Hayasa Metals Announces Option Agreement on Vardenis Copper-Gold Project

Core Viewpoint - Hayasa Metals Inc. has entered into an amended and restated option and joint venture agreement with Teck Resources Limited, granting Teck the exclusive option to acquire up to an 80% interest in Mendia Resources LLC, which owns the Vardenis copper-gold project in Armenia [1][2]. Agreement Highlights - The agreement allows Teck to acquire a 70% interest in Mendia by incurring US$15 million in exploration expenditures by December 31, 2029, completing 4,300 meters of diamond drilling by October 31, 2026, and making required payments to the existing majority shareholder [5]. - If Teck exercises the initial option, it can acquire an additional 10% interest by delivering a National Instrument 43-101 compliant pre-feasibility study within six years [5]. - Teck will be responsible for all expenditures related to the Vardenis Project during the option terms, while Hayasa will initially manage the project [5]. - If Teck incurs at least US$2.5 million in the first 30 months but does not exercise the initial option, the agreement will terminate, and Teck will receive a 1.0% net smelter returns royalty [5]. - A corporate joint venture will be formed if Teck exercises the initial option and either does not pursue the second option or exercises it [5]. Project Overview - The Vardenis Project is located in the Central Tethyan Belt in Armenia, covering 9,399 hectares and is accessible by road [7]. - The project is situated 25 km from the Amulsar gold deposit, with previous exploration indicating significant mineralization potential [8]. - In late 2023, Hayasa completed 770 meters of diamond drilling in the Razmik copper-molybdenum zone, revealing strong alteration and mineralization indicative of porphyry-style deposits [8]. Management Changes - Hayasa's Chief Financial Officer, Paul Hansed, will retire at the end of 2025, after a 17-year career in the junior mining sector [9][10].