South Pacific Metals Corp. - Interim Injunction against K92 Mining and the MRA is Upheld by National Court of Papua New Guinea
South Pacific Metals Corp. (OTCQB: SPMEF) announced that the National Court of Papua New Guinea has upheld an interim injunction against K92 Mining and the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) regarding Exploration Licence EL2558.
The injunction prevents K92 Mining from entering or interfering with the EL2558 licence area and stops the MRA from processing K92 Mining's applications for leases over the area. The National Court awarded costs in favor of SPMC and has offered parties the choice between nonbinding mediation or proceeding to trial.
The core dispute centers on whether SPMC's subsidiary KRL has exclusive rights to apply for a Lease for Mining Purposes (LMP) over its exploration licence area. The EL2558 area is crucial for SPMC's exploration programs and could potentially serve as a tailings storage site.
South Pacific Metals Corp. (OTCQB: SPMEF) ha comunicato che la Corte Nazionale della Papua Nuova Guinea ha confermato un’ingiunzione provvisoria nei confronti di K92 Mining e dell’Autorità delle Risorse Minerarie (MRA) riguardo alla Licenza di Esplorazione EL2558.
L’ingiunzione impedisce a K92 Mining di entrare nell’area della licenza EL2558 o di interferire con essa e blocca l’MRA dal processare le domande di concessione di locazione sull’area da parte di K92 Mining. La Corte Nazionale ha rilasciato le spese in favore di SPMC e ha proposto alle parti una scelta tra mediazione non vincolante o procedimento giudiziario.
La disputa principale ruota attorno al fatto se la controllata di SPMC, KRL, detenga i diritti esclusivi per richiedere una Locazione per Scopi Minerari (LMP) sull’area della licenza di esplorazione. L’area EL2558 è cruciale per i programmi di esplorazione di SPMC e potrebbe potenzialmente fungere da sito di stoccaggio delle scorie.
South Pacific Metals Corp. (OTCQB: SPMEF) anunció que la Corte Nacional de Papúa Nueva Guinea ha sostenido una medida cautelar contra K92 Mining y la Autoridad de Recursos Minerales (MRA) respecto a la Licencia de Exploración EL2558.
La medida impide que K92 Mining ingrese o interfiera con el área de la licencia EL2558 y detiene a la MRA de tramitar las solicitudes de arrendamiento sobre esa área. La Corte Nacional otorgó los costos a favor de SPMC y ha ofrecido a las partes la opción entre mediación no vinculante o ir a juicio.
El conflicto central gira en torno a si la subsidiaria de SPMC, KRL, tiene derechos exclusivos para solicitar una Licencia para Fines Mineros (LFM) sobre el área de la licencia de exploración. El área EL2558 es crucial para los programas de exploración de SPMC y podría servir como sitio de almacenamiento de relaves.
South Pacific Metals Corp. (OTCQB: SPMEF)는 파푸아뉴기니의 국가 법원이 K92 Mining 및 광물자원청(MRA)에 대한 탐사 허가 EL2558과 관련된 가처분을 유지했다고 발표했습니다.
가처분은 K92 Mining이 EL2558 허가 구역에 진입하거나 간섭하는 행위를 금지하고 MRA가 해당 구역에 대한 임대 신청 처리도 중지합니다. 국가 법원은 SPMC를 위해 비용을 판결했고 양당사자에게 비구속적 중재를 선택하거나 재판으로 진행할 수 있는 선택권을 제공했습니다.
주된 쟁점은 SPMC의 자회사 KRL이 탐사 허가 구역에 대해 광업 목적 임대권(LMP)을 신청할 독점적 권리가 있는지에 관한 것입니다. EL2558 구역은 SPMC의 탐사 프로그램에 결정적이며, 잔류 슬러지 보관 장소로도 사용될 수 있습니다.
South Pacific Metals Corp. (OTCQB: SPMEF) a annoncé que la Cour nationale de Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée a confirmé une injonction provisoire contre K92 Mining et l’Autorité des ressources minières (MRA) concernant la Licence d’exploration EL2558.
L’injonction empêche à K92 Mining d’entrer dans la zone de la licence EL2558 ou d’interférer avec celle-ci et empêche la MRA de traiter les demandes de baux sur cette zone. La Cour nationale a attribué les frais en faveur de SPMC et a offert aux parties le choix entre une médiation non contraignante ou une procédure judiciaire.
Le litige central concerne savoir si la filiale de SPMC, KRL, dispose des droits exclusifs pour demander une Concession d’Exploitation Minière (CEM) sur la zone de la licence d’exploration. La zone EL2558 est cruciale pour les programmes d’exploration de SPMC et pourrait potentiellement servir de site de stockage des rejets.
South Pacific Metals Corp. (OTCQB: SPMEF) gab bekannt, dass das Nationalgericht von Papua-Neuguinea eine einstweilige Verfügung gegen K92 Mining und die Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) bezüglich der Explorationslizenz EL2558 aufrechterhalten hat.
Die Verfügung verhindert, dass K92 Mining das Lizenzgebiet EL2558 betritt oder interferiert und hindert die MRA daran, Anträge auf Pacht über das Gebiet zu bearbeiten. Das Nationalgericht sprach SPMC die Kosten zu und bot den Parteien als Wahl zwischen einer nichtbindenden Mediation oder einem Gerichtsverfahren an.
Der Kernstreit dreht sich darum, ob die Tochtergesellschaft von SPMC, KRL, ausschließliche Rechte hat, eine Bergbaulizenz zu beantragen (LMP) über dem Explorationsgebiet. Das Gebiet EL2558 ist entscheidend für SPMCs Explorationsprogramme und könnte potenziell als Abraumdeponie genutzt werden.
South Pacific Metals Corp. (OTCQB: SPMEF) أعلنت أن المحكمة الوطنية في بابوا غينيا الجديدة اعتمدت أمرًا قضائيًا مؤقتًا ضد K92 Mining وهيئة الموارد المعدنية (MRA) بشأن ترخيص الاستكشاف EL2558.
الأمر يمنع K92 Mining من الدخول إلى منطقة الترخيص EL2558 أو التدخل فيها ويوقف MRA من معالجة طلبات الإيجار الخاصة بالمنطقة. وجرى في المحكمة الوطنية منح التكاليف لصالح SPMC وعرضت على الأطراف خياراً بين وساطة غير ملزمة أو التوجه إلى المحاكمة.
الجدل الأساسي يدور حول ما إذا كانت شركة KRL، التابعة لـSPMC، تمتلك حقوقاً حصرية لتقديم طلب ترخيص لأغراض التعدين (LMP) على منطقة ترخيص الاستكشاف. منطقة EL2558 حاسمة لبرامج استكشاف SPMC وقد تكون موقعًا لتخزين الخامات المتبقية.
South Pacific Metals Corp.（OTCQB: SPMEF） 宣布，巴布亚新几内亚国民法院维持对 K92 Mining 和矿产资源局（MRA）关于勘探许可EL2558的一项临时禁令。
禁令 防止 K92 Mining 进入或干涉 EL2558 许可区域，并阻止 MRA 处理在该区域的租赁申请。国家法院裁定将费用判给 SPMC，并为各方提供非约束性调解或进入审判的选择。
核心争议在于 SPMC 的子公司 KRL 是否拥有就其勘探许可区域申请“采矿用途租赁权” (LMP) 的独占权。EL2558 区域对 SPMC 的勘探计划至关重要，可能还会被用作尾矿存放场地。
- Court ruling upholds SPMC's position and awards costs in their favor
- Protection of exclusive rights over EL2558 exploration licence area
- Legal validation of SPMC's rights against unauthorized activity
- Ongoing legal dispute with K92 Mining creates uncertainty
- Potential need for lengthy trial process if mediation fails
- Resources being directed to legal proceedings rather than exploration
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 16, 2025) - South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSXV: SPMC) (OTCQB: SPMEF) (FSE: 6J00) ("SPMC" or the "Company") reports that the National Court Justice of Papua New Guinea ("National Court") has has upheld the interim injunction previously obtained by SPMC's wholly-owned subsidiary, Kainantu Resources Limited ("KRL"), in its proceedings against K92 Mining Limited ("K92 Mining") and the Mineral Resources Authority ("MRA") in relation to Exploration Licence EL2558.
Scope of the Injunction
The injunction restrains K92 Mining and the MRA from actions that interfere with KRL's exclusive rights over EL2558, including:
Restraining K92 Mining from entering into or interfering with the EL2558 licence area, including conducting sterilization drilling or undertaking infrastructure development (such as the proposed tailings storage facility or solar farm).
Preventing the MRA from accepting or processing any K92 Mining applications for leases or tenements over the EL2558 area.
Following an in-depth review of submissions, the National Court affirmed SPMC's position and ordered that the injunctive relief remain in place until further order of the National Court. The National Court also awarded costs in favour of SPMC. The National Court has further asked parties whether they would like to go to nonbinding mediation or have the issue go to Trial. If this issue ends up in Trial, the primary issue to be decided is the interpretation of the Mining Act, whether or not SPMC (through its subsidiary KRL) has the exclusive right to apply for a Lease for Mining Purposes ("LMP") over its owned Exploration Licence. K92 Mining argues to the contrary that it has a right to apply for an LMP over land that is the subject of KRL's exploration tenement.
Background and Objective
SPMC initiated legal action after repeated instances of what it believes to be trespass and interference by K92 Mining on EL2558.
SPMC's objective is to safeguard its legal rights, maintain the integrity of its exploration programs, and ensure that the EL2558 licence area remains free from unauthorized activity. EL2558 is a key exploration focus for the Company and should exploration prove non-economic, represents a potential site for tailings storage.
South Pacific Metals will continue to vigorously protect its rights and interests in EL2558 and will provide further updates as developments occur.
About South Pacific Metals Corp.
South Pacific Metals Corp. is an emerging gold-copper exploration company operating in the heart of Papua New Guinea's proven gold and copper production corridors. With an expansive 3,100 km² land package and four transformative gold-copper projects contiguous with major producers K92 Mining, PanAust and neighbouring Barrick/Zijin, new leadership and experienced in-country teams are prioritizing thoughtful and rigorous technical programs focused on boots-on-the-ground exploration to prioritize discovery across its portfolio projects: Osena, Anga, Kili Teke, and May River.
Immediately flanking K92 Mining's active drilling and gold producing operations to the northeast and southwest, SPMC's Anga and Osena Projects are located within the high-grade Kainantu Gold District - each having the potential to host similar-style lode-gold and porphyry copper-gold mineralization as that present within K92 Mining's tenements. Kili Teke is an advanced exploration project situated only 40 km from the world-class Porgera Gold Mine and hosts an existing Inferred Mineral Resource with multiple opportunities for expansion and further discovery. The May River Project is located adjacent to the world-renowned Frieda River copper-gold project, with historical drilling indicating potential for a significant, untapped-gold mineralized system. SPMC common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX.V: SPMC), the OTCQB Marketplace (OTCQB: SPMEF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: 6J00).
For further information please contact:
Michael Murphy, Executive Chair
or
Investor Relations
South Pacific Metals Corp.
Tel: +1-604-653-9464
Email: info@southpacificmetals.ca
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Information
Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of SPMC. In making the forward-looking statements, SPMC has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available to the Company, including SPMC's strategic plan for the near and mid-term. There is no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements may involve various risks and uncertainties affecting the business of the Company. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because of the context of the statements, including such words as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "plans", "may", "estimates", or words of a similar nature. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the outcome of a further order from the National Court, whether the parties will determine whether to pursue mediation or proceed to trial and the Company's upcoming exploration program. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic, regulatory, or other unforeseen uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, without limitation: success of the Company's projects, prices for metals remaining as estimated, currency exchange rates remaining as estimated, availability of funds for the Company's projects, capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), no labour-related disruptions, no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production, all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner, and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in gold prices, fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar), operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mineral exploration, inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and hazards, the Company's ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner, changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations, legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration, increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel, the availability of additional capital, title matters and the additional risks identified in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266601
FAQ
What did the Papua New Guinea National Court rule regarding South Pacific Metals (SPMEF) and K92 Mining?
What are the key points of dispute between South Pacific Metals (SPMEF) and K92 Mining?
What are the next steps in the South Pacific Metals (SPMEF) legal proceedings?
Why is the EL2558 licence area important for South Pacific Metals (SPMEF)?
What specific activities does the injunction prevent K92 Mining from conducting?
