Surge Exploration enters MoU for an option to acquire Incahuasi lithium project

The MOU, when superseded by a definitive option agreement, will require Surge to make certain cash and common share payments totalling US$2.22 million and making certain work and development commitments during the term of the option agreement.

The Incahuasi Lithium Project exhibits many highly desirable and key acquisition attributes, including:

• the appearance of a low-cost resource definition opportunity;
• the overall project size fits well within the capability of a junior company;
• the property is well situated within the Incahuasi Salar with nearby highway and paved road access;
• within the Incahuasi Salar lithium brines appear to exist near the surface resulting in potential lower costs of exploration; and
• the proposed Incahuasi lithium exploration concessions lie beside existing lithium exploration operations in Argentina that are held by other publicly traded mining companies.

The company intends to undertake a preliminary resource definition programme upon receipt of the National Instrument 43-101 report, which is expected to be completed in 2019.

“We are excited about the opportunity to earn a significant interest in a lithium concession located in the Lithium Triangle, the world’s most prolific lithium producing region with over 70% of the world’s lithium reserves. We look forward to develop this concession, for the benefit of all our shareholders,” said Tim Fernback, Surge’s President & CEO.

Structure of the MOU and subsequent Agreement:

The proposed transaction to acquire 100% of the mining rights associate with the Incahuasi lithium project shall be effected by payment of the amounts described below:

• a non-refundable payment of US$10 000 in cash by the company to be paid to MAPV within fifteen business days of signing the MOU. This payment guarantees a six-month period of exclusivity for Surge to conduct its due diligence and for the negotiation and signing of Definitive Option agreement.
• upon approval of the Option Agreement and Transaction by the TSX Venture Exchange, the company shall pay the sum of US$50 000 in cash immediately (this date is referred to as the 'effective date');
• the company shall pay the sum of US$150 000 in cash to MAPV no later than 12 months from the effective date;
• the company shall pay the sum of US$200 000 in cash to MAPV no later than 24 months from the effective date;
• the company shall pay the sum of US$250 000 in cash to MAPV no later than 36 months from the effective date; 
• the company shall pay the sum of US$1 540 000 in cash and or common shares to MAPV no later than 48 months from the effective Date.  This sum will be paid as follows: i) US$1 000 000 will be paid in cash and, at the sole discretion of Surge ii) US$540 000 in cash or equivalent common shares of Surge Exploration Inc.); and
• the company shall have the exclusive right to accelerate all payments due under this agreement.

Once Surge has completed the foregoing conditions, the company must also have completed the following work commitment in order to exercise the option and acquire 100% interest in the Incahuasi lithium project. 

Net smelter return (NSR) royalties

Once Surge completes all the prerequisites of the agreement, and therefore owns the rights to the lithium mineral claims, MAPV shall receive a 2% NSR in the Incahuasi lithium project.  Surge will retain the right to repurchase 50% of the NSR to MAPV at a price of US$3 500 000.

The transaction will be subject to TSX-Venture approval. Finders fees are payable in connection with the sourcing and negotiation of the potential acquisition of the Incahuasi lithium project.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/01112018/surge-exploration-enters-into-mou-for-an-option-to-acquire-incahuasi-lithium-project/