Tempus Resources signs Elizabeth Gold Project exploration agreement with Xwisten people

Tempus Resources Ltd (ASX:TMR) has signed a key exploration agreement with Xwisten people for its Elizabeth Gold Project that lies at the heart of Xwisten’s traditional territory in south-western British Columbia, Canada. The agreement allows Tempus to carry out various exploration including claim staking, bedrock sampling, ground surveys, limited overburden stripping and trenching, bulk-sampling and drilling-related activities. Survey work includes geological mapping and geophysical/geochemical surveys along with airborne geophysical surveys at the project. The company plans to carry out these activities until the positive bankable feasibility stage is reached. Working with indigenous groups Tempus managing director Brendan Borg said “Working cooperatively and respectfully with indigenous groups is always a key element of ensuring the success of any mineral project. “We are very pleased to be developing a mutually beneficial relationship with the Xwisten people, solidified by this agreement, which acknowledges and respects their Indigenous Title and Rights, and provides for a variety of heritage protection, environmental and commercial benefits.” The agreement addresses both parties’ desire for a mutually beneficial arrangement in respect of Tempus’ current and proposed exploration activities within the Xwísten Traditional Territory. It also provides for the protection of traditional activities and sensitive sites, including archaeological surveys, environmental protection measures, and the opportunity for the Xwísten communities to participate in any business and employment opportunities project generates. Xwisten’s chief Susan James said: “We are pleased to have concluded this agreement with Tempus and the establishment of a cooperative relationship going forward with our voice and interests being taken into consideration throughout the growth of the project. “We are confident that our agreement will help us work through challenging times while achieving the results that both parties have envisioned.” Elizabeth Gold Project The project is a part of British Columbia’s Blackdome-Elizabeth Gold Project, which is spread over a 350 square kilometre area and remains relatively unexplored. Blackdome-Elizabeth is made up of two separate mineralisation styles, the Elizabeth zone and the Blackdome zone. Last month, Tempus raised $ 2.5 million through the placement of shares which was supported by its new and existing institutional and sophisticated investors. The proceeds from the placement will be primarily used to fund accelerated exploration at the Blackdome-Elizabeth Gold Project and other gold projects in Ecuador.