Avanti Receives and Will Oppose Judicial Review Application by Nisga'a Nation
VANCOUVER, BC -- (Marketwired) -- 05/17/13 -- Avanti Mining Inc. (TSX VENTURE: AVT) (PINKSHEETS: AVNMF), through its wholly owned subsidiary Avanti Kitsault Mine Ltd. ("Avanti" or the "Company"), has received notice of a Federal Court application by the Nisga'a Nation, challenging a decision by the Fisheries and Oceans Canada ("DFO") that certain waters in the area of the tailings impoundment facility as proposed for the Kitsault Mine are not "frequented by fish."
The Application seeks an order quashing DFO's decision and declarations that the Crown breached its obligation to evaluate the environmental impacts of this decision and consult with the Nisga'a Nation. The Attorney General for Canada and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans are respondents. Avanti is also named as a respondent and intends to participate in and oppose the application.
On March 18, 2013 Avanti was granted a favourable environmental assessment certificate from the Province of British Columbia for the Kitsault Mine. A federal environmental assessment decision is pending. The Nisga'a Nation has initiated dispute resolution discussions with BC and Canada under the terms of the Nisga'a Final Agreement.
The Company is focused on the development of the past producing Kitsault molybdenum mine located north of Prince Rupert in British Columbia.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain forward-looking information concerning the business of Avanti Mining Inc. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, the Company's plans to participate in and oppose the application of the Nisga'a, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the opinions of management at the date the statements are made and are based on assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include uncertainties inherent in litigation matters, the need for the cooperation of government agencies and native groups and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2011, which is available at www.sedar.com. The Company is under no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's opinions should change, excepting as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
For further information, please visit www.avantimining.com, or contact:
Craig J. Nelsen
Chief Executive Officer
303-565-5491, extension 4471
or
A.J. Ali
Chief Financial Officer
303-565-5491, extension 4472
or
Mark G. Premo
Chief Operating Officer
604-620-6659
