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Commitments and Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies  
Commitments and Contingencies

8. Commitments and Contingencies

The Mt Todd site was not reclaimed by the predecessor owners when the mine closed in 2000. Reclamation obligations associated with the period before Vista’s purchase of Mt Todd are presently the responsibility of the Government of the Northern Territory, Australia (the “NT Government”). Vista may, but is not obligated to, give notice to the NT Government that it wishes to commence mining activities at Mt Todd. As a result of any such notice by the Company, the NT Government will transfer a) certain assets to the Company upon terms and conditions to be agreed or determined by an independent valuer and b) the rehabilitation, management and operational activities being carried out by the Territory. The historical rehabilitation liabilities to be transferred to Vista are currently stated by the NT Government at approximately A$73 million.

Under an agreement with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation with respect to Mt Todd, we have agreed to a gross proceeds royalty (“GPR”) ranging between 0.125% and 2.0%, depending on prevailing gold prices and foreign exchange rates, and a 1.0% GPR not tied to gold price or foreign exchange rates. The combined GPR ranges from 1.125% to 3.0%.

Mt Todd is also subject to the Royalty Agreement with Wheaton; see Note 6.

Our exploration and development activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment and our interactions with community stakeholders, among others. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. Future expenditures that may be required for compliance with these laws and regulations cannot be predicted. If the Company determines that it is probable that an obligation exists and the amount can be reasonably estimated, a provision would be recorded. This may include reclamation costs attributable to mining claims previously held by the Company should no other responsible or potentially responsible parties be identified. We conduct our operations in a manner designed to minimize effects on the environment and believe our operations comply with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects.