TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – Nov. 22, 2016) – VVC Exploration Corporation (“VVC” or the “Company“) (TSX VENTURE:VVC) is pleased to announce the closing, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, of a convertible debenture financing (the “Debenture) of approximately CA$1.38 million or US$1.04 million. Insiders of the Company have subscribed for about CA$380,000.
Jim Culver, President of VVC commented that, “We are very pleased at the market reception to the Company’s placement, and the commitment of our existing shareholders to supporting the Company. With the recent increases in the price of copper, VVC’s prospects, with the Samalayuca Copper Project look especially bright.”
The Debenture bears interest at 12% per annum for a term of 5 years. The Debenture is convertible into units at CA$0.05 per share, at any time after 4 months. Each USD Debenture unit comprises a US$25,000 Debenture and 500,000 common share purchase warrants (“Warrants”) of the Company. Each CAD Debenture unit comprises a CA$25,000 Debenture and 400,000 common share purchase warrants (“Warrants”) of the Company. Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at $0.05 per share in the first year and at $0.10 per shares in years 2 to 5 and will expire in 5 years.
The number of warrants to be issued will be 21,132,000. It is estimated that if all the Debenture Holders converted in the first year, then about 27.5 million shares would be issued. If all Debenture converted at the end of five years, then about 23.8 million shares would be issued.
The net proceeds will be used to cover maintenance fees and option payments on the Company’s properties in Mexico, and settle other obligations.
Mr. Culver noted that VVC’s team at it’s 67.5% owned Samalayuca de Cobre (Samalayuca Copper project) continues to work with the Environmental and Preservation authorities of SEMARNAT and CONAMP. The Company is currently awaiting the outcome of the government appeal of a judge’s ruling that the farmer owned lands where the Samalayuca Copper Project is located are outside of the jurisdiction of the CONAMP agency. The Company would continue to work with the agency regardless of the outcome of the case, so for practical purposes, those judicial results will have little impact on the Samalayuca Copper Project.
Recently the Company’s discussions with SEMARNAT and CONAMP have increased, as the Company starts the planning for the Samalayuca Pilot Project.
Mr. Culver reiterated VVC’s ongoing commitment to cooperate with all appropriate federal, state and local authorities, and farmer groups to build an economically sound project that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible and supports the people and local economy of the Samalayuca area.
In addition, the Company wish to report the grant of incentive stock options under its stock option plan, to a director and a consultant of the Company, to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 common shares, representing 1.1% of the outstanding shares of the Company. The stock options are exercisable at a price of CA$0.05 per share expiring November 17, 2026. Pursuant to the TSX Venture Exchange policies, the exercise price was fixed at the minimum allowable price. The options will vest and be exercisable on the basis of 25% on the date of grant and 25% every six months thereafter.
There are currently 181,786,131 shares outstanding and 18,750,000 options outstanding at an average exercise price of $0.065 per share. The options were granted subject to provisions of the Company’s stock option plan which was approved by shareholders on July 22, 2015, and are subject to the TSX Venture Exchange policies and the applicable securities laws.
About VVC Exploration Corporation
VVC is a Canadian exploration and mining company with projects in Mexico and Canada, which includes a near production copper prospect in Chihuahua State, and gold and silver prospects in Sonora and Sinaloa States, Mexico. The Company also has a grassroots gold/VMS prospect in the Timmins area of northern Ontario. VVC is aggressively seeking to convert its near production copper project, Samalayuca Cobre, to pilot scale production, then full production.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Michel J. Lafrance, Secretary-Treasurer
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Patrick Fernet
(514) 631-2727
pfernet@vvcexploration.com