Cougar Metals secures 36 km2 cobalt project in Chile

SANTIAGO – The Cougar Metals has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Antasitua Chile to acquire a 100% interest in the 36 km2 Plateado cobalt project, which contains a historical mine that is reported to have produced high-grade cobalt.

Randal Swick, the executive chairperson of the Australian company, said on Wednesday it was considered a complementary opportunity to its lithium prospect in Brazil, the MiningWeekly reported.

In terms of the LoI, a new Australian parent company shall be formed to hold the Chilean project. The shares will initially be held in escrow by the manager (Ricardo Rangel), but will be transferred to Cougar once the company has spent a minimum of A$100 000 on exploration and made A$100 000 cash payment to Antasitua.

Chile had 12 mining deaths in 2017

The beneficial ownership of the new company shall remain with the manager, but pass to Cougar upon an exploration spend, or cash payment of the shortfall, of A$300 000, provided that this is completed in three years of the execution of the LoI.

Cougar will engage the consulting services of Rangel and a local geologist on agreed terms and will also grant Antasitua a 15% net profit interest in the project portfolio, capped at A$2-million.