EX-10.9 10 e609006_ex10-9.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 10.9

Mining Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement
Camp Douglas Project

This Mining Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement Camp Douglas Project (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Diversified Inholdings, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Owner”), and Gold Standard Ventures (US) Inc., a Nevada corporation (“GSV”).
 
Recitals

A.           Owner owns the CD unpatented mining claims situated in Mineral County, Nevada, more particularly described in Exhibit A attached to and by this reference incorporated in this Agreement (collectively the “Property”).

B.           Owner desires to lease the Property to GSV and to grant to GSV the option to purchase the Property on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Now, therefore, in consideration of their mutual promises, the parties agree as follows:

1.           Definitions.  The following defined terms, wherever used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings described below:

1.1           "Area of Interest" means the geographic area within the exterior boundaries of the Property and the lands described in Exhibit A and the map which is part of Exhibit A.

1.2           “Closing Date” means the date on which GSV’s purchase of the Property is closed in accordance with Section 5.

1.3           “Effective Date” means August 1, 2010, or the date on which the parties execute this Agreement, whichever first occurs.
 
1.4           “Governmental Regulations” means all directives, laws, orders, ordinances, regulations and statutes of any federal, state or local agency, court or office.

1.5           “GSV” means Gold Standard Venture  (US) Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its successors and assigns.

1.6           “Interest Rate” means LIBOR plus two percent (2%) per annum.

1.7           “Lease Year” means each one (1) year period beginning on August 1, 2010, and on the like date of each succeeding year.

1.8           “Minerals” means all minerals and mineral materials, including gold, silver, platinum and platinum group metals, base metals (including antimony, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, molybdenum, titanium, tungsten, zinc), and other metals and mineral materials which are on, in or under the Property.
 
 
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1.9           "Net Smelter Returns" means the net smelter returns from the production of Minerals from the Property as calculated and determined in accordance with Exhibit 1 to the conveyance to be executed and delivered in accordance with Section 5.4.

1.10           “Option” means the Option granted by Owner to GSV to purchase the Property.

1.11           “Owner” means Diversified Inholdings, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, and its successors and assigns.

1.12           “Payments” means the payments payable by GSV in accordance with Section 4.1.

1.13           “Property” means the CD unpatented mining claims situated in Mineral County, Nevada, plus any additional unpatented mining claims which are made subject to this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

1.14           “Purchase Price” means the purchase price for the Property described in Section 5.

1.15           “Royalty” means the production royalty payable by GSV to Owner in accordance with Section 4.2.

2.           Lease and Grant of Rights.  Owner leases the Property to GSV and grants GSV the rights and privileges described in this Section.

2.1           Lease.  Owner leases the Property to GSV for the purposes of exploration for Minerals, provided, however, that GSV shall have no right to construct, develop or operate a mine on the Property without first having exercised and closed the Option.

2.2           Water Rights.  Subject to the regulations of the State of Nevada concerning the appropriation and taking of water, GSV shall have the right to appropriate and use water, to drill wells for the water on the Property and to lay and maintain all necessary water lines as may be required by GSV in its operations on the Property.  If GSV acquires or files any application for appropriation or a permit, it shall cause each such application and permit to be taken jointly in the names of Owner and GSV.  On termination of this Agreement, except on GSV’s exercise and closing of the Option, GSV shall assign and convey to Owner all permits and water rights appurtenant to the Property which are acquired by GSV during the term of this Agreement.  If GSV exercises and closes the Option, Owner shall assign and convey to GSV all permits and water rights appurtenant to the Property.

3.           Term.  The initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall expire on August 1, 2030, unless this Agreement is sooner terminated, canceled or extended.  Before expiration of the initial term or any extension term GSV shall have the right to extend this Agreement for additional one (1) year terms, provided that GSV has fully performed all of its obligations under this Agreement and is conducting exploration or pre-development activities on the Property on the expiration of the term immediately preceding the extension term.  GSV shall deliver written notice to Owner of GSV’s intent to extend this Agreement.
 
 
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4.           Payments.

4.1           Minimum Payments.  On the dates described below, GSV shall pay to Owner the sums described below:
 
Date Payment Amount
Execution date of this Agreement  $45,000.00 
August 1, 2011 $50,000.00 
August 1, 2012   $55,000.00
August 1, 2013   $60,000.00
August 1, 2014   $70,000.00
August 1, 2015   $80,000.00
August 1, 2016   $90,000.00
August 1, 2017   $100,000.00
and the like day of each subsequent year
  
 
Beginning on August 1, 2018, the amount of the Payments shall be increased (and never decreased) for inflation.  The base price index for computing the annual increase shall be the Consumer's Price Index, all items, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (the "Index") for the month of July 2017 (the "Beginning Index").  The month of June preceding the Payment due date shall be the adjustment date (the "Adjustment Date").  If the Index published immediately preceding the adjustment date (the "Extension Index") is increased above the Beginning Index, then the Payment for the Lease Year shall be the product reached by multiplying the Payment by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Extension Index and the denominator of which is the Beginning Index.  If the Index is changed, the Index shall be converted in accordance with the applicable conversion factor published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.  If the Index is discontinued or revised during the term of this Agreement, such other government index or computation with which it is replaced shall be used in order to obtain substantially the same result as would be obtained as if the Index had not been discontinued or revised.

The cash Payments shall be credited cumulatively against GSV’s Royalty payment obligations, but shall not be credited against the Purchase Price.

GSV’s obligation to pay the Payments shall terminate on termination of this Agreement, provided that (a) GSV’s exploration and development activities on the Property have ceased in their entirety; (b) GSV has commenced final closure and reclamation of the disturbances created by GSV on the Property in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and the terms and conditions of each plan of operations or reclamation plan for the Property; and (c) GSV has posted or submitted such financial assurances as are required under applicable laws and regulations to secure GSV’s performance of its reclamation obligations.  If  GSV does not perform the condition in (c), GSV’s Payment obligation shall recommence and continue until such time as GSV performs the obligation.
 
 
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4.2           Production Royalty.  GSV shall pay to Owner a production royalty based on the Net Smelter Returns from the production or sale of Minerals from the Property, including any additions to the Property resulting from the parties’ location of unpatented mining claims in the Area of Interest.  The Royalty percentage rate shall be four percent (4%) of the Net Smelter Returns

4.3           Method of Payment.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all payments by GSV to Owner shall be paid by wire transfer to an account designated by Owner.

4.4           Late Charge and Interest.  If GSV does not timely pay any Payment or any other amount payable by GSV under this Agreement within ten business (10) days after the date on which such payment is due, GSV shall pay to Owner a late charge equal to ten percent (10%) of such overdue amount.  If any Payment or other amount payable by GSV remains delinquent for a period in excess of thirty (30) days, GSV shall pay to Owner, in addition to the late charge, interest from and after the due date at the Interest Rate.

4.5           Currency.  All sums referred to in this Agreement are in United States currency.

5.           Option.  Owner grants to GSV the exclusive right to purchase the Property, subject to the Royalty reserved by Owner and subject to GSV’s obligations under the conveyance executed and delivered by Owner on the closing of the Option.  GSV may exercise the Option only after GSV commits to commence development of a mine or mining on the Property and completes a positive feasibility study for development or mining on the Property.  The Purchase Price for the Property shall be One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).

5.1           Notice of Election.  If GSV elects to exercise the Option, GSV shall deliver written notice to Owner.  On Owner’s receipt of GSV’s notice of exercise of the Option, the parties shall make diligent efforts to close the conveyance of the Property, as applicable, within thirty (30) days after Owner’s delivery of the notice.

5.2           Real Property Transfer Taxes.  GSV shall pay the real property transfer taxes, if any, the costs of escrow and all recording costs incurred in closing of the Option.  The parties acknowledge that there are presently no real property transfer taxes assessed on the transfer of title to unpatented mining claims, including the unpatented mining claims which constitute the Property.

5.3           Payment on Closing.  On closing of the Option, GSV shall pay the Purchase Price to Owner in cash or by wire transfer in accordance with Section 4.3
 
 
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5.4           Conveyance on Closing.  If GSV exercises and closes the Option, Owner shall execute and deliver to GSV a conveyance of the Property which contains the reservation of the Royalty and obligates GSV to make the Payments in the form of Exhibit 5.4 attached to and by this reference incorporated in this Agreement.  On the closing of the Option, the parties shall complete the conveyance by inserting the description of all of the unpatented mining claims which comprise the Property on closing of the Option.  The execution, delivery and recording of the conveyance shall not constitute a merger of GSV’s obligations under this Agreement which shall survive the closing of the Option.  Owner and GSV shall execute and deliver such other written assurances and instruments as are reasonably necessary for the purpose of closing the purchase of the Property.

5.5           Effect of Closing.  On closing of the Option, GSV shall own the Property, subject to the Royalty reserved by Owner and GSV’s obligations stated in the conveyance of the Property.

6.           Compliance With The Law.  GSV shall, at GSV’s sole cost, promptly comply with all Governmental Regulations relating to the condition, use or occupancy of the Property by GSV, including but not limited to all exploration and development work performed by GSV during the term of this Agreement.  GSV shall, at its sole cost, promptly comply with all applicable Governmental Regulations regarding reclamation of the Property and GSV shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Owner from any and all actions, assessments, claims, costs, fines, liability and penalties arising from or relating to GSV’s failure to comply with any applicable Governmental Regulations.  Owner agrees to cooperate with GSV in GSV’s application for governmental licenses, permits and approvals, the costs of which shall be borne by GSV.

7.           GSV’s Work Practices and Reporting.

7.1           Work Practices.  GSV shall work the Property in a miner-like fashion.

7.2           Inspection of Data.  During the term of this Agreement, Owner shall have the right to examine and make copies of all data, including interpretative data, regarding the Property in GSV’s possession during reasonable business hours and upon prior notice, provided, however, that the rights of Owner to examine such data shall be exercised in a manner that does not interfere with the operations of GSV.

7.3           Reports.  On or before February 1 following each calendar year during which this Agreement is effective, GSV shall deliver to Owner a comprehensive report, which includes all factual data in digital and hard copy format, of all of GSV’s activities conducted on the Property for the previous calendar year.  Within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar quarter during the term of this Lease, GSV shall deliver to Owner a summary report of GSV’s operations, including exploration and development activities, on or relating to the Property during the preceding calendar quarter.

8.           Scope of Agreement.  This Agreement shall extend to and include the unpatented mining claims described in Exhibit A which is part of this Agreement, and in the exhibits which are part of this Agreement, and all other interests, mining claims and property rights made part of and subject to this Agreement in accordance with this Section.  All unpatented mining
 
 
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claims located by Owner or GSV which are partially or wholly in the Area of Interest shall be located in Owner’s name and shall be part of and subject to this Agreement.  If a party locates any unpatented mining claims in the Area of Interest, the locator shall promptly notify the other party.  The parties shall execute and deliver an amendment of this Agreement, in recordable form, which provides that the newly located unpatented mining claims are part of the Property and are subject to this Agreement.  If the unpatented mining claims are located by Owner, GSV shall reimburse Owner for Owner’s costs incurred to locate the new unpatented mining claims.  The amendment may be recorded by either party.  If GSV acquires any fee lands, patented mining claims, unpatented mining claims or other property interests in the area of interest by agreement with a third party and subsequently GSV intends to surrender or terminate any such third party agreement, GSV shall notify Owner of GSV’s intent to surrender or terminate the third party agreement.  Owner shall have thirty (30) days during which to request that GSV assign and transfer the third party agreement to Owner, subject to Owner’s obligation to assume the obligations of GSV under the third party agreement which accrue or arise after GSV’s assignment and subject to GSV’s obligation to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Owner from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities or losses arising from or relating GSV’s operations on, possession of or use of the property subject to the third party agreement before GSV’s assignment of the agreement.

9.           Liens and Notices of Non-Responsibility.  GSV agrees to keep the Property at all times free and clear of all liens, charges and encumbrances of any and every nature and description done made or caused by GSV, and to pay, and defend, indemnify and hold harmless Owner from and against, all indebtedness and liabilities incurred by or for GSV which may or might become a lien, charge or encumbrance; except that GSV need not discharge or release any such lien, charge or encumbrance so long as GSV disputes or contests the lien, charge or encumbrance and posts a bond sufficient to discharge lien acceptable to Owner.  Subject to GSV’s right to post a bond in accordance with the foregoing, if GSV does not within thirty (30) days following the imposition of any such lien, charge or encumbrance, cause the same to be released of record, Owner shall have, in addition to Owner’s contractual and legal remedies, the right, but not the obligation, to cause the lien to be released by such manner as Owner deems proper, including payment of the claim giving rise to such lien, charge or encumbrance.  All sums paid by Owner for and all expenses incurred by it in connection with such purpose, including court costs and attorney’s fees, shall be payable by GSV to Owner on demand with interest at the Interest Rate.

10.           Taxes.

10.1           Real Property Taxes.  Owner shall pay any and all taxes assessed and due against the Property before execution of this Agreement.  GSV shall pay promptly before delinquency all taxes and assessments, general, special, ordinary and extraordinary, that may be levied or assessed during the term of this Agreement upon the Property.  All such taxes for the year in which this Agreement is executed and for the year in which this Agreement terminates shall be prorated between Owner and GSV, except that neither Owner nor GSV shall be responsible for the payment of any taxes which are based upon income, net proceeds, production or revenues from the Property assessed solely to the other party.  The parties acknowledge that there are presently no real property taxes assessed against unpatented mining claims, including the unpatented mining claims which constitute the Property.
 
 
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10.2           Personal Property Taxes.  Each party shall promptly when due pay all taxes assessed against such party’s personal property, improvements or structures placed or used on the Property.

10.3           Income Taxes.  Neither party shall be liable for any taxes levied on or measured by income or net proceeds of the other party, or other taxes applicable to the other party, based upon payments under this Agreement or under the conveyance executed and delivered by Owner on the Closing of the Option.

10.4           Delivery of Tax Notices.  If Owner receives tax bills or claims which are GSV’s responsibility, Owner shall promptly forward them to GSV for payment.

11.           Insurance and Indemnity.

11.1           GSV’s Liability Insurance.  GSV shall, at GSV’s sole cost, keep in force during this Agreement term a policy of commercial general liability insurance covering property damage and liability for personal injury occurring on or about the Property, with limits in the amount of at least Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence for injuries to or death of person, One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for property damage, and with a contractual liability endorsement insuring GSV’s performance of GSV’s indemnity obligations of this Agreement.  The amounts of coverage required under this Section shall be increased by one hundred percent (100%) on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date and by two hundred percent (200%) on the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the Effective Date.

11.2           Form and Certificates.  The policy of insurance required to be carried by GSV pursuant to this Section shall be with a company approved by Owner and shall have a Best’s Insurance Rating of at least A-VII.  Such policy shall name Owner as an additional insured and contain a cross-liability and severability endorsement.  GSV’s insurance policy shall also be primary insurance without right of contribution from any policy carried by Owner.  A certificate of insurance and a copy of GSV’s insurance policy shall be provided to Owner before any entry by GSV or its agents or employees on the Property and shall provide that such policy is not subject to cancellation, expiration or change, except upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to Owner.

11.3           Waiver of Subrogation.  GSV and Owner each waives any and all rights of recovery against the other, and against the partners, members, officers, employees, agents and representatives of the other, for loss of or damage to the Property or injury to person to the extent such damage or injury is covered by proceeds received under any insurance policy carried by Owner or GSV and in force at the time of such loss or damage.

11.4           Waiver and Indemnification.  Owner shall not be liable to GSV and GSV waives all claims against Owner for any injury to or death of any person or damage to or destruction of any personal property or equipment or theft of
 
 
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property occurring on or about the Property or arising from or relating to GSV’s business conducted on the Property.  GSV shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Owner and its members, officers, directors, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, judgments, damage, demands, losses, expenses, costs or liability arising in connection with injury to person or property from any activity, work, or things done, permitted or suffered by GSV or GSV’s agents, partners, servants, employees, invitees or contractors on or about the Property, or from any breach or default by GSV in the performance of any obligation on the part of GSV to be performed under the terms of this Agreement (all of the foregoing collectively referred to as “General Indemnity Claims”).  GSV agrees to defend all General Indemnity Claims on behalf of Owner, with counsel reasonably acceptable to Owner.  The obligations of GSV contained in this Section shall survive the expiration of the term or other termination of this Agreement.

12.           Environmental.

12.1           Definitions.  Hazardous Materials means any material, waste, chemical, mixture or byproduct which:  (a) is or is subsequently defined, listed, or designated under Applicable Environmental Laws (defined below) as a pollutant, or as a contaminant, or as toxic or hazardous; or (b) is harmful to or threatens to harm public health, safety, ecology, or the environment and which is or hereafter becomes subject to regulation by any federal, state or local governmental authority or agency.  Applicable Environmental Laws means any applicable federal, state, or local government law (including common law), statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, permit, license, requirement, agreement or approval, or any applicable determination, judgment, injunction, directive, prohibition or order of any governmental authority with jurisdiction at any level of federal, state, or local government, relating to pollution or protection of the environment, ecology, natural resources, or public health or safety.

12.2           GSV Hazardous Material Activities.  GSV shall limit any use, generation, storage, treatment, transportation, and handling of Hazardous Materials in connection with GSV’s use of the Property (collectively “GSV Hazardous Materials Activities”) to those Hazardous Materials, and to quantities of them, that are necessary to perform activities permitted under this Agreement.  GSV  Hazardous Materials Activities include, without limitation, all such activities on or about the Property by GSV’s employees, partners, agents, invitees, contractors and their subcontractors.  GSV shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Materials to be disposed or abandoned at the Property.  GSV shall cause all GSV Hazardous Materials Activities to be performed in strict conformance to Applicable Environmental Laws.  GSV shall promptly notify Owner of any actual or claimed violation of Applicable Environmental Laws in connection with GSV Hazardous Materials Activities, and GSV shall promptly and thoroughly cure any violation of Applicable Environmental Laws in connection with GSV Hazardous Materials Activities.  If any governmental approval, consent, license or permit is required under Applicable Environmental Laws for GSV to perform any portion of its work at the Property, including without limitation any air emission permits, before commencing any such work, GSV shall be solely responsible, at GSV’s expense, for obtaining and maintaining, and providing copies of, each approval, consent, license or permit. All GSV Hazardous Materials Activities shall be performed by qualified personnel who have received proper training with respect to Hazardous Materials, including compliance with applicable OSHA laws and regulations.  GSV shall cause all Hazardous Materials present at the Property in connection with GSV Hazardous Materials Activities to be safely and securely stored, using double containment.  GSV agrees that neither its use of the Property nor GSV Hazardous Materials Activities shall result in contamination of the environment.
 
 
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12.3           Spills of Hazardous Materials.  GSV shall promptly notify Owner and each governmental regulatory entity with jurisdiction of any spills, releases, or leaks of Hazardous Materials that occur in connection with GSV Hazardous Materials Activities or GSV’s use of the Property, including but not limited to any resulting contamination of the environment (collectively “GSV Contamination”).  GSV further shall promptly notify Owner of any claims of which GSV becomes aware regarding any actual or alleged GSV Contamination.  GSV shall be solely responsible at its expense for promptly, diligently and thoroughly investigating, monitoring, reporting on, responding to, and cleaning up to completion any and all such GSV Contamination, in full conformance to Applicable Environmental Laws (collectively the “GSV Environmental Response Work”).  All GSV Environmental Response Work shall be reported to each governmental regulatory entity with jurisdiction on an ongoing basis, and GSV shall diligently attempt to obtain written concurrence from each such regulatory entity that all GSV Environmental Response Work has been satisfactorily performed and completed.  GSV at its expense shall keep Owner timely informed of GSV’s progress in responding to any GSV Contamination, including but not limited to providing Owner with copies, at GSV’s expense, of all reports, work plans, and communications with governmental regulatory entities.

12.4           Removal of Stored Hazardous Materials.  Before the expiration or termination of this Agreement, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, and in full conformance to Applicable Environmental Laws, GSV shall:  (a) cause to be properly removed from the Property all Hazardous Materials stored at the Property in connection with GSV’s use of the Property or in connection with GSV Hazardous Materials Activities; and (b) cause to be properly dismantled, closed and removed from the Property all devices, drums, equipment and containments used for handling, storing or treating Hazardous Materials Activities.  As part of the closure and removal activities described in the preceding sentence, GSV shall cause to be performed representative environmental sampling of areas of the Property where such handling, storing or treating of Hazardous Materials occurred, to confirm that no contamination of the environment has resulted from any GSV Hazardous Materials Activities.  Such sampling shall be performed by a qualified environmental consultant acceptable to Owner, and such consultant shall promptly issue a written report which describes the consultant’s data, findings, and conclusions, a copy of which shall be provided to Owner at GSV’s expense.  If any GSV Contamination is discovered, GSV shall immediately initiate GSV Environmental Response Work as prescribed in this Agreement.

12.5           Environmental Indemnity.  GSV shall promptly reimburse, defend, indemnify (with legal counsel acceptable to Owner, whose consent shall not unreasonably be withheld) and hold harmless Owner, its employees, assigns, successors-in-interest, agents and representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, causes of action, demands, governmental proceedings or directives, fines, penalties, expenses, costs (including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, consultant’s fees and other expert’s fees and costs), and damages, which arise from or relate to:  (a) GSV Hazardous Materials Activities; (b) GSV Contamination; (c) any non-compliance with Applicable Environmental Laws in connection with GSV’s use of the Property; or (d) a breach of any obligation of GSV under this Section.
 
 
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12.6           Survival.  The provisions of this Section shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.

13.           Property Maintenance.

13.1           Claim Maintenance.

13.1.1           Annual Assessment Work.  To the extent required by law, beginning with the annual assessment work period of September 1, 2010, to September 1, 2011, and for each succeeding annual assessment work year commencing during the term of this Agreement, and not less than thirty (30) days before the applicable deadline,  GSV shall perform for the benefit of the Property work of a type customarily deemed applicable as assessment work and of sufficient value to satisfy the annual assessment work requirements of all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances, if any, and shall prepare evidence of the same in form proper for recordation and filing, and shall timely record and/or file such evidence in the appropriate federal, state and local office as required by applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances. GSV shall deliver to Owner proof of GSV’s compliance with this Section not less than fifteen (15) days before the applicable deadline.  If GSV elects to terminate this Agreement more than three (3) months before the deadline for performance of annual assessment work for the succeeding annual assessment year, GSV shall have no obligation to perform annual assessment work nor to prepare, record and/or file evidence of the same for the following annual assessment year.  The parties acknowledge that there are presently no annual assessment work requirements for the unpatented mining claims which constitute the Property.

13.1.2           Federal Mining Claim Maintenance Fees.  If under applicable federal laws and regulations federal annual mining claim maintenance fees are required to be paid for the unpatented mining claims which constitute all or part of the Property, beginning with the annual assessment work period of September 1, 2010, to September 1, 2011, and not less than thirty (30) days before the applicable deadline, GSV shall timely and properly pay the federal annual mining claim maintenance fees, and shall execute and record or file, as applicable, proof of payment of the federal annual mining claim maintenance fees and of Owner's intention to hold the unpatented mining claims which constitute the Property.  GSV shall pay all mining claim fees and other fees imposed under Nevada law on the recording of the notice of intent to hold the unpatented mining claims which constitute the Property or otherwise required for the maintenance of the Property.  GSV shall deliver to Owner proof of GSV’s compliance with this Section not less than fifteen (15) days before the applicable deadline.  If before the parties’ execution of this Agreement Owner pays the federal annual mining claim maintenance fees for the annual assessment period September 1, 2010, to September 1, 2011, GSV shall reimburse Owner for such fees immediately following the parties’ execution of this Agreement.  If GSV elects to terminate this Agreement more than three (3) months before the deadline for payment of the federal annual mining claim maintenance fees for the succeeding annual assessment year, GSV shall have no obligation to pay the federal annual mining claim maintenance fees for the Property for the succeeding assessment year.
 
 
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13.1.3           Work Commitment.  During the periods described below, GSV shall perform exploration or pre-development work on the Property, including, without limitation, geological, geochemical and geophysical investigations and surveys, sampling and assaying, exploration drilling, engineering, metallurgical and other technical analyses, investigations and studies of the Property.  Expenditures for administrative, office operations and overhead shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of GSV’s actual expenditures to perform exploration or pre-development work on the Property.  Work commitment expenditures by GSV during any period in excess of the work commitment obligation for such period shall be credited against GSV’s subsequent work commitment obligations.  On Owner’s request, GSV shall provide documentary substantiation of GSV’s performance of its work commitment obligations.  GSV’s work commitment obligations are:

Lease Period
Work Commitment Amount
First Lease Year
$25,000.00
Second Lease Year
$75,000.00
Third Lease Year
$100,000.00
Fourth Lease Year
$100,000.00
Fifth Lease Year
$125,000.00
Sixth Lease Year
$125,000.00
Seventh Lease Year
$150,000.00
Eighth Lease Year
$200,000.00
Ninth Lease Year
and each succeeding Lease Year
$200,000,00
 
Beginning in the tenth Lease Year, the work commitment obligation shall be increased, but never decreased, to reflect inflation according to the Consumer Price Index.  The base index shall be the Consumer Price Index on August 1, 2019, and the adjustment index shall be the Consumer Price Index on August 1 of the Lease Year for which the work commitment obligation amount is adjusted.

If during any Lease Year GSV does not complete the full work commitment obligation, GSV shall pay to Owner the amount which is one-half (1/2) of the difference between the work commitment obligation amount and the amount actually expended by GSV during the Lease Year.  GSV shall pay such amount within thirty (30) days following the end of the Lease Year during which GSV does not perform the full amount of the work commitment obligation.

On or before the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Effective Date, GSV shall complete a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 compliant report, or equivalent, for the Property.
 
 
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13.2           Amendment of Mining Laws. The parties acknowledge that legislation for the amendment or repeal of the mining laws of the United States applicable to the Property has been, and in the future may be, considered by the United States Congress.  The parties desire to insure that any and all interests of the parties in the lands subject to the unpatented mining claims which comprise all or part of the Property, including any rights or interests acquired in such lands under the mining laws as amended, repealed or superseded, shall be part of the Property and shall be subject to the Agreement.  If the mining laws applicable to the unpatented mining claims subject to this Agreement are amended, repealed or superseded, the conversion or termination of Owner's interest in the Property pursuant to such amendment, repeal or supersession of the mining laws shall not be considered a deficiency or defect in Owner's title in the Property, and GSV shall have no right or claim against Owner resulting from the conversion, diminution, or loss of Owner's interest in and to the Property, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

If pursuant to any amendment or supersession of the mining laws Owner is granted the right to convert its interest in the unpatented mining claims comprising the Property to a permit, license, lease, or other right or interest, all converted interests or rights shall be deemed to be part of the Property subject to this Agreement.  Upon the grant or issuance of such converted interests or rights, the parties shall execute and deliver an addendum to this Agreement, in recordable form, by which such converted interests or rights are made subject to this Agreement.

14.           Relationship of the Parties.

14.1           No Partnership.  This Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute any party, in its capacity as such, the partner, agent or legal representative of any other party, or to create any joint venture, partnership, mining partnership or other partnership relationship between the parties.

14.2           Competition.  Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, each party shall have the free and unrestricted right independently to engage in and receive the full benefits of any and all business endeavors of any sort outside the Property or outside the scope of this Agreement, whether or not competitive with the endeavors contemplated under this Agreement, without consultation with or participation of the other party.  In particular, without limiting the foregoing, neither party to this Agreement shall have any obligation to the other as to any opportunity to acquire any interest, property or right offered to it outside the scope of this Agreement.

15.           Inspection.  Owner or Owner’s duly authorized representatives shall be permitted to enter on the Property and GSV’s workings at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspection, but they shall enter on the Property at their own risk and in such a manner which does not unreasonably hinder, delay or interfere with GSV’s operations.

16.           Title.                      Owner represents in respect of the unpatented mining claims which comprise the Property that: (a) the claims were properly located in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations; (b) all assessment work requirements for the claims have been performed and all filings and recordings of proof of performance have been made properly and the federal annual mining claim maintenance and rental fees have been paid properly; (c) the claims are in good
 
 
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standing; (d) subject to the paramount title of the United States, Owner has good right and full power to lease and to convey the interests described in this Agreement; and (e) the claims are free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances created by, through or under Owner.  Owner disclaims any representation or warranty concerning the existence or proof of a discovery of locatable minerals on or under the Property.

17.           Covenants, Warranties and Representations.  Each of the parties covenants, warrants and represents for itself as follows:

17.1           Compliance with Laws.  That it has complied with all applicable laws and regulations of any governmental body, federal, state or local, regarding the terms of and performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

17.2           No Pending Proceedings.  That there are no lawsuits or proceedings pending or threatened which affect its ability to perform the terms of this Agreement.

17.3           Costs.  That it shall pay all costs and expenses incurred or to be incurred by it in negotiating and preparing this Agreement and in closing and carrying out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

17.4           Brokers.  That it has had no dealings with any agent, broker or finder in connection with this Agreement, and shall indemnify, defend and hold the other party harmless from and against any claims that may be asserted through such party that any agent’s broker’s or finder’s fee is due in connection with this Agreement.

18.           Termination by Owner.  Any failure by GSV to perform any of its covenants, liabilities, obligations or responsibilities under this Agreement shall be a default.  Owner may give GSV written notice of a default.  If the default is not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice, provided the default can reasonably be cured within that time, or, if not, if GSV has not within that time commenced action to cure the same or does not after such commencement diligently prosecute such action to completion, Owner may terminate this Agreement by delivering notice to GSV of Owner’s termination of this Agreement.  In the case of GSV’s failure to pay the Payments, Owner shall be entitled to give GSV written notice of the default, and if such default is not remedied within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of the notice, then Owner may terminate this Agreement by delivering notice to GSV of Owner’s termination of this Agreement.  On termination of this Agreement based on GSV’s default, within ten (10) days after termination GSV shall execute and deliver to Owner a release and termination of this Agreement in form acceptable for recording.

19.           Termination by GSV.  GSV may at any time terminate this Agreement by giving three (3) months advance written notice to Owner.  If GSV terminates this Agreement, GSV shall perform all obligations and pay all payments which accrue or become due before the termination date.  On GSV’s termination of this Agreement, within ten (10) days after termination GSV shall execute and deliver to Owner a release and termination of this Agreement in form acceptable for recording.
 
 
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20.           Surrender of Property.  On expiration or termination of this Agreement, GSV shall surrender the Property promptly to Owner and at GSV’s sole cost shall remove from the Property all of GSV’s buildings, equipment and structures.  GSV shall reclaim the Property in accordance with all applicable Governmental Regulations.  GSV shall diligently perform reclamation and restoration of the Property such that GSV’s reclamation and restoration shall be completed before expiration of this Agreement and not later than the date required under any Governmental Regulations.

21.           Data.  Within thirty (30) days following termination of this Agreement, GSV shall deliver to Owner copies of all data regarding the Property in GSV’s possession at the time of termination which before termination have not been furnished to Owner and, at Owner’s request, GSV shall deliver to Owner all drill core, cuttings, samples and sample splits taken from the Property.  GSV shall deliver the data in digital and hard copy form.  The digital data shall be in a format which is readable and useful using commercially available software which is customarily used in the mineral exploration industry in the United States.  All digital and written data shall be in English.

22.           Confidentiality.  The data and information, including the terms of this Agreement, coming into a party’s possession by virtue of this Agreement shall be deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed to outside third parties except as may be required to publicly record or protect title to the Property or to publicly announce and disclose information under Governmental Regulations or under the rules and regulations of any stock exchange on which the stock of any party, or the parent or affiliates of any party, is listed.  Each party agrees to inform the other party of the content of the announcement or disclosure in sufficient time to permit the other party to jointly or simultaneously make a similar public announcement or disclosure.  If a party negotiates for a transfer of all or any portion of its interest in the Property or under this Agreement or negotiates to procure financing or loans relating to the Property, in order to facilitate any such negotiations such party shall have the right to furnish information to third parties, provided that each third party to whom the information is disclosed agrees to maintain its confidentiality in the manner provided in this Section.

23.           Assignment.

23.1           GSV’s Assignment.   Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, GSV shall not assign, convey, encumber, sublease, grant any concession, or license or otherwise transfer (each a “Transfer”) all or any part of its interest in this Agreement or the Property, without, in each case, Owner’s prior written consent, which shall not be withheld unreasonably.  Any Transfer of this Agreement which is prohibited under this Section shall be deemed void and shall constitute a material default under the terms of this Agreement. In its consideration of GSV’s request for consent to a Transfer, Owner may consider the financial, legal, operating and regulatory history and the market capitalization of the proposed transferee.
 
 
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23.2           Owner’s Assignment.  Subject to GSV’s rights under this Agreement, Owner shall have the right to assign, convey, encumber, or sell all or any part of its interest in this Agreement or the Property.  No change in ownership of Owner's interest in the Property shall affect GSV's obligations under this Agreement unless and until Owner delivers and GSV receives copies of the documents which demonstrate the change in ownership of Owner's interest.  Until GSV receives Owner's notice and the documents required to be delivered under this Section, GSV may continue to make all payments under this Agreement as if the transfer of Owner's ownership interest had not occurred.  No division of Owner's ownership as to all or any part of the Property shall enlarge GSV's obligations or diminish GSV's rights under this Agreement.

24.           Memorandum Agreement.  The parties shall execute and deliver a memorandum of this Agreement.  The execution of the memorandum shall not limit, increase or in any manner affect any of the terms of this Agreement or any rights, interests or obligations of the parties.

25.           Notices.  Any notices required or authorized to be given by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent either by commercial courier, facsimile, or by certified U.S. mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, addressed to the proper party at the address stated below or such address as the party shall have designated to the other parties in accordance with this Section.  Such notice shall be effective on the date of receipt by the addressee party, except that any facsimiles received after 5:00 p.m. of the addressee’s local time shall be deemed delivered the next day.

If to Owner:                           Diversified Inholdings, LLC
PO Box 34089
Reno, Nevada 89533-4089

If to GSV :                              Gold Standard Ventures (US) Inc.
 
26.           Binding Effect of Obligations.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective parties and their successors or assigns.

27.           Entire Agreement.  The parties agree that the entire agreement between them is written in this Agreement and in a memorandum of agreement of even date.  There are no terms or conditions, express or implied, other than expressly stated in this Agreement.  This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by the parties with the same formality as this Agreement.

28.           Governing Law and Forum Selection.  This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada.  Any action or proceeding concerning the construction, or interpretation of the terms of this Agreement or any claim or dispute between the parties shall be commenced and heard in the Second Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada, in and for the County of Washoe, Reno, Nevada.

29.           Multiple Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute the same Agreement.
 
 
15
 
 
30.            Severability.  If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal or in conflict with any Governmental Regulations, the validity of the remaining portions or provisions shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be invalid.

31.           Time of Essence.  Time is of the essence in the performance of the parties’ obligations under this Agreement.

The parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.

 
Diversified Inholdings, LLC
  
       
 
By:
/s/ Greg Ekins   
   
Greg Ekins, Manager
  
       
       
 
By:
/s/ Peter Dilles  
   
Peter Dilles, Manager
  
       
     
 
Gold Standard Ventures (US) Inc.
  
       
 
By:
/s/ Richard Silas  
    Name:  Richard Silas   
    Title: Corporate Secretary   
 
 
 
16
 
 
Mining Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Description of CD Property and Area of Interest

Property.

See attached list of unpatented mining claims.

Area of Interest.

The Area of Interest encompasses the following lands in Mineral County, Nevada defined by subdivisions of the public survey as T5N, R34E Sections:

T5N R34E MDB&M
Section 1 All, 2 All, 3 All, 10 East Half, 11 All, 12 All.

T5N R35E MDB&M
Section 6 West Half, 7 West Half.

T6N R34E MDB&M
Section 21 All, 22 All, 26 All, 27 All, 28 All, 33East Half, 34 All, 35 All, 36 All.

T5N R33E MDB&M 80 Acre Fee Land
Section 12 SE4/NE4 & NE4/SE4
Not shown on Map, the parcel is 5 miles west of the project area.

The Area of Interest is illustrated in the attached map.
 
 
17
 
 
Exhibit A
Description of Property
Part 1 Unpatented Mining Claims
 
 CLAIM NAME BLM NMC MINERAL COUNTY RECORDATION  COUNT 
 CD 26  634390  144 759  1
 CD 27  827059  190 854  2
 CD 28  827060  190 855  3
 CD 30  827062  190 857  4
 CD 31  827063  190 858  5
 CD 32  827064  190 859  6
 CD 33  827065  190 860  7
 Kernick 1 R  828925  191 968  8
 Kernick R  828926  191 969  9
 CD 57  828927  191 970  10
 CD 58  832615  194 170  11
 CD 59  832616  194 171  12
 CD 60  844819  127857  13
 CD 61  844820  127858  14
 CD 62  842788  127733  15
 CD 63  844821  127859  16
 CD 64  844822  127860  17
 CD 65  844823  127861  18
 CD 66  827061  190 856  19
 CD 67  844824  127862  20
 CD 68  844825  127863  21
 CD 69  844826  127864  22
 CD 70  844827  127865  23
 CD 71  844828  127866  24
 CD 72  844829  127867  25
 CD 73  844830  127868  26
 CD 74  848287  128266  27
 CD 75  848288  128267  28
 CD 76  848289  128268  29
 CD 77  848290  128269  30
 CD 78  848291  128270  31
 CD 79  848292  128271  32
 
Mining Lease Exhibit A Description of Property
 
 
18
 
 
 CD 80  848293   128272  33
 CD 81 848294  128273  34
 CD 82  848295  128274  35
 CD 83  848296   128275  36
 CD 84  848297  128276  37
 CD 85  848298  128277  38
 CD 86  848299  128278  39
 CD 87  848300  128279  40
 CD 88  848301  128280  41
 CD 89  848302  128281  42
 CD 90  848303  128282  43
 CD 91  848304  128283  44
 CD 92  848305  128284  45
 CD 93  912144  136558  46
 CD 94  912145  136559  47
 CD 95  912146  136560  48
 CD 96  912147  136561  49
 CD 97  912148  136562  50
 CD 98  912149  136563  51
 CD 99  912150  136564  52
 CD 100  912151  136565  53
 CD 101  912152  136566  54
 CD 102  912153  136567  55
 CD 103  912154  136568  56
 CD 104  912155  136569  57
 CD 105  912156  136570  58
 CD 106  912157  136571  59
 CD 107  912158  136572  60
 CD 108  912159  136573  61
 CD 109  912160  136574  62
 CD 110  912161  136575  63
 CD 111  912162  136576  64
 CD 112  912163  136577  65
 CD 113  912164  136578  66
 CD 114  912165  136579  67
 CD 115  912166  136580  68
 CD 116  912167  136581  69
 CD 117  912168  136582  70
 
Mining Lease Exhibit A Description of Property
 
 
19
 
 
 CD 118  912169  136583  71
 CD 119  912170  136584  72
 CD 120  912171  136585  73
 CD 121  912172  136586  74
 CD 122  912173  136587  75
 CD 123  912174  136588  76
 CD 124  912175  136589  77
 CD 125  912176  136590  78
 CD 126  912177  136591  79
 CD 127  912178  136592  80
 CD 128  912179  136593  81
 CD 129  912180  136594  82
 CD 130  912181  136595  83
 CD 131  912182  136596  84
 CD 132  912183  136597  85
 CD 133  912184  136598  86
 CD 134  912185  136599  87
 CD 135  912186  136600  88
 CD 136  912187  136601  89
 CD 164  1007208  148172  90
 CD 166  1007209  148173  91
 CD 168  1007210  148174  92
 CD 170  1007211  148175  93
 CD 172  1011701  148943  94
 CD 174  1011702  148944  95
 CD 176  1011703  148945  96
 CD 178  1011704  148946  97
 CD 180  1005636  147853  98
 CD 181  1005637  147854  99
 CD 182  1005638  147855  100
 CD 183  1005639  147856  101
 CD 184  1005640  147857  102
 CD 185  1005641  147858  103
 CD 186  1005642  147859  104
 CD 187  1005635  147860  105
 CD 202  1011705  148947  106
 CD 203  1011706  148948  107
 CD 204  1011707  148949  108
 
Mining Lease Exhibit A Description of Property
 
 
20
 
 
 CD 205  1011708  148950  109
 CD 206  1011709  148951  110
 CD 207  1011710  148952  111
 CD 208  1011711  148953  112
 CD 209  1011712  148954  113
 CD 210  1011713  148955  114
 CD 211  1011714  148956  115
 CD 211B  1011715  148957  116
 CD 212  1011716  148958  117
 CD 137  1021899  148959  118
 CD 138  1021900  149690  119
 CD 139  1021901  149691  120
 CD 140  1021902  149692  121
 CD 155  1021903  149693  122
 CD 156  1021904  149694  123
 CD 213  1021905  149695  124
 CD 214  1021906  149696  125
 CD 215  1021907  149697  126
 CD 216  1021908  149698  127
 CD 217  1021909  149699  128
 CD 218  1021910  149700  129
 CD 219  1021911  149701  130
 CD 220  1021912  149702  131
 CD 221  1021913  149703  132
 CD 222  1021914  149704  133
 CD 223  1021915  149705  134
 CD 224  1021916  149706  135
 CD 225  1021917  149707  136
 CD 226  1021918  149708  137
 CD 229  1021919  149709  138
 CD 230  1021920  149710  139
 CD 141  1026884  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  140
 CD 142  1026885  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  141
 CD 143  1026886  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  142
 CD 144  1026887  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  143
 CD 145  1026888  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  144
 CD 146  1026889  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  145
 CD 147  1026890  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  146
 
Mining Lease Exhibit A Description of Property
 
 
21
 
 
 CD 148  1026891  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  147
 CD 149  1026892  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  148
 CD 150  1026893  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  149
 CD 157  1026894  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  150
 CD 158  1026895  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  151
 CD 159  1026896  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  152
 CD 160  1026897  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  153
 CD 161  1026898  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  154
 CD 227  1026902  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  155
 CD 228  1026903  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  156
 CD 231  1026904  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  157
 CD 232  1026905  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  158
 CD 233  1026906  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  159
 CD 234  1026907  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  160
 CD 235  1026908  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  161
 CD 238  1026909  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  162
 CD 239  1026910  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  163
 CD 240  1026911  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  164
 CD 241  1023127  150091  165
 CD 246  1023128  150092  166
 CD 247  1023129  150093  167
 CD 248  1023130  150094  168
 CD 249  1023131  150095  169
 CD 250  1026912  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  170
 CD 251  1026913  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  171
 CD 252  1026914  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  172
 CD 253  1026915  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  173
 CD 254  1026916  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  174
 CD 165  1026899  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  175
 CD 167  1026900  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  176
 CD 169  1026901  Certified Mailed August 24, 2010  177
      
Fee Land 80 acres
T5N R33E Section 12, NE4/SE4 and the SE4/NE4
Not shown on map
 
Mining Lease Exhibit A Description of Property
 
 
22
 
 
Exhibit A Part 2

Area of Interest and Property Map

T5N R34E MDB&M
Section 1 All, 2 All, 3 All, 10 East Half, 11 All, 12 All.

T5N R35E MDB&M
Section 6 West Half, 7 West Half.

T6N R34E MDB&M
Section 21 All, 22 All, 26 All, 27 All, 28 All, 33 East Half, 34 All, 35 All, 36 All.

T5N R33E MDB&M 80 Acre Fee Land
Section 12 SE4/NE4 & NE4/SE4
Parcel is 5 miles west of the project area. Not shown on Map.

Mining Lease Exhibit A Description of Property
 
 
23
 
 
 
 
 
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