- 24 -
3. |
|
Western Shareholders, other than Western Shareholders who duly exercise their Dissent
Rights, will receive 0.688 Glamis share and one (1) Western Copper Share for each one
Western Share owned and will hold approximately 20.22% (21.1% on a fully diluted basis) of
the Glamis Shares and 100% of the Western Copper Shares post-Arrangement; |
|
4. |
|
holders of Western Stock Options will receive Glamis New Options and Western Copper Options; |
|
5. |
|
assuming there are: 48,864,680 Western Shares issued and outstanding at the Effective Time,
Glamis will issue approximately 33,618,899 Glamis Shares to acquire the Western Shares and
will reserve approximately 1,647,691 Glamis Shares for issue upon exercise of Glamis New
Options. Upon completion of the Arrangement, there will be, using the Glamis issued share
capital at March 24, 2006, approximately 165,638,804 Glamis Shares issued and outstanding.
In addition, approximately 48,864,680 Western Copper Shares will be issued to Western
Shareholders on the basis of one (1) Western Copper Share for each one (1) Western Share
held and approximately 2,394,901 Western Copper Shares will be reserved for issuance in
accordance with the terms of the Western Copper Options; |
|
6. |
|
the rights of creditors against the property and interests of Western will be unimpaired by
the Arrangement; |
|
7. |
|
the subsidiaries of Western (other than Western Copper and Carmacks) will remain as
subsidiaries and related corporations of Western; |
|
8. |
|
Western Copper will be a reporting company in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan,
Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and
Labrador. The Western Copper Shares will be a registered class of securities in the United
States but will not be listed for trading on a stock exchange in the United States.
Application will be made for listing of the Western Copper Shares on the TSX. Any listing
will be subject to meeting TSX original listing requirements and there is no assurance such
a listing will be obtained. All of the Western Copper Shares will be owned by Western
Shareholders on the Effective Date. Western Copper will hold the Carmacks Copper Project in
the Yukon, the Almoloya Project in Mexico and approximately $38 million in working capital; |
|
9. |
|
the Glamis Board will be increased from six members to seven members and Dale Corman, the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Western will be appointed to the Glamis Board; |
|
10. |
|
Glamis will receive a share purchase warrant from Western Copper providing for the
acquisition of 5% of the fully-diluted Western Copper Shares as of the Effective Date for a
period of two years from the Effective Date at a price per Western Copper Share of $3.50.
The warrant will be non-transferable, the shares issuable upon exercise thereof will be
subject to a voting trust in favour of Western Copper and there will be orderly sale
conditions in respect of Western Copper Shares acquired under the warrant, including the
obligation to give not less than 30 days prior notification to Western Copper of Glamis
intent to sell such shares and Western Copper having the right to
find buyers for the shares to be sold; |
|
11. |
|
Glamis and Western Copper will enter into a non-competition agreement with a term of two
years, under which Western Copper will agree not to acquire mineral properties or otherwise
compete with Glamis for mineral exploration or development opportunities in the state of
Zacatecas, Mexico, or within an area extending 20 kilometres in all directions from the
exterior |
- 25 -
|
|
boundary of all other properties owned or controlled by Western, or in
which Western holds any legal interest in Mexico at the time of
completion of the Arrangement; |
|
12. |
|
each officer and senior manager of Western who does not become an
employee of Glamis following the Effective Date will enter into a
non-competition agreement with a term of two years, providing that
he/she will not acquire mineral properties or otherwise compete with
Glamis for mineral exploration or development opportunities in the
state of Zacatecas, Mexico, provided however that this restriction
will not apply to the Nieves Project owned or controlled by Quaterra
Resources Inc. and an area extending 20 kilometers in all directions
from the exterior boundaries of this project; and |
|
13. |
|
Glamis and Western Copper will enter into an agreement providing to
Western Copper a right of first offer on the sale for cash
consideration or the abandonment of Glamis entire interest in any
properties, or individual concessions within a property, owned or
controlled by Western, or in which Western holds any legal interest in
Mexico at the time of completion of the Arrangement. |
The full particulars of the Arrangement are contained in the Plan of Arrangement attached to the
Arrangement Agreement. A copy of the Plan of Arrangement is attached as Schedule D and
incorporated by reference in this Information Circular.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF GLAMIS POST ARRANGEMENT
The Companies have agreed under the Arrangement Agreement that, on or as soon as reasonably
possible following the Effective Date, Dale Corman, President of Western will be appointed to the
Glamis Board, such that the Board of Glamis will be increased by one to consist of seven (7)
directors. See Glamis Information Circular and Annual Information Form that are incorporated
herein by reference for information concerning the directors and officers of Glamis.
VOTING AND STANDSTILL AGREEMENTS
Glamis has obtained Voting and Standstill Agreements from all of the directors and senior officers
of Western and their affiliates whereby they have agreed:
1. |
|
to support the Arrangement and vote their Western Shares in favour of
the Arrangement Resolution; and |
|
2. |
|
not to tender or vote their Western Shares in favour of, or otherwise
support or facilitate in their capacities as shareholders, any
Acquisition Proposal. |
The obligations under the Voting and Standstill Agreements will terminate on the earlier of (i) the
date of the Meeting if less than the required majority of Western Shares are voted in favour of the
Arrangement Resolution and provided an amended Plan of Arrangement has not been delivered by
Glamis; (ii) September 30, 2006, if the Arrangement is not completed by that date; and (iii) upon
termination of the Arrangement Agreement and payment of that portion of the Break Fee required upon
termination. The directors and officers of Western and their affiliates hold approximately 2.3% of
the issued Western Shares as at the date of this Information Circular.
TREATMENT OF WESTERN STOCK OPTIONS
The holders of Western Stock Options outstanding at the Effective Time on the Effective Date will
receive Glamis New Options and Western Copper Options the net effect of which will be to place the
- 26 -
holders of Western Stock Options in the same position that they would have been in had they
exercised their Western Stock Options prior to completion of the Arrangement. As at March 24, 2006,
Western had 2,394,901 Western Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to Western Stock Options.
Glamis will reserve 1,647,691 Glamis Shares to meet its obligations in respect of the Glamis New
Options and Western Copper will reserve 2,394,901 Western Copper Shares to meet its obligations in
respect of the Western Copper Options.
PROCEDURE AND TERMS FOR EXCHANGE OF WESTERN SHARES
Procedure for Exchange of Western Shares
1. |
|
As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, the Depositary will
forward to each registered holder of Western Shares, a letter of
transmittal and instructions for obtaining delivery of certificates
representing Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares. |
|
2. |
|
In order to receive certificates representing Glamis Shares and
Western Copper Shares pursuant to the Arrangement, Western
Shareholders must return to the Depositary on or prior to the sixth
anniversary of the Effective Date (i) their certificates representing
Western Shares; (ii) a duly completed letter of transmittal and (iii)
such other documents as the Depositary may require. |
|
3. |
|
Upon return of a properly completed letter of transmittal, together
with certificates representing Western Shares and such other documents
as the Depositary may require, certificates for the appropriate number
of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares will be issued to the
Western Shareholder. |
|
4. |
|
Certificates for the Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares issued to
a Western Shareholder as described above, shall be registered in such
name or names and will be sent to such address or addresses as such
holder may direct in the letter of transmittal as soon as practicable
after the receipt by the Depositary of the required documents. |
Cancellation of Rights after Six Years
Any certificate which immediately prior to the Effective Date represented Western Shares and which
has not been surrendered, with all other documents required by the Depositary, on or prior to the
sixth anniversary of the Effective Date, will cease to represent any claim against or interest of
any kind or nature in Western, Glamis, Western Copper or the Depositary. Accordingly, persons who
tender certificates for Western Shares after this sixth anniversary will not receive Glamis Shares
or Western Copper Shares, will not own any interest in Western, and will not be paid any cash or
other compensation.
Treatment of Dividends
No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective Date with respect to
Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares, with a record date after the Effective Date, will be
payable or paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificates for Western Shares and will not be
payable until the surrender of certificates for Western Shares for exchange for Glamis Shares and
Western Copper Shares in accordance with the terms of the Plan of Arrangement.
Fractional Shares
No fractional Glamis Shares will be issued to Western Shareholders. Western Shareholders will
receive cash in lieu of a fractional share of Glamis based on one whole Glamis Share being valued
at $34.73, the closing price for Glamis Shares on February 23, 2006.
- 27 -
The foregoing information is a summary only. For further details of procedures, see also Article 4
Certificates of the Plan of Arrangement attached as Schedule D to this Information Circular.
EFFECTS OF THE ARRANGEMENT ON SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS
As a result of the Arrangement, all Western Shareholders will become Glamis Shareholders and
Western Copper Shareholders. Western Shareholders will continue to be shareholders of British
Columbia corporations governed by the BCBCA and by Glamis and Western Coppers constating
documents, unless they exercise Dissent Rights in connection with the Arrangement.
ARRANGEMENT RISK FACTORS
There are risks associated with the Arrangement including (i) market reaction to the Arrangement
and the future trading prices of the Glamis Shares and of the Western Copper Shares, if listed,
cannot be predicted; (ii) the Arrangement may give rise to significant adverse tax consequences to
Western Shareholders and each Western Shareholder is urged to consult his own tax advisor; (iii)
uncertainty as to whether the Arrangement will have a positive impact on the entities involved in
the transactions; and (iv) there is no assurance that required approvals will be received or that
the Western Copper Shares will be listed on a stock exchange.
In addition, the Exchange Ratio is fixed and will not increase or decrease due to the fluctuations
in the market price of the Glamis Shares or the Western Shares. The actual market value of the
consideration and the percentage of the premium received by the Western Shareholders will depend on
the market price of the Glamis Shares and Western Shares as of the date the transaction
contemplated by the Plan of Arrangement is completed. If the market price of Glamis Shares declines
relative to the market price of the Western Shares or if the market price of Western Shares
declines relative to the market price of Glamis Shares, the value of the consideration and premium
percentage received by Western Shareholders will decline as well. Variations like these may occur
as a result of changes in, or market perceptions of changes in, the business, operations or
prospects of Glamis, including short-term changes in gold prices, market assessments of the
likelihood the Arrangement will be consummated, regulatory considerations, interest rate
fluctuations, general market and economic conditions and other factors over which Glamis has no
control.
Also, Glamis operations are located in the United States, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.
Westerns operations are located in Mexico and Canada. Glamis is subject to different foreign
investment risks than those to which Western is subject. Mining investments are subject to the
risks normally associated with the conduct of business in foreign countries, including various
levels of political and economic risk. The existence or occurrence of one or more of the following
circumstances or events could have a material adverse impact on Glamis profitability or the
viability of Glamis affected foreign operations, which could have a material adverse effect on
Glamis future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition. These risks
related to doing business in foreign jurisdictions include but are
not limited to: uncertain or unpredictable political, legal or economic environments; delays in obtaining or the
inability to obtain necessary governmental permits; labour disputes; invalidation of governmental
orders; war, acts of terrorism and civil disturbances; changes in laws or policies of particular
countries; taxation; government seizure of land or mining claims; limitations on ownership of
property or mining rights; restrictions on the convertibility of currencies; limitations on the
reparation of earnings; and increased financing costs.
- 28 -
The Glamis Shares are subject to a number of other risks and the Western Copper Shares are
speculative and subject to a number of other risks. Western Shareholders should also review
carefully the risk factors set forth in the Annual Information Forms of Western and Glamis, which
are incorporated by reference herein and in this Information Circular, and under the heading
Western Copper Corporation Post-Arrangement Risk Factors in this Information Circular.
EFFECTIVE DATE AND CONDITIONS OF ARRANGEMENT
If the Arrangement Resolution is passed, the Final Order of the Court is obtained approving the
Arrangement, every requirement of the BCBCA relating to the Arrangement has been complied with and
all other conditions disclosed under Conditions to the Arrangement Becoming Effective are met,
the Arrangement will become effective on the date stamped on the final Notice of Change to the
Notice of Articles of Western that is filed with the Registrar in respect of the Arrangement.
Glamis and Western presently intend that the Effective Date will be on or about May 3, 2006.
Conditions to the Arrangement Becoming Effective
In order for the Arrangement to become effective, certain conditions must have been satisfied or
waived which conditions are summarized below:
Mutual Conditions
The obligations of Glamis, Western and Western Copper to complete the Arrangement are subject to
the fulfillment of the following conditions:
1. |
|
the Interim Order must have been obtained in form and substance
satisfactory to Western and Glamis, acting reasonably, and must not
have been set aside or modified in a manner unacceptable to such
parties, acting reasonably, on appeal or otherwise; |
|
2. |
|
the Arrangement Resolution must have been passed at the Meeting in
accordance with the Interim Order; |
|
3. |
|
the Final Order must have been obtained in form and substance
satisfactory to Western and Glamis, acting reasonably, and must not
have been set aside or modified in a manner unacceptable to such
parties, acting reasonably, on appeal or otherwise; |
|
4. |
|
the Effective Date must have occurred before the Termination Date; |
|
5. |
|
there must be no action taken under any laws or by any Governmental
Entity (as defined in the Arrangement Agreement), that: |
|
a. |
|
makes it illegal or, directly or
indirectly, restrains, enjoins
or prohibits the Arrangement or
any other transactions or
agreements contemplated in the
Arrangement Agreement, or
|
|
b. |
|
results in a judgment or
assessment of damages, directly
or indirectly, relating to the
transactions or agreements
contemplated in the Transaction
Documents (as defined in the
Arrangement Agreement) which
would have a Material Adverse
Effect on Glamis taking into
account the Arrangement; |
6. |
|
all required material consents, waivers, permits, orders and approvals
of any Governmental Entity or other persons and the Stock Exchanges
(save and except those in respect of the listing of the Western Copper
Shares on the TSX or TSX Venture Exchange) and the expiry of any
waiting |
- 29 -
|
|
periods, in connection with, or required to permit, the consummation
of the Arrangement, must have been obtained or received on terms that
will not have a Material Adverse Effect on Glamis taking into effect
the Arrangement; and |
|
7. |
|
the Arrangement Agreement must not have been terminated. |
Additional Conditions in Favour of Glamis:
The obligations of Glamis to complete the Arrangement is subject to the fulfillment of the
following conditions:
1. |
|
all covenants of Western under the Arrangement Agreement to be
performed on or before the Effective Date must have been duly
performed by Western in all Material respects; |
|
2. |
|
the representations and warranties of Western under the Arrangement
Agreement must be true and correct in all Material respects as of the
Effective Date and as of the date the documentation giving effect to
the Arrangement is sent to the Registrar; |
|
3. |
|
Glamis being satisfied acting reasonably that no Material Adverse
Change has occurred with respect to Western from January 1, 2006 to
the Effective Date; |
|
4. |
|
the Western Board must have adopted all necessary resolutions and
Western will have taken all other necessary corporate action to permit
the consummation of the Arrangement (which has occurred); |
|
5. |
|
no law will have been proposed, enacted, promulgated or applied and no
legal action or proceeding will have been commenced to cease trade or
impose material limitations or conditions on the completion of the
Arrangement or the right of Glamis to own or exercise full rights of
ownership of all of the outstanding Western Shares and all of the
outstanding shares of Westerns subsidiaries or the right of Western
Shareholders as a group to receive Glamis Shares and Western Copper
Shares or of holders of Western Stock Options as a group to be
entitled to receive Glamis New Options and Western Copper Options
pursuant to the Arrangement; |
|
6. |
|
holders of no more than 1% of the issued and outstanding Western
Shares will have exercised their Dissent Rights (and not withdrawn
such exercise) in respect of the Arrangement; |
|
7. |
|
Glamis will have received resignations and releases from directors and
officers of, and in favour of, Western and Westerns subsidiaries as
are specified by Glamis; |
|
8. |
|
Glamis will have received all such other documents and certificates as
may reasonably be required by Glamis in connection with the
Arrangement including, without limitation, an opinion from Westerns
legal counsel pertaining to various corporate and regulatory matters
relating to Western; and |
|
9. |
|
no law will have been proposed, enacted, promulgated or applied and no
legal action or proceeding will have been commenced by any Person
which, if the Arrangement were completed, could reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect on Western. |
- 30 -
Additional Conditions in Favour of Western and Western Copper:
The obligations of Western and Western Copper to complete the Arrangement are subject to the
fulfillment of the following conditions:
1. |
|
all covenants of Glamis under the Arrangement Agreement to be
performed on or before the Effective Date must have been duly
performed by Glamis in all Material respects; |
|
2. |
|
the representations and warranties of Glamis under the Arrangement
Agreement must be true and correct in all Material respects as of the
Effective Date and as of the date the documentation giving effect to
the Arrangement is sent to the Registrar; |
|
3. |
|
Western must be satisfied acting reasonably that no Material Adverse
Change has occurred with respect to Glamis from January 1, 2006 to the
Effective Date; |
|
4. |
|
the Glamis Board must have adopted all necessary, resolutions and
Glamis must have taken all other necessary corporate action to permit
the consummation of the Arrangement (which has occurred); |
|
5. |
|
no law will have been proposed, enacted, promulgated or applied and no
legal action or proceeding will have been commenced by any person to
cease trade, enjoin, prohibit or impose material limitations or
conditions on the completion of the Arrangement or the right of
Western Shareholders to own or exercise full rights of ownership of
the Glamis Shares, Western Copper Shares and Western Copper Options
issuable pursuant to the Arrangement; |
|
6. |
|
Western must have received all such other documents and certificates
as may reasonably be required by Western in connection with completion
of the Arrangement, including, without limitation, an opinion from
Glamis legal counsel pertaining to various corporate and regulatory
matters relating to Glamis; and |
|
7. |
|
no law will have been proposed, enacted, promulgated or applied and no
legal action or proceeding will have been commenced by any person
which, if the Arrangement were completed, could reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect on Glamis; and |
|
8. |
|
holders of no more than 1% of the issued and outstanding Western
Shares will have exercised their Dissent Rights (and not withdrawn
such exercise) in respect of the Arrangement. |
The full particulars of the Arrangement are contained in the Plan of Arrangement attached as
Schedule D to this Information Circular. See also Additional Terms of Arrangement Agreement
below.
ADDITIONAL TERMS OF THE ARRANGEMENT AGREEMENT
In addition to the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement set out elsewhere in this
Information Circular, the following additional terms apply:
Westerns Covenants
Western covenanted and agreed in the Arrangement Agreement to:
1. |
|
carry on the business and affairs of Western and its subsidiaries in
the usual and normal course, maintain all of its properties and assets
in good standing and not, without Glamis prior written approval, (i)
enter into any material transactions, commitments or expenditures or
(ii) undertake |
- 31 -
|
|
activities or incur expenses except as set out in a budget of
expenditures agreed to by Western and Glamis; |
|
2. |
|
fully cooperate with and allow Glamis to mutually direct and control
all activities with respect to the exploration, development and
maintenance of the properties and assets of Western and its
subsidiaries; |
|
3. |
|
except for common shares issued upon the exercise of Western Stock
Options granted before the date of the Arrangement Agreement, not
issue or agree to issue any Western Shares or other securities of
Western without Glamis prior written approval; |
|
4. |
|
subject to the terms of a confidentiality agreement entered into
between Glamis and Western dated December 21, 2005 (the
Confidentiality Agreement), permit Glamis officers, directors,
employees, consultants and advisors access to the properties, books,
records, reports, data and all other information of Western and its
subsidiaries, including drill core and other samples and all reports,
correspondence and other information provided by all of Westerns
consultants; |
|
5. |
|
publicly support the Arrangement and recommend to the holders of the
Western Shares that they vote in favour of the Arrangement at the
Meeting; |
|
6. |
|
act (and cause its officers and directors to act) expeditiously and in
good faith, in finalizing the Information Circular, in soliciting the
approval of the Western Shareholders for the Arrangement and seeking
applicable regulatory approvals for the Arrangement and in completing
the Arrangement; |
|
7. |
|
notwithstanding the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, permit
Glamis officers, directors, employees, consultants and advisors to
solicit acceptance of the Arrangement from the Western Shareholders in
accordance with applicable law; |
|
8. |
|
not enter into, modify or assume any employment, severance, retention,
collective bargaining or similar agreements, policies or arrangements
with, or grant any bonuses, salary increases, stock options, or other
benefits, compensation or profit sharing, otherwise than pursuant to
existing agreements, policies or arrangements, with or to any
director, officer or employee of Western or any of its subsidiaries; |
|
9. |
|
if requested by Glamis and at a cost to be shared as to 50% for Glamis
and as to 50% for Western engage a person to solicit proxies for the
Meeting; and |
|
10. |
|
waive the application of Section 4.1 of its Shareholder Rights Plan
Agreement dated as of December 11, 2003, to the Arrangement, such
waiver to be effective immediately prior to the Final Order and other
documentation being sent to the Registrar in order to give effect to
the Arrangement. |
Glamis Covenants
Glamis covenanted and agreed in the Arrangement Agreement to:
1. |
|
conditionally allot and reserve for issuance a sufficient number of
Glamis Shares to meet its obligations under the Arrangement and the
Glamis New Options and, following the Effective Date, to issue Glamis
Shares to the former holders of Western Stock Options, upon the due
exercise of the New Glamis Options and in accordance with the Plan of
Arrangement; |
- 32 -
2. |
|
take all necessary action to have listed and posted for trading on the
TSX and NYSE the Glamis Shares to be issued in connection with the
Arrangement and which will be issuable pursuant to the Glamis New
Options; |
|
3. |
|
within five business days after the Effective Date, file a Form F-80
with the SEC for the purpose of registering under the U.S. Securities
Act the Glamis Shares issuable upon exercise of the Glamis New
Options; and |
|
4. |
|
act (and cause its directors and officers to act) expeditiously and in
good faith in finalizing the Information Circular, in seeking
applicable regulatory approvals for Glamis completing its obligations
under the Arrangement; in completing the Arrangement; and, subject to
the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, permit Western and its
advisors access to Glamis and its subsidiaries properties, books,
records, reports, data and all other information relevant to the
business, properties and affairs of Glamis and its subsidiaries for
the purpose of confirming the accuracy of the representations and
warranties made by Glamis in the Arrangement Agreement and the
disclosure provided by Glamis for this Information Circular. |
Western Coppers Covenants
Western Copper covenanted and agreed with Glamis in the Arrangement Agreement to use its
commercially best efforts, and cause its officers, directors and employees to act expeditiously and
in good faith:
1. |
|
to do all such acts and things as may be necessary or required in
order to give effect to the Arrangement; |
|
2. |
|
to make application to the TSX or the TSX Venture Exchange for listing
of the Western Copper Shares in order for such listing to be effective
on the Effective Date; |
|
3. |
|
in completing the Arrangement; |
|
4. |
|
to conditionally allot and reserve for issuance a sufficient number of
Western Copper Shares to meet the obligations of Western Copper under
the Arrangement, the Western Copper Options and the share purchase
warrant to be issued to Glamis and to have such shares listed and
posted for trading on the TSX or the TSX Venture Exchange; and |
|
5. |
|
following the Effective Date, to issue Western Copper Shares to
holders of Western Copper Options upon the due exercise thereof. |
Mutual Covenants
Each of Western and Glamis covenanted and agreed in the Arrangement Agreement to:
1. |
|
use its reasonable commercial efforts to preserve intact its business
organizations and goodwill, to keep available the services of its
officers and employees as a group and to maintain satisfactory
relationships with suppliers, unions, agents, distributors, customers
and others having business relationships with it; |
|
2. |
|
not take any action that would interfere with or be inconsistent with
the completion of the Arrangement or which would render, or that
reasonably may be expected to render, any |
- 33 -
|
|
representation or warranty made by it in the Arrangement Agreement
untrue in any Material respect at any time before the Effective Date;
3. promptly notify the other party of any Material Adverse Change, or any
change which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Change, in respect of its business or properties, and of any
Material Governmental Entity, (as defined in the Arrangement
Agreement) or third party complaints, investigations or hearings (or
communications indicating that the same may be contemplated); |
|
4. |
|
use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions
precedent to the obligations of Glamis and Western set forth in the
Arrangement Agreement and to do all other things reasonably necessary,
proper or advisable under all applicable laws to complete the
Arrangement, including using all of its commercially reasonable
efforts to: |
|
a. |
|
obtain or co-operate in obtaining all necessary waivers, consents and
approvals required to be obtained to consummate the Arrangement; |
|
|
b. |
|
effect or co-operate in effecting all necessary registrations and
filings and submissions of information requested by Governmental
Entities required to be effected by it in connection with the
Arrangement and participate and appear in any required proceedings
before Governmental Entities in connection therewith; |
|
|
c. |
|
oppose, lift or rescind or co-operate in opposing, lifting or
rescinding any injunction or restraining order or other order or
action seeking to stop, or otherwise adversely affecting the ability
of Glamis or Western to consummate, the Arrangement; |
|
|
d. |
|
fulfill all conditions and satisfy all provisions of the Transaction
Documents on its part, including, where applicable, delivery of
required certificates of its officers; and |
|
|
e. |
|
otherwise cooperate with the other in connection with the performance
by it of its obligations under the Transaction Documents; |
5. |
|
subject in the case of Western to those actions it is permitted to do
in connection with an Acquisition Proposal or Superior Proposal, not
take any action or refrain from taking any action, which would
reasonably be expected to significantly impede or delay the
consummation of the Arrangement; |
|
6. |
|
conduct itself in all Material respects so as to keep the other fully
informed as to the Material decisions or actions required to be made
or undertaken with respect to the operation of its business, provided
that such disclosure is not otherwise prohibited by operation of
applicable laws or by reason of a confidentiality obligation owed to a
third party for which a waiver could not be obtained; and |
|
7. |
|
vigorously defend or cause to be defended any claim or other legal
proceedings brought against it challenging the Arrangement. |
Notice and Cure Provisions
Each of the parties is required to give prompt notice to the other of any event or state of facts
occurring up to the Effective Date that would likely cause any of the representations or warranties
of that party in the
- 34 -
Arrangement Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect or result in the failure
of such party to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement under the Arrangement
Agreement.
If Glamis or Western wishes to terminate for a breach of covenants, representations and warranties
or other matters, it must deliver a written notice to the non-compliant party specifying in
reasonable detail the breaches. The party may not terminate the Agreement until the expiry of 30
days from such notice provided that the non-compliant party is proceeding diligently to cure such
breach and provided such matter is capable of being cured.
Non-Solicitation of Acquisition Proposals and Break Fee
Western has agreed that it will not directly or indirectly take any action which might reduce the
likelihood of, or interfere with, the completion of the Arrangement; including any action to
solicit, assist, initiate or knowingly encourage, discuss or assist others in making an Acquisition
Proposal. However, these restrictions will not apply if Western receives an unsolicited Acquisition
Proposal in writing that the Western Board, acting reasonably and in good faith, determines after
consultation with its independent
financial advisor and outside legal counsel and subject to certain conditions in the Arrangement
Agreement, would, if consummated in accordance with its terms, be reasonably likely to lead to a
Superior Proposal and the Western Board determines that its failure to consider or participate in
such discussions would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable laws. In such
event, the Western Board may, subject to execution of an appropriate confidentiality agreement,
provide the person making the Acquisition Proposal access to Westerns material non-public
information.
If the Western Board determines that an Acquisition Proposal would be a Superior Proposal, it must
give Glamis five business days notice of the Boards intention to accept, approve, recommend or
enter into an agreement relating to such Acquisition Proposal. If the notice is given less than
five business days prior to the Meeting, Western will, unless otherwise mutually agreed with
Glamis, adjourn the Meeting to a time that is not less than five business days after the time the
notice of the Superior Proposal was given.
During the five day period, Glamis may offer to amend the terms of the Arrangement. If Glamis makes
an amended offer, the Western Board will determine if the Acquisition Proposal is no longer a
Superior Proposal. If the Western Board determines the Acquisition Proposal is no longer a Superior
Proposal, Western will accept the amended Glamis offer, enter into an amendment of the Arrangement
Agreement and, if necessary, adjourn the Meeting to allow Western to prepare an amendment to this
Information Circular and to forward such to the Western Shareholders. If the Western Board
continues to believe that the Acquisition Proposal remains a Superior Proposal, Western may
terminate the Arrangement Agreement, in which case Western will pay Glamis the Break Fee equal to
3.5% of the aggregate market value of the Western Shares (calculated on a fully diluted basis),
based on the volume weighted average trading prices per Western Share on the TSX on the trading day
immediately preceding the date of termination. Upon termination and payment of 50% of the fee prior
to or concurrent with the termination, Western may accept, approve, recommend or enter into an
agreement, understanding or arrangement in respect of the Superior Proposal and Western will pay
the remaining 50% of the fee on the earlier of (i) the date on which the Superior Proposal is
completed and (ii) 120 days from the date on which the first 50% of the fee is paid.
The Arrangement Agreement also provides that the Break Fee will be payable by Western if:
1. |
|
the Arrangement Resolution is not approved by the Western Shareholders
at the Meeting and: (A) a bona fide Acquisition Proposal has been
publicly announced or made by any person other than Glamis prior to
the Meeting and not withdrawn more than three business days prior to
the Meeting, and (B) Western enters into an agreement with respect to
an Acquisition Proposal, or an |
- 35 -
|
|
Acquisition Proposal is consummated, with such person, after the date
of such termination of the Arrangement Agreement and prior to the
expiration of 12 months following the date of such termination of the
Arrangement Agreement; and |
|
2. |
|
if the Western Board withdraws or modifies in a manner adverse to
Glamis, its approval or recommendation of the Arrangement (whether in
compliance with the Arrangement Agreement or not). |
Western and Glamis have agreed that the Break Fee represents a reasonable estimate of Glamis costs
and expenses of the Arrangement Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Arrangement
Agreement together with an amount to compensate Glamis for the loss of the business opportunity.
Westerns failure to obtain the approval of its shareholders, except in the circumstances described
above, applicable regulatory approvals, the Court or other third party approvals, after having
taken all reasonable steps to attempt to obtain same or the exercise of Dissent Rights by greater
than one (1)% of Western Shareholders will not create an obligation to pay the Break Fee.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF ARRANGEMENT AGREEMENT
The Arrangement Agreement may be amended, at any time before or after the holding of the Western
Meeting, but not later than the date on which the Final Order and other documentation giving effect
to the Arrangement are sent to the Registrar for filing by written agreement of the parties to:
1. |
|
change the time for performance of any of the obligations or acts of the parties; |
|
2. |
|
waive any inaccuracies or modify any representation or warranty contained in the
Arrangement Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant hereto; |
|
3. |
|
waive compliance with or modify any of the covenants contained in the
Arrangement Agreement and waive or modify performance of any of the obligations
of the parties; and |
|
4. |
|
waive compliance with or modify any conditions precedent contained in the
Arrangement Agreement. |
Provided however that notwithstanding the foregoing and except as otherwise provided in the
Arrangement Agreement, the terms of the Arrangement Agreement may not be amended in a manner
materially prejudicial to the Western Shareholders without the approval of the Court and of the
Western Shareholders given by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes cast by the Western
Shareholders at a duly convened meeting of Western Shareholders or as may be ordered by the Court.
The Arrangement Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Date, in the
circumstances specified in the Arrangement Agreement, including:
1. |
|
by mutual written consent of Western and Glamis; |
|
2. |
|
by either Western or Glamis in the event the conditions precedent of
the Arrangement Agreement are not satisfied, or waived by the party to
whom they are of benefit; |
|
3. |
|
by either Western or Glamis if the Western Shareholders fail to
approve the Arrangement Resolution or if the Meeting has not been held
by the Termination Date; |
|
4. |
|
by Western following receipt of, and in order to accept or recommend,
a Superior Proposal and subject to the provisions of the Arrangement
Agreement regarding Superior Proposals; or |
- 36 -
5. |
|
by Glamis if the Board of Directors of Western withdraws or modifies
in a manner adverse to Glamis its approval or recommendation of the
Arrangement. |
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN OF ARRANGEMENT
The Plan of Arrangement may be amended, modified and/or supplemented as follows:
1. |
|
at any time prior to the Effective Date provided that any such
amendment, modification or supplement must be contained in a written
document that is filed with the Court; |
|
2. |
|
except as may otherwise be provided in the Interim Order, any
amendment, modification or supplement to the Plan of Arrangement may
be proposed by Glamis, Western and Western Copper at any time with or
without any other prior notice or communication to Western
Shareholders prior to the Meeting and if approved by Western
Shareholders at the Meeting will become part of the Plan of
Arrangement for all purposes; |
|
3. |
|
Subject to paragraph 4 below, if such amendment, modification or
supplement is made following the Meeting, it must be approved by the
Court and if required by the Court, communicated to Western
Shareholders and will become part of the Plan of Arrangement upon
completion of all the conditions required in the Court approval; and |
|
4. |
|
Any amendment, modification or supplement to the Plan of Arrangement
may be made by Glamis, Western and Western Copper without approval of
the Western Shareholders provided that it concerns a matter which, in
the reasonable opinion of Glamis, Western and Western Copper, is to
reflect a change of an administrative or ministerial nature required
to better give effect to the implementation of the Plan of Arrangement
provided it is not materially adverse to the financial or economic
interests of any of the Western Shareholders. |
The Plan of Arrangement will automatically terminate and be of no further force and effect upon the
termination of the Arrangement Agreement in accordance with its terms.
CONDUCT OF MEETING AND OTHER APPROVALS
Court Approval of the Arrangement
In order for the Arrangement to be effected, the BCBCA requires the Arrangement Agreement to be
approved by a Special Resolution (the Arrangement Resolution) passed by the Western Shareholders.
The complete text of the Arrangement Resolution to be presented to the Meeting is set forth in
Schedule A to this Information Circular. The Arrangement Resolution must be approved by a
majority of at least two-thirds of the votes of those Western Shareholders who either are present
at the Meeting and vote either in person or by proxy or who are not in attendance at the Meeting
but through a valid proxy submitted in respect of the Meeting.
The Arrangement, under the BCBCA, requires the approval of the Court.
On March 31, 2006, prior to mailing of the material in respect of the Meeting, Western obtained an
Interim Order providing for the calling and holding of the Meeting and other procedural matters and
issued a Notice of Application for the final order (the Final Order) to approve the Arrangement.
Attached to this Information Circular are copies of the Interim Order as Schedule F and the
notice of application (the Notice of Application) for the Final Order as Schedule G to this
Information Circular.
- 37 -
The Court hearing in respect of the Final Order is scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m., Vancouver
time, on May 2, 2006, following the Meeting or as soon thereafter as counsel for Western may be
heard, at the Courthouse, 800 Smithe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, subject to the approval
of the Arrangement Resolution at the Meeting. Western Shareholders who wish to participate in or be
represented at the Court hearing should consult with their legal advisors as to the necessary
requirements.
At the Court hearing, Western Shareholders and creditors of Western who wish to participate or to
be represented or to present evidence or argument may do so, subject to the rules of the Court.
Although the authority of the Court is very broad under the BCBCA, Western has been advised by
counsel that the Court will consider, among other things, the fairness and reasonableness of the
terms and conditions of the Arrangement and the rights and interests of every person affected. The
Court may approve the Arrangement as proposed or as amended in any manner as the Court may direct.
The Courts approval is required for the Arrangement to become effective and the Court has been
informed that if such approval is obtained, this will constitute the basis for the Section 3(a)(10)
Exemption under the U.S. Securities Act with respect to, among other things, Glamis Shares, Western
Copper Shares, Glamis New Options and Western Copper Options to be issued pursuant to the
Arrangement as described below under Securities Laws Considerations U.S. Securities Laws. In
addition, it is a condition of the Arrangement that the Court will have determined, prior to
approving the Final Order, that the terms and conditions of the exchanges of shares and stock
options contemplated by the Arrangement are fair to those Western Shareholders and holders of
Western Stock Options to whom securities will be issued upon completion of the Arrangement.
Under the terms of the Interim Order, each Western Shareholder will have the right to appear and
make representations at the application for the Final Order. Any person desiring to appear at the
hearing to be held by the Court to approve the Arrangement pursuant to the Notice of Application is
required to file with
the Court and serve upon Western at the address set out below, on or before 12:00 p.m., Vancouver
time, on April 28, 2006, a notice of his, her or its intention to appear (Appearance Notice),
including his, her or its address for service, together with any evidence or materials which are to
be presented to the Court. The Appearance Notice and supporting materials must be delivered, within
the time specified, to Western at the following address:
Attention: c/o Jennifer Merrick
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Barristers and Solicitors
Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre
595 Burrard Street, PO Box 49314
Vancouver, British Columbia V7X 1L3
Regulatory Approvals
If the Arrangement Resolution is approved by the requisite majority of Western Shareholders, final
approval of the Court must be obtained for all of the transactions contemplated by the Arrangement
in order for the Arrangement to be completed.
Glamis Shares and Western Shares currently trade on the TSX and acceptance of the Arrangement by
the TSX is required. The TSX has conditionally approved the Arrangement in respect to both
Companies subject to filing the usual documents at the closing of the Arrangement. In addition,
certain filings will be required to be made with the NYSE in respect to Glamis and with AMEX in
respect to Western. Application will be made for listing of the Western Copper Shares on the TSX.
Any listing will be subject to meeting TSX original listing requirements and there is no assurance
such a listing will be obtained.
- 38 -
Shareholders of Western should be aware that the foregoing approvals have not yet been given by the
regulatory authorities referred to above. Western cannot provide any assurances that such approvals
will be obtained.
FEES AND EXPENSES
All expenses incurred in connection with the Arrangement and the transactions contemplated thereby
shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, subject to the provisions related to the Break
Fee as described under Arrangement Agreement.
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS
Western Shareholders who wish to dissent should take note that the procedures for dissenting to the
Arrangement require strict compliance with the applicable dissent procedures.
As indicated in the Notice of the Meeting, any holder of Western Shares is entitled to be paid the
fair value of his shares in accordance with Section 245 of the BCBCA if such holder duly dissents
to the Arrangement and the Arrangement becomes effective. A Western Shareholder is not entitled to
dissent with respect to such holders shares if such holder votes any of those shares in favour of
the special resolution authorizing the Arrangement.
The Plan of Arrangement provides that Western Shareholders who duly exercise dissent rights with
respect to their Western Shares (the Dissenting Shares) and who are ultimately entitled to be
paid fair value for those shares will be deemed to have transferred their Dissenting Shares which
will have been redesignated as Western Class B Shares to Western Copper immediately before the
Effective Date in consideration of Western Copper agreeing to be solely responsible for paying the
fair value for the Dissenting Shares. If the dissenting Western Shareholders are not entitled, for
any reason, to be paid for their Dissenting Shares, they will be deemed to have participated in the
Arrangement on the same basis as a non-dissenting Western
Shareholder and will receive Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares on the same basis as every
other non-dissenting Western Shareholder. In no case, however, will Western be required to
recognize such persons as holding Western Shares on or after the Effective Date.
If a Western Shareholder exercises the dissent right, Glamis and Western Copper will on the
Effective Date set aside a number of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares, respectively, which
is attributable under the Arrangement to the Western Shares for which Dissent Rights have been
exercised. If the dissenting Western Shareholder is ultimately not entitled to be paid for their
Dissenting Shares which have been redesignated as Western Class B Shares in accordance with the
Plan of Arrangement, they will be deemed to have participated in the Arrangement on the same basis
as the non-dissenting Western Shareholders and Glamis and Western Copper will distribute to such
Western Shareholder the Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares that the Western Shareholder is
entitled to receive pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement. If a Western Shareholder duly
complies with the Dissent Procedures and is ultimately entitled to be paid for their Dissenting
Shares, Western Copper will pay the amount to be paid in respect of the dissenting Western Shares
and in consideration therefor, Western Copper will be deemed to have acquired the Dissenting
Shares, which have been redesignated as Western Class B Shares and will be deemed to have
participated in the Arrangement on the same basis as the non-dissenting Western Shareholders
(except that Western Copper will not be entitled to receive Western Copper Shares) and Glamis will
be deemed to have distributed to Western Copper the Glamis Shares that Western Copper is entitled
to receive in exchange for the Dissenting Shares which have been redesignated as Western Class B
Shares and exchanged for Western Class A Shares pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement. Western
Copper will pay Western 3.5815% of the direct out of pocket costs incurred by Western in dealing
with the Dissent Procedures.
- 39 -
A brief summary of the provisions of Sections 237 to 247 of the BCBCA is set out below.
Section 242 of the BCBCA
A dissenting Western Shareholder has until 10:00 a.m. on April 27, 2006 to send to Western with
respect to the special resolution authorizing the Arrangement a written notice of dissent pursuant
to Section 242 of the BCBCA by registered mail. After the special resolution is approved by the
Western Shareholders and if Western notifies the dissenting Western Shareholder of its intention to
act upon the special resolution pursuant to Section 243 of the BCBCA, the dissenting Western
Shareholder is then required within one month after Western gives such notice, to send to Western a
written notice that such holder requires it to purchase all of the shares in respect of which such
holder has given notice of dissent, together with the share certificate or certificates
representing those shares (including a written statement prepared in accordance with Section
244(1)(c) of the BCBCA if the dissent is being exercised by the Western Shareholder on behalf of a
beneficial holder) whereupon the dissenting Western Shareholder is bound to sell and Western is
bound to purchase those shares.
A dissenting Western Shareholder who has duly complied with the aforementioned provisions of
Section 242, or Western may apply to the Court for an order requiring such holders shares to be
purchased, fixing the price and terms of the purchase and sale or ordering that they may be
determined by arbitration or by reference to the Registrar, or a referee of the Court, and the
Court may make such order and such consequential orders or directions as the Court considers
appropriate. There is no obligation on Western to make application to the Court. The dissenting
Western Shareholder will be entitled to receive the fair value of the Western Shares held by such
holder as of the day before the Meeting or such later date on which the special resolution to
authorize the Arrangement is passed.
Addresses for Notice
All notices to Western of dissent to the Arrangement pursuant to Section 242 of the BCBCA should be
sent to:
Western Silver Corporation
Attention: The Secretary
Suite 2050, 1111 W. Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4M3
Strict Compliance with Dissent Provisions Required
The foregoing summary does not purport to provide a comprehensive statement of the procedures to be
followed by a dissenting Western Shareholder who seeks payment of the fair value of his Western
Shares. Sections 237 to 247 of the BCBCA require strict adherence to the procedures established
therein and failure to do so may result in the loss of all dissenters rights. Accordingly, each
Western Shareholder who might desire to exercise the dissenters rights should carefully consider
and comply with the provisions of the section, the full text of which is set out in Schedule H to
this Information Circular, and consult such holders legal advisor.
CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Because the tax consequences of the Arrangement may vary depending upon the particular
circumstances of each shareholder and other factors, Western Shareholders are urged to consult with
their own tax advisers to determine the particular tax consequences to them of the Arrangement.
- 40 -
In the opinion of Thorsteinssons LLP, tax counsel to Western, the following summary fairly
describes the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations relating to the Arrangement
generally applicable to Western Shareholders who, for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the
ITA) (i) hold their Western Shares, and will hold their Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares,
as capital property, (ii) deal at arms length with Western, Glamis, and Western Copper, and (iii)
are not affiliated with Western, Glamis, or Western Copper
Western Shares, Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares will generally be considered to be capital
property to a holder thereof, unless the shares are held in the course of carrying on a business or
were acquired in a transaction considered to be an adventure in the nature of trade. Certain
shareholders who are resident in Canada and who might not otherwise be considered to hold such
shares as capital property may be entitled to have them treated as capital property by making the
election provided by subsection 39(4) of the ITA. Any person contemplating making a subsection
39(4) election should consult their tax adviser for advice as to whether the election is available
or advisable in their particular circumstances.
This summary is not applicable to a Western Shareholder (i) that is a financial institution for
the purposes of the mark-to-market rules contained in the ITA, or (ii) who has acquired Western
Shares upon the exercise of an employee stock option.
This summary is based upon the current provisions of the ITA, the regulations thereunder (the
Regulations), and counsels understanding of the current administrative practices and policies of
the Canada Revenue Agency (the CRA). This summary also takes into account all specific proposals
to amend the ITA and Regulations (the Proposed Amendments) announced by the Minister of Finance
(Canada) prior to the date hereof, and assumes that all Proposed Amendments will be enacted in
their present form. However, there can be no assurance that the Proposed Amendments will be enacted
in the form proposed, or at all. Except for the Proposed Amendments, this summary does not take
into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, governmental, or judicial
action or decision, nor does it take into account provincial, territorial or foreign income tax
considerations, which may differ from the Canadian federal income tax considerations discussed
below. An advance income tax ruling will not be sought from the CRA in respect of the Arrangement.
This summary is of a general nature only, and is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal
income tax considerations. This summary is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be,
legal or tax advice to any Western Shareholder. Accordingly, Western Shareholders should consult
their own tax advisers for advice as to the income tax consequences to them of the Arrangement in
their particular circumstances.
Shareholders Resident in Canada
The following portion of the summary is applicable to a Western Shareholder who is resident, or
deemed to be resident, in Canada for purposes of the ITA.
Exchange of Western Class B Shares for Class A Shares and Western Copper Shares
Western has informed counsel that the amount expected to be the fair market value of all Western
Copper Shares when they are distributed is substantially lower than the amount that will be the
paid-up capital of all Western Class B Shares (the redesignated Western Shares) immediately before
the distribution of Western Copper Shares. Accordingly, Western is not expected to be deemed to
have paid a dividend as a result of the distribution of Western Copper Shares. In the event that
the fair market value of all Western Copper Shares at the time of distribution were to exceed the
paid-up capital of all Western Class B Shares immediately before the distribution, Western would be
deemed to have paid a dividend on the Western
- 41 -
Class B Shares equal to the amount of the excess, and each holder of Western Class B Shares would
be deemed to have received a pro rata portion of the dividend, based on the proportion of Western
Class B Shares held.
Assuming that the fair market value of all Western Copper Shares at the time of distribution does
not exceed the paid-up capital of all Western Class B Shares immediately before the distribution, a
Western Shareholder whose Western Class B Shares are exchanged for Western Class A Shares and
Western Copper Shares will be considered to have disposed of the Western Class B Shares for
proceeds of disposition equal to the greater of the adjusted cost base to the shareholder of the
Western Class B Shares immediately before the exchange (which will equal the adjusted cost base to
the shareholder of the Western Shares immediately before their redesignation) and the fair market
value of the Western Copper Shares at the time of their distribution. Consequently, the Western
Shareholder will realize a capital gain to the extent that the fair market value of the Western
Copper Shares exceeds the adjusted cost base of the shareholders Western Class B Shares. In the
event that the fair market value of all Western Copper Shares at the time of distribution were to
exceed the paid-up capital of all Western Class B Shares immediately before the distribution, the
proceeds of disposition of the shareholders Western Class B Shares would be reduced by the amount
of the deemed dividend referred to in the previous paragraph that the shareholder is deemed to have
received. See Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses below for a general description of the
treatment of capital gains and losses under the ITA.
The cost to a Western Shareholder of Western Class A Shares acquired on the exchange will be equal
to the amount, if any, by which the adjusted cost base to the shareholder of the shareholders
Western Class B Shares immediately before the exchange exceeds the fair market value of the Western
Copper Shares at the time of their distribution. The cost to a Western Shareholder of Western
Copper Shares acquired on the exchange will be equal to the fair market value of the Western Copper
Shares at the time of their distribution.
Exchange of Class A Shares for Glamis Shares
A Western Shareholder whose Western Class A Shares are exchanged for Glamis Shares will (unless the
shareholder chooses otherwise, as discussed in the next paragraph) be deemed to have disposed of
the Western Class A Shares for proceeds of disposition equal to the adjusted cost base to the
shareholder of those shares immediately before the exchange. Consequently, the shareholder will
realize neither a capital
gain nor a capital loss as a result of the exchange. The shareholder will be deemed to have
acquired the Glamis Shares at a cost equal to the proceeds of disposition of the Western Class A
Shares. If the shareholder owns any other Glamis Shares as capital property at the time of the
exchange, the cost of all Glamis Shares owned by the shareholder immediately after the exchange
will be determined by averaging the cost of the shares acquired on the exchange with the adjusted
cost base of those other shares. Based on the current administrative practice of the CRA, where a
Western Shareholder receives cash in lieu of a fraction of a Glamis Share, the tax consequences
just discussed will apply to the shareholder if the shareholder reduces, by the amount of the cash,
the adjusted cost base of the Glamis Shares acquired on the exchange. Alternatively, the
shareholder may treat that number of Western Class A Shares corresponding to the fractional Glamis
Share as having been disposed of for proceeds of disposition equal to the cash amount. The tax
consequences just discussed would apply in this case with respect to the shareholders Western
Class A Shares that are exchanged for Glamis Shares.
The tax consequences discussed in the previous paragraph will not apply to a Western Shareholder
who chooses to report, in the shareholders return of income for the taxation year in which the
exchange occurs, a capital gain or loss in respect of the disposition of the shareholders Western
Class A Shares. In this case, the shareholder will realize a capital gain (or capital loss) equal
to the amount by which the fair market value of the Glamis Shares, plus any cash in lieu of a
fractional share, exceeds (or is less than) the
- 42 -
adjusted cost base to the shareholder of the Western Class A Shares immediately before the
exchange. Under the current provisions of the ITA, the recognition of a capital loss so realized
may be deferred if the shareholder is a corporation, trust or partnership. However, under the
Proposed Amendments, the recognition of a capital loss so realized will generally not be deferred.
See Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses below for a general description of the treatment of
capital gains and losses under the ITA. If the shareholder chooses to report a capital gain or
capital loss, the cost of Glamis Shares acquired by the shareholder will equal the fair market
value of the Western Class A Shares at the time of the exchange less the amount of cash received,
subject to the averaging discussed above where the shareholder owns other Glamis Shares as capital
property at the time of the exchange.
Dividends on Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares
In the case of a Western Shareholder who is an individual, dividends received or deemed to be
received on Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares will be included in computing the individuals
income and will be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules normally applicable to
taxable dividends received from taxable Canadian corporations.
In the case of a Western Shareholder that is a corporation, dividends received or deemed to be
received on Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares will be included in computing the corporations
income and will generally be deductible in computing its taxable income. A private corporation
(as defined in the ITA) or any other corporation controlled or deemed to be controlled by or for
the benefit of an individual or a related group of individuals may be liable under Part IV of the
ITA to pay a refundable tax of 331/3% on dividends received or deemed to be received on Glamis
Shares or Western Copper Shares to the extent that such dividends are deductible in computing the
corporations taxable income.
Disposition of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares
The disposition or deemed disposition of Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares by a holder will
generally result in a capital gain (or capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of
disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted
cost base to the holder of those shares immediately before the disposition. See Taxation of
Capital Gains and Losses below for a general description of the treatment of capital gains and
losses under the ITA.
Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses
One-half of any capital gain (a taxable capital gain) realized by a Western Shareholder in a
taxation year will be included in the shareholders income for the year. One-half of any capital
loss (an allowable capital loss) realized by the shareholder in a year may be deducted against
taxable capital gains realized in the year. Any excess of allowable capital losses over taxable
capital gains in a taxation year may be carried back up to three taxation years or forward
indefinitely and deducted against net taxable capital gains in those other years, to the extent and
in the circumstances specified in the ITA.
If the Western Shareholder is a corporation, the amount of any capital loss arising from a
disposition or deemed disposition of a Western Class A Share, a Glamis Share or a Western Copper
Share may be reduced by the amount of certain dividends received or deemed to be received by the
corporation on the share, to the extent and under circumstances specified by the ITA. Similar rules
may apply where the corporation is a member of a partnership or beneficiary of a trust that owns
shares, or where a partnership or trust of which the corporation is a member or beneficiary is a
member of a partnership or a beneficiary of a trust that owns shares.
- 43 -
Alternative Minimum Tax on Individuals
A Western Shareholder who is an individual (including certain trusts and estates) is subject to
alternative minimum tax under the ITA. This tax is computed by reference to adjusted taxable
income. Eighty per cent of capital gains (net of capital losses) and the actual amount of taxable
dividends (not including any gross-up) are included in determining the adjusted taxable income of
an individual. Any additional tax payable by an individual under the minimum tax provisions may be
carried forward and applied against certain tax otherwise payable in any of the seven immediately
following taxation years, to the extent specified by the ITA.
Additional Refundable Tax on Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations
A Western Shareholder that is a Canadian-controlled private corporation (as defined in the ITA)
may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax of 62/3% on certain investment income, including
amounts in respect of net taxable capital gains, and dividends or deemed dividends not deductible
in computing taxable income.
Dissenting Shareholders
A Western Shareholder who, consequent upon the exercise of Dissent Rights, disposes of Western
Class B shares (the redesignated Western Shares) to Western Copper in consideration for a cash
payment from Western Copper, will be considered to have disposed of the Western Class B Shares for
proceeds of disposition equal to the cash payment (other than the portion of the payment that is
interest awarded by a court). The dissenting shareholder will realize a capital gain (or capital
loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of
disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base to the holder of the Western Class B
Shares immediately before the disposition (which will equal the adjusted cost base to the
dissenting shareholder of the dissenting shareholders Western Shares immediately before their
redesignation). See Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses above for a general description of the
treatment of capital gains and losses under the ITA.
There is a risk that the CRA may attempt to apply the general anti-avoidance rule in the ITA to
alter the tax consequence discussed in the previous paragraph. Western Shareholders who are
considering the exercise of Dissent Rights should consult with their tax advisers regarding the tax
consequences of doing so.
Interest awarded by a court to a dissenting shareholder will be included in the shareholders
income for purposes of the ITA.
Eligibility for Investment
The Western Class A Shares will, while held by Western Shareholders pursuant to the Arrangement, be
qualified investments under the ITA for trusts governed by registered retirement savings plans,
registered retirement income funds, deferred profit sharing plans, and registered education savings
plans (Registered Plans).
The Glamis Shares will be qualified investments under the ITA for Registered Plans at a particular
time, provided that, at that time, the shares are listed on a prescribed stock exchange (which
includes the TSX) or Glamis is a public corporation as defined in the Tax Act.
The Western Copper Shares will be qualified investments under the ITA for Registered Plans at a
particular time, provided that, at that time, the shares are listed on a prescribed stock exchange
at that time or Western Copper is a public corporation as defined in the ITA. If the shares are
not listed on a
- 44 -
prescribed stock exchange at the time they are issued pursuant to the Arrangement, but they become
listed on a prescribed stock exchange in Canada before the due date for Western Coppers first
income tax return and Western Copper makes the appropriate election in that return, the shares will
be considered to be a qualified investment for Registered Plans from their date of issue.
Shareholders Not Resident in Canada
The following portion of the summary is applicable to a Western Shareholder who (i) has not been,
is not, and will not be resident or deemed to be resident in Canada for purposes of the ITA, and
(ii) does not and will not use or hold, and is not and will not be deemed to use or hold, Western
Shares, Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares in connection with carrying on a business in Canada
(a Non-Resident Shareholder). Special rules, which are not discussed in this summary, may apply
to a Non-Resident Shareholder that is an insurer carrying on business in Canada and elsewhere.
Receipt of Western Copper Shares
The discussion above, under Shareholders Resident in Canada Exchange of Class B Shares for
Class A Shares and Western Copper Shares, of the deemed dividend potentially resulting from the
distribution of Western Copper Shares also applies to a Non-Resident Shareholder. Based on the
information provided by Western, as noted in the above discussion, Western is not expected to be
deemed to have paid a dividend as a result of the distribution of the Western Copper Shares. In the
event that Western were deemed to have paid a dividend, the portion of the dividend deemed to have
been received by a NonResident Shareholder would be subject to withholding tax under the ITA.
Share Exchanges and Subsequent Dispositions of Shares
A Non-Resident Shareholder who participates in the Arrangement will not be subject to tax under the
ITA on any capital gain realized on the exchange of Western Class B Shares (the redesignated
Western Shares) for Western Class A Shares and Western Copper Shares, or on the exchange of Western
Class A Shares for Glamis Shares, provided that either the shares disposed of do not constitute
taxable Canadian property of the Non-Resident Shareholder at the Effective Date or an applicable
income tax treaty exempts the capital gain from tax under the ITA.
Similarly, any capital gain realized by a Non-Resident Shareholder on the disposition or deemed
disposition of Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares acquired pursuant to the Arrangement will not
be subject to tax under the ITA provided that either the shares do not constitute taxable Canadian
property of the Non-Resident Shareholder at the time of disposition or an applicable income tax
treaty exempts the capital gain from tax under the ITA.
Generally, a share of a corporation owned by a Non-Resident Shareholder will not be taxable
Canadian property of the Non-Resident Shareholder at a particular time provided that (i) the share
is listed on a
prescribed stock exchange (which includes the TSX), (ii) neither the Non-Resident Shareholder,
persons with whom the Non-Resident Shareholder does not deal at arms length, nor the Non-Resident
Shareholder together with all such persons has owned 25% or more of the shares of any class or
series of the corporation within the previous five years, and (iii) the share was not acquired in a
transaction as a result of which the share was deemed to be taxable Canadian property of the
Non-Resident Shareholder. Western has informed counsel that the Western Class A Shares and the
Western Class B Shares will be listed on the TSX at the time such shares are exchanged pursuant to
the Arrangement.
In the case of a Non-Resident Shareholder that is a resident of the United States for purposes of
the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (the
U.S. Treaty), any gain realized by the Non-
- 45 -
Resident Shareholder on a disposition of Western Class B Shares, Western Class A Shares, Glamis
Shares, or Western Copper Shares that would otherwise be subject to tax under the ITA will be
exempt from tax pursuant to the U.S. Treaty provided that the value of such shares is not derived
principally from real property situated in Canada.
In the event that a Western Class B Share, Western Class A Share, Glamis Share, or Western Copper
Share constitutes taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Shareholder and any capital gain that
would be realized on the exchange or disposition of the share is not exempt from tax under the ITA
pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty, then the tax consequences discussed above, for Western
Shareholders who are resident in Canada, under Exchange of Class B Shares for Class A Shares and
Western Copper Shares, Exchange of Class A Shares for Glamis Shares, and Disposition of Glamis
Shares and Western Copper Shares, as applicable, and under Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses
will generally apply.
Reporting and withholding obligations apply under section 116 of the ITA when a person who is not
resident in Canada for purposes of the ITA disposes of taxable Canadian property, other than
excluded property. Excluded property includes shares of a class of shares of a corporation, if the
class of shares is listed on a prescribed stock exchange. As noted above, Western has informed
counsel that the Western Class A Shares and the Western Class B Shares will be listed on the TSX at
the time such shares are exchanged pursuant to the Arrangement. Accordingly, the reporting and
withholding obligations will not apply with respect to the exchange of a Non-Resident Shareholders
Western Class B Shares or Western Class A Shares that are taxable Canadian property.
Dividends on Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares
Dividends paid, deemed to be paid, or credited on Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares to a
NonResident Shareholder will be subject to withholding tax under the ITA at a rate of 25% unless
the rate is reduced by an applicable income tax treaty. In the case of a beneficial owner of
dividends who is a resident of the United States for purposes of the U.S. Treaty and who owns less
than 10% of the voting stock of Glamis or Western Copper, as the case may be, the rate of
withholding tax on dividends will be reduced to 15%.
Dissenting Shareholders
A Non-Resident Shareholder who, consequent upon the exercise of Dissent Rights, disposes of Western
Class B shares (the redesignated Western Shares) to Western Copper in consideration for a cash
payment from Western Copper, will be considered to realize a capital gain or loss as discussed
above under Shareholders Resident in Canada Dissenting Shareholders. The same general
considerations apply as discussed above under Share Exchanges and Subsequent Dispositions of
Shares in determining whether a capital gain will be subject to tax under the ITA.
Interest received by a Non-Resident Shareholder consequent upon the exercise of Dissent Rights will
be subject to withholding tax under the ITA at a rate of 25% unless the rate is reduced by an
applicable
income tax treaty. In the case of a beneficial owner of interest who is a resident of the United
States for purposes of the U.S. Treaty, the rate of withholding tax on interest will be reduced to
10%.
- 46 -
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Scope of This Disclosure
The following discussion is a summary of the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax
consequences arising from and relating to the distribution of Western Copper Shares in the manner
described below (the Distribution), the exchange of Western Shares for Glamis Shares in the
manner described below (the Exchange) and the consequent ownership and possible disposition of
Western Copper Shares and Glamis Shares that are generally applicable to U.S. Holders (as defined
below) of Western Shares. This summary is limited to Western Shareholders who are United States
persons and hold their Western Shares (and will hold Western Copper Shares following the
Distribution and Glamis Shares following the Exchange) as capital assets within the meaning of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) (U.S. Holders). For purposes of this
summary, a United States person is: (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United States,
(ii) a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation that is created or organized under the
laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which
is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) any trust if a
court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of
the trust, and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial
decisions of the trust.
This summary is for general information only and does not address all aspects of United States
federal income taxation that may be relevant to a U.S. Holder in light of the U.S. Holders
particular circumstances, or to U.S. Holders that may be subject to special treatment under the
Code (including, without limitation, certain financial institutions, real estate investment trusts,
tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, regulated
investment companies, insurance companies, and brokers and dealers or traders in securities or
currencies, insurance companies, persons holding stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion
transaction or other integrated investment, persons whose functional currency is not the United
States dollar, and persons who may have acquired their Western Shares (or who will acquire Glamis
Shares or Western Copper Shares) through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as
compensation). This summary also does not address the tax treatment of U.S. Holders that hold their
Western Shares (or will hold Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares) through a partnership or other
pass-through entity, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, and persons who own their
Western Shares (or will own Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares) other than as a capital asset
as defined in the Code. This summary does not address aspects of U.S. taxation other than U.S.
federal income taxation, nor does it address any aspects of state, local or foreign tax law.
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of transactions effectuated
prior or subsequent to, or concurrently with, the Distribution and the Exchange (whether or not any
such transactions are undertaken in connection with the Distribution and the Exchange) including,
without limitation, the following: (i) the exercise of any Western Stock Option, warrant or other
right to acquire Western Shares (or, post-transaction, Western Copper Shares or Glamis Shares);
(ii) the receipt of Western Copper Options or Glamis New Options by a holder of Western Stock
Options; (iii) any conversion of one class of shares of Western stock into a different class of
shares of Western stock; and (iv) the issuance or exercise of the Western Copper Warrant.
This discussion is based on the Code, existing, temporary and currently proposed regulations
promulgated under the Code, and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all as of the
date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Western has
not requested any ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to
the statements made and the conclusions reached in this summary. No assurance can be given that the
IRS will agree with such
- 47 -
statements and conclusions, or will not take, or a court will not adopt, a position contrary to any
position taken herein.
EACH U.S. HOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT WITH ITS TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE
DISTRIBUTION, THE EXCHANGE, AND THE CONSEQUENT OWNERSHIP AND POSSIBLE DISPOSITION OF WESTERN COPPER
SHARES AND GLAMIS SHARES, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN, AND OTHER TAX
LAWS.
TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY THE IRS UNDER TREASURY CIRCULAR 230, WE INFORM
YOU THAT (1) ANY DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX ISSUES CONTAINED IN THIS INFORMATION
CIRCULAR (INCLUDING ANY ATTACHMENTS), UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY STATED, WAS NOT INTENDED OR
WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES UNDER THE UNITED
STATES INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, (2) SUCH DISCUSSION WAS WRITTEN TO SUPPORT THE PROMOTION OR MARKETING
OF THE ARRANGEMENT OR MATTERS ADDRESSED BY THIS INFORMATION CIRCULAR AND (3) EACH U.S. HOLDER
SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED UPON ITS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.
Assumptions Regarding Western, Western Copper and Glamis
This summary is based upon certain understandings and assumptions with respect to the business,
assets and shareholders of Western, Western Copper and Glamis, including that neither Western nor
Glamis is, nor at any time has been, and neither of them nor Western Copper will be immediately
after the Distribution and the Exchange a controlled foreign corporation as defined in Section
957 of the Code (CFC). Each of Glamis and Western believes that it is not and has never been a
CFC and none of Glamis, Western or Western Copper expect to become a CFC in the future. In the
event that one or more of such understandings or assumptions proves to be inaccurate, the following
summary may not apply and material adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences may result to U.S.
Holders.
Treaty Application to Certain Persons
U.S. Holders who do not maintain a substantial presence, permanent home or habitual abode in the
U.S. or whose personal and economic relations are not closer to the U.S. than to any other country
(other than Canada) may be unable to benefit from the provisions of the Convention Between the
United States of America and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed
September 26, 1980, as amended (the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention). These U.S. Holders should
consult their own tax advisors concerning the availability of benefits under the Canada-U.S. Tax
Convention.
Particular Circumstance of any Particular U.S. Holder Not Addressed
This summary does not take into account the particular facts and circumstances, with respect to
U.S. federal income tax issues, of any particular U.S. Holder. Each U.S. Holder should consult its
own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Distribution and the
Exchange to them in light of their particular circumstances.
Distribution of Western Copper Shares
The Distribution consists of the series of transactions undertaken pursuant to the Arrangement
involving (i) the redesignation of the Western Shares as Western Class B Shares, (ii) the creation
of the Western
- 48 -
Class A Shares, (iii) the transfer of Westerns Almoloya Project, Westerns interest in the
Carmacks Project and approximately $38 million of cash held by Western (the Assets) to Western
Copper in exchange for Western Copper Shares, (iv) the exchange of the Western Class B Shares,
other than those held by Dissenters, for Western Class A Shares and Western Copper Shares, and (v)
the cancellation of the Western Class B Shares. This summary assumes that the Distribution will be
treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as if Western transferred the Assets to Western
Copper in exchange for the Western Copper Shares, and then distributed the Western Copper Shares to
the Western Shareholders. Because the Distribution will be effected under the applicable provisions
of Canadian law which are technically different from analogous provisions of U.S. corporate law,
there can be no assurances that the IRS or a U.S. court would not take a contrary view of the
Distribution.
Assuming that the Distribution is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the manner set
forth in the paragraph above, the Distribution may or may not qualify as a reorganization within
the meaning of subparagraph (D) of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code. A transaction qualifying under
one of the subparagraphs of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code is referred to in this discussion as a
Reorganization. In order for the Distribution to qualify as a Reorganization, among other things,
Western Copper would have to have been engaged in an active trade or business as such term is
defined in Section 355 of the Code that has been actively conducted for at least five years
immediately prior to the Distribution. It is unclear whether Western Copper would satisfy this
requirement and Western Copper may not satisfy other requirements imposed by Section 355 of the
Code. No opinion of legal counsel and no ruling from the IRS concerning the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the Distribution has been obtained and none will be requested.
If the Distribution Does Not Qualify as a Reorganization
Subject to the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules discussed below, if the
Distribution does not qualify as a Reorganization, U.S. Holders receiving the Western Copper Shares
under the Distribution would be required to include in gross income as ordinary income for U.S.
federal income tax purposes the fair market value of such Western Copper Shares to the extent that
Western has current or accumulated earnings and profits, without reduction for any Canadian income
tax withheld from such distributions. Any such Canadian tax withheld may be credited, subject to
certain limitations, against the U.S. Holders federal income tax liability or, alternatively, may
be deducted in computing the U.S. Holders federal taxable income by those who itemize deductions.
Western does not believe that it has any accumulated earnings and profits. Whether it will have
current earnings and profits will depend on the results of its operations for the current tax year
and the amount of gain recognized by it as a result of the Distribution of the Western Copper
Shares. While the amount of any current earnings and profits cannot be predicted with certainty,
Western believes that either it will have no earnings and profits for the current tax year or that
the amount of such earnings and profits will be immaterial. Accordingly, the U.S. Holders either
should recognize no ordinary income, or an immaterial amount of ordinary income, as a result of the
Distribution. To the extent that the gross fair market value of the Western Copper Shares exceeds
the current and accumulated earnings and profits of Western, such excess would be treated first as
a return of capital up to the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in its Western Shares, and
thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of its Western Shares. Such gain generally would be
capital gain if such Western Shares were held as capital assets at the time of the Distribution and
would be long-term capital gain if the U.S. Holders holding period for the Western Shares with
respect to which the distribution of Western Copper Shares is made is more than one year at the
time of the Distribution. Gains and losses are netted and combined according to special rules in
arriving at the overall capital gain or loss for a particular tax year. Preferential tax rates for
long-term capital gains are generally applicable to a U.S. Holder which is an individual, estate or
trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains for a U.S. Holder
which is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations. For
U.S. Holders who are not corporations, any unused portion of a net capital loss
- 49 -
may be carried over to be used in later tax years until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted.
For U.S. Holders that are corporations, an unused net capital loss may generally be carried back
three years from the loss year and carried forward five years from the loss year to be offset
against capital gains until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted.
If the Distribution Does Qualify as a Reorganization
Subject to (i) the assumptions, limitations and qualifications referred to herein and (ii) the PFIC
rules discussed below, if the Distribution qualifies as a Reorganization, the Distribution will
result in the following U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders:
1. |
|
a U.S. Holder who receives Western Copper Shares in the Distribution
would not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the Distribution; |
|
2. |
|
the aggregate basis of Western Shares held by the U.S. Holder would be
allocated among such U.S. Holders Western Shares and Western Copper
Shares in proportion to their relative fair market values; and |
|
3. |
|
the holding period in the Western Copper Shares received by the U.S.
Holder in the Distribution would include the holding period of the
Western Class B Shares exchanged therefor. |
Exchange of Western Class A Shares for Glamis Shares
The Exchange consists of the exchange of Western Class A Shares for Glamis Shares pursuant to the
Arrangement. Western believes the Exchange should qualify as a reorganization under subparagraph
(B) of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code, which requires, among other things, that Glamis acquire
Western Shares solely in exchange for voting stock of Glamis. However, the IRS might seek to
characterize the acquisition by Western Copper of the Western Class B Shares held by dissenting
Western shareholders and Western Coppers subsequent participation in the Exchange as an
impermissible reimbursement of Western Coppers payments to dissenters or other similar violation
of the solely for voting stock requirement of subparagraph (B) of Section 368(a)(1), preventing
the Exchange from qualifying as a Reorganization. No opinion of legal counsel and no ruling from
the IRS concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequence of the Exchange has been obtained and
none will be requested. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the status of the
Exchange as a Reorganization or that the U.S. courts will uphold the status of the Exchange as a
Reorganization in the event of an IRS challenge. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax
advisor regarding the qualification of the Exchange as a Reorganization.
Regardless of whether the Exchange qualifies as a Reorganization, the Exchange may be treated as a
fully taxable exchange under the PFIC rules of Sections 1291-1298 of the Code. See Impact of PFIC
Rules on Certain U.S. Holders below. In addition, if the Exchange qualifies as a Reorganization,
the rules of Section 367 of the Code may under certain circumstances impose additional requirements
on certain U.S. Holders in order to preserve Reorganization treatment for the Exchange. See
Application of Section 367 to U.S. Holders in the Exchange below.
If the Exchange qualifies as a Reorganization, and subject to (i) the assumptions, limitations and
qualifications referred to herein and (ii) the PFIC rules and the Code Section 367 rules discussed
below, the Exchange will result in the following U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S.
Holders of Western Class A Shares:
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1. |
|
a U.S. Holder of Western Class A Shares who receives Glamis Shares in
the Exchange will not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the
Exchange (other than gain or loss recognized on the receipt of cash in
lieu of fractional shares of Glamis, as described below); |
|
2. |
|
the aggregate basis of the Glamis Shares received by a U.S. Holder in
the Exchange (including fractional shares deemed received and redeemed
as described below) will be equal to the aggregate basis of the
Western Class A Shares exchanged therefor; |
|
3. |
|
the holding period of the Glamis Shares received by a U.S. Holder will
include the holding period of the Western Class A Shares exchanged
therefor; and |
|
4. |
|
cash received by a U.S. Holder instead of a fractional share interest
in Glamis Shares will be treated as received in redemption of that
fractional share interest, and a U.S. Holder should generally
recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes measured
by the difference between the amount of cash received and the portion
of the tax basis of Western Class A Shares allocable to that
fractional share interest. This gain or loss should be long-term
capital gain or loss if the holding period for the Western Class A
Shares (as determined above) is greater than one year at the time of
the Exchange. |
Information Reporting
If the Exchange qualifies as a Reorganization, U.S. Holders who exchange Western Class A Shares for
Glamis Shares in the Exchange will be required to comply with certain reporting requirements and
will be required to retain certain records in connection with the Exchange as required by Treasury
Regulation §1.368 -3. U.S. Holders of Western Class A Shares are urged to consult their own tax
advisors regarding their information reporting and record retention responsibilities arising from
the Exchange.
Consequences of Failure of the Exchange to Qualify as a Reorganization
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, if the Exchange fails to qualify as a Reorganization,
the Exchange would constitute a taxable disposition of Western Class A Shares by U.S. Holders and
would result in the following U.S. federal income tax consequences:
1. |
|
a U.S. Holder of Western Class A Shares would recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between (i) the fair market value of Glamis
Shares received by such U.S. Holder in the Exchange and any cash
received by such U.S. Holder in lieu of a fractional share interest in
Glamis Shares and (ii) the adjusted tax basis of such U.S. Holder in
such Western Class A Shares exchanged therefore in the Exchange; |
|
2. |
|
the aggregate basis of Glamis Shares received by a U.S. Holder of
Western Class A Shares in the Exchange would be equal to the aggregate
fair market value of Glamis Shares at the time of receipt; and |
|
3. |
|
the holding period of Glamis Shares received by a U.S. Holder in the
Exchange would begin on the day after receipt. |
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, such gain or loss recognized in the Exchange generally
will be capital gain or loss if such Western Class A Shares were held as capital assets at the time
of the Exchange and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holders holding period for
such Western Class A Shares is more than one year at the time of the Exchange. For a summary of the
different tax results that a U.S. Holder may face as a result of the PFIC rules, see Impact of
PFIC Rules on Certain U.S. Holders
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below. Gains and losses are netted and combined according to special rules in arriving at the
overall capital gain or loss for a particular tax year. Preferential tax rates for long-term
capital gains are generally applicable to a U.S. Holder which is an individual, estate or trust.
There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains for a U.S. Holder which
is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations. For U.S.
Holders which are not corporations, any unused portion of a net capital loss may be carried over to
be used in later tax years until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted. For U.S. Holders that
are corporations, an unused net capital loss may be carried back three years from the loss year and
carried forward five years from the loss year to be offset against capital gains until such net
capital loss is thereby exhausted.
PFIC Rules
Definition of a PFIC
Section 1297 of the Code generally defines a PFIC as a corporation that is not formed in the U.S.
and, for any taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income is passive income or (ii)
the average percentage, by fair market value (or, if the corporation is not publicly traded and
either is a CFC or makes an election, by adjusted tax basis), of its assets that produce or are
held for the production of passive income is 50% or more. For this purpose, the term passive
income includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from
the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions. However, gains
resulting from commodities transactions are generally excluded from the definition of passive
income if substantially all of a merchants, producers or handlers business is as an active
merchant, producer or handler of such commodities.
For purposes of the PFIC income test and assets test, if a foreign corporation owns (directly or
indirectly) at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, such foreign corporation
shall be treated as if it (i) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other corporation,
and (ii) received directly its proportionate share of the income of such other corporation. Also,
for purposes of such PFIC tests, passive income does not include any interest, dividends, rents or
royalties that are received or accrued from a related person to the extent such amount is
properly allocable to the income of such related person which is not passive income. For these
purposes, a person is related with respect to a foreign corporation if such person controls the
foreign corporation or is controlled by the foreign corporation or by the same persons that control
the foreign corporation. For these purposes, control means ownership, directly or indirectly, of
stock possessing more than 50% of the total voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote
or of the total value of stock of a corporation.
PFIC Status of Western, Western Copper and Glamis
Western believes that it qualified as a PFIC for its most recent fiscal year ended on or prior to
the date of the Exchange, qualified as a PFIC in earlier fiscal years and will qualify as a PFIC
for its current fiscal year. Western Copper is expected to qualify as a PFIC. It appears that
Glamis did not qualify as a PFIC for its most recent fiscal year ended on or prior to the date of
the Exchange, will not qualify as a PFIC for its current fiscal year and will not qualify as a PFIC
for its taxable year that includes the day after the Exchange. However, there can be no assurances
that unanticipated events will not cause Western or Glamis to qualify or fail to qualify as a PFIC
or that any determination concerning Westerns and/or Glamiss current or expected PFIC status will
not be challenged by the IRS. See Impact of PFIC Rules on Certain U.S. Holders.
If a foreign corporation is a PFIC at any time during a U.S. Holders holding period (and was not a
qualified electing fund (QEF) as described below), the U.S. Holder will generally continue to be
subject to the rules regarding excess distributions and dispositions of PFIC stock discussed below,
even if
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the foreign corporation ceases to be a PFIC, unless certain gain recognition elections are made to
purge the PFIC taint.
Impact of PFIC Rules on Certain U.S. Holders
The impact of the PFIC rules on a U.S. Holder will depend on whether the U.S. Holder has made a
timely and effective election to treat Western as a qualified electing fund under Section 1295 of
the Code for the tax year that is the first year in the U.S. Holders holding period of Western
Shares during which Western qualified as a PFIC (a QEF Election). A U.S. Holders ability to make
a QEF election with respect to Western is contingent upon, among other things, the provision by
Western of a PFIC Annual Information Statement to such U.S. Holder. Western has provided such
information statement to U.S. Holders that have requested one. A U.S. Holder of a PFIC who made
such a QEF Election may hereinafter be referred to
as an Electing Shareholder and a U.S. Holder of a PFIC who did not make a QEF Election may
hereinafter be referred to as a Non-Electing Shareholder.
If a U.S. Holder has not made a timely and effective QEF Election with respect to the first year in
the U.S. Holders holding period in which the Company is a PFIC, such U.S. Holder generally may
qualify as an Electing Shareholder by filing on a timely filed U.S. income tax return (including
extensions) a QEF Election and a deemed sale election to recognize under the rules of Section
1291 of the Code any gain that it would otherwise recognize if the U.S. Holder sold its stock for
fair market value on the qualification date. The qualification date is the first day of Westerns
tax year in which Western qualified as a qualified electing fund with respect to such U.S.
Holder. The deemed sale election can only be made if such U.S. Holder held Western Shares on the
qualification date. By timely making such QEF and deemed sale elections, the U.S. Holder will be
deemed to have made a timely QEF Election.
The impact of the PFIC rules on a U.S. Holder may also depend on whether the U.S. Holder has made a
mark to market election under Section 1296 of the Code. See Mark to Market Election below.
Effect of PFIC Rules on the Distribution
Special taxation rules under Section 1291 of the Code apply to certain excess distributions made
by a PFIC. For this purpose, an excess distribution is generally a distribution received in the
current taxable year that is in excess of 125% of the average distributions received with respect
to a U.S. Holders stock during the three preceding years or, if shorter, the U.S. Holders holding
period. Assuming Western is and has been a PFIC, if the Distribution does not qualify as a
Reorganization, a Non-Electing Shareholder generally would be required to pro rate all excess
distributions on its Western Shares over the entire holding period for such Western Shares. All
excess distributions allocated to prior years of such Non-Electing Shareholder (other than years
prior to the first taxable year of Western during such Non-Electing Shareholders holding period
and beginning after January 1, 1987 for which it was a PFIC) would be taxed at the highest tax rate
for each such prior year applicable to ordinary income. The Non-Electing Shareholder also would be
liable for interest on the foregoing tax liability for each such prior year calculated as if such
liability had been due with respect to each such prior year. A Non-Electing Shareholder that is not
a corporation must treat this interest charge as personal interest which is wholly nondeductible.
The balance of the excess distribution (i.e., amounts allocated to the current year and tax years
in the Non-Electing Shareholders holding period before the corporation became a PFIC) will be
treated as ordinary income in the year of the distribution, and no interest charge will be incurred
with respect to such balance. If the Distribution of the Western Copper Shares constitutes an
excess distribution with respect to a Non-Electing Shareholder, such Non-Electing Shareholder will
be subject to the foregoing tax rules regarding the Western Copper Shares received by such
Non-Electing Shareholder.
- 53 -
An Electing Shareholder generally would not be subject to the PFIC rules discussed above but rather
would include annually in gross income its pro rata share of the ordinary earnings and net capital
gain of the PFIC, whether or not such amounts are actually distributed.
A U.S. Holder who has made a mark-to-market election with respect to its Western Shares generally
would not be subject to the PFIC rules discussed above but rather would generally include in income
as ordinary income any excess of the fair market value of its Western Shares as of the close of
each taxable year over the adjusted basis in such shares. However, if the mark-to-market election
is made by a Non-Electing Shareholder after the beginning of its holding period for the PFIC stock,
then the Code Section 1291 rules will apply to certain dispositions of, distributions on and other
amounts taxable with respect to its Western Class A Shares.
If the Distribution does qualify as a Reorganization, for purposes of the PFIC rules, a U.S. Holder
would generally be treated as disposing of all of its Western Shares in exchange for Western Shares
and Western Copper Shares and would generally be subject to the PFIC rules as discussed in Effect
of PFIC Rules if the Exchange Qualifies as a Reorganization below. As discussed below, gain would
not generally be
recognized on the Distribution by an Electing Shareholder or, assuming that Western is a PFIC and
that Western Copper is a PFIC for its taxable year that includes the day after the Distribution, a
Non-Electing Shareholder, by reason of the PFIC rules, if the Distribution otherwise qualifies as a
Reorganization.
Effect of PFIC Rules if the Exchange Qualifies as a Reorganization
Assuming that Western qualifies as a PFIC, the PFIC rules may cause a U.S. Holder to recognize gain
(but not loss) on the Exchange, even if the Exchange otherwise qualifies as a Reorganization.
Section 1291(f) of the Code provides that nonrecognition transfers of stock in a PFIC, such as a
Reorganization, result in gain recognition for purposes of the excess distribution rules under
Section 1291, to the extent provided in regulations.
Treatment of Electing Shareholders
Under proposed Treasury Regulations (the Proposed Treasury Regulations), the PFIC rules should
not cause an Electing Shareholder to recognize gain in a Reorganization. Thus, the PFIC rules
should not result in gain recognition to a U.S. Holder who is an Electing Shareholder with respect
to the Exchange, assuming that the Exchange otherwise qualifies as a Reorganization.
Treatment of Non-Electing Shareholders
Under the Proposed Treasury Regulations, a Non-Electing Shareholder does not recognize gain in a
Reorganization where the Non-Electing Shareholder transfers stock in a PFIC so long as such
Non-Electing Shareholder receives in exchange stock of the same or another corporation that
qualifies as a PFIC for its taxable year that includes the day after the transfer. However, a
Non-Electing Shareholder does recognize gain (but not loss) in a Reorganization where the
Non-Electing Shareholder transfers stock in a PFIC and receives in exchange stock of another
corporation that does not qualify as a PFIC for its taxable year that includes the day after the
transfer.
As discussed above, it appears that Glamis will not qualify as a PFIC for its taxable year that
includes the day after the Exchange. There can be no assurances, however, that unanticipated events
will not occur which would cause Glamis to qualify or fail to qualify as a PFIC or that any
determination concerning Glamiss PFIC status will not be challenged by the IRS.
- 54 -
If Glamis does not qualify as a PFIC for its taxable year that includes the day after the Exchange,
it appears that, under the foregoing rules contained in the Proposed Treasury Regulations, a
Non-Electing Shareholder will recognize gain (but not loss) on the Exchange, regardless of whether
the Exchange qualifies as a Reorganization. The amount of any such gain recognized by a
Non-Electing Shareholder on the Exchange would be equal to the difference between (i) the fair
market value of Glamis Shares received by such Non-Electing Shareholder pursuant to the Exchange
and (ii) the adjusted tax basis of such Non-Electing Shareholder in the Western Class A Shares
effectively exchanged therefor. Such gain generally would be allocated pro rata over a Non-Electing
Shareholders holding period for the Western Shares and, to the extent allocable to prior PFIC
years, would be subject to tax at the highest rate applicable to ordinary income in such years and
result in an interest charge on such tax which is deemed to be deferred.
If Glamis does qualify as a PFIC for its taxable year that includes the day after the Exchange, it
appears that, under the foregoing rules contained in the Proposed Treasury Regulations, a
Non-Electing Shareholder should not recognize gain in the Exchange, assuming that the Exchange
otherwise qualifies as a Reorganization. The Proposed Treasury Regulations require such
Non-Electing Shareholders to file certain information regarding the Exchange. Non-Electing
Shareholders should consult their U.S. tax advisors regarding these requirements.
Mark to Market Election
U.S. Holders who hold (actually or constructively) marketable stock of a foreign corporation that
qualifies as a PFIC may annually elect to mark such stock to its market value (a mark-to-market
election). If such an election is made, such U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to the
special taxation rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. However, if the mark-to-market
election is made by a Non-Electing Shareholder after the beginning of the holding period for the
PFIC stock, then the Code Section 1291 rules will apply to certain dispositions of, distributions
on and other amounts taxable with respect to Western Class A Shares. The Proposed Treasury
Regulations described above do not address the impact of a mark-to-market election on a
Reorganization involving a PFIC and the IRS has not issued any other meaningful guidance regarding
the effect of a mark-to market election on a Reorganization involving a PFIC.
Effect of PFIC Rules if Exchange is a Taxable Transaction
If Western qualifies as a PFIC and the Exchange is treated as a taxable transaction for US. federal
income tax purposes, the PFIC rules will apply to gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on the
Exchange. Under the PFIC rules, gain recognized by a Non-Electing Shareholder on the Exchange
generally would be allocated pro rata over such Non-Electing Shareholders holding period for the
Western Shares and, to the extent allocable to prior PFIC years, would be subject to tax at the
highest rate applicable to ordinary income in such years and result in an interest charge on such
tax which is deemed to be deferred.
Gain realized by Electing Shareholders in the event the Exchange does not qualify as a
Reorganization will generally not be subject to the PFIC rules discussed above.
If a mark-to-market election is made by a U.S. Holder, such U.S. Holder will generally not be
subject to the special taxation rules of Section 1291 of the Code applicable to excess
distributions discussed above. However, if the mark-to-market election is made by a Non-Electing
Shareholder after the beginning of the holding period for PFIC Stock, then the Code Section 1291
rules will apply to certain dispositions of, distributions on, and other amounts taxable with
respect to, the Western Class A Shares. Gain or loss recognized on the Exchange by a U.S. Holder
who has made a mark to market election generally will be ordinary income or loss (in the case of
loss, not to exceed the excess, if any, of (i) the amount included in
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ordinary income because of such mark to market election for prior taxable years over (ii) the
amount allowed as a deduction because of such mark to market election for prior taxable years).
Information Reporting
The Proposed Treasury Regulations issued under Section 1291(f) of the Code provide that U.S.
Holders must report certain information to the IRS on Form 8621 with their federal income tax
return. Special information reporting requirements apply in the case of certain transfers entitled
to nonrecognition treatment. U.S. Holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors
concerning such reporting requirements.
Status of Proposed Regulations
The Proposed Treasury Regulations state that they are to be effective for transactions occurring on
or after April 11, 1992. If the Proposed Treasury Regulations are adopted in their current form,
the tax consequences to a U.S. Holder of Western Class A Shares should be as set forth in the
preceding paragraphs. However, because the Proposed Treasury Regulations have not yet been adopted
in final form, they are not currently effective and there is no assurance they will be finally
adopted in the form and with the effective date proposed. Nevertheless, the IRS has announced that,
in the absence of final Treasury Regulations, taxpayers may apply reasonable interpretations of
Code provisions applicable to PFICs and that it considers the rules set forth in the proposed
regulations to be reasonable interpretations of those Code provisions.
The PFIC rules are complex and the implementation of certain aspects of the PFIC rules requires the
issuance of Treasury Regulations which in many instances have not been promulgated and which may be
promulgated and which may have retroactive effect. There can be no assurance that any of these
proposals will be enacted or promulgated, and if so, the form they will take or the effect that
they may have on this discussion. Accordingly, and due to the complexity of the PFIC rules, U.S.
Holders are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the impact of these rules
on their investment in Western Class A Shares, the Distribution and the Exchange, including,
without limitation, whether a QEF Election, deemed sale election and mark-to-market election
may be used to reduce the significant adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences of the PFIC
rules.
Application of Section 367 to U.S. Holders in the Exchange
Pursuant to Section 367 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, a U.S. Holder of
Western Class A Shares who owns, immediately after the Exchange, Glamis Shares representing five
percent (5%) or more of the total voting power or total value of all of the outstanding stock of
Glamis (a 5% Shareholder) will be required to enter into a gain recognition agreement (GRA) in
order to preserve Reorganization treatment. Special attribution rules under Section 318 of the Code
as modified by Section 958(b) of the Code apply in determining the ownership of Glamis Shares by a
U.S. Holder, and U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding such
attribution rules.
Generally, the GRA would require the 5% Shareholder to recognize the gain realized but not
recognized pursuant to the Exchange if, before the close of the fifth full taxable year following
the close of the taxable year of the Exchange, (i) Glamis were to dispose, in whole or in part
(other than in certain nonrecognition transfers) of the Western Class A Shares or (ii) Western were
to dispose (other than in certain nonrecognition transfers) of substantially all of its assets. The
5% Shareholder would be required to report such gain on an amended federal income tax return for
the taxable year of the Exchange, unless such 5% Shareholder elects in its GRA to recognize such
gain in the taxable year that the gain under the GRA is triggered. In addition to tax payable with
respect to such gain, the 5% Shareholder would be
- 56 -
required to pay interest on such tax as if the tax were payable for the taxable year of the
Exchange. Each 5% Shareholder who files a GRA will also be required to file a waiver of the period
of limitation on the assessment of tax regarding such gain and an annual certification statement
for the term of the GRA. A bond or other security may be required by the IRS in addition to the
GRA. Failure to comply with the requirements of the GRA may result in the exchange of Western Class
A Shares for Glamis Shares being taxable to the U.S. Holder. Accordingly, each U.S. Holder of
Western Class A Shares is urged to consult its own tax advisor as to the necessity of filing a GRA
and the terms thereof.
Dissenting U.S. Holders
A U.S. Holder who exercises Dissent Rights will recognize gain or loss on the exchange of such U.S.
Holders Western Shares for cash in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the amount of
cash received and (ii) such holders adjusted tax basis in its Western Shares. Subject to the PFIC
rules discussed above, such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss if such shares were
held as capital assets at the time of the Arrangement and will be long-term capital gain or loss if
the U.S. Holders holding period for such shares is more than one year at such time. Gains and
losses are netted and combined according to special rules in arriving at the overall capital gain
or loss for a particular tax year.
Preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains are generally applicable to a U.S. Holder which
is an individual, estate or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term
capital gains for a U.S. Holder which is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject
to significant limitations. For U.S. Holders that are not corporations, any unused portion of such
capital loss may be carried over to be used in later tax years until such net capital loss is
thereby exhausted. For U.S. Holders that are corporations, an unused net capital loss may be
carried back three years from the loss year and carried forward five years from the loss year to be
offset against capital gains until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted.
Currency Gains
The fair market value of any Canadian currency received by a U.S. Holder in the Arrangement
generally will be based on the rate of exchange on the date of the Arrangement. A subsequent
disposition of any Canadian currency received (including its conversion into U.S. currency)
generally will give rise to income or loss, treated as ordinary income or loss. U.S. Holders should
consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring,
holding and disposing of Canadian dollars.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to the Ownership and Disposition of
Western Copper or Glamis Shares
The following discussion regarding the treatment of future distributions from, and the sale or
exchange of shares of, Western Copper and Glamis is subject to the PFIC rules discussed above. It
is expected that Western Copper will be treated as a PFIC.
Taxation of Dividends
Subject to the PFIC rules, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of a distribution
by Western Copper or Glamis in respect of Western Copper Shares or Glamis Shares owned by a U.S.
Holder, including any amounts of Canadian tax withheld on the distribution, will be treated as
dividend income to such U.S. Holder to the extent paid out of the distributing corporations
current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
That dividend income will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to
corporations under Section 243 of
- 57 -
the Code. To the extent such distribution exceeds the U.S. Holders allocable share of the
distributing corporations current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be applied
first to reduce the U.S. Holders basis in its shares in such corporation, and any remaining excess
will constitute gain from the deemed sale or exchange of such shares. See Tax on Sale or Exchange
of Shares below. Dividends paid by Western Copper or Glamis in Canadian dollars will be included
in the income of a U.S. Holder in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate
in effect on the date of receipt thereof by the depositary, regardless of whether the payment is in
fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the dividends paid in Canadian dollars are converted into U.S.
dollars on the date of receipt, U.S. Holders generally should not be required to recognize foreign
currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder may generally elect to treat Canadian
withholding taxes as either a deduction from gross income or, subject to certain limitations, a
credit against the U.S. federal income tax liability of that U.S. Holder. The maximum foreign tax
credit allowable generally is equal to the U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability for the
taxable year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the U.S. Holders taxable income
from sources without the United States and the denominator of which is the U.S. Holders taxable
income from all sources for the taxable year. That foreign tax credit limitation is applied
separately to different baskets of income. For purposes of applying the foreign tax credit
limitation, dividends generally are included in the passive income basket or, if received by
certain holders and certain other conditions are met, the financial services income basket for
taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2006 or the general category basket for taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2006.
Tax on Sale or Exchange of Shares
Subject to the PFIC rules, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder generally will
recognize gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other disposition of Western Copper Shares or
Glamis Shares unless a specific nonrecognition provision applies. That gain or loss will be
measured by the difference between (i) the U.S. dollar value of the amount of cash, and the fair
market value of any other property received and (ii) the U.S. Holders tax basis in the shares
disposed of, determined in U.S. dollars. Gain or loss arising from a sale or exchange of Western
Copper Shares or Glamis Shares will be capital gain or loss if the shares
disposed of are held as capital assets by the U.S. Holder, and will be short term or long term
capital gain or loss depending on whether the holding period of the U.S. Holder for such shares
exceeds one year. As noted above, a U.S. Holders tax basis and holding period in the Western
Copper Shares or Glamis Shares generally will equal such U.S. Holders tax basis and holding period
in the Western Shares exchanged therefor. In general, gain from a sale or exchange of Western
Copper Shares or Glamis Shares by a U.S. Holder will be treated as United States source income for
foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
U.S. Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Proceeds from the sale of, and dividends, on Western Copper Shares or Glamis Shares paid within the
United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries are subject to information
reporting and may be subject to backup withholding at 28% unless the U.S. Holder (1) is a
corporation or other exempt recipient or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number and
certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Any amount withheld from
a payment to a U.S. Holder under the backup withholding rules will be allowable as a credit against
such U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is
furnished to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
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No Ruling or Legal Opinion
No opinion of legal counsel and no ruling from the IRS concerning the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the Distribution or the Exchange or any other matter discussed herein has been
obtained and none will be requested. This summary is not binding on the IRS and the IRS is not
precluded from taking a different position or positions. U.S. Holders should be aware that some of
the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Distribution and the Exchange are governed by
provisions of the Code as to which there are no final Treasury Regulations and little or no
judicial or administrative guidance.
THIS SUMMARY IS OF A GENERAL NATURE ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
BE, LEGAL, BUSINESS OR TAX ADVICE TO ANY PARTICULAR SHAREHOLDER. SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR
OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DESCRIBED TRANSACTIONS IN THEIR PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES.
MEXICAN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Because Western owns mining interests in Mexico, the exchange of Western Class A shares for Glamis
Shares may be subject to tax under the income tax laws of Mexico. However, the matter is unclear.
If Mexican tax is payable, Canadian and U.S. tax treaties with Mexico provide an exemption from
such tax for Western Shareholders entitled to the benefits of such treaties. In order for Western
Shareholders to ensure that they may avail themselves of such exemption, prior to the completion of
the Arrangement, Western Shareholders should consult their tax advisers.
SECURITIES LAWS CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a brief summary of the securities law considerations applying to the transactions
contemplated herein.
Canadian Securities Laws
Each holder is urged to consult such holders professional advisers to determine the Canadian
conditions and restrictions applicable to trades in the Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares.
Status under Canadian Securities Laws
Western is a reporting issuer in all of the Provinces of Canada. The Western Shares currently
trade on the TSX and AMEX. After the Arrangement, Western will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Glamis, the Western Shares will be delisted from the TSX and AMEX and Glamis will apply to the
applicable Canadian securities regulators to have Western classified as a non-reporting issuer.
Glamis Shares are listed on the TSX and the NYSE and it is a condition of the Arrangement that the
Glamis Shares issued in connection with the Arrangement are listed on the TSX and the NYSE. After
the Arrangement, Western Copper will be a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia,
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland
and Labrador.
Issuance and Resale of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares Under Canadian Securities Laws
The issuance of the Glamis Shares and Glamis New Options pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement and
the issuance of Glamis Shares upon exercise of the Glamis New Options will constitute distributions
of securities, which are exempt from the registration and prospectus requirements of Canadian
securities legislation. The Glamis Shares may be resold in each of the provinces and territories of
Canada provided the trade is not a control distribution as defined National Instrument 45-102, no
unusual effort is made to
-59-
prepare the market or create a demand for those securities, no extraordinary commission or
consideration is paid in respect of that sale if the selling security holder is an insider or
officer of Glamis, the insider or officer has no reasonable grounds to believe that Glamis is in
default of securities legislation.
The issuance of the Western Copper Shares and the Western Copper Options pursuant to the
Arrangement and the issuance of Western Copper Shares upon exercise of Western Copper Options will
constitute distributions of securities, which are exempt from the registration and prospectus
requirements of Canadian securities legislation. The Western Copper Shares may be resold in each of
the provinces and territories of Canada provided the trade is not a control distribution as
defined in National Instrument 45-102 of the Canadian Securities Administrators, no unusual effort
is made to prepare the market or create a demand for those securities, no extraordinary commission
or consideration is paid to a person or company in respect of the trade and, if the selling
security holder is an insider or officer of Western Copper, the insider or officer has no
reasonable grounds to believe that Western Copper is in default of securities legislation.
Application will be made for listing of the Western Copper Shares on the TSX. Any listing will be
subject to meeting TSX original listing requirements and there is no assurance such a listing will
be obtained. As the Western Copper Shares are not listed on a stock exchange and until listed,
holders of Western Copper Shares may not have a market for their shares.
U.S. Securities Laws
Status Under U.S. Securities Laws
Each of Glamis, Western Copper and Western is a foreign private issuer as defined in under the
U.S. Exchange Act. Western Shares are listed for trading on the AMEX and as such Western is subject
to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 13(a) of the U.S. Exchange Act. The Western
Copper Shares are not listed for trading, and Western Copper does not intend to seek a listing for
the Western Copper Shares at this time on a stock exchange in the United States. Glamis Shares are
listed for trading on the NYSE and as such Glamis is subject to the periodic reporting requirements
under Section 13(a) of the U.S. Exchange Act. Following the Arrangement Western Copper will be
subject to periodic reporting requirements under the U.S. Exchange Act.
Issuance and Resale of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares Under U.S. Securities Laws
The following discussion is a general overview of certain requirements of U.S. federal securities
laws applicable to shareholders of Western in the United States (U.S. Shareholders). All U.S.
Shareholders are urged to consult with their own legal counsel to ensure that the resale of Glamis
Shares and Western Copper Shares issued to them under the Arrangement complies with applicable
securities legislation. Further information applicable to U.S. Shareholders is disclosed under the
heading Note to United States Shareholders.
The issuance of the Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares, and the subsequent resale of these
shares held by U.S. Shareholders will be subject to U.S. securities laws, including the U.S.
Securities Act.
The following discussion does not address the Canadian securities laws that will apply to the issue
of the Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares or these shares by U.S. Shareholders within Canada.
U.S. Shareholders reselling their Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares in Canada must comply with
Canadian securities laws, as outlined elsewhere in this Information Circular.
-60-
Exemption from the Registration Requirements of the U.S. Securities Act
The issuance by Glamis of Glamis Shares and the Glamis New Options and by Western Copper of the
Western Copper Shares and Western Copper Options respectively, pursuant to the Arrangement will not
be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or the securities laws of any state of the United
States and will be effected in reliance upon the Section 3(a)(10) Exemption under the U.S.
Securities Act and exemptions provided under the securities laws of each state of the United States
in which U.S. Shareholders reside. Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act exempts from
registration a security which is issued in exchange for outstanding securities where the terms and
conditions of such issuance and exchange are approved, after a hearing upon the fairness of such
terms and conditions at which all persons to whom it is proposed to issue securities in such
exchange have the right to appear, by a court or by a governmental authority expressly authorized
by law to grant such approval. Accordingly, the Final Order of the Court will, if granted,
constitute a basis for the exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act
with respect to the Glamis Shares, Western Copper Shares, Glamis New Options and Western Copper
Options issued in connection with the Arrangement.
Resales of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares within the United States after the Completion of
the Arrangement
The following discussion is limited to the resale of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares within
the United States. U.S. Shareholders may also resell their shares in limited circumstances outside
of the United States in accordance with Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act (Regulation S).
The availability of Regulation S for non-United States resales is discussed below under Resales of
Securities Pursuant to Regulation S.
The manner in which a U.S. Shareholder may resell the Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares issued
to such shareholder on completion of the Arrangement within the United States will depend on
whether such U.S. Shareholder is an affiliate of Glamis, Western Copper or Western prior to the
completion of the Arrangement and whether such U.S. Shareholder is an affiliate of Glamis or
Western Copper after completion of the Arrangement. As defined in Rule 144 under the U.S.
Securities Act, an affiliate of an issuer is a person that directly or indirectly through one or
more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such issuer.
Typically, persons who are executive officers, directors or 10% or greater shareholders of an
issuer are considered to be its affiliates. The resale rules applicable to the U.S. Shareholders
of Western are summarized below.
Non-Affiliates Before and After the Arrangement
U.S. Shareholders who are not affiliates of Western, Western Copper or Glamis prior to the
Arrangement and who will not be affiliates of Glamis or Western Copper after the Arrangement may
resell the Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares issued to them upon closing of the Arrangement in
the United States without restriction under the U.S. Securities Act.
Affiliates Before the Arrangement and Non-Affiliates After the Arrangement
U.S. Shareholders who are affiliates of Glamis, Western or Western Copper prior to the Arrangement
but will not be affiliates of Glamis or Western Copper after the Arrangement, and who hold their
Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares, as applicable, for a period of one year after the Effective
Date, may resell their Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares, as applicable, without regard to the
volume and manner of sale limitations set forth in the following paragraph, subject to the
availability of certain public information about Glamis or Western Copper, as applicable. U.S.
Shareholders who are affiliates of Glamis or Western Copper prior to the Effective Date who hold
their Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares, as applicable, for a period of two years after the
Effective Date may freely resell such shares,
-61-
provided that such persons have not been an affiliate of Glamis or Western Copper, as applicable,
during the three-month period preceding the resale.
Affiliates Before the Arrangement and Affiliates After the Arrangement
U.S. Shareholders who are affiliates of Glamis, Western or Western Copper prior to the Arrangement
and who will be affiliates of Glamis or Western Copper after the Arrangement will be subject to
restrictions on resale imposed by the U.S. Securities Act with respect to the Glamis Shares or
Western Copper Shares issued upon the closing of the Arrangement. These affiliates may not resell
their Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares within the United States unless such shares are
registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from registration is available, such as
the exemption contained in Rule 145(d) promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act. In general, under
Rule 145(d), these affiliates will be entitled to resell, in the United States during any
three-month period, that number of Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares, as applicable, that does
not exceed the greater of one percent of the then outstanding securities of such class and, if such
securities are listed on a United States securities exchange or traded on the NASDAQ stock market,
the average weekly trading volume of such securities during the four week period preceding the date
of sale, subject to certain restrictions contained in Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act as to
manner of sale, notice requirements, aggregation rules and the availability of certain public
information about Glamis or Western Copper, as applicable.
Resales of Securities Pursuant to Regulation S
U.S. Shareholders receiving Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares on completion of the Arrangement
may, under the U.S. Securities Act, resell their Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares in an
offshore transaction in accordance with Regulation S provided the conditions imposed thereunder
for offshore resales are satisfied. An offshore transaction includes a transaction executed using
the facilities of a designated offshore securities exchange, such as the TSX in the case of Glamis,
provided the offer of the securities is not made to a person in the United States and neither the
seller nor any person acting on the sellers behalf knows the transaction has been pre-arranged
with a buyer in the United States.
The availability of the Regulation S offshore resale exemption depends in part on whether the
U.S. Shareholder is an affiliate of Glamis or Western Copper upon completion of the Arrangement.
See discussion above of affiliate under Resale of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares within
the United States after the Completion of the Arrangement. The resale rules applicable to the U.S.
Shareholders of Glamis or Western Copper are summarized below.
A U.S. Shareholder who is not an affiliate, or who is an affiliate solely by virtue of being an
officer or director, of Glamis or Western Copper after completion of the Arrangement may resell his
or her Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares in offshore transactions provided (i) neither the
U.S. Shareholder, an affiliate nor any person acting on their behalf engages in directed selling
efforts in the United States, and (ii) in the case of an officer or director of Glamis or Western
Copper, no selling concession, fee or other remuneration is paid in connection with such offer or
sale other than the usual and customary brokers commission that would be received by a person
executing such transaction as agent. Under Regulation S, directed selling efforts are defined as
any activity undertaken for the purpose of, or that could reasonably be expected to have the
effect of, conditioning the market in the United States for any of the securities being offered in
the resale transaction.
Additional restrictions apply to a U.S. Shareholder of Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares who
will be an affiliate of Glamis or Western Copper other than by virtue of his or her status as an
officer or director of Glamis or Western Copper.
-62-
Exercise of Glamis New Options and Western Copper Options to be Issued in Exchange for the Western
Stock Options
Under and as provided in the Arrangement Agreement, Glamis will issue Glamis New Options and
Western Copper will issue Western Copper Options on the basis set forth in the Arrangement
Agreement. The Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares issuable upon exercise of such Glamis New
Options and Western Copper Options, respectively, have not been registered under the U.S.
Securities Act. As a result, the Glamis New Options and Western Copper Options may not be exercised
by or on behalf of a person in the United States, and the Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares
issuable upon exercise thereof may not be offered or sold in the United States, unless such Glamis
Shares or Western Copper Shares have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act and the
securities laws of all applicable states of the United States or an exemption from such
registration requirements is available. Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, Glamis has agreed to
file a registration statement on Form F-80 within 5 business days after the Effective Date for the
purpose of registering such Glamis Shares issuable upon exercise of the Glamis New Options with the
SEC.
-63-
WESTERN SILVER CORPORATION
The following information is presented on a pre-Arrangement basis and is reflective of the current
business, financial and share capital position of Western. See Glamis Gold Ltd. in this
Information Circular for current and pro forma business, financial and share capital information
relating to the combined Glamis Western after giving effect to the Arrangement. See also Western
Copper Corporation Post-Arrangement for pro forma business, financial and share capital
information relating to Western Copper, post-Arrangement.
NAME AND INCORPORATION
Western was incorporated as Western Copper Holdings Limited under the laws of the Province of
British Columbia on July 11, 1984 by registration of its memorandum and articles pursuant to the
Company Act (British Columbia). Western increased its authorized capital from 20,000,000 common
shares to 100,000,000 common shares on May 8, 1998, and to an unlimited number of common shares on
April 4, 2005. Western changed its name to its current name on March 20, 2003.
Westerns registered and records office is located at 595 Howe Street, 10th Floor,
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 2T5, and its head office and principal place of business is
located at Suite 2050, 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 4M3. Western is a
publicly traded mineral exploration company trading on the TSX under the symbol WTC and on AMEX
under the symbol WTZ.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Western is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company with an emphasis on silver, gold,
lead and zinc projects located in North America. Since 2001, Western has focussed almost
exclusively on the Peñasquito Project located in Zacatecas State, Mexico. Western also owns a joint
venture interest in the San Nicolas project in Mexico with Teck Cominco Limited, 100% of the
Carmacks Project in the Yukon Territory, and the Almoloya Project in Mexico. Upon completion of the
Arrangement, Western Copper will
own the Carmacks and Almoloya Projects and Western, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glamis, will
own the Peñasquito Project and all other projects.
PEÑASQUITO PROJECT
On November 11, 2005 Western received a technical report entitled Peñasquito Feasibility Study
(the Feasibility Study) prepared by M3 Engineering & Technology Corp. (M3). The Feasibility
Study contained new resource and reserve estimates for the Peñasquito Project and recommended the
Company proceed immediately to development. The reserve estimates detailed in the Feasibility Study
were prepared under the direction of Conrad E. Huss, P.E., Ph.D. and John M. Marek, P.E., each
being independent of Western and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.
Information in this section of this Information Circular of an economic, scientific or technical
nature in respect of the Peñasquito Project is based upon the Feasibility Study and has been
prepared with the consent of the authors of the report. The executive summary of the Feasibility
Study may be viewed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Westerns website at
www.westernsilvercorp.com. Additional information is contained in Westerns Annual
Information Form which is also filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and is incorporated by
reference into this Information Circular.
-64-
Property Description and Location
The Peñasquito Project is situated in the western half of the Concepcíon del Oro district in the
north-east corner of Zacatecas State, Mexico, approximately 200 km north-east of the city of
Zacatecas. The Peñasquito Project is contained within 5 exploitation and 3 exploration concessions
which cover approximately 30,000 hectares.
A 2% NSR royalty is owed to Kennecott on production from both the Chile Colorado and Peñasco
locations. A further 3% NSR royalty is owed to Grupo Industrial de Coahuila S.A. de C.V. as
assignee
from Minera Catasillas, S.A. de C.V., on the El Peñasquito, Las Peñas, La Peña, Mazapil and Mazapil
2 concessions. This obligation may be purchased by Western at any time for the sum of U.S. $5
million.
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates
Mineral Resource Estimate:
Mineral resources for the Peñasquito Project are classified according to the CIM Standards on
Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the CIM Standing Committee
on Reserve Definitions and adopted by CIM Council August 20, 2000. Conrad E. Huss, P.E., Ph.D. and
John M. Marek, P.E. were the independent Qualified Persons who prepared the mineral resource
estimate.
The following table summarizes the Peñasquito resources by Measured, Indicated and Inferred
classifications. The resource is with a geometry defined by the end of September 2005 spot metal
prices. This geometry bounds a resource, which has potential extraction by open pit mining. The
tabulation of this resource used NSR values based on September 2005 M3 metal prices.
Estimated Resource Potential by Open Pit
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Million |
|
|
|
|
|
Silver |
|
Gold |
|
Lead |
|
Zinc |
Measured Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
Cut-Off |
|
g/tonne |
|
g/tonne |
|
% |
|
% |
Peñasco Oxide Resource |
|
|
16.0 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
25.09 |
|
|
|
0.247 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasco Mixed Resource |
|
|
11.6 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
26.49 |
|
|
|
0.288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasco Sulphide Resource |
|
|
59.4 |
|
|
|
3.60 |
|
|
|
30.93 |
|
|
|
0.628 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
|
|
0.77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado Oxide
Resource |
|
|
15.8 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
19.36 |
|
|
|
0.216 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado Mixed
Resource |
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
20.45 |
|
|
|
0.225 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado Sulphide
Resource |
|
|
137.0 |
|
|
|
4.18 |
|
|
|
33.36 |
|
|
|
0.321 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
0.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Azul Oxide Resource |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
25.90 |
|
|
|
0.162 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Azul Mixed Resource |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
25.68 |
|
|
|
0.187 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Azul Sulphide Resource |
|
|
26.4 |
|
|
|
4.18 |
|
|
|
32.50 |
|
|
|
0.201 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
0.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Sotol Oxide Resource |
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Sotol Mixed Resource |
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Sotol Sulphide Resource |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
3.60 |
|
|
|
18.22 |
|
|
|
0.296 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Oxide |
|
|
32.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.36 |
|
|
|
0.230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mixed |
|
|
17.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.79 |
|
|
|
0.263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Sulphide |
|
|
222.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.60 |
|
|
|
0.389 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
0.78 |
|
-65-
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|
|
|
|
Million |
|
|
|
|
|
Silver |
|
Gold |
|
Lead |
|
Zinc |
Indicated Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
Cut-Off |
|
g/tonne |
|
g/tonne |
|
% |
|
% |
Peñasco Oxide Resource |
|
|
11.8 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
25.22 |
|
|
|
0.301 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasco Mixed Resource |
|
|
12.8 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
25.46 |
|
|
|
0.425 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasco Sulphide Resource |
|
|
222.3 |
|
|
|
3.60 |
|
|
|
28.62 |
|
|
|
0.601 |
|
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
0.67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado Oxide
Resource |
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
13.35 |
|
|
|
0.192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado Mixed
Resource |
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
20.31 |
|
|
|
0.189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado Sulphide
Resource |
|
|
51.4 |
|
|
|
4.18 |
|
|
|
20.45 |
|
|
|
0.247 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Azul Oxide Resource |
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
21.48 |
|
|
|
0.157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Azul Mixed Resource |
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
36.01 |
|
|
|
0.143 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Azul Sulphide Resource |
|
|
81.4 |
|
|
|
4.18 |
|
|
|
27.52 |
|
|
|
0.150 |
|
|
|
0.33 |
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
El Sotol Oxide Resource |
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
21.91 |
|
|
|
0.241 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Sotol Mixed Resource |
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Sotol Sulphide Resource |
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
3.60 |
|
|
|
17.35 |
|
|
|
0.297 |
|
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Oxide |
|
|
22.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.32 |
|
|
|
0.244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mixed |
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26.14 |
|
|
|
0.357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Sulphide |
|
|
358.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27.10 |
|
|
|
0.445 |
|
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
0.65 |
|
Estimated Resource Potential by Open Pit (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Million |
|
|
|
|
|
Silver |
|
Gold |
|
Lead |
|
Zinc |
Inferred Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
Cut-Off |
|
g/tonne |
|
g/tonne |
|
% |
|
% |
Peñasco Oxide Resource |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
21.42 |
|
|
|
0.244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasco Mixed Resource |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
23.29 |
|
|
|
0.723 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasco Sulphide Resource |
|
|
101.5 |
|
|
|
3.60 |
|
|
|
24.97 |
|
|
|
0.569 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
0.59 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado Oxide
Resource |
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
14.36 |
|
|
|
0.139 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado Mixed
Resource |
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
22.27 |
|
|
|
0.148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado Sulphide
Resource |
|
|
52.9 |
|
|
|
4.18 |
|
|
|
23.60 |
|
|
|
0.223 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Azul Oxide Resource |
|
|
9.5 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
16.10 |
|
|
|
0.156 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Azul Mixed Resource |
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
22.27 |
|
|
|
0.148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Azul Sulphide Resource |
|
|
68.7 |
|
|
|
4.18 |
|
|
|
25.50 |
|
|
|
0.174 |
|
|
|
0.33 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Sotol Oxide Resource |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
20.13 |
|
|
|
0.174 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Sotol Mixed Resource |
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Sotol Sulphide Resource |
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
3.60 |
|
|
|
20.32 |
|
|
|
0.257 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Oxide |
|
|
15.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.20 |
|
|
|
0.169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mixed |
|
|
6.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.90 |
|
|
|
0.338 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Sulphide |
|
|
224.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.77 |
|
|
|
0.365 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
0.60 |
|
-66-
Mineral Reserve Estimate (for sulphides, mixed and oxides):
The proven and probable reserves for the Peñasquito Project are contained within an engineered pit
design based on a floating cone analysis of the resource block model using the measured and
indicated resources. Conrad E. Huss, P.E., Ph.D. and John M. Marek, P.E. were the independent
Qualified Persons who prepared the mineral reserve estimate. Proven and probable reserves are
derived from measured and indicated resources respectively that fall within the pit boundary. The
figures obtained for metallurgical recovery, revenue and costs were combined to assign NSR figures
for each block in the resource model. The NSR values assigned to the block models for the purpose
of developing the pit geometry are based on lower metal prices than those used to tabulate the
reserve within the final pit. The prices used for the development of the pit geometry were $5.50/oz
Ag, $350/oz Au, $0.30/lb Pb and $0.45/lb Zn.
Based on the calculated operating costs from previous studies and an overall pit slope angles based
on earlier pit designs, a number of theoretical pit shell runs were calculated. The final pit
shell in both deposits was based on a $0.65/tonne mining cost for rock and $0.50/tonne for
overburden, an additional 2.0 -cent per bench of depth below the 1980 elevation to both ore and
waste and a discount rate of 1% per bench or 8% per year assuming on average 8 benches are mined
per year along the final wall. Overall slope angles ranged from 39o to 46o in
Peñasco and 37o to 44o in Chile Colorado Azul. The floating cone runs did
generate a pit shell in the Azul and El Sotol deposits, but for this study they were not included
in the reserve or mine production schedule.
The reserve summary is the sum of a mine production schedule using the proven and probable tonnages
from the two pit designs. The sulphide material reports to a flotation mill and the oxide plus
mixed material reports to a run-of-mine, heap leach. The NSR values used to tabulate the reserves
within the final pits are based on metal prices of: $6.62/oz Ag, $432/oz Au, $0.35/lb Pb and
$0.51/lb Zn. These prices are the M3 reporting metal prices as of the end of September 2005.
Project Open Pit Reserve Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ag, |
|
Au |
|
Pb, |
|
Zn, |
|
|
Category |
|
Ktonnes |
|
g/tonne |
|
g/tonne |
|
% |
|
% |
Sulphides: Mill ore (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado |
|
Proven |
|
|
81,810 |
|
|
|
37.58 |
|
|
|
0.332 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
0.87 |
|
Peñasco |
|
Proven |
|
|
38,742 |
|
|
|
26.42 |
|
|
|
0.484 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
0.59 |
|
Total, Proven Pit Reserve |
|
|
|
|
120,552 |
|
|
|
33.99 |
|
|
|
0.381 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
0.78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado |
|
Probable |
|
|
6,937 |
|
|
|
20.75 |
|
|
|
0.268 |
|
|
|
0.18 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
Peñasco |
|
Probable |
|
|
130,326 |
|
|
|
27.17 |
|
|
|
0.639 |
|
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
0.61 |
|
Total, Probable Pit Reserve |
|
|
|
|
137,263 |
|
|
|
26.85 |
|
|
|
0.620 |
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
0.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mill Ore, Combined Proven & Probable |
|
|
|
|
257,815 |
|
|
|
30.19 |
|
|
|
0.508 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oxides + Mixed: Leach ore (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado |
|
Proven |
|
|
20,530 |
|
|
|
19.63 |
|
|
|
0.218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasco |
|
Proven |
|
|
27,565 |
|
|
|
25.65 |
|
|
|
0.263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total, Proven Pit Reserve |
|
|
|
|
48,095 |
|
|
|
23.08 |
|
|
|
0.244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chile Colorado |
|
Probable |
|
|
5,027 |
|
|
|
16.14 |
|
|
|
0.194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peñasco |
|
Probable |
|
|
24,204 |
|
|
|
25.35 |
|
|
|
0.358 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total, Probable Pit Reserve |
|
|
|
|
29,231 |
|
|
|
23.76 |
|
|
|
0.330 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leach Ore, Combined Proven & Probable |
|
|
|
|
77,326 |
|
|
|
23.34 |
|
|
|
0.277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NSR values based on $6.62/oz Ag, $432/oz Au, $0.35/lb Pb, $0.51/lb Zn (end of September 2005 M3
pricing).
-67-
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Sulphides are reported at a U.S.$3.60/tonne NSR cut-off for Peñasco
and $4.18/tonne for Chile Colorado. |
|
(2) |
|
Leach tonnage is reported at a U.S.$1.30/tonne NSR cut-off. |
Proposed Mining Operations
The Chile Colorado and Peñasco mine plan will, pursuant to the Feasibility Study, provide sulphide
ore to a conventional mill flotation plant that will produce two concentrates for sale: a lead
concentrate and a zinc
concentrate. Both concentrates will have gold and silver credits. In addition, the mine plan will
provide oxide and mixed ores to a heap leaching facility that will produce a silver and gold doré.
The average annual mining rate during the projected 18 year mine life is estimated in the
Feasibility Study to be 15.2 million tonnes of sulphide ore per year from Year 2 through Year 18,
5.5 million tonnes of leach ore per year from Year 1 through Year 14, and nominally 40.3 million
tonnes of waste per year from Year 1 through Year 15. The total estimate of the material to be
mined per year peaks at 73.0 million tonnes (208,600 tpd) during Years 3 through 12.
The current proven and probable ore reserves for the Peñasquito Project are 257.8 million tonnes of
sulphide ore and 77.3 million tonnes of leach ore, with a life of mine waste to ore ratio of
1:1.94. Commercial sulphide ore production is scheduled for 17 years.
The Feasibility Study provides for mining to begin in the Peñasco pit, which provides the only
sulphide mill feed through Year 10, and continues to provide mill feed through Year 13. Under the
Feasibility Study, waste stripping would begin in the Chile Colorado pit in Year 9. Sulphide ore is
mined during Years 11 through 18. The sulphide mill feed would be from both pits during Years 11,
12 and 13.
Metallurgy
Over 350 metallurgical tests were undertaken on sulphide ore, and a further 91 tests were
undertaken on oxide ore. These tests revealed that recoveries in the Peñasco Pit correlated with
three basic ore categories: breccia, intrusive and sedimentary. Recoveries in the Chile Colorado
pit tests have not yet revealed an obvious correlation, and work is ongoing to determine if any
correlation exists and to improve recoveries.
For the Peñasco Breccia, which makes up about 85% of the Peñasco deposit, projected recoveries are
89% for Silver, 77% for gold, 92% for zinc and 92% for lead. The recoveries for silver and gold
from the heap leach are presently estimated as: 1) Peñasco oxide and mixed ores, gold 58%, silver
26%; and 2) Chile Colorado oxide and mixed ores, gold 57%, silver 23%.
Testing continues to further optimize recoveries.
No agreements have been made with any smelters and no discussions have been entered into with a
view to concluding any agreements. Not withstanding this, several smelter operators have expressed
interest in entering into discussions. Samples of the concentrates have been provided to those
requesting it. Market research has been performed by a specialist consultant and incorporated into
the Feasibility Study.
Environmental Considerations
Federal laws primarily regulate mining in Mexico, however there are several permit programs subject
to state and local jurisdiction. The key permits are the Environmental Impact Manifest (MIA), the
Risk Study and the Land Use Change Study, all of which are regulated by the Secretary of
Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) which is the chief agency regulating environmental
matters in Mexico.
-68-
The application for the MIA has been made and SEMARNAT is reviwing the application, although
official receipt is subject to authorization by certain affected land owners. A separate MIA must
be prepared for the power line once the final alignment is established. This MIA does not require a
risk analysis.
An aquifer study has been submitted to the National Water Commission (CNA), the agency which has
authority over all matters concerning water rights and activities that affect ground and surface
water supplies, including activities in the floodplains. The aquifer study has identified adequate
water for the
project and work is in progress to secure this water. A release letter from National Institure of
Anthropology and History (INAH) has been obtained.
AUTHORIZED AND ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL
The authorized capital of Western consists of an unlimited number of common shares without par
value of which 48,864,680 Western Shares are issued and outstanding as at the date of this
Information Circular.
Holders of Western Shares are entitled to one vote per share at all meetings of Western
Shareholders. Holders of Western Shares are entitled to receive a pro rata share of the assets of
Western available for distribution to holders of Western Shares in the event of liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up of Western. All Western Shares rank pari passu, each with the other, as
to all benefits, which might accrue to the holders of Western Shares.
CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
There has been no material change in the capital of Western since the date of the comparative
financial statements for the most recently completed financial year. Western Shareholders are
referred to Westerns financial statements which are incorporated by reference herein.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
In 2005 the Company adopted a 10% rolling stock option plan (the Plan). The Plan also amended and
restated the Companys prior outstanding stock option plans, a 1996 plan, a 1999 plan, a 2000 plan
and a 2002 plan (the Prior Plans), each with a fixed number of shares that could be issued under
such Prior Plan, such that the Plan is the only stock option plan. Stock options which are
outstanding under the Prior Plans are rolled into the Plan and are governed by the Plan except to
the extent they are inconsistent with the Plan in which case they are governed by the stock option
agreement evidencing their issuance.
The effect of the Plan is that at any point in time, the Company may have stock options outstanding
for the purchase of up to 10% of issued capital. Additional stock options may be granted as
additional shares are issued. As at the date of this Information Circular, up to 4,886,468 shares
may be issued. Under the Plan, the Company has outstanding stock options for an aggregate of
2,394,901 shares (4.9% of the issued capital). Based upon the issued capital of the Company as at
the date of this Information Circular and the number of currently outstanding stock options, the
Company can issue an additional 2,491,567 stock options (5.1% of the issued capital).
The purpose of the Plan is to attract and motivate directors, officers, employees of and service
providers to the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively the Optionees) and thereby advance
the Companys interests by affording such persons with an opportunity to acquire an equity interest
in the Company through the stock options. The Plan authorizes the Board of Directors (or
Compensation Committee) to grant stock options to the Optionees on the following terms:
-69-
1. |
|
The number of shares subject to each stock option is determined by the Board of
Directors (or Compensation Committee) provided that the Plan, together with all other
previously established or proposed share compensation arrangements, may not result
in: |
|
a. |
|
the number of common shares of the Company
reserved for issuance pursuant to stock
options granted to insiders exceeding 10%
of the outstanding issue; |
|
|
b. |
|
the issuance, to insiders of the Company
of a number of common shares of the
Company exceeding, within a one year
period, 10% of the outstanding issue; or |
|
|
c. |
|
the issuance, to any one insider of the
Company and such insiders associates, of
a number of common shares of the Company
exceeding, within a one year period, 10%
of the outstanding issue. |
|
|
The outstanding issue is determined on the basis of the number of common shares of
the Company outstanding immediately prior to any share issuance, excluding shares
issued pursuant to share compensation arrangements over the preceding one-year
period. |
|
2. |
|
The maximum number of common shares of the Company which may be issued pursuant to
stock options granted under the Plan, unless otherwise approved by shareholders, is
10% of the issued and outstanding common shares at the time of the grant. Any
increase in the issued and outstanding common shares will result in an increase in
the available number of common shares issuable under the Plan, and any exercises of
stock options will make new grants available under the plan. |
|
3. |
|
The Plan must be approved and ratified by shareholders every three years. |
|
4. |
|
The exercise price of an option may not be set at less than the closing price of the
common shares of the Company on the TSX on the trading day immediately preceding the
date of grant of the option. |
|
5. |
|
The options may be exercisable for a period of up to ten years, such period and any
vesting schedule to be determined by the Board of Directors (or Compensation
Committee) of the Company, and are non-assignable, except in certain circumstances. |
|
6. |
|
The options can be exercised by the Optionee as long as the Optionee is a director,
officer, employee or service provider to the Company or its subsidiaries or within a
period of not more than 30 days after ceasing to be a director, officer, employee or
service provider or, if the Optionee dies, within one year from the date of the
Optionees death. |
|
7. |
|
On the receipt of a takeover bid, issuer bid, going private transaction or change of
control, any unvested options shall be immediately exercisable. |
|
8. |
|
The Directors may from time to time in the absolute discretion of the Directors
amend, modify and change the provisions of an option or the Plan without obtaining
approval of shareholders to: |
|
a. |
|
make amendments of a housekeeping nature; |
|
|
b. |
|
change vesting provisions; |
-70-
|
c. |
|
change termination provisions for an insider provided that the expiry date does
not extend beyond the original expiry date; |
|
|
d. |
|
change termination provisions which does extend beyond the original expiry date
for an optionee who is not an insider; |
|
|
e. |
|
reduce the exercise price of an option for an optionee who is not an insider; and |
|
|
f. |
|
make any other amendments of a non-material nature which are approved by the TSX. |
All other amendments will require approval of shareholders and the TSX.
RISK FACTORS
Readers are referred to the risk factors contained in Westerns Annual Information Form
incorporated by reference into this Information Circular as well as the risk factors relating to
the Arrangement described under Arrangement Arrangement Risk Factors.
EXPERTS
Information of an economic (including economic analysis), scientific or technical nature in respect
of the Companys mineral projects and properties is contained in this Information Circular based
upon the Technical Report entitled Peñasquito Feasibility Study dated November, 2005 prepared by
Conrad E. Huss, P.E., Ph.D. and John M. Marek, P.E., each of whom is a qualified person for the
purposes of NI 43-101.
The Fairness Opinion contained in this Information Circular was prepared by Macquarie North America
Ltd.
The Canadian tax disclosure contained under the heading Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations
in this Information Circular was prepared by Thorsteinssons LLP.
Each of the above named experts has advised Western that they, as a group, beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, less than one percent of the outstanding Western Shares.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Western has been advised that a writ was filed in October 2005 in the British Columbia Supreme
Court against Western and Major Drilling Group International Ltd. (Major). The writ was filed by
one of Westerns consultants with respect to an accident that occurred during the Companys
exploration program in 2003. Under its contract with Major, Western believes that it would be fully
indemnified by Major if any damages were awarded against the Company. No damage amount is set out
in the writ and the writ has not been served on Western.
AUDITORS
The auditors of Western, appointed on March 27, 1986, are PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered
Accountants, of Suite 700, 250 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3S7.
-71-
GLAMIS GOLD LTD.
INFORMATION CONCERNING GLAMIS
Capitalized terms used in under the heading Glamis Gold Ltd. in this section (Section) of the
Information Circular that are not defined in this Section have the meanings ascribed to such terms
elsewhere in this Information Circular.
The information contained in this Section has been prepared by management of Glamis and contains
information in respect of the business and affairs of Glamis. Information provided by Glamis is the
sole responsibility of Glamis and Western does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or
completeness of such information.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this
Section constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified
by the use of words such as plans, expects, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts,
intends, anticipates, believes, or variation of such words and phrases that refer to certain
actions, events or results to be taken, occur or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of Glamis to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among
others, the actual results of exploration activities, actual results of reclamation activities, the
estimation or realization of mineral reserves and resources, the timing and amount of estimated
future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development
of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of gold, possible variations in
ore grade or recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated,
accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental
approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities,
Glamis hedging practices, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance
coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, as well as those factors
discussed under Item 5 in the section entitled Risk Factors in Glamis Annual Information Form
for the year ended December 31, 2005. Although Glamis has attempted to identify important factors
that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in
forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to
be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove
to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated
in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements.
RISK FACTORS
Glamis mining operations are subject to the normal risks of mining, and its profits are subject to
numerous factors beyond Glamis control. An investment in Glamis common shares involves significant
risks, which should be carefully considered by the Western Shareholders. In addition to information
set out elsewhere, or incorporated by reference, in this Information Circular, Western Shareholders
should carefully consider the risk factors set forth in Glamis Annual Information Form for the
year ended December 31, 2005 which is incorporated by reference in this Information Circular. Such
risk factors could materially affect the future operating results of Glamis and could cause actual
events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements relating to Glamis.
In addition, Western
-72-
Shareholders should consider the risk factors associated with the Arrangement described under
Arrangement Arrangement Risk Factors.
HISTORY AND CURRENT OPERATIONS
Glamis was incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia on September 14, 1972
under the name Renniks Resources Ltd. (N.P.L.). Since incorporation, Glamis has undergone several
capital reorganizations and on December 12, 1977 its name was changed to its present name.
Glamis principal and executive offices are located at 5190 Neil Road, Suite 310, Reno, Nevada, USA
89502. Glamis registered and records office are located at 1500 1055 West Georgia Street, P.O.
Box 11117, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4N7. Glamis operations are conducted in the
U.S. through its wholly-owned Nevada subsidiary Glamis Gold Inc. and Glamis Gold, Inc.s
wholly-owned subsidiaries: Glamis Rand Mining Company, Glamis Marigold Mining Company, and Glamis
Imperial Corporation, each Nevada corporations. Glamis principal operations outside of the United
States are conducted through Glamis de Mexico S.A. de C.V. and Minas de la Alta Pimeria S.A. de
C.V., each Mexican corporations, Minerales Entre Mares Honduras S.A. de C.V., a Honduran
corporation, Montana Exploradora de Guatemala S.A., Entre Mares de Guatemala, S.A. and Peridot,
S.A., each Guatemalan corporations and Glamis Holdings (Cayman) Ltd., a Cayman Island corporation
and International Mineral Finance Corporation, a Barbados corporation, all of which are direct or
indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term Glamis refers to Glamis together with all of
its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Glamis is engaged in exploration, mine development, and the mining and extraction of precious
metals. Glamis commenced gold production at its Picacho Mine in California in 1979 and has been a
continuous gold producer since that time. In 2005, Glamis produced gold primarily from the El
Sauzal Mine (100% owned) located in Mexico, the Marigold Mine (66 2/3% owned), located in Nevada
and the San Martin Mine (100% owned), located in Honduras. During the fourth quarter of 2005 Glamis
completed construction of the Marlin Mine (100% owned) located in Guatemala and began commercial
production of gold and silver. Glamis estimates that it will produce approximately 670,000 ounces
of gold and in excess of 3.0 million ounces of silver in 2006 from its existing properties. This
production will come principally from the four mines described above, more details of which are
given below under Summary of Production and Development Activities. In addition, Glamis is
preparing a feasibility study on its 100% owned Cerro Blanco Project in Guatemala.
GLAMIS STRATEGY
The strategy underlying Glamis success in the precious metals sector has been to seek quality
growth opportunities through acquisitions, both of corporations holding mineral properties and of
mineral properties directly. It generally seeks undeveloped assets where it can apply its project
development, mine construction and operations skills to generate value for shareholders. It also
seeks projects with large, prospective land packages where it can then work to add organic growth
of resources and reserves over time through exploration. Growth is an integral part of the overall
strategy for Glamis, with total gold production growing from 234,000 ounces in 2004 to 434,000
ounces in 2005, and production of 670,000 ounces of gold and in excess of 3.0 million ounces of
silver projected in 2006.
Three corporate acquisitions since 1998 have added significantly to Glamis growth. The San Martin
Mine and Cerro Blanco project came to Glamis through the acquisition of Mar-West Resources Ltd. in
1998. Successful exploration activities and reserve growth at San Martin led to a positive
feasibility and project
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go-ahead in late 1999 and first gold production by December 2000. A feasibility study for the Cerro
Blanco is currently being prepared.
Glamis interest in the Marigold Mine came from the acquisition of Rayrock Resources Inc. in 1999.
Through simplification of operations, the operating costs of the Marigold Mine have been reduced
and the mineral reserves for this mine have been significantly expanded through exploration.
The El Sauzal Mine and the Marlin Mine came to Glamis through the acquisition of Francisco Gold
Corp. in 2002. Glamis immediately began development of the El Sauzal Mine, and commercial gold
production was commenced in November 2004. Concurrent exploration efforts at the Marlin Project
resulted in the establishment of proven and probable reserves of nearly 2.5 million ounces of gold
and 40 million ounces of silver, and the Marlin Mine commenced commercial gold and silver
production in December of 2005.
SUMMARY OF RESERVES AND OTHER MINERALIZATION
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves
The following tables describe Glamis proven and probable mineral reserves as at December 31, 2005.
Mineral reserves do not reflect losses in the heap leaching and milling processes, but do include
allowance for dilution of ore in the mining process. Proven and probable mineral reserves as at
December 31, 2005 were calculated based on a gold price of $400 per ounce, and a silver price of
$7.00 per ounce. The ounces of gold and silver that will actually be recovered from these reserves
will depend on actual gold and silver grades encountered and recovery rates achieved.
Mineral reserves and mineral resources have been calculated as at December 31, 2005 in accordance
with definitions adopted in NI 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. The proven and
probable mineral reserves as at December 31, 2005 were determined by employees of Glamis under the
supervision of James S. Voorhees, P. Eng., Chief Operating Officer of the Company, who is a
Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. These proven and probable mineral reserves were
audited by Mine Development Associates, Inc. an entity that is not affiliated with Glamis.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold Reserves as at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Probable |
|
Total |
|
|
Proven |
|
|
|
|
|
Gold |
|
Tonnes |
|
|
|
|
Tonnes (in |
|
Gold Grade |
|
Tonnes (in |
|
Grade |
|
(in |
|
Gold Grade |
Mine or Project |
|
thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
|
thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
|
thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
San Martin |
|
|
5,533 |
|
|
|
0.76 |
|
|
|
5,242 |
|
|
|
0.76 |
|
|
|
10,775 |
|
|
|
0.76 |
|
Marigold Mine
(66.67%) |
|
|
32,293 |
|
|
|
0.75 |
|
|
|
27,103 |
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
59,396 |
|
|
|
0.72 |
|
El Sauzal Mine |
|
|
15,088 |
|
|
|
3.32 |
|
|
|
733 |
|
|
|
2.72 |
|
|
|
15,821 |
|
|
|
3.29 |
|
Marlin Project |
|
|
3,469 |
|
|
|
3.40 |
|
|
|
12,967 |
|
|
|
4.91 |
|
|
|
16,436 |
|
|
|
4.59 |
|
Totals |
|
|
56,383 |
|
|
|
1.60 |
|
|
|
46,045 |
|
|
|
1.92 |
|
|
|
102,428 |
|
|
|
1.75 |
|
-74-
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver Reserves as at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Proven |
|
Probable |
|
Total |
|
|
Tonnes |
|
Silver |
|
Tonnes |
|
Silver |
|
Tonnes |
|
Silver |
|
|
(in |
|
Grade |
|
(in |
|
Grade |
|
(in |
|
Grade |
Mine or Project |
|
thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
|
thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
|
thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
El Sauzal Mine |
|
|
15,088 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
733 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
15,821 |
|
|
|
3.72 |
|
Marlin Project |
|
|
3,469 |
|
|
|
43.4 |
|
|
|
12,967 |
|
|
|
84.8 |
|
|
|
16,436 |
|
|
|
76.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
|
18,557 |
|
|
|
11.2 |
|
|
|
13,700 |
|
|
|
80.4 |
|
|
|
32,257 |
|
|
|
40.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other mineralization
In addition to the proven and probable mineral reserves described above, Glamis has delineated
certain other measured and indicated and inferred mineral resources. Measured and indicated and
inferred mineral resources have not been included in the proven and probable mineral reserve
estimates because even though enough drilling has been performed to indicate a sufficient amount
and grade to warrant further exploration or development expenditures, these resources have not been
subjected to an economic feasibility analysis and therefore do not qualify as proven and probable
mineral reserves. The exception to this is the mineralization at the Imperial Project which was
reclassified from proven and probable mineral reserves based on the denial of mining permits in
January 2001. The measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources of Glamis are not yet known to
contain commercially mineable ore bodies and cannot be considered such unless and until further
drilling and metallurgical work have been conducted and economic and technical feasibility factors
have been examined and favourably determined. Measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources
have been calculated solely by employees of Glamis under the supervision of James S. Voorhees, P.
Eng., Chief Operating Officer of the Company, who is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI
43-101.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold Resources as at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Measured |
|
Indicated |
|
Total(1) |
|
|
Tonnes |
|
Gold |
|
Tonnes |
|
Gold |
|
Tonnes |
|
Gold |
|
|
(in |
|
Grade |
|
(in |
|
Grade |
|
(in |
|
Grade |
Mine or Project |
|
thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
|
thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
|
thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
San Martin Mine |
|
|
7,475 |
|
|
|
0.79 |
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
|
|
0.79 |
|
|
|
14,888 |
|
|
|
0.79 |
|
Marigold Mine (66.7%) |
|
|
53,591 |
|
|
|
0.70 |
|
|
|
41,650 |
|
|
|
0.71 |
|
|
|
95,242 |
|
|
|
0.70 |
|
El Sauzal Mine |
|
|
19,563 |
|
|
|
2.75 |
|
|
|
966 |
|
|
|
2.27 |
|
|
|
20,529 |
|
|
|
2.73 |
|
Marlin Mine(2) |
|
|
4,142 |
|
|
|
3.24 |
|
|
|
15,561 |
|
|
|
4.25 |
|
|
|
19,703 |
|
|
|
4.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Imperial Project |
|
|
67,877 |
|
|
|
0.59 |
|
|
|
14,882 |
|
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
82,759 |
|
|
|
0.58 |
|
Cerro Blanco Project |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,517 |
|
|
|
15.65 |
|
|
|
2,517 |
|
|
|
15.65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
|
152,648 |
|
|
|
0.99 |
|
|
|
82,990 |
|
|
|
1.82 |
|
|
|
235,638 |
|
|
|
1.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Reserves are a subset of these numbers. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes La Hamaca. |
-75-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold Resources as at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Inferred |
|
|
Mine or Project |
|
Tonnes (in thousands) |
|
Gold Grade (ave. gpt) |
San Martin Mine |
|
|
17,539 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
Marigold Mine (66.7%) |
|
|
98,721 |
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
El Sauzal Mine |
|
|
22,832 |
|
|
|
0.91 |
|
Marlin Mine(1) |
|
|
73,537 |
|
|
|
0.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Imperial Project |
|
|
43,829 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
Cerro Blanco Project |
|
|
1,351 |
|
|
|
15.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
|
257,810 |
|
|
|
0.63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver Resources as at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Measured |
|
|
|
|
|
Indicated |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver |
|
|
|
|
|
Silver |
|
|
|
|
|
Silver |
|
|
Tonnes |
|
Grade |
|
Tonnes |
|
Grade |
|
Tonnes |
|
Grade |
Mine or Project |
|
(in thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
|
(in thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
|
(in thousands) |
|
(ave. gpt) |
El Sauzal Mine |
|
|
19,563 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
966 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
20,529 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
Marlin Mine(1) |
|
|
4,142 |
|
|
|
39.3 |
|
|
|
15,561 |
|
|
|
74.7 |
|
|
|
19,703 |
|
|
|
67.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cerro Blanco Project |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,517 |
|
|
|
15.65 |
|
|
|
2,517 |
|
|
|
72.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
|
23,705 |
|
|
|
11.1 |
|
|
|
19,044 |
|
|
|
63.3 |
|
|
|
42,749 |
|
|
|
37.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver Resources as at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Inferred |
Mine or Project |
|
Tonnes (in thousands) |
|
Silver Grade (ave. gpt) |
El Sauzal Mine |
|
|
22,832 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
Marlin Mine(1) |
|
|
73,537 |
|
|
|
16.1 |
|
Cerro Blanco Project |
|
|
1,351 |
|
|
|
59.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
|
97,720 |
|
|
|
13.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUMMARY OF PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROPERTIES
The following is a summary of the discussion of Glamis production and development properties which
is contained in Glamis Annual Information Form dated March 6, 2006 and other documents
incorporated herein by reference, together with other supplemental information concerning Glamis.
Gold Production
The following table describes, for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, gold
production from Glamis mining operations.
-76-
Gold Production (in ounces)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
Mine |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
San Martin |
|
|
81,450 |
|
|
|
102,152 |
|
|
|
101,835 |
|
Marigold (66.67%) |
|
|
137,116 |
|
|
|
94,209 |
|
|
|
94,796 |
|
El Sauzal |
|
|
191,586 |
|
|
|
25,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
Marlin |
|
|
23,858 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rand |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,019 |
|
|
|
33,663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Production |
|
|
434,010 |
|
|
|
234,433 |
|
|
|
230,294 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production Costs per Ounce of Gold Produced
The following table describes for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 the total cash
cost of production per ounce related to Glamis mining operations. Total cash cost of production
includes mining, processing (including transportation and refining), costs associated with
movements in production inventories net of pre-production stripping costs (which are capitalized to
mine development costs), direct mine overhead costs, local production taxes and royalties, but
excludes general and administrative costs at the corporate level, depreciation and depletion and
end-of-mine reclamation accruals.
Total Cash Cost of Production per Ounce of Gold Produced
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Mine |
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
San Martin |
|
US$ |
294 |
|
|
US$ |
191 |
|
|
US$ |
175 |
|
Marigold |
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
172 |
|
El Sauzal |
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
|
|
Marlin |
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rand |
|
|
|
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average For All Mines |
|
US$ |
195 |
|
|
US$ |
192 |
|
|
US$ |
184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash costs of production should not be considered as an alternative to operating profit or net
profit attributable to shareholders, or as an alternative to other Canadian or U.S. generally
accepted accounting principle measures and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures
of other companies. However, Glamis believes that cash costs of production per ounce of gold, by
mine, is a useful indicator to investors and management of a mines performance as it provides: (i)
a measure of the mines cash margin per ounce, by comparison of the cash operating costs per ounce
by mine to the price of gold; (ii) the trend in costs as the mine matures; and (iii) an internal
benchmark of performance to allow for comparison against other mines.
-77-
El Sauzal Mine, Mexico
General
The El Sauzal Mine is located in the southwest part of Chihuahua State, approximately 250
kilometers southwest of the city of Chihuahua and 15 kilometers east of the Sinoloa State line. The
mine is comprised of seven exploration concessions of approximately 40 square miles which are
100%-owned by Glamis. Access to the mine is by way of a road through Sinaloa to the mine site and
by air using an airstrip constructed by Glamis. The property ranges in elevation from 325 meters to
over 900 meters above mean sea level. The climate in the El Sauzal area is classified as temperate
sub-humid, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Rainfall averages 0.8 metres per year.
Operations
The El Sauzal Mine is a conventional open pit operation utilizing shovels and trucks for moving the
ore. The current mine plan is based on delivering 5,500 tonnes per day of ore to the process plant
at a cut-off
grade of 0.8 grams per tonne of gold. The blasted waste rock is used to construct haul roads, with
excess material being placed in designated waste dumps around the ultimate pit. All permits
required for the mining operations have been obtained.
Production commenced at the El Sauzal Mine in the fourth quarter of 2004, producing approximately
25,053 ounces of gold for that year. In 2005, the mines first full year of production, 191,586
ounces of
gold were produced. Glamis expects production from the El Sauzal Mine in 2006 to be 217,000 ounces
of gold and it expects production from the El Sauzal Mine at least through 2012.
Production
Certain key operating statistics for the El Sauzal Mine are set forth in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
Category |
|
2005 |
|
2004(1) |
Ore mined (tonnes) |
|
|
2,147,155 |
|
|
|
563,810 |
|
Waste mined (tonnes) |
|
|
4,524,578 |
|
|
|
2,523,919 |
|
Ore milled (tonnes) |
|
|
1,663,149 |
|
|
|
115,601 |
|
Average gold assay (grams
per tonne milled) |
|
|
3.91 |
|
|
|
4.57 |
|
Ounces of gold produced |
|
|
191,586 |
|
|
|
25,053 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Mine commenced production in November 2004. |
Exploration
Prior to 2005, attention at El Sauzal was focused on mine construction and little exploration work
was conducted. In 2005, US$1.2 million was spent on exploration drilling adjacent to the existing
deposit and on surface mapping and sampling on the large land position around the mine to identify
surface anomalies for further testing. For 2006, exploration drilling will continue to test target
areas near the existing deposit as well as the first of several targets identified elsewhere on the
property. A total of US$1.8 million has been budgeted for the 2006 work.
-78-
Marlin Mine, Guatemala
The Marlin Mine consists of one exploitation concession of approximately 39 square miles in western
Guatemala near the city of Huehuetenango. Huehuetenango is approximately a six hour drive from
Guatemala City. The mine is accessed by a combination of paved and gravel roads. The area varies in
elevation, climate and landscape between tropical lowlands and highland peaks and valleys.
The Marlin Mine is a combination conventional open pit and underground operation. In its first year
of commercial production, the current mine plan is based on delivering increasing tonnages to the
process plant throughout during the year until the full mill capacity of 5,000 tonnes per day is
sustained. By mid-
year, the underground is expected to be fully developed and generating 1,000 tonnes per day of ore,
with the remaining 4,000 tonnes per day being sourced from the open pit. Production commenced at
the Marlin Mine in the fourth quarter of 2005 with production of 23,858 ounces of gold and 154,649
ounces of silver for that year. The Marlin Mine is expected to produce approximately 254,000 ounces
of gold and in excess of 3.0 million ounces of silver in 2006 and production is expected from the
Marlin Mine through 2015.
Certain key operating statistics for the Marlin Mine are set forth in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
Category |
|
Year Ended December 31, 2005(1) |
Ore mined-underground(tonnes) |
|
|
7,182 |
|
Ore mined-open pit |
|
|
257,039 |
|
Waste mined (tonnes) |
|
|
329,689 |
|
Average gold assay (grams per tonne) |
|
|
9.06 |
|
Ounces of gold produced |
|
|
23,858 |
|
Ounces of silver produced |
|
|
154,649 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Mine commenced production in the fourth quarter of 2005. |
In 2005, exploration activities concentrated on drilling two of the several veins which have been
identified in the area of the Marlin Mine. A total of 27 holes were completed during the year at
the West Vero zone located 0.7 kilometers south of the main Marlin zone. The Rosa vein was also
drilled from the underground mine. Additionally, in-fill drilling at the La Hamaca deposit located
3 kilometers north of Marlin allowed for the conversion of 152,000 ounces of resources to reserves.
In 2006, US$5.0 million is budgeted for exploration at and around Marlin, which is expected to
include continued drilling at West Vero and Rosa, as well as initial testing of other vein targets
on the property.
In 2004, Glamis signed a loan agreement with International Finance Corporation, a division of the
World Bank, providing for up to US$45.0 million in funding for development of the Marlin Mine. The
loan is repayable over three years at a six-month LIBOR plus 2.625% -based interest rate. The
facility is secured
-79-
by a pledge of Glamis shares in the related Guatemalan subsidiaries. At December 31, 2005, there
was US$45.0 million outstanding under the facility at an interest rate of 6.445% . Semi-annual
repayments of US$7.5 million are scheduled from January 2007 through July 2009.
On March 4, 2005, Glamis finalized a US$50.0 million revolving credit facility with the Bank of
Nova Scotia. The facility is available for drawdown in United States dollars or ounces of silver
with repayment at any time during the three-year period ending March 4, 2008 at a bank base rate or
LIBOR-based rate (plus 0.25% -1.50% depending on financial ratios), payable according to the quoted
rate term. The facility is secured by a pledge of Glamis shares in certain U.S. and Mexican mining
subsidiaries. At December 31, 2005, there was US$35.0 million outstanding under the facility at an
interest rate of 5.57%, which funds were used for development of the Marlin Mine.
Marigold Mine, Nevada
Glamis holds a 66 2/3% interest in the Marigold Mine, with the remaining 33 1/3% interest being
held by Barrick Gold Corporation. Glamis is the operator of the property pursuant to a general
partnership agreement.
The mine is located in Humboldt County, 40 miles southeast of Winnemucca, Nevada at the north end
of the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend that extends through central Nevada. Located five miles south
of Valmy, Nevada, the property consists of 32.4 square miles. Royalty rates on leased land range
from 3% to 5% of net smelter returns, with rates rising to 7% or 8% on certain parcels depending on
the price of gold. The rate for the remaining life of mine is anticipated to average approximately
5.5% .
Since 2000, all of the production for Glamis account has come from the operation of the property
as a heap leach mine. The mining fleet at Marigold consists of two 40 cubic yard shovels, three 13
cubic yard front end loaders, four 320 ton haul trucks, eleven 190 ton haul trucks and
miscellaneous ancillary equipment.
Glamis estimates that the Marigold Mine will produce approximately 118,000 ounces of gold for
Glamis account during 2006 and Glamis currently expects production from the Marigold Mine through
2014.
Certain key operating statistics for the Marigold Mine are set forth in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
Category |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
Ore mined (tonnes) |
|
|
5,473,124 |
|
|
|
5,962,300 |
|
|
|
4,937,192 |
|
Waste mined (tonnes) |
|
|
22,850,917 |
|
|
|
21,173,842 |
|
|
|
18,377,065 |
|
Stripping ratio |
|
|
4.2:1 |
|
|
|
3.6:1 |
|
|
|
3.7:1 |
|
Average gold assay (grams per tonne) |
|
|
0.978 |
|
|
|
0.857 |
|
|
|
0.823 |
|
Ounces of gold produced |
|
|
137,116 |
|
|
|
94,209 |
|
|
|
94,796 |
|
-80-
Exploration
In 2005, the Companys share of exploration expenditures at Marigold was US$2.6 million. Work was
focused on converting resources to reserves. Primary areas of work were the Target 3, Antler and
Basalt pits. Late in the year, exploration drilling for deeper, high grade mineralization began
around known favourable targets in the north pediment area. A total of US$2.0 million (the
Companys share) has been budgeted for the 2006 work which will include development work in the
north Target and Mackay areas as well as further drilling of the pediment targets at the north end
of the property.
San Martin Mine, Honduras
General
The San Martin Mine is located 70 kilometres north of the capital city of Tegucigalpa near the
village of San Ignacio. Access is by way of paved and improved gravel roads. Project approval for
construction of the San Martin mine was given in November 1999, with the first gold pour occurring
in December 2000. The
mine is located on a 14,100 hectare concession of which 2,800 hectares is used by the project. Site
elevation ranges between 700 and 1100 metres with average precipitation of less than 1 meter per
year.
Operations
The San Martin Mine is an open-pit heap-leach mine, designed to be a low cost operation. Glamis
currently expects to mine an average of 9.4 million tonnes per year for the next four years, over
50% of which is expected to be ore. Mining is by conventional truck and loader operations. The
fleet is primarily composed of used equipment from prior operations of Glamis, and consists of nine
77 tonne haul trucks, four 11 cubic meter front-end-loaders, two blasthole drills, and assorted
support equipment for the maintenance of roads and dumps. Ore is shipped directly to the leach pad
as run-of-mine material.
Glamis expects production from the San Martin Mine to be approximately 81,000 ounces of gold in
2006 and expects production from the San Martin Mine through 2010.
Production
Certain key operating statistics for the San Martin Mine are set forth in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
Category |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
Ore mined (tonnes) |
|
|
5,200,062 |
|
|
|
5,539,070 |
|
|
|
6,504,834 |
|
Waste mined (tonnes) |
|
|
4,051,534 |
|
|
|
2,852,573 |
|
|
|
1,787,564 |
|
Stripping ratio |
|
|
0.779 |
|
|
|
0.52:1 |
|
|
|
0.27:1 |
|
Average gold assay (grams per tonne) |
|
|
0.682 |
|
|
|
0.823 |
|
|
|
0.926 |
|
Ounces of gold produced |
|
|
81,450 |
|
|
|
102,152 |
|
|
|
101.835 |
|
- 81 -
Cerro Blanco Project, Guatemala
General
The Cerro Blanco project is located 125 kilometres west of Guatemala City near the town of Asuncion
Mita. Elevations at the project range between 450 and 600 metres with average rain fall of about
1.25 metres per year. The exploration concession for this project covers an area of 15.25 square
kilometres.
Development
A total of 264 exploration holes have been completed on the project totalling 55,745 meters.
Initial exploration work and drill data was geared towards defining an open-pit resource; however,
subsequent drilling identified a number of narrower, high-grade intercepts. In response, Glamis
changed the development scope to underground mining with potential operating synergies with the
Marlin Mine. Initiation of a feasibility study began in 2005. US$14.9 million is budgeted for
exploration and feasibility work on the Cerro Blanco project in 2006.
Dee Joint Venture Project, Nevada
General
The Dee property, located in Elko County, Nevada, consists of 6.3 square miles of unpatented mining
claims along the Carlin Trend in north eastern Nevada. The property lies immediately south of
Meridian Gold Inc.s Rossi property and immediately northwest of Newmont Mining Companys Bootstrap
property. Dee is subject to a minimum royalty of US$0.2 million per year. The Dee property is owned
40% by Glamis Marigold Mining Company. The Dee property was acquired in 1999 as part of the
acquisition of Rayrock. In June 2004, Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick) completed its earn-in of
a 60% share of the Dee property by expending US$6.5 million on exploration activities.
Exploration
In 2005, Barrick announced a discovery of Carlin-style oxide mineralization on the Dee property
known as South Arturo. The drilling in 2005 consisted of 28 holes for a total of 13,332 meters and
the Companys share of the exploration program was US$1.6 million. In 2006, Barrick continues to
drill test the South Arturo discovery, with the Companys share of the exploration program
currently budgeted at US$1.6 million.
Exploration
Glamis exploration expenditures were US$15.7 million during 2005, of which US$6.2 million was
capitalized. Capitalized exploration was US$2.8 million at Marlin, US$2.2 million at Marigold and
US$1.2 million at El Sauzal. Exploration expense was primarily at the Cerro Blanco Project where
US$5.4 million was spent on exploration and feasibility study work. The Companys share of
exploration expense at the Dee joint venture was US$1.6 million. Expensed exploration in Mexico
totalled US$1.5 million. Other expense of US$1.0 million was incurred in the United States,
Honduras, and Guatemala.
In 2006, the Company has budgeted US$24.9 million for continued exploration and feasibility work.
The most significant expenditures are planned for the Cerro Blanco Project (US$14.9 million) and
regional exploration around Marlin in Guatemala (US$4.0 million). Additional work is planned in
Mexico at El Sauzal and the United States at both Marigold and the Dee Project. Exploration
expenditures are results-driven, and funding may increase, decrease, or be re-allocated among
projects.
- 82 -
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The financial information set forth in the table below includes the accounts of Glamis and its
subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. This financial information was prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. The selected financial information should be
read in conjunction with and is qualified by the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of
Glamis and the Notes thereto some of which form part of this Information Circular.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
(all dollar amounts in US dollars) |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
Production statistics: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash cost per ounce (1) |
|
$ |
195 |
|
|
$ |
192 |
|
|
$ |
184 |
|
Ounces of gold produced |
|
|
434,010 |
|
|
|
234,433 |
|
|
|
230,294 |
|
Average gold price realized per ounce |
|
$ |
454 |
|
|
$ |
416 |
|
|
$ |
368 |
|
Operating summary (millions of US $): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
202.6 |
|
|
$ |
94.7 |
|
|
$ |
84.0 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
27.1 |
|
|
|
20.9 |
|
|
|
18.2 |
|
Cash flow from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(before changes in non-cash working
capital and site closure and reclamation
expenditures) |
|
|
89.0 |
|
|
|
37.4 |
|
|
|
33.9 |
|
Financial Status: (millions of US $): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital |
|
$ |
36.7 |
|
|
$ |
27.4 |
|
|
$ |
145.4 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
721.2 |
|
|
|
613.3 |
|
|
|
534.1 |
|
Long-term liabilities |
|
|
188.6 |
|
|
|
123.6 |
|
|
|
88.6 |
|
Shareholders equity |
|
|
503.6 |
|
|
|
460.3 |
|
|
|
434.7 |
|
Per common share (US $): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.16 |
|
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
Book value |
|
$ |
3.82 |
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
$ |
3.34 |
|
Dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Total cash cost of production includes mining, processing (including transportation and
refining), costs associated with movements in production inventories net of pre-production
stripping costs (which are capitalized to mine development costs), direct mine overhead costs,
local production taxes and royalties, but excludes general and administrative costs at the
corporate level, depreciation and depletion and end-of-mine reclamation accruals. Cash costs of
production should not be considered as an alternative to operating profit or net profit
attributable to shareholders, or as an alternative to other Canadian or U.S. generally accepted
accounting principle measures and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other
companies. However, Glamis believes that cash costs of production per ounce of gold, by mine, is a
useful indicator to investors and management of a mines performance. |
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is as at and for the
twelve months ended December 31, 2005 after giving effect to the acquisition of Western by Glamis
pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement The selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the more complete information
contained in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes
thereto and the compilation report of KPMG LLP thereon included as Schedule B to this Information Circular. The pro forma consolidated
balance sheet has been prepared from the audited consolidated balance sheet of Glamis and the
unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Western as at December 31, 2005 and gives pro forma effect
to the acquisition of Western by Glamis as if the Arrangement occurred on December 31, 2005. The
pro forma consolidated statement of operations has been prepared from the audited consolidated
statement of
- 83 -
operations of Glamis and the unaudited consolidated statement of operations of Western, for the
twelve months ended December 31, 2005.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of Glamis
consolidated financial position and results from operations if the events reflected therein had
been in effect on December 31, 2005, nor do they purport to project Glamis consolidated financial
position or results from operations for any future periods. The pro forma consolidated financial
statements are based on certain assumptions and adjustments, including the non-recurring
expenditures related to the Arrangement. The selected pro forma consolidated financial information
should be read in conjunction with the description of the Arrangement and the unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements and the audited and unaudited financial statements of Western and
Glamis upon which they are based.
Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information as at December 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
(in millions of US dollars) |
Balance Sheet Data |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents: |
|
$ |
20.1 |
|
Other current assets: |
|
|
33.6 |
|
Mineral property, plant and equipment: |
|
|
1,962.8 |
|
Other assets: |
|
|
24.7 |
|
Total assets: |
|
$ |
2,041.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
$ |
29.0 |
|
Site closure and reclamation costs: |
|
|
12.2 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
80.0 |
|
Future income taxes: |
|
|
459.7 |
|
Shareholders equity: |
|
|
1,460.3 |
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity: |
|
$ |
2,041.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of Operations Data |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
202.6 |
|
Earnings from operations |
|
|
15.8 |
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
7.6 |
|
GLAMIS RATIONALE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT
Glamis first visited Westerns Peñasquito Project in Mexico in July 2004 and followed the
exploration progress at the project since that time. Glamis believes that Peñasquito is one of the
largest undeveloped precious metals deposits in the Americas and that the combination of this large
resource with Glamis existing portfolio of high-quality mines and projects will extend Glamis
growth profile for the remainder of the decade. Glamis has significant experience doing business in
Mexico. It recently completed construction of the El Sauzal Mine Mexicos largest gold producer
in 2005. Glamis also has broad experience in large, bulk tonnage operations and is prepared to
apply its mine development, construction and operating expertise for the benefit of the Peñasquito
Project.
Glamis believes that the transaction with Western will be immediately accretive to Glamis net
asset value per share and, while dilutive to earnings and cash flow per share until the Peñasquito
Project is in commercial production, it will be significantly accretive thereafter. The current
Proven and Probable gold reserves at Peñasquito, as previously stated in this Information Circular,
contain approximately 4.9 million ounces which, when combined with Glamis current Proven and
Probable gold reserves, as
- 84 -
previously stated, will increase Proven and Probable gold reserves by 85%, thus providing Glamis
with significantly increased gold reserves per share.
Based on the feasibility study completed by Western for the Peñasquito Project, the mine will be a
majority precious metals producer, with approximately thirty percent of revenues from gold, thirty
percent from silver, thirty percent from zinc and ten percent from lead. Recent drilling has shown
a higher relative percentage of gold mineralization, and Glamis believes that the relative amount
of gold in the deposit could ultimately be higher. When the projected average annual silver
production from Peñasquito of 12.9 million ounces is combined with Glamis expected silver
production from the Marlin Mine of between 3.5 million and 4.0 million ounces per year, Glamis will
become one of the largest silver producers in the world.
Over 43,000 meters of drilling has been completed at Peñasquito since the calculation of the Proven
and Probable mineral reserves contained in the feasibility study for the Project. Based on the
results from this drilling and on its geologic interpretations, Glamis believes that there is good
potential for the reserves to grow in the future. In addition, the large area of the Peñasquito
mineral concessions remains prospective for further exploration success.
Following completion of the Arrangement, Glamis intends to continue in-fill and step-out drilling
and continue infrastructure planning, permitting and land acquisition efforts for the Peñasquito
Project. By the end of 2006, it expects to calculate a new resource based on further drilling,
complete an optimization of the mining and processing plan now included in the feasibility study
and commence mine development and construction activities. Glamis anticipates initial production
from the mine in 2009, with full commercial mill operations commencing in 2010.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
The authorized share capital of Glamis currently consists of an unlimited number of common shares
without par value, of which 132,019,905 were issued and outstanding as at March 24, 2006, and
5,000,000 preferred shares having a par value of Cdn.$10, issuable in series, of which none are
issued.
The holders of common shares are entitled to receive notice of any meeting of shareholders of
Glamis and to attend and vote on matters brought before the meeting, except those meetings at which
only the holders of shares of another class or of a particular series are entitled to vote. Each
common share entitles its holder to one vote at meetings at which they are entitled to attend and
vote. The holders of common shares are entitled to receive on a pro rata basis such dividends as
the Board of Directors of Glamis may declare out of funds legally available for the payment of
dividends. In the event of the dissolution, liquidation, winding-up or other distribution of the
assets of Glamis, holders of common shares are entitled to receive on a pro rata basis all of the
assets of Glamis remaining after payment of all of Glamis liabilities and subject to the prior
rights attached to the preferred shares of Glamis to receive a return of capital and unpaid
dividends. The common shares carry no pre-emptive or conversion rights.
The directors of Glamis may issue preferred shares from time to time in one or more series with
each series to consist of such number of preferred shares as may be determined by the directors.
Prior to the issuance of a series of preferred shares, the directors may at their sole discretion
determine the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the series
of preferred shares.
Rights to purchase common shares have been issued to holders of Glamis common shares under a rights
agreement between Glamis and Computershare Trust Company of Canada dated February 25, 2000, as
amended. One right is attached to each common share. If the rights become exercisable following the
occurrence of certain specified events, each right will entitle the holder, within certain
limitations, to
- 85 -
purchase one common share at an exercise price equal to $100 (the Exercise Price), subject to
adjustment and certain anti-dilution provisions. In certain events (including when a person or
group
becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of any class of voting shares of Glamis without
complying with the permitted bid provisions of the rights agreement or without the approval of
the board of directors of Glamis), exercise of the rights would entitle the holders of the rights
(other than the acquiring person or group) to acquire that number of common shares of Glamis having
an aggregate market price on the date of the event equal to twice the Exercise Price for an amount
in cash equal to the Exercise Price. Accordingly, exercise of the rights may cause substantial
dilution to a person who attempts to acquire control of Glamis. The rights, which expire in 2006
(unless extended as provided in the rights agreement), may be redeemed at a price of $0.00001 per
right at any time until a person or group has acquired 20% of the Glamis common shares, except as
otherwise provided in the rights agreement. The rights agreement may have certain anti-takeover
effects. All outstanding common shares are, and the common shares of Glamis to be issued in
connection with the Offer, if issued in the manner described in this Information Circular, will be,
fully paid and non-assessable.
This section is a summary and may not describe every aspect of the common shares of Glamis that may
be important to a shareholder of the Company. Glamis Notice of Articles and Articles are available
for viewing at www.sedar.com and copies of such will be provided upon request, by
contacting Glamis at 5190 Neil Road, Suite 310, Reno, Nevada 89502, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
CHANGES IN SHARE CAPITAL
From December 31, 2005 to March 24, 2006, Glamis issued a total of 101,102 common shares through
the exercise of director and employee share purchase options and the exercise of share appreciation
rights. As at March 24, 2006, Glamis had outstanding share purchase options to purchase up to
2,518,153 common
shares at prices ranging from $5.60 to $31.80 per share and had 865,185 Glamis Shares reserved for
issuance under its Equity Incentive Plan.
TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME
The Glamis Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol GLG.
The following tables set forth information relating to the trading of the Glamis Shares on the TSX
and on the NYSE for the months indicated:
TSX
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Price ($) |
|
Average Daily |
2005 |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Volume |
January |
|
|
19.26 |
|
|
|
20.40 |
|
|
|
862,035 |
|
February |
|
|
19.68 |
|
|
|
22.00 |
|
|
|
968,335 |
|
March |
|
|
18.40 |
|
|
|
21.53 |
|
|
|
363,586 |
|
April |
|
|
17.00 |
|
|
|
19.03 |
|
|
|
338,243 |
|
May |
|
|
16.67 |
|
|
|
18.52 |
|
|
|
289,766 |
|
June |
|
|
18.45 |
|
|
|
21.29 |
|
|
|
521,777 |
|
July |
|
|
19.70 |
|
|
|
21.70 |
|
|
|
328,925 |
|
August |
|
|
21.63 |
|
|
|
23.81 |
|
|
|
353,750 |
|
September |
|
|
23.43 |
|
|
|
25.88 |
|
|
|
486,752 |
|
October |
|
|
23.45 |
|
|
|
25.07 |
|
|
|
600,275 |
|
November |
|
|
24.41 |
|
|
|
27.65 |
|
|
|
630,723 |
|
December |
|
|
26.20 |
|
|
|
32.28 |
|
|
|
649,460 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January |
|
|
32.42 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
723,976 |
|
February |
|
|
30.94 |
|
|
|
36.35 |
|
|
|
1,594,605 |
|
- 86 -
The price of the Glamis Shares as reported by the TSX at the close of business on March 24, 2006
was $34.30.
NYSE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Price (US$) |
|
Average Daily |
2005 |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Volume |
January |
|
|
15.58 |
|
|
|
16.82 |
|
|
|
862,035 |
|
February |
|
|
15.80 |
|
|
|
18.00 |
|
|
|
1,307,721 |
|
March |
|
|
15.18 |
|
|
|
17.73 |
|
|
|
614,895 |
|
April |
|
|
13.61 |
|
|
|
15.44 |
|
|
|
582,276 |
|
May |
|
|
13.13 |
|
|
|
14.95 |
|
|
|
513,328 |
|
June |
|
|
14.81 |
|
|
|
17.37 |
|
|
|
590,277 |
|
July |
|
|
16.12 |
|
|
|
17.64 |
|
|
|
565,910 |
|
August |
|
|
17.41 |
|
|
|
19.86 |
|
|
|
733,400 |
|
September |
|
|
19.72 |
|
|
|
22.20 |
|
|
|
1,003,081 |
|
October |
|
|
19.32 |
|
|
|
21.63 |
|
|
|
1,096,738 |
|
November |
|
|
20.65 |
|
|
|
21.63 |
|
|
|
1,037,448 |
|
December |
|
|
22.57 |
|
|
|
27.64 |
|
|
|
1,354,890 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January |
|
|
28.22 |
|
|
|
31.97 |
|
|
|
1,345,435 |
|
February |
|
|
27.21 |
|
|
|
31.72 |
|
|
|
1,590,368 |
|
The price of the Glamis Shares as reported by the NYSE at the close of business on March 24, 2006
was US$29.36.
ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT
In the opinion of Lang Michener LLP, the Glamis Shares if issued on the date hereof, would be
qualified investments under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder for trusts
governed by registered retirement savings plans, registered retirement income funds, registered
education savings plans and deferred profit sharing plans.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The registrar and transfer agent for the Glamis Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at
its principal office in Vancouver, British Columbia.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Glamis files reports and other information with Canadian Provincial securities commissions. These
reports and information are available to the public free of charge on the System for Electronic
Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com.
Glamis is subject to the informational requirements of the U.S. Exchange Act, and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the SEC. Under a multi-jurisdictional disclosure
system adopted by United States and Canadian securities regulators, such reports and other
information may be prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canada, which
requirements are different from those of the United States. Glamis is exempt from the rules under
the U.S. Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and its officers,
directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery
provisions contained in Section 16 of the U.S. Exchange Act.
Reports and other information filed by Glamis may be inspected and copied (at prescribed rates) at
the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
- 87 -
Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549 and are available for viewing at the SEC website at
www.sec.gov. Prospective investors may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information
regarding the public reference facilities or visit the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Such reports
and other information concerning Glamis may also be inspected at the offices of The New York Stock
Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, N.Y. 10005.
EXPERTS
The audited consolidated financial statements of Glamis as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, incorporated by reference in
this Information Circular, have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP,
independent chartered accountants, and upon the authority of such said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
With respect to the pro forma financial statements of Glamis included herein, the independent
chartered accountants have reported that they applied limited procedures in accordance with
Canadian professional standards for preparation of a compilation report. However, their separate
compilation report included herein states that they are unable to express any opinion in accordance
with standards of reporting generally accepted in the United States with respect to the compilation
of the accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance
on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the
review procedures applied. The accountants may not be subject to the liability provisions of
Section 11 of the U.S. Securities Act for their report on the pro forma financial information and
the related comments for the United States readers on differences between Canadian and United
States readers on differences between Canadian and United States reporting standards because that
report is not a report or a part of the registration statement prepared or certified by the
accountants within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the U.S. Securities Act.
The proven and probable mineral reserves and the mineral resources of Glamis as at December 31,
2005, 2004, and 2003 included in Glamis Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31,
2005, which is incorporated herein by reference, were determined by employees of Glamis under the
supervision of James S. Voorhees, P. Eng., Chief Operating Officer of Glamis, given on his
authority as an expert in mining, engineering and geology. Mr. Voorhees is a Qualified Person
within the meaning of NI 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. The proven and probable
mineral reserves as reported in Glamis Annual Information Form were audited by Mine Development
Associates, Inc. an entity that is not affiliated with Glamis.
Each of the above named experts has advised Glamis that they, as a group, beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, less than 1% of the outstanding Glamis Shares.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters relating to the Arrangement and to the common shares to be distributed
pursuant to the Arrangement will be reviewed on behalf of Glamis by Lang Michener LLP, Vancouver,
British Columbia and certain U.S. legal matters relating to the Arrangement will be reviewed on
behalf of Glamis by Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, Chicago, Illinois. As of the date hereof, the
partners and associates of Lang Michener LLP and Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, as a group,
beneficially owned directly or indirectly less than 1% of Glamis issued and outstanding common
shares.
- 88 -
WESTERN COPPER CORPORATION POST-ARRANGEMENT
The Arrangement will result in Western Copper being a reporting issuer with properties in the Yukon
and Mexico. The following information is reflective of the projected business, financial and share
capital position of Western Copper post-Arrangement. See also the unaudited Pro Forma Financial
Statements of Western Copper attached hereto as Schedule C1", the audited financial statements of
the business of Western Copper as at December 31, 2005 attached as Schedule C2 and the audited
financial statements of Western Copper as at March 20, 2006 attached as Schedule C3 to this
Information Circular.
NAME AND INCORPORATION
Western Copper was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on March 17,
2006 as Western Copper Corporation. Western Copper is not currently reporting and its shares are
not listed on any stock exchange.
The registered office of Western Copper is located at 10th Floor 595 Howe St.,
Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5 and the principal office of Western Copper is located at Suite 2010 1111
West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4M3.
INTERCORPORATE RELATIONSHIPS
On completion of the Arrangement, the corporate organization chart for Western Copper will be as
follows:
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
After the Arrangement, Western Copper intends to explore and develop the Carmacks Copper Project as
described under Properties. In addition to development of the Carmacks Copper project, Western
Copper will seek out exploration opportunities for copper in the Americas, and also intends to
maintain its joint
venture interest in the Almoloya Project in Chihuahua State, Mexico which is being explored by
Queenston Mining Inc. Western Copper also intends to acquire development stage copper-gold projects
in the Americas.
- 89 -
PROPERTIES
Carmacks Copper Project
As a result of the Arrangement, Western Copper will become the indirect 100% owner of the Carmacks
copper property in the Yukon Territory in Canada. In addition, Western Copper will receive
approximately $38 million under the Arrangement. The Carmacks property is an oxide copper deposit,
with a small gold component, which in the 1990s was proposed to be an open pit mine with crushing,
heap leaching and SX/EW extraction of cathode copper.
Western acquired the Carmacks property in 1989 from Archer, Cathro & Associates. In 1993 Western
completed a full feasibility study on the property which was subsequently updated in 1995 (the
"Feasibility Study). Following this Western made the decision to proceed with project development
and filed for environmental review together with Quartz Mining and Water Licence Applications. In
1997 Western obtained a basic engineering report (the Basic Engineering Report) and a definitive
capital cost estimate dated December 1997 prepared by Kilborn Engineering Pacific Ltd., with a view
to obtaining proposals for the construction of the project. In 1998 after completing some early
construction work on the project Western suspended work on the project indefinitely due to low
copper prices.
In late 2004, based in part on renewed optimism in the price of copper, Western agreed with the
Yukon Territorial Government to reenter the permitting process and has been engaged since then in
the environmental review process under the YEA process and more recently the newly enacted YESAA
process.
As a result of the formation of Western Copper and its acquisition of the Carmacks property, a
Technical Report that fulfils the requirements of NI 43-101, prepared by a Qualified Person, must
be filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. George Cavey, P. Geo., David Gunning, P.
Eng. (both of OreQuest Consulting Ltd.) and Jonathan Clegg, P. Eng. (VP Engineering, Western
Copper) have coauthored this report.
This report relies on information and data gathered from existing reports prepared by other
consultants and companies.
This report relies primarily on information contained in the Basic Engineering Report, dated
December 1997 and the Feasibility Study, dated September 1995, both of which were prepared by
Kilborn Engineering Pacific Ltd.
To a lesser extent the work assembled by Access Consulting in the preparation of the Project
Description which was filed in 2005 with the Yukon Government for the Environmental Review has also
been incorporated.
The work of Dr. A. Bruynesteyn on the leaching of the copper ore with bio-acid, which was
summarized in the report Development of Westcoast Biotech Sulphur Process to Carmacks Ore dated
April 20, 2005, is also referred to.
The authors have not undertaken any independent verification of the data that has been extracted
from these reports.
- 90 -
Property Description and Location
The Carmacks Copper Project is located in the Dawson Range at latitude 62°-21N and longitude 136°-
41 W, some 200 km north of Whitehorse, Yukon. The Project site is located on Williams Creek, 8km
west of the Yukon River and some 38 km northwest of the town of Carmacks.
The Carmacks Copper Project site located in the Whitehorse mining division consists of 240 claims
in one contiguous block of full-size and fractional mineral claims, and one separate 2 full-size
claim block. Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited, at the election of Western and Thermal,
retain a 3.0% NSR royalty to a maximum of $2.5 million ($300,000 has been paid as advanced royalty
payments pursuant to the royalty agreement).
Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The Project site is currently accessible by an existing 12 km exploration road that leads north
from km 33 of the secondary, government maintained un-paved roadway (Freegold Road) from Carmacks.
Carmacks, on the Yukon River, is 175 km by paved road north of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.
A new 5 m wide project site access road will be constructed to the east of the exploration road
alignment (currently cleaned and grubbed). Upgrading of the Yukon Government Freegold Road will be
required prior to the commencement of the project operations.
The climate in the Carmacks area is marked by warm summers and cold winters. Mean annual
temperatures range from -30 deg C in January to 12 deg C in July.
Precipitation is light with moderate snowfall, the heaviest precipitation being in the summer
months. The average annual precipitation is approximately 375 mm (water equivalent) with one third
falling as snow. July is the wettest month. Mean annual evaporation is approximately 404 mm to
yield a net loss of 29 mm. Maximum evaporation occurs in July.
Winter conditions may be considered to extend over the period where daytime maximum temperatures
average below zero, November to March. The extreme cold temperatures in the region make outside
construction in the winter difficult. In general the outside working construction season will be
from May to October. The ground is normally still frozen in May, and earthworks such as leach pad
grading and embankment fills cannot generally be started until June or July.
Topography at the property area is subdued. Topographic relief for the entire property is 515 m. In
the immediate area of the No. 1 Zone, topographic relief is 230 m. Elevations range from 485 m at
the Yukon River to 1,000 m on the western edge of the claim block.
Outcrop is uncommon because of the subdued topography and lack of glaciation. The major portion of
the claim block lying north of Williams Creek is unglaciated above the 760 m elevation. The claim
block area south of the Williams Creek valley and peripheral portions of the claim block,
especially to the east, are covered by a veneer of ablation and lodgement boulder till with a sandy
to silty matrix, generally less than 1 m thick.
Overburden is generally thin; a few centimetres of moss and organic material overlie 5 to 20 cm of
white felsic volcanic ash (White River ash approximately 1,250 years old). In unglaciated areas,
the white ash is underlain by 10 cm of organics or peat, and 15 to 50 cm of soil. Bedrock is
extensively weathered, particularly the gneissic units. At the eastern end of Trench 91-6, bedrock
is 7 m below surface, the deepest recorded in the unglaciated area. In the glaciated areas, the
white ash is underlain by tills,
- 91 -
generally 1 m thick, except along Williams Creek valley where an undetermined depth of till and
colluvium has collected. Permafrost is present at varying depths in most north facing slope
locations and at depth in other areas. Facilities will be located to avoid frost susceptible,
poorly drained soils. The geotechnical
consultant has recently completed additional geotechnical investigations required to support the
preliminary foundation and leach pad design.
Vegetation in wet areas, especially along the William Creek valley, consists of willows and alders.
Drier areas are covered by spruce trees. The property as a whole is below the tree line.
The village of Carmacks is the closest community to the project and has a population of about 450.
The village has a gas station, a hotel and three restaurants. Power is provided by Yukon energy
from the grid and land based phone/internet service is available in the village. Services available
in the community are limited; some small contracting and equipment maintenance shops are in the
area. Pursuant to a recent agreement between Sherwood Copper and Yukon Energy a plan is being
developed to extend the power grid to the north to supply the Minto Mine. This would take the power
line within approximately 10km of the Carmacks property.
The village lies on the Klondike Highway, a paved highway, 175 km north of Whitehorse which
provides the main transportation link in the Yukon. Whitehorse was a mining service center in the
past however in recent years it has become more of a government town. It is probable that many
experienced mining personnel can be hired in Whitehorse although some will have to be sourced
externally. 180 km south of Whitehorse by paved road lies the year-round port of Skagway Alaska. A
narrow gauge railroad from Skagway to Whitehorse (Yukon & White Pass Route railway) has not
operated commercially for several years. Whitehorse has an airport with daily flights to Vancouver
and there is a small airfield used by private aircraft near Carmacks.
History
The first report of copper in this region was made by Dr. G.M. Dawson in 1887 concerning
occurrences at Hoochekoo Bluff, located 12 km north of the property on the Yukon River. In 1898,
the first claims were staked to cover copper showings that were associated with copper bearing
quartz veins located in Williams Creek and Merrice Creek Canyons, east of the present Carmacks
Copper deposit.
In the late 1960s, exploration for porphyry copper deposits in the Dawson Range led to the
discovery of the Casino porphyry copper deposit, 104 km to the northwest. This discovery
precipitated a staking rush that led to the staking of the Williams Creek property in 1970 by G.
Wing and A. Arsenault of Whitehorse. The Dawson Range Joint Venture (Straus Exploration Inc., Great
Plains Development of Canada Ltd., Trojan Consolidated Minerals Ltd., and Molybdenum Corporation of
America) optioned the property and conducted reconnaissance prospecting and geochemical sampling.
Archer, Cathro & Associates Limited, later Archer, Cathro and Associates (1981) Limited, acted as
manager. During the site examination by the Dawson Range Joint Venture, G. Abbott and D. Eaton
located the present No. 1 and No. 2 Zones.
The property was purchased by Western Copper and Thermal Exploration in 1991. Western and Thermal
merged in 1995 to become Western Copper Holdings Ltd.
Geological Setting
The regional geology was described by Bostock in 1936 and more recently by Tempelman-Kluit in 1975,
1980 and 1985.
- 92 -
The Carmacks region lies within the Intermontane Belt, which in the Carmacks map-area is divisible
into the Yukon Cataclastic Terrane, Yukon Crystalline Terrane and Whitehorse Trough.
Units of the Whitehorse Trough lie to the east of the Hoochekoo Fault, east of the Carmacks Copper
Project. The Whitehorse Trough comprises Upper Triassic intermediate to basic volcanic (Povoas
Formation) capped by carbonate reefs (Lewes River Group) and Lower Jurassic greywacke, shale and
conglomerate, derived from the underlying Upper Triassic granitic rocks (Laberge Group).
The Yukon Cataclastic Terrane includes hornblende-biotite-chlorite gneiss with interfoliated
biotite granite gneiss, Permian Selwyn Gneiss, intruded by Upper Triassic Klotassin Suite-Minto
Pluton and Granite Mountain Batholith. Weakly foliated, mesocratic, biotite-hornblende, Granite
Mountain granodiorite contains screens or pendants of strongly foliated
feldspar-biotite-hornblende-quartz gneisses that host the Carmacks Copper deposit.
The Yukon Crystalline Terrane, extensively exposed southwest of the Carmacks Copper deposit,
includes quartz-mica schist with quartzite, marble and amphibolite, Early Palaeozoic age and
possibly equivalent to Pelly Gneiss, intruded by Cretaceous and Jurassic granites and syenites.
Tempelman-Kluit (1985) has included Upper Cretaceous Carmacks Group intermediate to basic volcanic
and Cretaceous Mount Nansen intermediate to acid volcanic and sub-volcanic equivalents in the Yukon
Crystalline Terrane.
Mesozoic strata of the Whitehorse Trough are only exposed in fault contact with the Yukon
Crystalline Terrane and Yukon Cataclastic Terrane, but may rest depositionally on them or certain
of their strata. The relationship between the Yukon Crystalline Terrane and Yukon Cataclastic
Terrane is unknown.
Younger plutonic rocks intrude all three divisions of the Intermontane Belt and the contacts
between them. Carmacks Group and Mount Nansen volcanic overlie portions of all older rocks,
suggesting that they should not be classified in the Yukon Crystalline Terrane, but are younger
rocks that obscure relationships between the older terrane rocks.
The predominant northwest structural trend is represented by the major Hoochekoo, Tatchun and
Teslin faults to the east of the Carmacks Copper Project and the Big Creek Fault to the west. East
to northeast younger faulting is represented by the major Miller Fault to the south of the Carmacks
Copper Project.
Regional Geology
The Carmacks copper-gold deposit lies within the Yukon Cataclastic Terrane. The deposit is hosted
by feldspathic-mafic gneisses (generally quartz deficient) that form a roof pendant within Upper
Triassic hornblende-biotite granodiorite of the Granite Mountain Batholith. The deposit constitutes
the No. 1 Zone, which is one of 14 defined zones containing Cu mineralization known on or in the
immediate vicinity of the property.
Granite Mountain granodiorite is massive in appearance, medium to coarse grained and generally
equigranular. A weak foliation is present, particularly at or near the hanging wall contact of the
gneiss
units. The granodiorite has been separated into five divisions; four based on quartz, biotite,
hornblende and K-feldspar contents and a fifth based on assimilated gneiss.
Petrographic examination indicates Granite Mountain granodiorites have a varied mineralogical
content with areas of silica under-saturation and plagioclase over-saturation. These variations are
probably the result of the assimilation of precursor rock to the gneiss units.
- 93 -
The general lack or very low quartz content and the high mafic content suggest a volcanic origin
for the gneisses. An origin of arkosic sediments derived from a basic volcanic or plutonic regime
could also be
considered, but the poor continuity of rock units down dip weighs against a sedimentary origin. An
andesitic to basaltic pyroclastic volcanic, probably tuffaceous, agglomeratic or breccia precursor
rock is considered the most likely.
Post mineralization aplite and pegmatites are common. They range in thickness from a few
centimetres up to three metres. Quartz veins are uncommon and average two to five centimetres in
thickness. Thin mafic dykes that were feeders for Carmacks Group volcanic are also uncommon. The
only copper mineralization in these dykes and veins is non-sulphide secondary copper in aplite and
pegmatite.
Property Geology
The deposit, as presently defined, is the No. 1 Zone which extends over a 700 m strike length and
at least 450 m down dip. The deposit is open at depth.
Copper-gold mineralization at Carmacks Copper is hosted by feldspathic-biotite-hornblende-quartz
gneisses. These gneisses have been subdivided into nine categories based on coarseness and
biotite-hornblende content. All of the gneisses are silica undersaturated and mafic rich.
The character of the deposit changes along strike leading to a division into northern and southern
halves. The northern half is more regular in thickness, dip angle, width and down dip
characteristics. The southern half splays into irregular intercalations, terminating against
sub-parallel faults down dip. Both the north and south ends of the deposit are offset by
cross-cutting faults. The No. 4 Zone is interpreted as the southern offset extension of the No. 1
Zone. The northern offset has not been identified yet.
In the northern half of the zone, copper grades are higher in the footwall relative to the hanging
wall. Oxide copper grades increase with depth in both the footwall and hanging wall. There is no
association of copper values with rock type, mafic mineral content or grain size.
Gold values are higher in the north half of the deposit. They average 0.022 ounces gold per ton
(0.75 g/tonne) compared with 0.008 ounces gold per ton (0.27 g/tonne) in the south half. There is
no apparent increase in values with depth and the highest grade gold values are not associated with
the highest copper values; however, gold values in the northern half are higher in the footwall
section. This lack of increase in gold values with depth suggests that the gold distribution
reflects a primary distribution rather than a secondary distribution such as oxide copper values.
As with oxide copper, gold content does not correlate with rock type, mafic constituents or grain
size. The majority of the gold occurs in a higher grade zone between section 1700 N and section
1200 N.
Exploration
In 1970, exploration of the No. 1 Zone consisted of bulldozer trenching and the drilling of two
x-ray diamond drill holes totalling 31.4 m. The 1971 work program consisted of soil sampling, EM
and magnetometer geophysical surveys, bulldozer trenching, road construction and 25 diamond drill
holes, totalling 5,552.5 m. In 1972, additional bulldozer trenching and eight diamond drill holes
totalling 1,530.7m were completed. A legal survey was carried out in 1972 over the key claims that
cover most of the known showings, including the No. 1 Zone. The 1970-1974 work was completed by the
Dawson Range Joint Venture not by Western and Thermal, the predecessor companies to Western Copper.
Western and Thermal conducted a major work program in 1991. A total of 3,463.7 m of HQ size diamond
drilling was carried out; 3,401 m in 35 holes on the No. 1 Zone and 62.7 m in 1 hole on the No.
- 94 -
4 Zone. 21 trenches, totalling 1,856.2 m, were cut on the No. 1 and No. 4 Zones. An area of
approximately 1 ha was stripped at the southern end of the No. 1 Zone. A geophysical program,
consisting of electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and magnetic surveys, was carried out on a single grid of 62
survey lines, totalling 83.8 km.
In another major program in 1992, Western and Thermal carried out work on the Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7,
12, 13 and 2000S Zones and on anomalies elsewhere on the property. Extensive metallurgical testing
of drill core from the No. 1 Zone was carried out.
A total of 6,520 m of trenching was conducted on the Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13 and 2000S Zones,
and for condemnation purposes over potential leach pad, waste dump and plant site areas. A total of
856.79 m of reverse circulation drilling in 11 holes was conducted on Nos. 1, 5 and 2000S Zones,
and on geophysical anomalies found in the 1991 survey. Ten HQ size diamond drill holes, totalling
1,005.23 m were drilled, two on No. 1 Zone, two on No. 4 Zone, four on No. 12 Zone and two on No.
13 Zone. One oriented NQ size triple (split) tube diamond drill hole of 157.19 m was drilled on the
No. 1 Zone for geotechnical studies.
Mineralization
The majority of the copper, approximately 86%, in the Carmacks Copper No. 1 Zone is in the form of
the secondary minerals malachite, cuprite, azurite and tenorite (copper limonite) with very minor
other secondary copper minerals (covellite, digenite, djurlite). Other secondary minerals include
limonite, goethite, specular hematite and gypsum. Primary copper mineralization is restricted to
bornite and chalcopyrite. Other primary minerals include magnetite, gold, molybdenite, native
bismuth, bismuthinite, arsenopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite and carbonate. Molybdenite, visible gold,
native bismuth, bismuthinite and arsenopyrite occur rarely.
Alteration minerals that could be considered strictly related to the mineralizing event rather than
weathering or dyke intrusion are not recognizable. Epidotization and potassium feldspathization are
obviously related to pegmatite dyke intrusion which is a post-mineralization event. Clay
(montmorillonite type) and sericite development are clearly weathering products. Silica
introduction, usually as narrow veinlets, is not common and may be related to aplite dyking or
metasomatism. Chloritization of mafics, biotitization of hornblende, rare garnets, carbonate and
possibly anhydrite all appear related to metasomatism and assimilation of precursor rocks to the
gneissic units.
The upper 250 m of the No. 1 Zone is oxidized. Within the oxidized area pyrite is virtually absent
and pyrrhotite is absent. Weathering has resulted in 1% to 3% pore space and the rock is quite
permeable. Secondary copper and iron minerals line and in-fill cavities, from both irregular and
coliform masses, fill fractures and rim sulphides. Primary sulphide minerals and magnetite are
disseminated and form narrow
massive bands or heavy disseminations in bands. Non-copper sulphides are not common in the
weathered zone and are usually intergrown or associated with each other when they do occur. They
most commonly occur in hematite but also occur in copper sulphides and in the gangue minerals.
Gypsum occurs as microveinlets.
Carbonate occurs as pervasive matter, irregular patches or microveinlets, not commonly, but on the
order of 1% where present. Gold occurs as native grains, most commonly in cavities with limonite or
in limonite adjacent to sulphides, but also in malachite, plagioclase, chlorite and rarely in
quartz grains. Gold is rarely greater than 5 microns in size.
Secondary copper mineralization does not appear to be preferential to a particular rock type. In
the north half of the No. 1 Zone, copper mineralization forms high and low grade zones that are
reasonably
- 95 -
consistent both along strike and down dip and these zones transcend lithologic boundaries. Higher
grades tend to form a footwall zone while lower grades form a hanging wall zone.
Primary mineralization, below the zone of oxidation comprises chalcopyrite, bornite, molybdenite,
magnetite, pyrite and pyrrhotite. Primary copper mineralization appears to be zoned from bornite on
the north to chalcopyrite and finally to pyrite and pyrrhotite on the south. Narrow veinlets of
anhydride were found in the deepest drill hole.
Drilling
A total of 80 diamond drill holes and 11 reverse circulation holes, amounting to approximately
12,900 metres of drilling, were produced in the exploration of the property. Five very short holes
totalling 63 meters were also drilled on the property.
Core drilling of the No. 1 Zone utilized BQ size in 1971, NQ size in 1990 and HQ size in 1991 and
1992. Three NQ size holes drilled in 1990 had variable recoveries. Hole 118 recovered virtually
100% of the core, hole 119 averaged in the high 80% range, and the third hole, hole 120 averaged in
the low 90% range. Core recovery for the HQ size holes averaged in the mid to high 90% range.
In 1992, hole 158, NQ size was drilled using the triple (split) tube system. Except for rare
instances where the core tube failed to latch, core recovery was 100%. Friable or broken sections
were more completely recovered using larger diameter core (HQ) and the triple tube system.
The better recovery of the triple tube system over HQ core, in spite of the use of NQ size, is the
result of the core being slightly smaller than normal NQ size, causing less blocking and core
grinding.
Given that the bulk of the mineralization is secondary copper oxides and carbonates deposited in
fractures, voids, pervasive in weathered areas or interstitial to platy silicates, all settings
subject to relatively low recoveries compared to more competent ground, core losses will generally
affect the mineralized sections to a greater degree than non-mineralized areas. Similarly, high
core recoveries will be reflected in higher grades through improved recovery of mineralized
sections. This is best displayed by triple tube core hole 158 which was drilled midway between
holes 137 and 149. Hole 158 intersected 150 feet (45.72 m) averaging 1.15% Cu, including 84 feet
(25.60 m) averaging 1.62% Cu, while holes 137 and 149 encountered 61 feet (18.59 m) averaging 0.84%
Cu and 70 feet (21.34 m) averaging 0.78% Cu, respectively. Both holes 137 and 149 had good
recoveries, in the high 90% range, but the 100% recovery of hole 158 is considered to be
responsible, in part, for the higher grade encountered in hole 158.
Three reverse circulation down-hole hammer holes were drilled on the No. 1 Zone in 1992. They were
drilled to twin diamond drill holes 119 (NQ), 125 (HQ) and 126 (HQ). The purpose of these holes was
to determine if significant quantities of copper mineralization were lost through water circulation
during diamond drilling and to determine if the expected higher recovery of friable or broken
mineralized gneiss in large diameter holes would improve the grade.
The three reverse circulation holes RC-4, RC-5, and RC-6 were drilled dry through the mineralized
section so that no losses to washing could take place. Hole RC-4 twinned HQ-core hole 125 and was
similar in grade and width, 130 feet (39.62 m) averaging 1.40% Cu versus 158 feet (48.16 m)
averaging 1.36% Cu, respectively. Hole RC-5 twinned HQ-core hole 126 and improved the grade, 160
feet (48.77 m) averaging 1.07% Cu versus 146 feet (44.50 m) averaging 0.83% Cu, respectively. Hole
RC-6 twinned NQ-core hole 119 and also improved the grade, 145 feet (44.20 m) averaging 1.11% Cu
versus 163 feet (49.68 m) averaging 0.96% Cu, respectively. Hole 125 recoveries averaged in the mid
90% range while holes 126 and 119 both averaged in the high 80% range. The improved grades in RC-5
and RC-6 suggest
- 96 -
that when core recoveries were below the mid 90% range, grades are possibly understated by diamond
drill results. However, a t-test comparison of reverse circulation holes versus diamond drill holes
indicates there is no statistical difference in the results.
Reverse circulation drilling results were not used in ore reserve calculations.
Sampling and Analysis
Drill core in 1971 and 1990 was sampled in 10 foot (3.05 m) intervals. In 1991 and 1992, drill core
was sampled by rock type for geological information but sampling was largely within 10 foot
intervals to facilitate later statistical analysis of assay data.
Reverse circulation holes were sampled over 5 foot (1.52 m) intervals within the No.1 Zone and for
25 to 50 feet (7.62 m to 15.24 m) on either side of the mineralization. In barren granodiorite, 10
foot samples were collected. Duplicate 12.5% splits were collected with 1 sample for assay and 1
sample kept at the core storage area.
Trenches across the No.1 Zone were cut at 200 foot (60.96 m) centres over the complete zone length
and at 100 foot (30.48 m) centres in three areas: at the northern end, at the south central area
and at the southern end. In areas of structural complexity, additional trenches were excavated
parallel to the zone to uncover cross-cutting structures. All trenches cutting across No.1 Zone
were channel sampled with 5 or 10 foot (1.52 m or 3.05 m) sample lengths. Trenches parallel to the
zone were not sampled.
In 1971 rock assays were performed by Whitehorse Assay Office in Whitehorse. 2 batches of sample
rejects were sent to Chemex in Vancouver for check assays. In the first batch the Chemex results
were 5.9% higher than the originals but the second batch returned values 5.7% lower on average. In
the 1990s programs, trench and drilling samples were sent for analyses to Chemex Labs Ltd. at 212
Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver, B.C. All samples were dried and crushed to better than 60%
minus 10 mesh. An appropriate size split then underwent Cr-steel ring pulverization until >90%
was minus 150 mesh size.
Total copper is assayed by HCIO4 HNO3 digestion followed by Atomic
Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) with a 0.01% detection limit. Non-sulphide copper was assayed by
dilute H2SO4 digestion followed by AAS with a 0.01% detection limit. Gold was
assayed by 1/2 assay ton fire assay followed by AAS with a 0.002 ounces per ton (0.0686 g/tonne)
detection limit and an upper limit of 20 ounces per ton (685.71
g/tonne). Silver was assayed by aqua regia digestion followed by AAS with a 0.01 ounces per ton
(0.34 g/tonne) detection limit and an upper limit of 20 ounces per ton (685.71 g/tonne).
All 1990 to 1992 drill samples were assayed for total copper, non-sulphide copper, gold and silver.
Most trench samples were assayed for the same elements but a few peripheral trench samples were not
assayed for non-sulphide copper, gold or silver. In 1971, any drill sample without obvious copper
oxides or carbonates was not assayed for non-sulphide copper and deeper intercepts were generally
not assayed for gold or silver.
It is evident from the analytical techniques that what is reported in this report as oxide copper
or non-sulphide copper is actually weak acid soluble copper. The total copper results are total
copper however there are some non-sulphide minerals which are not weak acid soluble and therefore
the terminology used elsewhere is not exactly correct. That said, however, the weak acid soluble
copper is the portion recoverable using acid heap leach technology proposed for the Carmacks Copper
Project.
- 97 -
Security of Samples
Standard sample handling practices of the era were used on the property, no special security
precautions were observed in the sampling and analysis of the mineralization from the deposit. No
irregularities were found and some check assays were performed.
Historical Mineral Resources
The following disclosure consists of excerpts quoted from the Feasibility Study by Kilborn in 1995
and contains historical estimates of resources from the Feasibility Study. These historical
estimates were made prior to the inception of NI 43-101 and have not been verified as mineral
resources pursuant to NI 43-101, are not being treated as current mineral resources as defined in
NI 43-101 and should not be relied upon. While Western considers these estimates to be relevant, it
has not verified the estimates in accordance with NI 43-101 and therefore cannot confirm that the
exact calculations of the resources are reliable. The key assumptions, parameters and methods that
were used to prepare the historical estimates are set out below. Many of the categories discussed
in the excerpts below use non-compliant resource that were common at the time of writing.
a. Polygonal Model
Polygonal modelling was carried out by first creating polygons in the vertical plane on each
section line where trenching and diamond drilling was conducted. These polygons were assigned
grades according to the trench or drill hole intercepts. The areas of the polygons were then
calculated and distance-weighted with the adjacent sections to give a tonnage between sections. The
tonnages were then totalled.
b. Block Model
Geological in-situ resources (not current CIM resource category) for the No. 1 Zone were calculated
by developing a block model and then using three-dimensional kriging.
Using GEOMODEL software, plans were generated every 30 feet (9.14 m) vertically from the 1,885 foot
(574.55 m) elevation, to a plane 200 feet (60.96 m) above the highest known surface elevation on
the No.
1 Zone. These plans were generated from the cross-sections that were constructed to calculate the
geological resource by polygonal method, and were established at the mid-point of each 30 foot
(9.14 m) bench. Polygons were then digitized outlining the copper mineralization in gneiss and,
separately, the seepage copper mineralization in granodiorite. The two types of mineralization were
identified and the polygons were then exported to PC-MINE software.
In PC-MINE software, a block model was constructed with a 30 foot (9.14 m) block height, a 30 foot
(9.14 m) block width and a 50 foot (15.24 m) block length. A partial block model was chosen to
allow for better identification between copper mineralization in gneiss and seepage mineralization
in granodiorite. Within the model, separate models were built for waste rock type and density,
percent ore, total copper grade and variance, oxide copper grade and variance, gold grade and
variance, topography and economics.
Grades for total copper and oxide copper were calculated by ordinary three-dimensional kriging
based upon the semi-variogram parameters for each type of copper. As the gold semi-variograms were
not satisfactory, gold grades were calculated by inverse distance. Multivariate statistics showed
that gold had
a higher coefficient of correlation with total copper than with oxide copper so the same parameters
used for total copper grade interpolation were used for gold grade interpolation.
- 98 -
Grades were interpolated for each block with the following restrictions:
|
|
|
only composite samples within 200 feet (60.96 m) of the block centre were to be used; |
|
|
|
|
a minimum of three composite samples within the search area were required to calculate
a grade for that block; |
|
|
|
|
a maximum of ten composite samples were used to calculate the block grade and if more
were present they were sorted by a distance weighting factor and only the closest ten were
used; |
|
|
|
|
samples to be used were also restricted by rock type, i.e., only mineralized gneiss
samples were used for grade interpolations of gneissic material and only seepage
mineralization was used for grade interpolations of seepage copper in granodiorite; |
|
|
|
|
any assay sample with an assay reported below detection limits was assigned a zero
value; |
|
|
|
|
any interval with a missing sample length was left out rather than assigned an average
value of zero; |
|
|
|
|
all composite samples with zeros were used in the interpolation of grades by kriging or
inverse distance. |
At various stages, the models were checked to ensure the correctness of rock type assignments and
grade interpolations. Cross-sections with drill holes and trenches with 30 foot (9.14 m) composite
grades, reserve polygons and block grades were plotted and compared to the model.
c. Polygonal Resources (not current CIM resource category)
Global geological resources (not current CIM resource category) to an elevation of 1,300 feet
(396.24 m) were calculated using the polygonal method with PC-EXPLOR and GEOMODEL software. A
resource of No. 1 Zone was estimated to be 22.05 million tons (20.0 million tonnes) grading 1.06%
total copper, 0.013 ounces gold per ton (0.446 g/tonne) and 0.086 ounces silver per ton (2.949
g/tonne) at a 0.50% total copper cutoff grade.
d. Kriged Resources (not current CIM resource category)
In-situ geological resources (not current CIM resource category) were calculated to an elevation of
1,885 feet (574.55 m) using the block model with ordinary three-dimensional kriging. These
resources are shown at three different cutoff grades in the following table:
IN-SITU GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES (not current CIM resource category) TO 1,885 FEET (574.55 M)
ELEVATION
Measured and Indicated
30 Foot Block Model
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grade |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
Cutoff Grade |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Copper |
|
Oxide Copper |
|
Gold |
|
Gold |
|
Total Copper |
Tons |
|
Tonnes |
|
(%) |
|
(%) |
|
oz/ton |
|
g/tonne |
|
(%) |
12,984,240 |
|
|
11,779,104 |
|
|
|
1.195 |
|
|
|
0.911 |
|
|
|
0.016 |
|
|
|
0.549 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
15,867,140 |
|
|
14,394,427 |
|
|
|
1.096 |
|
|
|
0.829 |
|
|
|
0.014 |
|
|
|
0.480 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
- 99 -
In addition to the tabulated resources there are 1,260,880 tons (1,143,851 tonnes) without an
assigned total copper value which are classified as inferred resources. This inferred resource is
mainly seepage oxide copper in the granodiorite to the footwall and hanging wall gneiss.
Block model resources (not current CIM resource category) were calculated using a maximum 200 foot
(60.96 m) search radius for each block calculation and then classified as measured and indicated.
Resources within the inferred classification were calculated from search radius greater than 200
feet (60.96 m).
The previous section in italics is excerpts quoted from Kilborns 1995 Feasibility Study on the
Carmacks Copper Project.
Historical Mineral Reserves
The following historical estimates shown below in italics were made prior to the inception of NI
43-101 and have not been verified as mineral reserves pursuant to NI 43-101, are not being treated
as current mineral reserves as defined in NI 43-101 and should not be relied upon. While Western
considers these estimates to be relevant, it has not verified the estimates in accordance with NI
43-101 and therefore cannot confirm that the calculations of the mineral reserves are reliable.
In the Basic Engineering Report, the mineral reserve is estimated at 13.3 million tonnes, with an
average grade of 0.97% total copper at a cutoff grade of 0.29% total copper and a mining dilution
of 10%.
No recent estimate has been made that would take into account more recent price structures. This
will be the focus of a new Technical Report to be commissioned.
Exploration and Development
No exploration is in progress at present and no further exploration is contemplated in the near
future. A thorough examination of previous exploration work will be undertaken to determine if
further exploration is merited.
Metallurgical testing on Carmacks samples began in 1989 and has continued intermittently to the
present on samples extracted from trenches and from drill core. The various bottle roll and column
tests that were undertaken between 1989 and 1996 account for 47 bottle roll tests and 21 column
tests were designed to test the leach kinetics, the acid consumption, the optimum crush size and
the total copper extraction. The results lead to the conclusion that an overall copper recovery of
80%, with a 19mm crush size was achievable.
A pilot plant operation was conducted which served the purpose of confirming that heap leach
operations could be successfully operated under the prevailing winter conditions of the Yukon
Territory. This has been upheld further, by more recently, by the full scale operations at the
Brewery Creek mine.
In 2004 work commenced on a series of 11 small scale column tests that were designed to test the
application of a process which generates sulphuric acid by the biological oxidation of sulphur. In
general, at equivalent crush sizes, the columns employing the bioacid process achieved similar
extraction to the control column but more rapidly.
Four of these columns were selected to test scenarios for decommissioning the heap on closure.
Using varying applications of fresh water flush and sodium carbonate rinse, the columns all showed
that the pH
- 100 -
could be reduced to the 8 9 range and the dissolved metals could be reduces to levels within the
MMERs.
Based on the apparent success of this test work two further large scale columns (12 x 30) have
been started to test the scaling up the work. This work has just been initiated and no results are
available at the time of the Technical Report.
The Carmacks Copper Project is planned to be developed as a seasonal open pit mining operation to
mine an average of 28,400 tonnes (ore and waste) per day on a seven day per week, 24 hours per day
operation. The mine will be operated for 300 days of the year and will be shut down for the
remaining two months, most likely January and February, when winter temperatures are extreme.
Copper is planned to be extracted from the ore using conventional acid heap leach technology
followed by solvent extraction for concentration of the resulting copper sulphate solutions and
electrowinning (SX-EW) for the recovery of product cathode copper metal.
The design processing rate of 8,400 tonnes of ore per day or 1,739,100 tonnes of ore per year is
based on the production of 39 tonnes of copper per day or 14,310 tonnes of copper per year from an
oxide ore grading 0.99% copper. Copper recovery, using a 120 day leach cycle, is approximately
74.7% with ultimate recovery of 80%. Solution processing facilities including solution flow to the
heap, solvent extraction and electrowinning will operate year round.
The capital cost estimated in the Basic Engineering Report was $93,106,482 (Canadian) including
indirects and contingencies. Total operating costs including transportation of the cathodes was
estimated at $0.77 per pound of copper produced. Based on a 68%/32% debt equity ratio and a
US$1.05/lb copper, the financial evaluation calculated an after-tax internal rate of return of 9.5%
and an NPV @ 10% discount of $3,358,000. The exchange rate of the time was assumed to be US$1.00 =
CAN$1.40.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Since the time of the Basic Engineering report Western has initiated some preliminary testwork to
investigate the potential to generate sulphuric acid using the biological oxidation of elemental
sulphur. The elemental sulphur would be agglomerated within the ore prior to placing on the pad,
along with a bio-acid which would contain the bacteria to oxidize the sulphur. The bio-acid
could be generated on site in reactor vessels and would obviate the need to produce sulphuric acid
from a sulphur burner as envisaged in the basic engineering report.
This testwork on bio-acid leaching has revealed another possible process improvement which is only
just beginning to be investigated. Direct electrowinning of low grade metal solutions is a
relatively new process but one that appears to offer several advantages for the project. If found
to be applicable to this project it could potentially eliminate the need for an Solvent Extraction
plant, to purify and concentrate the pregnant
liquor solution from the heap leach pad prior to electrowinning. Tests to investigate the potential
for this option are planned as part of the large scale column testing.
Work performed on the project prior to the suspension of activities in 1998 clearly demonstrated a
viable resource and economic development scenario at that time.
Further test work on the leaching process indicates the possibility of improvements to the process
previously studied, resulting in lower capital and operating costs. The possibility of access to
low cost power offers further opportunity in terms of operating and capital costs.
- 101 -
Economic conditions have changed significantly since 1998. Factors affecting construction and
operating costs have risen significantly. Along with this, the demand for copper, and with this the
price of copper, has changed favourably.
It is the recommendation of the Technical Report that Western Copper proceed with its plans to
produce a full feasibility level report, meeting the requirements of NI 43-101, incorporating the
latest metallurgical information and current economic conditions.
A Phase I budget of $1.25 million, for the 18 months following the date of this report, has been
established to complete ongoing permitting work, metallurgical testing and Feasibility Study work
including an updated resource estimate and preliminary engineering work.
PRO FORMA AVAILABLE FUNDS
Western Copper expects to have approximately $38 million working capital transferred to it by
Western upon completion of the Arrangement.
USE OF AVAILABLE FUNDS
Western Copper expects to use the available funds over the next 18 months as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum |
|
Carmacks Copper Project (1): |
|
|
|
|
Update mineral resources |
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
Update Feasibility Study |
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
Continuation of environment assessment and
permit application support |
|
$ |
175,000 |
|
Large column met test including detoxification |
|
$ |
75,000 |
|
Begin preliminary engineering |
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
To pay estimated administrative expenses |
|
$ |
3,520,000 |
|
Unallocated working capital |
|
$ |
33,990,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL: |
|
$ |
38,760,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
(1) See Properties Carmacks Copper Project.
(2) Subject to adjustment as described under Arrangement.
Western Copper will spend the funds available to it on completion of the Arrangement to carry out
its ongoing permitting work, metallurgical testing and Feasibility Study work as set out under
Property. There may be circumstances where, for sound business reasons, a re-allocation of funds
may be necessary.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets out selected pro forma financial information for Western Copper, assuming
completion of the Arrangement as of December 31, 2005, and should be considered in conjunction with
the more complete information contained in the unaudited pro forma financial statements of Western
Copper attached as Schedule C1 to this Information Circular.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at December 31, 2005 |
Working Capital |
|
$ |
38,760,000 |
|
Mineral Properties |
|
$ |
4,423,514 |
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
43,293,841 |
|
Total Shareholders Equity |
|
$ |
43,293,841 |
|
- 102 -
Refer also to the audited financial statements of the business of Western Copper as at December 31,
2005 attached as Schedule C2 and the audited financial statements of Western Copper as at March
20, 2006 attached as Schedule C3 to this Information Circular.
AUTHORIZED AND ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL
The authorized capital of Western Copper consists of
1. |
|
an unlimited number of common shares without par value, none of which are issued; |
|
2. |
|
an unlimited number of Class A Voting shares, par value $0.00001 each,
100,000,000 of which are issued and outstanding as fully paid and non-assessable shares as at the date of this Information Circular, and |
|
3. |
|
an unlimited number of preferred shares without par value, issuable in series,
none of which are issued. |
Upon completion of the Arrangement and assuming there are (i) 48,864,680 Western Shares issued and
outstanding at the time of the Arrangement; and (ii) no further share issues by Western, Western
Copper will issue approximately 48,864,680 Western Copper Shares to acquire the Western Shares and
reserve a further approximately 2,394,901 Western Copper Shares for issue upon exercise of Western
Options resulting in approximately 2,394,901 Western Copper Shares being issued and outstanding. In
addition, pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement, all issued Class A Voting shares, which are
equal to the Western Copper Shares except that they are par value, will be redeemed and cancelled
by Western Copper.
Holders of Western Copper Shares are entitled to one vote per share at all meetings of Western
Copper Shareholders. Holders of Western Copper Shares are entitled to receive a pro rata share of
the assets of Western Copper available for distribution to holders of Western Copper Shares in the
event of liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up of Western Copper. All Western Copper Shares rank pari passu, each with
the other, as to all benefits, which might accrue to the holders of Western Copper Shares.
The preferred shares may have such authorized number, designation and special rights and
restrictions including as to dividends, cancellation or redemption, conversion or exchange and
retraction as may be fixed by the directors from time to time. The preferred shares shall, with
respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up of the Western Copper, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other
distribution of the assets of the Western Copper among its shareholders for the purpose of winding
up its affairs, rank on a parity with the preferred shares of every other series and be entitled to
preference over shares ranking junior to the preferred shares. Holders of preferred shares shall
not be entitled to receive notice of and to attend all annual and special meetings of shareholders
of Western Copper, except for meetings at which any holders of a specified class or series are
entitled to vote, and to one vote in respect of each preferred share held at all such meetings.
OPTIONS AND OTHER RIGHTS TO PURCHASE SHARES
Stock Options
The Board of Directors of Western Copper adopted a stock option plan (the Plan) on March 24,
2006. The Plan provides that, subject to the requirements of the TSX, the aggregate number of
securities reserved for issuance, set aside and made available for issuance under the Plan will be
10% of the number of common shares of Western Copper issued and outstanding, from time to time,
which would be
- 103 -
4,886,468 common shares of Western Copper assuming an issued capital of 48,864,680 Western Copper
Shares upon completion of the Plan of Arrangement.
The purpose of the Plan is to attract and motivate directors, officers, employees of and service
providers to the Issuer and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Optionees) and thereby advance
Western Coppers interests by affording such persons with an opportunity to acquire an equity
interest in Western Copper through the stock options. The Plan authorizes the Board of Directors
(or Compensation Committee) to grant stock options to the Optionees on the following terms:
1. |
|
The number of shares subject to each stock option is determined by the board of
directors of Western Copper (or the compensation committee) provided that the
Plan, together with all other previously established or proposed share
compensation arrangements, may not result in: |
|
a. |
|
the number of common shares of
Western Copper reserved for issuance
pursuant to stock options granted to
insiders exceeding 10% of the
outstanding issue; or |
|
|
b. |
|
the issuance, to insiders of Western
Copper of a number of common shares
of Western Copper exceeding, within
a one year period, 10% of the
outstanding issue; or |
|
|
c. |
|
the issuance, to any one insider of
Western Copper and such insiders
associates, of a number of common shares of Western Copper exceeding,
within a one year period, 5% of the
outstanding issue. |
2. |
|
The outstanding issue is determined on the basis of the number of common shares
of Western Copper outstanding immediately prior to any share issuance,
excluding shares issued pursuant to share compensation arrangements over the
preceding one-year period. |
|
3. |
|
The maximum number of common shares of Western Copper which may be issued
pursuant to stock options granted under the Plan, unless otherwise approved by
shareholders, is 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares at the time of
the grant. Any increase in the issued and outstanding common shares of Western
Copper will result in an increase in the available number of common shares of
Western Copper issuable under the Plan, and any exercises of stock options will
make new grants available under the Plan. |
|
4. |
|
The Plan must be approved and ratified by shareholders every three years. |
|
5. |
|
The exercise price of an option may not be set at less than the closing price
of the common shares of Western Copper on the TSX on the trading day
immediately preceding the date of grant of the option. |
|
6. |
|
The options may be exercisable for a period of up to seven years, such period
and any vesting schedule to be determined by the board of directors of Western
Copper (or compensation committee) of Western Copper, and are non-assignable,
except in certain circumstances. |
|
7. |
|
The options can be exercised by the Optionee as long as the Optionee is a
director, officer, employee or service provider to Western Copper or its
subsidiaries or within a period of not more than 30 days after ceasing to be a
director, officer, employee or service provider or, if the Optionee dies,
within one year from the date of the Optionees death. |
|
8. |
|
On the receipt of a takeover bid, issuer bid, going private transaction or
change of control, any unvested options shall be immediately exercisable. |
- 104 -
9. |
|
The directors of Western Copper may from time to time in the absolute discretion of the
directors amend, modify and change the provisions of an option or the Plan without obtaining
approval of shareholders to: |
|
a. |
|
make amendments of a housekeeping nature; |
|
|
b. |
|
change vesting provisions; |
|
|
c. |
|
change termination provisions for an insider provided that the expiry date does
not extend beyond the original expiry date; |
|
|
d. |
|
change termination provisions which does extend beyond the original expiry date
for an Optionee who is not an insider; |
|
|
e. |
|
reduce the exercise price of an option for an Optionee who is not an insider; |
|
|
f. |
|
implement a cashless exercise feature, payable in cash or securities, provided
that such feature provides for a full deduction of the number of shares from the
number of common shares reserved under the Plan; and |
|
|
g. |
|
make any other amendments of a non-material nature which are approved by the TSX. |
All other amendments will require approval of shareholders and the TSX.
The full text of the Plan will be available for review at the Meeting.
Warrants
Glamis will receive a share purchase warrant from Western Copper providing for the acquisition of
5% of the fully-diluted Western Copper Shares as at the time of the closing of the Arrangement,
over a two year term at a price per Western Copper Share of $3.50. The warrant will be
non-transferable, the shares issuable upon exercise thereof will be subject to a voting trust in
favour of Western Copper and there will be orderly sale conditions in respect of Western Copper
Shares acquired under the warrant, including the obligation to give 30 days prior notification to
Western Copper of Glamis intent to sell such shares and Western Copper having the right to find
buyers for the shares to be sold.
PRIOR SALES
Western Copper has issued 100,000,000 Class A Shares to Western. These Class A Shares will be
redeemed by Western Copper at the completion of the Arrangement and will be cancelled.
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
Western Copper Shares do not trade on any stock exchange.
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES POST ARRANGEMENT
To the knowledge of the directors and officers of Western and Western Copper, at the completion of
the Arrangement, no person will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or
direction over, shares carrying more than 10% of voting rights attached to each class of the then
outstanding Western Copper Shares.
- 105 -
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
If the Arrangement completes, the board of directors of Western Copper will consist of the
following named persons, all of whom are existing directors and officers of Western. Information
respecting the Western Copper directors and officers is provided below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name, Position and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipality of |
|
|
|
No. of |
|
|
Residence(1)(2) |
|
Principal Occupation |
|
Securities(3) |
|
Percentage(4) |
Dale Corman |
|
Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
Chair, CEO, President |
|
of Western. |
|
500,000 |
|
1.0% |
and Director
Vancouver, Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Klaus Zeitler |
|
President of Amerigo Resources Ltd., formerly |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
Senior Vice-president, Teck Cominco Limited. |
|
10,000 |
|
0.02% |
West Vancouver, BC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Gayton |
|
Chartered Accountant; Vice-President Finance |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
of Western (1995 to January 2004); financial |
|
|
|
|
West Vancouver, BC |
|
consultant to the mineral exploration and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
technology industries since 1990. |
|
12,900 |
|
0.02% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brent Kinney |
|
Petroleum lawyer, director of Husky Energy, |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
Inc. and Dragon Oil PLC, President of Sky |
|
|
|
|
Dubai, UAE |
|
Petroleum Inc. |
|
Nil |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Williams |
|
President of Roxborough Holdings Limited, a |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
private company, since 1995. |
|
364,800(5) |
|
0.75% |
Ontario, Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonathan Clegg |
|
VP Engineering of Western. |
|
Nil |
|
N/A |
VP Engineering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vancouver, BC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Julien Francois, |
|
Chartered Accountant, Controller of Western. |
|
Nil |
|
N/A |
CFO, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vancouver, BC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corey M. Dean |
|
Partner with DuMoulin Black LLP.(6) |
|
Nil |
|
N/A |
Corporate Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richmond, Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The information as to residence and principal occupation, not being within the knowledge
of Western Copper, has been furnished by the respective directors and officers
individually. |
|
(2) |
|
Directors serve until the earlier of the next annual general meeting or their resignation. |
|
(3) |
|
The information as to securities beneficially owned or over which a director or officer
will exercises control or direction, not being within the knowledge of Western Copper,
has been furnished by the respective directors and officers individually based on
shareholdings in Western as of the date of this Information Circular. |
|
(4) |
|
Assuming 48,864,680 Western Copper Shares are issued pursuant to the Arrangement. |
|
(5) |
|
100,000 of these shares are held by Roxborough Holdings, a private company controlled by
Mr. Williams. 74,800 of these shares are held by Seed Foundation, a private company
controlled by Mr. Williams. |
|
(6) |
|
DuMoulin Black LLP is corporate and securities counsel to Western and to Western Copper.
Upon the completion of the Arrangement, it is expected the directors and senior offices as a group,
will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over an aggregate
of approximately 887,700 Western Copper Shares representing approximately 1.8% of the issued
Western Copper Shares. |
- 106 -
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in this Information Circular, the following factors
should be considered carefully when considering risks related to Western Copper.
There is no assurance that the Arrangement will complete
There is no assurance that the Arrangement will receive regulatory, court or shareholder approval
or will complete. If the Arrangement does not complete, Western Copper will remain a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Western. If the Arrangement does complete, Western Shareholders who will receive
Western Copper Shares will be subject to the risk factors described below.
Investment in Western Copper Shares is inherently risky and there is no assurance of listing on a
stock exchange
Western Copper Shares are not currently listed on any stock exchange and there is no assurance that
the shares will be listed. Until the Western Copper Shares are listed on a stock exchange, Western
Copper Shareholders may not be able to sell their Western Copper Shares. Even if a listing is
obtained, the holding of Western Copper Shares will involve a high degree of risk and should be
undertaken only by investors whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such
risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. Western Copper Shares
should not be purchased by persons who cannot afford the possibility of the loss of their entire
investment. Furthermore, an investment in securities of Western Copper should not constitute a
major portion of an investors portfolio.
Western Copper has no history of operations, earnings or dividends
Western Copper has not yet commenced operations and therefore has no history of earnings or of a
return on investment, and there is no assurance that any of its properties that it will acquire
pursuant to the Arrangement or otherwise will generate earnings, operate profitably or provide a
return on investment in the future. Western Copper has no plans to pay dividends. The future
dividend policy of Western Copper will be determined by its board of directors.
There is no assurance that Western Copper will be able to obtain additional financing
While Western Copper will have, on completion of the Arrangement, sufficient financial resources to
undertake its currently planned exploration and development programs, if Western Coppers proposed
exploration programs are successful, additional funds will be required for the development of an
economic mineral body and to place it in commercial production. The only sources of future funds
available to Western Copper are the sale of equity capital, or the offering by Western Copper of an
interest in its properties to be earned by another party or parties carrying out exploration or
development thereof. There is no assurance that any such funds will be available for operations.
Failure to obtain additional financing on a timely basis could cause Western Copper to reduce or
terminate its proposed operations.
Resource exploration and development involves a high degree of risk
Resource exploration and development is a speculative business and involves a high degree of risk.
There is no known body of commercial ore on Western Coppers properties. There is no certainty that
the expenditures to be made by Western Copper in the exploration of the its properties or otherwise
will result in discoveries of commercial quantities of minerals. The marketability of natural
resources which may be acquired or discovered by Western Copper will be affected by numerous
factors beyond the control of Western Copper. These factors include market fluctuations, the
proximity and capacity of
- 107 -
natural resource markets and processing equipment, government regulations, including regulations
relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals
and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but
the combination of these factors may result in Western Copper not receiving any or an adequate
return on invested capital.
Future issuances of securities will dilute shareholder interests
Issuances of additional securities including, but not limited to, its common stock pursuant to any
financing and otherwise, will result in a substantial dilution of the equity interests of any
persons who may become Western Copper Shareholders as a result of or subsequent to the Arrangement.
Western Copper is subject to risks respecting development and production activities
Unusual or unexpected formations, formation pressures, fires, power outages, labour disruptions,
flooding, explosions, cave-ins, landslides and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate
machinery, equipment or labour are other risks involved in extraction operations and the conduct of
exploration programs. Although Western Copper expects to carry liability insurance with respect to
its mineral exploration operations, Western Copper may become subject to liability for damage to
life and property, environmental damage, cave-ins or hazards against which it cannot insure or
against which it may elect not to insure.
Western Copper is expected to be a passive foreign investment company for United States federal
income tax purposes
It is expected that Western Copper will be a passive foreign investment company for United States
Federal income tax purposes until it generates sufficient revenue from its mineral exploration and
extraction activities. If Western Silver is a passive foreign investment company, any gain
recognized by a U.S. Holder upon a sale or other disposition of Western Copper Shares may be
ordinary (rather than capital), and any resulting United States federal income tax may be increased
by an interest charge. Rules similar to those applicable to dispositions generally will apply to
certain excess distributions in respect of a Western Copper Share.
Fluctuation of mineral prices may adversely affect Western Coppers financial results
Factors beyond the control of Western Copper may affect the marketability of any ore or minerals
discovered at and extracted from Western Coppers properties. Resource prices have fluctuated
widely, particularly in recent years, and are affected by numerous factors which will be beyond
Western Coppers control including international economic and political trends, inflation, currency
exchange fluctuations, interest rates, global or regional consumption patterns, speculative
activities and increased production due to new and improved extraction and production methods. The
effect of these factors cannot accurately be predicted.
Title to Western Coppers properties or interests may be disputed
The acquisition of title to resource properties or interests therein is a very detailed and
time-consuming process. Title to and the area of resource concessions may be disputed. There is no
guarantee of title to any of Western Coppers properties. The properties may be subject to prior
unregistered agreements or transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects. Title may be
based upon interpretation of a countrys laws, which laws may be ambiguous, inconsistently applied
and subject to reinterpretation or change. Western Copper has not definitively surveyed the
boundaries of any of its mineral properties and consequently the
boundaries of the properties may be disputed. Western Copper may be unable to operate its
properties as permitted or to enforce its rights with respect to its properties.
- 108 -
Environmental regulations may adversely affect Western Coppers projects
Western Coppers operations will be subject to environmental regulations promulgated by various
Mexican government agencies from time to time. Violation of existing or future environmental rules
may result in various fines and penalties.
Political, economic and social conditions may adversely affect Western Coppers investments
Western Coppers investments may be adversely affected by political, economic and social
uncertainties which could have a material adverse effect on Western Coppers results of operations
and financial condition. Certain areas in which Western may acquire properties have experienced and
may continue to experience local political unrest and disruption by the indigenous peoples which
could potentially affect Western Coppers projects. Changes in leadership, social or political
disruption or unforeseen circumstances affecting political, economic and social structure could
adversely affect Western Coppers property interests or restrict its operations. Western Coppers
mineral exploration and development activities may be affected by changes in government regulations
relating to the mining industry and may include regulations on production, price controls, labour,
export controls, income taxes, expropriation of property, environmental legislation and safety
factors.
Statutory and regulatory compliance is complex and may result in delay or curtailment of Company
operations
The current and future operations of Western Copper will be governed by laws and regulations
governing mineral concession acquisition, prospecting, development, mining, production, exports,
taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use,
environmental protection, mine safety and other matters. Companies engaged in exploration
activities often experience increased costs and delays in production and other schedules as a
result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. Western Copper will
apply for all necessary permits for the exploration work it intends to conduct, however such
permits are, as a practical matter, subject to the discretion of government authorities and there
can be no assurance that Western Copper will be successful in obtaining or maintaining such
permits. Further, there can be no assurance that all permits which Western Copper may require for
future exploration or development will be obtainable on reasonable terms or on a timely basis, or
that such laws and regulations would not have an adverse effect on any project which Western Copper
may undertake.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits may result in enforcement actions
thereunder, including the forfeiture of claims, orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities
requiring operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring
capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or costly remedial actions. Western
Copper may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of its mineral
exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of
such laws, regulations and permits. Western Copper is not currently covered by any form of
environmental liability insurance. See Risks associated with Western Coppers activities may not
be insurable., below.
Existing and possible future laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of
exploration companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse
impact on
Western Copper and cause increases in capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in
exploration.
- 109 -
Risks associated with Western Coppers activities may not be insurable
Western Coppers business will be subject to a number of risks and hazards and no assurance can be
given that insurance to cover the risks to which Western Coppers activities will be subject will
be available at all or at commercially reasonable premiums. Western Copper expects to maintain
insurance within ranges of coverage which it believes to be consistent with industry practice for
companies of a similar stage of development. Western Copper expects to carry liability insurance
with respect to its mineral exploration operations, but is not currently covered by any form of
political risk insurance or any form of environmental liability insurance, since insurance against
political risks and environmental risks (including liability for pollution) or other hazards
resulting from exploration and development activities is prohibitively expensive. The payment of
any such liabilities would reduce the funds available to Western Copper. If Western Copper is
unable to fully fund the cost of remedying an environmental problem, it might be required to
suspend operations or enter into costly interim compliance measures pending completion of a
permanent remedy.
There is substantial competition for mineral deposits where Western Copper intends to conduct its
operations
Significant and increasing competition exists for mineral deposits in each of the jurisdictions in
which Western Copper intends to conduct operations. As a result of this competition, much of which
is with large established mining companies with substantially greater financial and technical
resources than Western Copper, Western Copper may be unable to acquire additional attractive mining
claims or financing on terms it considers acceptable. Western Copper will also be competing with
other mining companies in the recruitment and retention of qualified employees. Consequently,
Western Coppers operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Western Copper depends on key management and employees
Western Coppers development depends on the efforts of key members of management and employees.
Loss of any of these people could have a material adverse effect on Western Copper. Western Copper
intends to have employment and consulting agreements with its key members of management, which will
provide, among other things, that either party may terminate on a minimum of 30 days notice.
Western Copper does not expect to have key person insurance with respect to any of its key
employees.
Western Coppers shares, if listed on a stock exchange, may experience price volatility
Securities markets have a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of
securities of many companies have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily
been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies.
Factors unrelated to the financial performance or prospects of Western Copper include macroeconomic
developments in North America and globally, and market perceptions of the attractiveness of
particular industries. Western Coppers share price (if the shares are listed on a stock exchange)
financial condition and results of operations are all also likely to be significantly affected by
short-term changes in gold, silver, copper, lead or zinc prices. There can be no assurance that
continual fluctuations in metal prices will not occur. As a result of any of these factors, the
market price of the Western Shares at any given point in time may not accurately reflect Western
Coppers long-term value.
Western Copper may encounter difficulties in conducting its business through foreign subsidiaries
Western Copper is a holding company that will be conducting its business through foreign
subsidiaries, joint ventures and divisions, and substantially all of its assets are held in such
entities. Accordingly, any
- 110 -
limitation on the transfer of cash or other assets between Western Copper and its subsidiaries, or
among its subsidiaries, could restrict Western Coppers ability to fund operations efficiently. Any
such limitations, or the perception that such limitations may exist now or in the future, could
have an adverse impact on Western Coppers valuation and share price.
Risks associated with conflicts of interest
Certain of the directors and officers of Western Copper also serve as directors and/or officers of
other companies or other managerial positions involved or related to natural resource exploration
and development and consequently there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be
in a position of conflict. Any decision made by any of such directors and officers involving
Western Copper will be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to deal fairly and in
good faith with a view to the best interests of Western Copper and its shareholders. In addition,
each of the directors is required to declare and refrain from voting on any matter in which such
directors may have a conflict of interest in accordance with the procedures set forth in the
Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and other applicable laws.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WESTERN COPPER AND PROFESSIONAL PERSONS
There is to the knowledge of the directors and officers of Western Copper, no beneficial interest,
direct or indirect (greater than a 1% interest), in any securities or in any property of Western
Copper or of an associate or affiliate of Western Copper, to be held by a professional person as
referred to in Section 106(2) of the Rules under the Securities Act (British Columbia) upon
completion of the Arrangement.
AUDITORS
The auditors, of Western Copper are PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, of Suite
700, 250 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3S7.
EXPERTS
Information of an economic (including economic analysis), scientific or technical nature in respect
of the Companys Carmacks Copper Project is contained in this Information Circular based upon the
Technical Report entitled Carmacks Copper Project dated March 31, 2006 which was prepared by
George Cavey, P. Geo., David Gunning, P. Eng. (both of OreQuest Consulting Ltd.) and Jonathan
Clegg, P. Eng. (VP Engineering, Western Copper), each of whom is a qualified person for the
purposes of NI 43-101.
With respect to the pro forma financial statements of Western Copper included herein, the
independent chartered accountants have reported that they applied limited procedures in accordance
with Canadian professional standards for preparation of a compilation report. However, their
separate compilation report included herein states that they are unable to express any opinion in
accordance with standards of reporting generally accepted in the United States with respect to the
compilation of the accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information. Accordingly, the degree
of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. The accountants may not be
subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the U.S. Securities Act for their report on
the pro forma financial information and the related comments for the United States readers on
differences between Canadian and United States reporting standards because that report is not a
report or a part of the registration statement prepared or certified by the accountants within
the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the U.S. Securities Act.
The above noted experts have advised Western Copper that they, as a group, beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, less than one percent of the outstanding Western Copper Shares.
- 111 -
The audited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into this Information
Circular have been included in reliance upon the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered
Accountants, also incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of such firm as experts
in accounting and auditing.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has advised the Company that it is independent within the meaning of the
Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia and
within the meaning of the securities acts administered by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Independence Standards Board.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
The transfer agent and registrar for the Western Copper Shares will be Computershare Investor
Services Inc. at its principal offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The only agreements or contracts that Western Copper will be a party to and which have been entered
into in the past two years and may be reasonably regarded as being currently material, on a pro
forma basis are:
1. |
|
The Arrangement Agreement dated February 23, 2006 made between Glamis,
Western and Western Copper as described under The Arrangement in
this Information Circular. |
|
2. |
|
The Non-Competition Agreement to be entered into by Western Copper and
Glamis as described under The Arrangement. |
|
3. |
|
The Right of First Offer Agreement to be entered into by Western
Copper and Glamis as described under The Arrangement. |
A copy of any material contract or report may be inspected at any time up to the commencement of
the Meeting during normal business hours at Suite 2050, 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia V6E 4M3.
- 112 -
CERTIFICATE OF WESTERN SILVER CORPORATION
The foregoing as it relates to Western Silver Corporation contains full, true and plain disclosure
of all material facts relating to the particular matters to be acted upon by shareholders of
Western Silver Corporation.
DATED March 24, 2006
|
|
|
(Signed) DALE CORMAN
|
|
(Signed) JOSEPH LITNOSKY |
Chief Executive Officer and Chair
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
WESTERN SILVER CORPORATION
|
|
|
(Signed) ROBERT GAYTON
|
|
(Signed) THOMAS PATTON |
Director
|
|
Director |
SCHEDULE A
TEXT OF ARRANGEMENT RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED, as a Special Resolution, THAT:
1. |
|
the Arrangement under Section 288 of the Business Corporations Act
(British Columbia) set forth in the Plan of Arrangement attached as
Schedule D to the Information Circular of Western Silver Corporation
(Western) accompanying the Notice of Meeting is authorized and
approved; |
|
2. |
|
the board of directors of Western, without further notice to or
approval of the shareholders of Western, may, in accordance with the
terms of the Arrangement, elect not to proceed with the Arrangement or
otherwise give effect to this Special Resolution, at any time prior to
the Arrangement becoming effective; and |
|
3. |
|
any one or more of the directors and officers of Western be authorized
and directed to perform all such acts, deeds and things and execute,
under the seal of Western or otherwise, all such documents and other
writings, including as may be required to give effect to the true
intent of this resolution. |
SCHEDULE B
PRO FORMA GLAMIS CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Pro Forma Financial Statements
(Expressed in millions of United States dollars)
GLAMIS GOLD LTD.
Year ended December 31, 2005
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KPMG LLP
|
|
Telephone
|
|
(604) 691-3000 |
|
|
Chartered Accountants
|
|
Fax
|
|
(604) 691-3031 |
|
|
PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street
|
|
Internet
|
|
www.kpmg.ca |
|
|
Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada |
|
|
|
|
COMPILATION REPORT ON PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Board of Directors
Glamis Gold Ltd.
We have read the accompanying unaudited pro forma balance sheet of Glamis Gold Ltd. (the Company)
as at December 31, 2005 and unaudited pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December
31, 2005, and have performed the following procedures:
1. |
|
Compared the figures in the columns captioned Glamis Gold Ltd. to the audited financial
statements of the Company as at December 31, 2005 and for the year then ended, and found
them to be in agreement. |
2. |
(a) |
|
Compared the figures in the column in the pro forma consolidated balance
sheet captioned Western Silver Corporation to the unaudited financial
statements of Western Silver Corporation as at December 31, 2005 and found
them to be in agreement. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Compared to the figures in the column in the pro forma consolidated
statement of operations captioned Western Silver Corporation Twelve months
ended December 31, 2005 to the column captioned Twelve months ended
December 31, 2005 U.S. dollars in note 5 to the pro forma consolidated
financial statements, and found them to be in agreement. |
|
|
(c) |
|
Compared, in note 5 to the pro forma consolidated financial statements, the
figures in the columns captioned Year ended September 30, 2005 to the
audited financial statements of Western Silver Corporation as at September
30, 2005 and for the year then ended, Three months ended December 31, 2005
to the unaudited financial statements of Western Silver Corporation as at
December 31, 2005 and for the three months then ended and Three months
ended December 31, 2004 to the unaudited financial statements of Western
Silver Corporation as at December 31, 2004 and for the three months then
ended, respectively, and found them to be in agreement. |
|
|
(d) |
|
Recalculated, in note 5 to the pro forma consolidated financial statements,
the aggregate of the amounts in the columns captioned Year ended September
30, 2005 and Three months ended December 31, 2005 less the amounts in the
column captioned Three months ended December 30, 2004, adjusted to reflect
the translation of Canadian dollars into U.S. dollars at the rate as
disclosed, and found the amounts in the column captioned Twelve months
ended December 31, 2005 U.S. dollars, to be arithmetically correct. |
3. |
|
Made enquiries of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility for financial and
accounting matters about: |
|
(a) |
|
The basis for determination of the pro forma adjustments; and |
|
|
(b) |
|
Whether the pro forma financial statements comply as to form in all material
respects with the published requirements of Canadian securities legislation. |
|
(i) |
|
described to us the basis for determination of the pro forma adjustments, and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
stated that the pro forma financial statements comply as to form in all
material respects with the published requirements of Canadian securities
legislation. |
4. |
|
Read the notes to the pro forma financial statements, and found them to be consistent with
the basis described to us for determination of the pro forma adjustments. |
|
5. |
|
Recalculated the application of the pro forma adjustments to the aggregate of the amounts in
the columns captioned Glamis Gold Ltd. and Western Silver Corporation as at December 31,
2005 and for the year then ended, and found the amounts in the column captioned Pro forma
Consolidated to be arithmetically correct. |
KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership is the
Canadian member firm of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.
Glamis Gold Ltd.
Page 2
A pro forma financial statement is based on management assumptions and adjustments which are
inherently subjective. The foregoing procedures are substantially less than either an audit or a
review, the objective of which is the expression of assurance with respect to managements
assumptions, the pro forma adjustments, and the application of the adjustments to the historical
financial information. Accordingly, we express no such assurance. The foregoing procedures would
not necessarily reveal matters of significance to the pro forma financial statements, and we
therefore make no representation about the sufficiency of the procedures for the purposes of a
reader of such statements.
KPMG LLP (signed)
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 24, 2006
COMMENTS FOR UNITED STATES READERS ON DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES REPORTING STANDARDS
The above report, provided solely pursuant to Canadian requirements, is expressed in accordance
with standards of reporting generally accepted in Canada. To report in conformity with United
States standards on the reasonableness of the pro forma adjustments and their application to the
pro forma financial statements requires an examination or review substantially greater in scope
than the review we have conducted. Consequently, we are unable to express any opinion in accordance
with standards of reporting generally accepted in the United States with respect to the compilation
of the accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information.
KPMG LLP (signed)
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 24, 2006
GLAMIS GOLD LTD.
Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in millions of United States dollars)
December 31, 2005
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Glamis |
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Western Silver |
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Pro Forma |
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Pro Forma |
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Gold Ltd. |
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Corporation |
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Adjustments |
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Consolidated |
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(note 2) |
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Assets |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
32.1 |
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$ |
48.0 |
|
|
$ |
(33.4 |
)a |
|
$ |
20.1 |
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(9.0 |
)a |
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(5.6 |
)a |
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(12.0 |
)b |
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Inventory |
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29.4 |
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29.4 |
|
Accounts and interest receivable
and prepaid expenses |
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4.2 |
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0.9 |
|
|
|
(0.9 |
)a |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
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|
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65.7 |
|
|
|
48.9 |
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|
|
(60.9 |
) |
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53.7 |
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Mineral property, plant and equipment |
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630.8 |
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53.1 |
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(53.1 |
)b |
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|
1,962.8 |
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1,332.0 |
b |
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Other assets |
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24.7 |
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0.2 |
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(0.2 |
)a |
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24.7 |
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$ |
721.2 |
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$ |
102.2 |
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$ |
1,217.8 |
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$ |
2,041.2 |
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Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities |
|
$ |
27.2 |
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|
$ |
2.4 |
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$ |
(2.4 |
) |
|
$ |
27.2 |
|
Site closure and reclamation costs,
current |
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1.0 |
|
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1.0 |
|
Taxes payable |
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0.8 |
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0.8 |
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29.0 |
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2.4 |
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(2.4 |
) |
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29.0 |
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Site closure and reclamation costs |
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12.2 |
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12.2 |
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Long-term debt |
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80.0 |
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80.0 |
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Future income taxes |
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|
96.4 |
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363.3 |
b |
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|
459.7 |
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|
217.6 |
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|
2.4 |
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|
360.9 |
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|
580.9 |
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Shareholders equity: |
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Share capital (note 3) |
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492.9 |
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|
123.8 |
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(123.8 |
)c |
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|
1,411.5 |
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918.6 |
b |
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Contributed surplus |
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|
12.5 |
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|
5.4 |
|
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|
(5.4 |
)c |
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|
50.6 |
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|
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|
38.1 |
b |
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Deficit |
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|
(1.8 |
) |
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|
(29.4 |
) |
|
|
29.4 |
c |
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
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|
503.6 |
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|
99.8 |
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|
856.9 |
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|
1,460.3 |
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$ |
721.2 |
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$ |
102.2 |
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$ |
1,217.8 |
|
|
$ |
2,041.2 |
|
|
See accompanying notes to pro forma consolidated financial statements.
1
GLAMIS GOLD LTD.
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in millions of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
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Western Silver |
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Glamis Gold |
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Corporation |
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Pro Forma |
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Ltd. |
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Twelve months |
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Consolidated |
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Year ended |
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ended |
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Year ended |
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December 31, |
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December 31, |
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Pro Forma |
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December 31, |
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2005 |
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|
2005 |
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Adjustments |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(note 5) |
|
|
(note 2) |
|
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|
|
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Revenue |
|
$ |
202.6 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
202.6 |
|
Cost of Production |
|
|
87.7 |
|
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|
87.7 |
|
|
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|
114.9 |
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|
114.9 |
|
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|
Expenses: |
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
Depreciation and depletion |
|
|
51.1 |
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51.1 |
|
Exploration |
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|
9.5 |
|
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|
0.8 |
|
|
|
11.6 |
d |
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|
21.9 |
|
General and administrative |
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|
13.0 |
|
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4.4 |
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|
17.4 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
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|
3.9 |
|
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1.2 |
e |
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|
5.1 |
|
Other |
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|
2.1 |
|
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1.5 |
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3.6 |
|
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79.6 |
|
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6.7 |
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|
12.8 |
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|
99.1 |
|
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|
Earnings (loss) from operations |
|
|
35.3 |
|
|
|
(6.7 |
) |
|
|
(12.8 |
) |
|
|
15.8 |
|
|
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Interest expense |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
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|
(0.4 |
) |
Interest and other income |
|
|
2.2 |
|
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|
1.3 |
|
|
|
(1.3 |
)f |
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|
2.2 |
|
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|
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|
|
|
Earnings before income taxes |
|
|
37.1 |
|
|
|
(5.4 |
) |
|
|
(14.1 |
) |
|
|
17.6 |
|
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|
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|
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|
|
Provision for income taxes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
Future |
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
27.1 |
|
|
$ |
(5.4 |
) |
|
$ |
(14.1 |
) |
|
$ |
7.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share (note 4): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.05 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
See accompanying notes to pro forma consolidated financial statements.
2
GLAMIS GOLD LTD.
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in United States dollars)
Year ended December 31, 2005
1. |
|
Plan of arrangement and basis of presentation: |
|
|
|
The accompanying pro forma consolidated financial statements have been
compiled for purposes of inclusion in an Information Circular of
Western Silver Corporation (Western Silver) dated March 24, 2006.
These pro forma consolidated financial statements give effect to the
acquisition by Glamis Gold Ltd. (Glamis) of all the issued and
outstanding shares of Western Silver under the proposed plan of
arrangement. Under the terms of the proposed plan of arrangement,
Western Silver is to create a new wholly-owned subsidiary company
(Western Copper), and is to transfer to Western Copper cash in the
amount of approximately CDN$38.8 million and all of Western Silvers
right, title and interest in and to specified exploration properties
and assets located in Canada and Mexico. The proposed plan of
arrangement provides that Western Silver shareholders will exchange
each of their Western Silver shares held for 0.688 of a Glamis share
and one common share of Western Copper. In addition, each Western
Silver share purchase option is to be exercisable to receive 0.688 of
a Glamis share at an adjusted exercise price and a Western Copper
share purchase option. |
|
|
|
This proposed plan of arrangement is subject to approval of the
shareholders of Western Silver, regulatory authorities and the Supreme
Court of British Columbia. |
|
|
|
These pro forma consolidated financial statements include: |
|
(a) |
|
a pro forma consolidated balance
sheet as at December 31, 2005,
which has been prepared from the
December 31, 2005 audited
consolidated balance sheet of
Glamis and the December 31, 2005
unaudited consolidated balance
sheet of Western Silver, converted
to U.S. dollars at the December 31,
2005 Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange
rate of 1.1630, and gives effect to
the acquisition by Glamis of the
Western Silver assets and
liabilities to be acquired and the
assumptions as described in note 2,
as if these transactions occurred
on December 31, 2005. |
|
|
(b) |
|
a pro forma consolidated statement
of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2005 prepared from the
audited consolidated statement of
operations of Glamis for the year
ended December 31, 2005 and from
the unaudited consolidated
statement of operations of Western
Silver for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2005 prepared as
described in note 5, as if the
transactions had occurred on
January 1, 2005. |
|
|
These pro forma consolidated financial statements are not necessarily
indicative of the financial position of Glamis as at the time of
closing of the transaction referred to above, nor of the future
operating results of Glamis as a result of the transactions. |
|
|
|
The pro forma consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of
Glamis as at and for the year ended December 31, 2005 and the Western
Silver audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended
September 30, 2005 and unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements for the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, all
incorporated by reference in the Information Circular. |
3
GLAMIS GOLD LTD.
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in United States dollars)
Year ended December 31, 2005
2. |
|
Pro forma assumptions: |
|
|
|
The pro forma consolidated balance sheet gives effect to the following transactions and
assumptions as if they had occurred on December 31, 2005: |
|
(a) |
|
The transfer of approximately CDN$38.8 million cash (U.S.$33.4 million) to
Western Copper and the incurrence of costs related to the transactions by
Western Silver of $9.0 million. In addition, any remaining net working
capital and investments of Western Silver at the date of closing of the
transactions is to be transferred to Western Copper. Accordingly, it is
assumed that the remaining cash of $5.6 million, accounts receivable and
prepaid expenses of $0.9 million, other assets of $0.2 million and accounts
payable and accrued liabilities of $2.4 million are not acquired/assumed by
Glamis in the December 31, 2005 proforma consolidated balance sheet. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The total assumed purchase price of $968.7 million is determined as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
Western Silver shares outstanding at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
48,585,581 |
|
Exchange ratio |
|
|
0.688 |
|
|
Glamis shares to be issued |
|
|
33,426,880 |
|
Closing market price of a Glamis share on December 31, 2005 |
|
$ |
27.48 |
|
|
Assumed fair value of Glamis shares issued |
|
$ |
918,570,662 |
|
|
Western Silver options outstanding at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
2,674,000 |
|
Exchange ratio |
|
|
0.688 |
|
|
Glamis option rights to be issued |
|
|
1,839,712 |
|
Fair value of Glamis option right(1) |
|
$ |
20.74 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
38,155,626 |
|
|
Estimated transaction expenses of the Company |
|
$ |
12,000,000 |
|
|
Estimated purchase price |
|
$ |
968,726,288 |
|
|
(1) |
|
The fair value of a Glamis option right has been estimated based on
the closing market price of a Glamis share on December 31, 2005 of
$27.48, an exercise price of CDN$8.14 (U.S.$7.00) (calculated as the
weighted average exercise price of outstanding Western Silver options
at December 31, 2005 less CDN$0.88 divided by 0.688) and assuming an
expected life of the option of 1.3 years, expected stock price
volatility of 34%, expected dividend yield of nil and a risk free rate
of return of 2.93%. |
4
GLAMIS GOLD LTD.
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in United States dollars)
Year ended December 31, 2005
2. |
|
Pro forma assumptions (continued): |
|
(b) |
|
Continued: |
|
|
|
|
The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are to be recorded
at their estimated fair values, which are based on preliminary
management estimates and are subject to final valuation
adjustments. |
|
|
|
|
The preliminary allocation of the purchase price is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(millions) |
Mineral property, plant and equipment |
|
$ |
1,332.0 |
|
Future income taxes |
|
|
(363.3 |
) |
|
|
|
$ |
968.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
The amounts allocated to mineral property and future income taxes assume tax bases of
$34.6 million exists in respect of the mineral properties being acquired and that no
income tax expense arises on the sale of exploration properties by Western Silver to
Western Copper. |
|
|
(c) |
|
The elimination of the existing share capital, contributed surplus and deficit of Western Silver. |
|
|
|
|
The pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31,
2005 gives effect to the following adjustments and assumptions as if the transactions
described above had occurred on January 1, 2005: |
|
|
(d) |
|
An increase in exploration expense by Western Silver of $11.6 million
to conform with Glamis accounting policy of expensing exploration
expenditures on properties not advanced enough to identify their
development potential. |
|
|
(e) |
|
An increase in stock-based compensation of $1.2 million deferred by
Western Silver to properties in the exploration stage which would be
expensed under Glamis accounting policies. |
|
|
(f) |
|
The reduction of interest income of Western Silver to nil as Glamis is
not acquiring any cash under the transactions. |
5
GLAMIS GOLD LTD.
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in United States dollars)
Year ended December 31, 2005
3. |
|
Share capital: |
|
|
|
After giving effect to the pro forma assumptions in note 2, the issued
and fully paid share capital of Glamis is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
of shares |
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(millions) |
Balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
131,918,803 |
|
|
$ |
492.9 |
|
Proposed acquisition of Western Silver by way of common shares (note 2(b)) |
|
|
33,426,880 |
|
|
|
918.6 |
|
|
Pro forma balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
165,345,683 |
|
|
$ |
1,411.5 |
|
|
4. |
|
Earnings per share: |
|
|
|
The calculation of pro forma earnings per share in the pro forma
consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31,
2005 is based on the weighted average number of common shares of
Glamis for the year ended December 31, 2005 plus the additional
33,426,880 Glamis shares that would have been outstanding for the year
ended December 31, 2005 had the transactions described in note 1
occurred on January 1, 2005. |
|
5. |
|
Western Silver pro forma statement of operations: |
|
|
|
The Western Silver pro forma statement of operations for the twelve
months ended December 31, 2005 has been prepared by adding the
statement of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2005
to the results for the year ended September 30, 2005 and deducting the
interim results for the three months ended December 31, 2004, and then
converting the results to U.S. dollars based on the average
Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate for the year ended December 31,
2005 of 1.2114, as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twelve months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twelve months |
|
|
ended |
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
ended |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
2005 |
|
(millions) |
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
- U.S. dollars |
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General exploration |
|
CDN$0.9 |
|
CDN$0.2 |
|
CDN$0.1 |
|
CDN$1.0 |
|
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
Impairment of mineral
properties |
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
7.5 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(7.5 |
) |
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(8.1 |
) |
|
|
(6.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest and other income |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period |
|
CDN$(6.2) |
|
CDN$(1.1) |
|
CDN$(0.8) |
|
CDN$(6.5) |
|
$ |
(5.4 |
) |
|
6
SCHEDULE C1"
PRO FORMA WESTERN COPPER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Western Copper Corporation
Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2005
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
NOTE: The following compilation report is provided solely in order to comply with applicable
requirements of Canadian securities laws. It should be noted that to report in accordance with the
U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standards (PCAOBAS) on a compilation of pro
forma financial statements an examination greater in scope than that performed under Canadian
standards would be required.
Compilation Report
To the Director of
Western Copper Corporation
We have read the accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements of Western
Copper Corporation (the Company) as at December 31, 2005 and have performed the following
procedures.
1. |
|
Compared the figures in the columns captioned Western Copper Corporation
to the audited financial statement of the Company as at March 20, 2006 and
for the period from March 17, 2006 (date of incorporation) to March 20,
2006, and found them to be in agreement. |
|
2. |
|
Compared the figures in the columns captioned Western Copper Business to
the audited financial statements of Western Copper Business as at December
31, 2005 and for the year then ended, and found them to be in agreement. |
|
3. |
|
Made enquiries of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility
for financial and accounting matters about: |
|
a) |
|
The basis for determination of the pro forma adjustments; and |
|
|
b) |
|
Whether the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
statements comply as to form in all material respects with
the published requirements of Canadian securities
legislation. |
|
a) |
|
Described to us the basis for determination of the pro forma adjustments, and |
|
|
b) |
|
Stated that the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements comply
as to form in all material respects with the published requirements of
Canadian securities legislation. |
4. |
|
We read the notes to the pro forma consolidated financial statements, and found them to be
consistent with the basis described to us for determination of the pro forma adjustments. |
|
5. |
|
We recalculated the application of the pro forma adjustments to the aggregate of the amounts
in the columns captioned Western Copper Corporation and Western Copper Business and
found the amounts in the column captioned Pro Forma December 31, 2005 to be arithmetically
correct. |
An unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statement is based on management assumptions and
adjustments which are inherently subjective. The foregoing procedures are substantially less than
either an audit or a review, the objective of which is the expression of assurance with respect to
managements assumptions, the pro forma adjustments, and the application of the adjustments to the
historical financial information. Accordingly, we express no such assurance. The foregoing
procedures would not necessarily reveal matters of significance to the unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements, and we therefore make no representation about the sufficiency of
the procedures for the purposes of a reader of such statements.
(signed) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
March 29, 2006
Western Copper Corporation
Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western |
|
|
Western |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma |
|
|
|
Copper |
|
|
Copper |
|
|
Pro forma |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
Corporation |
|
|
Business |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Note 1 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Reference |
|
|
$ |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,760,000 |
|
|
|
(a |
) |
|
|
38,761,000 |
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,327 |
|
Mineral properties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carmacks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,200,000 |
|
Almoloya |
|
|
|
|
|
|
223,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
223,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,423,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,423,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
4,532,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,293,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital stock (note 2) |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
Contributed surplus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,102,077 |
|
|
|
38,760,000 |
|
|
|
(a |
) |
|
|
62,023,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,041 |
|
|
|
(b |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,036,267 |
|
|
|
(c |
) |
|
|
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
(17,569,236 |
) |
|
|
(1,161,308 |
) |
|
|
(b), |
(c) |
|
|
(18,731,544 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,532,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,292,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
4,532,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,293,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Copper Corporation
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Unaudited)
For the year ended December 31, 2005
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western |
|
|
Western |
|
|
Pro forma |
|
|
|
Copper |
|
|
Copper |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
Corporation |
|
|
Business |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General exploration expenditures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
311,932 |
|
|
|
311,932 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
49,483 |
|
|
|
50,483 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
361,415 |
|
|
|
362,415 |
|
|
|
|
Western Copper Corporation
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2005
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
1 |
|
Pro forma adjustments and assumptions |
|
|
|
On February 24, 2006, Western Silver Corporation (Western Silver) and
Glamis Gold Ltd. (Glamis) announced a plan of arrangement (the
Agreement), whereby Glamis will acquire all the outstanding shares of
Western Silver. Pursuant to the Agreement, each Western Silver
shareholder will receive 0.688 of a Glamis common share and a share in
Western Copper Corporation (Western Copper or the Company) for each
issued Western Silver share. Upon conclusion of the transaction,
Western Cooper will be owned exclusively by existing Western Silver
shareholders. As part of the Agreement, Western Silver will transfer
to Western Copper cash and cash equivalents, its interest in the
Carmacks Copper and the Almoloya projects and office equipment
relating to Western Silvers corporate office. The transaction is
expected to close in May 2006. |
|
|
|
The Agreement is subject to approval by the shareholders of Western
Silver, applicable regulatory authorities and the Supreme Count of
British Columbia. For the purposes of these unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements, the Agreement is considered to be
effective as at December 31, 2005 and for the year then ended. Western
Copper was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of the
Province of British Columbia on March 17, 2006 and is wholly-owned by
Western Silver. |
|
|
|
In the opinion of management, the unaudited pro forma consolidated
balance sheet at December 31, 2005 and the unaudited consolidated
pro-forma statement of operations for the year then ended include all
the adjustments necessary for fair presentation in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. The unaudited pro
forma consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2005 and the
unaudited pro forma statement of operations for the year then ended,
are not necessarily indicative of the financial results that may be
obtained in the future. |
|
|
|
The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet at December 31,
2005 gives effect to the transactions and assumptions listed below as
if they occurred on December 31, 2005. The unaudited pro forma
consolidated statement of operations gives effect to the transactions
and assumptions listed below as if they occurred on January 1, 2005. |
|
a) |
|
As part of the Agreement, Western Silver is
expected to transfer estimated cash and cash
equivalents amounting to $38.76 million. The
final amount transferred is dependent on the
actual costs realized by Western Silver up to
the Effective Date. |
|
|
b) |
|
Under the Agreement, the Company will grant
Glamis a share purchase warrant to acquire 5%
of the fully-diluted of the Company as of the
Effective Date (defined as the date stamped
on the Final Notice of Change to the Notice
of the Articles of Western Silver that is
filed with the Registrar in respect of the
Agreement) for a period of two years
following the Effective Date, at a price of
$3.50 per share. |
(1)
Western Copper Corporation
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2005
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
The fair value of the warrant is estimated to be
$125,041 using the Black-Scholes model and assuming an
expected warrant life of 2.0 years, a risk free rate
of 3.27%, an expected dividend yield of $nil, and an
expected stock price volatility of 65%. This value has
been accounted for as a dividend-in-kind to Western
Silver with a corresponding credit to contributed
surplus. |
|
c) |
|
Each Western Silver stock option unexercised as at the Effective Date
of the Agreement will be exchanged for one stock option of Western
Copper, at an exercise price of $0.88 per share. The terms of all
unexercised options remain the same as in Western Silver. The fair
value of these stock options is estimated to be $1,036,267 using the
Black-Scholes model and assuming an average expected option life of
2.8 years, a risk free rate of 3.27%, an expected dividend yield of
$nil, and an expected stock price volatility of 65%. This value has
been accounted for as a dividend-in-kind to Western Silver with a
corresponding credit to contributed surplus. |
2 |
|
Capital stock |
|
|
|
Authorized |
Unlimited number of Class A voting shares with a par value of $0.00001 per share
Unlimited number of common shares without par value
Unlimited number of preferred shares without par value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
Subscription by Western Silver Corporation for 100,000,000
Class A shares issued March 17, 2006 at par value to be
redeemed on the Effective Date |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
(2)
SCHEDULE C2"
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE WESTERN COPPER BUSINESS
Western Copper Business
Financial Statements
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
|
|
Chartered Accountants |
|
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers Place |
|
|
250 Howe Street, Suite 700 |
|
|
Vancouver, British Columbia |
|
|
Canada V6C 3S7 |
|
|
Telephone +1 (604) 806 7000 |
|
|
Facsimile +1 (604) 806 7806 |
Auditors Report
To the Director of
Western Copper Business
We have audited the balance sheets of Western Copper Business as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and
the statements of operations and deficit and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Business management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those
standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Business as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles.
(signed) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, British Columbia
March 29, 2006
PricewaterhouseCoopers refers to the Canadian firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the other member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers
International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.
Western Copper Business
Balance Sheets
As at December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment (note 4) |
|
|
109,327 |
|
|
|
42,328 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mineral properties (note 5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carmacks |
|
|
4,200,000 |
|
|
|
4,100,000 |
|
Almoloya |
|
|
223,514 |
|
|
|
153,894 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,532,841 |
|
|
|
4,296,222 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributed surplus (note 6) |
|
|
22,102,077 |
|
|
|
21,504,043 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
(17,569,236 |
) |
|
|
(17,207,821 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,532,841 |
|
|
|
4,296,222 |
|
|
|
|
Transfer of assets (note 1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nature of operations (note 2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments (notes 5 and 7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsequent events (note 10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approved by the Director
|
|
|
|
|
(signed) Dale Corman
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Western Copper Business
Statements of Operations and Deficit
For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General exploration expenditures |
|
|
311,932 |
|
|
|
132,720 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
49,483 |
|
|
|
115,736 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
(361,415 |
) |
|
|
(248,456 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit Beginning of year |
|
|
(17,207,821 |
) |
|
|
(16,959,365 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit End of year |
|
|
(17,569,236 |
) |
|
|
(17,207,821 |
) |
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Western Copper Business
Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Cash flows used by operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
(361,415 |
) |
|
|
(248,456 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows used by investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditures on mineral properties and deferred costs |
|
|
(169,620 |
) |
|
|
(165,336 |
) |
Expenditures on property and equipment |
|
|
(66,999 |
) |
|
|
(40,624 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(236,619 |
) |
|
|
(205,960 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funding provided by Western Silver Corporation |
|
|
598,034 |
|
|
|
454,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in cash and cash equivalents and
cash and cash equivalents Beginning and end of year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Western Copper Business
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
1 |
|
Transfer of assets |
|
|
|
On February 24, 2006, Western Silver Corporation (Western Silver) and Glamis Gold Ltd.
(Glamis) announced a plan of arrangement (the Agreement), whereby Glamis will acquire
all the outstanding shares of Western Silver. Pursuant to the Agreement, each Western
Silver shareholder will receive 0.688 of a Glamis common share and a share of Western
Copper Corporation (Western Copper) for each issued Western Silver share (Note:
Western Copper was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of the Province of
British Columbia on March 17, 2006 and is wholly-owned by Western Silver). Upon
conclusion of the transaction, Western Copper will be owned exclusively by existing
Western Silver shareholders. As part of the Agreement, Western Silver will transfer to
Western Copper cash and cash equivalents, its interest in the Carmacks Copper and
Almoloya projects and certain property and equipment relating to Western Silvers
corporate office. The transaction is expected to close in May 2006. |
|
|
|
The Agreement is subject to approval by the shareholders of Western Silver, applicable
regulatory authorities and the Supreme Court of British Columbia. |
|
|
|
Upon execution of the Agreement, Western Silver is expected to transfer the following
to Western Copper: |
|
a) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents (note: The amount of cash will be reduced or
increased depending on actualcosts realized by Western Silver up to
the Effective Date of the transaction (defined as the date stamped on
the Final Notice of Change to the Notice of Articles of Western Silver
that is filed with the Registrar in respect of the Agreement)). |
|
|
b) |
|
The Carmacks and Almoloya mineral properties; and |
|
|
c) |
|
Property and equipment relating to Western Silvers corporate premises. |
|
|
Western Copper Business (the Business) financial statements reflect the financial
position, statement of operations and deficit and cash flows of the related copper
business of Western Silver. The statements of operations and deficit for both 2005 and
2004 include the direct exploration expenses relating to the Carmacks and Almoloya
mineral properties and an allocation of Western Silvers general and administrative
expenses incurred in each of these years. The allocation of general and administrative
expenses was calculated on the basis of the ratio of costs incurred on the Carmacks
and Almoloya mineral properties in each year presented as compared to the costs
incurred on all mineral properties in each of these years. The financial statements
have been presented under the continuity of interests basis of accounting with balance
sheet amounts based on the amounts recorded by Western Silver. Management cautions
readers of these financial statements, that the allocation of expenses does not
necessarily reflect future general and administrative expenses. |
|
|
|
The Business opening deficit at January 1, 2004 has been calculated by applying the
same allocation principles outlined above to the cumulative transactions relating to
the Carmacks and Almoloya mineral properties from the date of acquisition of those
mineral properties until December 31, 2003. |
(1)
Western Copper Business
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
2 |
|
Nature of operations |
|
|
|
Western Copper Business is an exploration stage business that is
engaged directly in the exploration and development of mineral
properties in Mexico and Canada. The recoverability of the amounts
shown for mineral property assets is dependent upon the existence of
economically recoverable reserves, securing and maintaining title and
beneficial interest in the properties and the ability of the Business
to obtain the necessary financing to continue the exploration and
future development of its mining properties, or realizing the carrying
amount through a sale. |
|
3 |
|
Accounting policies |
|
|
|
Use of estimates |
|
|
|
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the
financial statements and the related notes. Significant areas where
managements judgement is applied include the calculation of net
present value of mineral properties, the realization of future income
tax benefits, and the allocation methodologies used to determine
results of operations. Actual results could differ from those reported
by a material amount. |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short-term investments at
banks with original maturities of three months or less from the date
of acquisition. |
|
|
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
|
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated
amortization. Amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over
the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful life of the
property and equipment is as follows: |
|
|
|
Computer equipment
|
|
5 years straight-line |
Office furniture and equipment
|
|
5 years straight-line |
Leasehold improvements
|
|
straight-line over the term of the lease |
|
|
Mineral properties |
|
|
|
The Business records its interest in mineral properties at cost. Exploration and development
expenditures relating to properties that have significant mineralization requiring
additional exploration, as well as interest and costs to finance those expenditures, are
deferred and will be amortized against future production following commencement of
commercial production, or written off if the properties are sold, allowed to lapse,
abandoned, or become impaired. |
|
|
|
Option payments are made at the discretion of the optionee and, accordingly, are accounted
for on a cash basis. |
(2)
Western Copper Business
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
Management of the Business reviews the net carrying value of each mineral property when
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Where information is available and conditions suggest impairment, estimated future net cash
flows from each property are calculated using estimated future prices, reserves and
resources, and operating, capital and reclamation costs on an undiscounted basis. If the net
carrying value of the property exceeds the estimated future net cash flows, the property
will be written down to the fair value as determined by using discounted cash flows.
Where estimates of future net cash flows are not available and where other conditions
suggest impairment, management assesses whether carrying value can be recovered. This
assessment may be estimated by using quantifiable evidence of a geological resource or
reserve or the Business assessment of its ability to sell the property for an amount
greater than the carrying value.
Managements estimates of mineral prices, recoverable proven and probable reserves and
resources, and operating, capital and reclamation costs are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties which may affect the assessment of recoverability of mineral property costs.
Although management has made its best estimate of these factors, it is possible that changes
could occur in the near term which could have a material adverse effect on the estimate of
future net cash flows to be generated from the properties.
The acquisition of title to mineral properties is a detailed and time-consuming process. The
Business has taken steps, in accordance with industry standards, to verify title to mineral
properties in which it has an interest. Although the Business has taken reasonable
precautions to ensure that legal title to its properties is properly recorded in the name of
the Business, there can be no assurance that such title will ultimately be secured.
Translation of foreign currency
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars using year-end exchange
rates. Non-monetary items are translated at rates prevailing at acquisition or transaction
dates. Expense items are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange in effect
at the date of the related transaction. All exchange gains or losses arising on translation
are included in results of operations for the year.
Income taxes
The Business is not a legal entity and does not file an income tax return. After the
incorporation of the Business and the execution of the transfer in accordance with the
Agreement, the final tax basis of assets and liabilities will be established.
The Business uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method,
future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between
tax and accounting basis of assets and liabilities. Future income tax assets or liabilities
are calculated using the tax rates anticipated to apply in the periods that the temporary
differences are expected to reverse. Future income tax assets are recognized to the extent
that they are considered more likely than not to be realized.
(3)
Western Copper Business
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Net book |
|
|
Net book |
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
amortization |
|
|
value |
|
|
value |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Computer equipment |
|
|
69,635 |
|
|
|
18,795 |
|
|
|
50,840 |
|
|
|
42,328 |
|
Office furniture and
equipment |
|
|
24,486 |
|
|
|
2,543 |
|
|
|
21,943 |
|
|
|
|
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
39,823 |
|
|
|
3,279 |
|
|
|
36,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
133,944 |
|
|
|
24,617 |
|
|
|
109,327 |
|
|
|
42,328 |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
Mineral properties |
|
|
|
Carmacks (100% Yukon, Canada) |
|
|
|
In 1989, the Business acquired 50% of the Carmacks Copper Project,
which consists of mineral claims in the Whitehorse Mining district of
the Yukon Territory, Canada. Under an arrangement dated September 30,
1996, the Business acquired the remaining 50% of the Carmacks Copper
Project. At the time, the Business was in the process of obtaining the
necessary permits to commence commercial production. This process was
suspended when copper prices fell below the break-even point for the
project and remained at levels for which the project was not economic.
Accordingly, in the year ended September 30, 2001, the property was
written down to its estimated recoverable amount of $4,000,000. |
|
|
|
The previous owners of the property shall, at the Business election,
retain either a 15% net profits royalty or a 3% net smelter royalty.
The Business is required to make an advance royalty payment of
$100,000 for any year in which the average daily copper price reported
by the London Metal Exchange is US$1.10 per pound or greater. A
payment of $100,000 was made by the Business on December 31, 2004 and
on December 31, 2005. |
|
|
|
The Business has signed a project agreement with the Yukon Government
and has recommenced the permitting process. An updated project
description has been accepted by the Yukon Government and the
assessment process is in progress. |
(4)
Western Copper Business
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
Almoloya (100% Chihuahua, Mexico) |
|
|
|
|
The Business staked claims at the Almoloya silver prospect, northeast of Parral in the state
of Chihuahua, Mexico. |
|
|
|
|
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated May 22, 2002, the Business and Anglo American
Exploration (Canada) Ltd. (Anglo) agreed to combine certain properties held by each company
into a single joint venture. During fiscal 2003, Anglo decided to abandon the project and
the 100% ownership interest reverted back to the Business. The Business therefore controls
all the related property. |
|
|
|
|
On July 28, 2005, the Business and Queenston Mining Inc. signed a letter of intent. Under
the letter of intent Queenston Mining Inc. can earn a 60% interest in the property through
staged exploration expenditures of US$1.5 million over a four year period, with minimum
expenditures of US$200,000 in the first year. Queenston can earn an additional 15% interest
by completing a feasibility study and making a production decision at which time the
Business can either elect to contribute 25% of capital expenditures required to achieve
production or convert its participating interest to a 15% net profits interest. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs to |
|
|
incurred |
|
|
Total costs to |
|
|
incurred |
|
|
Total costs to |
|
|
|
December 31 |
|
|
during |
|
|
December 31 |
|
|
during |
|
|
December 31 |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carmacks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition |
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
4,100,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
4,200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mexico |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Almoloya |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition |
|
|
48,538 |
|
|
|
63,204 |
|
|
|
111,742 |
|
|
|
55,274 |
|
|
|
167,016 |
|
Exploration |
|
|
40,020 |
|
|
|
2,132 |
|
|
|
42,152 |
|
|
|
14,346 |
|
|
|
56,498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
88,558 |
|
|
|
65,336 |
|
|
|
153,894 |
|
|
|
69,620 |
|
|
|
223,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,088,558 |
|
|
|
165,336 |
|
|
|
4,253,894 |
|
|
|
169,620 |
|
|
|
4,423,514 |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
Contributed surplus |
|
|
|
Funding provided by Western Silver related to the Business activities
is reflected as contributed surplus. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
Balance at December 31, 2003 |
|
|
21,049,627 |
|
Funding provided by Western Silver Corporation in 2004 |
|
|
454,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
|
21,504,043 |
|
Funding provided by Western Silver Corporation in 2005 |
|
|
598,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
22,102,077 |
|
|
|
|
|
(5)
Western Copper Business
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
7 |
|
Commitments |
|
|
|
The Business has an agreement to sublease office space which expires
October 29, 2009. The total amount of payments remaining during the
course of the agreement is $1,003,482, of which $261,778 is due over
the next 12 months. The remaining $741,704 is due between January 1,
2007 and October 29, 2009. |
|
8 |
|
Segmented information |
|
|
|
Industry information |
|
|
|
The Business operates in one reportable operating segment, being the
acquisition, exploration and future development of resource
properties. |
|
|
|
Geographic information |
|
|
|
The Business non-current assets by geographic location are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Canada |
|
|
4,309,327 |
|
|
|
4,142,328 |
|
Mexico |
|
|
223,514 |
|
|
|
153,894 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,532,841 |
|
|
|
4,296,222 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
Financial instruments |
|
|
|
The business does not have any financial instruments. |
|
10 |
|
Subsequent events |
|
a) |
|
Incorporation
On March 17, 2006, Western Copper
Corporation was incorporated under
the Business Corporations Act of the
Province of British Columbia. |
|
|
b) |
|
Warrant |
|
|
|
|
In accordance with the Agreement, the
Business will grant Glamis a share
purchase warrant to acquire 5% of the
fully-diluted Western Copper shares
as of the Effective Date for a period
of two years following the Effective
Date, at a price of $3.50 per share.
The fair value of the warrant will be
determined on the Effective Date. |
(6)
Western Copper Business
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
c) |
|
Stock options |
|
|
|
|
Each Western Silver stock option unexercised as at the Effective Date
of the Agreement will be exchanged for one stock option of Western
Copper, at an exercise price of $0.88 per share. The terms of all
unexercised options remain the same as in Western Silver. The fair
value of these stock options will be determined on the Effective Date. |
|
|
d) |
|
Capital stock |
|
|
|
|
In accordance with the Agreement, Western Copper will issue common shares to Western Silver shareholders equal to the number of issued shares of Western Silver outstanding at the Effective Date. |
|
|
e) |
|
Transfer of cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
As part of the Agreement, Western Silver is expected to transfer
estimated cash and cash equivalents in the amount of $38.76 million.
The final amount transferred is dependent on the actual costs realized
by Western Silver up to the Effective Date. |
(7)
SCHEDULE C3"
AUDITED WESTERN COPPER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Western Copper Corporation
Financial Statements
March 20, 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
|
|
Chartered Accountants |
|
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers Place |
|
|
250 Howe Street, Suite 700 |
|
|
Vancouver, British Columbia |
|
|
Canada V6C 3S7 |
|
|
Telephone +1 (604) 806 7000 |
|
|
Facsimile +1 (604) 806 7806 |
Auditors Report
To the Shareholder of
Western Copper Corporation
We have audited the balance sheet of Western Copper Corporation as at March 20, 2006 and the
statements of operations and deficit and cash flows for the period from March 17, 2006 (date of
incorporation) to March 20, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those
standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these financial statements presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Company as at March 20, 2006 and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the period from March 17, 2006 to March 20, 2006 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles.
(signed) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, British Columbia
March 29, 2006
PricewaterhouseCoopers refers to the Canadian firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the
other member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers
International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.
Western Copper Corporation
Balance Sheet
As at March 20, 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Equity (note 3) |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital stock |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incorporation and nature of operations (note 1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Subsequent events (notes 4 and 5) |
|
|
|
|
Approved by the Director
(signed) Jeffrey Giesbrecht Director
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Western Copper Corporation
Statement of Operations and Deficit
For the period from March 17, 2006 (date of incorporation) to March 20, 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Incorporation costs |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
Deficit Beginning of period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit End of period |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Western Copper Corporation
Statement of Cash Flows
For the period from March 17, 2006 (date of incorporation) to March 20, 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
Cash flows used by operating activities |
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
Change in non-cash working capital |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of Class A voting shares |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
1,000 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents Beginning of period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents End of period |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Western Copper Corporation
Notes to Financial Statements
March 20, 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
1 |
|
Incorporation and nature of operations |
|
|
|
Western Copper Corporation (Western Copper or the Company) was
incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of the Province of
British Columbia on March 17, 2006. The Company is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Western Silver Corporation. |
|
|
|
Following the completion of the proposed transaction described in note
5, the Company will be a development stage enterprise in the mineral
resource industry. After this transaction, Western Copper will be
wholly-owned by the shareholders of Western Silver Corporation. |
|
2 |
|
Accounting policies |
|
|
|
Basis of presentation |
|
|
|
The financial statements of Western Copper have been prepared using
accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. |
|
|
|
The financial statements of the Company, at March 20, 2006, are prior
to the Company commencing any operating activities except the
incurring of incorporation costs and the issuance of shares as
disclosed in note 3. |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short-term investments at
banks with original maturities of three months or less from the date
of acquisition. |
|
3 |
|
Shareholders equity |
|
|
|
Authorized |
Unlimited number of Class A voting shares with a par value of $0.00001 per share
Unlimited number of common shares without par value
Unlimited number of preferred shares without par value
Issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
100,000,000 Class A voting shares |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
Western Copper Corporation
Notes to Financial Statements
March 20, 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
4 |
|
Stock option plan |
|
|
|
On March 24, 2006, the Board of Directors of Western Copper adopted a stock option plan (the
Plan). The Plan provides that, subject to the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the
aggregate number of securities reserved for issuance, set aside, and made available for
issuance under the Plan will be 10% of the number of common shares of Western Copper issued
and outstanding. |
|
5 |
|
Subsequent event Plan of arrangement |
|
|
|
On February 24, 2006, Western Silver Corporation (Western Silver) and Glamis Gold Ltd.
(Glamis) announced a plan of arrangement (the Agreement), whereby Glamis will acquire all the
outstanding shares of Western Silver. Pursuant to the Agreement, each Western Silver
shareholder will receive 0.688 of a Glamis common share and a share of Western Copper for each
issued Western Silver share. Upon conclusion of the transaction, Western Copper will be owned
exclusively by existing Western Silver Shareholders. As part of the Agreement, Western Silver
will transfer to Western Copper cash and cash equivalents, its interest in the Carmacks and
Almoloya projects and certain property and equipment relating to Western Silvers corporate
office. The transaction is expected to close in May 2006. |
|
|
|
The Agreement is subject to approval by the shareholders of Western Silver, applicable
regulatory authorities, and the Supreme Court of British Columbia. |
|
|
|
In accordance with the Agreement, the Company will grant Glamis a share purchase warrant to
acquire 5% of the fully-diluted shares of the Company as of the Effective Date of the
Agreement, defined as the date stamped on the Final Notice of Change to the Notice of Articles
of Western Silver that is filed with the Registrar in respect of the Agreement. The warrant
will be exercisable for a period of two years following the Effective Date, at a price of
$3.50 per share. The fair value of the warrant will be determined on the Effective Date. |
|
|
|
Also in accordance with the Agreement, each Western Silver stock option unexercised as at the
Effective Date of the Agreement will be exchanged for one stock option of Western Copper, at
an exercise price of $0.88 per share. The terms of all unexercised stock options remain the
same as in Western Silver. The fair value of the options will be determined on the Effective
Date. |
|
|
|
Pursuant to the Agreement, the assets transferred to the Company are expected to be as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
38,760,000 |
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
109,327 |
|
Mineral properties |
|
|
4,423,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,292,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
(2)
Western Copper Corporation
Notes to Financial Statements
March 20, 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
The amounts outlined above represent a preliminary allocation and may change subject to the
completion of the actual transaction. Such changes may be material.
As part of the Agreement, Western Copper will assume the sublease of office space. Annual
commitments approximate $262,000 and the lease expires October 29, 2009. Management believes
the fair value of the lease approximates the underlying commitment.
(3)
SCHEDULE D
PLAN OF ARRANGEMENT
IN THE MATTER OF AN ARRANGEMENT among Western Silver Corporation (Western) and the holders from
time to time of the issued and outstanding common shares without par value in the capital of
Western pursuant to Part 9, Division 5 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), as
amended
ARTICLE 1
INTERPRETATION
In this Plan of Arrangement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and phrases
will have the meanings hereinafter set out:
Amex means the American Stock Exchange;
Arrangement Agreement means the agreement made as of February 23, 2006 among Glamis, Western
and Western Copper entered into for the purpose of effecting this Arrangement and any
amendment or variation thereof;
Arrangement means the arrangement under Part 9, Division 5 of the BCABC as described herein;
Assets means the Cash, all of the shares of Carmacks Copper Ltd. held by Western, all of
Westerns interest in the Carmacks Copper Project, the Almoloya Project in Chihuahua State of
Mexico, Westerns lease of office premises at 2050 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
British Columbia, all furniture, equipment, information, materials and other assets of Western
located at 2050 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6E 4M3 and Westerns logo,
whether owned or leased, but specifically excluding all documents, records, data and other
information, whether in written or electronic form, and any other materials or assets relating
to the business, properties and affairs of Western other than with respect to the Carmacks and
Almoloya projects, provided that Western will provide to Glamis a limited licence to permit
Glamis to use Westerns logo for a limited period of time not to exceed six months after the
Effective Date in association with Westerns operations after the Effective Date in order for
Glamis to effect an orderly transition of such operations;
BCBCA means the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) as now enacted and as amended
from time to time;
Business Day means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or civic or statutory holiday, in
British Columbia;
Cash means $38.76 million, subject to adjustment as follows:
- 2 -
(a) the amount of cash will be reduced by any excess costs incurred by Western over the
amount described as Western Costs in the budget (the Budget) set forth in Schedule
W-F of the Letter Agreement;
(b) the amount of cash will be increased by the amount by which the Western Costs
incurred by Western under the Budget are less than the budgeted amount of the Western
Costs, so long as Western has met its obligations under §5.2(a) of the Arrangement
Agreement;
(c) if the Western Costs exceed the budgeted amount for such costs in the Budget due to
the time of completion of the Arrangement being later than May 31, 2006, the amount of
cash transferred to Western Copper will be reduced as set forth in (a) above; and
(d) the amount of cash will be increased by $0.88 for each Western Stock Option that is
exercised and for which payment is received by Western prior to the Effective Date;
Class A Shares means the class A common shares without par value in the authorized share
structure of Western which are to be created in accordance with the Plan of Arrangement;
Class B Shares means the Western Shares, once they have been redesignated as class B common
shares and to which have been attached a preferential right with respect to the payment of
dividends in accordance with this Plan of Arrangement;
Court means the Supreme Court of British Columbia;
Depositary means Computershare Investor Services Inc.;
Dissent Right means the right of dissent and appraisal provided for in Article 5 hereto;
Dissenter means a Western Shareholder who has exercised a Dissent Right and who is ultimately
entitled to be paid the fair value of Western Shares held by such Western Shareholder;
Dissenting Shares will have the meaning ascribed to it in §5.2;
Effective Date means the filing date stamped on the final Notice of Change to the Notice of
Articles of Western that is filed with the Registrar in respect of the Arrangement;
Effective Time means the time stamped on the final Notice of Change to the Notice of Articles
of Western that is filed with the Registrar in respect of the Arrangement;
Exchange Ratio means 0.688 of a Glamis Share for each one Class A Share;
- 3 -
Final Order means the order of the Court approving the Arrangement, as such order may be
amended at any time before the Effective Date or, if appealed, then unless such appeal is
withdrawn or denied, as affirmed or as amended on appeal;
Glamis means Glamis Gold Ltd.;
Glamis Shares means the common shares without par value in the authorized share structure of
Glamis;
Glamis New Options means share purchase options of Glamis that will be issued by Glamis in
accordance with this Plan of Arrangement;
Interim Order means the interim order of the Court providing for, among other things, the
calling and holding of the Western Meeting, as the same may be amended;
Letter Agreement means the letter agreement between Glamis and Western dated February 23, 2006
pertaining to the Transaction;
NYSE means the New York Stock Exchange Inc.;
Plan of Arrangement means this plan of arrangement as amended or supplemented from time to
time.
Registrar means the Registrar under the BCBCA; Stock Exchanges means the TSX, the NYSE, and
Amex; Tax Act means the Income Tax Act (Canada), as amended; TSX means The Toronto Stock
Exchange;
Western means Western Silver Corporation, a company existing under the laws of the Province of
British Columbia;
Western Arrangement Resolution means the special resolution approving the Arrangement
Agreement and this Plan of Arrangement to be considered at the Western Meeting;
Western Copper means Western Copper Corporation, a British Columbia company;
Western Copper Class A Shares means the class A shares, par value $0.00001 each, in the
authorized share structure of Western Copper;
Western Copper Share means a common share without par value in the authorized share structure
of Western Copper;
Western Copper Options means the share purchase options that will be issued by Western Copper
in accordance with this Plan of Arrangement;
- 4 -
Western Meeting means the special meeting of Western Shareholders to be held to consider the
Western Arrangement Resolution, including any adjournment or adjournments thereof;
Western Share Option Plan means Westerns 2005 Stock Option Plan dated effective April 4,
2005;
Western Shareholders means the holders from time to time of Western Shares;
Western Shares means the common shares without par value in the authorized share structure of
Western; and
Western Stock Option means any option to acquire Western Shares that was granted under the
Western Share Option Plan and is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date.
1.2 In this Plan of Arrangement, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context
otherwise requires:
(a) the division of this Plan of Arrangement into Articles and Sections and the further
division thereof and the insertion of headings and a table of contents are for convenience of
reference only and will not affect the construction or interpretation of this Plan of Arrangement.
Unless otherwise indicated, any reference in this Plan of Arrangement to an Article, Section or the
symbol §, or Schedule refers to the specified Article or Section of or Schedule to this Agreement;
(b) the terms hereof, herein, hereunder and similar expressions refer to this Plan of
Arrangement and not to any particular section or other portion hereof and include any agreement or
instrument supplementary or ancillary hereto and, unless otherwise indicated, a reference herein to
a section is to the appropriate section of this Agreement;
(c) words importing the singular number only will include the plural and vice versa, words
importing the use of any gender will include all genders and words importing persons will include
firms and corporations and vice versa;
(d) if any date on which any action is required to be taken hereunder by any of the parties
is not a Business Day, such action will be required to be taken on the next succeeding day which is
a Business Day;
(e) the word including means including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing;
(f) a reference to a statute is to that statute as now enacted or as the statute may from
time to time be amended, re-enacted or replaced and includes any regulation, rule or policy made
thereunder; and
(g) all references to cash or currency in this Agreement are to Canadian dollars unless
otherwise indicated.
- 5 -
ARTICLE 2
ARRANGEMENT AGREEMENT
2.1 This Arrangement is made pursuant to and subject to the provisions of the
Arrangement Agreement.
2.2 This Plan of Arrangement will become effective as at the Effective Time and will be
binding without any further authorization, act or formality on the part of the Court, the
Registrar, Glamis, Western, Western Copper and the Western Shareholders, from and after the
Effective Time.
ARTICLE 3
ARRANGEMENT
3.1 At the Effective Time, subject to the provisions of Article 5 hereof, the following will
occur and will be deemed to occur in the following order without any further act or formality.
(a) the authorized share structure of Western will be amended by redesignating the Western
Shares as Class B Shares and attaching a preferential right with respect to the payment of
dividends and the Notice of Articles of Western will be amended accordingly;
(b) the authorized share structure of Western will be amended by the creation of 100,000,000
Class A Shares and the Notice of Articles and Articles of Western will be amended accordingly;
(c) Western will transfer the Assets to Western Copper and in consideration therefore Western
Copper will issue to Western, as fully paid and non-assessable, that number of Western Copper
Shares equal to the number of Western Shares issued and outstanding immediately before the
Effective Time, other than those held by Dissenters;
(d) each issued Class B Share, other than those held by Dissenters, will be exchanged for one
Class A Share and one Western Copper Share acquired by Western in accordance with §(c);
(e) each issued Class B Share held by Dissenters (for greater certainty, being Western
Shareholders who have duly complied with the Dissent Procedures and are ultimately entitled to be
paid for their Dissenting Shares) will be acquired by Western Copper in consideration for Western
Copper agreeing to pay the amount to be paid as determined in accordance with Article 5 in respect
of the Dissenting Shares;
(f) each issued Class B Share acquired by Western Copper in accordance §(e) with will be
exchanged for one Class A Share;
(g) the capital of Western for the Class A Shares will be the amount equal to the capital of
Western for the Class B Shares, less the fair market value of the Western Copper Shares distributed
to Western Shareholders, other than Dissenters, pursuant to §(d) and the paid-up capital of Western
will be reduced accordingly;
(h) the
Class B Shares will be cancelled;
- 6 -
(i) each issued Class A Share will be exchanged for 0.688 of a Glamis Share;
(j) each Western Stock Option outstanding immediately before the Effective Date will be
exchanged for:
(i) a stock option to be issued by Glamis (a Glamis New Option) pursuant to which the
holder of the Western Stock Option will be entitled to receive, upon exercise of the Glamis
New Option, that number of Glamis Shares that is equal to the number of Western Shares that
was issuable upon exercise of Western Stock Option immediately before the Effective Time
multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, and the exercise price per Glamis Share to be issued will,
subject to adjustment described below, be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the
exercise price per share of the related Western Stock Option in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time, less $0.88, by the Exchange Ratio; and
(ii) an option (a Western Copper Option) pursuant to which the holder of the Western
Stock Option will be entitled to acquire that number of Western Copper Shares that is equal to
the number of Western Shares that was issuable upon exercise of the Western Stock Option
immediately before the Effective Time at an exercise price per Western Copper Share of $0.88.
All Glamis New Options being exercised by a holder will be aggregated to produce the maximum number
of whole Glamis Shares and if an entitlement to a fractional Glamis Share results from the
exercise, the number of Glamis Shares to be issued will be rounded down to the next whole number of
Glamis Shares. Save and except as otherwise agreed to by Glamis or Western Copper, as the case may
be, and the holders of Western Stock Options, the term to expiry, conditions to and manner of
exercising, vesting schedule, the status under applicable Laws, and all other terms and conditions
of the Glamis New Options and the Western Copper Options will otherwise be unchanged from those
contained in or otherwise applicable to the related Western Stock Option. Glamis and Western Copper
will reserve a sufficient number of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares, respectively, for
issue upon exercise of the Glamis New Options and Western Copper Options, provided, however, that
the right to exercise such options will be subject to applicable regulatory and shareholder
approvals;
(k) Western Copper will redeem the Western Copper Class A Voting Shares at par and such
shares will be cancelled;
(l) no fractional Glamis Share will be issued in connection with the exchange in §3.1(i), but
rather shareholders entitled to a fractional Glamis Share will receive cash in lieu thereof based
on one whole Glamis Share being valued at $34.73;
(m) the names of Western Shareholders, other than Glamis, will be removed from the central
securities register of Western;
(n) Glamis will become the holder of all Class A Shares and the central securities register
of Western will be revised accordingly; and
- 7 -
(o) the exchanges and cancellations provided for in this §3.1 will be deemed to occur on the
Effective Date, notwithstanding that certain of the procedures related thereto are not completed
until after the Effective Date.
3.2 Notwithstanding that the transactions or events set out in §3.1 may occur or be deemed to
occur in the order therein set out without any further act or formality, each of Western, Glamis
and Western Copper agree to make, do and execute or cause and procure to be made, done and executed
all such further acts, deeds, agreements, transfers, assurances, instruments or documents as may be
required by it in order to further document or evidence any of the transactions or events set out
in §3.1 including, without limitation, any resolution of directors authorizing the issue, transfer
or purchase for cancellation of shares, any share transfer powers evidencing the transfer of
shares, any receipt therefor and any necessary additions to or deletions from share registers and
transfer of the Assets.
ARTICLE 4
CERTIFICATES
4.1 After the Effective date, certificates formerly representing Western Shares which are
held by a Western Shareholder will, except for Western Shares held by Dissenters, represent only
the right to receive certificates representing Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares, all in
accordance with the terms of the Arrangement.
4.2 No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective Date with
respect to the Glamis Shares or Western Copper Shares with a record date after the Effective Date
will be payable or paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificate or certificates for Western
Shares which, immediately prior to the Effective Date, represented outstanding Western Shares and
will not be payable until the surrender of certificates for Western Shares for exchange for Glamis
Shares and Western Copper Shares in accordance with the terms of this Plan of Arrangement.
4.3 As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, the Depositary will forward
to each Western Shareholder, at the address of such Western Shareholder as it appears on the
appropriate register for such securities, a letter of transmittal (a Transmittal Letter) and
instructions for obtaining delivery of the certificate or certificates representing the Glamis
Shares and Western Copper Shares allotted and issued to such holder pursuant to the Arrangement.
Western Shareholders may take delivery of the certificate or certificates representing the Glamis
Shares and Western Copper Shares allotted and issued to them by delivering the certificates
representing Western Shares formerly held by them to the at the offices indicated in the
Transmittal Letter. Such certificates must be accompanied by a duly completed Transmittal Letter,
together with such other documents as the may require. Certificates representing the Glamis Shares
and Western Copper Shares issued to such Western Shareholder will be registered in such name or
names and delivered to such address or addresses as such Western Shareholder may direct in such
Transmittal Letter as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by the of the required
certificates and documents.
4.4 Any certificate which immediately prior to the Effective Date represented outstanding
Western Shares and which has not been surrendered, with all other instruments required by this
- 8 -
Article 4.4, on or prior to the sixth anniversary of the Effective Date, will cease to represent
any claim against or interest of any kind or nature in Western, Glamis, Western Copper or the .
4.5 In the event any certificate, which immediately before the Effective Time represented one
or more outstanding Western Shares that were exchanged pursuant to §3.1, is lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such certificate to
be lost, stolen or destroyed, the will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate, one or more certificates representing one or more Glamis Shares (and a cheque for any
cash in lieu of fractional Glamis Shares pursuant to §3.1(l) and a certificate representing Western
Copper Shares,
deliverable in accordance with such holders Transmittal Letter. When authorizing such issuances or
payment in exchange for any lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, the Person to whom certificates
representing Glamis Shares and cash, as applicable, and Western Copper Shares are or is to be
issued or delivered will, as a condition precedent to the issuance or payment thereof, give a bond
satisfactory to Glamis and Western Copper and their respective transfer agents in such sum as
Glamis and Western Copper may direct or otherwise indemnify Glamis and Western Copper in a manner
satisfactory to them, against any Claim that may be made against one or both of them with respect
to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
ARTICLE 5
RIGHTS OF DISSENT AND APPRAISAL
5.1 Notwithstanding §3.1, holders of Western Shares may exercise rights of dissent (the
Dissent Right) in connection with the Arrangement pursuant to the Interim Order and in the manner
set forth in Sections 242 to 247 of the BCBCA (collectively, the Dissent Procedures), subject to
the provisions of this Article 5.
5.2 Western Shareholders who duly exercise Dissent Rights with respect to their Western
Shares (Dissenting Shares) and who are ultimately:
(a) entitled to be paid fair value for their Dissenting Shares will be deemed to have
transferred their Dissenting Shares which have been redesignated as Class B Shares to Western
Copper in accordance with §3.1; or
(b) not entitled for any reason to be paid for their Dissenting Shares, will be deemed
to have participated in the Arrangement on the same basis as a non-dissenting Western
Shareholder and will receive Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares on the same basis as
every other non-dissenting Western Shareholder;
but in no case will Western be required to recognize such persons as holding Western Shares on or
after the Effective Date.
5.3 If a Western Shareholder exercises the Dissent Right, Glamis and Western Copper will on
the Effective Date set aside a number of Glamis Shares and Western Copper Shares, respectively,
which is attributable under the Arrangement to the Western Shares for which Dissent Rights have
been exercised. If the dissenting Western Shareholder is ultimately not entitled to be paid for
their Dissenting Shares, they will be deemed to have participated in the Arrangement on the same
basis as the non-dissenting Western Shareholders and Glamis and
- 9 -
Western will be deemed to have distributed to such Western Shareholder the Glamis Shares and
Western Copper Shares that the Western Shareholder is entitled to receive pursuant to the terms of
the Arrangement. If a Western Shareholder duly complies with the Dissent Procedures and is
ultimately entitled to be paid for their Dissenting Shares, Western Copper will pay the amount to
be paid in respect of the Dissenting Shares and in consideration therefor, Western Copper will be
deemed to have acquired the Dissenting Shares which have been redesignated as Class B Shares in
accordance with §3.1 and will be deemed to have participated in the Arrangement on the same basis
as the non-dissenting Western Shareholders (except that Western Copper will not be entitled to
receive Western Copper Shares) and Glamis will be deemed to have distributed to Western Copper the
Glamis Shares that Western Copper is entitled to receive in exchange for the Dissenting Shares
which have been redesignated as Class B Shares and exchanged for Class A Shares in accordance with
§3.1 pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement. In addition, Western Copper will pay Western 3.5815%
of the direct out of pocket costs incurred by Western in dealing with the Dissent Procedures.
ARTICLE 6
EFFECT OF THE ARRANGEMENT
6.1 As at and from the Effective Time:
Western will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glamis;
1. Western will continue to hold all of its mineral properties, cash and assets, save
and except for the Cash and Assets to be transferred to Western Copper as part of the
Arrangement;
2. the rights of creditors against the property and interests of Western will be
unimpaired by the Arrangement;
3. Western Shareholders, other than Dissenters, will hold Glamis Shares and Western
Copper Shares in replacement for their Western Shares, as provided by the Plan of Arrangement;
and
4. the holders of Western Stock Options will be entitled on exercise of their Western
Stock Options to receive Glamis Shares and will be entitled to receive Western Copper Options
as provided by this Plan of Arrangement.
6.2 Glamis, Western, Western Copper and the will be entitled to deduct and withhold from any
consideration payable to any holder of Western Shares, such amounts as Glamis, Western, Western
Copper or the is required or permitted to deduct and withhold with respect to such payment under
the Tax Act, the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any provision of provincial, state,
local or foreign tax laws, in each case, as amended. To the extent that amounts are so withheld,
such withheld amounts will be treated for all purposes hereof as having been paid to the holder of
the shares in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made, provided that such withheld
amounts are actually remitted to the appropriate taxing authority. The is hereby authorized to sell
or otherwise dispose of such portion of the consideration as is necessary to provide sufficient
funds to Glamis, Western, Western Copper or the , as the case may be, to enable it to comply with
such deduction or withholding requirement, and Glamis,
- 10 -
Western, Western Copper or the will notify the holder thereof and remit to the holder any unapplied
balance of the net proceeds of such sale.
ARTICLE 7
AMENDMENTS
7.1 Glamis, Western and Western Copper reserve the right to amend, modify and/or supplement
this Plan of Arrangement from time to time at any time prior to the Effective Date, provided that
any such amendment, modification or supplement must be contained in a written document that is
filed with the Court.
7.2 Save and except as may be otherwise provided in the Interim Order, any amendment,
modification or supplement to this Plan of Arrangement may be proposed by Glamis, Western and
Western Copper at any time prior to the Western Meeting with or without any other prior notice or
communication to Western Shareholders, and if so proposed and accepted by Western Shareholders
voting at the Western Meeting, will become part of this Plan of Arrangement for all purposes.
Subject to §7.3, if such amendment, modification or supplement is made following the Western
Meeting, it shall be approved by the Court and, if required by the Court, communicated to the
Western Shareholders, and will become part of the Arrangement upon completion of all the conditions
required in the Court approval.
7.3 Any amendment, modification or supplement to this Plan of Arrangement may be made by
Glamis, Western and Western Copper without approval of the Western Shareholders provided that it
concerns a matter which, in the reasonable opinion of Glamis, Western and Western Copper, is of an
administrative or ministerial nature required to better give effect to the implementation of this
Plan of Arrangement and is not materially adverse to the financial or economic interests of any of
the Western Shareholders.
ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION
8.1 This Plan of Arrangement will automatically terminate and be of no further force and
effect upon the termination of the Arrangement Agreement in accordance with its terms.
SCHEDULE E
FAIRNESS OPINION
Macquarie North America Ltd
|
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Suite 2664
|
|
Telephone (604) 605 3944 |
1055 Dunsmuir Steet
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Facsimile (604) 605 1634 |
Vancouver, British Columbia V7X 1K8 |
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CANADA |
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March 16, 2006
Independent Committee of the Board of Directors
Western Silver Corporation
2050 1111 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6E 4M3
Members of the Independent Committee:
Macquarie North America Ltd. (Macquarie) understands that Glamis Gold Ltd. (Glamis) and Western
Silver Corporation (Western Silver) propose to enter into an Arrangement Agreement (the
Agreement) pursuant to which Glamis has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of
Western Silver (the Western Silver Shares) pursuant to a plan of arrangement transaction (the
Arrangement).
Under the terms of the Agreement, Glamis will offer to purchase the Western Silver Shares for a
price (the Offer Price) consisting of the following:
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0.6880 common shares of Glamis (a Glamis Share) per Western Silver Share; plus |
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1 common share of Western Copper Corporation (Western Copper). |
You have asked us whether, in our opinion, the Offer Price is fair, from a financial point of view,
to the holders of Western Silver Shares, other than Glamis.
Scope of Review
We have not been asked to, nor do we, offer any opinion as to the terms of the Agreement(other than
in respect of the Offer Price as expressly set forth herein) or the form of the Agreement or the
documents related thereto.
In arriving at our opinion, we have, among other things:
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(a) |
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Reviewed what we have been advised is a near final draft of the Agreement and schedules thereto; |
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(b) |
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Reviewed certain publicly available financial and other information concerning Western Silver,
Western Copper and Glamis that we deemed to be relevant for purposes
of our analysis; |
Macquarie North America Ltd
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(c) |
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Reviewed certain historical financial information and operating data concerning Western Silver, Western
Copper and Glamis which were provided by Western Silver and Glamis respectively; |
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(d) |
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Reviewed certain projected financial and operating information, including, without limitation,
operational forecasts, financial forecasts and internal mine models, which were prepared and provided
by Western Silver and Glamis, respectively (such information, the Projections); |
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(e) |
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Conducted discussions with senior executives and managers of Western Silver and Glamis concerning the
matters described in clauses (b), (c) and (d) above; |
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(f) |
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Reviewed historical market prices and valuation multiples for the Western Silver Shares and Glamis
Shares and compared such prices and multiples with those of certain publicly traded companies that we
deemed relevant for purposes of our analysis; |
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(g) |
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Reviewed the financial results of Western Silver and Glamis and compared them with publicly available
financial data concerning certain publicly traded companies that we deemed to be relevant for purposes
of our analysis; |
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(h) |
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Reviewed publicly available financial data for merger and acquisition transactions we deemed comparable
for purposes of our analysis; |
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(i) |
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Compared the Offer Price and its implied transaction value to the historical market prices of the
Western Silver Shares; |
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(j) |
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Compared the Offer Price to the value per Western Silver Share implied by our analyses of market
multiples of comparable companies, implied multiples paid in comparable transactions and net asset
value analysis incorporating the discounted cash flow methodology; |
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(k) |
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Reviewed certain industry reports and statistics as we deemed relevant for purposes of our analysis; and |
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(l) |
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Reviewed and considered such other financial, market, technical and industry information, discussions
or analyses as we considered relevant and appropriate in the circumstances. |
Assumptions and Limitations
We have relied upon, and have assumed the completeness, accuracy and fair presentation of all
financial and other information, data, advice, opinions and representations obtained by us from
public sources or information provided to
us by Western Silver and Glamis and their respective affiliates and advisers or otherwise. We have
not attempted to verify independently the accuracy or completeness of any such information, data,
advice, opinions and representations. For purposes of rendering this opinion, we have assumed that,
in all respects material to our analysis, the representations and warranties of Western Silver and
Glamis contained in the Agreement are true, accurate and complete; Western Silver and Glamis will
each perform all of the respective covenants and agreements to be performed by them under the
Agreement; and all conditions to the obligations of each of Western
Silver and Glamis as specified in the Agreement will be satisfied without any waiver thereof. In
rendering this opinion, we have assumed that the Agreement will be executed and delivered in the
form of the draft reviewed by us and will not be amended, changed, modified or assigned. In
addition, we have received and relied upon a letter of representation as to certain factual matters
and the completeness and accuracy of the information upon which this opinion is based, addressed to
us and dated the date hereof, which was provided by senior officers of Western Silver and we have
assumed that the representations therein are true, complete and accurate. With respect to the
Projections, we have relied upon assurances of Western Silver and Glamis that such Projections have
been prepared in good faith on a reasonable basis based on assumptions reflecting the best
currently available estimates and judgments of Western Silver and Glamis and their respective
advisors as to their future performance. This opinion is based, in large part, on these
Projections. Actual results that may be achieved by Western Silver, Western Copper and Glamis may
vary materially from the Projections used in our analysis. We have also assumed that all material
governmental, regulatory, or other approvals and consents required in connection with the Agreement
and the consummation of the acquisition of the Western Silver Shares will be obtained and that in
connection with obtaining any necessary governmental, regulatory, or other approvals and consents,
no limitations, restrictions or conditions will be imposed that would adversely affect Western
Silver, Western Copper or Glamis.
This opinion is rendered on the basis of securities markets, economic and general business and
financial conditions prevailing as at the date hereof and the conditions and prospects, financial
and otherwise, of Western Silver, Western Copper and Glamis as they are reflected in the
information, data and other material (financial or otherwise) provided to us and reviewed by us.
In our analysis and in connection with the preparation of this opinion, we have made assumptions
with respect to industry performance, general business, market and economic conditions and other
matters, many of which are beyond the control of any party involved in the Arrangement. We believe
these assumptions to be reasonable with respect to Western Silver, Western Copper, Glamis, and the
industry in which they currently operate, however, to the extent they are incorrect it may affect
our view as to the fairness of the Offer Price.
Our opinion is effective on the date hereof and we disclaim any undertaking or obligation to advise
any person of any change in any fact or matter affecting this opinion that may come or be brought
to our attention after the date hereof. Without limiting the foregoing, if there is any material
change in any fact or matter affecting the opinion after the date hereof, we reserve the right to
change, modify or withdraw the opinion. This opinion is addressed to and is for the sole use and
benefit of the Independent Committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of
Western Silver, and may not be referred to, summarized, circulated, publicized or reproduced by
Western Silver or disclosed to, used or relied upon by any other party without our express prior
written consent. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Western Silver may include a copy of this
opinion, together with a summary thereof, in the management proxy circular to be sent to Western
Silver
shareholders in advance of its meeting of shareholders called to consider the Arrangement. Except
as provided in this paragraph, Macquarie Bank Limited, its direct and indirect subsidiaries
(including us) and our and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors do
not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any loss,
claim, damage, cost or expense arising as a consequence of acting on or of reliance upon the
information or any statement or opinion contained in this opinion.
In connection with the preparation of this opinion, we have not been asked, or authorized, to
solicit or investigate alternative transactions which might be available to Western Silver.
Accordingly, we do not express any view as to whether any such alternative might be available or
the possible terms thereof, and our opinion does not take into consideration the possibility of any
such alternative transaction. This opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of
view, of the Offer Price and does not address the relative merits of the Agreement, the
Arrangement, the decision of the holders of the Western Silver Shares to accept the Offer Price,
any other aspects of the Agreement or the Arrangement or any alternatives to the Agreement or the
Arrangement. This opinion does not constitute, nor should it be construed as, a recommendation as
to whether the holders of the Western Silver Shares should vote their Western Silver Shares in
favor of the Arrangement. In addition, we have not been asked to address, and this opinion does not
address, the fairness to, or any other consideration of, the holders of any class of securities,
creditors or other constituencies of Western Silver, other than the holders of the Western Silver
Shares. In addition, our opinion does not address the tax consequences of the Agreement or the
Arrangement to the holders of the Western Silver Shares.
We believe that our analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of our
analyses or the factors considered by us, without considering all factors and analyses together,
could create a misleading view of the process underlying the opinion. The preparation of an opinion
is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description.
Any attempt to do so could lead to undue emphasis on any particular factor or analysis.
Engagement of Macquarie North America Ltd.
Pursuant to an engagement letter signed January 27, 2006 (the Engagement Letter), Western Silver
retained our services to, among other things, undertake a review of Western Silvers asset
valuation and provide advice regarding a potentially realizable value for Western Silver or its
assets in a possible transaction.
Our services under the Engagement Letter included, among other things, providing advice and
assistance to Western Silver in connection with the Arrangement and the preparation and delivery to
the Independent Committee of this opinion. Western Silver has agreed to pay us a fee for our
financial advisory services in connection with the Arrangement as set forth in the Engagement
Letter, of which substantially all is contingent upon the consummation of Glamis acquisition of
the Western Silver Shares. Western Silver has also agreed to reimburse us for our out-of-pocket
expenses and to indemnify us and our related parties against liabilities arising in connection with
our services under the
Engagement Letter. In addition, Western Silver has agreed to pay us a fee for rendering this
opinion, no portion of which is conditioned upon this opinion being favorable.
We and our affiliates in the past have provided, are currently providing and may in the future
provide investment banking and other financial services to Western Silver, Western Copper, Glamis
and their respective affiliates, for which we and our affiliates have received, and expect to
receive, compensation. In the normal course of our business, we and our affiliates may trade the
securities of Western Silver, Western Copper or Glamis for our own account or for the account of
our customers, and therefore, may hold long or short positions in Western Silver, Western Copper or
Glamis.
Conclusion
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and such other matters as we considered relevant, it is
our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Offer Price is fair, from a financial point of view,
to the holders of the Western Silver Shares, other than Glamis.
Yours very truly,
MACQUARIE NORTH AMERICA LTD.
SCHEDULE F
INTERIM ORDER