0001144204-15-046569.txt : 20150805 0001144204-15-046569.hdr.sgml : 20150805 20150805170423 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-15-046569 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 20150805 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20150805 GROUP MEMBERS: GLENCORE AG GROUP MEMBERS: GLENCORE INTERNATIONAL AG SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: POLYMET MINING CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000866028 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MISCELLANEOUS METAL ORES [1090] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: A1 FISCAL YEAR END: 0131 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-82296 FILM NUMBER: 151029773 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: FIRST CANADIAN PLACE STREET 2: 100 KING STREET WEST, SUITE 5700 CITY: TORONTO STATE: A6 ZIP: M5X 1C7 BUSINESS PHONE: 416-915-4149 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: FIRST CANADIAN PLACE STREET 2: 100 KING STREET WEST, SUITE 5700 CITY: TORONTO STATE: A6 ZIP: M5X 1C7 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FLECK RESOURCES LTD DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19950606 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Glencore plc CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001521365 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: UNKNOWN SIC - 8880 [8880] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: Y9 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: BAARERMATTSTRASSE 3 STREET 2: P.O. BOX 777 CITY: BAAR STATE: V8 ZIP: CH-6341 BUSINESS PHONE: 41 41 709 2000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: BAARERMATTSTRASSE 3 STREET 2: P.O. BOX 777 CITY: BAAR STATE: V8 ZIP: CH-6341 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: Glencore Xstrata plc DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20130606 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: GLENCORE INTERNATIONAL PLC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20110520 SC 13D/A 1 v417302_sc13da.htm SC 13D/A

Page 1 of 18

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 13D/A

 

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 16)*

 

PolyMet Mining Corp.

 

(Name of Issuer)

 

Common Shares, without par value

 

(Title of Class of Securities)

 

731916102

 

(CUSIP Number)

 

Stephen Rowland and Rajiv Singhal

Glencore International AG

Baarermattstrasse 3

CH-6341 Baar

Switzerland

+41 41 709 2000

 

With copies to:

 

Matias Vega, Esq.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP

101 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10178

(212) 696-6000

 

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

 

July 30, 2015

 

(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

 

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box. ¨

 

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See §240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

 

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

 

 
 

 

 

Page 2 of 18

 

CUSIP No. 731916102

 

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)

Glencore plc

2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a) ¨

(b) ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY


4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (SEE INSTRUCTIONS):

AF (see Item 3)

5

CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)

 

6

CITIZEN OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Jersey

NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY EACH
REPORTING
PERSON
WITH
7

SOLE VOTING POWER

0

 
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

111,684,795

 
9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

0

 
10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

111,684,795

 
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

111,684,795

12

CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

 

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

36.1%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

CO; HC

         
 
 

 

Page 3 of 18

 

CUSIP No. 731916102

 

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)

Glencore International AG

2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a) ¨
(b) ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY


4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (SEE INSTRUCTIONS):

WC (see Item 3)

5

CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)

 

6

CITIZEN OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Switzerland

NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY EACH
REPORTING
PERSON
WITH
7

SOLE VOTING POWER

0

 
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

111,684,795

 
9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

0

 
10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

111,684,795

 
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

111,684,795

12

CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

 

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

36.1%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

CO; HC

         
 
 

 

Page 4 of 18

 

CUSIP No. 731916102

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)

Glencore AG

2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a) ¨
(b) ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY


4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (SEE INSTRUCTIONS):

WC (see Item 3)

5

CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)

 

6

CITIZEN OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Switzerland

NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY EACH
REPORTING
PERSON
WITH
7

SOLE VOTING POWER

0

 
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

111,684,795

 
9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

0

 
10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

111,684,795

 
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

111,684,795

12

CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

 

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

36.1%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

CO

         

 

 
 

 

Page 5 of 18

 

Explanatory Note:

 

This Amendment No. 16 (this “Amendment No. 16”) amends and restates the Schedule 13D originally filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by Glencore Holding AG, Glencore International AG and Glencore AG on November 10, 2008, and amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto filed on December 24, 2008, Amendment No. 2 thereto filed on June 22, 2009, Amendment No. 3 thereto filed on September 4, 2009, Amendment No. 4 thereto filed on November 3, 2009, Amendment No. 5 thereto filed on November 23, 2009, Amendment No. 6 thereto filed on January 27, 2010, Amendment No. 7 thereto filed on November 15, 2010, Amendment No. 8 thereto filed on June 2, 2011 (which amendment removed Glencore Holding AG as a Reporting Person and added Glencore International plc (now known as Glencore plc) as a Reporting Person), Amendment No. 9 thereto filed on July 15, 2011, Amendment No. 10 thereto filed on December 6, 2011, Amendment No. 11 thereto filed on October 16, 2012, Amendment No. 12 thereto filed on April 16, 2013, Amendment No. 13 thereto filed on June 10, 2013, Amendment No. 14 thereto filed on July 8, 2013 and Amendment No. 15 thereto filed on April 29, 2014 (as so amended, the “Statement”) relating to the common shares, no par value (“Common Shares”), of PolyMet Mining Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (the “Issuer”). This Amendment No. 16 reflects changes to Items 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 of the Statement.

 

Item 1 Security and Issuer

 

This Schedule 13D relates to the common shares, without par value (the “Common Shares”), of PolyMet Mining Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. The Issuer’s principal executive office is located at First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Suite 5700, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5X 1C7.

 

 

Item 2 Identity and Background

 

This Schedule 13D is being filed by (a) Glencore plc (formerly known as Glencore Xstrata plc) (“Glencore plc”), (b) Glencore International AG (“Glencore International”) and (c) Glencore AG (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”). Glencore plc is a company organized under the laws of Jersey. Each of Glencore International and Glencore AG is a company organized under the laws of Switzerland.

 

Glencore plc is a public company with its ordinary shares listed on the London Stock Exchange and on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Glencore plc is the parent company of Glencore International which, together with its subsidiaries, including Glencore AG, is a leading integrated producer and marketer of commodities, with worldwide activities in the marketing of metals and minerals, energy products and agricultural products and the production, refinement, processing, storage and transport of these products. Each of the Reporting Persons other than Glencore plc is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Glencore plc. Glencore AG is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Glencore International.

 

The address of the principal business and office of each of the Reporting Persons is Baarermattstrasse 3, CH-6341 Baar, Switzerland.

 

The name, citizenship, occupation and principal business address of each director and executive officer of the Reporting Persons are listed in Schedule 1 hereto (the “Schedule 1 Persons”), which Schedule 1 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

During the last five years, none of the Reporting Persons, or, to the Reporting Persons’ knowledge, any of the Schedule 1 Persons, has been (i) convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and similar misdemeanors) or (ii) party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

 

 
 

 

Page 6 of 18

 

Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration

 

On October 31, 2008, Glencore AG, the Issuer and the Issuer’s wholly owned subsidiary, Poly Met Mining, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the “Issuer Subsidiary”), entered into a purchase agreement (the “Original Purchase Agreement”), as amended by a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 1”), dated as of November 28, 2008, and as further amended by a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 2”), dated as of December 12, 2008, a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 3”), dated as of December 19, 2008, a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 4”), dated as of January 30, 2009, a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 5”), dated as of February 24, 2009, a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 6”), dated as of March 30, 2009, a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 7”), dated as of April 28, 2009, a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 8”), dated as of June 4, 2009, a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 9”), dated as of August 31, 2009, a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 10”), dated as of October 20, 2009, and a letter agreement (“Amendment No. 11”), dated as of November 16, 2009 (the Original Purchase Agreement, as amended, the “Purchase Agreement”), which provided for, among other things, Glencore AG’s purchase of up to US$50,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of floating rate secured debentures due September 30, 2011 issued by the Issuer Subsidiary (collectively, the “Debentures”).

 

The initial closing of the transactions contemplated by the Original Purchase Agreement occurred on October 31, 2008. At the initial closing, the Issuer Subsidiary issued to Glencore AG an initial tranche of US$7,500,000 of the Debentures (the “Tranche A Debenture”). Subsequently, the Issuer Subsidiary issued to Glencore AG a second tranche of US$7,500,000 of the Debentures (the “Tranche B Debenture”) on December 22, 2008, a third tranche of US$5,000,000 of the Debentures (the “Tranche C Debenture”) on June 17, 2009 and a fourth tranche of US$5,000,000 of the Debentures (the “Tranche D Debenture”) on August 31, 2009. The Original Purchase Agreement had also provided for a fifth tranche of US$25,000,000 of the Debentures (the “Tranche E Debenture”) to be issued to Glencore AG upon the satisfaction of additional closing conditions set forth in the Original Purchase Agreement.

 

The Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture initially bore interest at a rate equal to the 12-month US dollar LIBOR plus 4%. Interest is payable in cash or by increasing the principal amount of such Debentures. On or before September 30, 2009, the Issuer was able to elect in which form to make the interest payments; thereafter, Glencore AG may make such election. As of July 31, 2015, approximately US$9.240 million of capitalized and accrued interest had been added to the principal amount of such Debentures. The Issuer has guaranteed the Issuer Subsidiary’s obligations under such Debentures pursuant to a Parent Guarantee (the “Parent Guarantee”), dated as of October 31, 2008. The Issuer Subsidiary’s obligations under such Debentures are secured by (i) the assets of the Issuer pursuant to a security agreement (the “Issuer Security Agreement”), dated as of October 31, 2008, between the Issuer and Glencore AG, (ii) the assets of the Issuer Subsidiary pursuant to a security agreement (the “Issuer Subsidiary Security Agreement”), dated as of October 31, 2008, between the Issuer Subsidiary and Glencore AG, and (iii) a security interest in the Issuer’s equity interest in the Issuer Subsidiary pursuant to a pledge agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”), dated as of October 31, 2008, between the Issuer and Glencore AG.

 

In connection with the Original Purchase Agreement, on October 31, 2008, the Issuer issued to Glencore AG an exchange warrant pursuant to which the Debentures were exchangeable into Common Shares at any time at an exchange rate of US$4.00 per Common Share for the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture, and an exchange rate of US$2.65 per Common Share for the Tranche E Debenture (the “Original Exchange Warrant”).

 

In connection with the Original Purchase Agreement, on October 31, 2008, the Issuer issued to Glencore AG a purchase warrant entitling Glencore AG to purchase 6,250,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of US$3.00 per Common Share (the “2008 Purchase Warrant”).

 

 
 

 

Page 7 of 18

 

 

Concurrently with the issuance of the Tranche A Debenture and the 2008 Purchase Warrant, the Issuer and Glencore AG entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “2008 Registration Rights Agreement”). The 2008 Registration Rights Agreement granted Glencore AG demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Original Exchange Warrant and/or exercise of the 2008 Purchase Warrant.

 

Pursuant to a subscription agreement, dated as of November 17, 2009, between Glencore AG and the Issuer (the “First 2009 Subscription Agreement”), Glencore AG acquired from the Issuer, on a private placement basis, 3,773,585 Common Shares for an aggregate purchase price of US$10,000,000.25 (or US$2.65 per Common Share). Pursuant to another subscription agreement, dated as of November 23, 2009, between Glencore AG and the Issuer (the “Second 2009 Subscription Agreement”), on January 26, 2010, Glencore AG acquired from the Issuer, on a private placement basis, 5,660,377 Common Shares for an aggregate purchase price of US$14,999,999.05 (or US$2.65 per Common Share).

 

On November 12, 2010, the Issuer, the Issuer Subsidiary and Glencore AG entered into an amendment and waiver agreement (the “2010 Amendment and Waiver”) pursuant to which the parties agreed, among other things, to:

 

·terminate and discharge the Issuer Subsidiary’s obligation to issue, and Glencore AG’s obligation to purchase, the Tranche E Debenture;

 

·extend the maturity date for each of the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012;

 

·extend the expiration date of the Original Exchange Warrant from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012; and

 

·cancel the 2008 Purchase Warrant and cause the Issuer to issue to Glencore a new warrant to purchase up to 3,000,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of US$2.00 per share.

 

On November 12, 2010, as contemplated by the 2010 Amendment and Waiver, the Issuer issued to Glencore AG a purchase warrant entitling Glencore AG to purchase 3,000,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of US$2.00 per Common Share until December 31, 2015 (the “2010 Purchase Warrant”).

 

In accordance with the terms of the 2010 Amendment and Waiver, the Issuer and Glencore AG also entered into a registration rights agreement, dated as of November 12, 2010 (the “2010 Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which Glencore AG (and any transferee of Common Shares to whom Glencore AG transfers its registration rights) was granted demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to all Common Shares held by Glencore AG, including any Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the 2010 Purchase Warrant and/or exercise of the Original Exchange Warrant. The 2010 Registration Rights Agreement provides that the Issuer must effect an unlimited number of demand registration rights if holders of at least fifty percent (50%) of such registrable securities demand the registration of Common Shares covering at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the outstanding amount of such registrable securities (or a lesser percent if the anticipated aggregate offering price, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, would exceed US$5,000,000); provided, however, the Issuer is not obligated to effect (i) a registration covering the sale of Common Shares for an aggregate public offering price of less than US$5,000,000, (ii) more than two such registrations in any twelve-month period or (iii) any registration at a time when it is keeping three such registration statements effective.

 

Concurrently, Glencore AG and the Issuer entered into a Subscription Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2010 (the “2010 Subscription Agreement”), pursuant to which Glencore AG agreed to purchase from the Issuer, on a private placement basis, an aggregate of 15,000,000 Common Shares for a purchase price of US$2.00 per Common Share in three separate tranches of 5,000,000 Common Shares each.

 

 
 

 

Page 8 of 18

 

 

On January 17, 2011, pursuant to the first tranche of the 2010 Subscription Agreement, Glencore AG acquired from the Issuer, on a private placement basis, 5,000,000 Common Shares for an aggregate purchase price of US$10,000,000 (or US$2.00 per Common Share).

 

The Issuer’s board of directors waived applicable provisions of the Issuer’s amended and restated shareholder rights plan agreement with respect to Glencore AG’s purchase of the remaining second and third tranches of the 2010 Subscription Agreement.

 

On July 15, 2011, pursuant to the second tranche of the 2010 Subscription Agreement, Glencore AG acquired an additional 5,000,000 Common Shares from the Issuer for an aggregate purchase price of US$10,000,000 (or US$2.00 per Common Share). Concurrently, Glencore AG granted a waiver to the Issuer pursuant to which Glencore AG waived the application of certain covenants contained in the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture to the secured loan provided by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board to the Issuer Subsidiary that previously closed on June 28, 2011 (the “IRRRB Loan Waiver”).

 

On October 15, 2012, pursuant to the remaining third tranche of the 2010 Subscription Agreement, Glencore AG acquired an additional 5,000,000 Common Shares from the Issuer for an aggregate purchase price of US$10,000,000 (or US$2.00 per Common Share).

 

On July 15, 2011, Glencore AG acquired pursuant to a private transaction 9,200,547 Common Shares at a price of US$1.4233 per share. These shares were purchased from Cliffs Erie L.L.C. (“Cliffs”) in accordance with the Issuer’s right to arrange for a purchaser of the shares upon notice from Cliffs of its desire to sell the shares. The purchase was made pursuant to a share purchase agreement, which was previously filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the Statement, and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

 

In connection with Glencore AG’s purchase from Cliffs, the Issuer’s board of directors waived applicable provisions of the Issuer’s amended and restated shareholder rights plan agreement with respect to Glencore AG becoming the beneficial owner of more than 20% of the outstanding voting shares of the Issuer as a result of the purchases described above.

 

On December 6, 2011, pursuant to a subscription agreement, dated as of November 30, 2011, between Glencore AG and the Issuer (the “2011 Subscription Agreement”), Glencore AG acquired from the Issuer, on a private placement basis, an aggregate of 13,333,333 Common Shares and a warrant entitling Glencore AG to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,600,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of US$1.50 per Common Share until December 31, 2015 (the “2011 Purchase Warrant”) for an aggregate purchase price of US$19,999,999.50.

 

In connection with the 2011 Subscription Agreement, on December 6, 2011, an amendment and waiver agreement, dated as of November 30, 2011, among the Issuer, the Issuer Subsidiary and Glencore AG (the “2011 Amendment and Waiver”), became effective and amended, among other things:

 

·each of the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture to extend the maturity date from September 30, 2012 to the earlier of (i) the date which is 10 business days after the date on which the Issuer and/or the Issuer Subsidiary has received all permits required to commence construction of the NorthMet mine and Erie Plant facilities in St. Louis County, Minnesota in a form reasonably acceptable to Glencore AG (the “NorthMet Project”) and the senior construction financing for the NorthMet Project is made available to the Issuer and/or the Issuer Subsidiary in a form reasonably acceptable to Glencore AG (collectively, the “Construction Prerequisites”) and (ii) September 30, 2014;

 

 
 

  

Page 9 of 18

 

·each of the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture to prohibit the Issuer from redeeming such Debentures prior to the Issuer and/or the Issuer Subsidiary satisfying the Construction Prerequisites;

 

·the 2010 Purchase Warrant to reduce the exercise price from US$2.00 to US$1.50 per Common Share; and

 

·the 2010 Purchase Warrant to include a mandatory exercise feature if the 20-day volume weighted average price of the Common Shares is equal to or greater than 150% of the exercise price and the Issuer provides notice to Glencore AG that it has obtained the Construction Prerequisites.

 

In addition, pursuant to the 2011 Amendment and Waiver, on December 6, 2011, the Issuer issued to Glencore AG an amended and restated exchange warrant that amended and restated the Original Exchange Warrant (the “Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant”). Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant, the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture are exchangeable into Common Shares at an exchange rate of US$1.50 per Common Share for such Debentures at any time until the earlier of (i) the Issuer and/or the Issuer Subsidiary satisfying the Construction Prerequisites and (ii) September 30, 2014. The Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant further provides that the Issuer may, within 10 business days after the date on which the Issuer and/or the Issuer Subsidiary has satisfied the Construction Prerequisites, deliver a notice to Glencore AG requiring Glencore AG to exercise the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant.

 

In addition, in connection with the 2011 Subscription Agreement and the 2011 Amendment and Waiver, on November 30, 2011, the Issuer and Glencore AG entered into a registration rights agreement and amendment to existing registration rights agreement (the “2011 Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which (i) Glencore AG (and any transferee of Common Shares to whom Glencore AG transfers its registration rights) was granted demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to the Common Shares issued under the 2011 Subscription Agreement and the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the 2011 Purchase Warrant and (ii) the 2010 Registration Rights Agreement was amended so that the registrable securities covered by the 2010 Registration Rights Agreement include the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the 2010 Purchase Warrant, as amended by the 2011 Amendment and Waiver, and the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant.

 

The Issuer’s board of directors waived applicable provisions of the Issuer’s amended and restated shareholder rights plan agreement with respect to the transactions contemplated by the 2011 Subscription Agreement and the 2011 Amendment and Waiver.

 

On April 11, 2013, Glencore AG loaned US$20 million to the Issuer Subsidiary through the purchase of an amended Tranche E Debenture from the Issuer Subsidiary (as amended, the “Amended Tranche E Debenture”) pursuant to an amendment to the Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2013 (the “Amendment No. 14 to Purchase Agreement”), among the Issuer, the Issuer Subsidiary and Glencore AG. The Amended Tranche E Debenture had a maturity date of May 1, 2014, subject to mandatory repayment upon closing of the Rights Offering and carried a fixed interest rate of 4.721% per annum. Pursuant to a confirmation of secured obligations agreement (the “Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement”), dated as of April 10, 2013, among the Issuer Subsidiary, the Issuer and Glencore AG, the parties had confirmed that the Issuer Subsidiary’s obligations under the Amended Tranche E Debenture were guaranteed by the Issuer and secured by the assets of the Issuer and the Issuer Subsidiary on the same terms as the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture. On July 5, 2013, the Amended Tranche E Debenture was fully repaid with proceeds from the Rights Offering (as described below).

 

 
 

 

Page 10 of 18

 

 

On July 5, 2013, at the closing of an offering of rights (“Rights”) by the Issuer to holders of Common Shares to raise up to approximately US$60.5 million in gross proceeds (the “Rights Offering”) contemplated by a standby purchase agreement, dated as of April 10, 2013, between Glencore AG and the Issuer (the “Standby Purchase Agreement”), Glencore AG acquired from the Issuer 31,756,979 Common Shares for an aggregate purchase price of US$20,959,606.14 (or US$0.66 per Common Share), of which 23,483,921 Common Shares were acquired by Glencore AG pursuant to the exercise of its basic subscription privilege under the Rights Offering and 8,273,058 Common Shares of which were acquired by Glencore AG pursuant to the exercise of its additional subscription privilege under the Rights Offering. In consideration for Glencore AG’s agreement to provide a standby commitment for the Rights Offering pursuant to the Standby Purchase Agreement, Glencore AG received a cash fee of approximately US$1.06 million at the closing of the Rights Offering. In addition, on July 5, 2013, at the closing of the Rights Offering, the Issuer and Glencore AG entered into (i) a corporate governance agreement (the “Corporate Governance Agreement”) under which, effective January 1, 2014, Glencore AG may appoint that number of the directors of the Issuer which is proportionate to Glencore AG’s ownership of Common Shares (on a fully diluted basis), subject to certain limitations including that Glencore AG may not appoint more than 49% (rounding down) of the Issuer’s directors and (ii) a registration rights agreement (the “2013 Registration Rights Agreement”) pursuant to which Glencore AG (and any transferee of Common Shares to whom Glencore AG transfers its registration rights) was granted demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to all Common Shares acquired by Glencore AG pursuant to the Rights Offering.

 

Glencore AG waived its right of first refusal on material financings by the Issuer contained in the 2010 Subscription Agreement with respect to the Rights Offering. In addition, the Issuer’s board of directors waived applicable provisions of the Issuer’s amended and restated shareholder rights plan agreement with respect to Glencore AG in connection with (i) the issuance of the Rights and Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Rights under the Rights Offering and (ii) the Standby Purchase Agreement.

 

At the closing of the Rights Offering, as a result of the Rights Offering’s triggering of customary anti-dilution provisions: (i) the exchange rate at which the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture are exchangeable pursuant to the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant was reduced from US$1.50 to US$1.2920 per Common Share, (ii) the exercise prices for the 2010 Purchase Warrant and the 2011 Purchase Warrant were reduced from US$1.50 to US$1.3007 per Common Share and (iii) the number of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the 2010 Purchase Warrant and the 2011 Purchase Warrant were increased to 3,459,643 Common Shares and 2,998,358 Common Shares, respectively.

 

On April 25, 2014, the Issuer, the Issuer Subsidiary and Glencore AG entered into an amendment agreement (the “2014 Amendment”) pursuant to which the parties agreed, among other things, to:

 

·extend the maturity date for each of the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture to the earlier to occur of (i) the Issuer giving Glencore AG ten days’ notice that it has received permits necessary to start construction of the NorthMet Project and availability of senior construction finance, in a form reasonably acceptable to Glencore AG (the “Early Maturity Event”) and (ii) September 30, 2015; and

 

·extend the expiration date of the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant to the earlier to occur of (i) the Early Maturity Event and (ii) September 30, 2015.

 

 
 

 

Page 11 of 18

 

 

On January 28, 2015, the Issuer, the Issuer Subsidiary and Glencore AG entered into an amendment to the Purchase Agreement (the “Amendment No. 16 to Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the parties agreed, among other things, for the Issuer Subsidiary to issue to Glencore AG new Tranche F, G, H, and I debentures (the “2015 Debentures”) with the total principal amount of $30.0 million. Tranche F in the amount of $8.0 million was issued on January 30, 2015. Tranche G in the amount of $8.0 million was issued on April 15, 2015. Tranche H in the amount of $8 million was issued on July 1, 2015. Tranche I in the amount of $6 million is to be issued on or before October 1, 2015. The 2015 Debentures bear interest at 12-month US dollar LIBOR plus 8.0% per annum payable in cash upon maturity and mature on the earlier of (i) the availability of at least $100 million of finance provided the Issuer demonstrates repayment is prudent or (ii) March 31, 2016. The Issuer and the Issuer Subsidiary provided security by way of a guarantee and a pledge of the assets of the Issuer and the Issuer Subsidiary.

 

On July 30, 2015, the Issuer, the Issuer Subsidiary and Glencore AG entered into an amendment to the Purchase Agreement (the “Amendment No. 17 to Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the parties agreed, among other things, to:

 

·extend the maturity date for each of the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture to the earlier to occur of (i) the Early Maturity Event and (ii) March 31, 2016;

 

·extend the expiration date of the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant to the earlier to occur of (i) the Early Maturity Event and (ii) March 31, 2016;

 

·adjust, as of August 1, 2015, the interest rate of the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture to US dollar LIBOR plus 8%; and

 

·amend the 2010 Purchase Warrant and the 2011 Purchase Warrant such that (i) the exercise price has been reduced to US$0.9292 per share and (ii) the expiration date has been extended to December 31, 2016 subject to mandatory exercise if the 20-day VWAP of the Common Shares is equal to or greater than 150% of the exercise price or the occurrence of the Early Maturity Event.

 

The foregoing summaries of the Original Purchase Agreement, Amendment No. 1, Amendment No. 2, Amendment No. 3, Amendment No. 4, Amendment No. 5, Amendment No. 6, Amendment No. 7, Amendment No. 8, Amendment No. 9, Amendment No. 10, Amendment No. 11, the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture, the Tranche D Debenture, the Parent Guarantee, the Issuer Security Agreement, the Issuer Subsidiary Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, the Original Exchange Warrant, the 2008 Purchase Warrant, the 2008 Registration Rights Agreement, the First 2009 Subscription Agreement, the Second 2009 Subscription Agreement, the 2010 Amendment and Waiver, the 2010 Purchase Warrant, the 2010 Registration Rights Agreement, the 2010 Subscription Agreement, the IRRRB Loan Waiver, the 2011 Subscription Agreement, the 2011 Purchase Warrant, the 2011 Amendment and Waiver, the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant, the 2011 Registration Rights Agreement, the Amended Tranche E Debenture, the Amendment No. 14 to Purchase Agreement, the Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement, the Standby Purchase Agreement, the Corporate Governance Agreement, the 2013 Registration Rights Agreement and the 2014 Amendment do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text of such agreements, which were previously filed with the SEC as exhibits to the Statement, and are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing summaries of the Amendment No. 16 to Purchase Agreement and the Amendment No. 17 to Purchase Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text of such agreements, which have been attached as Exhibits 99.45 and 99.46, respectively, to this Amendment No. 16 and are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 
 

 

Page 12 of 18

 

 

The source of funds for all of the purchases described above was working capital of the Reporting Persons. The Reporting Persons anticipate that the source of funds for any exercises of the 2010 Purchase Warrant and/or the 2011 Purchase Warrant will be working capital of the Reporting Persons.

 

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction

 

The Reporting Persons acquired the securities of the Issuer covered by this Schedule 13D for investment purposes. The Reporting Persons intend to continue to evaluate the Issuer’s business, financial condition, results of operations, capital structure, management, stock market performance, competitive outlook and other relevant factors. As part of such evaluations, the Reporting Persons may seek the views of, hold discussions with and respond to inquiries from representatives of the Issuer and other persons regarding the Issuer’s affairs. Depending on such evaluations, each Reporting Person may at any time and from time to time acquire Common Shares or securities convertible or exchangeable for Common Shares; dispose of Common Shares which it has acquired; and/or enter into privately negotiated derivative transactions with institutional counterparts to hedge the market risk of some or all of the positions in the Common Shares which it has acquired. Any acquisition or disposition of Common Shares by the Reporting Persons may be effected though open market or privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Any such transactions may be effected at any time and from time to time subject to any applicable limitations of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In the interest of maximizing shareholder value, the Reporting Persons may, from time to time, develop plans respecting, or propose changes in the management, policies, operations, capital structure or business of the Reporting Persons. Such plans or proposals may include or relate to one or more of the transactions specified in Items 4(a) through (j) of Schedule 13D under Rule 13d-1(a), including without limitation, a merger, disposition, sale of the Issuer’s assets or changes in the Issuer’s capitalization. Each Reporting Person reserves the right to change its plans and intentions at any time, as it deems appropriate.

 

Stephen Rowland, who is an employee of Glencore AG, is a member of the Issuer’s board of directors and also serves on the Issuer’s Technical Steering Committee and as an ex-officio member on the Issuer’s Nominating and Corporate Governance committee. Matthew Daley, who is an employee of Glencore AG, is a member of the Issuer’s board of directors and also serves on the Issuer’s Technical Steering Committee and the Issuer’s Safety, Health and Environmental Committee.

 

As described in Item 3 of the Statement, on July 5, 2013, the Issuer and Glencore AG entered into the Corporate Governance Agreement under which, effective January 1, 2014, Glencore AG may appoint that number of the directors of the Issuer which is proportionate to Glencore AG’s ownership of Common Shares (on a fully diluted basis), subject to certain limitations including that Glencore AG may not appoint more than 49% (rounding down) of the Issuer’s directors.

 

Except as described herein, neither the Reporting Persons, nor, to the Reporting Persons’ knowledge, any of the Schedule 1 Persons has any present plans or proposals that relate to or would result in any of the actions described in Items 4(a) through (j) of Schedule 13D under Rule 13d-1(a). To the Reporting Persons’ knowledge, any of the Schedule 1 Persons may make the same evaluation and reserve the same rights.

 

Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer

 

(a) and (b)

 

The Reporting Persons collectively own, directly or indirectly, 78,724,821 Common Shares. However, the Reporting Persons may be deemed to collectively have direct or indirect “beneficial ownership” within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of (i) an additional 26,501,973 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant (based on the principal amount of the Debentures that includes capitalized and accrued interest as of July 31, 2015), (ii) an additional 3,459,643 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the 2010 Purchase Warrant and (iii) an additional 2,998,358 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the 2011 Purchase Warrant. Accordingly, each of the Reporting Persons may be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of 111,684,795 Common Shares, representing 36.1% of the Issuer’s issued and outstanding Common Shares. This beneficial ownership percentage assumes that there are 307,037,610 Common Shares outstanding, which was calculated based on the sum of (i) 276,505,583 Common Shares outstanding on June 10, 2015 as reported by the Issuer in its Management Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended April 30, 2015, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Issuer’s Report on Form 6-K furnished with the SEC on June 15, 2015, (ii) the 26,501,973 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant (based on the principal amount of the Debentures that includes capitalized and accrued interest as of July 31, 2015), (iii) the 3,459,643 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the 2010 Purchase Warrant and (iv) the 2,998,358 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the 2011 Purchase Warrant. The Reporting Persons share the power to vote or to direct the vote and dispose or to direct the disposition of the 111,684,795 Common Shares set forth above.

 

 
 

  

Page 13 of 18

 

 

(c) Except as set forth in Item 3 and this Item 5 of the Statement, none of the Reporting Persons nor, to the Reporting Persons’ knowledge, any of the Schedule 1 Persons, has beneficial ownership of any other Common Shares, or has engaged in any other transaction during the past 60 days in any Common Shares.

 

Mr. Stephen Rowland, who is a member of the Issuer’s board of directors and an employee of Glencore AG, owns 150,000 Common Shares and holds options to purchase 750,000 Common Shares and restricted share units in respect of 53,571 Common Shares. Matthew Daley, who is a member of the Issuer’s board of directors and an employee of Glencore AG, holds options to purchase 250,000 Common Shares and restricted share units in respect of 23,809 Common Shares.

 

(d) Not applicable.

 

(e) Not applicable.

 

Item 6 Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer

 

Except as set forth in Item 3 of the Statement, to the best knowledge of the Reporting Persons, there are no other contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships (legal or otherwise) among the persons named in Item 2 or between such persons and any other person with respect to any securities of the Issuer, including but not limited to, transfer or voting of any of the securities of the Issuer, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees of profits, division of profits or loss, or the giving or withholding of proxies, or a pledge or contingency the occurrence of which would give another person voting power over the securities of the Issuer.

 

Item 7 Material to Be Filed as Exhibits

 

 

Exhibit No.  Description
99.1  Joint Filing Agreement, dated August 5, 2015, between Glencore plc, Glencore International AG and Glencore AG relating to the filing of a joint statement on Schedule 13D.
99.2  Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.2 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008).
99.3  Floating Rate Secured Debenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.3 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008).
99.4  Parent Guarantee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.4 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008).

 
 

 

Page 14 of 18

 

 

99.5  Security Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.5 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008).
99.6  Security Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.6 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008).
99.7  Pledge Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.7 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008).
99.8  Exchange Warrant of PolyMet Mining Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.8 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008).
99.9  Purchase Warrant of PolyMet Mining Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.9 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008).
99.10  Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.10 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008).
99.11  Amendment No. 1 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.11 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 24, 2008).
99.12  Amendment No. 2 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.12 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 24, 2008).
99.13  Amendment No. 3 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.13 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 24, 2008).
99.14  Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due September 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.14 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 24, 2008).
99.15  Amendment No. 4 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.15 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 22, 2009).
99.16  Amendment No. 5 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.16 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 22, 2009).
99.17  Amendment No. 6 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.17 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 22, 2009).
99.18  Amendment No. 7 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.18 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 22, 2009).
99.19  Amendment No. 8 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.19 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 22, 2009).
99.20  Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due September 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.20 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 22, 2009).
99.21  Amendment No. 9 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.21 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on September 4, 2009).
99.22  Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due September 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.22 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on September 4, 2009).
99.23  Amendment No. 10 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.23 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on November 3, 2009).
99.24  Amendment No. 11 relating to the Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.24 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on November 23, 2009).
99.25  Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.25 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on November 23, 2009).
99.26  Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.26 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on November 23, 2009).
99.27  Amendment and Waiver Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2010, by and between PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.27 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on November 15, 2010).
99.28  Non-Transferable Common Share Purchase Warrant of PolyMet Mining Corp., dated November 12, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.28 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on November 15, 2010).
99.29  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2010, by and between PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.29 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on November 15, 2010).

 

 
 

 

Page 15 of 18

 

 

99.30  Subscription Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2010, by and between PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.30 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on November 15, 2010).
99.31  Waiver, dated as of July 14, 2011, from Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 31 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on July 15, 2011).
99.32  Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2011, by and between Cliffs Erie L.L.C. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 32 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on July 15, 2011).
99.33  Subscription Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2011, by and between PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.33 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 6, 2011).
99.34  Non-Transferable Common Share Purchase Warrant of PolyMet Mining Corp., dated December 6, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.34 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 6, 2011).
99.35  Amendment and Waiver Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2011, by and between PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.35 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 6, 2011).
99.36  Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant of PolyMet Mining Corp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.36 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 6, 2011).
99.37  Registration Rights Agreement and Amendment to Existing Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2011, by and between PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.37 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 6, 2011).
99.38  Standby Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2013, by and between PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.38 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on April 16, 2013).
99.39  Amendment No. 14 Relating to Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2013, by and among PolyMet Mining Corp., Poly Met Mining, Inc. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.39 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on April 16, 2013).
99.40  Fixed Rate Secured Debenture, due no later than May 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.40 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on April 16, 2013).
99.41  Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2013, by Poly Met Mining, Inc., PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.41 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on April 16, 2013).
99.42  Corporate Governance Agreement, dated as of July 5, 2013, by and between PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.42 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on July 8, 2013).
99.43  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 5, 2013, by and between PolyMet Mining Corp. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.43 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on July 8, 2013).
99.44  Amendment Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2014, by and among PolyMet Mining Corp., Poly Met Mining, Inc. and Glencore AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.44 to the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on April 29, 2014).
99.45  Amendment No. 16 Relating to Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2015, by and among PolyMet Mining Corp., Poly Met Mining, Inc. and Glencore AG
99.46  Amendment No. 17 Relating to Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2015, by and among PolyMet Mining Corp., Poly Met Mining, Inc. and Glencore AG

 

 
 

 

Page 16 of 18

 

 

Signature

 

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: August 5, 2015

 

  Glencore AG  

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Martin Haering

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Martin Haering

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Stefan Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Stefan Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Officer

 

 

 

 

Glencore International AG

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Martin Haering

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Martin Haering

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Stefan Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Stefan Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Officer

 

 

 

 

  Glencore plc

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ John Burton

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

John Burton

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Company Secretary

 

 

 

 
 

 

Page 17 of 18

 

 

SCHEDULE 1

 

Set forth below are the names, business addresses and present principal occupations of the directors and executive officers of Glencore plc, Glencore International AG and Glencore AG. Each executive officer of each of Glencore International AG and Glencore AG is also a director of such company. Where no business address is given for an executive officer or director, and such director’s principal employer is Glencore plc or one of its subsidiaries, the business address is Baarermattstrasse 3, CH-6341, Baar, Switzerland. To the best knowledge of the Reporting Persons, none of the persons listed below beneficially owns any shares of Common Shares.

 

Directors of Glencore plc:

 

Name   Principal Occupation   Business address   Share Ownership

Ivan Glasenberg (Citizen of Switzerland)

 

  Chief Executive Officer         

Anthony Hayward

(Citizen of the United Kingdom)

  Director, Genel Energy  

1 Grafton Street,

London W1S 4FE,

United Kingdom

    

Peter Coates

(Citizen of Australia)

  Non-Executive Chairman, Santos Ltd   Level 22, The Gateway Building, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney, Australia    

Leonhard Fischer

(Citizen of Germany)

  Chief Executive Officer, BHF Kleinwort Benson Group SA  

Avenue Louise 326,

1050 Brussels, Belgium

   

Peter Grauer

(Citizen of USA)

 

Executive Chairman

Bloomberg LP

 

731 Lexington Avenue, New York

10022, USA

   

William Macaulay

(Citizen of USA)

  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, First Reserve Corporation  

One Lafayette Place

Greenwich,

CT 06830

USA

   

John Mack

(Citizen of USA)

  Senior advisor to Morgan Stanley  

6 Club Road, Rye, New York 10580,

USA

   

Patrice Merrin

(Citizen of Canada)

  Non-Executive Director  

Glencore

Baarermattstrasse 3

Baar 6341

Switzerland

   

 

Executive Officers of Glencore plc:

 

Name   Principal Occupation   Business address   Share Ownership
Ivan Glasenberg (Citizen of Switzerland)   Chief Executive Officer         

Steven Kalmin

(Citizen of Australia)

  Chief Financial Officer         

John Burton

(Citizen of the United Kingdom)

  Company Secretary        

 

 
 

 

Page 18 of 18

 

 

Directors and Executive Officers of Glencore International AG:

 

Name   Principal Occupation   Business address   Share Ownership
Ivan Glasenberg (Citizen of Switzerland)   Chief Executive Officer         

Steven Kalmin

(Citizen of Australia)

  Chief Financial Officer        

Andreas P. Hubmann

(Citizen of Switzerland)

  Accountant        

 

Directors and Executive Officers of Glencore AG:

 

Name   Principal Occupation   Business address   Share Ownership
Martin W. Haering (Citizen of Switzerland)   Tax Officer         
Carlos Perezagua (Citizen of Spain)   Chief Risk Officer         
Andreas P. Hubmann (Citizen of Switzerland)   Accountant         

 

 

 

 

EX-99.1 2 v417302_ex99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

 

JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

 

Each of the undersigned hereby agrees that this Amendment No. 16 to the statement on Schedule 13D is being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of each of the undersigned pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Dated: August 5, 2015

 

  Glencore AG  

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Martin Haering

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Martin Haering

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Officer

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Stefan Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Stefan Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Officer

 

 

 

  Glencore International AG  

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Martin Haering

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Martin Haering

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Officer

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Stefan Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Stefan Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Officer

 

 

 

 

  Glencore plc  

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ John Burton

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

John Burton

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

Company Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX-99.45 3 v417302_ex99-45.htm EXHIBIT 99.45

Exhibit 99.45


AMENDMENT NO. 16 RELATING TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT

          This Amendment Agreement (this "Agreement"), is made as of the 28th day of January, 2015, by and among POLYMET MINING CORP., a company existing under the laws of British Columbia (the "Company"), POLY MET MINING, INC., a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota (the "Issuer"), and GLENCORE AG, a corporation existing under the laws of Switzerland (the "Purchaser").

RECITALS

          WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser are parties to that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2008, as amended by Letter Agreement, dated November 28, 2008, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 2, dated December 12, 2008, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 3, dated December 19, 2008, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 4, dated January 30, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 5, dated February 24, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 6, dated March 30, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 7, dated April 28, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 8, dated June 4, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 9, dated August 31, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 10, dated October 20, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 11, dated November 16, 2009, as further amended by the 2010 Amendment and Waiver (as defined below), as further amended by the 2011 Amendment and Waiver (as defined below), as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 14, dated April 10, 2013, as further amended by the 2014 Amendment and Waiver (as defined below) (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Purchase Agreement");

          WHEREAS, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, among other things, (1) the Issuer agreed to issue Floating Rate Secured Debentures due September 30, 2011 (each, a "Debenture" and collectively, the "Debentures") in five separate tranches, consisting of four Debentures in the aggregate principal amount of US$25,000,000 and a fifth Debenture in the principal amount of US$25,000,000 (the "Original Tranche E Debenture"), in each case to be issued and delivered by the Issuer and paid for by the Purchaser upon fulfillment or waiver of certain conditions set forth therein; and (2) the Company issued (i) a warrant, exercisable from time to time (the "Exchange Warrant"), to purchase common shares of the Company, without par value (the "Common Shares"), in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Debentures divided by US$4.00;

          WHEREAS, (1) the first Debenture in the original principal amount of US$7,500,000 (the "Tranche A Debenture") was issued to the Purchaser on October 31, 2008; (2) the second Debenture in the original principal amount of US$7,500,000 (the "Tranche B Debenture") was issued to the Purchaser on December 24, 2008; (3) the third Debenture in the original principal amount of US$5,000,000 (the "Tranche C Debenture") was issued to the Purchaser on June 18, 2009; (4) the fourth Debenture in the original principal amount of US$5,000,000 (the "Tranche D Debenture" and together with the Tranche A Debenture, Tranche B Debenture and Tranche C Debenture, the "Outstanding Debentures") was issued to the Purchaser on September 2, 2009; and (5) US$ $8,322,834.39 of interest has been capitalized as at the date hereof in connection with the Outstanding Debentures;

          WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser entered into an Amendment and Waiver, dated as of November 12, 2010 (the "2010 Amendment and Waiver"), pursuant to which, among other things, (1) the maturity date of each of the Outstanding Debentures and the expiration date of the Exchange Warrant were extended from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012, and (2) any and all obligations of the Issuer to issue the Original Tranche E Debenture and any and all obligations of the Purchaser to purchase the Original Tranche E Debenture pursuant to the Purchase Agreement were terminated and discharged in all respects (the "Original Tranche E Debenture Termination");

          WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser entered into an Amendment and Waiver, dated as of November 30, 2011 (the "2011 Amendment and Waiver"), pursuant to which, among other things, the maturity date of each of the Outstanding Debentures was extended from September 30, 2012 to the earlier to occur of certain events or September 30, 2014;


-2-

          WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser rescinded the Original Tranche E Debenture Termination and amended the obligations of the Issuer pursuant to the Purchase Agreement to issue a fifth Debenture in the principal amount of US$20,000,000 (the "Amended Tranche E Debenture") and the obligations of the Purchaser to purchase the Amended Tranche E Debenture pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in Agreement Letter No. 14;

          WHEREAS, the Amended Tranche E Debenture were repaid in full on July 4, 2013;

          WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser entered into an Amendment and Waiver, dated as of April 25, 2014 (the "2014 Amendment and Waiver"), pursuant to which, among other things, the maturity date of each of the Outstanding Debentures was extended from the earlier to occur of certain events or September 30, 2014 to the earlier to occur of the same certain events or September 30, 2015; and

          WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to issue to the Purchaser a tranche F debenture (the “Tranche F Debenture”), a tranche G debenture, (the “Tranche G Debenture”), a tranche H debenture (the “Tranche H Debenture”) and a tranche I debenture (the “Tranche I Debenture,” and collectively with the Tranche F Debenture, the Tranche G Debenture and the Tranche H Debenture, the “2015 Debentures”) in the aggregate principal amount of US$30,000,000 pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement.

          NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

1.

Definitions

   

Capitalized terms not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

   
2.

Amendment to the Purchase Agreement

   

The Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser hereby agree to amend the Purchase Agreement from and after the Effective Date as follows notwithstanding any contrary provision therein:


  (a)

The following definitions shall be added to Section 1:

     
 

"Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement" means the amending agreement made as of January 28, 2015 by and among the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser."

     
  (b)

Debentures” means the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture, the Tranche D Debenture, the Tranche E Debenture, the Tranche F Debenture, the Tranche G Debenture, the Tranche H Debenture and the Tranche I Debenture; provided, however, as used in and with respect to the Exchange Warrant, the term “Debentures” shall mean the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture and shall not include the Tranche E Debenture, the Tranche F Debenture, Tranche G Debenture, the Tranche H Debenture and the Tranche I Debenture.

     
  (c)

"Tranche F Closing Date" shall mean the Business Day next following the date the conditions set out in subsections (a) to (n) in Section 4.8 are fulfilled by the Issuer and the Company or waived in writing by the Purchaser; provided that the Tranche F Closing Date is expected to occur no later than January 30, 2015;



-3-

  (d)

"Tranche G Closing Date" shall mean the Business Day next following the date the conditions set out in subsections (a) to (n) in Section 4.9 are fulfilled by the Issuer and the Company or waived in writing by the Purchaser; provided that the Tranche G Closing Date is expected to occur no later than April 15, 2015;

     
  (e)

"Tranche H Closing Date" shall mean the Business Day next following the date the conditions set out in subsections (a) to (n) in Section 4.10 are fulfilled by the Issuer and the Company or waived in writing by the Purchaser; provided that the Tranche H Closing Date is expected to occur no later than July 1, 2015;

     
  (f)

"Tranche I Closing Date" shall mean the Business Day next following the date the conditions set out in subsections (a) to (n) in Section 4.11 are fulfilled by the Issuer and the Company or waived in writing by the Purchaser; provided that the Tranche I Closing Date shall is expected to occur no later than October 1, 2015;

     
  (g)

"Tranche F Debenture" shall mean a sixth Debenture in the principal amount of US$8,000,000 to be issued and delivered by the Issuer and paid for by the Purchaser in the amount of the Tranche F Subscription Amount on the Tranche F Closing Date, in the form attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement;

     
  (h)

"Tranche G Debenture" shall mean a seventh Debenture in the principal amount of US$8,000,000 to be issued and delivered by the Issuer and paid for by the Purchaser in the amount of the Tranche F Subscription Amount on the Tranche G Closing Date, in the form attached as Exhibit B to this Agreement;

     
  (i)

"Tranche H Debenture" shall mean a eighth Debenture in the principal amount of US$8,000,000 to be issued and delivered by the Issuer and paid for by the Purchaser in the amount of the Tranche H Subscription Amount on the Tranche H Closing Date, in the form attached as Exhibit C to this Agreement;

     
  (j)

"Tranche I Debenture" shall mean a ninth Debenture in the principal amount of US$6,000,000 to be issued and delivered by the Issuer and paid for by the Purchaser in the amount of the Tranche I Subscription Amount on the Tranche I Closing Date, in the form attached as Exhibit D to this Agreement;

     
  (k)

"Tranche F Subscription Amount" shall mean US$8,000,000;

     
  (l)

"Tranche G Subscription Amount" shall mean US$8,000,000;

     
  (m)

"Tranche H Subscription Amount" shall mean US$8,000,000;

     
  (n)

"Tranche I Subscription Amount" shall mean US$6,000,000;

     
  (o)

The following Section 2.9 shall be added to the Purchase Agreement:

     
 

"2.9. References to Agreements. References to any agreement, document or instrument shall mean such agreement, document or instrument as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, including with respect to the Purchase Agreement, by Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement."

     
  (p)

Current Section 4.8 and Section 4.9 of the Purchase Agreement shall be renumbered as Section 4.12 and Section 4.13, respectively.



-4-

  (q)

Section 4.8 of the Purchase Agreement shall read as follows:

     
 

"Tranche F Closing. On the Tranche F Closing Date, provided the conditions set out below in subsections (a) to (n) in this Section 4.8 have been fulfilled by the Issuer and the Company or waived in writing by the Purchaser, the Purchaser shall promptly initiate and cause a wire transfer in same day funds to be sent to the account of the Issuer, as instructed in writing by the Issuer, in an amount equal to the Tranche F Subscription Amount. On the date such funds have been received by the Issuer, the Tranche F Debenture shall be released from escrow to the Purchaser whereupon the Tranche F Debenture shall be deemed to be issued and the Purchaser shall fill in by hand the date of such receipt as the date of issuance of the Tranche F Debenture. The above- mentioned conditions are as follows:


  (a)

the Issuer shall have executed and registered an amendment to the Erie Plant Mortgage to reflect Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement and the issuance of the Tranche F Debenture, Tranche G Debenture, Tranche H Debenture and Tranche I Debenture (the "2015 Erie Plant Mortgage Amendment") and delivered copies of such registered 2015 Erie Plant Mortgage Amendment to the Purchaser, and shall have paid the mortgage registration fee payable in connection therewith;

     
  (b)

the Issuer shall have obtained, and delivered to the Purchaser, a standard “date- down” endorsement to the Purchaser’s lender’s policy of title insurance with respect to the Erie Plant Mortgage, insuring that the lien of the Erie Plant Mortgage remains, as of the date of registration of the 2015 Erie Plant Mortgage Amendment, in full force and effect as a first mortgage lien on the premises described thereon, without any Encumbrances other than those listed on the Purchaser’s original policy of title insurance;

     
  (c)

the actual and proposed capital expenditures and other expenses of the Company and the Issuer shall be in material compliance with the projections and planned expenditures set out in the NorthMet Project Budget for fiscal year 2016 as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche F Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (d)

the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.1 shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the Tranche F Closing Date, by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing (except for such representations and warranties which refer to or are made as of another specified date, in which case such representations and warranties will have been true and correct in all respects as of that date) and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche F Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (e)

the Company and the Issuer shall have executed and delivered to the Purchaser:


  (i)

in escrow the Tranche F Debenture, undated, duly executed by the Issuer and registered in the name of the Purchaser;

     
  (ii)

a certificate dated the Tranche F Closing Date of an officer of the Company and the Issuer, respectively, certifying the resolutions Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement, confirming that the resolutions referred to in Sections 4.2(d) and 4.2(e) of the Purchase Agreement have not been rescinded or modified by the Company or the Issuer, respectively, and a certificate of status, good standing or like certificate dated the Tranche F Closing Date with respect to the Issuer and to the Company and issued by appropriate government officials of the jurisdiction of its organization; and



-5-

  (iii)

written confirmation of the Company dated the Tranche F Closing Date that its obligations under the Parent Guarantee remain in full force and effect following the issuance of the Tranche F Debenture;


  (f)

the execution of the confirmation of secured obligations agreement dated the Tranche F Closing Date by the Purchaser, the Issuer and the Company;

     
  (g)

the Purchaser shall have received opinions dated the Tranche F Closing Date of counsel to the Company and of counsel to the Issuer, addressed to the Purchaser, substantially in the forms attached hereto as Exhibits K-1 through K- 3, but limited to Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement and the Tranche F Debenture, the documents executed and delivered by the Issuer in respect of the 2015 Erie Plant Mortgage Amendment, the confirmations of the Company referred to in Section 4.8(e)(iii) and such matters as the Purchaser may request, acting reasonably;

     
  (h)

the Company and the Issuer shall be in compliance with their covenants hereunder and their covenants in the Ancillary Agreements and the Security Documents, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche F Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (i)

no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche F Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (j)

all interest and other payments then payable under the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture and the Tranche D Debenture shall have been paid on a timely basis and no such payments shall be late or outstanding;

     
  (k)

no event has occurred or failed to occur since January 31, 2014 which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche F Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (l)

the Purchaser shall be satisfied, acting reasonably, that all registrations and other actions necessary to perfect the security interest created by the Security Documents and maintain the priority of the Encumbrances in favour of the Purchaser have been made or taken;

     
  (m)

none of the assets of the Company or the Issuer shall be subject to any Encumbrances other than Permitted Encumbrances; and

     
  (n)

the Purchaser being satisfied that there is no pending or threatened judicial, administrative or other proceedings, investigations or litigation which seek to adjourn, delay, enjoin, prohibit or impose material limitations on any aspect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the Security Documents or which has, or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect."



-6-

  (r)

Section 4.9 of the Purchase Agreement shall read as follows:

     
 

Tranche G Closing. On the Tranche G Closing Date, provided the conditions set out below in subsections (a) to (n) in this Section 4.9 have been fulfilled by the Issuer and the Company or waived in writing by the Purchaser, the Purchaser shall promptly initiate and cause a wire transfer in same day funds to be sent to the account of the Issuer, as instructed in writing by the Issuer, in an amount equal to the Tranche G Subscription Amount. On the date such funds have been received by the Issuer, the Tranche G Debenture shall be released from escrow to the Purchaser whereupon the Tranche G Debenture shall be deemed to be issued and the Purchaser shall fill in by hand the date of such receipt as the date of issuance of the Tranche G Debenture. The above- mentioned conditions are as follows:


  (a)

The 2015 Erie Plan Mortgage referred to in Section 4.8(a) of the Purchase Agreement shall be in full force and effect and continue to be registered;

     
  (b)

The standard “date-down” endorsement to the Purchaser’s lender’s policy of title insurance with respect to the Erie Plant Mortgage, delivered to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 4.8(a) of the Purchase Agreement and insuring that the lien of the Erie Plant Mortgage remains, as of Tranche G Closing Date, in full force and effect as a first mortgage lien on the premises described thereon, without any Encumbrances other than those listed on the Purchaser’s original policy of title insurance;

     
  (c)

the actual and proposed capital expenditures and other expenses of the Company and the Issuer shall be in material compliance with the projections and planned expenditures set out in the NorthMet Project Budget for fiscal year 2016 as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche G Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (d)

the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.1 shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the Tranche G Closing Date, by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing (except for such representations and warranties which refer to or are made as of another specified date, in which case such representations and warranties will have been true and correct in all respects as of that date) and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche G Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (e)

the Company and the Issuer shall have executed and delivered to the Purchaser:


  (i)

in escrow the Tranche G Debenture, undated, duly executed by the Issuer and registered in the name of the Purchaser;

     
  (ii)

a certificate dated the Tranche G Closing Date of an officer of the Company and the Issuer, respectively, certifying the resolutions with respect to Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement, confirming that the resolutions referred to in Sections 4.2(d) and 4.2(e) of the Purchase Agreement have not been rescinded or modified by the Company or the Issuer, respectively, and a certificate of status, good standing or like certificate dated the Tranche G Closing Date with respect to the Issuer and to the Company and issued by appropriate government officials of the jurisdiction of its organization; and



-7-

  (iii)

written confirmation of the Company dated the Tranche G Closing Date that its obligations under the Parent Guarantee remain in full force and effect following the issuance of the Tranche G Debenture;


  (f)

the execution of the confirmation of secured obligations agreement dated Tranche G Closing Date by the Purchaser, the Issuer and the Company;

     
  (g)

the Purchaser shall have received opinions dated the Tranche G Closing Date of counsel to the Company and of counsel to the Issuer, addressed to the Purchaser, substantially in the forms attached hereto as Exhibits K-1 through K- 3, but limited to Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement and the Tranche G Debenture, the documents executed and delivered by the Issuer in respect of the confirmations of the Company referred to in Section 4.9(e)(iii) and such matters as the Purchaser may request, acting reasonably;

     
  (h)

the Company and the Issuer shall be in compliance with their covenants hereunder and their covenants in the Ancillary Agreements and the Security Documents, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche G Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (i)

no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche G Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (j)

all interest and other payments then payable under the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture, the Tranche D Debenture and the Tranche F Debenture shall have been paid on a timely basis and no such payments shall be late or outstanding;

     
  (k)

no event has occurred or failed to occur since January 31, 2014 which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche G Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (l)

the Purchaser shall be satisfied, acting reasonably, that all registrations and other actions necessary to perfect the security interest created by the Security Documents and maintain the priority of the Encumbrances in favour of the Purchaser have been made or taken;

     
  (m)

none of the assets of the Company or the Issuer shall be subject to any Encumbrances other than Permitted Encumbrances; and

     
  (n)

the Purchaser being satisfied that there is no pending or threatened judicial, administrative or other proceedings, investigations or litigation which seek to adjourn, delay, enjoin, prohibit or impose material limitations on any aspect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the Security Documents or which has, or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect."


  (s)

Section 4.10 of the Purchase Agreement shall read as follows:

     
 

"Tranche H Closing. On the Tranche H Closing Date, provided the conditions set out below in subsections (a) to (n) in this Section 4.10 have been fulfilled by the Issuer and the Company or waived in writing by the Purchaser, the Purchaser shall promptly initiate and cause a wire transfer in same day funds to be sent to the account of the Issuer, as instructed in writing by the Issuer, in an amount equal to the Tranche H Subscription Amount. On the date such funds have been received by the Issuer, the Tranche H Debenture shall be released from escrow to the Purchaser whereupon the Tranche H Debenture shall be deemed to be issued and the Purchaser shall fill in by hand the date of such receipt as the date of issuance of the Tranche H Debenture. The above-mentioned conditions are as follows:



-8-

  (a)

The 2015 Erie Plan Mortgage referred to in Section 4.8(a) of the Purchase Agreement shall be in full force and effect and continue to be registered;

     
  (b)

The standard “date-down” endorsement to the Purchaser’s lender’s policy of title insurance with respect to the Erie Plant Mortgage, delivered to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 4.8(a) of the Purchase Agreement and insuring that the lien of the Erie Plant Mortgage remains, as of the Tranche H Closing Date, in full force and effect as a first mortgage lien on the premises described thereon, without any Encumbrances other than those listed on the Purchaser’s original policy of title insurance;

     
  (c)

the actual and proposed capital expenditures and other expenses of the Company and the Issuer shall be in material compliance with the projections and planned expenditures set out in the NorthMet Project Budget for fiscal year 2016 as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche H Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (d)

the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.1 shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the Tranche H Closing Date, by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing (except for such representations and warranties which refer to or are made as of another specified date, in which case such representations and warranties will have been true and correct in all respects as of that date) and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche H Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (e)

the Company and the Issuer shall have executed and delivered to the Purchaser:


  (i)

in escrow the Tranche H Debenture, undated, duly executed by the Issuer and registered in the name of the Purchaser;

     
  (ii)

a certificate dated the Tranche H Closing Date of an officer of the Company and the Issuer, respectively, certifying the resolutions with respect to Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement, confirming that the resolutions referred to in Sections 4.2(d) and 4.2(e) of the Purchase Agreement have not been rescinded or modified by the Company or the Issuer, respectively, and a certificate of status, good standing or like certificate dated the Tranche H Closing Date with respect to the Issuer and to the Company and issued by appropriate government officials of the jurisdiction of its organization; and

     
  (iii)

written confirmation of the Company dated the Tranche H Closing Date that its obligations under the Parent Guarantee remain in full force and effect following the issuance of the Tranche H Debenture;



-9-

  (f)

the execution of the confirmation of secured obligations agreement dated Tranche H Closing Date by the Purchaser, the Issuer and the Company;

     
  (g)

the Purchaser shall have received opinions dated the Tranche H Closing Date of counsel to the Company and of counsel to the Issuer, addressed to the Purchaser, substantially in the forms attached hereto as Exhibits K-1 through K- 3, but limited to Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement and the Tranche H Debenture, the documents executed and delivered by the Issuer in respect of the confirmations of the Company referred to in Section 4.10(e)(iii) and such matters as the Purchaser may request, acting reasonably;

     
  (h)

the Company and the Issuer shall be in compliance with their covenants hereunder and their covenants in the Ancillary Agreements and the Security Documents, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche H Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (i)

no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche H Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (j)

all interest and other payments then payable under the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture, the Tranche D Debenture, the Tranche F Debenture and the Tranche G Debenture shall have been paid on a timely basis and no such payments shall be late or outstanding;

     
  (k)

no event has occurred or failed to occur since January 31, 2015 which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche H Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (l)

the Purchaser shall be satisfied, acting reasonably, that all registrations and other actions necessary to perfect the security interest created by the Security Documents and maintain the priority of the Encumbrances in favour of the Purchaser have been made or taken;

     
  (m)

none of the assets of the Company or the Issuer shall be subject to any Encumbrances other than Permitted Encumbrances; and

     
  (n)

the Purchaser being satisfied that there is no pending or threatened judicial, administrative or other proceedings, investigations or litigation which seek to adjourn, delay, enjoin, prohibit or impose material limitations on any aspect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the Security Documents or which has, or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect."


  (t)

Section 4.11 of the Purchase Agreement shall read as follows:

     
 

"Tranche I Closing. On the Tranche I Closing Date, provided the conditions set out below in subsections (a) to (n) in this Section 4.11 have been fulfilled by the Issuer and the Company or waived in writing by the Purchaser, the Purchaser shall promptly initiate and cause a wire transfer in same day funds to be sent to the account of the Issuer, as instructed in writing by the Issuer, in an amount equal to the Tranche I Subscription Amount. On the date such funds have been received by the Issuer, the Tranche I Debenture shall be released from escrow to the Purchaser whereupon the Tranche I Debenture shall be deemed to be issued and the Purchaser shall fill in by hand the date of such receipt as the date of issuance of the Tranche I Debenture. The above-mentioned conditions are as follows:



-10-

  (a)

The 2015 Erie Plan Mortgage referred to in Section 4.8(a) of the Purchase Agreement shall be in full force and effect and continue to be registered;

     
  (b)

The standard “date-down” endorsement to the Purchaser’s lender’s policy of title insurance with respect to the Erie Plant Mortgage, delivered to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 4.8(a) of the Purchase Agreement and insuring that the lien of the Erie Plant Mortgage remains, as of the Tranche I Closing Date, in full force and effect as a first mortgage lien on the premises described thereon, without any Encumbrances other than those listed on the Purchaser’s original policy of title insurance;

     
  (c)

the actual and proposed capital expenditures and other expenses of the Company and the Issuer shall be in material compliance with the projections and planned expenditures set out in the NorthMet Project Budget for fiscal year 2016 as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche I Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (d)

the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.1 shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the Tranche I Closing Date, by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing (except for such representations and warranties which refer to or are made as of another specified date, in which case such representations and warranties will have been true and correct in all respects as of that date) and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche I Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (e)

the Company and the Issuer shall have executed and delivered to the Purchaser:


  (i)

in escrow the Tranche I Debenture, undated, duly executed by the Issuer and registered in the name of the Purchaser;

     
  (ii)

a certificate dated the Tranche I Closing Date of an officer of the Company and the Issuer, respectively, certifying the resolutions with respect to Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement, confirming that the resolutions referred to in Sections 4.2(d) and 4.2(e) of the Purchase Agreement have not been rescinded or modified by the Company or the Issuer, respectively, and a certificate of status, good standing or like certificate dated the Tranche I Closing Date with respect to the Issuer and to the Company and issued by appropriate government officials of the jurisdiction of its organization; and

     
  (iii)

written confirmation of the Company dated the Tranche I Closing Date that its obligations under the Parent Guarantee remain in full force and effect following the issuance of the Tranche I Debenture;


  (f)

the execution of the confirmation of secured obligations agreement dated Tranche I Closing Date by the Purchaser, the Issuer and the Company;

     
  (g)

the Purchaser shall have received opinions dated the Tranche I Closing Date of counsel to the Company and of counsel to the Issuer, addressed to the Purchaser, substantially in the forms attached hereto as Exhibits K-1 through K- 3, but limited to Amendment No. 16 to the Purchase Agreement and the Tranche I Debenture, the documents executed and delivered by the Issuer in respect of the confirmations of the Company referred to in Section 4.11(e)(iii) and such matters as the Purchaser may request, acting reasonably;



-11-

  (h)

the Company and the Issuer shall be in compliance with their covenants hereunder and their covenants in the Ancillary Agreements and the Security Documents, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche I Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (i)

no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche I Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (j)

all interest and other payments then payable under the Tranche A Debenture, the Tranche B Debenture, the Tranche C Debenture, the Tranche D Debenture, the Tranche F Debenture, the Tranche G Debenture and the Tranche H Debenture shall have been paid on a timely basis and no such payments shall be late or outstanding;

     
  (k)

no event has occurred or failed to occur since January 31, 2015 which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and each of the Company and the Issuer shall have delivered an officer’s certificate dated the Tranche I Closing Date to the Purchaser to such effect;

     
  (l)

the Purchaser shall be satisfied, acting reasonably, that all registrations and other actions necessary to perfect the security interest created by the Security Documents and maintain the priority of the Encumbrances in favour of the Purchaser have been made or taken;

     
  (m)

none of the assets of the Company or the Issuer shall be subject to any Encumbrances other than Permitted Encumbrances; and

     
  (n)

the Purchaser being satisfied that there is no pending or threatened judicial, administrative or other proceedings, investigations or litigation which seek to adjourn, delay, enjoin, prohibit or impose material limitations on any aspect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the Security Documents or which has, or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect."


3.

Effectiveness

   

This Agreement shall become effective and be deemed effective as of the date hereof upon execution of counterparts of this Agreement by each of the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser (the "Effective Date").

   
4.

Representations and Warranties of the Company and the Issuer


  (a)

Each of the Company and the Issuer hereby confirms the representations and warranties in the Purchase Agreement are true and accurate as if the representation and warranty was given as of the date hereof and makes the following additional representations and warranties to the Purchaser:



-12-

  (i)

Authorization; Enforcement. Each of the Company and the Issuer has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the Issuer and the consummation by the Company and the Issuer of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and the Issuer and no further action is required by the Company and the Issuer, their boards of directors or their shareholders in connection herewith. This Agreement has been duly executed by the Company and the Issuer and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company and the Issuer enforceable against the Company and the Issuer in accordance with its terms except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies, and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.


  (b)

The Purchaser hereby makes the following representations and warranties to the Company and the Issuer:


  (i)

Authorization; Enforcement. The Purchaser has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Purchaser and the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Purchaser and no further action is required by the Purchaser, its board of directors or its shareholders in connection herewith. This Agreement has been duly executed by the Purchaser and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.


5.

Effect on Agreements

   

Except as expressly amended hereby, all of the terms and conditions of the Agreements (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), as amended, shall remain in full force and effect after the execution of this Agreement.

   
6.

Amendments and Waivers

   

The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser.



-13-

7.

Notices

   

Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be delivered as set forth in the applicable Agreement (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).

   
8.

Successors and Assigns

   

This Agreement may not be assigned by any party with the prior written consent of the other parties. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective permitted successors and assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

   
9.

Execution and Counterparts

   

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which when taken together shall be considered one and the same agreement. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by e-mail delivery of a ".pdf" format data file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or ".pdf" signature page were an original thereof.

   
10.

Expenses

   

The Issuer and the Company shall promptly reimburse the Purchaser, upon first written demand, for all actual and out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Purchaser in respect of (a) the negotiation, execution and delivery of the term sheet relating to this Agreement, this Agreement and any and all related agreements and documents, and (b) the enforcement of any right or remedy by the Purchaser against the Issuer and/or the Company under or in respect of the term sheet relating to this Agreement, this Agreement and any and all related agreements and documents.

   

The Issuer and the Company expressly agree and consent to the deduction and reimbursement of any such costs and expenses to be reimbursed to the Purchaser (if any) from the proceeds of the issuance of the 2015 Debentures to be made available to the Issuer by the Purchaser under this Agreement.

   
11.

Further Assurances

   

The parties shall execute and deliver all such further instruments and documents and take all such other actions as may reasonably be required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and to evidence the fulfillment of the agreements herein contained.

   
12.

Governing Law

   

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof that would defer to the substantive laws of another jurisdiction.

   
13.

Severability

   

If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under Applicable Law, such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement and the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.



-14-

14.

Headings

   

The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of the Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

[signature page follows]

 

 


-15-

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

POLYMET MINING CORP.

 

  By: /s/ Douglas Newby
    Name: Douglas Newby
    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

POLY MET MINING, INC.

 

  By: /s/ Douglas Newby
    Name: Douglas Newby
    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

GLENCORE AG

 

  By: /s/ A Hubmann    /s/ K. Klassen
    Name: A. Hubmann K. Klassen
    Title: Director Officer


-16-

Exhibit A

Tranche F Debenture


THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY THIS SECURITY.

THIS DEBENTURE DOES NOT REQUIRE PHYSICAL SURRENDER OF THE DEBENTURE IN THE EVENT OF A PARTIAL REDEMPTION. AS A RESULT, FOLLOWING ANY REDEMPTION OF ANY PORTION OF THIS DEBENTURE, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT REPRESENTED BY THIS DEBENTURE MAY BE LESS THAN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AND ACCRUED INTEREST SET FORTH BELOW.

UNLESS PERMITTED UNDER CANADIAN SECURITIES LEGISLATION, THE HOLDER OF THIS DEBENTURE MUST NOT TRADE THIS SECURITY BEFORE MAY 31, 2015.

FLOATING RATE SECURED DEBENTURE, DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 31, 2016
OF
POLY MET MINING, INC.

Debenture No.: D-6 Original Principal Amount: US$8,000,000
Issuance Date: January 30, 2015 New York, New York

          THIS DEBENTURE is a duly authorized issue of POLY MET MINING, INC., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Minnesota (the “Company”), designated as the Company’s Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due on the day which is the earlier of (i) the availability of at least One Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$100,000,0000) of the Senior Construction Finance (as defined below), or (ii) March 31, 2016 (the “Maturity Date”) in an aggregate original principal amount of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000]) (the “Debenture”).

          FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Company hereby promises to pay to the order of GLENCORE AG or its registered assigns or successors-in-interest (the “Holder”) the principal sum of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000), together with all accrued but unpaid interest thereon on the Maturity Date, to the extent such principal amount and interest has not been repaid in accordance with the terms hereof. Interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof shall accrue from the date of original issuance hereof (the “Issuance Date”) at the Floating Rate (as defined below) until the principal balance becomes due and payable on the Maturity Date, or such earlier date upon acceleration or by redemption or repayment (“Early Repayment Date”) in accordance with the terms hereof or of the other Agreements. The Floating Rate shall be determined on each Floating Rate Reset Date, and such Floating Rate shall apply until the next Floating Rate Reset Date. Interest on this Debenture shall accrue daily commencing on the Issuance Date and shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year, 30-day months and actual days elapsed and shall be payable in accordance with Section 2 hereof. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to any unpaid collection costs, then to unpaid interest and fees and then any remaining amount to principal.

          All payments of principal and interest on this Debenture shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account as the Holder may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Debenture. This Debenture may not be prepaid or redeemed in whole or in part except as described in Section 3 or as otherwise provided herein. Whenever any amount expressed to be due by the terms of this Debenture is due on any day (other than the Maturity Date) which is not a Business Day (as defined below), the same shall instead be due on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day. If the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment of principal and interest will be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the Maturity Date.


          Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 2008, as amended, among the Company, the Holder and PolyMet Mining Corp. (the “Parent”), pursuant to which the Debenture was originally issued (the “Purchase Agreement”). For purposes hereof the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:

          “Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated after the date hereof, by which the Company directly or indirectly, by means of a take-over bid, tender offer, amalgamation, merger, purchase of assets or otherwise (a) acquires any business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person engaged in any business, (b) acquires control of securities of a Person engaged in a business representing more than 50% of the ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing position if the business affairs of such Person are managed by a board of directors or other governing body, or (c) acquires control of more than 50% of the ownership interest in any Person engaged in any business that is not managed by a board of directors or other governing body.

           “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified Person.

           “Appointee” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(a).

          “Bankruptcy Event” means any of the following events: (a) the Company or the Parent commences a case or other proceeding or proposal under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, winding-up, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction (including the Bankruptcy Act (Canada) or the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada)) relating to the Company or the Parent; (b) there is commenced against the Company or the Parent any such case or proceeding or proposal that is not dismissed within thirty (30) days after commencement; (c) the Company or the Parent is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (d) the Company or the Parent suffers any appointment of any trustee, receiver, receiver and manager, interim receiver, custodian or the like for it or any substantial part of its property that is not discharged or stayed within thirty (30) days; (e) the Company or the Parent makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (f) the Company or the Parent fails to pay, or states that it is unable to pay or is unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (g) the Company or the Parent calls a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; or (h) the Company or the Parent, by any act or failure to act, expressly indicates its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing or takes any corporate or other action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.

2


          “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in the City of New York, New York, Toronto, Ontario or Zug, Switzerland are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed.

          “Canadian Securities Laws” means all applicable securities laws in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the respective regulations made thereunder, together with applicable published fee schedules, prescribed forms, rules, multilateral or national instruments, orders, rulings and other regulatory instruments issued or adopted by the Securities Commissions.

          “Capital Assets” means, with respect to any Person, any tangible fixed or capital assets owned or leased (in the case of a Capital Lease) by such Person.

          “Capital Expenditures” means, in respect of any Person and any period, all expenditures made by such Person during such period for the purchase, lease or acquisition of Capital Assets (including all amounts paid or accrued during such period on Capital Leases) and other Debt incurred or assumed to acquire or construct Capital Assets (other than current Capital Assets) required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.

          “Capitalized Lease Obligation” of any Person means any obligation of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a Capital Lease.

          “Capital Leases” means any and all lease obligations of a lessee that are capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.

          “Change in Control Offer” has the meaning given to it in Section 3(a).

          “Change in Control Transaction” will, and will be deemed to, exist if (a) there occurs any consolidation, merger, plan of arrangement or other business combination of the Company or the Parent with or into any other corporation or other entity or person (whether or not the Company or the Parent is the surviving corporation) or any other corporate reorganization or transaction or series of related transactions in which in any of such events the voting shareholders of the Company or the Parent prior to such event cease to own 50% or more of the voting power, or corresponding voting equity interests, of the surviving corporation after such event (including any “going private” transaction under Rule 13e-3 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, tender offer by the Company or the Parent under Rule 13e-4 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act for 20% or more of the Company’s common shares or the Parent’s Common Shares, or take-over bid by the Company or the Parent under Canadian Securities Laws for 20% or more of the Company’s common shares or the Parent’s Common Shares), (b) any person (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), together with its affiliates and associates (as such terms are defined in Rule 405 under the Act), beneficially owns or is deemed to beneficially own (as described in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act without regard to the 60-day exercise period) in excess of 35% of the Company’s or the Parent’s voting power other than such persons who beneficially owned or are deemed to beneficially own such voting power as of the date hereof, (c) there is a replacement within a consecutive period of 24 months of more than one-half of the members of the Company’s or the Parent’s Board of Directors which is not approved by those individuals who are members of the Company’s or the Parent’s Board of Directors on the date thereof who were either directors at the beginning of such period or where election or nomination was previously approved, (d) in one or a series of related transactions, there is a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the Parent, determined on a consolidated basis, or (e) the Company or the Parent enters into any agreement providing for an event, circumstance or occurrence set forth in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above.

3


          “Claim” means, with respect to any Person, any actual or prospective action, suit, order, charge, penalty, claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever against or otherwise involving such Person or the property or assets of such Person.

          “Common Shares” means the Parent’s common shares, without par value.

          “Company” means Poly Met Mining, Inc., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Minnesota.

          “Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of the Company signed on its behalf by its chief executive officer and chief financial officer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

          "Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement" means the confirmation of secured obligations agreement dated January 30, 2015 between the Company, the Parent and the Holder.

          “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have corresponding meanings.

          “Debenture” means this Debenture, designated as the Company’s Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due on the day which is the earlier of (i) the availability of at least One Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$100,000,000 of the Senior Construction Financing, or (ii) March 31, 2016, in an aggregate original principal amount of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000).

           “Debenture Adjustment Schedule” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(c).

          “Debt” of any Person means, at any time, (without duplication): (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money including borrowings of commodities, bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit or letters of guarantee; (b) all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services represented by a note or other evidence of indebtedness (other than trade payables and other current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business); (c) all obligations of such Person created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property); (d) all indebtedness of another Person secured by an Encumbrance on any properties or assets of such Person (other than Encumbrances being contested in good faith on a timely basis by appropriate proceedings); (e) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (f) the aggregate amount at which any shares in the capital of such Person which are redeemable or retractable at the option of the holder may be retracted or redeemed for cash or debt provided all conditions precedent for such retraction or redemption have been satisfied; (g) all other obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid by such Person; (h) the net amount of all obligations of such Person (determined on a marked-to-market basis) under swap agreements; and (i) all debt guaranteed by such Person.

4


          “Disposition Gross-Up Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(ii).

          “Disposition Taxes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(ii).

          “Early Repayment Date” means any Business Day prior to the Maturity Date that PolyMet elects to repay the outstanding principal and unpaid and accrued interest on the Debentures provided that PolyMet can demonstrate that such early repayment is prudent and PolyMet has given ten (10) business days notice to Glencore of its intent to repay the Debentures.

          “Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights in, or other equivalents (however designated and whether voting and non-voting) of, such Person’s capital, whether outstanding on the date hereof or issued after the date hereof, including any interest in a partnership, limited partnership or other similar Person and any beneficial interest in a trust, and any and all rights, warrants, options or other rights exchangeable for or convertible into any of the foregoing.

           “Event of Default” has the meaning given to it in Section 6(a).

          “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          “Failure to Agree” has the meaning provided for in Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement.

          “Financial Quarter” means, in respect of the Company, a period of three consecutive months in each Financial Year ending on April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31, as the case may be, of such year.

          “Financial Year” means, in respect of the Company, its financial year commencing on February 1 of each calendar year and ending on January 31 of each following calendar year.

          “Floating Rate” means LIBOR plus 8.0% per annum; provided, however, that the Floating Rate for the period from the Issuance Date to the first Floating Rate Reset Date will be 8.6179 %; and provided further, that the Floating Rate shall be reset on each Floating Rate Reset Date.

          “Floating Rate Reset Date” means March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, commencing on March 31, 2015, provided that if any such day is not a Business Day, then such Floating Rate Reset Date means the immediately preceding day which is a Business Day.

          “Gross-Up Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b).

          “Holder” means Glencore AG or its registered assigns or successors-in-interest.

          “IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards.

          “Impermissible Qualification” means, relative to (a) the financial statements or notes thereto of any Person, or (b) the opinion or report of any independent auditors as to any financial statement or notes thereto, any qualification or exception to such financial statements, notes, opinion or report, as the case may be, which (i) is of a “going concern” or similar nature; or (ii) relates to any limited scope of examination of material matters relevant to such financial statement, if such limitation results from the refusal or failure of the Company to grant access to necessary information therefor.

5


          “Interest Amount” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(a).

           “Issuance Date” means January 30, 2015, the date of original issuance of this Debenture.

          “ITA” means the Income Tax Act (Canada).

           “LIBOR means the 12 month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollars published in the print edition of The Wall Street Journal to be set as at the second Business Day prior to the Issuance Date, provided that, if such 12 month LIBOR rate is not so published on such date, LIBOR means the 12 month LIBOR rate most recently published in the print edition of The Wall Street Journal prior to the day which is the second Business Day prior to the Issuance Date.

          “Maturity Date” has the meaning given to it on the cover page.

          “Original Currency” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(j).

        “Other Currency” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(j).

           “Parent” means PolyMet Mining Corp., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of British Columbia.

          “Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(i).

          “Payment Tax” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(i).

          “Permitted Acquisitions” means any Acquisition by the Company consented prior thereto in writing by the Holder.

          “Permitted Debt” means,

  (i)

Debt hereunder or under any Security Document;

     
  (ii)

Debt existing on the date hereof and set forth in Note 5 to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Parent for the interim period ended October 31, 2014;

     
  (iii)

trade accounts due and payable within sixty (60) days and considered unsecured obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business (but excluding Debt for borrowed money); and

     
  (iv)

any Senior Construction Financing.

          “Permitted Encumbrances” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.51 of the Purchase Agreement.

6


          “Principal Amount” means the sum of (a) the unpaid principal amount of this Debenture, (b) all accrued but unpaid interest hereunder, and (c) any default payments owing under the Agreements but not previously paid or added to the Principal Amount.

          “Purchase Agreement” means the purchase agreement dated October 31, 2008, as amended, among the Company, the Holder and the Parent, pursuant to which the Debenture was originally issued.

          “Restricted Payment” means, with respect to any Person, any payment by such Person (a) of any dividends or other distribution on any of its Equity Securities, (b) on account of, or for the purpose of setting apart any property for a sinking or other analogous fund for, the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of any of its Equity Securities or any warrants, options or rights to acquire any such shares, or the making by such Person of any other distribution in respect of any of its Equity Securities, (c) of any principal of or interest or premium on or of any amount in respect of a sinking or analogous fund or defeasance fund for any Debt of such Person ranking in right of payment subordinate to any liability of such Person under the Security Documents, (d) of any principal of or interest or premium on or of any amount in respect of a sinking or analogous fund or defeasance fund for any indebtedness of such Person to a shareholder of such Person or to an Affiliate of a shareholder of such Person, or (e) of any management, consulting or similar fee or any bonus payment or comparable payment, or by way of gift or other gratuity, to any Affiliate of such Person or to any director or officer thereof other than as compensation for services rendered to the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course.

          “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

          “Securities Commissions” means, collectively, the securities commissions or other securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.

          “Senior Construction Financing” means Debt or Equity in respect of construction financing for the NorthMet Project which is in aggregate in an amount equal to or greater than Five Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$500,000,000) such that the construction of the NorthMet Project may reasonably be expected to be completed.

          “Subsidiary” means any non-natural Person of which the Company owns or controls, directly or indirectly, not less than 50% of the total combined voting power represented by all classes of Equity Securities issued by such Person.

          The following terms and conditions shall apply to this Debenture:

          Section 1.        Interpretation.

                         In this Debenture:

  (a)

a word importing the masculine, feminine or neuter gender also includes members of the other genders;

     
  (b)

a word defined in or importing the singular number has the same meaning when used in the plural number, and vice versa;

     
  (c)

a word importing persons shall include partnerships and corporations;

7



  (d)

the headings to each section are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not form part of this Debenture;

     
  (e)

all dollar amounts shall be in dollars of the United States of America unless otherwise specified; and

     
  (f)

“including” means “including without limitation”.

         Section 2.        Payments of Principal and Interest.

                         (a)      Interest Only Payments. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of this Section 2, on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the Early Repayment Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder all interest accrued and unpaid at that time on the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture (the “Interest Amount”) together with repayment of the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture in cash.

                         (b)      Certain Additional Payments by the Company.

                                             (i)        Payments Under Debenture. Any payment or distribution by the Company to the Holder hereunder, whether for principal, interest or otherwise, shall not be subject to any deduction, withholding or offset for any reason whatsoever except to the extent required by law, and the Company represents that to its best knowledge no deduction, withholding or offset is so required for any tax or any other reason. Notwithstanding any term or provision of this Debenture to the contrary, if it shall be determined that any payment (other than a payment dealt with under Section 2(b)(iii)) by the Company to or for the benefit of the Holder pursuant to the terms of this Debenture, whether for principal, interest or otherwise and whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable, actual or deemed (a “Payment”) would be or is subject to any deduction, withholding or offset due to any duty or tax (such duty or tax, together with any interest and/or penalties related thereto, hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Payment Tax”), then the Company shall, in addition to all sums otherwise payable hereunder, pay to the Holder an additional payment in cash (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after all such Payment Taxes (whether by deduction, withholding, offset or payment), including any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes or any Payment Taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) imposed upon any Gross-Up Payment, Holder actually receives an amount of Gross-Up Payment equal to the Payment Tax imposed upon the Payment (i.e., the Holder receives a net amount equal to the Payment). The Company shall timely remit such Payment Tax to the applicable governmental authority and shall provide evidence of such payment to Holder within ten (10) days of making such payment.

                                             (ii)       Assignment of Debenture. Upon an assignment of this Debenture in whole or in part, the Company shall, in addition to all sums otherwise payable hereunder, pay to the Holder an additional payment in cash (a “Disposition Gross-Up Payment”) which shall be sufficient to cover any taxes (including any interest or penalties) under the ITA (“Disposition Taxes”) in respect of such assignment and in respect of amounts payable under this Section 2(b)(ii). The Company shall timely remit any such Disposition Taxes to the Receiver General of Canada on account of Holder and shall provide evidence of such payment to Holder within ten (10) days of making such payment.

                                             (iii)       Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Holder, within fifteen (15) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes paid by Holder (including any taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2(b)(iii)) and any expenses or losses arising therefrom or with respect thereto whether or not such Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority.

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                                             (iv)       If the Holder receives a refund of any Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes (collectively “Taxes”) as to which it has been indemnified by the Company pursuant to Section 2(b)(iii) or with respect to which the Company has paid additional amounts pursuant to Section 2(b)(ii), by reason that any such Taxes were incorrectly or illegally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority, the Holder shall pay to the Company an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Company under Section 2(b)(ii) with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), and without interest (other than any net after-Tax interest paid to the Holder with respect to such refund) and less any costs, fees, expenses, damages, losses, taxes or other amounts incurred by the Holder in respect of such refund. This provision shall not be construed to require the Holder to make available any information relating to its taxes that it considers confidential to the Company, to arrange its affairs in any particular manner or, except as provided in the next sentence, to claim any available refund. The Holder will, at the request and expense of the Company, contest the payment, and seek a refund, of any Taxes that the Company considers to be incorrectly or illegally imposed or asserted, provided that contesting the payment, or seeking a refund, of such Taxes shall not relieve the Company from its obligations under its indemnity or to pay additional Taxes under Section 2(b)(ii).

                         (c)      Adjustments to Principal Amount. The Principal Amount owing under this Debenture shall be decreased, as of the date of redemption, upon the early redemption of all or a portion of the Principal Amount by an amount equal to such Principal Amount that has been so redeemed (an “Adjustment Event”). The Holder shall not be required to physically surrender the Debenture to the Company upon the occurrence of an Adjustment Event, unless the full outstanding Principal Amount has been redeemed. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the outstanding Principal Amount at any given time and the dates and effect of any Adjustment Events or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of the Note upon each such Adjustment Event. In addition, following each Adjustment Event, the Company shall update the Debenture Adjustment Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Debenture Adjustment Schedule”), initial such schedule and transmit it to the Holder by facsimile or other electronic transmission, who shall counter-initial such schedule and return it to the Company by facsimile or other electronic transmission.

         Section 3.        Redemption.

                         (a)      Change in Control Transactions. Upon the Company becoming aware of the occurrence of a Change of Control Transaction, the Company shall, within five Business Days, give written notice of such Change of Control Transaction to the Holder. Such notice shall contain and constitute an offer to redeem the Debenture, in whole or in part at the election of the Holder, on a redemption date specified in such offer that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than fifty (50) days after the date of such offer at a cash redemption price equal to 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount being redeemed (the “Change in Control Offer”). The offer to redeem the Debenture shall state that the offer is made pursuant to this Section 3(a) and shall specify, in reasonable detail, the nature and date of the Change of Control and provide a sample calculation of the redemption price. The Holder shall have the right to accept or decline the offer in whole or in part at the Holder’s option by providing written notice to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of the Change in Control Offer indicating the amount, if any, of the outstanding Principal Amount to be redeemed.

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                         (b)      Redemption on Failure to Agree. Within ten (10) Business Days of any Failure to Agree under Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement, the Company shall fully redeem the Debenture by paying to the Holder a cash redemption price equal to 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount being redeemed.

                         (c)      Cancellation. After all of the Principal Amount has been paid in full, this Debenture shall automatically be deemed canceled and the Holder shall promptly surrender the Debenture to the Company at the Company’s principal executive offices.

                         (d)      Notices Procedures. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Holder hereunder, shall be in writing and either (i) emailed or (ii) delivered personally, by confirmed facsimile, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service to the Company at the facsimile telephone number or address of the principal place of business of the Company as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Company hereunder shall be in writing and either (x) emailed or (y) delivered personally, by facsimile, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service addressed to the Holder at the facsimile telephone number or address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company, or if no such facsimile telephone number or address appears, at the principal place of business of the Holder. Any notice or other communication or deliveries hereunder shall be deemed delivered (i) upon receipt, when emailed or delivered personally, (ii) when sent by facsimile, upon receipt if received on a Business Day prior to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), or on the first Business Day following such receipt if received on a Business Day after 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) or (iii) upon receipt, when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier service.

         Section 4.         Security.

As security for the due and punctual payment of all of its obligations to the Holder hereunder, the Company shall promptly execute and deliver, together with any relevant power of attorney, registrations, filings and other supporting documentation deemed necessary by the Purchaser or its counsel to perfect the same or otherwise in respect thereof.

         Section 5.        Covenants.

                         (a)      Affirmative Covenants. So long as any Principal Amount of the Debenture remains outstanding, the Company shall: (i) Reporting Requirements. During the term of this Agreement, prepare (where applicable, in accordance with IFRS) and deliver to the Holder, in a form satisfactory to the Holder:

                                        (A)      as soon as practicable and in any event within fifteen (15) days of the end of each calendar month, the management prepared financial statements of the Parent as at the end of such calendar month prepared in a form satisfactory to the Purchaser and including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position, as at the end of such calendar month as at the end of and for such calendar month and the then elapsed portion of the Financial Year which includes such calendar month;

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                                        (B)      as soon as practicable and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Financial Quarter of the Parent, the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Parent as at the end of such Financial Quarter prepared on a consolidated basis in accordance with IFRS including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position in each case as at the end of and for such Financial Quarter and the then elapsed portion of the Financial Year which includes such Financial Quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or in the case of the balance sheet, as at the end of) the previous Financial Year;

                                        (C)      as soon as practicable and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each Financial Year of the Parent, the annual audited consolidated financial statements of the Parent prepared in accordance with IFRS including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position for such Financial Year (which financial statements shall be audited by an internationally recognized accounting firm acceptable to the Holder), setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Financial Year; and

                                        (D)      concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements contemplated in (B) and (C) above, a Compliance Certificate in respect of such Financial Quarter or Financial Year, as applicable.

None of the financial statements or reports or opinions of auditors with respect thereto referred to above shall contain any Impermissible Qualifications.

                                             (ii)       Environmental.

                                        (A)      At all times comply in all material respects with Environmental Laws including environmental permits and approved plans with respect to closure and/or rehabilitation;

                                        (B)      not to release any hazardous substances at, on or from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company, nor to permit same, at any time in material violation of Environmental Laws;

                                        (C)      immediately notify the Holder of: (1) any release of any hazardous substances at, on or from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company in material violation of any Environmental Laws; (2) any Claim received by the Company of or relating to any material violation of any Environmental Laws or material environmental liabilities; and (3) any facts or circumstances which could reasonably be expected to give rise to a material Claim, material remedial action or material breach of or in respect of any Environmental Laws;

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                                        (D)      remove promptly any hazardous substance from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company to the extent required to comply in all material respects with Environmental Laws and to the extent required to eliminate or prevent any material environmental liabilities;

                                        (E)      provide, at the expense of the Company, the Holder with an assessment and/or audit report with respect to the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties, the business or other assets of the Company, upon the written request of the Holder acting reasonably; and

                                        (F)      permit the Holder, at its sole discretion, at the expense of the Company, to conduct in a reasonable manner such investigations, assessments or audits as the Holder in its reasonable discretion deems appropriate to determine whether: (1) hazardous substances exist on any part of the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company and to determine the source, quantity and type of such hazardous substances, if any; or (2) the business, the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company or any activities conducted at such properties comply with Environmental Laws, and the Company shall cooperate with the Holder in conducting such investigations, assessments and audits. The Holder and its officers, employees, agents and contractors shall have and are hereby granted the right to enter upon and inspect the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company for the foregoing purposes; provided that the Holder shall use reasonable efforts to minimize the disruption to the operation of the business.

                                             (iii)      Additional Reporting Requirements.

                                        (A)      Deliver to the Holder as soon as possible, and in any event within five days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of each Event of Default, a statement of a senior officer setting forth the details of such Event of Default and the action which the Company proposes to take or has taken with respect thereto;

                                        (B)      from time to time upon request of the Holder, deliver to the Holder evidence of maintenance of all insurance required to be maintained by Section 5(a)(ix), including such originals or copies as the Holder may reasonably request of policies, certificates of insurance, riders and endorsements relating to such insurance and proof of premium payments;

                                        (C)      deliver to the Holder, together with the Compliance Certificate to be delivered pursuant to Section 5(a)(i)(C), written notice of any previously undisclosed (1) jurisdictions (or registration districts within such jurisdictions) in which the Company has any place of business or stores any tangible personal property or assets, (2) Subsidiaries of the Company or membership, partnership, joint venture or syndicate interests of the Company, (3) material permits or licenses which become necessary for the conduct of the business or any amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed material permit or license, (4) Benefit Plans or Pension Plans of the Company, (5) Material Agreements of the Company or any amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed Material Agreement, and (6) any Lease or acquisition of real or immovable property by the Company or amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed Lease, and

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                                        (D)      deliver to the Holder such other information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the business of the Company as the Holder may from time to time reasonably request.

                                             (iv)      Existence; Conduct of Business. Do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, and obtain, preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect any and all material permits and licenses.

                                             (v)       Payment Obligations. Pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (A) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (B) or the Company has, if required, set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with IFRS, and (C) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (vi)       Maintenance of Properties. Keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except to the extent that the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (vii)      Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. Permit any representatives designated by the Holder, upon reasonable prior notice and during normal business hours, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and auditors, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested by the Holder; provided that (A) the Holder shall act reasonably in the conduct of all such visits, inspections and inquiries, (B) the Holder shall provide at least two Business Days notice of any such request for access; (C) the Holder shall use any confidential information received via access provided hereunder only for purposes related to this Debenture; and (D) the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Holder any confidential information if contrary to Applicable Laws.

                                             (viii)     Compliance with Laws and Material Agreements. Comply with all Applicable Laws and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and with all Material Agreements.

                                             (ix)        Insurance. Maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurers acceptable to the Holder, acting reasonably, insurance with respect to their respective properties and business against such liabilities, casualties, risks and contingencies and in such types (including business interruption insurance) and amounts as is customary in the case of Persons of similar size engaged in the same or similar businesses and operating in the same geographic area and in accordance with any requirement of any Governmental Authority. In the case of any fire, accident or other casualty causing loss or damage to any properties of the Company used in generating cash flow or required by Applicable Law, all proceeds of such policies shall be used promptly to repair or replace any such damaged properties, and otherwise shall be used as directed by the Holder to pay any Principal then payable under the Debenture.

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                                             (x)         Operation and Maintenance of Property. Manage and operate its business or cause its business to be managed and operated (A) in accordance with prudent industry practice in all material respects and in compliance with the terms and provisions of all material permits and licenses, and (B) in compliance with all Applicable Laws of the jurisdiction in which such businesses are carried on, and all Applicable Laws of every other Governmental Authority from time to time constituted to regulate the ownership, management and operation of such businesses.

                                             (xi)        Status of Accounts and Collateral. With respect to the Collateral, report immediately to the Holder any matters adversely affecting the value, enforceability or collectability of any of the Collateral.

                                             (xii)        Accounts Receivable. Collect accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business in a commercially reasonable manner.

                                             (xiii)       Cure Defects. Promptly cure or cause to be cured any defects in the execution and delivery of any of the Security Documents or any of the other agreements, instruments or documents contemplated thereby or executed pursuant thereto or any defects in the validity or enforceability of any of the Security Documents and, at its expense, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered all such agreements, instruments and other documents as the Holder may consider necessary or desirable for the foregoing purposes.

                                             (xiv)       Additional Material Subsidiaries/Security. If, at any time on or after the date hereof, the Company proposes to create or acquire an additional Subsidiary or in some other fashion to become the holder of any Equity Securities of a new Subsidiary, the Company will notify the Holder of such event at least fifteen (15) Business Days prior to such event and:

                                                            (A)      prior to or concurrently with the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary, the Company will, and will cause any relevant Subsidiary, to execute and deliver to the Holder a securities pledge agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder, acting reasonably, granting a security interest in 100% of the Equity Securities of such new Subsidiary; and

                                                            (B)      prior to or concurrently with the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary, to the extent not prohibited or restricted by Applicable Law, the Company will cause such new Subsidiary to immediately execute and deliver to the Holder a guarantee and security of the nature contemplated by the Security Agreement, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder, acting reasonably, and accompanied by customary legal opinions of counsel to the Company or such Subsidiary.

In connection with the execution and delivery of any guarantee, pledge agreement, mortgage, security agreement or related document pursuant to this Section 5(a)(xiv), the Company will, or will cause the relevant Subsidiary to, deliver at its expense to the Holder such corporate or other resolutions, certificates, legal opinions and such other related documents as shall be reasonably requested by the Holder and consistent with the relevant forms and types thereof delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or as shall be otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Holder and to effect such filings and registrations with the applicable Governmental Authorities as may be requested by the Holder to preserve and perfect the Encumbrances created by such mortgages, pledges, and other relevant agreements. Each guarantee, pledge agreement, mortgage, security agreement and other document delivered pursuant to this Section 5(a)(xiv) shall be deemed to be a Security Document from and after the date of execution thereof.

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                                             (xv)        Material Permits. Maintain all material permits and licenses as may be necessary to properly conduct their respective businesses, the failure of which to maintain could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (xvi)       Expropriation. Advise the Holder of its receipt of any notice of expropriation affecting any Owned Real Property where the expropriation is likely to be successful and if successful would result in expropriation proceeds exceeding Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$500,000).

                                             (xvii)      Damage or Destruction. Advise the Holder in writing of any damage to or destruction of any assets of the Company in respect of which the cost of replacement or repair, individually or in the aggregate, would exceed Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$500,000).

                                             (xviii)     Leases. Duly observe and comply with all of its obligations under any Lease to which it is a party which if not complied with would cause a material default thereunder and shall forthwith advise the Holder in writing of its receipt of any notices from the lessor alleging any material default by it under a Lease.

                                             (xix)       Payment of Taxes. Pay, or cause to be paid, when due, all Taxes, property taxes, business taxes, social security premiums, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income, sales, capital or profit or any property belonging to it unless any such Tax, social security premiums, assessment, charge or levy is contested diligently and in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in respect of which appropriate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS.

                                             (xx)        Withholding Taxes. Withhold from each payment made to any of its past or present employees, officers or directors, and to any non-resident of the country in which it is resident, the amount of all Taxes and other deductions required to be withheld therefrom and pay the same to the property Governmental Authorities within the time required under any Applicable Laws.

                                             (xxi)       Collection of Taxes. Collect from all Persons the amount of all Taxes required to be collected from them and remit the same to the Governmental Authorities within the time required under any Applicable Laws.

                                             (xxii)      Registration of Security. From time to time, register or cause to be registered, and cooperate in the registration of, the Security, and any public notices or filings in respect thereof, on a timely basis and do, observe and perform all of its obligations and all matters and things that may be necessary or reasonably required for the purposes of creating and maintaining the Encumbrances intended to result from the Security as valid, effective and perfected first priority Encumbrances (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances) at all times and shall comply with all requirements of Section 5(b)(xiv).

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                                             (xxiii)    Benefit Plans.

                                                          (A)      Cause to be filed or distributed in a timely manner all reports and disclosures relating to any Benefit Plan that are required by the plan or any Applicable Laws to be filed or distributed.

                                                          (B)      Perform all obligations (including fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations) required to be performed in connection with each Benefit Plan and the funding media therefor; make all contributions and pay all premiums required to be made or paid in accordance with the terms of each Benefit Plan and all Applicable Laws; withhold, by way of authorized payroll deductions or otherwise collect and pay into each Benefit Plan all employee contributions required to be withheld or collected by the Company in accordance with the terms of such plan and all Applicable Laws.

                         (b)      Negative Covenants. So long as any Principal Amount of the Debenture remains outstanding, the Company shall not: (i) Debt. Create, incur or suffer to exist, any Debt other than Permitted Debt.

                                             (ii)        Encumbrances. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Encumbrance on any of its assets, other than Permitted Encumbrances.

                                             (iii)       Fundamental Changes. Merge into or amalgamate or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or amalgamate or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets, or all or any of the Equity Securities of any Subsidiary (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate, dissolve or be wound up.

                                             (iv)        Carry on Business.

                                                           (A)      Engage in any business which is different from the business conducted on the Closing Date and businesses reasonably related thereto.

                                                           (B)      After the Closing Date, carry on business otherwise than through the Company.

                                             (v)         Transfer of Assets. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall sell, transfer, lease, part with possession or otherwise dispose of any assets, whether by way of sale, lease, assignment, sale-leaseback or otherwise other than (A) obsolete assets, equipment and material, (B) in the ordinary course of business, (C) assets up to an aggregate amount not to exceed One Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$100,000); (exclusive of the shares referred to in the next clause) or (D) common shares of Acadian Mining Corporation owned on the date hereof.

                                             (vi)        Transactions with Affiliates. Transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of any assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (A) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favourable to the Company than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (B) transactions between or among the Company and the Parent not involving any other Affiliate, (C) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 5(b)(ix), and (D) as otherwise expressly permitted pursuant to this Agreement and the Security Documents. Except as otherwise expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the other Security Documents, the Company will not enter into any transaction or series of transactions with Affiliates which involve an outflow of money or other property from the Company to an Affiliate, including repayment of Debt, or payment of management fees, affiliation fees, administration fees, compensation, salaries, asset purchase payments or any other type of fees or payments similar in nature, other than on terms and conditions substantially as favourable to the Company as would be obtainable by the Company in a reasonably comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to: (A) the payment of reasonable and customary fees to directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company, (B) any other transaction with any employee, officer or director of the Company pursuant to employee profit sharing and/or benefit plans and compensation and non-competition arrangements in amounts customary for corporations similarly situated to the Company and entered into in the ordinary course of business and approved by the board of directors of the Company, or (C) any reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by an Affiliate of the Company on behalf of or for the account of the Company.

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                                             (vii)       Restrictive Agreements. Other than under the terms of Senior Construction Financing, directly or indirectly enter into, incur or permit to exist, any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (A) the ability of the Company to create, incur or permit to exist any Encumbrance upon any of its assets, (B) the ability of the Company to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any Equity Securities or with respect to, or measured by, its profits or to make or repay loans or advances to the Parent or to provide a guarantee of any Debt of the Parent, (C) the ability of the Company to make any loan or advance to the Parent, or (D) the ability of the Company to sell, lease or transfer any of its property or assets; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions; (1) imposed by Applicable Law; (2) existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 4.2(y) to the Purchase Agreement (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition); (3) imposed by any agreement relating to Permitted Debt permitted by this Debenture if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Debt; and (4) customarily provided for in leases and other ordinary course contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

                                             (viii)      Share Capital. Issue any Equity Securities, except to the Parent.

                                             (ix)        Restricted Payments. Declare, make or pay or agree to declare, make or pay, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except (A) Restricted Payments by the Company to the Parent, (B) regularly scheduled payments in respect of Permitted Debt hereunder, and (C) Restricted Payments by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with Benefit Plans for the directors or officers of the Company, provided that the aggregate amount of cash payments made by the Company and the Parent in any Financial Year pursuant to all such Benefit Plans shall not exceed reasonable commercial amounts paid in the normal course of business and approved by the board of directors of the Company.

                                             (x)         Investments. Purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any amalgamation with any Person that was not a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company prior to such amalgamation), any Equity Securities, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person, except:

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                                                          (A)      inter-company loans or advances between the Company and the Parent;

                                                          (B)      Permitted Debt; and

                                                          (C)      Permitted Investments.

                                             (xi)        Acquisitions. Make any Acquisition, other than a Permitted Acquisition, provided in the case of a Permitted Acquisition no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a result of such Permitted Acquisition.

                                             (xii)       Subsidiaries. Create or acquire any Subsidiary unless the Company and the Subsidiary shall have complied with Section 5(a)(xiv).

                                             (xiii)      Sale-Leasebacks. Enter into sale-leaseback transactions.

                                             (xiv)      Capital Expenditures. Make or commit to make any Capital Expenditures during the period from the Closing Date to the Maturity Date other than as provided for in the NorthMet Project Budget.

                                             (xv)       Change of Name; Business Outside Certain Jurisdictions. (A) Change its name, registered office, chief executive office or jurisdiction of incorporation, or (B) have any place of business or keep or store any material tangible property outside of those jurisdictions (or registration districts within such jurisdictions) set forth in Schedule 5.1(m) to the Purchase Agreement, (1) except upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Holder; and (2) unless the Company has done or caused to be done all such acts and things and executed and delivered or caused to be executed and delivered all such deeds, transfers, assignments and instruments as the Holder may reasonably require for perfecting or maintaining the perfection of the Encumbrances of the Security and the priority thereof in the Collateral in favour of the Holder.

                                             (xvi)       Financial Year. Change its Financial Year.

                                             (xvii)      Amendments. Allow (A) any amendments to its constating documents or by-laws; or (B) any amendments to, or grant any waivers in respect of any Material Agreement or any guarantee or security in respect thereof.

                                             (xviii)     Change of Auditors. Change its auditors other than to a nationally recognized accounting firm approved by the Holder acting reasonably.

                                             (xix)      Speculative Transactions. Engage in any interest rate, currency rate, commodity hedge or similar agreement, understanding or obligation, except in the normal course of business and not for speculative purposes.

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                         (c)      Indemnification. The Company will pay, and will indemnify and same harmless the Holder against, all costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred with respect to the exercising of any of the rights, remedies and powers of the Holder under this Debenture, or the taking of any other proceedings taken for the purpose of enforcing the remedies provided for under law by reason of non-payment of the obligations hereunder.

          Section 6.        Defaults and Remedies.

                         (a)      Events of Default. An “Event of Default” is: (i) a default in payment of any principal amount due hereunder; (ii) a default in payment of any interest or other amount due hereunder which default continues for more than five (5) Business Days after the due date thereof; (iii) a default in the timely issuance of Underlying Shares upon and in accordance with the terms of the Warrants, which default continues for five (5) Business Days after the Parent has received written notice informing the Parent that it has failed to issue shares or deliver share certificates within the fifth day following the exercise date; (iv) failure by the Company or the Parent for fifteen (15) days after written notice has been received by the Company or the Parent, as applicable, to comply with any material provision of any of the Agreements (including the failure of the Company to make a Change in Control Offer in accordance with Section 3(a)), the Standby Purchase Agreement or the Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement; (v) a material breach by the Company or the Parent of its covenants, representations or warranties in any of the Agreements, the Escrow Agreement, the Standby Purchase Agreement or the Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement; (vi) any default after any cure period under, or acceleration prior to maturity of, any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or the Parent for in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000) or for money borrowed the repayment of which is guaranteed by the Company or the Parent for in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000), whether such indebtedness or guarantee now exists or shall be created hereafter; (vii) if the Company or the Parent is subject to any Bankruptcy Event; (viii) if a judgment or order is obtained against the Company or the Parent which has or would have a Material Adverse Effect, and, if such judgment or order is for the payment of money, the judgment or order has not been dismissed, stayed or satisfied within twenty (20) days of the date that such judgment or order is issued; (ix) if any material permit or license or Material Agreement of the Company or the Parent expires or is withdrawn, cancelled, terminated, or modified (and such expiry, withdrawal, cancellation, termination or modification would have a Material Adverse Effect) and is not reinstated or replaced within thirty (30) days thereafter without material impairment of the property or business of the Company or the Parent; (x) a final judgment, writ of execution, garnishment or attachment or similar process is issued or levied against any property of the Company or the Parent having a fair market value in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000) and such judgment, writ, execution, garnishment, attachment or similar process is not released, bonded, satisfied, discharged, vacated or stayed within forty-five (45) days after its entry, commencement or levy; (x) solely with respect to Principal Amounts held by Glencore AG, a material breach by the Parent of its covenants, representations or warranties in the Marketing Agreement, Copper Offtake Agreement or Nickel Offtake Agreement; or (xi) the termination of the Standby Purchase Agreement prior to the completion of the Rights Offering.

                         (b)      Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Debenture, the Holder may declare all of the then outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture and all other debentures held by the Holder, to be due and payable immediately, and the Holder may commence such legal action or proceedings as it, in its sole discretion, deems necessary, all without any additional notice, presentation, demand, protest, notice of dishonor, entering into of possession of any of the assets of the Company or any other action or notice, all of which the Company hereby expressly waives, except that in the case of an Event of Default arising from events described in clauses (vi) through (x) of Section 6(a), inclusive, this Debenture shall become due and payable without further action or notice. In the event of such acceleration, the amount due and owing to the Holder shall be 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount of the Debenture held by the Holder. In either case the Company shall pay interest on such amount in cash at the Default Rate (as defined below) to the Holder if such amount is not paid within seven (7) days of Holder’s request. The remedies under this Debenture shall be cumulative.

19


                         (c)      Notice of Default. The Company covenants to provide written notice to the Holder within two (2) Business Days upon the occurrence of any Event of Default.

                         (d)      Default Interest. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, this Debenture shall bear interest on the due and unpaid outstanding Principal Amount from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6(a) at the rate (the “Default Rate”) equal to the lower of 18% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.

          Section 7.        General.

                         (a)      Technical Services Committee. The Holder of a majority of the Principal Amount outstanding under this Debenture shall be entitled to select and appoint one (1) member (the “Appointee”) to the Technical Services Committee of the Company and shall be entitled to select and appoint any successor to or replacement of such Appointee, subject, in each case, to the Company’s consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                         (b)      Payment of Expenses. The Company agrees to pay all reasonable charges and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, which may be incurred by the Holder in successfully enforcing this Debenture and/or collecting any amount due under this Debenture.

                         (c)      Interest Act (Canada) Disclosure. For the purposes of disclosure pursuant to the Interest Act (Canada), the yearly rate of interest to which the rate of interest applicable to any interest period, computed as provided under Section 2 above, is equivalent is the rate of interest for such interest period multiplied by a fraction of which (i) the numerator is the actual number of days in the 12-month period commencing on the date of the commencement of such interest period and ending on the day immediately preceding the anniversary of such date of commencement, and (ii) the denominator is three hundred sixty-five (365).

                         (d)      Savings Clause. In case any provision of this Debenture is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessive in scope or otherwise invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be adjusted rather than voided, if possible, so that it is enforceable to the maximum extent possible, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Debenture will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. In no event shall the amount of interest paid hereunder exceed the maximum rate of interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof allowable by applicable law. If any sum is collected in excess of the applicable maximum rate, the excess collected shall be applied to reduce the principal debt. If the interest actually collected hereunder is still in excess of the applicable maximum rate, the interest rate shall be reduced so as not to exceed the maximum allowable under law.

20


                         (e)      Amendment. Neither this Debenture nor any term hereof may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written instrument signed by the Company and the Holder.

                         (f)      Assignment, Etc. The Holder may assign or transfer this Debenture at any time and from time to time in whole or in part to any transferee, without the consent of the Company, provided that any partial assignment of this Debenture shall be for a minimum principal amount of not less than Five Million U.S. Dollars (US$5,000,000). The Holder shall notify the Company of any such assignment or transfer promptly. This Debenture shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and shall inure to the benefit of the Holder and its successors and assigns.

                         (g)      No Waiver. Neither the extension of time for making any payment which is due and payable under this Debenture at any time or times, nor the failure on the part of the Holder to exercise, and no delay in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Holder of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or future exercise of any other right, remedy or power. Each and every right, remedy or power hereby granted to the Holder or allowed it by law or other agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other, and may be exercised by the Holder from time to time.

                         (h)      Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

                                             (i)        Governing Law. THIS DEBENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY CONFLICTS OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF THAT WOULD DEFER TO THE SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

                                             (ii)       Jurisdiction. The Company irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any State or Federal Court sitting in the State of New York, County of New York, over any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Debenture. The Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action, or proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that suit, action, or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

                         The Company agrees that the service of process upon it mailed by certified or registered mail (and service so made shall be deemed complete three (3) days after the same has been posted as aforesaid) or by personal service shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon it in any such suit or proceeding. Nothing herein shall affect Holder’s right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. The Company agrees that a final non-appealable judgment in any such suit or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on such judgment or in any other lawful manner.

                                             (iii)     NO JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY HERETO KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION BASED ON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS DEBENTURE.

                         (i)      Replacement Debenture. This Debenture may be exchanged by Holder at any time and from time to time for a Debenture or debentures with different denominations representing an equal aggregate outstanding Principal Amount, as reasonably requested by Holder, upon surrendering the same. No service charge will be made for such registration or exchange. In the event that Holder notifies the Company that this Debenture has been lost, stolen or destroyed, a replacement Debenture identical in all respects to the original Debenture (except for registration number and Principal Amount, if different than that shown on the original Debenture), shall be issued to the Holder, provided that the Holder executes and delivers to the Company an agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with the Debenture.

21


                         (f)      Judgment Currency. If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due to the Holder in any currency (the “Original Currency”) into another currency (the “Other Currency”), the parties agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Holder could purchase the Original Currency with the Other Currency on the Business Day preceding the day on which final judgment is given or, if permitted by Applicable Law, on the day on which the judgment is paid or satisfied. The obligations of the Company in respect of any sum due in the Original Currency from it to the Holder under any of the Security Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in any Other Currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Holder of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Other Currency, the Holder may, in accordance with normal banking procedures, purchase the Original Currency with such Other Currency. If the amount of the Original Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Lender in the Original Currency, the Company agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding the judgment, to indemnify the Holder, against any loss, and, if the amount of the Original Currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due to the Holder in the Original Currency, the Holder shall remit such excess to the Company.

                         (k)      Further Assurances. Each party shall from time to time promptly execute and deliver all further documents and take all further action necessary to give effect to the provisions and intent of this Debenture.

[Signature Page Follows]

22


                         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Debenture to be duly executed on the day and in the year first above written.

POLY MET MINING, INC.

By: _________________________________________________
Name: Douglas Newby
Title: Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT A

DEBENTURE ADJUSTMENT SCHEDULE

Debenture Adjustment Schedule for the Debenture issued by POLY MET MINING, INC. to GLENCORE AG on or about January 30, 2015 in the original principal amount of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000), to be completed and exchanged by fax or email following each principal repayment of such Debenture.





Date
Decreases
Principal
amount
repaid

Remaining
principal
balance of
Debenture


Initialed by
Company
CEO/CFO

Initialed by
authorized
representative
of Holder
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

A-1


EXHIBIT B

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

      [Date]

TO: • (the "Holder")

             The undersigned (the "Corporation") refers to the Floating Rate Secured Debenture issued on January 30, 2015 (the "Debenture", the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined). This Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) of the Debenture for the Financial Quarter/Year ending on [•] (the "Period").

We, __________________________ and _________________________ , the respective Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, in such capacity and not personally, hereby certify that:

1.

We are the duly appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and as such we are providing this certificate for and on behalf of the Corporation pursuant to the Debenture.

   
2.

We are familiar with and have examined the provisions of the Debenture.

   
3.

The financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to [Section 5(a)(i)(B) or Section 5(a)(i)(C)] of the Debenture present fairly the financial position, results of operations and changes in financial position of the persons specified therein for the Period and as at the last day of such Period, as the case may be, in accordance with IFRS.

   
4.

The representations and warranties contained in Section 5.1 of the Purchase Agreement are true and correct as though made on the date hereof, except for and any such representation and warranty which is stated to be made as of a certain date.

   
5.

As of the date hereof, the Corporation is not in breach of any of the covenants contained in Section 5 of the Debenture, and no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as at the date hereof.

Dated this _________________day of _________________________________________________.

   
  (Name – please print)
  Chief Executive Officer
   
   
  (Name – please print)
  Chief Financial Officer

B-1


-17-

Exhibit B

Tranche G Debenture


THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY THIS SECURITY.

THIS DEBENTURE DOES NOT REQUIRE PHYSICAL SURRENDER OF THE DEBENTURE IN THE EVENT OF A PARTIAL REDEMPTION. AS A RESULT, FOLLOWING ANY REDEMPTION OF ANY PORTION OF THIS DEBENTURE, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT REPRESENTED BY THIS DEBENTURE MAY BE LESS THAN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AND ACCRUED INTEREST SET FORTH BELOW.

UNLESS PERMITTED UNDER CANADIAN SECURITIES LEGISLATION, THE HOLDER OF THIS DEBENTURE MUST NOT TRADE THIS SECURITY BEFORE [_____], 2015.

FLOATING RATE SECURED DEBENTURE, DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 31, 2016
OF
POLY MET MINING, INC.

Debenture No.: D-7 Original Principal Amount: US$8,000,000
Issuance Date: [April 15], 2015 New York, New York

          THIS DEBENTURE is a duly authorized issue of POLY MET MINING, INC., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Minnesota (the “Company”), designated as the Company’s Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due on the day which is the earlier of (i) the availability of at least One Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$100,000,0000) of the Senior Construction Finance (as defined below), or (ii) March 31, 2016 (the “Maturity Date”) in an aggregate original principal amount of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000]) (the “Debenture”).

          FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Company hereby promises to pay to the order of GLENCORE AG or its registered assigns or successors-in-interest (the “Holder”) the principal sum of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000]), together with all accrued but unpaid interest thereon on the Maturity Date, to the extent such principal amount and interest has not been repaid in accordance with the terms hereof. Interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof shall accrue from the date of original issuance hereof (the “Issuance Date”) at the Floating Rate (as defined below) until the principal balance becomes due and payable on the Maturity Date, or such earlier date upon acceleration or by redemption or repayment (“Early Repayment Date”) in accordance with the terms hereof or of the other Agreements. The Floating Rate shall be determined on each Floating Rate Reset Date, and such Floating Rate shall apply until the next Floating Rate Reset Date. Interest on this Debenture shall accrue daily commencing on the Issuance Date and shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year, 30-day months and actual days elapsed and shall be payable in accordance with Section 2 hereof. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to any unpaid collection costs, then to unpaid interest and fees and then any remaining amount to principal.

          All payments of principal and interest on this Debenture shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account as the Holder may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Debenture. This Debenture may not be prepaid or redeemed in whole or in part except as described in Section 3 or as otherwise provided herein. Whenever any amount expressed to be due by the terms of this Debenture is due on any day (other than the Maturity Date) which is not a Business Day (as defined below), the same shall instead be due on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day. If the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment of principal and interest will be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the Maturity Date.


          Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 2008, as amended, among the Company, the Holder and PolyMet Mining Corp. (the “Parent”), pursuant to which the Debenture was originally issued (the “Purchase Agreement”). For purposes hereof the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:

          “Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated after the date hereof, by which the Company directly or indirectly, by means of a take-over bid, tender offer, amalgamation, merger, purchase of assets or otherwise (a) acquires any business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person engaged in any business, (b) acquires control of securities of a Person engaged in a business representing more than 50% of the ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing position if the business affairs of such Person are managed by a board of directors or other governing body, or (c) acquires control of more than 50% of the ownership interest in any Person engaged in any business that is not managed by a board of directors or other governing body.

          “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified Person.

          “Appointee” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(a).

          “Bankruptcy Event” means any of the following events: (a) the Company or the Parent commences a case or other proceeding or proposal under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, winding-up, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction (including the Bankruptcy Act (Canada) or the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada)) relating to the Company or the Parent; (b) there is commenced against the Company or the Parent any such case or proceeding or proposal that is not dismissed within thirty (30) days after commencement; (c) the Company or the Parent is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (d) the Company or the Parent suffers any appointment of any trustee, receiver, receiver and manager, interim receiver, custodian or the like for it or any substantial part of its property that is not discharged or stayed within thirty (30) days; (e) the Company or the Parent makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (f) the Company or the Parent fails to pay, or states that it is unable to pay or is unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (g) the Company or the Parent calls a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; or (h) the Company or the Parent, by any act or failure to act, expressly indicates its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing or takes any corporate or other action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.


          “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in the City of New York, New York, Toronto, Ontario or Zug, Switzerland are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed.

          “Canadian Securities Laws” means all applicable securities laws in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the respective regulations made thereunder, together with applicable published fee schedules, prescribed forms, rules, multilateral or national instruments, orders, rulings and other regulatory instruments issued or adopted by the Securities Commissions.

          “Capital Assets” means, with respect to any Person, any tangible fixed or capital assets owned or leased (in the case of a Capital Lease) by such Person.

          “Capital Expenditures” means, in respect of any Person and any period, all expenditures made by such Person during such period for the purchase, lease or acquisition of Capital Assets (including all amounts paid or accrued during such period on Capital Leases) and other Debt incurred or assumed to acquire or construct Capital Assets (other than current Capital Assets) required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.

          “Capitalized Lease Obligation” of any Person means any obligation of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a Capital Lease.

          “Capital Leases” means any and all lease obligations of a lessee that are capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.

          “Change in Control Offer” has the meaning given to it in Section 3(a).

          “Change in Control Transaction” will, and will be deemed to, exist if (a) there occurs any consolidation, merger, plan of arrangement or other business combination of the Company or the Parent with or into any other corporation or other entity or person (whether or not the Company or the Parent is the surviving corporation) or any other corporate reorganization or transaction or series of related transactions in which in any of such events the voting shareholders of the Company or the Parent prior to such event cease to own 50% or more of the voting power, or corresponding voting equity interests, of the surviving corporation after such event (including any “going private” transaction under Rule 13e-3 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, tender offer by the Company or the Parent under Rule 13e-4 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act for 20% or more of the Company’s common shares or the Parent’s Common Shares, or take-over bid by the Company or the Parent under Canadian Securities Laws for 20% or more of the Company’s common shares or the Parent’s Common Shares), (b) any person (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), together with its affiliates and associates (as such terms are defined in Rule 405 under the Act), beneficially owns or is deemed to beneficially own (as described in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act without regard to the 60-day exercise period) in excess of 35% of the Company’s or the Parent’s voting power other than such persons who beneficially owned or are deemed to beneficially own such voting power as of the date hereof, (c) there is a replacement within a consecutive period of 24 months of more than one-half of the members of the Company’s or the Parent’s Board of Directors which is not approved by those individuals who are members of the Company’s or the Parent’s Board of Directors on the date thereof who were either directors at the beginning of such period or where election or nomination was previously approved, (d) in one or a series of related transactions, there is a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the Parent, determined on a consolidated basis, or (e) the Company or the Parent enters into any agreement providing for an event, circumstance or occurrence set forth in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above.


          “Claim” means, with respect to any Person, any actual or prospective action, suit, order, charge, penalty, claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever against or otherwise involving such Person or the property or assets of such Person.

          “Common Shares” means the Parent’s common shares, without par value.

          “Company” means Poly Met Mining, Inc., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Minnesota.

          “Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of the Company signed on its behalf by its chief executive officer and chief financial officer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

          "Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement" means the confirmation of secured obligations agreement dated [April 15], 2015 between the Company, the Parent and the Holder.

          “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have corresponding meanings.

          “Debenture” means this Debenture, designated as the Company’s Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due on the day which is the earlier of (i) the availability of at least One Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$100,000,000 of the Senior Construction Financing, or (ii) March 31, 2016, in an aggregate original principal amount of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000]).

          “Debenture Adjustment Schedule” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(c).

          “Debt” of any Person means, at any time, (without duplication): (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money including borrowings of commodities, bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit or letters of guarantee; (b) all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services represented by a note or other evidence of indebtedness (other than trade payables and other current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business); (c) all obligations of such Person created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property); (d) all indebtedness of another Person secured by an Encumbrance on any properties or assets of such Person (other than Encumbrances being contested in good faith on a timely basis by appropriate proceedings); (e) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (f) the aggregate amount at which any shares in the capital of such Person which are redeemable or retractable at the option of the holder may be retracted or redeemed for cash or debt provided all conditions precedent for such retraction or redemption have been satisfied; (g) all other obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid by such Person; (h) the net amount of all obligations of such Person (determined on a marked-to-market basis) under swap agreements; and (i) all debt guaranteed by such Person.


          “Disposition Gross-Up Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(ii).

           “Disposition Taxes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(ii).

          “Early Repayment Date” means any Business Day prior to the Maturity Date that PolyMet elects to repay the outstanding principal and unpaid and accrued interest on the Debentures provided that PolyMet can demonstrate that such early repayment is prudent and PolyMet has given ten (10) business days notice to Glencore of its intent to repay the Debentures.

          “Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights in, or other equivalents (however designated and whether voting and non-voting) of, such Person’s capital, whether outstanding on the date hereof or issued after the date hereof, including any interest in a partnership, limited partnership or other similar Person and any beneficial interest in a trust, and any and all rights, warrants, options or other rights exchangeable for or convertible into any of the foregoing.

          “Event of Default” has the meaning given to it in Section 6(a).

           “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

           “Failure to Agree” has the meaning provided for in Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement.

          “Financial Quarter” means, in respect of the Company, a period of three consecutive months in each Financial Year ending on April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31, as the case may be, of such year.

          “Financial Year” means, in respect of the Company, its financial year commencing on February 1 of each calendar year and ending on January 31 of each following calendar year.

          “Floating Rate” means LIBOR plus 8.0% per annum; provided, however, that the Floating Rate for the period from the Issuance Date to the first Floating Rate Reset Date will be _____%; and provided further, that the Floating Rate shall be reset on each Floating Rate Reset Date..

          “Floating Rate Reset Date” means March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, commencing on March 31, 2015, provided that if any such day is not a Business Day, then such Floating Rate Reset Date means the immediately preceding day which is a Business Day.

          “Gross-Up Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b).

          “Holder” means Glencore AG or its registered assigns or successors-in-interest.

          “IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards.

          “Impermissible Qualification” means, relative to (a) the financial statements or notes thereto of any Person, or (b) the opinion or report of any independent auditors as to any financial statement or notes thereto, any qualification or exception to such financial statements, notes, opinion or report, as the case may be, which (i) is of a “going concern” or similar nature; or (ii) relates to any limited scope of examination of material matters relevant to such financial statement, if such limitation results from the refusal or failure of the Company to grant access to necessary information therefor.


          “Interest Amount” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(a).

          “Issuance Date” means [April 15], 2015, the date of original issuance of this Debenture.

          “ITA” means the Income Tax Act (Canada).

           “LIBOR means the 12 month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollars published in the print edition of The Wall Street Journal to be set as at the second Business Day prior to the Issuance Date, provided that, if such 12 month LIBOR rate is not so published on such date, LIBOR means the 12 month LIBOR rate most recently published in the print edition of The Wall Street Journal prior to the day which is the second Business Day prior to the Issuance Date.

          “Maturity Date” has the meaning given to it on the cover page.

          “Original Currency” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(j).

        “Other Currency” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(j).

          “Parent” means PolyMet Mining Corp., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of British Columbia.

          “Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(i).

          “Payment Tax” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(i).

          “Permitted Acquisitions” means any Acquisition by the Company consented prior thereto in writing by the Holder.

          “Permitted Debt” means,

  (i)

Debt hereunder or under any Security Document;

     
  (ii)

Debt existing on the date hereof and set forth in Note 5 to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Parent for the interim period ended October 31, 2014;

     
  (iii)

trade accounts due and payable within sixty (60) days and considered unsecured obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business (but excluding Debt for borrowed money); and

     
  (iv)

any Senior Construction Financing.

          “Permitted Encumbrances” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.51 of the Purchase Agreement.

          “Principal Amount” means the sum of (a) the unpaid principal amount of this Debenture, (b) all accrued but unpaid interest hereunder, and (c) any default payments owing under the Agreements but not previously paid or added to the Principal Amount.


          “Purchase Agreement” means the purchase agreement dated October 31, 2008, as amended, among the Company, the Holder and the Parent, pursuant to which the Debenture was originally issued.

          “Restricted Payment” means, with respect to any Person, any payment by such Person (a) of any dividends or other distribution on any of its Equity Securities, (b) on account of, or for the purpose of setting apart any property for a sinking or other analogous fund for, the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of any of its Equity Securities or any warrants, options or rights to acquire any such shares, or the making by such Person of any other distribution in respect of any of its Equity Securities, (c) of any principal of or interest or premium on or of any amount in respect of a sinking or analogous fund or defeasance fund for any Debt of such Person ranking in right of payment subordinate to any liability of such Person under the Security Documents, (d) of any principal of or interest or premium on or of any amount in respect of a sinking or analogous fund or defeasance fund for any indebtedness of such Person to a shareholder of such Person or to an Affiliate of a shareholder of such Person, or (e) of any management, consulting or similar fee or any bonus payment or comparable payment, or by way of gift or other gratuity, to any Affiliate of such Person or to any director or officer thereof other than as compensation for services rendered to the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course.

          “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

          “Securities Commissions” means, collectively, the securities commissions or other securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.

          “Senior Construction Financing” means Debt or Equity in respect of construction financing for the NorthMet Project which is in aggregate in an amount equal to or greater than Five Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$500,000,000) such that the construction of the NorthMet Project may reasonably be expected to be completed.

          “Subsidiary” means any non-natural Person of which the Company owns or controls, directly or indirectly, not less than 50% of the total combined voting power represented by all classes of Equity Securities issued by such Person.

          The following terms and conditions shall apply to this Debenture:

          Section 1.        Interpretation.

          In this Debenture:

  (a)

a word importing the masculine, feminine or neuter gender also includes members of the other genders;

     
  (b)

a word defined in or importing the singular number has the same meaning when used in the plural number, and vice versa;

     
  (c)

a word importing persons shall include partnerships and corporations;

     
  (d)

the headings to each section are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not form part of this Debenture;




  (e)

all dollar amounts shall be in dollars of the United States of America unless otherwise specified; and

     
  (f)

“including” means “including without limitation”.

          Section 2.        Payments of Principal and Interest.

                         (a)      Interest Only Payments. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of this Section 2, on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the Early Repayment Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder all interest accrued and unpaid at that time on the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture (the “Interest Amount”) together with repayment of the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture in cash.

                        (b)      Certain Additional Payments by the Company.

                                             (i)       Payments Under Debenture. Any payment or distribution by the Company to the Holder hereunder, whether for principal, interest or otherwise, shall not be subject to any deduction, withholding or offset for any reason whatsoever except to the extent required by law, and the Company represents that to its best knowledge no deduction, withholding or offset is so required for any tax or any other reason. Notwithstanding any term or provision of this Debenture to the contrary, if it shall be determined that any payment (other than a payment dealt with under Section 2(b)(iii)) by the Company to or for the benefit of the Holder pursuant to the terms of this Debenture, whether for principal, interest or otherwise and whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable, actual or deemed (a “Payment”) would be or is subject to any deduction, withholding or offset due to any duty or tax (such duty or tax, together with any interest and/or penalties related thereto, hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Payment Tax”), then the Company shall, in addition to all sums otherwise payable hereunder, pay to the Holder an additional payment in cash (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after all such Payment Taxes (whether by deduction, withholding, offset or payment), including any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes or any Payment Taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) imposed upon any Gross-Up Payment, Holder actually receives an amount of Gross-Up Payment equal to the Payment Tax imposed upon the Payment (i.e., the Holder receives a net amount equal to the Payment). The Company shall timely remit such Payment Tax to the applicable governmental authority and shall provide evidence of such payment to Holder within ten (10) days of making such payment.

                                             (ii)      Assignment of Debenture. Upon an assignment of this Debenture in whole or in part, the Company shall, in addition to all sums otherwise payable hereunder, pay to the Holder an additional payment in cash (a “Disposition Gross-Up Payment”) which shall be sufficient to cover any taxes (including any interest or penalties) under the ITA (“Disposition Taxes”) in respect of such assignment and in respect of amounts payable under this Section 2(b)(ii). The Company shall timely remit any such Disposition Taxes to the Receiver General of Canada on account of Holder and shall provide evidence of such payment to Holder within ten (10) days of making such payment.

                                             (iii)     Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Holder, within fifteen (15) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes paid by Holder (including any taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2(b)(iii)) and any expenses or losses arising therefrom or with respect thereto whether or not such Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority.


                                        (iv)     If the Holder receives a refund of any Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes (collectively “Taxes”) as to which it has been indemnified by the Company pursuant to Section 2(b)(iii) or with respect to which the Company has paid additional amounts pursuant to Section 2(b)(ii), by reason that any such Taxes were incorrectly or illegally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority, the Holder shall pay to the Company an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Company under Section 2(b)(ii) with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), and without interest (other than any net after-Tax interest paid to the Holder with respect to such refund) and less any costs, fees, expenses, damages, losses, taxes or other amounts incurred by the Holder in respect of such refund. This provision shall not be construed to require the Holder to make available any information relating to its taxes that it considers confidential to the Company, to arrange its affairs in any particular manner or, except as provided in the next sentence, to claim any available refund. The Holder will, at the request and expense of the Company, contest the payment, and seek a refund, of any Taxes that the Company considers to be incorrectly or illegally imposed or asserted, provided that contesting the payment, or seeking a refund, of such Taxes shall not relieve the Company from its obligations under its indemnity or to pay additional Taxes under Section 2(b)(ii).

                         (c)      Adjustments to Principal Amount. The Principal Amount owing under this Debenture shall be decreased, as of the date of redemption, upon the early redemption of all or a portion of the Principal Amount by an amount equal to such Principal Amount that has been so redeemed (an “Adjustment Event”). The Holder shall not be required to physically surrender the Debenture to the Company upon the occurrence of an Adjustment Event, unless the full outstanding Principal Amount has been redeemed. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the outstanding Principal Amount at any given time and the dates and effect of any Adjustment Events or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of the Note upon each such Adjustment Event. In addition, following each Adjustment Event, the Company shall update the Debenture Adjustment Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Debenture Adjustment Schedule”), initial such schedule and transmit it to the Holder by facsimile or other electronic transmission, who shall counter-initial such schedule and return it to the Company by facsimile or other electronic transmission.

          Section 3.        Redemption.

                         (a)      Change in Control Transactions. Upon the Company becoming aware of the occurrence of a Change of Control Transaction, the Company shall, within five Business Days, give written notice of such Change of Control Transaction to the Holder. Such notice shall contain and constitute an offer to redeem the Debenture, in whole or in part at the election of the Holder, on a redemption date specified in such offer that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than fifty (50) days after the date of such offer at a cash redemption price equal to 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount being redeemed (the “Change in Control Offer”). The offer to redeem the Debenture shall state that the offer is made pursuant to this Section 3(a) and shall specify, in reasonable detail, the nature and date of the Change of Control and provide a sample calculation of the redemption price. The Holder shall have the right to accept or decline the offer in whole or in part at the Holder’s option by providing written notice to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of the Change in Control Offer indicating the amount, if any, of the outstanding Principal Amount to be redeemed.

                         (b)      Redemption on Failure to Agree. Within ten (10) Business Days of any Failure to Agree under Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement, the Company shall fully redeem the Debenture by paying to the Holder a cash redemption price equal to 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount being redeemed.


                         (c)      Cancellation. After all of the Principal Amount has been paid in full, this Debenture shall automatically be deemed canceled and the Holder shall promptly surrender the Debenture to the Company at the Company’s principal executive offices.

                         (d)      Notices Procedures. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Holder hereunder, shall be in writing and either (i) emailed or (ii) delivered personally, by confirmed facsimile, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service to the Company at the facsimile telephone number or address of the principal place of business of the Company as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Company hereunder shall be in writing and either (x) emailed or (y) delivered personally, by facsimile, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service addressed to the Holder at the facsimile telephone number or address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company, or if no such facsimile telephone number or address appears, at the principal place of business of the Holder. Any notice or other communication or deliveries hereunder shall be deemed delivered (i) upon receipt, when emailed or delivered personally, (ii) when sent by facsimile, upon receipt if received on a Business Day prior to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), or on the first Business Day following such receipt if received on a Business Day after 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) or (iii) upon receipt, when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier service.

          Section 4.        Security.

As security for the due and punctual payment of all of its obligations to the Holder hereunder, the Company shall promptly execute and deliver, together with any relevant power of attorney, registrations, filings and other supporting documentation deemed necessary by the Purchaser or its counsel to perfect the same or otherwise in respect thereof.

          Section 5.        Covenants.

                         (a)      Affirmative Covenants. So long as any Principal Amount of the Debenture remains outstanding, the Company shall:

                                             (i)       Reporting Requirements. During the term of this Agreement, prepare (where applicable, in accordance with IFRS) and deliver to the Holder, in a form satisfactory to the Holder:

                                             (A)      as soon as practicable and in any event within fifteen (15) days of the end of each calendar month, the management prepared financial statements of the Parent as at the end of such calendar month prepared in a form satisfactory to the Purchaser and including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position, as at the end of such calendar month as at the end of and for such calendar month and the then elapsed portion of the Financial Year which includes such calendar month;

                                             (B)      as soon as practicable and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Financial Quarter of the Parent, the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Parent as at the end of such Financial Quarter prepared on a consolidated basis in accordance with IFRS including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position in each case as at the end of and for such Financial Quarter and the then elapsed portion of the Financial Year which includes such Financial Quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or in the case of the balance sheet, as at the end of) the previous Financial Year;


                                            (C)      as soon as practicable and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each Financial Year of the Parent, the annual audited consolidated financial statements of the Parent prepared in accordance with IFRS including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position for such Financial Year (which financial statements shall be audited by an internationally recognized accounting firm acceptable to the Holder), setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Financial Year; and

                                             (D)      concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements contemplated in (B) and (C) above, a Compliance Certificate in respect of such Financial Quarter or Financial Year, as applicable.

None of the financial statements or reports or opinions of auditors with respect thereto referred to above shall contain any Impermissible Qualifications.

                                             (ii)      Environmental.

                                             (A)      At all times comply in all material respects with Environmental Laws including environmental permits and approved plans with respect to closure and/or rehabilitation;

                                             (B)      not to release any hazardous substances at, on or from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company, nor to permit same, at any time in material violation of Environmental Laws;

                                             (C)      immediately notify the Holder of: (1) any release of any hazardous substances at, on or from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company in material violation of any Environmental Laws; (2) any Claim received by the Company of or relating to any material violation of any Environmental Laws or material environmental liabilities; and (3) any facts or circumstances which could reasonably be expected to give rise to a material Claim, material remedial action or material breach of or in respect of any Environmental Laws;

                                             (D)      remove promptly any hazardous substance from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company to the extent required to comply in all material respects with Environmental Laws and to the extent required to eliminate or prevent any material environmental liabilities;


                                             (E)      provide, at the expense of the Company, the Holder with an assessment and/or audit report with respect to the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties, the business or other assets of the Company, upon the written request of the Holder acting reasonably; and

                                             (F)      permit the Holder, at its sole discretion, at the expense of the Company, to conduct in a reasonable manner such investigations, assessments or audits as the Holder in its reasonable discretion deems appropriate to determine whether: (1) hazardous substances exist on any part of the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company and to determine the source, quantity and type of such hazardous substances, if any; or (2) the business, the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company or any activities conducted at such properties comply with Environmental Laws, and the Company shall cooperate with the Holder in conducting such investigations, assessments and audits. The Holder and its officers, employees, agents and contractors shall have and are hereby granted the right to enter upon and inspect the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company for the foregoing purposes; provided that the Holder shall use reasonable efforts to minimize the disruption to the operation of the business.

                                             (iii)      Additional Reporting Requirements.

                                             (A)      Deliver to the Holder as soon as possible, and in any event within five days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of each Event of Default, a statement of a senior officer setting forth the details of such Event of Default and the action which the Company proposes to take or has taken with respect thereto;

                                              (B)      from time to time upon request of the Holder, deliver to the Holder evidence of maintenance of all insurance required to be maintained by Section 5(a)(ix), including such originals or copies as the Holder may reasonably request of policies, certificates of insurance, riders and endorsements relating to such insurance and proof of premium payments;

                                              (C)      deliver to the Holder, together with the Compliance Certificate to be delivered pursuant to Section 5(a)(i)(C), written notice of any previously undisclosed (1) jurisdictions (or registration districts within such jurisdictions) in which the Company has any place of business or stores any tangible personal property or assets, (2) Subsidiaries of the Company or membership, partnership, joint venture or syndicate interests of the Company, (3) material permits or licenses which become necessary for the conduct of the business or any amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed material permit or license, (4) Benefit Plans or Pension Plans of the Company, (5) Material Agreements of the Company or any amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed Material Agreement, and (6) any Lease or acquisition of real or immovable property by the Company or amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed Lease, and


                                             (D)      deliver to the Holder such other information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the business of the Company as the Holder may from time to time reasonably request.

                                             (iv)       Existence; Conduct of Business. Do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, and obtain, preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect any and all material permits and licenses.

                                             (v)        Payment Obligations. Pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (A) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (B) or the Company has, if required, set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with IFRS, and (C) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (vi)      Maintenance of Properties. Keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except to the extent that the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (vii)     Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. Permit any representatives designated by the Holder, upon reasonable prior notice and during normal business hours, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and auditors, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested by the Holder; provided that (A) the Holder shall act reasonably in the conduct of all such visits, inspections and inquiries, (B) the Holder shall provide at least two Business Days notice of any such request for access; (C) the Holder shall use any confidential information received via access provided hereunder only for purposes related to this Debenture; and (D) the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Holder any confidential information if contrary to Applicable Laws.

                                             (viii)    Compliance with Laws and Material Agreements. Comply with all Applicable Laws and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and with all Material Agreements.

                                             (ix)      Insurance. Maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurers acceptable to the Holder, acting reasonably, insurance with respect to their respective properties and business against such liabilities, casualties, risks and contingencies and in such types (including business interruption insurance) and amounts as is customary in the case of Persons of similar size engaged in the same or similar businesses and operating in the same geographic area and in accordance with any requirement of any Governmental Authority. In the case of any fire, accident or other casualty causing loss or damage to any properties of the Company used in generating cash flow or required by Applicable Law, all proceeds of such policies shall be used promptly to repair or replace any such damaged properties, and otherwise shall be used as directed by the Holder to pay any Principal then payable under the Debenture.


                                             (x)        Operation and Maintenance of Property. Manage and operate its business or cause its business to be managed and operated (A) in accordance with prudent industry practice in all material respects and in compliance with the terms and provisions of all material permits and licenses, and (B) in compliance with all Applicable Laws of the jurisdiction in which such businesses are carried on, and all Applicable Laws of every other Governmental Authority from time to time constituted to regulate the ownership, management and operation of such businesses.

                                             (xi)       Status of Accounts and Collateral. With respect to the Collateral, report immediately to the Holder any matters adversely affecting the value, enforceability or collectability of any of the Collateral.

                                             (xii)      Accounts Receivable. Collect accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business in a commercially reasonable manner.

                                             (xiii)     Cure Defects. Promptly cure or cause to be cured any defects in the execution and delivery of any of the Security Documents or any of the other agreements, instruments or documents contemplated thereby or executed pursuant thereto or any defects in the validity or enforceability of any of the Security Documents and, at its expense, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered all such agreements, instruments and other documents as the Holder may consider necessary or desirable for the foregoing purposes.

                                             (xiv)    Additional Material Subsidiaries/Security. If, at any time on or after the date hereof, the Company proposes to create or acquire an additional Subsidiary or in some other fashion to become the holder of any Equity Securities of a new Subsidiary, the Company will notify the Holder of such event at least fifteen (15) Business Days prior to such event and:

                                                                 (A)      prior to or concurrently with the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary, the Company will, and will cause any relevant Subsidiary, to execute and deliver to the Holder a securities pledge agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder, acting reasonably, granting a security interest in 100% of the Equity Securities of such new Subsidiary; and

                                                                 (B)      prior to or concurrently with the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary, to the extent not prohibited or restricted by Applicable Law, the Company will cause such new Subsidiary to immediately execute and deliver to the Holder a guarantee and security of the nature contemplated by the Security Agreement, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder, acting reasonably, and accompanied by customary legal opinions of counsel to the Company or such Subsidiary.

In connection with the execution and delivery of any guarantee, pledge agreement, mortgage, security agreement or related document pursuant to this Section 5(a)(xiv), the Company will, or will cause the relevant Subsidiary to, deliver at its expense to the Holder such corporate or other resolutions, certificates, legal opinions and such other related documents as shall be reasonably requested by the Holder and consistent with the relevant forms and types thereof delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or as shall be otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Holder and to effect such filings and registrations with the applicable Governmental Authorities as may be requested by the Holder to preserve and perfect the Encumbrances created by such mortgages, pledges, and other relevant agreements. Each guarantee, pledge agreement, mortgage, security agreement and other document delivered pursuant to this Section 5(a)(xiv) shall be deemed to be a Security Document from and after the date of execution thereof.


                                             (xv)      Material Permits. Maintain all material permits and licenses as may be necessary to properly conduct their respective businesses, the failure of which to maintain could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (xvi)   Expropriation. Advise the Holder of its receipt of any notice of expropriation affecting any Owned Real Property where the expropriation is likely to be successful and if successful would result in expropriation proceeds exceeding Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$500,000).

                                             (xvii)    Damage or Destruction. Advise the Holder in writing of any damage to or destruction of any assets of the Company in respect of which the cost of replacement or repair, individually or in the aggregate, would exceed Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$500,000).

                                             (xviii)   Leases. Duly observe and comply with all of its obligations under any Lease to which it is a party which if not complied with would cause a material default thereunder and shall forthwith advise the Holder in writing of its receipt of any notices from the lessor alleging any material default by it under a Lease.

                                             (xix)      Payment of Taxes. Pay, or cause to be paid, when due, all Taxes, property taxes, business taxes, social security premiums, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income, sales, capital or profit or any property belonging to it unless any such Tax, social security premiums, assessment, charge or levy is contested diligently and in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in respect of which appropriate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS.

                                             (xx)       Withholding Taxes. Withhold from each payment made to any of its past or present employees, officers or directors, and to any non-resident of the country in which it is resident, the amount of all Taxes and other deductions required to be withheld therefrom and pay the same to the property Governmental Authorities within the time required under any Applicable Laws.

                                             (xxi)     Collection of Taxes. Collect from all Persons the amount of all Taxes required to be collected from them and remit the same to the Governmental Authorities within the time required under any Applicable Laws.

                                             (xxii)     Registration of Security. From time to time, register or cause to be registered, and cooperate in the registration of, the Security, and any public notices or filings in respect thereof, on a timely basis and do, observe and perform all of its obligations and all matters and things that may be necessary or reasonably required for the purposes of creating and maintaining the Encumbrances intended to result from the Security as valid, effective and perfected first priority Encumbrances (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances) at all times and shall comply with all requirements of Section 5(b)(xiv).

                                             (xxiii)    Benefit Plans.

                                                                 (A)      Cause to be filed or distributed in a timely manner all reports and disclosures relating to any Benefit Plan that are required by the plan or any Applicable Laws to be filed or distributed.


                                                                 (B)      Perform all obligations (including fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations) required to be performed in connection with each Benefit Plan and the funding media therefor; make all contributions and pay all premiums required to be made or paid in accordance with the terms of each Benefit Plan and all Applicable Laws; withhold, by way of authorized payroll deductions or otherwise collect and pay into each Benefit Plan all employee contributions required to be withheld or collected by the Company in accordance with the terms of such plan and all Applicable Laws.

                         (b)      Negative Covenants. So long as any Principal Amount of the Debenture remains outstanding, the Company shall not: (i) Debt. Create, incur or suffer to exist, any Debt other than Permitted Debt.

                                             (ii)      Encumbrances. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Encumbrance on any of its assets, other than Permitted Encumbrances.

                                             (iii)     Fundamental Changes. Merge into or amalgamate or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or amalgamate or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets, or all or any of the Equity Securities of any Subsidiary (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate, dissolve or be wound up.

                                             (iv)      Carry on Business.

                                                                 (A)      Engage in any business which is different from the business conducted on the Closing Date and businesses reasonably related thereto.

                                                                 (B)      After the Closing Date, carry on business otherwise than through the Company.

                                             (v)       Transfer of Assets. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall sell, transfer, lease, part with possession or otherwise dispose of any assets, whether by way of sale, lease, assignment, sale-leaseback or otherwise other than (A) obsolete assets, equipment and material, (B) in the ordinary course of business, (C) assets up to an aggregate amount not to exceed One Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$100,000); (exclusive of the shares referred to in the next clause) or (D) common shares of Acadian Mining Corporation owned on the date hereof.

                                             (vi)      Transactions with Affiliates. Transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of any assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (A) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favourable to the Company than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (B) transactions between or among the Company and the Parent not involving any other Affiliate, (C) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 5(b)(ix), and (D) as otherwise expressly permitted pursuant to this Agreement and the Security Documents. Except as otherwise expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the other Security Documents, the Company will not enter into any transaction or series of transactions with Affiliates which involve an outflow of money or other property from the Company to an Affiliate, including repayment of Debt, or payment of management fees, affiliation fees, administration fees, compensation, salaries, asset purchase payments or any other type of fees or payments similar in nature, other than on terms and conditions substantially as favourable to the Company as would be obtainable by the Company in a reasonably comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to: (A) the payment of reasonable and customary fees to directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company, (B) any other transaction with any employee, officer or director of the Company pursuant to employee profit sharing and/or benefit plans and compensation and non-competition arrangements in amounts customary for corporations similarly situated to the Company and entered into in the ordinary course of business and approved by the board of directors of the Company, or (C) any reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by an Affiliate of the Company on behalf of or for the account of the Company.


                                             (vii)     Restrictive Agreements. Other than under the terms of Senior Construction Financing, directly or indirectly enter into, incur or permit to exist, any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (A) the ability of the Company to create, incur or permit to exist any Encumbrance upon any of its assets, (B) the ability of the Company to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any Equity Securities or with respect to, or measured by, its profits or to make or repay loans or advances to the Parent or to provide a guarantee of any Debt of the Parent, (C) the ability of the Company to make any loan or advance to the Parent, or (D) the ability of the Company to sell, lease or transfer any of its property or assets; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions; (1) imposed by Applicable Law; (2) existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 4.2(y) to the Purchase Agreement (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition); (3) imposed by any agreement relating to Permitted Debt permitted by this Debenture if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Debt; and (4) customarily provided for in leases and other ordinary course contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

                                             (viii)    Share Capital. Issue any Equity Securities, except to the Parent.

                                             (ix)      Restricted Payments. Declare, make or pay or agree to declare, make or pay, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except (A) Restricted Payments by the Company to the Parent, (B) regularly scheduled payments in respect of Permitted Debt hereunder, and (C) Restricted Payments by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with Benefit Plans for the directors or officers of the Company, provided that the aggregate amount of cash payments made by the Company and the Parent in any Financial Year pursuant to all such Benefit Plans shall not exceed reasonable commercial amounts paid in the normal course of business and approved by the board of directors of the Company.

                                             (x)        Investments. Purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any amalgamation with any Person that was not a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company prior to such amalgamation), any Equity Securities, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person, except:


                                                                 (A)      inter-company loans or advances between the Company and the Parent;

                                                                 (B)      Permitted Debt; and

                                                                 (C)      Permitted Investments.

                                             (xi)       Acquisitions. Make any Acquisition, other than a Permitted Acquisition, provided in the case of a Permitted Acquisition no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a result of such Permitted Acquisition.

                                             (xii)      Subsidiaries. Create or acquire any Subsidiary unless the Company and the Subsidiary shall have complied with Section 5(a)(xiv).

                                             (xiii)     Sale-Leasebacks. Enter into sale-leaseback transactions.

                                             (xiv)    Capital Expenditures. Make or commit to make any Capital Expenditures during the period from the Closing Date to the Maturity Date other than as provided for in the NorthMet Project Budget.

                                             (xv)     Change of Name; Business Outside Certain Jurisdictions. (A) Change its name, registered office, chief executive office or jurisdiction of incorporation, or (B) have any place of business or keep or store any material tangible property outside of those jurisdictions (or registration districts within such jurisdictions) set forth in Schedule 5.1(m) to the Purchase Agreement, (1) except upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Holder; and (2) unless the Company has done or caused to be done all such acts and things and executed and delivered or caused to be executed and delivered all such deeds, transfers, assignments and instruments as the Holder may reasonably require for perfecting or maintaining the perfection of the Encumbrances of the Security and the priority thereof in the Collateral in favour of the Holder.

                                             (xvi)     Financial Year. Change its Financial Year.

                                             (xvii)   Amendments. Allow (A) any amendments to its constating documents or by-laws; or (B) any amendments to, or grant any waivers in respect of any Material Agreement or any guarantee or security in respect thereof.

                                             (xviii)   Change of Auditors. Change its auditors other than to a nationally recognized accounting firm approved by the Holder acting reasonably.

                                             (xix)    Speculative Transactions. Engage in any interest rate, currency rate, commodity hedge or similar agreement, understanding or obligation, except in the normal course of business and not for speculative purposes.

                         (c)      Indemnification. The Company will pay, and will indemnify and same harmless the Holder against, all costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred with respect to the exercising of any of the rights, remedies and powers of the Holder under this Debenture, or the taking of any other proceedings taken for the purpose of enforcing the remedies provided for under law by reason of non-payment of the obligations hereunder.


          Section 6.      Defaults and Remedies.

                         (a)      Events of Default. An “Event of Default” is: (i) a default in payment of any principal amount due hereunder; (ii) a default in payment of any interest or other amount due hereunder which default continues for more than five (5) Business Days after the due date thereof; (iii) a default in the timely issuance of Underlying Shares upon and in accordance with the terms of the Warrants, which default continues for five (5) Business Days after the Parent has received written notice informing the Parent that it has failed to issue shares or deliver share certificates within the fifth day following the exercise date; (iv) failure by the Company or the Parent for fifteen (15) days after written notice has been received by the Company or the Parent, as applicable, to comply with any material provision of any of the Agreements (including the failure of the Company to make a Change in Control Offer in accordance with Section 3(a)), the Standby Purchase Agreement or the Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement; (v) a material breach by the Company or the Parent of its covenants, representations or warranties in any of the Agreements, the Escrow Agreement, the Standby Purchase Agreement or the Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement; (vi) any default after any cure period under, or acceleration prior to maturity of, any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or the Parent for in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000) or for money borrowed the repayment of which is guaranteed by the Company or the Parent for in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000), whether such indebtedness or guarantee now exists or shall be created hereafter; (vii) if the Company or the Parent is subject to any Bankruptcy Event; (viii) if a judgment or order is obtained against the Company or the Parent which has or would have a Material Adverse Effect, and, if such judgment or order is for the payment of money, the judgment or order has not been dismissed, stayed or satisfied within twenty (20) days of the date that such judgment or order is issued; (ix) if any material permit or license or Material Agreement of the Company or the Parent expires or is withdrawn, cancelled, terminated, or modified (and such expiry, withdrawal, cancellation, termination or modification would have a Material Adverse Effect) and is not reinstated or replaced within thirty (30) days thereafter without material impairment of the property or business of the Company or the Parent; (x) a final judgment, writ of execution, garnishment or attachment or similar process is issued or levied against any property of the Company or the Parent having a fair market value in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000) and such judgment, writ, execution, garnishment, attachment or similar process is not released, bonded, satisfied, discharged, vacated or stayed within forty-five (45) days after its entry, commencement or levy; (x) solely with respect to Principal Amounts held by Glencore AG, a material breach by the Parent of its covenants, representations or warranties in the Marketing Agreement, Copper Offtake Agreement or Nickel Offtake Agreement; or (xi) the termination of the Standby Purchase Agreement prior to the completion of the Rights Offering.

                         (b)      Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Debenture, the Holder may declare all of the then outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture and all other debentures held by the Holder, to be due and payable immediately, and the Holder may commence such legal action or proceedings as it, in its sole discretion, deems necessary, all without any additional notice, presentation, demand, protest, notice of dishonor, entering into of possession of any of the assets of the Company or any other action or notice, all of which the Company hereby expressly waives, except that in the case of an Event of Default arising from events described in clauses (vi) through (x) of Section 6(a), inclusive, this Debenture shall become due and payable without further action or notice. In the event of such acceleration, the amount due and owing to the Holder shall be 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount of the Debenture held by the Holder. In either case the Company shall pay interest on such amount in cash at the Default Rate (as defined below) to the Holder if such amount is not paid within seven (7) days of Holder’s request. The remedies under this Debenture shall be cumulative.


                         (c)      Notice of Default. The Company covenants to provide written notice to the Holder within two (2) Business Days upon the occurrence of any Event of Default.

                         (d)      Default Interest. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, this Debenture shall bear interest on the due and unpaid outstanding Principal Amount from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6(a) at the rate (the “Default Rate”) equal to the lower of 18% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.

          Section 7.        General.

                         (a)      Technical Services Committee. The Holder of a majority of the Principal Amount outstanding under this Debenture shall be entitled to select and appoint one (1) member (the “Appointee”) to the Technical Services Committee of the Company and shall be entitled to select and appoint any successor to or replacement of such Appointee, subject, in each case, to the Company’s consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                         (b)      Payment of Expenses. The Company agrees to pay all reasonable charges and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, which may be incurred by the Holder in successfully enforcing this Debenture and/or collecting any amount due under this Debenture.

                         (c)      Interest Act (Canada) Disclosure. For the purposes of disclosure pursuant to the Interest Act (Canada), the yearly rate of interest to which the rate of interest applicable to any interest period, computed as provided under Section 2 above, is equivalent is the rate of interest for such interest period multiplied by a fraction of which (i) the numerator is the actual number of days in the 12-month period commencing on the date of the commencement of such interest period and ending on the day immediately preceding the anniversary of such date of commencement, and (ii) the denominator is three hundred sixty-five (365).

                         (d)      Savings Clause. In case any provision of this Debenture is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessive in scope or otherwise invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be adjusted rather than voided, if possible, so that it is enforceable to the maximum extent possible, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Debenture will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. In no event shall the amount of interest paid hereunder exceed the maximum rate of interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof allowable by applicable law. If any sum is collected in excess of the applicable maximum rate, the excess collected shall be applied to reduce the principal debt. If the interest actually collected hereunder is still in excess of the applicable maximum rate, the interest rate shall be reduced so as not to exceed the maximum allowable under law.


                         (e)      Amendment. Neither this Debenture nor any term hereof may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written instrument signed by the Company and the Holder.

                         (f)      Assignment, Etc. The Holder may assign or transfer this Debenture at any time and from time to time in whole or in part to any transferee, without the consent of the Company, provided that any partial assignment of this Debenture shall be for a minimum principal amount of not less than Five Million U.S. Dollars (US$5,000,000). The Holder shall notify the Company of any such assignment or transfer promptly. This Debenture shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and shall inure to the benefit of the Holder and its successors and assigns.

                         (g)      No Waiver. Neither the extension of time for making any payment which is due and payable under this Debenture at any time or times, nor the failure on the part of the Holder to exercise, and no delay in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Holder of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or future exercise of any other right, remedy or power. Each and every right, remedy or power hereby granted to the Holder or allowed it by law or other agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other, and may be exercised by the Holder from time to time.

                         (h)      Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

                                             (i)      Governing Law. THIS DEBENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY CONFLICTS OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF THAT WOULD DEFER TO THE SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

                                             (ii)     Jurisdiction. The Company irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any State or Federal Court sitting in the State of New York, County of New York, over any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Debenture. The Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action, or proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that suit, action, or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

                         The Company agrees that the service of process upon it mailed by certified or registered mail (and service so made shall be deemed complete three (3) days after the same has been posted as aforesaid) or by personal service shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon it in any such suit or proceeding. Nothing herein shall affect Holder’s right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. The Company agrees that a final non-appealable judgment in any such suit or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on such judgment or in any other lawful manner.

                                             (iii)    NO JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY HERETO KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION BASED ON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS DEBENTURE.

                         (i)      Replacement Debenture. This Debenture may be exchanged by Holder at any time and from time to time for a Debenture or debentures with different denominations representing an equal aggregate outstanding Principal Amount, as reasonably requested by Holder, upon surrendering the same. No service charge will be made for such registration or exchange. In the event that Holder notifies the Company that this Debenture has been lost, stolen or destroyed, a replacement Debenture identical in all respects to the original Debenture (except for registration number and Principal Amount, if different than that shown on the original Debenture), shall be issued to the Holder, provided that the Holder executes and delivers to the Company an agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with the Debenture.


                         (f)      Judgment Currency. If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due to the Holder in any currency (the “Original Currency”) into another currency (the “Other Currency”), the parties agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Holder could purchase the Original Currency with the Other Currency on the Business Day preceding the day on which final judgment is given or, if permitted by Applicable Law, on the day on which the judgment is paid or satisfied. The obligations of the Company in respect of any sum due in the Original Currency from it to the Holder under any of the Security Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in any Other Currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Holder of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Other Currency, the Holder may, in accordance with normal banking procedures, purchase the Original Currency with such Other Currency. If the amount of the Original Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Lender in the Original Currency, the Company agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding the judgment, to indemnify the Holder, against any loss, and, if the amount of the Original Currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due to the Holder in the Original Currency, the Holder shall remit such excess to the Company.

                         (k)      Further Assurances. Each party shall from time to time promptly execute and deliver all further documents and take all further action necessary to give effect to the provisions and intent of this Debenture.

[Signature Page Follows]


                         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Debenture to be duly executed on the day and in the year first above written.

POLY MET MINING, INC.

 

  By: _______________________________________________
  Name:
  Title:

Attest:

 

Sign: _____________________________________________
Print Name:

23


EXHIBIT A

DEBENTURE ADJUSTMENT SCHEDULE

Debenture Adjustment Schedule for the Debenture issued by POLY MET MINING, INC. to GLENCORE AG on or about [April 15], 2015 in the original principal amount of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000] ), to be completed and exchanged by fax or email following each principal repayment of such Debenture.





Date
Decreases
Principal
amount
repaid

Remaining
principal
balance of
Debenture


Initialed by
Company
CEO/CFO

Initialed by
authorized
representative
of Holder
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

A-1


EXHIBIT B

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

      [Date]

TO: • (the "Holder")

                         The undersigned (the "Corporation") refers to the Floating Rate Secured Debenture issued on [April 15], 2015 (the "Debenture", the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined). This Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) of the Debenture for the Financial Quarter/Year ending on [•] (the "Period").

We, __________________________ and _________________________, the respective Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, in such capacity and not personally, hereby certify that:

1.

We are the duly appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and as such we are providing this certificate for and on behalf of the Corporation pursuant to the Debenture.

   
2.

We are familiar with and have examined the provisions of the Debenture.

   
3.

The financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to [Section 5(a)(i)(B) or Section 5(a)(i)(C)] of the Debenture present fairly the financial position, results of operations and changes in financial position of the persons specified therein for the Period and as at the last day of such Period, as the case may be, in accordance with IFRS.

   
4.

The representations and warranties contained in Section 5.1 of the Purchase Agreement are true and correct as though made on the date hereof, except for and any such representation and warranty which is stated to be made as of a certain date.

   
5.

As of the date hereof, the Corporation is not in breach of any of the covenants contained in Section 5 of the Debenture, and no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as at the date hereof.

Dated this ___________day of _____________________________.

   
  (Name – please print)
  Chief Executive Officer
   
   
  (Name – please print)
  Chief Financial Officer

B-1


-18-

Exhibit C

Tranche H Debenture


THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY THIS SECURITY.

THIS DEBENTURE DOES NOT REQUIRE PHYSICAL SURRENDER OF THE DEBENTURE IN THE EVENT OF A PARTIAL REDEMPTION. AS A RESULT, FOLLOWING ANY REDEMPTION OF ANY PORTION OF THIS DEBENTURE, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT REPRESENTED BY THIS DEBENTURE MAY BE LESS THAN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AND ACCRUED INTEREST SET FORTH BELOW.

UNLESS PERMITTED UNDER CANADIAN SECURITIES LEGISLATION, THE HOLDER OF THIS DEBENTURE MUST NOT TRADE THIS SECURITY BEFORE [_____], 2015.

FLOATING RATE SECURED DEBENTURE, DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 31, 2016
OF
POLY MET MINING, INC.

Debenture No.: D-8 Original Principal Amount: US$8,000,000
Issuance Date: [July 1], 2015 New York, New York

          THIS DEBENTURE is a duly authorized issue of POLY MET MINING, INC., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Minnesota (the “Company”), designated as the Company’s Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due on the day which is the earlier of (i) the availability of at least One Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$100,000,0000) of the Senior Construction Finance (as defined below), or (ii) March 31, 2016 (the “Maturity Date”) in an aggregate original principal amount of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000]) (the “Debenture”).

          FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Company hereby promises to pay to the order of GLENCORE AG or its registered assigns or successors-in-interest (the “Holder”) the principal sum of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000), together with all accrued but unpaid interest thereon on the Maturity Date, to the extent such principal amount and interest has not been repaid in accordance with the terms hereof. Interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof shall accrue from the date of original issuance hereof (the “Issuance Date”) at the Floating Rate (as defined below) until the principal balance becomes due and payable on the Maturity Date, or such earlier date upon acceleration or by redemption or repayment (“Early Repayment Date”) in accordance with the terms hereof or of the other Agreements. The Floating Rate shall be determined on each Floating Rate Reset Date, and such Floating Rate shall apply until the next Floating Rate Reset Date. Interest on this Debenture shall accrue daily commencing on the Issuance Date and shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year, 30-day months and actual days elapsed and shall be payable in accordance with Section 2 hereof. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to any unpaid collection costs, then to unpaid interest and fees and then any remaining amount to principal.

          All payments of principal and interest on this Debenture shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account as the Holder may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Debenture. This Debenture may not be prepaid or redeemed in whole or in part except as described in Section 3 or as otherwise provided herein. Whenever any amount expressed to be due by the terms of this Debenture is due on any day (other than the Maturity Date) which is not a Business Day (as defined below), the same shall instead be due on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day. If the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment of principal and interest will be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the Maturity Date.


          Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 2008, as amended, among the Company, the Holder and PolyMet Mining Corp. (the “Parent”), pursuant to which the Debenture was originally issued (the “Purchase Agreement”). For purposes hereof the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:

          “Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated after the date hereof, by which the Company directly or indirectly, by means of a take-over bid, tender offer, amalgamation, merger, purchase of assets or otherwise (a) acquires any business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person engaged in any business, (b) acquires control of securities of a Person engaged in a business representing more than 50% of the ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing position if the business affairs of such Person are managed by a board of directors or other governing body, or (c) acquires control of more than 50% of the ownership interest in any Person engaged in any business that is not managed by a board of directors or other governing body.

          “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified Person.

          “Appointee” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(a).

          “Bankruptcy Event” means any of the following events: (a) the Company or the Parent commences a case or other proceeding or proposal under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, winding-up, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction (including the Bankruptcy Act (Canada) or the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada)) relating to the Company or the Parent; (b) there is commenced against the Company or the Parent any such case or proceeding or proposal that is not dismissed within thirty (30) days after commencement; (c) the Company or the Parent is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (d) the Company or the Parent suffers any appointment of any trustee, receiver, receiver and manager, interim receiver, custodian or the like for it or any substantial part of its property that is not discharged or stayed within thirty (30) days; (e) the Company or the Parent makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (f) the Company or the Parent fails to pay, or states that it is unable to pay or is unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (g) the Company or the Parent calls a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; or (h) the Company or the Parent, by any act or failure to act, expressly indicates its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing or takes any corporate or other action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.


          “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in the City of New York, New York, Toronto, Ontario or Zug, Switzerland are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed.

          “Canadian Securities Laws” means all applicable securities laws in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the respective regulations made thereunder, together with applicable published fee schedules, prescribed forms, rules, multilateral or national instruments, orders, rulings and other regulatory instruments issued or adopted by the Securities Commissions.

          “Capital Assets” means, with respect to any Person, any tangible fixed or capital assets owned or leased (in the case of a Capital Lease) by such Person.

          “Capital Expenditures” means, in respect of any Person and any period, all expenditures made by such Person during such period for the purchase, lease or acquisition of Capital Assets (including all amounts paid or accrued during such period on Capital Leases) and other Debt incurred or assumed to acquire or construct Capital Assets (other than current Capital Assets) required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.

           “Capitalized Lease Obligation” of any Person means any obligation of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a Capital Lease.

          “Capital Leases” means any and all lease obligations of a lessee that are capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.

          “Change in Control Offer” has the meaning given to it in Section 3(a).

          “Change in Control Transaction” will, and will be deemed to, exist if (a) there occurs any consolidation, merger, plan of arrangement or other business combination of the Company or the Parent with or into any other corporation or other entity or person (whether or not the Company or the Parent is the surviving corporation) or any other corporate reorganization or transaction or series of related transactions in which in any of such events the voting shareholders of the Company or the Parent prior to such event cease to own 50% or more of the voting power, or corresponding voting equity interests, of the surviving corporation after such event (including any “going private” transaction under Rule 13e-3 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, tender offer by the Company or the Parent under Rule 13e-4 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act for 20% or more of the Company’s common shares or the Parent’s Common Shares, or take-over bid by the Company or the Parent under Canadian Securities Laws for 20% or more of the Company’s common shares or the Parent’s Common Shares), (b) any person (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), together with its affiliates and associates (as such terms are defined in Rule 405 under the Act), beneficially owns or is deemed to beneficially own (as described in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act without regard to the 60-day exercise period) in excess of 35% of the Company’s or the Parent’s voting power other than such persons who beneficially owned or are deemed to beneficially own such voting power as of the date hereof, (c) there is a replacement within a consecutive period of 24 months of more than one-half of the members of the Company’s or the Parent’s Board of Directors which is not approved by those individuals who are members of the Company’s or the Parent’s Board of Directors on the date thereof who were either directors at the beginning of such period or where election or nomination was previously approved, (d) in one or a series of related transactions, there is a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the Parent, determined on a consolidated basis, or (e) the Company or the Parent enters into any agreement providing for an event, circumstance or occurrence set forth in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above.


          “Claim” means, with respect to any Person, any actual or prospective action, suit, order, charge, penalty, claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever against or otherwise involving such Person or the property or assets of such Person.

          “Common Shares” means the Parent’s common shares, without par value.

          “Company” means Poly Met Mining, Inc., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Minnesota.

          “Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of the Company signed on its behalf by its chief executive officer and chief financial officer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

          "Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement" means the confirmation of secured obligations agreement dated [July 1], 2015 between the Company, the Parent and the Holder.

          “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have corresponding meanings.

          “Debenture” means this Debenture, designated as the Company’s Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due on the day which is the earlier of (i) the availability of at least One Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$100,000,000 of the Senior Construction Financing, or (ii) March 31, 2016, in an aggregate original principal amount of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000).

          “Debenture Adjustment Schedule” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(c).

          “Debt” of any Person means, at any time, (without duplication): (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money including borrowings of commodities, bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit or letters of guarantee; (b) all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services represented by a note or other evidence of indebtedness (other than trade payables and other current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business); (c) all obligations of such Person created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property); (d) all indebtedness of another Person secured by an Encumbrance on any properties or assets of such Person (other than Encumbrances being contested in good faith on a timely basis by appropriate proceedings); (e) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (f) the aggregate amount at which any shares in the capital of such Person which are redeemable or retractable at the option of the holder may be retracted or redeemed for cash or debt provided all conditions precedent for such retraction or redemption have been satisfied; (g) all other obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid by such Person; (h) the net amount of all obligations of such Person (determined on a marked-to-market basis) under swap agreements; and (i) all debt guaranteed by such Person.


          “Disposition Gross-Up Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(ii).

          “Disposition Taxes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(ii).

          “Early Repayment Date” means any Business Day prior to the Maturity Date that PolyMet elects to repay the outstanding principal and unpaid and accrued interest on the Debentures provided that PolyMet can demonstrate that such early repayment is prudent and PolyMet has given ten (10) business days notice to Glencore of its intent to repay the Debentures.

          “Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights in, or other equivalents (however designated and whether voting and non-voting) of, such Person’s capital, whether outstanding on the date hereof or issued after the date hereof, including any interest in a partnership, limited partnership or other similar Person and any beneficial interest in a trust, and any and all rights, warrants, options or other rights exchangeable for or convertible into any of the foregoing.

          “Event of Default” has the meaning given to it in Section 6(a).

          “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          “Failure to Agree” has the meaning provided for in Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement.

          “Financial Quarter” means, in respect of the Company, a period of three consecutive months in each Financial Year ending on April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31, as the case may be, of such year.

          “Financial Year” means, in respect of the Company, its financial year commencing on February 1 of each calendar year and ending on January 31 of each following calendar year.

          “Floating Rate” means LIBOR plus 8.0% per annum; provided, however, that the Floating Rate for the period from the Issuance Date to the first Floating Rate Reset Date will be _____%; and provided further, that the Floating Rate shall be reset on each Floating Rate Reset Date..

          “Floating Rate Reset Date” means March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, commencing on March 31, 2015, provided that if any such day is not a Business Day, then such Floating Rate Reset Date means the immediately preceding day which is a Business Day.

          “Gross-Up Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b).

          “Holder” means Glencore AG or its registered assigns or successors-in-interest.

          “IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards.

          “Impermissible Qualification” means, relative to (a) the financial statements or notes thereto of any Person, or (b) the opinion or report of any independent auditors as to any financial statement or notes thereto, any qualification or exception to such financial statements, notes, opinion or report, as the case may be, which (i) is of a “going concern” or similar nature; or (ii) relates to any limited scope of examination of material matters relevant to such financial statement, if such limitation results from the refusal or failure of the Company to grant access to necessary information therefor.


          “Interest Amount” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(a).

          “Issuance Date” means [July 1,] 2015, the date of original issuance of this Debenture.

          “ITA” means the Income Tax Act (Canada).

           “LIBOR means the 12 month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollars published in the print edition of The Wall Street Journal to be set as at the second Business Day prior to the Issuance Date, provided that, if such 12 month LIBOR rate is not so published on such date, LIBOR means the 12 month LIBOR rate most recently published in the print edition of The Wall Street Journal prior to the day which is the second Business Day prior to the Issuance Date.

          “Maturity Date” has the meaning given to it on the cover page.

          “Original Currency” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(j).

        “Other Currency” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(j).

          “Parent” means PolyMet Mining Corp., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of British Columbia.

          “Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(i).

          “Payment Tax” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(i).

          “Permitted Acquisitions” means any Acquisition by the Company consented prior thereto in writing by the Holder.

          “Permitted Debt” means,

  (i)

Debt hereunder or under any Security Document;

     
  (ii)

Debt existing on the date hereof and set forth in Note 5 to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Parent for the interim period ended April 30, 2015;

     
  (iii)

trade accounts due and payable within sixty (60) days and considered unsecured obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business (but excluding Debt for borrowed money); and

     
  (iv)

any Senior Construction Financing.

          “Permitted Encumbrances” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.51 of the Purchase Agreement.

          “Principal Amount” means the sum of (a) the unpaid principal amount of this Debenture, (b) all accrued but unpaid interest hereunder, and (c) any default payments owing under the Agreements but not previously paid or added to the Principal Amount.


          “Purchase Agreement” means the purchase agreement dated October 31, 2008, as amended, among the Company, the Holder and the Parent, pursuant to which the Debenture was originally issued.

          “Restricted Payment” means, with respect to any Person, any payment by such Person (a) of any dividends or other distribution on any of its Equity Securities, (b) on account of, or for the purpose of setting apart any property for a sinking or other analogous fund for, the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of any of its Equity Securities or any warrants, options or rights to acquire any such shares, or the making by such Person of any other distribution in respect of any of its Equity Securities, (c) of any principal of or interest or premium on or of any amount in respect of a sinking or analogous fund or defeasance fund for any Debt of such Person ranking in right of payment subordinate to any liability of such Person under the Security Documents, (d) of any principal of or interest or premium on or of any amount in respect of a sinking or analogous fund or defeasance fund for any indebtedness of such Person to a shareholder of such Person or to an Affiliate of a shareholder of such Person, or (e) of any management, consulting or similar fee or any bonus payment or comparable payment, or by way of gift or other gratuity, to any Affiliate of such Person or to any director or officer thereof other than as compensation for services rendered to the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course.

          “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

          “Securities Commissions” means, collectively, the securities commissions or other securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.

          “Senior Construction Financing” means Debt or Equity in respect of construction financing for the NorthMet Project which is in aggregate in an amount equal to or greater than Five Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$500,000,000) such that the construction of the NorthMet Project may reasonably be expected to be completed.

          “Subsidiary” means any non-natural Person of which the Company owns or controls, directly or indirectly, not less than 50% of the total combined voting power represented by all classes of Equity Securities issued by such Person.

          The following terms and conditions shall apply to this Debenture:

          Section 1.        Interpretation.

          In this Debenture:

  (a)

a word importing the masculine, feminine or neuter gender also includes members of the other genders;

     
  (b)

a word defined in or importing the singular number has the same meaning when used in the plural number, and vice versa;

     
  (c)

a word importing persons shall include partnerships and corporations;

     
  (d)

the headings to each section are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not form part of this Debenture;




  (e)

all dollar amounts shall be in dollars of the United States of America unless otherwise specified; and

     
  (f)

“including” means “including without limitation”.

          Section 2.        Payments of Principal and Interest.

                         (a)      Interest Only Payments. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of this Section 2, on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the Early Repayment Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder all interest accrued and unpaid at that time on the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture (the “Interest Amount”) together with repayment of the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture in cash.

                         (b)      Certain Additional Payments by the Company.

                                             (i)       Payments Under Debenture. Any payment or distribution by the Company to the Holder hereunder, whether for principal, interest or otherwise, shall not be subject to any deduction, withholding or offset for any reason whatsoever except to the extent required by law, and the Company represents that to its best knowledge no deduction, withholding or offset is so required for any tax or any other reason. Notwithstanding any term or provision of this Debenture to the contrary, if it shall be determined that any payment (other than a payment dealt with under Section 2(b)(iii)) by the Company to or for the benefit of the Holder pursuant to the terms of this Debenture, whether for principal, interest or otherwise and whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable, actual or deemed (a “Payment”) would be or is subject to any deduction, withholding or offset due to any duty or tax (such duty or tax, together with any interest and/or penalties related thereto, hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Payment Tax”), then the Company shall, in addition to all sums otherwise payable hereunder, pay to the Holder an additional payment in cash (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after all such Payment Taxes (whether by deduction, withholding, offset or payment), including any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes or any Payment Taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) imposed upon any Gross-Up Payment, Holder actually receives an amount of Gross-Up Payment equal to the Payment Tax imposed upon the Payment (i.e., the Holder receives a net amount equal to the Payment). The Company shall timely remit such Payment Tax to the applicable governmental authority and shall provide evidence of such payment to Holder within ten (10) days of making such payment.

                                             (ii)      Assignment of Debenture. Upon an assignment of this Debenture in whole or in part, the Company shall, in addition to all sums otherwise payable hereunder, pay to the Holder an additional payment in cash (a “Disposition Gross-Up Payment”) which shall be sufficient to cover any taxes (including any interest or penalties) under the ITA (“Disposition Taxes”) in respect of such assignment and in respect of amounts payable under this Section 2(b)(ii). The Company shall timely remit any such Disposition Taxes to the Receiver General of Canada on account of Holder and shall provide evidence of such payment to Holder within ten (10) days of making such payment.

                                             (iii)     Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Holder, within fifteen (15) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes paid by Holder (including any taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2(b)(iii)) and any expenses or losses arising therefrom or with respect thereto whether or not such Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority.


                                             (iv)      If the Holder receives a refund of any Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes (collectively “Taxes”) as to which it has been indemnified by the Company pursuant to Section 2(b)(iii) or with respect to which the Company has paid additional amounts pursuant to Section 2(b)(ii), by reason that any such Taxes were incorrectly or illegally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority, the Holder shall pay to the Company an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Company under Section 2(b)(ii) with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), and without interest (other than any net after-Tax interest paid to the Holder with respect to such refund) and less any costs, fees, expenses, damages, losses, taxes or other amounts incurred by the Holder in respect of such refund. This provision shall not be construed to require the Holder to make available any information relating to its taxes that it considers confidential to the Company, to arrange its affairs in any particular manner or, except as provided in the next sentence, to claim any available refund. The Holder will, at the request and expense of the Company, contest the payment, and seek a refund, of any Taxes that the Company considers to be incorrectly or illegally imposed or asserted, provided that contesting the payment, or seeking a refund, of such Taxes shall not relieve the Company from its obligations under its indemnity or to pay additional Taxes under Section 2(b)(ii).

                         (c)      Adjustments to Principal Amount. The Principal Amount owing under this Debenture shall be decreased, as of the date of redemption, upon the early redemption of all or a portion of the Principal Amount by an amount equal to such Principal Amount that has been so redeemed (an “Adjustment Event”). The Holder shall not be required to physically surrender the Debenture to the Company upon the occurrence of an Adjustment Event, unless the full outstanding Principal Amount has been redeemed. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the outstanding Principal Amount at any given time and the dates and effect of any Adjustment Events or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of the Note upon each such Adjustment Event. In addition, following each Adjustment Event, the Company shall update the Debenture Adjustment Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Debenture Adjustment Schedule”), initial such schedule and transmit it to the Holder by facsimile or other electronic transmission, who shall counter-initial such schedule and return it to the Company by facsimile or other electronic transmission.

          Section 3.        Redemption.

                         (a)      Change in Control Transactions. Upon the Company becoming aware of the occurrence of a Change of Control Transaction, the Company shall, within five Business Days, give written notice of such Change of Control Transaction to the Holder. Such notice shall contain and constitute an offer to redeem the Debenture, in whole or in part at the election of the Holder, on a redemption date specified in such offer that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than fifty (50) days after the date of such offer at a cash redemption price equal to 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount being redeemed (the “Change in Control Offer”). The offer to redeem the Debenture shall state that the offer is made pursuant to this Section 3(a) and shall specify, in reasonable detail, the nature and date of the Change of Control and provide a sample calculation of the redemption price. The Holder shall have the right to accept or decline the offer in whole or in part at the Holder’s option by providing written notice to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of the Change in Control Offer indicating the amount, if any, of the outstanding Principal Amount to be redeemed.

                          (b)      Redemption on Failure to Agree. Within ten (10) Business Days of any Failure to Agree under Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement, the Company shall fully redeem the Debenture by paying to the Holder a cash redemption price equal to 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount being redeemed.


                         (c)      Cancellation. After all of the Principal Amount has been paid in full, this Debenture shall automatically be deemed canceled and the Holder shall promptly surrender the Debenture to the Company at the Company’s principal executive offices.

                          (d)      Notices Procedures. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Holder hereunder, shall be in writing and either (i) emailed or (ii) delivered personally, by confirmed facsimile, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service to the Company at the facsimile telephone number or address of the principal place of business of the Company as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Company hereunder shall be in writing and either (x) emailed or (y) delivered personally, by facsimile, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service addressed to the Holder at the facsimile telephone number or address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company, or if no such facsimile telephone number or address appears, at the principal place of business of the Holder. Any notice or other communication or deliveries hereunder shall be deemed delivered (i) upon receipt, when emailed or delivered personally, (ii) when sent by facsimile, upon receipt if received on a Business Day prior to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), or on the first Business Day following such receipt if received on a Business Day after 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) or (iii) upon receipt, when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier service.

          Section 4.        Security.

As security for the due and punctual payment of all of its obligations to the Holder hereunder, the Company shall promptly execute and deliver, together with any relevant power of attorney, registrations, filings and other supporting documentation deemed necessary by the Purchaser or its counsel to perfect the same or otherwise in respect thereof.

          Section 5.        Covenants.

                         (a)      Affirmative Covenants. So long as any Principal Amount of the Debenture remains outstanding, the Company shall:

                                             (i)      Reporting Requirements. During the term of this Agreement, prepare (where applicable, in accordance with IFRS) and deliver to the Holder, in a form satisfactory to the Holder:

                                             (A)      as soon as practicable and in any event within fifteen (15) days of the end of each calendar month, the management prepared financial statements of the Parent as at the end of such calendar month prepared in a form satisfactory to the Purchaser and including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position, as at the end of such calendar month as at the end of and for such calendar month and the then elapsed portion of the Financial Year which includes such calendar month;

                                             (B)      as soon as practicable and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Financial Quarter of the Parent, the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Parent as at the end of such Financial Quarter prepared on a consolidated basis in accordance with IFRS including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position in each case as at the end of and for such Financial Quarter and the then elapsed portion of the Financial Year which includes such Financial Quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or in the case of the balance sheet, as at the end of) the previous Financial Year;


                                             (C)      as soon as practicable and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each Financial Year of the Parent, the annual audited consolidated financial statements of the Parent prepared in accordance with IFRS including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position for such Financial Year (which financial statements shall be audited by an internationally recognized accounting firm acceptable to the Holder), setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Financial Year; and

                                             (D)      concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements contemplated in (B) and (C) above, a Compliance Certificate in respect of such Financial Quarter or Financial Year, as applicable.

None of the financial statements or reports or opinions of auditors with respect thereto referred to above shall contain any Impermissible Qualifications.

                                             (ii)      Environmental.

                                             (A)      At all times comply in all material respects with Environmental Laws including environmental permits and approved plans with respect to closure and/or rehabilitation;

                                             (B)      not to release any hazardous substances at, on or from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company, nor to permit same, at any time in material violation of Environmental Laws;

                                             (C)      immediately notify the Holder of: (1) any release of any hazardous substances at, on or from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company in material violation of any Environmental Laws; (2) any Claim received by the Company of or relating to any material violation of any Environmental Laws or material environmental liabilities; and (3) any facts or circumstances which could reasonably be expected to give rise to a material Claim, material remedial action or material breach of or in respect of any Environmental Laws;

                                             (D)      remove promptly any hazardous substance from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company to the extent required to comply in all material respects with Environmental Laws and to the extent required to eliminate or prevent any material environmental liabilities;


                                             (E)      provide, at the expense of the Company, the Holder with an assessment and/or audit report with respect to the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties, the business or other assets of the Company, upon the written request of the Holder acting reasonably; and

                                             (F)      permit the Holder, at its sole discretion, at the expense of the Company, to conduct in a reasonable manner such investigations, assessments or audits as the Holder in its reasonable discretion deems appropriate to determine whether: (1) hazardous substances exist on any part of the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company and to determine the source, quantity and type of such hazardous substances, if any; or (2) the business, the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company or any activities conducted at such properties comply with Environmental Laws, and the Company shall cooperate with the Holder in conducting such investigations, assessments and audits. The Holder and its officers, employees, agents and contractors shall have and are hereby granted the right to enter upon and inspect the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company for the foregoing purposes; provided that the Holder shall use reasonable efforts to minimize the disruption to the operation of the business.

                                             (iii)     Additional Reporting Requirements.

                                             (A)      Deliver to the Holder as soon as possible, and in any event within five days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of each Event of Default, a statement of a senior officer setting forth the details of such Event of Default and the action which the Company proposes to take or has taken with respect thereto;

                                             (B)      from time to time upon request of the Holder, deliver to the Holder evidence of maintenance of all insurance required to be maintained by Section 5(a)(ix), including such originals or copies as the Holder may reasonably request of policies, certificates of insurance, riders and endorsements relating to such insurance and proof of premium payments;

                                             (C)      deliver to the Holder, together with the Compliance Certificate to be delivered pursuant to Section 5(a)(i)(C), written notice of any previously undisclosed (1) jurisdictions (or registration districts within such jurisdictions) in which the Company has any place of business or stores any tangible personal property or assets, (2) Subsidiaries of the Company or membership, partnership, joint venture or syndicate interests of the Company, (3) material permits or licenses which become necessary for the conduct of the business or any amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed material permit or license, (4) Benefit Plans or Pension Plans of the Company, (5) Material Agreements of the Company or any amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed Material Agreement, and (6) any Lease or acquisition of real or immovable property by the Company or amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed Lease, and


                                             (D)      deliver to the Holder such other information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the business of the Company as the Holder may from time to time reasonably request.

                                             (iv)      Existence; Conduct of Business. Do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, and obtain, preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect any and all material permits and licenses.

                                             (v)       Payment Obligations. Pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (A) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (B) or the Company has, if required, set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with IFRS, and (C) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (vi)      Maintenance of Properties. Keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except to the extent that the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (vii)     Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. Permit any representatives designated by the Holder, upon reasonable prior notice and during normal business hours, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and auditors, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested by the Holder; provided that (A) the Holder shall act reasonably in the conduct of all such visits, inspections and inquiries, (B) the Holder shall provide at least two Business Days notice of any such request for access; (C) the Holder shall use any confidential information received via access provided hereunder only for purposes related to this Debenture; and (D) the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Holder any confidential information if contrary to Applicable Laws.

                                             (viii)    Compliance with Laws and Material Agreements. Comply with all Applicable Laws and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and with all Material Agreements.

                                             (ix)      Insurance. Maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurers acceptable to the Holder, acting reasonably, insurance with respect to their respective properties and business against such liabilities, casualties, risks and contingencies and in such types (including business interruption insurance) and amounts as is customary in the case of Persons of similar size engaged in the same or similar businesses and operating in the same geographic area and in accordance with any requirement of any Governmental Authority. In the case of any fire, accident or other casualty causing loss or damage to any properties of the Company used in generating cash flow or required by Applicable Law, all proceeds of such policies shall be used promptly to repair or replace any such damaged properties, and otherwise shall be used as directed by the Holder to pay any Principal then payable under the Debenture.


                                             (x)       Operation and Maintenance of Property. Manage and operate its business or cause its business to be managed and operated (A) in accordance with prudent industry practice in all material respects and in compliance with the terms and provisions of all material permits and licenses, and (B) in compliance with all Applicable Laws of the jurisdiction in which such businesses are carried on, and all Applicable Laws of every other Governmental Authority from time to time constituted to regulate the ownership, management and operation of such businesses.

                                             (xi)      Status of Accounts and Collateral. With respect to the Collateral, report immediately to the Holder any matters adversely affecting the value, enforceability or collectability of any of the Collateral.

                                             (xii)     Accounts Receivable. Collect accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business in a commercially reasonable manner.

                                             (xiii)    Cure Defects. Promptly cure or cause to be cured any defects in the execution and delivery of any of the Security Documents or any of the other agreements, instruments or documents contemplated thereby or executed pursuant thereto or any defects in the validity or enforceability of any of the Security Documents and, at its expense, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered all such agreements, instruments and other documents as the Holder may consider necessary or desirable for the foregoing purposes.

                                             (xiv)    Additional Material Subsidiaries/Security. If, at any time on or after the date hereof, the Company proposes to create or acquire an additional Subsidiary or in some other fashion to become the holder of any Equity Securities of a new Subsidiary, the Company will notify the Holder of such event at least fifteen (15) Business Days prior to such event and:

                                                                 (A)      prior to or concurrently with the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary, the Company will, and will cause any relevant Subsidiary, to execute and deliver to the Holder a securities pledge agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder, acting reasonably, granting a security interest in 100% of the Equity Securities of such new Subsidiary; and

                                                                 (B)      prior to or concurrently with the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary, to the extent not prohibited or restricted by Applicable Law, the Company will cause such new Subsidiary to immediately execute and deliver to the Holder a guarantee and security of the nature contemplated by the Security Agreement, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder, acting reasonably, and accompanied by customary legal opinions of counsel to the Company or such Subsidiary.

In connection with the execution and delivery of any guarantee, pledge agreement, mortgage, security agreement or related document pursuant to this Section 5(a)(xiv), the Company will, or will cause the relevant Subsidiary to, deliver at its expense to the Holder such corporate or other resolutions, certificates, legal opinions and such other related documents as shall be reasonably requested by the Holder and consistent with the relevant forms and types thereof delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or as shall be otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Holder and to effect such filings and registrations with the applicable Governmental Authorities as may be requested by the Holder to preserve and perfect the Encumbrances created by such mortgages, pledges, and other relevant agreements. Each guarantee, pledge agreement, mortgage, security agreement and other document delivered pursuant to this Section 5(a)(xiv) shall be deemed to be a Security Document from and after the date of execution thereof.


                                             (xv)     Material Permits. Maintain all material permits and licenses as may be necessary to properly conduct their respective businesses, the failure of which to maintain could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (xvi)    Expropriation. Advise the Holder of its receipt of any notice of expropriation affecting any Owned Real Property where the expropriation is likely to be successful and if successful would result in expropriation proceeds exceeding Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$500,000).

                                             (xvii)    Damage or Destruction. Advise the Holder in writing of any damage to or destruction of any assets of the Company in respect of which the cost of replacement or repair, individually or in the aggregate, would exceed Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$500,000).

                                             (xviii)   Leases. Duly observe and comply with all of its obligations under any Lease to which it is a party which if not complied with would cause a material default thereunder and shall forthwith advise the Holder in writing of its receipt of any notices from the lessor alleging any material default by it under a Lease.

                                             (xix)     Payment of Taxes. Pay, or cause to be paid, when due, all Taxes, property taxes, business taxes, social security premiums, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income, sales, capital or profit or any property belonging to it unless any such Tax, social security premiums, assessment, charge or levy is contested diligently and in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in respect of which appropriate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS.

                                             (xx)      Withholding Taxes. Withhold from each payment made to any of its past or present employees, officers or directors, and to any non-resident of the country in which it is resident, the amount of all Taxes and other deductions required to be withheld therefrom and pay the same to the property Governmental Authorities within the time required under any Applicable Laws.

                                             (xxi)     Collection of Taxes. Collect from all Persons the amount of all Taxes required to be collected from them and remit the same to the Governmental Authorities within the time required under any Applicable Laws.

                                             (xxii)    Registration of Security. From time to time, register or cause to be registered, and cooperate in the registration of, the Security, and any public notices or filings in respect thereof, on a timely basis and do, observe and perform all of its obligations and all matters and things that may be necessary or reasonably required for the purposes of creating and maintaining the Encumbrances intended to result from the Security as valid, effective and perfected first priority Encumbrances (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances) at all times and shall comply with all requirements of Section 5(b)(xiv).

                                             (xxiii)    Benefit Plans.

                                                                 (A)      Cause to be filed or distributed in a timely manner all reports and disclosures relating to any Benefit Plan that are required by the plan or any Applicable Laws to be filed or distributed.


                                                                 (B)      Perform all obligations (including fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations) required to be performed in connection with each Benefit Plan and the funding media therefor; make all contributions and pay all premiums required to be made or paid in accordance with the terms of each Benefit Plan and all Applicable Laws; withhold, by way of authorized payroll deductions or otherwise collect and pay into each Benefit Plan all employee contributions required to be withheld or collected by the Company in accordance with the terms of such plan and all Applicable Laws.

                         (b)      Negative Covenants. So long as any Principal Amount of the Debenture remains outstanding, the Company shall not:

                                             (i)       Debt. Create, incur or suffer to exist, any Debt other than Permitted Debt.

                                             (ii)      Encumbrances. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Encumbrance on any of its assets, other than Permitted Encumbrances.

                                             (iii)    Fundamental Changes. Merge into or amalgamate or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or amalgamate or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets, or all or any of the Equity Securities of any Subsidiary (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate, dissolve or be wound up.

                                             (iv)     Carry on Business.

                                                                 (A)      Engage in any business which is different from the business conducted on the Closing Date and businesses reasonably related thereto.

                                                                 (B)      After the Closing Date, carry on business otherwise than through the Company.

                                             (v)       Transfer of Assets. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall sell, transfer, lease, part with possession or otherwise dispose of any assets, whether by way of sale, lease, assignment, sale-leaseback or otherwise other than (A) obsolete assets, equipment and material, (B) in the ordinary course of business, (C) assets up to an aggregate amount not to exceed One Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$100,000); (exclusive of the shares referred to in the next clause) or (D) common shares of Acadian Mining Corporation owned on the date hereof.

                                             (vi)      Transactions with Affiliates. Transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of any assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (A) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favourable to the Company than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (B) transactions between or among the Company and the Parent not involving any other Affiliate, (C) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 5(b)(ix), and (D) as otherwise expressly permitted pursuant to this Agreement and the Security Documents. Except as otherwise expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the other Security Documents, the Company will not enter into any transaction or series of transactions with Affiliates which involve an outflow of money or other property from the Company to an Affiliate, including repayment of Debt, or payment of management fees, affiliation fees, administration fees, compensation, salaries, asset purchase payments or any other type of fees or payments similar in nature, other than on terms and conditions substantially as favourable to the Company as would be obtainable by the Company in a reasonably comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to: (A) the payment of reasonable and customary fees to directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company, (B) any other transaction with any employee, officer or director of the Company pursuant to employee profit sharing and/or benefit plans and compensation and non-competition arrangements in amounts customary for corporations similarly situated to the Company and entered into in the ordinary course of business and approved by the board of directors of the Company, or (C) any reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by an Affiliate of the Company on behalf of or for the account of the Company.


                                             (vii)      Restrictive Agreements. Other than under the terms of Senior Construction Financing, directly or indirectly enter into, incur or permit to exist, any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (A) the ability of the Company to create, incur or permit to exist any Encumbrance upon any of its assets, (B) the ability of the Company to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any Equity Securities or with respect to, or measured by, its profits or to make or repay loans or advances to the Parent or to provide a guarantee of any Debt of the Parent, (C) the ability of the Company to make any loan or advance to the Parent, or (D) the ability of the Company to sell, lease or transfer any of its property or assets; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions; (1) imposed by Applicable Law; (2) existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 4.2(y) to the Purchase Agreement (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition); (3) imposed by any agreement relating to Permitted Debt permitted by this Debenture if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Debt; and (4) customarily provided for in leases and other ordinary course contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

                                             (viii)     Share Capital. Issue any Equity Securities, except to the Parent.

                                             (ix)       Restricted Payments. Declare, make or pay or agree to declare, make or pay, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except (A) Restricted Payments by the Company to the Parent, (B) regularly scheduled payments in respect of Permitted Debt hereunder, and (C) Restricted Payments by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with Benefit Plans for the directors or officers of the Company, provided that the aggregate amount of cash payments made by the Company and the Parent in any Financial Year pursuant to all such Benefit Plans shall not exceed reasonable commercial amounts paid in the normal course of business and approved by the board of directors of the Company.

                                             (x)        Investments. Purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any amalgamation with any Person that was not a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company prior to such amalgamation), any Equity Securities, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person, except:


                                                                 (A)      inter-company loans or advances between the Company and the Parent;

                                                                 (B)      Permitted Debt; and

                                                                 (C)      Permitted Investments.

                                             (xi)      Acquisitions. Make any Acquisition, other than a Permitted Acquisition, provided in the case of a Permitted Acquisition no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a result of such Permitted Acquisition.

                                             (xii)      Subsidiaries. Create or acquire any Subsidiary unless the Company and the Subsidiary shall have complied with Section 5(a)(xiv).

                                             (xiii)      Sale-Leasebacks. Enter into sale-leaseback transactions.

                                             (xiv)      Capital Expenditures. Make or commit to make any Capital Expenditures during the period from the Closing Date to the Maturity Date other than as provided for in the NorthMet Project Budget.

                                             (xv)       Change of Name; Business Outside Certain Jurisdictions. (A) Change its name, registered office, chief executive office or jurisdiction of incorporation, or (B) have any place of business or keep or store any material tangible property outside of those jurisdictions (or registration districts within such jurisdictions) set forth in Schedule 5.1(m) to the Purchase Agreement, (1) except upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Holder; and (2) unless the Company has done or caused to be done all such acts and things and executed and delivered or caused to be executed and delivered all such deeds, transfers, assignments and instruments as the Holder may reasonably require for perfecting or maintaining the perfection of the Encumbrances of the Security and the priority thereof in the Collateral in favour of the Holder.

                                             (xvi)      Financial Year. Change its Financial Year.

                                             (xvii)   Amendments. Allow (A) any amendments to its constating documents or by-laws; or (B) any amendments to, or grant any waivers in respect of any Material Agreement or any guarantee or security in respect thereof.

                                             (xviii)    Change of Auditors. Change its auditors other than to a nationally recognized accounting firm approved by the Holder acting reasonably.

                                             (xix)     Speculative Transactions. Engage in any interest rate, currency rate, commodity hedge or similar agreement, understanding or obligation, except in the normal course of business and not for speculative purposes.

                         (c)      Indemnification. The Company will pay, and will indemnify and same harmless the Holder against, all costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred with respect to the exercising of any of the rights, remedies and powers of the Holder under this Debenture, or the taking of any other proceedings taken for the purpose of enforcing the remedies provided for under law by reason of non-payment of the obligations hereunder.


          Section 6.        Defaults and Remedies.

                         (a)      Events of Default. An “Event of Default” is: (i) a default in payment of any principal amount due hereunder; (ii) a default in payment of any interest or other amount due hereunder which default continues for more than five (5) Business Days after the due date thereof; (iii) a default in the timely issuance of Underlying Shares upon and in accordance with the terms of the Warrants, which default continues for five (5) Business Days after the Parent has received written notice informing the Parent that it has failed to issue shares or deliver share certificates within the fifth day following the exercise date; (iv) failure by the Company or the Parent for fifteen (15) days after written notice has been received by the Company or the Parent, as applicable, to comply with any material provision of any of the Agreements (including the failure of the Company to make a Change in Control Offer in accordance with Section 3(a)), the Standby Purchase Agreement or the Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement; (v) a material breach by the Company or the Parent of its covenants, representations or warranties in any of the Agreements, the Escrow Agreement, the Standby Purchase Agreement or the Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement; (vi) any default after any cure period under, or acceleration prior to maturity of, any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or the Parent for in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000) or for money borrowed the repayment of which is guaranteed by the Company or the Parent for in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000), whether such indebtedness or guarantee now exists or shall be created hereafter; (vii) if the Company or the Parent is subject to any Bankruptcy Event; (viii) if a judgment or order is obtained against the Company or the Parent which has or would have a Material Adverse Effect, and, if such judgment or order is for the payment of money, the judgment or order has not been dismissed, stayed or satisfied within twenty (20) days of the date that such judgment or order is issued; (ix) if any material permit or license or Material Agreement of the Company or the Parent expires or is withdrawn, cancelled, terminated, or modified (and such expiry, withdrawal, cancellation, termination or modification would have a Material Adverse Effect) and is not reinstated or replaced within thirty (30) days thereafter without material impairment of the property or business of the Company or the Parent; (x) a final judgment, writ of execution, garnishment or attachment or similar process is issued or levied against any property of the Company or the Parent having a fair market value in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000) and such judgment, writ, execution, garnishment, attachment or similar process is not released, bonded, satisfied, discharged, vacated or stayed within forty-five (45) days after its entry, commencement or levy; (x) solely with respect to Principal Amounts held by Glencore AG, a material breach by the Parent of its covenants, representations or warranties in the Marketing Agreement, Copper Offtake Agreement or Nickel Offtake Agreement; or (xi) the termination of the Standby Purchase Agreement prior to the completion of the Rights Offering.

                         (b)      Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Debenture, the Holder may declare all of the then outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture and all other debentures held by the Holder, to be due and payable immediately, and the Holder may commence such legal action or proceedings as it, in its sole discretion, deems necessary, all without any additional notice, presentation, demand, protest, notice of dishonor, entering into of possession of any of the assets of the Company or any other action or notice, all of which the Company hereby expressly waives, except that in the case of an Event of Default arising from events described in clauses (vi) through (x) of Section 6(a), inclusive, this Debenture shall become due and payable without further action or notice. In the event of such acceleration, the amount due and owing to the Holder shall be 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount of the Debenture held by the Holder. In either case the Company shall pay interest on such amount in cash at the Default Rate (as defined below) to the Holder if such amount is not paid within seven (7) days of Holder’s request. The remedies under this Debenture shall be cumulative.


                         (c)      Notice of Default. The Company covenants to provide written notice to the Holder within two (2) Business Days upon the occurrence of any Event of Default.

                         (d)      Default Interest. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, this Debenture shall bear interest on the due and unpaid outstanding Principal Amount from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6(a) at the rate (the “Default Rate”) equal to the lower of 18% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.

          Section 7.        General.

                         (a)      Technical Services Committee. The Holder of a majority of the Principal Amount outstanding under this Debenture shall be entitled to select and appoint one (1) member (the “Appointee”) to the Technical Services Committee of the Company and shall be entitled to select and appoint any successor to or replacement of such Appointee, subject, in each case, to the Company’s consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                         (b)      Payment of Expenses. The Company agrees to pay all reasonable charges and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, which may be incurred by the Holder in successfully enforcing this Debenture and/or collecting any amount due under this Debenture.

                         (c)      Interest Act (Canada) Disclosure. For the purposes of disclosure pursuant to the Interest Act (Canada), the yearly rate of interest to which the rate of interest applicable to any interest period, computed as provided under Section 2 above, is equivalent is the rate of interest for such interest period multiplied by a fraction of which (i) the numerator is the actual number of days in the 12-month period commencing on the date of the commencement of such interest period and ending on the day immediately preceding the anniversary of such date of commencement, and (ii) the denominator is three hundred sixty-five (365).

                         (d)      Savings Clause. In case any provision of this Debenture is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessive in scope or otherwise invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be adjusted rather than voided, if possible, so that it is enforceable to the maximum extent possible, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Debenture will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. In no event shall the amount of interest paid hereunder exceed the maximum rate of interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof allowable by applicable law. If any sum is collected in excess of the applicable maximum rate, the excess collected shall be applied to reduce the principal debt. If the interest actually collected hereunder is still in excess of the applicable maximum rate, the interest rate shall be reduced so as not to exceed the maximum allowable under law.


                         (e)      Amendment. Neither this Debenture nor any term hereof may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written instrument signed by the Company and the Holder.

                         (f)      Assignment, Etc. The Holder may assign or transfer this Debenture at any time and from time to time in whole or in part to any transferee, without the consent of the Company, provided that any partial assignment of this Debenture shall be for a minimum principal amount of not less than Five Million U.S. Dollars (US$5,000,000). The Holder shall notify the Company of any such assignment or transfer promptly. This Debenture shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and shall inure to the benefit of the Holder and its successors and assigns.

                         (g)      No Waiver. Neither the extension of time for making any payment which is due and payable under this Debenture at any time or times, nor the failure on the part of the Holder to exercise, and no delay in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Holder of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or future exercise of any other right, remedy or power. Each and every right, remedy or power hereby granted to the Holder or allowed it by law or other agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other, and may be exercised by the Holder from time to time.

                         (h)      Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

                                             (i)       Governing Law. THIS DEBENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY CONFLICTS OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF THAT WOULD DEFER TO THE SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

                                             (ii)      Jurisdiction. The Company irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any State or Federal Court sitting in the State of New York, County of New York, over any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Debenture. The Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action, or proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that suit, action, or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

                         The Company agrees that the service of process upon it mailed by certified or registered mail (and service so made shall be deemed complete three (3) days after the same has been posted as aforesaid) or by personal service shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon it in any such suit or proceeding. Nothing herein shall affect Holder’s right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. The Company agrees that a final non-appealable judgment in any such suit or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on such judgment or in any other lawful manner.

                                             (iii)     NO JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY HERETO KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION BASED ON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS DEBENTURE.

                         (i)      Replacement Debenture. This Debenture may be exchanged by Holder at any time and from time to time for a Debenture or debentures with different denominations representing an equal aggregate outstanding Principal Amount, as reasonably requested by Holder, upon surrendering the same. No service charge will be made for such registration or exchange. In the event that Holder notifies the Company that this Debenture has been lost, stolen or destroyed, a replacement Debenture identical in all respects to the original Debenture (except for registration number and Principal Amount, if different than that shown on the original Debenture), shall be issued to the Holder, provided that the Holder executes and delivers to the Company an agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with the Debenture.


                         (f)      Judgment Currency. If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due to the Holder in any currency (the “Original Currency”) into another currency (the “Other Currency”), the parties agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Holder could purchase the Original Currency with the Other Currency on the Business Day preceding the day on which final judgment is given or, if permitted by Applicable Law, on the day on which the judgment is paid or satisfied. The obligations of the Company in respect of any sum due in the Original Currency from it to the Holder under any of the Security Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in any Other Currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Holder of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Other Currency, the Holder may, in accordance with normal banking procedures, purchase the Original Currency with such Other Currency. If the amount of the Original Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Lender in the Original Currency, the Company agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding the judgment, to indemnify the Holder, against any loss, and, if the amount of the Original Currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due to the Holder in the Original Currency, the Holder shall remit such excess to the Company.

                         (k)      Further Assurances. Each party shall from time to time promptly execute and deliver all further documents and take all further action necessary to give effect to the provisions and intent of this Debenture.

[Signature Page Follows]


                         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Debenture to be duly executed on the day and in the year first above written.

POLY MET MINING, INC.

 

By: ______________________________________________
Name:
Title:

Attest:

Sign: _________________________________________________
Print Name:

23


EXHIBIT A

DEBENTURE ADJUSTMENT SCHEDULE

Debenture Adjustment Schedule for the Debenture issued by POLY MET MINING, INC. to GLENCORE AG on or about [July 1,] 2015 in the original principal amount of Eight Million U.S. Dollars (US$8,000,000), to be completed and exchanged by fax or email following each principal repayment of such Debenture.





Date
Decreases
Principal
amount
repaid

Remaining
principal
balance of
Debenture


Initialed by
Company
CEO/CFO

Initialed by
authorized
representative
of Holder
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

A-1


EXHIBIT B

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

      [Date]

TO: • (the "Holder")

                         The undersigned (the "Corporation") refers to the Floating Rate Secured Debenture issued on [July 1], 2015 (the "Debenture", the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined). This Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) of the Debenture for the Financial Quarter/Year ending on [•] (the "Period").

We, __________________________ and _________________________, the respective Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, in such capacity and not personally, hereby certify that:

1.

We are the duly appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and as such we are providing this certificate for and on behalf of the Corporation pursuant to the Debenture.

   
2.

We are familiar with and have examined the provisions of the Debenture.

   
3.

The financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to [Section 5(a)(i)(B) or Section 5(a)(i)(C)] of the Debenture present fairly the financial position, results of operations and changes in financial position of the persons specified therein for the Period and as at the last day of such Period, as the case may be, in accordance with IFRS.

   
4.

The representations and warranties contained in Section 5.1 of the Purchase Agreement are true and correct as though made on the date hereof, except for and any such representation and warranty which is stated to be made as of a certain date.

   
5.

As of the date hereof, the Corporation is not in breach of any of the covenants contained in Section 5 of the Debenture, and no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as at the date hereof.

Dated this _______________day of ____________________________________.

   
  (Name – please print)
  Chief Executive Officer
   
   
  (Name – please print)
  Chief Financial Officer

B-1


-19-

Exhibit D

Tranche I Debenture


THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY THIS SECURITY.

THIS DEBENTURE DOES NOT REQUIRE PHYSICAL SURRENDER OF THE DEBENTURE IN THE EVENT OF A PARTIAL REDEMPTION. AS A RESULT, FOLLOWING ANY REDEMPTION OF ANY PORTION OF THIS DEBENTURE, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT REPRESENTED BY THIS DEBENTURE MAY BE LESS THAN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AND ACCRUED INTEREST SET FORTH BELOW.

UNLESS PERMITTED UNDER CANADIAN SECURITIES LEGISLATION, THE HOLDER OF THIS DEBENTURE MUST NOT TRADE THIS SECURITY BEFORE [_____], 2015.

FLOATING RATE SECURED DEBENTURE, DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 31, 2016
OF
POLY MET MINING, INC.

Debenture No.: D-9 Original Principal Amount: US$6,000,000
Issuance Date: [October 1], 2015 New York, New York

          THIS DEBENTURE is a duly authorized issue of POLY MET MINING, INC., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Minnesota (the “Company”), designated as the Company’s Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due on the day which is the earlier of (i) the availability of at least One Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$100,000,0000) of the Senior Construction Finance (as defined below), or (ii) March 31, 2016 (the “Maturity Date”) in an aggregate original principal amount of Six Million U.S. Dollars (US$6,000,000]) (the “Debenture”).

          FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Company hereby promises to pay to the order of GLENCORE AG or its registered assigns or successors-in-interest (the “Holder”) the principal sum of Six Million U.S. Dollars (US$6,000,000), together with all accrued but unpaid interest thereon on the Maturity Date, to the extent such principal amount and interest has not been repaid in accordance with the terms hereof. Interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof shall accrue from the date of original issuance hereof (the “Issuance Date”) at the Floating Rate (as defined below) until the principal balance becomes due and payable on the Maturity Date, or such earlier date upon acceleration or by redemption or repayment (“Early Repayment Date”) in accordance with the terms hereof or of the other Agreements. The Floating Rate shall be determined on each Floating Rate Reset Date, and such Floating Rate shall apply until the next Floating Rate Reset Date. Interest on this Debenture shall accrue daily commencing on the Issuance Date and shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year, 30-day months and actual days elapsed and shall be payable in accordance with Section 2 hereof. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to any unpaid collection costs, then to unpaid interest and fees and then any remaining amount to principal.

          All payments of principal and interest on this Debenture shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account as the Holder may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Debenture. This Debenture may not be prepaid or redeemed in whole or in part except as described in Section 3 or as otherwise provided herein. Whenever any amount expressed to be due by the terms of this Debenture is due on any day (other than the Maturity Date) which is not a Business Day (as defined below), the same shall instead be due on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day. If the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment of principal and interest will be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the Maturity Date.


          Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 2008, as amended, among the Company, the Holder and PolyMet Mining Corp. (the “Parent”), pursuant to which the Debenture was originally issued (the “Purchase Agreement”). For purposes hereof the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:

          “Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated after the date hereof, by which the Company directly or indirectly, by means of a take-over bid, tender offer, amalgamation, merger, purchase of assets or otherwise (a) acquires any business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person engaged in any business, (b) acquires control of securities of a Person engaged in a business representing more than 50% of the ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing position if the business affairs of such Person are managed by a board of directors or other governing body, or (c) acquires control of more than 50% of the ownership interest in any Person engaged in any business that is not managed by a board of directors or other governing body.

          “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified Person.

          “Appointee” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(a).

          “Bankruptcy Event” means any of the following events: (a) the Company or the Parent commences a case or other proceeding or proposal under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, winding-up, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction (including the Bankruptcy Act (Canada) or the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada)) relating to the Company or the Parent; (b) there is commenced against the Company or the Parent any such case or proceeding or proposal that is not dismissed within thirty (30) days after commencement; (c) the Company or the Parent is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (d) the Company or the Parent suffers any appointment of any trustee, receiver, receiver and manager, interim receiver, custodian or the like for it or any substantial part of its property that is not discharged or stayed within thirty (30) days; (e) the Company or the Parent makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (f) the Company or the Parent fails to pay, or states that it is unable to pay or is unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (g) the Company or the Parent calls a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; or (h) the Company or the Parent, by any act or failure to act, expressly indicates its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing or takes any corporate or other action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.


          “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in the City of New York, New York, Toronto, Ontario or Zug, Switzerland are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed.

          “Canadian Securities Laws” means all applicable securities laws in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the respective regulations made thereunder, together with applicable published fee schedules, prescribed forms, rules, multilateral or national instruments, orders, rulings and other regulatory instruments issued or adopted by the Securities Commissions.

          “Capital Assets” means, with respect to any Person, any tangible fixed or capital assets owned or leased (in the case of a Capital Lease) by such Person.

          “Capital Expenditures” means, in respect of any Person and any period, all expenditures made by such Person during such period for the purchase, lease or acquisition of Capital Assets (including all amounts paid or accrued during such period on Capital Leases) and other Debt incurred or assumed to acquire or construct Capital Assets (other than current Capital Assets) required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.

          “Capitalized Lease Obligation” of any Person means any obligation of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a Capital Lease.

          “Capital Leases” means any and all lease obligations of a lessee that are capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.

          “Change in Control Offer” has the meaning given to it in Section 3(a).

          “Change in Control Transaction” will, and will be deemed to, exist if (a) there occurs any consolidation, merger, plan of arrangement or other business combination of the Company or the Parent with or into any other corporation or other entity or person (whether or not the Company or the Parent is the surviving corporation) or any other corporate reorganization or transaction or series of related transactions in which in any of such events the voting shareholders of the Company or the Parent prior to such event cease to own 50% or more of the voting power, or corresponding voting equity interests, of the surviving corporation after such event (including any “going private” transaction under Rule 13e-3 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, tender offer by the Company or the Parent under Rule 13e-4 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act for 20% or more of the Company’s common shares or the Parent’s Common Shares, or take-over bid by the Company or the Parent under Canadian Securities Laws for 20% or more of the Company’s common shares or the Parent’s Common Shares), (b) any person (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), together with its affiliates and associates (as such terms are defined in Rule 405 under the Act), beneficially owns or is deemed to beneficially own (as described in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act without regard to the 60-day exercise period) in excess of 35% of the Company’s or the Parent’s voting power other than such persons who beneficially owned or are deemed to beneficially own such voting power as of the date hereof, (c) there is a replacement within a consecutive period of 24 months of more than one-half of the members of the Company’s or the Parent’s Board of Directors which is not approved by those individuals who are members of the Company’s or the Parent’s Board of Directors on the date thereof who were either directors at the beginning of such period or where election or nomination was previously approved, (d) in one or a series of related transactions, there is a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the Parent, determined on a consolidated basis, or (e) the Company or the Parent enters into any agreement providing for an event, circumstance or occurrence set forth in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above.


          “Claim” means, with respect to any Person, any actual or prospective action, suit, order, charge, penalty, claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever against or otherwise involving such Person or the property or assets of such Person.

          “Common Shares” means the Parent’s common shares, without par value.

          “Company” means Poly Met Mining, Inc., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Minnesota.

          “Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of the Company signed on its behalf by its chief executive officer and chief financial officer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

          "Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement" means the confirmation of secured obligations agreement dated [October 1], 2015 between the Company, the Parent and the Holder.

          “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have corresponding meanings.

          “Debenture” means this Debenture, designated as the Company’s Floating Rate Secured Debenture, due on the day which is the earlier of (i) the availability of at least One Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$100,000,000 of the Senior Construction Financing, or (ii) March 31, 2016, in an aggregate original principal amount of Six Million U.S. Dollars (US$6,000,000).

          “Debenture Adjustment Schedule” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(c).

          “Debt” of any Person means, at any time, (without duplication): (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money including borrowings of commodities, bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit or letters of guarantee; (b) all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services represented by a note or other evidence of indebtedness (other than trade payables and other current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business); (c) all obligations of such Person created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property); (d) all indebtedness of another Person secured by an Encumbrance on any properties or assets of such Person (other than Encumbrances being contested in good faith on a timely basis by appropriate proceedings); (e) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (f) the aggregate amount at which any shares in the capital of such Person which are redeemable or retractable at the option of the holder may be retracted or redeemed for cash or debt provided all conditions precedent for such retraction or redemption have been satisfied; (g) all other obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid by such Person; (h) the net amount of all obligations of such Person (determined on a marked-to-market basis) under swap agreements; and (i) all debt guaranteed by such Person.


          “Disposition Gross-Up Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(ii).

          “Disposition Taxes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(ii).

          “Early Repayment Date” means any Business Day prior to the Maturity Date that PolyMet elects to repay the outstanding principal and unpaid and accrued interest on the Debentures provided that PolyMet can demonstrate that such early repayment is prudent and PolyMet has given ten (10) business days notice to Glencore of its intent to repay the Debentures.

          “Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights in, or other equivalents (however designated and whether voting and non-voting) of, such Person’s capital, whether outstanding on the date hereof or issued after the date hereof, including any interest in a partnership, limited partnership or other similar Person and any beneficial interest in a trust, and any and all rights, warrants, options or other rights exchangeable for or convertible into any of the foregoing.

          “Event of Default” has the meaning given to it in Section 6(a).

          “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          “Failure to Agree” has the meaning provided for in Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement.

          “Financial Quarter” means, in respect of the Company, a period of three consecutive months in each Financial Year ending on April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31, as the case may be, of such year.

          “Financial Year” means, in respect of the Company, its financial year commencing on February 1 of each calendar year and ending on January 31 of each following calendar year.

          “Floating Rate” means LIBOR plus 8.0% per annum; provided, however, that the Floating Rate for the period from the Issuance Date to the first Floating Rate Reset Date will be _____%; and provided further, that the Floating Rate shall be reset on each Floating Rate Reset Date..

          “Floating Rate Reset Date” means March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, commencing on March 31, 2015, provided that if any such day is not a Business Day, then such Floating Rate Reset Date means the immediately preceding day which is a Business Day.

          “Gross-Up Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b).

          “Holder” means Glencore AG or its registered assigns or successors-in-interest.

          “IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards.

          “Impermissible Qualification” means, relative to (a) the financial statements or notes thereto of any Person, or (b) the opinion or report of any independent auditors as to any financial statement or notes thereto, any qualification or exception to such financial statements, notes, opinion or report, as the case may be, which (i) is of a “going concern” or similar nature; or (ii) relates to any limited scope of examination of material matters relevant to such financial statement, if such limitation results from the refusal or failure of the Company to grant access to necessary information therefor.


          “Interest Amount” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(a).

           “Issuance Date” means [October 1,] 2015, the date of original issuance of this Debenture.

          “ITA” means the Income Tax Act (Canada).

        “LIBOR means the 12 month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollars published in the print edition of The Wall Street Journal to be set as at the second Business Day prior to the Issuance Date, provided that, if such 12 month LIBOR rate is not so published on such date, LIBOR means the 12 month LIBOR rate most recently published in the print edition of The Wall Street Journal prior to the day which is the second Business Day prior to the Issuance Date.

          “Maturity Date” has the meaning given to it on the cover page.

          “Original Currency” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(j).

         “Other Currency” has the meaning given to it in Section 7(j).

          “Parent” means PolyMet Mining Corp., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of British Columbia.

          “Payment” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(i).

          “Payment Tax” has the meaning given to it in Section 2(b)(i).

          “Permitted Acquisitions” means any Acquisition by the Company consented prior thereto in writing by the Holder.

          “Permitted Debt” means,

  (i)

Debt hereunder or under any Security Document;

     
  (ii)

Debt existing on the date hereof and set forth in Note 5 to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Parent for the interim period ended April 30, 2015;

     
  (iii)

trade accounts due and payable within sixty (60) days and considered unsecured obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business (but excluding Debt for borrowed money); and

     
  (iv)

any Senior Construction Financing.

          “Permitted Encumbrances” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.51 of the Purchase Agreement.


          “Principal Amount” means the sum of (a) the unpaid principal amount of this Debenture, (b) all accrued but unpaid interest hereunder, and (c) any default payments owing under the Agreements but not previously paid or added to the Principal Amount.

          “Purchase Agreement” means the purchase agreement dated October 31, 2008, as amended, among the Company, the Holder and the Parent, pursuant to which the Debenture was originally issued.

          “Restricted Payment” means, with respect to any Person, any payment by such Person (a) of any dividends or other distribution on any of its Equity Securities, (b) on account of, or for the purpose of setting apart any property for a sinking or other analogous fund for, the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of any of its Equity Securities or any warrants, options or rights to acquire any such shares, or the making by such Person of any other distribution in respect of any of its Equity Securities, (c) of any principal of or interest or premium on or of any amount in respect of a sinking or analogous fund or defeasance fund for any Debt of such Person ranking in right of payment subordinate to any liability of such Person under the Security Documents, (d) of any principal of or interest or premium on or of any amount in respect of a sinking or analogous fund or defeasance fund for any indebtedness of such Person to a shareholder of such Person or to an Affiliate of a shareholder of such Person, or (e) of any management, consulting or similar fee or any bonus payment or comparable payment, or by way of gift or other gratuity, to any Affiliate of such Person or to any director or officer thereof other than as compensation for services rendered to the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course.

          “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

          “Securities Commissions” means, collectively, the securities commissions or other securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.

          “Senior Construction Financing” means Debt or Equity in respect of construction financing for the NorthMet Project which is in aggregate in an amount equal to or greater than Five Hundred Million U.S. Dollars (US$500,000,000) such that the construction of the NorthMet Project may reasonably be expected to be completed.

          “Subsidiary” means any non-natural Person of which the Company owns or controls, directly or indirectly, not less than 50% of the total combined voting power represented by all classes of Equity Securities issued by such Person.

          The following terms and conditions shall apply to this Debenture:

          Section 1.        Interpretation.

                         In this Debenture:

  (a)

a word importing the masculine, feminine or neuter gender also includes members of the other genders;

     
  (b)

a word defined in or importing the singular number has the same meaning when used in the plural number, and vice versa;

     
  (c)

a word importing persons shall include partnerships and corporations;




  (d)

the headings to each section are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not form part of this Debenture;

     
  (e)

all dollar amounts shall be in dollars of the United States of America unless otherwise specified; and

     
  (f)

“including” means “including without limitation”.

          Section 2.        Payments of Principal and Interest.

                         (a)      Interest Only Payments. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of this Section 2, on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the Early Repayment Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder all interest accrued and unpaid at that time on the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture (the “Interest Amount”) together with repayment of the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture in cash.

                         (b)      Certain Additional Payments by the Company.

                                             (i)        Payments Under Debenture. Any payment or distribution by the Company to the Holder hereunder, whether for principal, interest or otherwise, shall not be subject to any deduction, withholding or offset for any reason whatsoever except to the extent required by law, and the Company represents that to its best knowledge no deduction, withholding or offset is so required for any tax or any other reason. Notwithstanding any term or provision of this Debenture to the contrary, if it shall be determined that any payment (other than a payment dealt with under Section 2(b)(iii)) by the Company to or for the benefit of the Holder pursuant to the terms of this Debenture, whether for principal, interest or otherwise and whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable, actual or deemed (a “Payment”) would be or is subject to any deduction, withholding or offset due to any duty or tax (such duty or tax, together with any interest and/or penalties related thereto, hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Payment Tax”), then the Company shall, in addition to all sums otherwise payable hereunder, pay to the Holder an additional payment in cash (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after all such Payment Taxes (whether by deduction, withholding, offset or payment), including any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes or any Payment Taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) imposed upon any Gross-Up Payment, Holder actually receives an amount of Gross-Up Payment equal to the Payment Tax imposed upon the Payment (i.e., the Holder receives a net amount equal to the Payment). The Company shall timely remit such Payment Tax to the applicable governmental authority and shall provide evidence of such payment to Holder within ten (10) days of making such payment.

                                             (ii)      Assignment of Debenture. Upon an assignment of this Debenture in whole or in part, the Company shall, in addition to all sums otherwise payable hereunder, pay to the Holder an additional payment in cash (a “Disposition Gross-Up Payment”) which shall be sufficient to cover any taxes (including any interest or penalties) under the ITA (“Disposition Taxes”) in respect of such assignment and in respect of amounts payable under this Section 2(b)(ii). The Company shall timely remit any such Disposition Taxes to the Receiver General of Canada on account of Holder and shall provide evidence of such payment to Holder within ten (10) days of making such payment.

                                             (iii)     Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Holder, within fifteen (15) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes paid by Holder (including any taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2(b)(iii)) and any expenses or losses arising therefrom or with respect thereto whether or not such Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority.


                                             (iv)       If the Holder receives a refund of any Payment Taxes or Disposition Taxes (collectively “Taxes”) as to which it has been indemnified by the Company pursuant to Section 2(b)(iii) or with respect to which the Company has paid additional amounts pursuant to Section 2(b)(ii), by reason that any such Taxes were incorrectly or illegally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority, the Holder shall pay to the Company an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Company under Section 2(b)(ii) with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), and without interest (other than any net after-Tax interest paid to the Holder with respect to such refund) and less any costs, fees, expenses, damages, losses, taxes or other amounts incurred by the Holder in respect of such refund. This provision shall not be construed to require the Holder to make available any information relating to its taxes that it considers confidential to the Company, to arrange its affairs in any particular manner or, except as provided in the next sentence, to claim any available refund. The Holder will, at the request and expense of the Company, contest the payment, and seek a refund, of any Taxes that the Company considers to be incorrectly or illegally imposed or asserted, provided that contesting the payment, or seeking a refund, of such Taxes shall not relieve the Company from its obligations under its indemnity or to pay additional Taxes under Section 2(b)(ii).

                         (c)      Adjustments to Principal Amount. The Principal Amount owing under this Debenture shall be decreased, as of the date of redemption, upon the early redemption of all or a portion of the Principal Amount by an amount equal to such Principal Amount that has been so redeemed (an “Adjustment Event”). The Holder shall not be required to physically surrender the Debenture to the Company upon the occurrence of an Adjustment Event, unless the full outstanding Principal Amount has been redeemed. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the outstanding Principal Amount at any given time and the dates and effect of any Adjustment Events or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of the Note upon each such Adjustment Event. In addition, following each Adjustment Event, the Company shall update the Debenture Adjustment Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Debenture Adjustment Schedule”), initial such schedule and transmit it to the Holder by facsimile or other electronic transmission, who shall counter-initial such schedule and return it to the Company by facsimile or other electronic transmission.

          Section 3.        Redemption.

                         (a)      Change in Control Transactions. Upon the Company becoming aware of the occurrence of a Change of Control Transaction, the Company shall, within five Business Days, give written notice of such Change of Control Transaction to the Holder. Such notice shall contain and constitute an offer to redeem the Debenture, in whole or in part at the election of the Holder, on a redemption date specified in such offer that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than fifty (50) days after the date of such offer at a cash redemption price equal to 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount being redeemed (the “Change in Control Offer”). The offer to redeem the Debenture shall state that the offer is made pursuant to this Section 3(a) and shall specify, in reasonable detail, the nature and date of the Change of Control and provide a sample calculation of the redemption price. The Holder shall have the right to accept or decline the offer in whole or in part at the Holder’s option by providing written notice to the Company within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of the Change in Control Offer indicating the amount, if any, of the outstanding Principal Amount to be redeemed.


                         (b)      Redemption on Failure to Agree. Within ten (10) Business Days of any Failure to Agree under Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement, the Company shall fully redeem the Debenture by paying to the Holder a cash redemption price equal to 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount being redeemed.

                         (c)      Cancellation. After all of the Principal Amount has been paid in full, this Debenture shall automatically be deemed canceled and the Holder shall promptly surrender the Debenture to the Company at the Company’s principal executive offices.

                         (d)      Notices Procedures. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Holder hereunder, shall be in writing and either (i) emailed or (ii) delivered personally, by confirmed facsimile, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service to the Company at the facsimile telephone number or address of the principal place of business of the Company as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Company hereunder shall be in writing and either (x) emailed or (y) delivered personally, by facsimile, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service addressed to the Holder at the facsimile telephone number or address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company, or if no such facsimile telephone number or address appears, at the principal place of business of the Holder. Any notice or other communication or deliveries hereunder shall be deemed delivered (i) upon receipt, when emailed or delivered personally, (ii) when sent by facsimile, upon receipt if received on a Business Day prior to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), or on the first Business Day following such receipt if received on a Business Day after 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) or (iii) upon receipt, when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier service.

          Section 4.        Security.

As security for the due and punctual payment of all of its obligations to the Holder hereunder, the Company shall promptly execute and deliver, together with any relevant power of attorney, registrations, filings and other supporting documentation deemed necessary by the Purchaser or its counsel to perfect the same or otherwise in respect thereof.

          Section 5.        Covenants.

                         (a)      Affirmative Covenants. So long as any Principal Amount of the Debenture remains outstanding, the Company shall:

                                             (i)        Reporting Requirements. During the term of this Agreement, prepare (where applicable, in accordance with IFRS) and deliver to the Holder, in a form satisfactory to the Holder:

                                             (A)      as soon as practicable and in any event within fifteen (15) days of the end of each calendar month, the management prepared financial statements of the Parent as at the end of such calendar month prepared in a form satisfactory to the Purchaser and including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position, as at the end of such calendar month as at the end of and for such calendar month and the then elapsed portion of the Financial Year which includes such calendar month;


                                             (B)      as soon as practicable and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Financial Quarter of the Parent, the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Parent as at the end of such Financial Quarter prepared on a consolidated basis in accordance with IFRS including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position in each case as at the end of and for such Financial Quarter and the then elapsed portion of the Financial Year which includes such Financial Quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or in the case of the balance sheet, as at the end of) the previous Financial Year;

                                             (C)      as soon as practicable and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each Financial Year of the Parent, the annual audited consolidated financial statements of the Parent prepared in accordance with IFRS including a balance sheet, statement of income and retained earnings and a statement of changes in financial position for such Financial Year (which financial statements shall be audited by an internationally recognized accounting firm acceptable to the Holder), setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Financial Year; and

                                             (D)      concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements contemplated in (B) and (C) above, a Compliance Certificate in respect of such Financial Quarter or Financial Year, as applicable.

None of the financial statements or reports or opinions of auditors with respect thereto referred to above shall contain any Impermissible Qualifications.

                                             (ii)      Environmental.

                                             (A)     At all times comply in all material respects with Environmental Laws including environmental permits and approved plans with respect to closure and/or rehabilitation;

                                             (B)      not to release any hazardous substances at, on or from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company, nor to permit same, at any time in material violation of Environmental Laws;

                                              (C)      immediately notify the Holder of: (1) any release of any hazardous substances at, on or from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company in material violation of any Environmental Laws; (2) any Claim received by the Company of or relating to any material violation of any Environmental Laws or material environmental liabilities; and (3) any facts or circumstances which could reasonably be expected to give rise to a material Claim, material remedial action or material breach of or in respect of any Environmental Laws;


                                             (D)      remove promptly any hazardous substance from the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company to the extent required to comply in all material respects with Environmental Laws and to the extent required to eliminate or prevent any material environmental liabilities;

                                             (E)      provide, at the expense of the Company, the Holder with an assessment and/or audit report with respect to the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties, the business or other assets of the Company, upon the written request of the Holder acting reasonably; and

                                             (F)      permit the Holder, at its sole discretion, at the expense of the Company, to conduct in a reasonable manner such investigations, assessments or audits as the Holder in its reasonable discretion deems appropriate to determine whether: (1) hazardous substances exist on any part of the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company and to determine the source, quantity and type of such hazardous substances, if any; or (2) the business, the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company or any activities conducted at such properties comply with Environmental Laws, and the Company shall cooperate with the Holder in conducting such investigations, assessments and audits. The Holder and its officers, employees, agents and contractors shall have and are hereby granted the right to enter upon and inspect the Owned Real Properties, the Leased Real Properties or other assets of the Company for the foregoing purposes; provided that the Holder shall use reasonable efforts to minimize the disruption to the operation of the business.

                                             (iii)     Additional Reporting Requirements.

                                             (A)      Deliver to the Holder as soon as possible, and in any event within five days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of each Event of Default, a statement of a senior officer setting forth the details of such Event of Default and the action which the Company proposes to take or has taken with respect thereto;

                                             (B)      from time to time upon request of the Holder, deliver to the Holder evidence of maintenance of all insurance required to be maintained by Section 5(a)(ix), including such originals or copies as the Holder may reasonably request of policies, certificates of insurance, riders and endorsements relating to such insurance and proof of premium payments;

                                             (C)      deliver to the Holder, together with the Compliance Certificate to be delivered pursuant to Section 5(a)(i)(C), written notice of any previously undisclosed (1) jurisdictions (or registration districts within such jurisdictions) in which the Company has any place of business or stores any tangible personal property or assets, (2) Subsidiaries of the Company or membership, partnership, joint venture or syndicate interests of the Company, (3) material permits or licenses which become necessary for the conduct of the business or any amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed material permit or license, (4) Benefit Plans or Pension Plans of the Company, (5) Material Agreements of the Company or any amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed Material Agreement, and (6) any Lease or acquisition of real or immovable property by the Company or amendment to, termination of or material default under any previously disclosed Lease, and


                                             (D)      deliver to the Holder such other information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the business of the Company as the Holder may from time to time reasonably request.

                                             (iv)      Existence; Conduct of Business. Do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, and obtain, preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect any and all material permits and licenses.

                                             (v)       Payment Obligations. Pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (A) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (B) or the Company has, if required, set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with IFRS, and (C) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (vi)      Maintenance of Properties. Keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, except to the extent that the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (vii)     Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. Permit any representatives designated by the Holder, upon reasonable prior notice and during normal business hours, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and auditors, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested by the Holder; provided that (A) the Holder shall act reasonably in the conduct of all such visits, inspections and inquiries, (B) the Holder shall provide at least two Business Days notice of any such request for access; (C) the Holder shall use any confidential information received via access provided hereunder only for purposes related to this Debenture; and (D) the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Holder any confidential information if contrary to Applicable Laws.

                                             (viii)    Compliance with Laws and Material Agreements. Comply with all Applicable Laws and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and with all Material Agreements.

                                             (ix)       Insurance. Maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurers acceptable to the Holder, acting reasonably, insurance with respect to their respective properties and business against such liabilities, casualties, risks and contingencies and in such types (including business interruption insurance) and amounts as is customary in the case of Persons of similar size engaged in the same or similar businesses and operating in the same geographic area and in accordance with any requirement of any Governmental Authority. In the case of any fire, accident or other casualty causing loss or damage to any properties of the Company used in generating cash flow or required by Applicable Law, all proceeds of such policies shall be used promptly to repair or replace any such damaged properties, and otherwise shall be used as directed by the Holder to pay any Principal then payable under the Debenture.


                                             (x)       Operation and Maintenance of Property. Manage and operate its business or cause its business to be managed and operated (A) in accordance with prudent industry practice in all material respects and in compliance with the terms and provisions of all material permits and licenses, and (B) in compliance with all Applicable Laws of the jurisdiction in which such businesses are carried on, and all Applicable Laws of every other Governmental Authority from time to time constituted to regulate the ownership, management and operation of such businesses.

                                             (xi)      Status of Accounts and Collateral. With respect to the Collateral, report immediately to the Holder any matters adversely affecting the value, enforceability or collectability of any of the Collateral.

                                             (xii)     Accounts Receivable. Collect accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business in a commercially reasonable manner.

                                             (xiii)    Cure Defects. Promptly cure or cause to be cured any defects in the execution and delivery of any of the Security Documents or any of the other agreements, instruments or documents contemplated thereby or executed pursuant thereto or any defects in the validity or enforceability of any of the Security Documents and, at its expense, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered all such agreements, instruments and other documents as the Holder may consider necessary or desirable for the foregoing purposes.

                                             (xiv)    Additional Material Subsidiaries/Security. If, at any time on or after the date hereof, the Company proposes to create or acquire an additional Subsidiary or in some other fashion to become the holder of any Equity Securities of a new Subsidiary, the Company will notify the Holder of such event at least fifteen (15) Business Days prior to such event and:

                                                                 (A)      prior to or concurrently with the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary, the Company will, and will cause any relevant Subsidiary, to execute and deliver to the Holder a securities pledge agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder, acting reasonably, granting a security interest in 100% of the Equity Securities of such new Subsidiary; and

                                                                 (B)      prior to or concurrently with the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary, to the extent not prohibited or restricted by Applicable Law, the Company will cause such new Subsidiary to immediately execute and deliver to the Holder a guarantee and security of the nature contemplated by the Security Agreement, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder, acting reasonably, and accompanied by customary legal opinions of counsel to the Company or such Subsidiary.

In connection with the execution and delivery of any guarantee, pledge agreement, mortgage, security agreement or related document pursuant to this Section 5(a)(xiv), the Company will, or will cause the relevant Subsidiary to, deliver at its expense to the Holder such corporate or other resolutions, certificates, legal opinions and such other related documents as shall be reasonably requested by the Holder and consistent with the relevant forms and types thereof delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or as shall be otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Holder and to effect such filings and registrations with the applicable Governmental Authorities as may be requested by the Holder to preserve and perfect the Encumbrances created by such mortgages, pledges, and other relevant agreements. Each guarantee, pledge agreement, mortgage, security agreement and other document delivered pursuant to this Section 5(a)(xiv) shall be deemed to be a Security Document from and after the date of execution thereof.


                                             (xv)      Material Permits. Maintain all material permits and licenses as may be necessary to properly conduct their respective businesses, the failure of which to maintain could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                             (xvi)      Expropriation. Advise the Holder of its receipt of any notice of expropriation affecting any Owned Real Property where the expropriation is likely to be successful and if successful would result in expropriation proceeds exceeding Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$500,000).

                                             (xvii)     Damage or Destruction. Advise the Holder in writing of any damage to or destruction of any assets of the Company in respect of which the cost of replacement or repair, individually or in the aggregate, would exceed Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$500,000).

                                             (xviii)    Leases. Duly observe and comply with all of its obligations under any Lease to which it is a party which if not complied with would cause a material default thereunder and shall forthwith advise the Holder in writing of its receipt of any notices from the lessor alleging any material default by it under a Lease.

                                             (xix)     Payment of Taxes. Pay, or cause to be paid, when due, all Taxes, property taxes, business taxes, social security premiums, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income, sales, capital or profit or any property belonging to it unless any such Tax, social security premiums, assessment, charge or levy is contested diligently and in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in respect of which appropriate reserves have been maintained in accordance with IFRS.

                                             (xx)      Withholding Taxes. Withhold from each payment made to any of its past or present employees, officers or directors, and to any non-resident of the country in which it is resident, the amount of all Taxes and other deductions required to be withheld therefrom and pay the same to the property Governmental Authorities within the time required under any Applicable Laws.

                                             (xxi)     Collection of Taxes. Collect from all Persons the amount of all Taxes required to be collected from them and remit the same to the Governmental Authorities within the time required under any Applicable Laws.

                                             (xxii)     Registration of Security. From time to time, register or cause to be registered, and cooperate in the registration of, the Security, and any public notices or filings in respect thereof, on a timely basis and do, observe and perform all of its obligations and all matters and things that may be necessary or reasonably required for the purposes of creating and maintaining the Encumbrances intended to result from the Security as valid, effective and perfected first priority Encumbrances (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances) at all times and shall comply with all requirements of Section 5(b)(xiv).


                                             (xxiii)   Benefit Plans.

                                                                 (A)      Cause to be filed or distributed in a timely manner all reports and disclosures relating to any Benefit Plan that are required by the plan or any Applicable Laws to be filed or distributed.

                                                                 (B)      Perform all obligations (including fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations) required to be performed in connection with each Benefit Plan and the funding media therefor; make all contributions and pay all premiums required to be made or paid in accordance with the terms of each Benefit Plan and all Applicable Laws; withhold, by way of authorized payroll deductions or otherwise collect and pay into each Benefit Plan all employee contributions required to be withheld or collected by the Company in accordance with the terms of such plan and all Applicable Laws.

                         (b)      Negative Covenants. So long as any Principal Amount of the Debenture remains outstanding, the Company shall not:

                                             (i)        Debt. Create, incur or suffer to exist, any Debt other than Permitted Debt.

                                             (ii)       Encumbrances. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Encumbrance on any of its assets, other than Permitted Encumbrances.

                                             (iii)      Fundamental Changes. Merge into or amalgamate or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or amalgamate or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets, or all or any of the Equity Securities of any Subsidiary (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate, dissolve or be wound up.

                                             (iv)       Carry on Business.

                                                                 (A)      Engage in any business which is different from the business conducted on the Closing Date and businesses reasonably related thereto.

                                                                 (B)      After the Closing Date, carry on business otherwise than through the Company.

                                             (v)        Transfer of Assets. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall sell, transfer, lease, part with possession or otherwise dispose of any assets, whether by way of sale, lease, assignment, sale-leaseback or otherwise other than (A) obsolete assets, equipment and material, (B) in the ordinary course of business, (C) assets up to an aggregate amount not to exceed One Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$100,000); (exclusive of the shares referred to in the next clause) or (D) common shares of Acadian Mining Corporation owned on the date hereof.

                                             (vi)       Transactions with Affiliates. Transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of any assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (A) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favourable to the Company than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (B) transactions between or among the Company and the Parent not involving any other Affiliate, (C) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 5(b)(ix), and (D) as otherwise expressly permitted pursuant to this Agreement and the Security Documents. Except as otherwise expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the other Security Documents, the Company will not enter into any transaction or series of transactions with Affiliates which involve an outflow of money or other property from the Company to an Affiliate, including repayment of Debt, or payment of management fees, affiliation fees, administration fees, compensation, salaries, asset purchase payments or any other type of fees or payments similar in nature, other than on terms and conditions substantially as favourable to the Company as would be obtainable by the Company in a reasonably comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to: (A) the payment of reasonable and customary fees to directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company, (B) any other transaction with any employee, officer or director of the Company pursuant to employee profit sharing and/or benefit plans and compensation and non-competition arrangements in amounts customary for corporations similarly situated to the Company and entered into in the ordinary course of business and approved by the board of directors of the Company, or (C) any reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by an Affiliate of the Company on behalf of or for the account of the Company.


                                             (vii)     Restrictive Agreements. Other than under the terms of Senior Construction Financing, directly or indirectly enter into, incur or permit to exist, any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (A) the ability of the Company to create, incur or permit to exist any Encumbrance upon any of its assets, (B) the ability of the Company to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any Equity Securities or with respect to, or measured by, its profits or to make or repay loans or advances to the Parent or to provide a guarantee of any Debt of the Parent, (C) the ability of the Company to make any loan or advance to the Parent, or (D) the ability of the Company to sell, lease or transfer any of its property or assets; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions; (1) imposed by Applicable Law; (2) existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 4.2(y) to the Purchase Agreement (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition); (3) imposed by any agreement relating to Permitted Debt permitted by this Debenture if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Debt; and (4) customarily provided for in leases and other ordinary course contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

                                             (viii)    Share Capital. Issue any Equity Securities, except to the Parent.

                                              (ix)       Restricted Payments. Declare, make or pay or agree to declare, make or pay, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except (A) Restricted Payments by the Company to the Parent, (B) regularly scheduled payments in respect of Permitted Debt hereunder, and (C) Restricted Payments by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with Benefit Plans for the directors or officers of the Company, provided that the aggregate amount of cash payments made by the Company and the Parent in any Financial Year pursuant to all such Benefit Plans shall not exceed reasonable commercial amounts paid in the normal course of business and approved by the board of directors of the Company.

                                             (x)        Investments. Purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any amalgamation with any Person that was not a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company prior to such amalgamation), any Equity Securities, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person, except:


                                                                 (A)      inter-company loans or advances between the Company and the Parent;

                                                                 (B)      Permitted Debt; and

                                                                 (C)      Permitted Investments.

                                             (xi)       Acquisitions. Make any Acquisition, other than a Permitted Acquisition, provided in the case of a Permitted Acquisition no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a result of such Permitted Acquisition.

                                             (xii)       Subsidiaries. Create or acquire any Subsidiary unless the Company and the Subsidiary shall have complied with Section 5(a)(xiv).

                                             (xiii)      Sale-Leasebacks. Enter into sale-leaseback transactions.

                                             (xiv)     Capital Expenditures. Make or commit to make any Capital Expenditures during the period from the Closing Date to the Maturity Date other than as provided for in the NorthMet Project Budget.

                                             (xv)       Change of Name; Business Outside Certain Jurisdictions. (A) Change its name, registered office, chief executive office or jurisdiction of incorporation, or (B) have any place of business or keep or store any material tangible property outside of those jurisdictions (or registration districts within such jurisdictions) set forth in Schedule 5.1(m) to the Purchase Agreement, (1) except upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Holder; and (2) unless the Company has done or caused to be done all such acts and things and executed and delivered or caused to be executed and delivered all such deeds, transfers, assignments and instruments as the Holder may reasonably require for perfecting or maintaining the perfection of the Encumbrances of the Security and the priority thereof in the Collateral in favour of the Holder.

                                             (xvi)      Financial Year. Change its Financial Year.

                                             (xvii)    Amendments. Allow (A) any amendments to its constating documents or by-laws; or (B) any amendments to, or grant any waivers in respect of any Material Agreement or any guarantee or security in respect thereof.

                                             (xviii)     Change of Auditors. Change its auditors other than to a nationally recognized accounting firm approved by the Holder acting reasonably.

                                             (xix)      Speculative Transactions. Engage in any interest rate, currency rate, commodity hedge or similar agreement, understanding or obligation, except in the normal course of business and not for speculative purposes.


                         (c)      Indemnification. The Company will pay, and will indemnify and same harmless the Holder against, all costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred with respect to the exercising of any of the rights, remedies and powers of the Holder under this Debenture, or the taking of any other proceedings taken for the purpose of enforcing the remedies provided for under law by reason of non-payment of the obligations hereunder.

          Section 6.        Defaults and Remedies.

                         (a)      Events of Default. An “Event of Default” is: (i) a default in payment of any principal amount due hereunder; (ii) a default in payment of any interest or other amount due hereunder which default continues for more than five (5) Business Days after the due date thereof; (iii) a default in the timely issuance of Underlying Shares upon and in accordance with the terms of the Warrants, which default continues for five (5) Business Days after the Parent has received written notice informing the Parent that it has failed to issue shares or deliver share certificates within the fifth day following the exercise date; (iv) failure by the Company or the Parent for fifteen (15) days after written notice has been received by the Company or the Parent, as applicable, to comply with any material provision of any of the Agreements (including the failure of the Company to make a Change in Control Offer in accordance with Section 3(a)), the Standby Purchase Agreement or the Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement; (v) a material breach by the Company or the Parent of its covenants, representations or warranties in any of the Agreements, the Escrow Agreement, the Standby Purchase Agreement or the Confirmation of Secured Obligations Agreement; (vi) any default after any cure period under, or acceleration prior to maturity of, any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or the Parent for in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000) or for money borrowed the repayment of which is guaranteed by the Company or the Parent for in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000), whether such indebtedness or guarantee now exists or shall be created hereafter; (vii) if the Company or the Parent is subject to any Bankruptcy Event; (viii) if a judgment or order is obtained against the Company or the Parent which has or would have a Material Adverse Effect, and, if such judgment or order is for the payment of money, the judgment or order has not been dismissed, stayed or satisfied within twenty (20) days of the date that such judgment or order is issued; (ix) if any material permit or license or Material Agreement of the Company or the Parent expires or is withdrawn, cancelled, terminated, or modified (and such expiry, withdrawal, cancellation, termination or modification would have a Material Adverse Effect) and is not reinstated or replaced within thirty (30) days thereafter without material impairment of the property or business of the Company or the Parent; (x) a final judgment, writ of execution, garnishment or attachment or similar process is issued or levied against any property of the Company or the Parent having a fair market value in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars (US$1,000,000) and such judgment, writ, execution, garnishment, attachment or similar process is not released, bonded, satisfied, discharged, vacated or stayed within forty-five (45) days after its entry, commencement or levy; (x) solely with respect to Principal Amounts held by Glencore AG, a material breach by the Parent of its covenants, representations or warranties in the Marketing Agreement, Copper Offtake Agreement or Nickel Offtake Agreement; or (xi) the termination of the Standby Purchase Agreement prior to the completion of the Rights Offering.

                         (b)      Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Debenture, the Holder may declare all of the then outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture and all other debentures held by the Holder, to be due and payable immediately, and the Holder may commence such legal action or proceedings as it, in its sole discretion, deems necessary, all without any additional notice, presentation, demand, protest, notice of dishonor, entering into of possession of any of the assets of the Company or any other action or notice, all of which the Company hereby expressly waives, except that in the case of an Event of Default arising from events described in clauses (vi) through (x) of Section 6(a), inclusive, this Debenture shall become due and payable without further action or notice. In the event of such acceleration, the amount due and owing to the Holder shall be 120% of the outstanding Principal Amount of the Debenture held by the Holder. In either case the Company shall pay interest on such amount in cash at the Default Rate (as defined below) to the Holder if such amount is not paid within seven (7) days of Holder’s request. The remedies under this Debenture shall be cumulative.


                         (c)      Notice of Default. The Company covenants to provide written notice to the Holder within two (2) Business Days upon the occurrence of any Event of Default.

                         (d)      Default Interest. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, this Debenture shall bear interest on the due and unpaid outstanding Principal Amount from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6(a) at the rate (the “Default Rate”) equal to the lower of 18% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.

          Section 7.        General.

                         (a)      Technical Services Committee. The Holder of a majority of the Principal Amount outstanding under this Debenture shall be entitled to select and appoint one (1) member (the “Appointee”) to the Technical Services Committee of the Company and shall be entitled to select and appoint any successor to or replacement of such Appointee, subject, in each case, to the Company’s consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                         (b)      Payment of Expenses. The Company agrees to pay all reasonable charges and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, which may be incurred by the Holder in successfully enforcing this Debenture and/or collecting any amount due under this Debenture.

                         (c)      Interest Act (Canada) Disclosure. For the purposes of disclosure pursuant to the Interest Act (Canada), the yearly rate of interest to which the rate of interest applicable to any interest period, computed as provided under Section 2 above, is equivalent is the rate of interest for such interest period multiplied by a fraction of which (i) the numerator is the actual number of days in the 12-month period commencing on the date of the commencement of such interest period and ending on the day immediately preceding the anniversary of such date of commencement, and (ii) the denominator is three hundred sixty-five (365).

                         (d)      Savings Clause. In case any provision of this Debenture is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessive in scope or otherwise invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be adjusted rather than voided, if possible, so that it is enforceable to the maximum extent possible, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Debenture will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. In no event shall the amount of interest paid hereunder exceed the maximum rate of interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof allowable by applicable law. If any sum is collected in excess of the applicable maximum rate, the excess collected shall be applied to reduce the principal debt. If the interest actually collected hereunder is still in excess of the applicable maximum rate, the interest rate shall be reduced so as not to exceed the maximum allowable under law.


                         (e)      Amendment. Neither this Debenture nor any term hereof may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written instrument signed by the Company and the Holder.

                         (f)      Assignment, Etc. The Holder may assign or transfer this Debenture at any time and from time to time in whole or in part to any transferee, without the consent of the Company, provided that any partial assignment of this Debenture shall be for a minimum principal amount of not less than Five Million U.S. Dollars (US$5,000,000). The Holder shall notify the Company of any such assignment or transfer promptly. This Debenture shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and shall inure to the benefit of the Holder and its successors and assigns.

                         (g)      No Waiver. Neither the extension of time for making any payment which is due and payable under this Debenture at any time or times, nor the failure on the part of the Holder to exercise, and no delay in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the Holder of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or future exercise of any other right, remedy or power. Each and every right, remedy or power hereby granted to the Holder or allowed it by law or other agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other, and may be exercised by the Holder from time to time.

                         (h)      Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

                                             (i)        Governing Law. THIS DEBENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY CONFLICTS OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF THAT WOULD DEFER TO THE SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

                                             (ii)       Jurisdiction. The Company irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any State or Federal Court sitting in the State of New York, County of New York, over any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Debenture. The Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action, or proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that suit, action, or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

                         The Company agrees that the service of process upon it mailed by certified or registered mail (and service so made shall be deemed complete three (3) days after the same has been posted as aforesaid) or by personal service shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon it in any such suit or proceeding. Nothing herein shall affect Holder’s right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. The Company agrees that a final non-appealable judgment in any such suit or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on such judgment or in any other lawful manner.

                                             (iii)    NO JURY TRIAL. THE COMPANY HERETO KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION BASED ON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS DEBENTURE.

                         (i)      Replacement Debenture. This Debenture may be exchanged by Holder at any time and from time to time for a Debenture or debentures with different denominations representing an equal aggregate outstanding Principal Amount, as reasonably requested by Holder, upon surrendering the same. No service charge will be made for such registration or exchange. In the event that Holder notifies the Company that this Debenture has been lost, stolen or destroyed, a replacement Debenture identical in all respects to the original Debenture (except for registration number and Principal Amount, if different than that shown on the original Debenture), shall be issued to the Holder, provided that the Holder executes and delivers to the Company an agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with the Debenture.


                         (f)      Judgment Currency. If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due to the Holder in any currency (the “Original Currency”) into another currency (the “Other Currency”), the parties agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Holder could purchase the Original Currency with the Other Currency on the Business Day preceding the day on which final judgment is given or, if permitted by Applicable Law, on the day on which the judgment is paid or satisfied. The obligations of the Company in respect of any sum due in the Original Currency from it to the Holder under any of the Security Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in any Other Currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Holder of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Other Currency, the Holder may, in accordance with normal banking procedures, purchase the Original Currency with such Other Currency. If the amount of the Original Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Lender in the Original Currency, the Company agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding the judgment, to indemnify the Holder, against any loss, and, if the amount of the Original Currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due to the Holder in the Original Currency, the Holder shall remit such excess to the Company.

                         (k)      Further Assurances. Each party shall from time to time promptly execute and deliver all further documents and take all further action necessary to give effect to the provisions and intent of this Debenture.

[Signature Page Follows]


                         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Debenture to be duly executed on the day and in the year first above written.

POLY MET MINING, INC.

 

By: ________________________________________________
Name:
Title:

 

 

Attest:

 

Sign: _______________________________________________
Print Name:

23


EXHIBIT A

DEBENTURE ADJUSTMENT SCHEDULE

Debenture Adjustment Schedule for the Debenture issued by POLY MET MINING, INC. to GLENCORE AG on or about [Ocotber 1,] 2015 in the original principal amount of Six Million U.S. Dollars (US$6,000,000), to be completed and exchanged by fax or email following each principal repayment of such Debenture.





Date
Decreases
Principal
amount
repaid

Remaining
principal
balance of
Debenture


Initialed by
Company
CEO/CFO

Initialed by
authorized
representative
of Holder
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

A-1


EXHIBIT B

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

      [Date]

TO: • (the "Holder")

                         The undersigned (the "Corporation") refers to the Floating Rate Secured Debenture issued on [October 1], 2015 (the "Debenture", the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined). This Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) of the Debenture for the Financial Quarter/Year ending on [•] (the "Period").

We, __________________________ and _________________________, the respective Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, in such capacity and not personally, hereby certify that:

1.

We are the duly appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and as such we are providing this certificate for and on behalf of the Corporation pursuant to the Debenture.

   
2.

We are familiar with and have examined the provisions of the Debenture.

   
3.

The financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to [Section 5(a)(i)(B) or Section 5(a)(i)(C)] of the Debenture present fairly the financial position, results of operations and changes in financial position of the persons specified therein for the Period and as at the last day of such Period, as the case may be, in accordance with IFRS.

   
4.

The representations and warranties contained in Section 5.1 of the Purchase Agreement are true and correct as though made on the date hereof, except for and any such representation and warranty which is stated to be made as of a certain date.

   
5.

As of the date hereof, the Corporation is not in breach of any of the covenants contained in Section 5 of the Debenture, and no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as at the date hereof.

Dated this _____________day of __________________________________________.

   
  (Name – please print)
  Chief Executive Officer
   
   
  (Name – please print)
  Chief Financial Officer

B-1


EX-99.46 4 v417302_ex99-46.htm EXHIBIT 99.46

EXHIBIT 99.46

 

AMENDMENT NO. 17 RELATING TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment Agreement (this "Agreement"), is made as of the 30th day of July, 2015, by and among POLYMET MINING CORP., a company existing under the laws of British Columbia (the "Company"), POLY MET MINING, INC., a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota (the "Issuer"), and GLENCORE AG, a corporation existing under the laws of Switzerland (the "Purchaser").

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser are parties to that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2008, as amended by Letter Agreement, dated November 28, 2008, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 2, dated December 12, 2008, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 3, dated December 19, 2008, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 4, dated January 30, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 5, dated February 24, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 6, dated March 30, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 7, dated April 28, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 8, dated June 4, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 9, dated August 31, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 10, dated October 20, 2009, as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 11, dated November 16, 2009, as further amended by the 2010 Amendment and Waiver (as defined below), as further amended by the 2011 Amendment and Waiver (as defined below), as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 14, dated April 10, 2013, as further amended by the 2014 Amendment and Waiver (as defined below), as further amended by Amendment Letter No. 16 dated January 29, 2015 (as defined below) (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Purchase Agreement");

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, among other things, (1) the Issuer agreed to issue Floating Rate Secured Debentures due September 30, 2011 (each, a "Debenture" and collectively, the "Debentures") in five separate tranches, consisting of four Debentures in the aggregate principal amount of US$25,000,000 and a fifth Debenture in the principal amount of US$25,000,000 (the "Original Tranche E Debenture"), in each case to be issued and delivered by the Issuer and paid for by the Purchaser upon fulfillment or waiver of certain conditions set forth therein; and (2) the Company issued (i) a warrant, exercisable from time to time (the "Exchange Warrant"), to purchase common shares of the Company, without par value (the "Common Shares"), in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Debentures divided by US$4.00;

 

WHEREAS, (1) the first Debenture in the original principal amount of US$7,500,000 (the "Tranche A Debenture") was issued to the Purchaser on October 31, 2008; (2) the second Debenture in the original principal amount of US$7,500,000 (the "Tranche B Debenture") was issued to the Purchaser on December 24, 2008; (3) the third Debenture in the original principal amount of US$5,000,000 (the "Tranche C Debenture") was issued to the Purchaser on June 18, 2009; (4) the fourth Debenture in the original principal amount of US$5,000,000 (the "Tranche D Debenture" and together with the Tranche A Debenture, Tranche B Debenture and Tranche C Debenture, the "Outstanding Debentures") was issued to the Purchaser on September 2, 2009; and (5) US$9,104,032 of interest has been capitalized as at the date hereof in connection with the Outstanding Debentures;

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser entered into an Amendment and Waiver, dated as of November 12, 2010 (the "2010 Amendment and Waiver"), pursuant to which, among other things, (1) the maturity date of each of the Outstanding Debentures and the expiration date of the Exchange Warrant were extended from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012, (2) any and all obligations of the Issuer to issue the Original Tranche E Debenture and any and all obligations of the Purchaser to purchase the Original Tranche E Debenture pursuant to the Purchase Agreement were terminated and discharged in all respects (the "Original Tranche E Debenture Termination"), and (3) the Company issued to the Purchaser a warrant to purchase 3,000,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of US$2.00 per share at any time until December 31, 2015 (the “2010 Warrant’);

 

 
- 2 -

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser entered into an Amendment and Waiver, dated as of November 30, 2011 (the "2011 Amendment and Waiver"), pursuant to which, among other things, (1) the maturity date of each of the Outstanding Debentures was extended from September 30, 2012 to the earlier to occur of certain events or September 30, 2014, (2) the exercise price of the Exchange Warrants was amended to US$1.50 per share, (3) the Company issued to the Purchase warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,600,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of US$1.50 per share at any time until December 31, 2015 (the “2011 Warrants”), and (4) the terms of the 2010 Warrants were amended to conform to the 2011 Warrants;

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser rescinded the Original Tranche E Debenture Termination and amended the obligations of the Issuer pursuant to the Purchase Agreement to issue a fifth Debenture in the principal amount of US$20,000,000 (the "Amended Tranche E Debenture") and the obligations of the Purchaser to purchase the Amended Tranche E Debenture pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in Agreement Letter No. 14;

 

WHEREAS, the Amended Tranche E Debenture were repaid in full on July 4, 2013;

 

WHEREAS pursuant to the Agreement Letter No. 14, on July 4, 2013 the exercise price of the Exchange Warrants was amended to US$1.2920 per share and the exercise price of the 2010 Warrants and the 2011 Warrants was amended to US$1.3007 per share;

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser entered into an Amendment and Waiver, dated as of April 25, 2014 (the "2014 Amendment and Waiver"), pursuant to which, among other things, the maturity date of each of the Outstanding Debentures was extended from the earlier to occur of certain events or September 30, 2014 to the earlier to occur of the same certain events or September 30, 2015;

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser entered into an Amendment and Waiver, dated as of January 29, 2015 (“Amendment No. 16”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Issuer issued to the Purchaser a tranche F debenture (the “Tranche F Debenture”), and the Issuer and the Purchaser agreed to issue a tranche G debenture, (the “Tranche G Debenture”), a tranche H debenture (the “Tranche H Debenture”) and a tranche I debenture (the “Tranche I Debenture,” and collectively with the Tranche F Debenture, the Tranche G Debenture and the Tranche H Debenture, the “2015 Debentures”) in the aggregate principal amount of US$30,000,000 pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in Amendment No. 16,

 

WHEREAS the Tranche F Debenture was issued and fully paid for on January 30, 2015 and the Tranche G Debenture was issued and fully paid for on April 15, 2015 and the Tranche H Debenture was issued and fully paid for on July 1, 2015, and

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser desire to amend certain provisions of the Outstanding Debentures, the 2010 Warrants as amended, the 2011 Warrants, and the 2015 Debentures.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

 

1.Definitions

 

Capitalized terms not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

 

 

 
- 3 -

 

2.Amendment to the Purchase Agreement

 

The Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser hereby agree to amend the Purchase Agreement from and after the Effective Date as follows notwithstanding any contrary provision therein, the following definitions shall be added to Section 1:

 

"Amendment No. 17 to the Purchase Agreement" means the amending agreement made as of July ____, 2015 by and among the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser."

 

3.Amendment to the Outstanding Debentures

 

From and after the Effective Date:

 

(a)The “Maturity Date” of each of the Tranche A Debenture, Tranche B Debenture, Tranche C Debenture and Tranche D Debenture will be extended to the earlier to occur of (a) an Early Maturity Event, and (b) March 31, 2016; and

 

(b)From August 1, 2015 until the Maturity Date, the Floating Rate shall mean LIBOR plus 8.0% per annum.

 

4.Amendment to the Amended and Restated Exchange Warrant.

 

From and after the Effective Date, the expiration date of the Exchange Warrant will be extended to the earlier to occur of (a) an Early Maturity Event, and (b) March 31, 2016.

 

5.Amendment to the 2010 Warrants and the 2011 Warrants

 

From and after the Effective Date:

 

(a)The Warrant Expiry Date shall be December 31, 2016 before 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time); and

 

(b)The Purchase Price, subject to adjustment thereof in the events and in the manner set forth in the 2010 and 2011 Warrants, payable for each Common Share upon the exercise of Warrants shall be US$[0.9329] per Common Share, being the greater of the closing market price of the Company on the NYSE MKT on the day prior to Effective Date and the 5-day volume weighted average closing market price on the NYSE MKT.

 

6.Amendment to the 2015 Debentures

 

Each of the 2015 Debentures shall be amended as follows:

 

(a)After “Interest Amount” the following definition shall be added:

 

Interest Accrual Date” means the Business Day following September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30 of each year, provided that if any such day is not a Business Day, then such Interest Accrual Date means the next succeeding day which is a Business Day.

 

(b)Section 2(a) shall be replaced with the following:

 

(a)Interest Payments.

 

(i)Subject to and in accordance with the terms of this Section 2 on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the Early Repayment Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder all interest accrued and unpaid at that time on the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture (the “Interest Amount”) together with repayment of the entire outstanding Principal Amount of this Debenture in cash.

 

 
- 4 -

 

(ii)Upon each Interest Accrual Date, the Principal Amount shall be increased by the amount of interest accrued.

 

7.Effectiveness

 

This Agreement shall become effective and be deemed effective as of the date hereof upon execution of counterparts of this Agreement by each of the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser (the “Effective Date”); provided however that this Agreement is also subject to approval for the listing additional shares from the NYSE MKT and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

 

8.Representations and Warranties of the Company and the Issuer

 

b.Each of the Company and the Issuer hereby confirms the representations and warranties in the Purchase Agreement are true and accurate as if the representation and warranty was given as of the date hereof and makes the following additional representations and warranties to the Purchaser:

 

(i)Authorization; Enforcement. Each of the Company and the Issuer has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the Issuer and the consummation by the Company and the Issuer of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and the Issuer and no further action is required by the Company and the Issuer, their boards of directors or their shareholders in connection herewith. This Agreement has been duly executed by the Company and the Issuer and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company and the Issuer enforceable against the Company and the Issuer in accordance with its terms except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies, and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.

 

(b)The Purchaser hereby makes the following representations and warranties to the Company and the Issuer:

 

(i)Authorization; Enforcement. The Purchaser has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Purchaser and the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Purchaser and no further action is required by the Purchaser, its board of directors or its shareholders in connection herewith. This Agreement has been duly executed by the Purchaser and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.

 

 
- 5 -

 

9.Effect on Agreements

 

Except as expressly amended hereby, all of the terms and conditions of the Agreements (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), as amended, shall remain in full force and effect after the execution of this Agreement.

 

10.Amendments and Waivers

 

The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Company, the Issuer and the Purchaser.

 

11.Notices

 

Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be delivered as set forth in the applicable Agreement (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).

 

12.Successors and Assigns

 

This Agreement may not be assigned by any party with the prior written consent of the other parties. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective permitted successors and assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

 

13.Execution and Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which when taken together shall be considered one and the same agreement. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by e-mail delivery of a ".pdf" format data file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or ".pdf" signature page were an original thereof.

 

14.Expenses

 

The Issuer and the Company shall promptly reimburse the Purchaser, upon first written demand, for all actual and out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Purchaser in respect of (a) the negotiation, execution and delivery of the term sheet relating to this Agreement, this Agreement and any and all related agreements and documents, and (b) the enforcement of any right or remedy by the Purchaser against the Issuer and/or the Company under or in respect of the term sheet relating to this Agreement, this Agreement and any and all related agreements and documents.

 

 
- 6 -

 

The Issuer and the Company expressly agree and consent to the deduction and reimbursement of any such costs and expenses to be reimbursed to the Purchaser (if any) from the proceeds of the issuance of the 2015 Debentures to be made available to the Issuer by the Purchaser under this Agreement.

 

15.Further Assurances

 

The parties shall execute and deliver all such further instruments and documents and take all such other actions as may reasonably be required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and to evidence the fulfillment of the agreements herein contained.

 

16.Governing Law

 

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof that would defer to the substantive laws of another jurisdiction.

 

17.Severability

 

If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under Applicable Law, such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement and the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

18.Headings

 

The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of the Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

 

[signature page follows]

 

 
- 7 -

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  POLYMET MINING CORP.
     
     
  By: /s/ Douglas Newby
   

Name: Douglas Newby

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

POLY MET MINING, INC.

     
     
  By: /s/ Douglas Newby
   

Name: Douglas Newby

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

GLENCORE AG

     
     
  By: /s/ A. Wright
   

Name: A. Wright

Title: Officer

     
     
  By: /s/ S. Kalmin
   

Name: S. Kalmin

Title: Director