NOTICE: The text below was created automatically and may contain errors and differences from the contract's original PDF file. Learn more here

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA)

MONTSERRADO COUNTY)



MINERAL DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT



BETWEEN



THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA



AND



AMLIB UNITED MINERALS INCORPORATED TABLE OF CONTENTS



SECTION I: DEFINITIONS. ............................2

1.1 "Affiliate".................................2

1.2 "Agreement".................................2

1.3 "Associates"................................2

1.4 "Center"....................................2

1.5 "Class A Mining License"....................2

1.6 "Contract Area".............................2

1.7 "Contract Year" ............................2

1.8 "Convention"................................2

1.9 "Development"...............................2

1.10 "Dollar" and "US$"..........................3

1.11 "Effective Date"............................3

1.12 "Exploration"...............................3

1.13 "Exploration Area"..........................3

1.14 "Exploration License".......................3

1.15 "Extended Term".............................3

1.16 "Feasibility Report"........................3

1.17 "Financial Year"............................3

1.18 "Foreign Currency"..........................3

1.19 "Government"................................3

1.20 "Infrastructure"............................3

1.21 "International Standards"...................4

1.22 "Law".......................................4

1.23 "Mineral"...................................4

1.24 "Minister"..................................4

1.25 "Notice"....................................4

1.26 "Operations"................................4

1.27 "Operator" .................................5

1.28 "Party".....................................5

1.29 "Person"....................................5

1.30 "Prevailing Market Rate of Exchange"........5

1.31 "Production"................................5

1.32 "Production Area"...........................5

1.33 "Taxes and Duties"..........................5

1.34 "Include Words".............................5

1.35 "Headings"..................................5

1.36 "References"................................6

1.37 "Severability"..............................6



SECTION 2: EFFECTIVE DATE ..........................6

SECTION 3: TERM OF THE AGREEMENT ...................63.1 Original Term...............................6

3.2 Extended Term...............................6



SECTION 4: EXPLORATION LICENSE AND AREA.........7

4.1 Exploration License.........................7

4.2 Exploration Area............................8

4.3 Surrender of Exploration Area...............8

4.4 Retention of Exploration Area...............8

4.5 Surrender Right.............................8

4.6 Credit for Production Areas.................9

4.7 Minimum Size................................9

4.8 Right to Purchase Samples...................9

4.9 Pilot Mining Operations.....................9

4.10 Right to Additional Areas..................9

4.11 Dealership License.........................10



SECTION 5: EXPLORATION WORK PROGRAMS............10

5.1 Commencement................................10

5.2 Minimum Expenditure.........................10

5.3 Operations Reports, Records and inspection..11



SECTION 6: CLASS A MINING LICENSE AND AREA......12

6.1 Class A Mining License......................12

6.2 Production Areas............................12

6.3 Government Mineral Appraisal Office.........13

6.4 Pre-feasibility and Feasibility Report......13

6.5 Term of the Class A Mining License..........14

6.6 Surrender of Production Areas...............14

6.7 Reports to the Central Bank of Liberia......14

6.8 Class B and C Mining Licenses...............14



SECTION 7: CONFIDENTIALITY......................14

7.1 Confidential Information....................14

7.2 Public Information..........................14



SECTION 8: PRODUCTION WORK PROGRAMS.............14



SECTION 9: CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS................15



SECTION 10: LAND AND FACILITIES.................15

10.1 Public Land................................15

10.2 Private Land...............................15

10.3 Limitation on Exploration and Production...16



-ii-











10.4 Facilities........................................................................16

10.5 Communications Facilities, Systems and Frequencies................................17



SECTION 11: HEALTH AND SAFETY...............................................................17

11.1 Health and Safety.................................................................17

11.2 Security Force....................................................................18



SECTION 12: HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION.......................................................18

12.1 Health Care.......................................................................18

12.2 Education.........................................................................18

12.3 Housing...........................................................................19



SECTION 13: EMPLOYMENT, SECONDMENT AND TRAINING.............................................19

13.1 Employment........................................................................19

13.2 Secondment........................................................................19

13.3 Training of Liberians.............................................................19



SECTION 14: USE OF LIBERIAN SERVICES AND MATERIALS..........................................20



SECTION 15: COMMUNITY RESOURCES.............................................................20



SECTION 16: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT.........................................20

16.1 Environmental Impact Statement....................................................20

16.2 Damage and Restoration............................................................20

16.3 Plans.............................................................................21



SECTION 17: TECHNICAL COMMITTEE.............................................................21

17.1 Formation.........................................................................21

17.2 Costs.............................................................................21

17.3 Functions.........................................................................21



SECTION 18: UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GOVERNMENT..................................................21

18.1 Access to Information.............................................................21

18.2 Provision of Documents............................................................22

18.3 Use of Aircraft...................................................................22

18.4 Use of Airports and Ports.........................................................22

18.5 Electricity Generation and Transmission...........................................22

18.6 Issuance of Necessary Authorization...............................................22

18.7 Protection Against Nationalization or Expropriation...............................23

18.8 Peaceful Enjoyment................................................................23

18.9 Non-Derogation....................................................................23

18.10Most Favorable Treatment..........................................................23













iii

SECTION 19: INDEMNIFICATION........................23

19.1 Indemnification for Breach of Agreement.......24

19.2 Operator's Indemnification of the Government..24

19.3 Government's Indemnification of the Operator..24



SECTION 20: INCOME TAXATION........................24

20.1 Rate and Basis................................24

20.2 Carry Forward Permitted.......................25

20.3 Additional Deductions.........................26

20.4 Computation of Taxable Income in Dollars......26



SECTION 21: ROYALTIES..............................26

21.1 Royalty Rate..................................26

21.2 Royalty Basis.................................26

21.3 Payment.......................................26



SECTION 22: SURFACE RENTAL.........................26

22.1 Contract Area.................................26

22.2 Payment.......................................27



SECTION 23: OTHER PAYMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT.......27

23.1 Import Duties and Excise Taxes................27

23.2 Other Payments................................27

23.3 Exemption From Other Taxes and Duties.........28

23.4 Non-Application of Section 23.3...............28



SECTION 24: FINANCIAL REPORTING AND CURRENCY.......29

24.1 Accounting....................................29

24.2 Exchange Control..............................29

24.3 Currency of Payment...........................29

24.4 Right to Remit and Receive Payments...........29

24.5 Audit.........................................30



SECTION 25: INCIDENTAL RIGHTS......................30

25.1 Use of Resources..............................30

25.2 Imports.......................................31

25.3 Taxes on Resale...............................31



SECTION 26: ASSIGNMENT AND ENCUMBRANCE.............31

26.1 Right of Assignment...........................31

26.2 Right of Encumber.............................31

26.3 Notice of Assignment or Encumbrance...........31



-iv-

SECTION 27:TERMINATION................................31

27.1 Termination by the Operator......................31

27.2 Termination by the Government....................32

27.3 Opportunity to Cure..............................32

27.4 Disputes Regarding Events of Default.............33

27.5 Winding-up Commission............................33



SECTION 28: DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.....................33

28.1 Immovable Assets.................................33

28.2 Movable Assets...................................34

28.3 Removal of Movable Assets........................34

SECTION 29: ARBITRATION...............................34

29.1 Submission to Arbitration........................34

29.2 Nationality for Purposes of Arbitration..........35

29.3 Arbitrators......................................35

29.4 Referee..........................................35

29.5 Venue............................................35

29.6 Award............................................35

29.7 Waiver of Sovereign Immunity.....................36

29.8 Reservation of Rights............................36

29.9 Nature of Award..................................36

29.10 Successors......................................36



SECTION 30: NOTICES...................................37

30.1 Written Communication............................37

30.2 Delivery.........................................37

30.3 Address..........................................37

30.4 Copies of Communications.........................37

30.5 Change of Address................................38



SECTION 31: FORCE MAJEURE.............................38

31.1 Application......................................38

31.2 Definition.......................................38

31.3 No Required Settlement...........................38



SECTION 32: LIBERIAN PARTICIPATION IN OWNERSHIP.......39

32.1 Government Ownership of Equity...................39

32.2 Liberian Participation of Equity.................39



SECTION 33: GOVERNING LAW.............................39



SECTION 34: ENTIRE AGREEMENT-MODIFICATIONS............39

34.1 Entire Agreement...........................39

34.2 Amendment..................................39



SECTION 35: PERIODIC REVIEW.....................39

35.1 Modification and Review....................39



SECTION 36: NON-WAIVER OF RIGHTS................40



SECTION 37: SUCCESSION..........................40



SECTION 38: SURVIVAL PROVISION..................40







-vi-This Mineral Development Agreement is entered into by and between the REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, through its Government, represented by the Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy, the Minister of Finance, and the Chairman of the National Investment Commission (hereinafter referred to as "Government")



AND



AMLIB UNITED MINERALS INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Liberia, represented by its President (hereinafter referred to as the "Operator") hereby,



W I T N E S S E T H:



WHEREAS, title to Minerals within the territory of the Republic of Liberia is vested in the Republic of Liberia (the "Republic") and all rights related to the exploration for and exploitation of such minerals pertain exclusively to the Republic; and



WHEREAS, the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy through the Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy is by Law charged with the responsibility of administering the mineral laws of the Republic and in that process to ensure the efficient development of the mining industry, and



WHEREAS. Government is determined to accelerate the development of the mining industry of Liberia, and therefore desires to promote the exploration for and development and production of minerals in the Republic for the economic and social benefit of Liberia and recognizes that a large capital expenditure is necessary to ensure that such minerals are economically and efficiently developed; and



WHEREAS, Government agrees to grant the Operator the right and privilege to engage in Exploration for and Development and Production of Minerals in the Contract Area in consideration of the undertaking by the Operator to engage in such Exploration, Development and Production pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; to pay Taxes, Duties and other Levies as prescribed in this Agreement, and to perform and observe the other terms and conditions of this Agreement; and



WHEREAS, the Operator has the financial ability, technical competence and professional skills necessary to carry out a program for the Exploration, Development and Production of such Minerals; and



WHEREAS in recognition of the fact that the Operator, AmLib United Minerals Inc., which is presently conducting modem exploration in Liberia for gold and







-1-

other minerals, has invested substantial amounts since 1999, has applied for certain special conditions, and



WHEREAS, in accordance with Law, the Government has the power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to grant the Operator a mining concession as hereinafter described, and to permit the Operator to conduct the Operations contemplated by this Agreement.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:



SECTION I: DEFINITIONS



1.1 "Affiliate" means a Person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Operator. For purposes of this section, control means the possession, directly or indirectly, by one Person of more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity of or voting power in another Person.



1.2 "Agreement" means this Agreement granting a mining right to the Operator and any amendments to it made pursuant to its terms as well as all exhibits and appendices to it.



1.3 "Associates" means the Affiliates, shareholders, financiers and contractors (including suppliers of goods and services) of the Operator and the directors, officers, agents and employees of the Operator and of any of the foregoing.



1.4 "Centre" means The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes established under the auspices of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.



1.5 "Class A Mining License" has the meaning given in Section 6.1.



1.6 "Contract Area" means the Exploration Area and all Production Area.



1.7 "Contract Year" means a period of twelve (12) consecutive months according to the Gregorian calendar starting on the Effective Date of this Agreement or on any anniversary of said Effective Date.



1.8 "Convention" means the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States opened to signature at Washington, D.C., United States of America, on March 18, 1965.



1.9 "Development" means all preparation for the removal and recovery



-2-

of Minerals, including the construction or installation of a mill or any other improvements to be used for the mining, handling, milling, beneficiation or other processing of Minerals.





1.10 "Dollar" and/or "US$" mean the lawful currency of the United States of America.



1.11 "Effective Date" means the date described in Section 2.



1.12 "Exploration" means activities directed toward ascertaining the existence, location, quantity, quality or commercial value of deposit of Minerals.



1.13 "Exploration Area" means the area mentioned in and subject to Section 4.2.



1.14 "Exploration License" has the meaning given in Section 4.1.



1.15 "Exploration Term" has the meaning given in Section 3.2.



1.16 "Feasibility Report" has the meaning given in Section 6.4.



1.17 "Financial Year" means January 1 through December 31, or such other period as the parties may agree.



1.18 "Foreign Currency" means Dollars and any other currency except currency that is legal tender in the Republic.



1.19 "Government" means the Republic of Liberia, its government, and all political sub divisions, branches, divisions, instrumentalities, authorities and agencies thereof.



1.20 "Infrastructure" means the following:



a. Immovable transportation and communication facilities (including roads, bridges, railroads, airports, landing strips and landing pads for aircraft, hangars and other airport facilities, garages, channels, tramways, pipelines and radio, telephone, telegraph, telecommunication, and electronic or other forms of communication facilities);



b. Immovable port facilities(including docks, harbors, piers, jetties, breakwater, terminal facilities and warehouses, and loading and unloading facilities);



c. Immovable power, water and sewerage facilities (including









-3-











electrical generating plants and transmission lines, dams, water drains, water supply

systems and systems for disposing of tailings, plant waste and sewage);



d. Immovable public welfare facilities (including schools,

hospitals and public halls);





e. Miscellaneous immovable facilities used primarily in

connection with the operation of any of the foregoing (including offices, machine shops,

foundries, repair shops and warehouses);





f. Other immovable facilities used primarily in connection with

or as an incident to Operations; and





g. Moveable facilities and equipment used as an integral part of

the immovable facilities described in paragraphs a through f above.



For purposes of this Agreement, immovable items include all tangible items that are

securely affixed and attached to the land or to buildings or other structures on the land.

All other items shall be movable items.



1.21 "International Standards" means generally accepted world mining

industry standards and procedures, due allowance being made for any special

circumstances.



1.22 "Law" means any constitution, law, statute, decree, rule, regulation,

judicial act or decision, judgment, order, proclamation, directive, executive order or

sovereign act of the Government that affects or purports to affect the Operator or is

generally applicable in the Republic.



1.23 "Mineral" means a naturally occurring, non-living substance having

a definite chemical composition and physical characteristics and having economic

value, but excluding oil, gas, coal and geothermal resources.



1.24 "Minister" means the Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy of the

Republic and his or her successors.



1.25 "Notice" means notice given pursuant to Section 30.



1.26 "Operations" means all activities and transactions conducted by or

on behalf of the Operator with respect to, under or incidental to this Agreement

including Exploration, Development and Production and the financing of any of the

foregoing.

















-4-





















1.27 "Operator means AMLIB UNITED MINERALS INC and any other Person to which, pursuant to Section 26.1, it may assign all or any part of its interest under this Agreement.



1.28 "Party" means either the Government or the Operator and, in the plural forms, both the Government and the Operator (and any permitted assignee of the Operator).



1.29 “Person" means any individual, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, corporation, trust, estate, unincorporated or other entity, government or state and any branch, division, political subdivision, instrumentality, authority or agency of any government or state.



1.30 "Prevailing Market Rate of Exchange" means the predominant rate, expressed in Dollars, at which willing sellers and willing buyers, acting at arm's length and in the ordinary course of business, purchase or sell, or agree to purchase or sell, currency of another nation.



1.31 "Production" means the commercial exploitation of Minerals found in the Contract Area and all other activities incidental thereto including the design, construction, installation, fabrication, operation, maintenance and repair of Infrastructure, facilities and equipment and the mining, excavation, extraction, recovery, handling, beneficiation, processing, milling, stockpiling, transportation, export and sale of Minerals.



1.32 "Production Area" means an area selected as such by the Operator pursuant to Section 6.2.



1.33 "Taxes and Duties" mean any and all direct and indirect income, profit, gains, capital gains, corporation, net worth, sales, transaction, payroll, import, export, customs, consul, inspection, value added, consumption, supply, use, turnover, severance, stump age, cash flow, rental, land rental surface rental, property, stamp and other taxes, duties, fees, levies, excises, rates, charges, imposts, surcharges, royalties and other Government imposed revenue payments of whatever nature and however called and whether similar or dissimilar to the foregoing.



1.34 Included Words. This Agreement shall be read with such changes in gender or number as the context shall require.



1.35 Headings The headings to the clauses and sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.







-5-





1.36 References. Unless otherwise stated, a reference herein to a numbered or lettered section or appendix refers to the section or appendix bearing that number or letter in this Agreement. A reference to "this Agreement ," "hereof,” "hereunder," "herein," or words of similar meaning, means this Agreement, including the appendices hereto, together with any amendments thereof. The words "and" and "or" will include the conjunctive and disjunctive, as the context may require or permit. The word "include" (and any variation) is used in an illustrative sense rather than in a limiting sense.



1.37 Sever ability If any provision of this Agreement is or shall become illegal, invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be and remain valid and subsisting and the said remaining provisions shall be construed as if this Agreement had been executed without the illegal, invalid or unenforceable portion.



SECTION 2: EFFECTIVE DATE



This Agreement shall become effective and be binding on the Parties when executed by them and approved by the President of the Republic. The Government will accordingly provide timely Notice to the Operator of such approval.



SECTION 3: TERM OF THE AGREEMENT



3.1 Original Term The original term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, subject to Section 3.2 below, shall end on the twenty-fifth (25th) anniversary of the Effective Date, unless sooner terminated in accordance with the other provisions of this Agreement.



3.2 Extended Term.



a. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.1 above, the Operator shall have the right to extend the term of this Agreement for additional terms not exceeding twenty-five (25) years each (the "Extended Terms") upon providing the Government with Notice, at least one year prior to the termination of the original term or any extended term, of its intention to seek such extension and, within ninety (90) days after such Notice, by providing the Government with a Feasibility Report which shall set forth the type and quantity of Minerals that are estimated to exist in the Contract Area, or any part thereof, and describe in reasonable detail a proposed plan for the efficient and economic Production of such Minerals (in accordance with International Standards and the provisions of this Agreement), including a detailed description of the proposed mining and processing methods, the design, cost and construction schedules for the proposed facilities and equipment, the financing arrangements contemplated, and the Operator's best estimate in good faith of the date upon which Production of such







-6-









Minerals will cease (the "Extended Date"), but not later than 25 years after the end of

the Original Term or any prior Extended Term.



b. The Government shall grant its approval for the Extended Term

through the Extended Date if the Feasibility Report, or the Feasibility Report as

amended by the Operator, reasonably complies with International Standards and the

provisions of this Agreement. The Government shall, in the event of any delay in or

denial of approval of a Feasibility Report, promptly give to the Operator full details, in

writing, of its reasons for withholding or delaying approval. Without prejudice to the

generality of Section 3, if, in the Operator's opinion, any such approval has been

wrongfully withheld or unreasonably delayed, it may invoke the provisions of Section

29.



c. With respect to any Extended Term, the fiscal terms

and conditions of this Agreement shall be amended in such manner as the Parties may

agree as fair and reasonable taking into account fiscal terms generally applicable at the

end of any immediately preceding term to large scale mining entities worldwide in

respect of operations of the nature envisaged in the Extended Term (due allowance

being made for any special circumstances).



SECTION 4: EXPLORATION LICENSE AND AREA



4.1 Exploration License.



a. By this Agreement and subject to its terms, the Government

hereby grants to the Operator the exclusive right and license (the "Exploration

License") to conduct exploration for minerals on all public and (subject to Section 10.2)

private land in the Contract Area and to conduct pilot mining operations pursuant to

Section 4.9. The Operator shall commence exploration not later than 180 days of the

Effective Date of this Agreement. Failure to comply with this provision shall make this

Agreement liable to cancellation.



b. Unless the Minister and the Operator otherwise agree:



(1) that the initial term of the Exploration License shall be

three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date; and



(2) that the Exploration License shall be extended for

one (1) additional term of two (2) years. The extension shall commence on the

expiration of the initial term upon the Operator's written application to the Minister at

least ninety (90) days prior to expiration of the initial term (or such lessor period of time

as the Government agrees) provided that the Operator fulfills the work and expenditure

obligations set forth in Section 5.2 for the then current term and unless the Government

otherwise agrees to grant the extension.



c. The Exploration License shall automatically terminate on the

















-7-









































expiration of its term and the Exploration Area shall thereupon be surrendered, unless

renewed in accordance with Section 4.1(b)(2) above.



4.2 Exploration Area. The original Exploration Area is as shown on

the map attached as Appendix "A", the coordinates of which are specified in

Appendix "B".



4.3 Surrender of Exploration Area. Unless the Minister and the

Operator otherwise agree and subject to the Operator receiving full credit towards the

surrender requirement for all areas declared to be Production Areas pursuant to

Section 4.6 below:



a. that at, or before the end of the initial term of the Exploration License, the

Operator may select the entire Exploration Area or any portion thereof as a proposed

Production Area;



b. that in the event the Operator decides to apply for an extension of the

Exploration License, the operator shall be obliged to surrender a minimum of fifty

percent (50%) of the original Exploration Area at the end of the Initial Term of the

Exploration License.



c. that at or before the end of the extension period, the operator shall declare the

entire remaining area or any portion thereof as a proposed production area. In the

event the operator declares only a portion of the Exploration Area as Production Areas,

the remaining portion of the Exploration Area must be surrendered to Government and

the Exploration License shall then cease to exist.



4.4 Retention of Exploration Area. The Operator may retain all or

any part of the Exploration Area by declaring the area it wishes to retain a Production

Area, whether or not Minerals which the Operator wishes to produce have been found

in that area. The Operator shall make such declaration by written Notice to the

Government not more that sixty (60) days (or such additional days as the Government

may allow) after the expiration of initial or any Extended Term of Exploration

License.



4.5 Surrender Right. The Operator shall have the right, upon giving

the Government sixty (60) days prior written Notice (or such lesser period of time as the

Government allows), at any time to surrender all or any part of the Exploration Area,

and all such voluntary surrenders shall be credited towards the mandatory surrenders

specified in Section 4.3 above.















-8-





























4.6 Credit for Production Areas. All Production Areas declared pursuant to Sections 4.4 and 6.2 shall be fully credited towards and therefore reduce the size of the mandatory surrenders specified in Section 4.3 above.



4.7 Minimum Size. Unless the Minister and the Operator otherwise agree, or until such time as the remaining Exploration Area is ten percent or less of the original Exploration Area, each separate part of the Exploration Area surrendered shall be not less than ten percent (10 %) of the original Exploration Area as provided in Section 4.3(b) and (c) herein.



4.8 Right to Purchase Samples. In connection with Exploration, the Operator may. with the consent of the Minister (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), purchase, in sample quantities for analysis, Minerals recovered from the Contract Area by other Persons and shall have the right to sell such Minerals when no longer required for analysis. Upon any such sale by the Operator, the Operator shall pay royalty on the value of such samples sold as provided in Section 21, less any royalty or like payment paid or payable to the Government by the vendor in connection with the sale of the samples to the Operator.



4.9 Pilot Mining Operations. While the Exploration License remains in effect, the Operator shall have the further right to conduct pilot mining operations in the Exploration Area. The provisions of Sections 20, 21, 22 and 23 shall apply, as appropriate, to the pilot mining operations and any income derived therefrom.



4.10 Right to Additional Areas.



a. The Operator shall have the right to add to the Contract Area as additional Exploration Areas (the "Additional Areas") any unencumbered areas requested by the Operator that have a geological relationship to adjoining Production Areas or into which extend geological trends from the Contract Area or from the geographic boundaries of any Mineral body discovered in the Contract Area.



b. On and from the date of such election or request by the Operator pursuant to Sections 4.10(a) above, the Additional Areas shall become part of the Contract Area, and the obligations of the Operator under Section 22 shall be increased pro rata temporis. Furthermore, the obligation of the Operator under Section 5.2 shall also be increased pro rata temporis beginning in the Contract Year of such election, provided that the Operator shall not be required to fulfill such increased obligation until the following Contract Year, and provided further that the Operator shall be deemed to have fulfilled its obligation under Section 5.2 in any Contract Year in which it has expended at least an aggregate amount equivalent to US$1.40 per acre on any Exploration pursuant to Section 5.2.







-9-c. With respect to each separate area within the Additional Areas which may be added to the Contract Area pursuant to this Section 4.10, the initial term of the Exploration License granted for such area shall commence on the date that such area becomes a part of the Contract Area and shall in all other respects be governed by the terms of this Section 4.



4.11 Dealership License. By this Agreement, and subject to the payment of such fees as may be required by Law, the Operator is hereby granted the right but not the obligation to acquire a dealership license to purchase Minerals within the Contract Area, the Additional Areas and other areas adjacent to those areas directly from third party miners for export, sale or other lawful purposes. The dealership license hereby granted the Operator shall also entitle the Operator to purchase Minerals outside the Contract Area, the Additional Areas and areas adjacent to those areas pursuant to Law.



SECTION 5: EXPLORATION WORK PROGRAMS



5.1 Commencement. The Operator shall commence Exploration as soon as is reasonably practicable. Furthermore, pursuant to Section 4.1(b)(1), the initial term of the Exploration License shall be three (3) years, and may be extended for one additional two (2) year term pursuant to Section 4.1(b)(2). The Operator shall carry out Exploration pursuant to a Proposed Exploration Program, which shall be submitted to the Minister not later than ninety (90) days after the Effective Date. Thereafter, the Operator shall revise the Proposed Exploration Program not later than sixty (60) days after the end of each Contract Year to the extent necessary to take into account changes in the Proposed Exploration Program that the Operator deems appropriate in light of the prior year's Exploration activity and results.



5.2 Minimum Expenditure.



a. Unless the Minister and the Operator otherwise agree, and subject to Section 4.10 above, in each Contract Year of the initial term of the Exploration License, the Operator shall incur in connection with Exploration in the Exploration Area costs and expenses of at least Two Dollars and Forty United States Cents (US $2.40) per acre. The obligation for each Contract Year shall be calculated at the beginning of the Contract Year concerned on the basis of the size of the Exploration Area at the beginning of such Contract Year and, unless the Minister and the Operator otherwise agree, a surrender of all or any part of the Exploration Area, or the declaration of Production Areas, during that Contract Year will not relieve the Operator of its obligation in respect of that Contract Year.



b. Costs and expenses incurred by the Operator on Exploration in the Exploration Area prior to the Effective Date shall be credited toward fulfillment of its



-10-

obligation under Section 5.2(a) above.



c. If, with respect to any Contract Year the Operator does not fulfill its obligation of Two Dollars and Forty United States Cents(US$2.40) per acre under Section 5.2(a) above, the Operator shall, in the next succeeding Contract Year, and in addition to the obligation applicable to such succeeding Contract Year, incur costs and expenses in an amount equal to the shortfall, and the Operator shall not be in breach of this Agreement unless and until it fails to do so. The Operator shall net, however, be entitled to the benefit of this Section 5.2(c)(2) with respect to such next succeeding Contract Year.



d. In any extension of the initial term of the Exploration License, the Operator shall conduct Exploration, and incur costs and expenses in connection therewith in accordance with Section 5.2(a).



5.3 Operation Reports, Records and Inspection



The Operator shall maintain at its principal office in Liberia, or at such other offices as the Government may approve:



(a) Copies of all maps, geological, mining or other earth science reports and mineral analysis (together with all field data which support such reports or data), production records, marketing reports and other data obtained or compiled by the Operator as a result of exploration and/or mining operations and activities. All information, data and material specified in this paragraph shall be in a form suitable for reproduction, use or processing as the case may be. The Operator shall have the right to temporarily remove such samples and other data from such location and (on prior notice to the Government) from Liberia for the purpose of study and evaluation



(b) The Operator shall keep the Government fully informed of all Operations and activities, wherever conducted, and of its plans in respect thereof. The Government shall have the right to monitor Exploration and Mining Operations and activities from time to time and a reasonable number of Government personnel may, upon prior Notice to the Operator, at reasonable time and subject to compliance with the Operator’s security requirements, attend and inspect Exploration and Mining Operations and activities conducted in Liberia.



(c) Within thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter, the Operator shall provide the Government with a report on all Exploration and Mining Operations and activities for that calendar quarter, including financial reports and Minerals recovered and sold. Within ninety (90) days after the end of each financial year, the Operator shall furnish the Government with a report on all Exploration and Mining Operations and activities for that Financial Year, including financial reports and







-11-

6.3 Government Mineral Office. In the Production Area, a Government Mineral office shall be established to facilitate the export of Mineral commodities produced or purchased.



6.4 Pre-Feasibility Report and Feasibility Report



a. Within ninety (90) days after the submission of the map and descriptive statement mentioned in Section 6.2(b) above and before commencing Production in connection with a Production Area, the Operator shall submit a Pre-feasibility Report to the Government. The Pre-feasibility Report shall describe, in reasonable detail, a proposed plan fo the efficient and economic Production (in accordance with International Standards and the provisions of this Agreement) of the Mineral deposits found, including a detailed description of the proposed mining and processing methods, the design, costs and construction schedules for the proposed facilities and equipment and the marketing arrangements contemplated. The Government shall not withhold or unreasonably delay its approval of the Pre-feasibility Report and shall grant its approval if the Pre-feasibility Report, or any amendment made to it by the Operator, reasonably complies with International Standards and the provisions of this Agreement. The Government shall, in the event of any delay in or denial of approval of a Pre-feasibility Report, promptly give to the Operator full details in writing, of its reasons for withholding or delaying approval. Without prejudice to the generality of Section 6.4, if, in the Operator's opinion, any such approval has been wrongfully withheld or unreasonably delayed, it may invoke the provisions of Section 29.



b.Within sixteen (16) months after the submission of the Pre-feasibility Report mentioned in Section 6.4 (a) above and before commencing Production in connection with a Production Area, the Operator shall submit a Feasibility Report to the Government. The Feasibility Report shall describe, in more detail, a proposed plan for the efficient and economic Production (in accordance with International Standards and the Provisions of this Agreement) of the Mineral deposits found, including a more detailed and precise description of the proposed mining and processing methods, the design, costs and construction schedules for the proposed facilities and equipment and the marketing arrangements contemplated. The Government shall not withhold or unreasonably delay its approval of the Feasibility Report and shall grant its approval if the Feasibility Report, or any amendment made to it by the Operator, reasonably complies with International Standards and the provisions of this Agreement. The Government shall, in the event of any delay in or denial of approval of the Feasibility Report, promptly give to the Operator full details, in writing, of its reasons for withholding or delaying approval. Without prejudice to the generality of Section 6.4, if, in the Operator's opinion, any such approval has been wrongfully withheld or unreasonably delayed, it may invoke the provisions of Section 29.



-13-6.5 Term of the Class A Mining License. Subject to Section 6.6 below, the Class A Mining License for a Production Area selected by the Operator shall remain valid and effective for the unexpired portion of the term of the Agreement and any extensions thereof.



6.6 Surrender of Production Area. The Operator shall have the right, upon giving the Minister sixty (60) days prior written Notice (or such lesser period of time as the Minister allows), at any time to surrender all or any part of a Production Area. Upon cessation of Production (as defined in Section 27.2(c)) in connection with all of a Production Area, the Production Area shall be surrendered. Upon surrender of all or part of a Production Area, the Class A Mining License shall terminate in respect of the area surrendered.



6.7 Reports to the Central Bank of Liberia. The Operator shall report all sales of Minerals made pursuant to Section 6.1, or otherwise under this Agreement, to the Central Bank of Liberia, or any successor institution, in such details and manner as may be required by Law.



6.8 Class B and C.Mining Licenses. The Government undertakes not to grant any Class B Mining Licenses within the Exploration Area and furthermore warrants that any and all mining operations taking place within the exploration area exploration and/or mining activities of the Operator.



SECTION 7: CONFIDENTIALITY



7.1 Confidential Information. All information exchanged between the Parties in the context of this Agreement shall be considered and treated as confidential information, subject to Section 7.2 below. The Parties agree not to divulge such information to any other Person without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.



7.2 Public information. The obligation of confidentiality set forth in Section 7.1 above shall not apply either to information exchanged between the Parties which is in the public domain or to information exchanged by the Parties which the Operator is required to reveal to any other Person by Law.



SECTION 8: PRODUCTION WORK PROGRAMS



Subject to Sections 5 and 6, the Operator shall use commercially reasonable efforts to commence and continue construction, acquisition and installation of facilities and equipment, and otherwise to produce Minerals, substantially in accordance with the Feasibility Report unless such Production becomes uneconomic, in which even t the provisions of Section 31 shall apply.



-14-SECTION 9: CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS



The Operator shall have the right to conduct Operations by itself or through agents and contractors using facilities, equipment, materials and methods, in a proper and workmanlike manner, with due diligence, efficiency and economy and in accordance with International Standards and the terms of this Agreement



SECTION 10: LAND AND FACILITIES



10.1 Public Land.



a. The Operator shall have the right to enter upon and utilize all public land within the Contract Area for purposes of and incidental to Operations, without cost except as provided for by Section 22.1 below.



b. To the extent that it does not involve an unreasonable interference with the rights of other Persons, the Government shall grant the Operator the right to enter upon, utilize and possess, without cost, any public land not within the Exploration Area or a Production Area and which is reasonably required by the Operator for purposes of and incidental to Operations including areas required for plant and equipment, Infrastructure and other facilities and equipment. Possession of such land shall be returned to the Government following termination of this Agreement, if not earlier returned, and such land shall be deemed part of the Contract Area during any such period of occupancy and use by the Operator.



10.2 Private Land.



a. The Operator shall endeavor, by direct agreement with the owner, to enter upon and utilize private land within the Contract Area required for or incidental to Operations.



b. If the Operator and the owner of private land in the Contract Area which the Operator reasonably requires for Operations cannot agree, the Government shall, at the request of the Operator, intervene to assist in the conclusion of such agreement, failing which the Government shall, at the request of the Operator acquire such land and all improvements thereon in the public interest The Operator shall reimburse the Government for all reasonable costs paid in connection with such expropriation, including just compensation paid to the prior owner, provided, however, that the amount reimbursed by the Operator to the Government with respect to compensation paid by the Government to the owner shall not exceed the reasonable value of the owner's interest in such land (and any improvements thereon) determined, without regard to the value of any Minerals which may be contained therein, by means of an appraisal conducted by a qualified Person mutually agreed to by the Parties.







-15-

Title to the property thus acquired shall vest in the Government, and the Government shall grant the Operator the right to enter upon, utilize and possess such land which shall be deemed part of the Contract Area.

c. If the Operator reasonably requires private land outside the Contract Area for Operations, the Operator will endeavor to enter upon and utilize such land by direct agreement with the owner, and such land shall be deemed part of the Contract Area during any period of occupancy and use by the Operator.

d. For the purposes of the foregoing:

(1) private land shall mean any land (including any creeks, streams, rivers or bodies of water contained thereon, and their residue) owned by a Person other than the Government; and

(2) public land shall mean all land other than private land.



10.3 Limitation on Exploration and Production. Nothing contained in this Section 10 shall be construed to permit the Operator to explore for Minerals, or to produce Minerals found, in any land which is not within the Exploration Area or a Production Area.

10.4 Facilities.

a. The Operator shall have the right to acquire, construct, install and operate plant and equipment, Infrastructure and other facilities and equipment reasonably required for Operations.

b. The Operator shall have the right to use public Infrastructure, whether owned, operated or provided by the Government or by any other Person under license or authority of the Government, to the extent adequate (taking into account the public use thereof) to meet the Operator’s needs with respect to Operations. The Government shall ensure that all chargers for, and other terms and conditions of, the use by the Operator of public Infrastructure are fair and reasonable, taking into account the cost of providing such Infrastructure, and are not more onerous than those that are generally applicable to others using similar public Infrastructure in a similar manner.

c. To the extent reasonable in Connection with Operations, the Operator shall have the right, subject to prior consultation with Government, to integrate any item of its own infrastructure with similar items of public Infrastructure.

d. To the extent that the Operator’s Infrastructure is not utilized.



16

by the Operator to its full capacity, the Government shall have the right to use it on reasonable Notice to the Operator, provided that such use does not impair the efficient and economic conduct of Operations. The Government shall pay reasonable compensation to the Operator (other than in the case of roads and highways unless the use causes material damage thereto) within sixty (60) days after invoice from the Operator in connection with such use.



e. The Government reserves the right, on reasonable Notice to and after consultation with the Operator to construct roads, highways, railroads, telegraph and telephone lines and other lines of communication within the Contract Area In the event of such construction, the Government snail, within sixty (60) days after invoice from the Operator, compensate the Operator for all damage thereby caused the Operator and its property and hereby indemnifies and saves harmless the Operator from all claims by third parties arising therefrom. Under no circumstances will the Government engage in such construction if the effect of so doing would be to disrupt or interrupt the conduct of Operations.



10.5 Communications Facilities, Systems and Frequencies.



a. The Operator shall have the right, as licensee or assignee, to operate for its own use and that of any Affiliate, such communications systems as it deems necessary for internal communications and communications with its Affiliates, including radio, telecommunications, satellite networks, cellular systems, microwave devices and other communications devices and systems, and to receive from the Government such rights, licenses, registrations, permits and other authorizations as may be required by Law in connection with the possession, use, importation or purchase of the foregoing.



b. The Government agrees that it will make available, for use by the Operator, an adequate number of broadcast and communications frequencies for both domestic and international use, and shall grant to the Operator such rights, licenses, registrations, permits and other authorizations as may be required in order to comply with any Law regarding the possession, use, importation or purchase of related equipment or of any telecommunications devices or other communications equipment or devices. The Operator and the Government shall consult together from time to time as to the specific frequencies to be assigned consistent with international regulations.



SECTION 11: HEALTH AND SAFETY



11.1 Health and Safety. In connection with Operations, the Operator shall install, maintain and use such modern health and safety devices and equipment and shall practice such modern health and safety procedures and precautions (including regular safety training instruction for its employees) as are in accordance with International Standards. The Operator shall notify the Government immediately of







-17-any death of or serious injury to any employees of the Operator that occurred as a result of Operations. For the purpose of this Section 11.1, a serious injury shall mean an injury, confirmed by medical reports, which is likely to cause the injured Person to lose six (6) or more working days. The Operator shall comply with such reasonable written instructions as may, from time to time, be given by the Government under Law with respect to preventing the spread of contagious, life-threatening diseases and other public health hazards.



11.2 Security Force. The Operator shall have the right in keeping with the provisions of the Laws of Liberia, to directly or under contract with other Persons, establish and maintain its own security force for the purpose of maintaining Law, order and security, with power both of detention (any detained person to be handed over to the appropriate Government authorities as soon as practicable), and of search of and exclusion from the Production Area and such other areas as may be properly restricted for economic, operational or security reasons, always being subject to Law. This section shall not affect or alter the Government's obligations under Sections 18.8 and 18.9.



SECTION 12: HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION



12.1 Health Care. The Operator shall furnish free medical treatment, care and attention at reasonable standards in Liberia to all employees and Government officials working in connection with the Operator's operations, and their spouses and minor children, and where reasonably required by the circumstances, shall establish, staff and maintain dispensaries, clinics or hospitals. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, whenever the Operator employs 100 or more persons at any permanent work site within the Production Area, it shall maintain there a dispensary or hospital headed by a resident medical doctor. The Operator shall keep records and notify the Government immediately of any death of or serious injury to any person connected with Operations. For the purposes of this provision, a "serious" injury shall mean an injury which is likely to cause the injured person to lose 6 (six) or more working days.



12.2 Education



a. on and from the commencement of Production, the Operator shall provide, in the Republic, free primary and secondary education (in conformity with provisions of the Education Laws of Liberia and generally applicable standards on education in Liberia) for the children of the Operator's own employees.



b. If the Operator conducts substantial Production in an area in which facilities reasonably adequate for such education do not exist, it shall pay the costs of such education in existing facilities or, at its option, provide facilities reasonably adequate for such purpose.



-18-12.3 Housing



The operator shall, for the purpose of ensuring accommodation for its employees, provide housing facilities in the production area.



SECTION 13: EMPLOYMENT, SECONDMENT AND TRAINING



13.1 Employment. The Operator shall not import unskilled labor into the Republic. The Operator shall employ (and shall give preference to the employment of) qualified Liberian citizens for skilled technical, administrative and managerial positions. Subject to the foregoing, the Operator shall be entitled to employ expatriates in accordance with the Labour Practices Law of Liberia for the efficient conduct of Operations in the Republic, and the Government shall issue such permits as may be required by Law to allow such expatriates freely to enter into, work and reside in the Republic in connection with Operations, and depart to from the Republic.



13.2 Secondment.



a. In order to effect the policy of technology transfer, at all times during Operations, the Ministry shall second at least two (2) professionals (geologists/mining engineers) to participate in the technical aspects of the Operations.



b. The Operator shall provide said professionals daily allowances at a rate to be mutually agreed between the Parties.



13.3 Training of Liberians. The Operator shall, among other measures, provide on a continuing basis for the training of suitable Liberian citizens, in order to qualify them for skilled, technical, administrative and managerial positions, by means of: (a) establishing and operating vocational and advanced training centers in Liberia; (b) furnishing on-the-job counterpart training, not only in Liberia, but to the extent reasonably feasible in the offices of the Operator or its agents outside Liberia, in order that such Liberians may receive training in the overseas aspects of the Operator's shipping, marketing and accounting functions; and (c) providing scholarships for qualified Liberian citizens to pursue advanced studies abroad. Detailed plans and programs for such training, including time tables and schedules, shall be formulated (and revised when necessary) in consultation with, and shall be subject to the approval of, the Government. Such consultation shall commence as soon as practicable in light of the progress of Operations, and in any event promptly after request by Government.



[signature]

-19-SECTION 14: USE OF LIBERIAN SERVICES AND MATERIALS



The Operator shall, when purchasing goods and services required with respect to Operations, give preference to Liberian goods and services that are equal in quality, terms, delivery, service, quantity and price to, or better than, goods and services obtainable outside the Republic. Subject to the foregoing, the Operator may freely contract with such Persons as it desires. Nothing in this Section 14 shall require the Operator to act upon other than commercial considerations.



SECTION 15: COMMUNITY RESOURCES



It is the objective of the Parties that Operations hereunder shall be carried out in a manner which is consistent with the continuing economic and social viability, both during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, of centers of population which have formed and which may form as a result of such Operations. Upon request of the Government at any time, the Operator shall consult with the Government to mutually establish plans and programs for the implementation of this objective, and thereafter the Operator shall in good faith cooperate with the Government with regard to its efforts concerning the realization of such plans and programs. Nothing herein shall require the Operator to make any expenditure or incur any costs beyond what it would have made or incurred in the ordinary course of its business.



SECTION 16: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT



16.1 Environmental Impact Statement. The Parties recognize that Operations may result in some pollution, contamination or other environmental damage to land, water and the atmosphere within the Contract Area and elsewhere. Accordingly, the Operator shall submit to the Minister beforethe commencement of Exploration and Production, an Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS"). The EIS shall show the adverse effects Operations will have on the environment and review plans to mitigate such effects.



16.2 Damage and Restoration. Consistent with operational and economic requirements, the Operator shall take reasonable preventive, corrective and restorative measures to limit pollution or contamination of, or damage to, streams, water bodies, dry land surfaces and the atmosphere as a result of Operations. Subject to the foregoing, at the conclusion of Operations in a part of the Contract Area, the Operator shall undertake commercially reasonable efforts, in keeping with what is economically and technically feasible in the circumstances, to restore the terrain to a state in which it is usable for economically and socially desirable purposes. Illustratively, the Operator shall level the surface wherever reasonable and, if leveling is no treasonable, shall contour, grade and terrace all exposed artificial gradients and declivities which have been created as a result of Operations; shall reopen natural water courses (or, where such have been obliterated, shall open new substitute surface water courses to the end that the area shall continue to be drained by natural runoff



-20-



with a minimum of erosion); and, at its option, shall engage in reforestation activities in areas where Operations have required the large-scale felling of trees.



16.3 Plans. From time to time, the Operator shall submit to the Government detailed plans consistent with the foregoing for the protection, correction and restoration of the water, land and the atmosphere. The Minister, in collaboration with the operator, shall conduct periodic environmental assessments to ensure compliance with the EIS and the plan. Where the Operator falls to comply with any such plan (as the same may be amended by the Operator from time to time) the Government may, on reasonable Notice to and after consultation with the Operator, and at the Operator's expense, implement the plan as amended.



SECTION 17: TECHNICAL COMMITTEE



17.1 Formation. Upon the commencement of Production pursuant to Section 6, a Technical Committee comprising not more than five (5) members appointed by the Operator shall be formed to review current and planned Operations, and to report jointly thereon to the Government and the Operator. The Technical Committee shall meet twice in every calendar year or otherwise, as the members shall agree. No meeting of the Technical Committee shall be held unless at least three (3) members appointed by each of the Government and the Operator are present. The Operator shall appoint the first Chairman of the Technical Committee (and any successor if he or she does not complete the initial term) who shall hold office until the second anniversary of the Effective Date. Thereafter, the Government and the Operator shall have alternating rights to appoint the Chairman of the Technical Committee, who shall hold office until the next succeeding anniversary of the Effective Date.



17.2 Costs. All costs of meetings of the Technical Committee (including reasonable expenses incurred by the members and as approved both by the Government and by the Operator) shall be borne by Operator. Members of the Technical Committee shall be entitled to sitting fees (payable by the Operator) in an amount to be approved by the Government and Operator for attendance in person at all meetings of the Committee.



17.3 Functions. The Technical Committee shall have no managerial responsibility or role, nor shall it be empowered to take any action on behalf of, or with respect to, the rights of any Party. The Technical Committee shall determine the content of its report by a consensus of all of its members present. If the members of the Technical Committee cannot reach a consensus on any issue, majority and minority reports shall be submitted to the Parties.



SECTION 18: UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GOVERNMENT



18.1 Access to Information. The Government undertakes and affirms



-21-that the Operator, at no extra cost, shall be entitled to use and to have access to all geological or other information relating to the Contract Area that is owned by the Government or may be in or subject to the Government's control. The Government agrees to provide such information upon the Operator's request within a reasonable time. For purposes of this Agreement, basic costs shall mean the coat of reproduction and any additional unrecovered cost actually incurred by the Government in obtaining such information but not to exceed rates charged other Persons.



18.2 Provision of Documents. Subject to Section 13.1 and except to the extent any such Person may be disqualified by Law, the Government shall promptly furnish to each employee of the Operator and of its Associates who is not a citizen of the Republic, and to the spouse and minor children of each such employee, all documents and visas necessary to enable such Person to enter and to leave, or travel within, the territory of the Republic.



18.3 Use of Aircraft. The Government undertakes and affirms that the Operator and its Associates shall be entitled to use, in accordance with Law, an aircraft, whether owned or rented, for journeys within the Republic and into and out of its territory. Moreover, the Operator and its Associates shall have aircraft landing and parking rights in all airports, airfields and landing strips within the Republic, except for those used exclusively as military bases, and shall pay the lowest applicable fees and tariffs for such use.



18.4 Use of Airports and Ports. The Government shall permit the Operator and its Associates to obtain access to and use all airport and port installations in the Republic, except those reserved for military and national security related activities, at the lowest prices paid by any other Person, for all aircraft and ships whose presence in Liberian territorial airspace or waters is required by the Operator and its Associates in connection with Operations. These aircraft and ships shall have the right to enter and to leave the territorial airspace and waters of the Republic, without restriction, in accordance with Law.



18.5 Electricity Generation and Transmission. The Government undertakes and affirms that the Operator and its Associates shall be entitled, at their own cost but free of any further Taxes or Duties or other payments to any Person and/or Government for or in connection with the exercise of such entitlement, to generate, transmit and use electricity, and use and provide water, in accordance with Law regulating such use, as may be required for Operations. In the event that the Operator and its Associates purchase electric power or water from the Government for any purpose associated with Operations, they shall be charged at the lowest rates applicable in the Republic to industrial users.



18.6 Issuance of Necessary Authorization. The Government undertakes and affirms that it shall issue all licenses, permits, mining titles, easements, and other authorizations, including but not limited to the rights and titles referred to in Sections 4 and 6 above, which are or may be necessary for the Operator to conduct



[signature] -22-Operations.



18.7 Protection Against Nationalization or Expropriation. The Government undertakes and affirms that it shall not nationalize or expropriate:



a. any Infrastructure or other property, movable or immovable, of the Operator or its Associates to the extent connected with or affecting Operations;



b. Minerals in any form resulting from Operations;



c. any equity, shares or ownership interests of whatever nature held in or issued by the Operator;



d. any Infrastructure put in place or used by the Operator in connection with Operations; and



e. any capital invested by the Operator or its Affiliates in the Republic.



18.8 Peaceful Enjoyment. The Government hereby warrants and defends the Operator's title to, possession and peaceful enjoyment of all rights granted to it by this Agreement and all of its property in the Republic against expropriation, confiscation, destruction, disruption, wrongful possession or interference by any Person.



18.9 Non-Derogation. The Government undertakes and affirms that at no time shall the rights (and the full and peaceful enjoyment thereof) granted by it under this Agreement be derogated from or otherwise prejudiced by any Law or by the action or inaction of the Government, the Minister or any other official of the Government, or any other Person whose actions or inactions are subject to the control of the Government.



18.10 Most Favorable Treatment. In the event that the Government grants to any other Person terms or conditions that are more favorable than those provided in this Agreement with respect to operations, exploration or production of the same Minerals, or in the event that the Government enacts any Law or adopts any practice or policy that permits more favorable treatment of any other Person than that accorded to the Operator by this Agreement with respect to exploration and Production of Minerals being explored for, developed or produced by the Operator, then the Government shall grant the same more favorable treatment to the Operator, with effect from the date of its application to such other Person or of its entry into force, as the case may be.



-23-SECTION 19: INDEMNIFICATION



19.1 Indemnification for Breach of Agreement. Any breach by either Party to this Agreement of any obligation provided for in this Agreement, shall entitle the Party aggrieved by the breach to be indemnified by the defaulting Party in an amount equal to the damage suffered by the aggrieved Party.



19.2 Operator's Indemnification of the Government. The Operator shall at all times indemnify and hold harmless the Government and its officers and agents from all claims and liabilities for death or injury to Persons or damage to property from any cause whatsoever arising out of Operations or as a result of the Operator's failure to comply with any Law to which it is subject.



19.3 Government's Indemnification of the Operator. The Government shall indemnify and hold harmless the Operator from all costs, expenses, losses and damages suffered by it (whether arising by operation of Law or contract voluntarily made, or otherwise reasonably assumed by it) as a result of any failure of the Government to honor any provision or undertaking expressed in this Agreement.



SECTION 20: INCOME TAXATION



20.1 Rate and Basis. The Operator shall be liable to taxation under provisions of the ACT ADOPTING A NEW MINERALS AND MINING LAW and the Revenues and Finance Laws of Liberia on its net taxable income, which shall include capital gain, as follow:



a. the aggregate rate of tax applicable to the net taxable income of the Operator shall not exceed thirty percent (30%)



b. The Operator's net taxable income shall mean it gross income from Production and other Operations, as well as its gross income from the sale or distribution of any asset to, or for the benefit of, any Person, to the extent of the excess of the fair market value of such asset over its adjusted basis, and any other income from business activity or investment, including currency gains when realized, less the deductions set forth in Section 20.1(c) below;



c. in computing the Operator's net taxable income, the following shall be allowed as deductions from its gross income;



(i) in the year incurred, all expenditures on Operations, other than the capital cost of items of plant, equipment and Infrastructure and other than any payment made to an expatriate employee by the Operator as reimbursement for Taxes and Duties paid by such employee to the Government, or otherwise as specifically provided below;



-24-(ii) commencing in the year construction, acquisition or installation is completed, an allowance for depreciation of the items of plant, equipment and infrastructure referenced in this Section 20.1(c), to be computed in keeping with Section 204 of the Revenue Code of Liberia, ACT 2000.



(iii) in the year sold, difference between the adjusted basis and the selling price of any asset to the extent the latter is less than the former or, if any asset is declared to be scrap or obsolete or if construction, acquisition or installation of any asset is abandoned prior to completion, the adjusted basis of the asset in the year the asset is declared scrap or obsolete by the Operator or in which construction, acquisition or installation of the asset is abandoned;



(iv) in the year incurred, all interest and other financing charges on any proved indebtedness of the Operator incurred in connection with Operations;



(v) in the year paid or incurred, whichever is earlier, any and all payments of Taxes and Duties other than those paid pursuant to this Section 20.1;



(vi) in each year, all actual bad debts in excess of any reserve against bad debts existing in such year and allowed as a deduction against gross income;



(vii) in each year, currency exchange losses and accounting translation losses when realized;



(viii) any prior year losses, to the extent not used to offset taxable income in a previous year, but not to exceed five years except as provided by Law;



(ix) All costs incurred prior to the Effective Date with respect to this Agreement and the Contract Area and paid for by the Operator, subject to the review of such costs for accuracy by the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy, which shall be capitalized and amortized over five (5) Contract Years from the Effective Date; and



(x) All charitable contributions made in the Republic for educational, religious or medical purposes or for other social services approved by Government to the extent that, with respect to any tax year, such charitable contributions do not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the Operator's gross income as defined in Section 20.1(b).



20.2 Carry Forward Permitted. To the extent that, for any reason, any deduction is not claimed in a year in which it is claimable, it will not be carried forward





-25-

to the succeeding year(s). However, adjustment shall be made to retain earnings of the year in which the deduction incurred.



20.3 Additional Deductions. There shall be allowed as a deduction in the current taxable year adjustments for any items charged to reserves, prior year charges, and exceptional and extraordinary items in keeping with the Revenue and Finance Law of Liberia.



20.4 Computation of Taxable Income in Dollars. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the net taxable income of the Operator shall be determined in Dollars in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.



SECTION 21: ROYALTIES



21.1 Royalty Rate. The Operator shall pay to the Government in Dollars a royalty at the percentage rate specified below on the proceeds paid to the Operator from the sale of Minerals recovered from a Production Area and sold by the Operator:



a. gold, three percent(3%), and



b. all other minerals to be agreed but not to exceed five percent (5%).



21.2 Royalty Basis. Royalty shall be determined on a Net Smelter Return basis for gold and in the event of non-smelting, on an f.o.b. Monrovia basis. For other minerals, it shall be on Gross Revenue basis.



21.3 Payment. Royalty shall be paid forty-five (45) days after the day on which the Minerals sold are shipped to the purchaser or, if a spot sale, twenty (20) days after payment by the purchaser.



SECTION 22: SURFACE RENTAL



22.1 Contract Area. The Operator shall pay to the Government, during each calendar year,a surface rental equal to Twelve United States Cents(US$0.12) per acre for land in the Exploration Area and One United States Dollar(US$1.00) per acre for land in a Production Area. However, the amount of surface rental for the calendar year 2002 shall be prorated for the number of calendar months in 2002 during which this Agreement is in effect (beginning with the calendar month in which the Effective Date occurs), and the obligation to pay surface rentals with respect to any land leased to the Operator pursuant to Section 10.2(b) shall accrue beginning on January 1st of the year following the year in which the land was either leased to the Operator or



-26-percent (1 1/2%) of the import invoice) payable under Law in respect of the inspection of all imports (other than fuels and oils); and



b. On the Effective Date of this Agreement pursuant to Section 2 hereof, the Operator shall pay to the Government for the Mineral Development Fund, Fifty Thousand Dollars (US$50,000.00).



23.3 Exemption From Other Taxes and Duties. The Taxes and Duties and other amounts specifically provided in this Agreement to be paid to the Government are in lieu of all other Taxes and Duties and other amounts (except for nature and amount and that are not imposed upon or derived from Operations, such as, indirectly, at any time, under any sovereign revenue or other Law or otherwise, would be levied upon or payable to the Government by the Operator or its Association with materials possessed, owned, transported, imported, exported, processed, refined or otherwise dealt with by any of them. The above shall apply, without limitation as to the generality of the foregoing, to any Taxes and Duties that might be paid to the Government by any of the foregoing Persons resulting from the subscription of equity or loan capital to or by any of them; the payment or receipt of interest and dividends by any of them; the import, export, acquisition, supply, sale, disposition or other dealing with property and any payment, receipt, income, profit or gain made, received, earned or realized by any of them as a result thereof. The above shall further apply, but not be limited, to any payments made to non-residents, including payments for goods and services, and payments of interest, dividends and other fixed and determinable income.



23.4 Non-Application of Section 23.3. The provisions of Section 23.3 shall not apply, however, to the Associates of the Operator with respect to the following:



a. their Taxes and Duties measured by reference to their net income, profit and gain under Law unless any such Person was resident in the Republic for less than one hundred eighty-three (183) days in the tax year;



b. subject to Section 23.4(a) above, their Taxes and Duties measured by reference to their net income, profit and gain under Law, and earned by them in the Republic except that no Taxes and Duties shall be payable with respect to any payments made to any of them by the Operator as reimbursement for Taxes and Duties; or



c. the import into (and subsequent re-export from) the Republic of personal and household goods and effects except as to one motor vehicle per family and as to their first move to the Republic to establish residency.



-28-SECTION 24: FINANCIAL REPORTING AND CURRENCY



24.1 Accounting. All of the Operator's accounting under this Agreement shall be in Dollars and all amounts paid or received, and obligations incurred or transactions carried out, in currency that is legal tender in the Republic or in any Foreign Currency other than Dollars shall be converted to Dollars in accordance with and pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (except to the extent inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement) based upon the Prevailing Market Rate of Exchange of Dollars and any such currency at the date of the applicable transaction.



24.2 Exchange control. The operator shall at all times have the right, without restriction, directly or indirectly, of the Government, to obtain, hold, deal with and disburse funds in such manner, currencies and places as it chooses. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Operator shall have the unrestricted and unencumbered right to sell and receive payment for Minerals in any currency, including the currency in which the Minerals are sold, and all proceeds therefrom may be deposited in bank accounts outside of the Republic and held there of remitted therefrom to anywhere in the world, in any currency. Not withstanding the foregoing, the Operator shall maintain at least one bank account with a bank or financial institution in Person currency that is legal tender in the Republic at the Prevailing Market Rate of Exchange. Additionally, any and all transactions between the government and the Operator dealing with or referring to currency that is legal tender in the Republic will be converted to Dollars at the Prevailing Market Rate of Exchange on the date of such transaction. Currency gains or losses for purposes of Section 20 shall be determined by reference to the Prevailing Market Rate of Exchange.



24.3 Currency of Payment Payment of the Operator's direct obligations to the Government for Taxes and Duties payable under Sections 20,21,22 and 23 of this Agreement shall be in Dollars, unless the Parties otherwise agree. Any obligation originally stated in currency that is legal tender in the Republic, or in any currency other than Dollars, will be converted to Dollars at the Prevailing Market Rate of Exchange on the date such obligation is paid, or shall fall due, whichever is earlier. However, the Operator shall make payments of sums it collects on behalf of the Government, including, but not limited to, taxes withheld from the salaries or wages of the employees of the Operator, and any other sums payable to other Persons from which a portion is required by Law to be withheld or retained by the Operator on behalf of the government, in the currency in which such salaries or wages or such other sums are paid. The Operator shall have the right to make all other payments whether to the Government or to other Persons in currency that is legal tender in the Republic.



24.4 Right to Remit and Receive Payments. The Operator shall have the right to remit and receive in Dollars all payments of dividends, interest, principal and other properly items arising from, as a result of, or related to Operations,





29and to do so free of Taxes and Duties on such remittances or receipts, and without penalties, any required total or partial surrender, exchange or confiscation of such Dollars, or other direct or indirect restrictions on such remittances or receipts.



24.5 Audit.



a. The Operator shall cause its books of account to be audited within three (3) months, or such longer period of time as the Minister may approve, after the close of each Financial Year by an independent auditor selected by the Operator, and a copy of the annual financial statement duly certified by said auditor Operator. The Government shall have the right freely to discuss with the said auditor the results of the audit and certification, and the Operator shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that said auditor shall cooperate fully in such discussions. The foregoing shall not in any way imply acceptance of any such audit or certification by the Government or preclude the Government from auditing such books of account as provided under Law, provided that the Government shall provide the Operator with a copy of any such audit within forty five (45) days of receipt. However, once either the Government or the Operator has audited any book of accounts, the financial statement thus audited shall be considered acceptable and the audit results binding and conclusive as to its findings. unless a Party shall have indicated to the contrary within three (3) years after its receipt of a copy of the audited financial statement.



b. If the Operator has, pursuant to this Agreement, underpaid its liability for Taxes and Duties, the Government may, subject to the Revenue and Finance Law, assess interest and penalties but not to exceed the London interbank offfering Rate (LIBOR) existing at the time of such assessment, plus one (1) percentage point, multiplied by the amount underpaid. If LIBOR should cease to be reported, then the rate to be applied shall be another agreed substitute rate. If the Operator has overpaid its liability for Taxes and Duties then, at its option, it may elect either to be reimbursed by the Government or to apply such overpayment against future Taxes and Duties.



c. In case a review of records or books outside of the Republic is required, the Operator will cooperate to provide the Government with copies of the information, books and records needed to complete the audit. If the Government nonetheless deems it necessary for any part of such audit to be performed outside of the Republic, the cost of associated travel will be borne by the Government.



SECTION 25: INCIDENTAL RIGHTS



25.1 Use of Resources. Except as otherwise provided in Section 10, the Operator shall have the right to remove, extract and use water, gravel, sand, clay, stone and timber (except for protected species, insofar as they do not interfere with or hinder Operations) provided however that the Operator shall not deprive any Person of a constant and reasonable supply of usable water from a previously utilized traditional



-30-source without replacing it, nor shall the Operator, without the Minister's consent, interfere with any water rights enjoyed by any user under any agreement with the Government made prior to the date of execution of this Agreement.



25.2 Imports. The Operator shall be entitled to import and use in respect of Operations, and subsequently export, any and all machinery, equipment, consumable items, fuels, explosives and any other thing whatsoever reasonably required with respect to Operations and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, provided, however, that the Operator shall not re-export fuels and explosives surplus to requirements if such surplus can be sold at competitive international prices within the Republic. The Operator shall at all time comply with Law regarding the safe use, sale, disposal and security of explosives.



25.3 Taxes on Resale. The Operator may sell, in the Republic, all imported items that are no longer needed for Operations. However, if such imports were exempted from Taxes and Duties, the Operator shall fulfill all formalities required in connection with the payment by the purchaser of all Taxes and Duties imposed on such sales by Law.



SECTION 26: ASSIGNMENT AND ENCUMBRANCE



26.1 Right of Assignment. The Operator shall have the right to assign or otherwise dispose of all or part of its interest under this Agreement with the prior written consent of the Government (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) provided, however, that such consent shall not be required in the case of an assignment or other disposition to an Affiliate in which latter event the Operator shall not be relieved of its obligations under this Agreement other than to the extent fulfilled by the Affiliate.



26.2 Right to Encumber. The Operator shall have the right to mortgage, charge or otherwise encumber all or part of its interest under this Agreement for the purpose of raising, from one or more Affiliates or third parties, financing for its obligations under this Agreement, but any power of sale arising under any such mortgage, charge or other encumbrance shall only be exercised with the prior written consent of the Minister, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.



26.3 Notice of Assignment or Encumbrance. The Operator shall promptly give Notice to the Minister of any assignment, mortgage, charge or other disposition or encumbrance pursuant to this Section 26.



SECTION 27: TERMINATION



27.1 Termination by the Operator. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, the Operator shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time, either in its entirely or as to any part of the Contract Area, thirty



-31-(30) days after giving Notice to the Government if such Notice to the Government is given within five (5) years of the Effective Date, or one hundred eighty (180) days after giving Notice to the Government if such Notice is given more than five (5) years after the Effective Date. The Operator may also terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 31.1.



27.2 Termination by the Government. Subject to the provisions of Section 29, the Government shall have the right to terminate this Agreement if any of the following events (hereinafter called "Events of Default") shall occur and be continuing;



a. where the Operator shall fail to comply with its material obligations under this Agreement and such failure shall have a materially adverse effect on the Government;



b. where the Operator shall (i) voluntarily make an assignment of all or substantially all of its assets for the benefit of creditors other than an assignment made to secure indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business, (ii) file a petition or application to any tribunal for the appointment of a trustee or receiver for all or any substantial part of the Operator's assets, (iii) commence any proceedings for its bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement or insolvency under the laws of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, or if any such petition or application is filed, or any such proceedings are commenced against it, indicate its approval thereof, consent thereto or acquiescence therein; or (iv) if any order is entered appointing any such trustee or receiver, or adjudicating the Operator bankrupt or insolvent, or approving the petition in any such proceedings, permit such order to remain in effect for more than ninety (90) days;



c. where the Operator shall fail to carry out Exploration as required by Section 5.1, cease Exploration for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months or cease Production with respect to all Production Areas for a period of twenty four (24) consecutive months unless such failure or cessation is consented to by the Government or is caused by force majeure.



27.3 Opportunity to Cure. In the case of an alleged Event of Default described in Section 27.2, the Government, before taking any further action, shall provide Notice to the Operator of the alleged occurrence of such Event of Default and of the Government's views in that regard and shall offer the Operator a fair opportunity to consult with the Government to resolve the matter. if, after a reasonable period of time of consultation, the Government is of the reasonable opinion that the matter cannot be resolved by further consultation, the Government may then send to the Operator Notice of the Government's intention to terminate this Agreement. If the event of Default is not cured within sixty (60) days after said Notice, or within such longer period as may be necessary to allow a reasonable period of time to effect such sure, then this Agreement shall be terminated.



A/C -32- [signature]

27.4 Disputes Regarding Events of Default. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 27.2 and 27.3, if the Operator disputes whether there has been an Event of Default described in Section 27.2 and, within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Operator of the Government's Notice of its intention to terminate, refers such dispute to arbitration in accordance with Section 29, then termination of this Agreement shall not take effect until the finality of, and in accordance with, an arbitration award holding the Government's right to terminate.



27.5 Winding-up Commission.



a. that at the time of Notice of any termination of this Agreement, and pursuant to its terms, the Parties shall set up a winding-up commission (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission") which shall consist of the Technical Committee and two (2) additional members, one each to be appointed by the Government and the Operator. The chairman of the Commission shall be appointed by the Government own among the members of the Commission. Each member of the Commission, including the chairman, shall have only one (1) vote.



b. that the chairman of the Commission shall issue a Notice and agenda for the first meeting of the Commission, which shall be held no later than three weeks after the establishment of the Commission. Thereafter, the Commission shall held periodic meetings at least once a calendar month.



c. that the Operator shall present to the Commission a detailed report on the status of the operations of the Operator under this Agreement so that the commission will be able to make recommendations to the Government on steps which the Government might take under the circumstances with a view to preserving the ability of the enterprise, employment in the area and the centers of population.



d. that at the request of the Government, the Commission shall establish plans for the full or partial cessation of operations including the disposition of assets and their demolition or removal according to Section 28.



e. that at the request of either Party, any meeting of the commission shall be held outside the Republic, and the requesting Party shall be responsible for the travel cost of the participants.



f. that the Operator may elect not to participate on the commission, in which event its obligations under this Section 27 shall be limited to dividing the information required in Section 27.5(c) above.



SECTION 28: DISPOSITION OF ASSETS



28.1 Immovable Assets. Upon termination of this Agreement, except termination resulting from a breach of this Agreement by the Government, or termination pursuant to Section 31.1, all permanent immovable assets of the Operator



A/C -33- [signature]

In the Contract Area that are not otherwise the property of the government shall become the property of the Government without charge. In the event of a breach by other Party, the value of the non-movable assets shall be taken into account in any reward of damages under Section 29.6.



28.2 Movable Assets. At any time after termination of this Agreement and with respect to each movable asset of the Operator in the Republic, which the operator desires to sell (other than to an Affiliate at fair market price), the Government shall have the first option to purchase such asset at the fair market price thereof, such price to be paid in Dollars. If the Government does not exercise such option within one hundred twenty (120) days after being informed by the Operator that it desires to sell such asset, then the Operator may sell such asset to any other Person, including the Government, for such price as it may be able to obtain therefor, or remove such asset from the Republic without Taxes and Duties or other liability to the Government. The proceeds of any such sale shall accrue to the Operator. If the Government purchases any such asset, it shall pay the purchase price within sixty (60) days after such price has been agreed upon or determined, unless the Parties otherwise agree.



28.3 Removal of Movable Assets. The Government, by Notice to the Operator within a reasonable period but not to exceed one (1) year after termination of this Agreement, except for termination resulting from a breach by the Government, may require reasonable disposal or removal, in accordance with Law, of any or all assets, including unusable assets, remaining within the Contract Area after total disposition of assets in accordance with this Section 28, and if the Operator does not reasonably repose of or remove such asset or assets within a reasonable period after said Notice, The Government may effect such reasonable disposal or removal at the expense of the Operator, but the Operator shall be entitled to any income realized from the salvage value of such assets.



SECTION 29: ARBITRATION



29.1 Submission to Arbitration. Any dispute between the Government and the Operator arising out of, in relation to or in connection with this Agreement or its formation, or the validity, interpretation, performance, termination, enforce ability or reach of this Agreement (including any dispute concerning whether the Government or the Operator has violated or is in breach of this Agreement or of any Law affecting the rights, obligations or duties of any Party under this Agreement), for which resolution by submission to any expert is not specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement shall exclusively and finally settled by binding arbitration pursuant to the Convention in accordance with the rules of the Center in effect on the Effective Date except to the accordant in conflict with this Section 29 which shall prevail in that event. The Parties agree that this Agreement and the Operator's Operations pursuant thereto constitute "investment" by reason of the expenditure of a considerable amount of money in the republic and that for purposes of Article 25(1) of the Convention, any dispute subject in this Section 29 is a legal dispute arising directly out an investment. Either of the Parties to such dispute may institute arbitration proceedings by giving Notice to the



-34-













either Party and Notice to the Secretary-General of the Centre including in each a



statement of the issues in dispute.





29.2 Nationality for Purposes of Arbitration. The Operator is



incorporated in Liberia and notwithstanding the incorporation in the Republic of any of



the Operator's successors or assignees, or of any of its other Affiliates, all such entities



shall be treated for purposes of arbitration under this Section 29 as nationals of the



United States of America for purposes of the Convention and of this Agreement, except



that the Operator and any other such entity may, alternatively, elect to be treated



instead as a national of any other state of which, under the Convention, international



law or the law of such state, it is a national.





29.3 Arbitrators. Any arbitral tribunal constituted pursuant to this



agreement shall consist of one (1) arbitrator to be appointed by the Government, one



president of the tribunal and shall be a citizen neither of the Republic nor of a national



of the United States of America (or of any other state of which a Party is a national



under Section 29.2), to be appointed by the Secretary-General of the Centre. No such



arbitrator shall have an interest in the matters in dispute, nor of the Parties thereof.





29.4 Referee. At the request of a Party, any matter otherwise subject to



arbitration under this Agreement, shall instead be referred for resolution to a single



referee to be appointed by the Secretary-General of the Centre, or of any successor



entity as provided for by Section 29.10 below, except for any dispute arising out of or



related to Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 29, 31 and 33 and Sections 18.7, 18.8



and 18.9 of this Agreement, which must be referred to arbitrators appointed pursuant to



Section 29.3 above unless the Parties jointly agree that any such dispute is not



material, in which event it may be referred to the referee for decision at the option of



either party. The decision of the referee shall be rendered pursuant to Section 29.6 of



this Agreement (except as regards the requirement for a decision by majority vote) and



shall be final and binding unless appealed by any Party to arbitrators appointed as



provided in this Section 29.3, who shall examine the referee's decision only as to



manifest error of law, findings of fact that are not supported by any credible evidence,



and abuse of authority, misconduct or other unauthorized act by the referee.





29.5 Venue. Arbitration proceedings conducted pursuant to this



Agreement shall be held in Washington, D.C or such other place as the Parties may



agree and shall be conducted in the English language. The costs of the proceedings



will be assessed and borne in such manner as the arbitral tribunal shall decide. Any



procedural issues that cannot be determined under the arbitral rules of the Centre shall



be determined pursuant to applicable law as set forth in Section 33 below.





29.6 Award. The arbitrators shall, by majority vote, render a written



decision stating the reasons for their award within three (3) months after any hearing



conducted has been concluded. Any monetary award shall be assessed and payable



in Dollars (determined at the Prevailing Market Rate of Exchange as of the date of the









-35-

























award if the award involved an obligation expressed in any currency other than Dollars) through a bank designated by the recipient, and in the case of an award to the operator, shall be exempt from any Taxes and Duties imposed upon Government. Each Party shall bear its own costs and attorney fees. Neither Party shall have any ability for either consequential damages (except for purposes of set off) or exemplary/punitive damages, but interest at a rate not to exceed the London Interbank Offering Rate(LIBOR) existing at the time of such award, plus one (1)percentage point, multiplied by the amount of the award, shall be assessed from the date of any monetary award until its satisfaction. If LIBOR should cease to be reported, then the rate to be colied shall be another substitute rate agreed to by a majority of the arbitrators. In any case, the liability of the Operator shall be limited to the net book value of its investment in the Republic at the time of the award. If the decision of the arbitral tribunal is adverse to the Operator, then the arbitral tribunal may, in its discretion, specify a reasonable period of grace to cure any defect or default on the part of the operator, provided that such period of grace shall not exceed one hundred eighty(180) keys for the making of any payment required by such award.



29.7 Waiver of Sovereign Immunity. The Government hereby revocably waives all claims of immunity from the Arbitrator's jurisdiction, and from the enforcement of any arbitral award rendered by a tribunal constituted pursuant to this agreement including immunity from service of process and immunity from the jurisdiction of any court situated in any state, country or nation.



29.8 Reservation of Rights. The right to refer a claim or dispute to arbitration hereunder shall not be affected by the fact that a claimant or respondent has received full or partial compensation from another Person for a loss or injury that is the fact of the claim or dispute, and any such other Person may participate in such proceedings by right of subjugation.



29.9 Nature of Award. The Parties agree that the arbitral award of any arbitral tribunal constituted pursuant to this Agreement may contain such orders including orders for specific performance, other equitable relief or monetary damages)respect of or affecting any of the Parties (and any loss or damage suffered by any of them) as such arbitral tribunal determines to be appropriate in the circumstances. The Parties, subject to their respective obligations contained elsewhere in this Agreement, shall take all such actions as are necessary to give full and complete effect to the accord which, in accordance with its terms, shall be binding upon and enforceable against them.



20.10 Successors. The consent to the jurisdiction of the Centre as set in this Section 29 shall equally bind any successor of or successors-in-interest to other Party to this Agreement. Should the Centre be replaced by, or its functions be substantially conferred upon or be transferred to, any new international body of a particular type and competence, the Parties shall have the right to submit any dispute to in body for settlement by arbitration in accordance with the foregoing provisions of Section 29.























































SECTION 30: NOTICES



30.1 Written Communication. All orders, approvals, declarations and practices of any kind between the Parties which are required, expressly authorized or provided for under this Agreement (hereinafter each referred to as a "Communication") shall be in writing and delivered by hand, by telefax by postage prepaid registered by any other means of communication agreed upon by the Parties, or pursuant to ion 30.4. The Communication shall also be signed by a duly authorized representative of the Party dispatching the Communication.



30.2 Delivery. A delivery of a Communication to a Party shall be deemed to have occurred in any of the following circumstances:



a. when an official of the Government, in the case of the Government or a director of the Operator, in the case of the Operator, has signed a return receipt of registered mail;



b. when a telefax confirmation of receipt has been ironically issued to the sender by a receiving telefax device at a telefax number authorized hereby indicating receipt of a Communication sent via telefax;



c. when verification of receipt of the Communication has been contained in any manner specifically agreed to in writing by the Parties; or



e. when a Party has directly or indirectly acknowledged receipt Communication in writing.



30.3 Address. All Communications from the Government to the Operator shall addressed as follows:



AmLib United Minerals Inc

Phoenix Complex

Haile Selassie Ave

Bushrod Island

Monrovia



30.4 Copies of Communication



All Communications from Operator to Government shall be addressed to Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy, Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy, Monrovia, Liberia, with copies to:





Minister of Finance The Chairman, National Investment

Commission

Ministry of Finance National Investment Commission

Monrovia, Liberia Monrovia, Liberia









-37-













30.5 Change of Address. Either Party may, upon prior Notice to the

other Party, at any time change the designation of the Person named to receive

communications from the other Party, the address or telefax number of the office in the

public, or elsewhere authorized to receive such communications or the address or

addresses or telefax number or numbers of the offices to which copies of

the communications from one party to the other are to be delivered.



SECTION 31: FORCE MAJEURE



31.1 Application. In the event of either Party being rendered unable, in

whole or in part, by force majeure to carry out any obligation under this Agreement,

other than an obligation to make payments of money that accrued prior to the

commencement of force majeure, such Person shall give Notice and the particulars of

such force majeure in writing to the other Party as soon as practicable after the

occurrence of the cause relied on, and the obligation of the Party giving such Notice

sofar as it is affected by such force majeure, shall be suspended during the

continuance of any such inability. However, any such inability shall, as far as

predictable, be remedied with all reasonable dispatch. All time periods specified in this

agreement for the performance of obligations or the enjoyment of rights that are

affected by force majeure, except in connection with an obligation to make payments of

dues they that accrued prior to the commencement of force majeure, but including the term

of this Agreement, shall be extended by the period of time the inability caused by such

force majeure exists. Sixty (60) days after giving Notice to the Government, the

Operator shall have the right to terminate this Agreement without further obligations or

(except for any obligations and cost that accrued prior to the commencement of

force majeure) if a condition of force majeure has existed for a period of one (1) year or

more which renders Production impracticable or unprofitable, or prevents Production,

import, export or sale of Minerals, or the Operator's exercise of a substantial part of its

contracts under this Agreement.



31.2 Definition. The term "force majeure" as used in this Agreement

all mean acts of God, accidents, wars, acts of war, invasions, acts of public enemies,

hostilities (whether war is declared or not), restrictions on trade or other activities

proposed by any sovereign, embargoes, blockades, revolutions, riots, civil commotions,

sabotage, illegal strikes (if not cured for a period more than two (2) months fires,

explosion, earthquakes or any other natural disasters, expropriation of facilities or

floods, epidemics, and any similar cause, provided any such cause was not within the

reasonable control of the Party claiming suspension and could not have been avoided

or overcome by such Party through the exercise of due diligence.



31.3 No Required Settlement. Nothing in Sections 31.1 or 31.2 above

all in and of itself, be construed to require the Operator to settle any strike, lockout



by either labor or industrial dispute except as may be required by Law.









-38-























SECTION 32: LIBERIAN PARTICIPATION IN OWNERSHIP



32.1 Government Ownership of Equity

Government shall receive, free of charge, an equity interest in the Operator's Operations equal to ten percent (10%) of its authorized, issued, and outstanding share capital existing at any time and from time to time, without dilution. Dividends to shareholders will be payable only once the project capital investment and any related project loan interest have been fully covered.



32.2 Liberian Participation in Equity

Not later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the expiration of the final term of the Exploration License, the operator shall notify the Minister that a number of shares of its stock equivalent to ten percent (10%) of any offering of the stock of the Operator made to any other Person on subsequent to the expiration of the final term of the exploration License is available for purchase by Government or Liberian citizens at fair market value and upon reasonable terms. This offer shall remain open for one hundred twenty (120) days.



SECTION 33: GOVERNING LAW



This Agreement and the rights, obligations and duties of the Parties under shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with Law and by such duties and principles of generally accepted international law as may be applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a conflict between this Agreement or the rights, obligations and duties of a Party under this Agreement, and any other Law, including administrative rules and procedures and matters relating to procedure, and applicable international law, then this Agreement shall govern the rights, obligations, and duties of the Parties



SECTION 34: ENTIRE AGREEMENT - MODIFICATIONS



34.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement, including the Appendices attached hereto, represents the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes previous oral and written negotiations and agreements.



34.2 Amendment

Any modification or amendment of any terms of this agreement shall be by the mutual written agreement of the Parties.



SECTION 35: PERIODIC REVIEW



35.1 Modification and Review

The Parties agree that the Agreement shall be subject to periodic review once every five years after the commencement of conduction for the purpose of good faith discussions to effect such modifications to the



-39-



[signature]Agreements as may be necessary or desirable in the light of any substantial changes in circumstances which may have occurred during the previous five years. This agreement shall remain unaltered and in force during any such period of consideration.



SECTION 36: NON-WAIVER OF RIGHTS



The non-exercise or partial exercise by one or the other of the Parties of any of its rights under the terms of this Agreement shall not in any case constitute a waiver of that right.



SECTION 37: SUCCESSION



The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding in addition to the Parties themselves upon the successors, beneficiaries and assignees of the Parties including, without limitation, all future manifestations or forms of public power exercising sovereign authority over all or part of the present territory of the Republic.



SECTION 38: SURVIVAL PROVISION



Notwithstanding termination of this Agreement by either Party or for any reason, including a termination due to a finding that this Agreement or a portion thereof void, invalid, or unenforceable, Sections 1, 28, 29, 30, 33 and 38 shall survive such termination and shall remain effective as to any matters which are the subject of this

Agreement or which arise out of, in relation to or in connection with this Agreement. Moreover, any such termination shall be without prejudice to rights, duties and obligations that have accrued prior to termination and, notwithstanding such terminations, such provisions of this Agreement as are reasonably necessary for the full enjoyment and enforcement of such rights, duties and obligations shall survive such termination for the period necessary.



-40-IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have signed this Agreement through their respective duly authorized representatives, on the day, month and year indicated





Signed in 4 originals on the 14th day of March, A.D 2002.





In Presence of


[Signature]



[Signature]




[Signature]


FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA:


[Signature]

MINISTER OF LANDS, MINES & ENERGY



[Signature] 

MINISTER OF FINANCE



[Signature]

CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL INVESTMENT

COMMISSION







FOR AMLIB UNITED MINERALS INC

[Signature]



PRESIDENT





ATTESTED:



MINISTER OF JUSTICE, R.L.



APPROVED:



PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA





-41-APPENDIX B



UTM COORDINATES OF THE MINERAL DEVELOPMENT AREA OF AMLIB UNITED MINERALS, INC



POINT NORTHING EASTING



1 740 000 460 000



2 740 000 480 000



3 730 000 480 000



4 730 000 460 000



1 740 000 460 000





AREA=200 Sq.km=49,420 acres





-42-