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Las Brisas contains reserves of about 10.229 million ounces of gold and 1.389 billion pounds of copper. Indicated mineral resources show 11.8 million ounces of gold and approximately 1.6 billion pounds of copper, while inferred resources reveal 2.28 million ounces of gold and 316 million pounds of copper.

However, both Las Cristinas and Las Brisas are located in the Imataca Forest Reserve, with is subjected to more stringent environmental controls than areas outside of the boundaries. Veltkamp confirmed with RI that even though the La Camorra mill was in close proximity to the forest, neither the mill nor the Isidora mine were within the Reserve's boundaries.

Likewise, Rusoro Mining [TSX-V:RML] confirmed in a recent statement that it was in possession of all necessary permits to produce gold at the Choco 10 Mine in Bolivar State, also located outside the Imataca Forest Reserve. The project has measured and indicated resources of 4,451,000 ounces of gold and inferred resources of 2,870,000 ounces.

Veltkamp pointed out that Hecla's gold mine is already in operation with a positive track record stretching 9 years. She said that Hecla has always cooperated fully with the government and has never received any communication indicating otherwise.