BSG bolnisi gold nl

coeur takeover, page-3

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    Attention Business Editors, Mining Editors:

    Coeur d'Alene Mines, Bolnisi and Palmarejo Announce Agreement to Merge in Transaction Valued at Approximately $1.1 Billion To Create World's Leading Primary Silver Company

    COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO & SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA & LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC, May 3 /CNW/ - Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation (NYSE:CDE) (TSX:CDM) ("Coeur"), Bolnisi Gold NL (ASX:BSG) ("Bolnisi") and Palmarejo Silver and Gold Corporation (TSX-V:PJO),("Palmarejo") announced today that they have entered into agreements, which have been approved unanimously by their respective boards of directors, as
    well as a special committee of independent directors of the Palmarejo board of directors, to merge creating the world's leading primary silver producer.
    Pursuant to the agreements, Coeur will acquire all of the shares of Bolnisi,and all of the shares of Palmarejo not owned by Bolnisi, in a transaction valued at approximately US$1.1 billion (the "Transaction").

    Under the terms of the Transaction, Bolnisi shareholders will receive 0.682 Coeur shares for each Bolnisi share they own (or, at the election of the
    Bolnisi shareholder, CHESS Depositary Interests representing Coeur shares),and Palmarejo shareholders will receive 2.715 Coeur shares for each Palmarejo
    share they own. It is anticipated that this will result in Coeur issuing a total of approximately 271.3 million new shares. In addition, Bolnisi and Palmarejo shareholders will receive a nominal cash payment equal to A$0.004
    (US$0.003) per Bolnisi share and C$0.004 (US$0.003) per Palmarejo share.(1)

    Bolnisi and Palmarejo currently own 100% of the Palmarejo Project which is located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The Palmarejo Project is one of
    the highest-quality primary silver projects in the world today, to which Coeur believes it can create significant additional value by leveraging its extensive exploration, development and underground and open pit mining
    expertise.

    The Transaction will create a combined entity that expects to realize several significant strategic benefits, including:

    <<
    -- Leading Silver Producer: Upon completion of the Transaction and following commencement of production at the Palmarejo Project, Coeur will be positioned as the world's leading primary silver producer in terms of silver production and silver resources. Based
    on Palmarejo mineral resource estimates and all the metallurgical
    and mining studies completed to date, Palmarejo is constructing a
    2 million tonne per annum processing plant capable of producing
    12 million ounces of silver and 110,000 ounces of gold annually,
    which Coeur expects would nearly double its current production
    levels. As a result of this Transaction, Coeur is expected to:

    -- Produce approximately 32 million silver ounces and
    approximately 290,000 gold ounces in 2009 -- silver production
    accounting for approximately two-thirds of total production by
    value based on analyst consensus metal prices for 2009;

    -- Possess a mineral resource base of over 364 million ounces of
    measured and indicated silver mineral resources (inclusive of
    silver mineral reserves) and 96.6 million ounces of inferred
    silver mineral resources and 3.4 million ounces of measured and
    indicated gold mineral resources and 0.95 million ounces of
    gold inferred mineral resources. Detailed descriptions of
    mineral resources and reserves of both Coeur and Palmarejo are
    attached at the end of this news release;

    -- Have a leading growth profile with silver production compound
    annual growth of approximately 47% between 2007 and 2009; and

    -- Continue its no-hedge silver policy, maximizing leverage to
    silver prices.

    -- Well-Diversified Portfolio: Coeur owns and operates three silver
    mines in North America and South America, owns all of the silver
    production and mineral reserves of two operating mines in
    Australia, and is constructing a new silver mine in Bolivia and a
    new gold mine in Alaska. The addition of the Palmarejo Project to
    Coeur's portfolio will geographically diversify Coeur's asset mix
    and provide entry into a prolific mining area of Mexico, which is
    the world's second largest silver producing country.

    -- Increased Exploration Potential: The combination of Coeur's
    prospective exploration portfolio and the Palmarejo properties is
    expected to provide considerable exploration upside potential for
    shareholders.

    -- Low-Cost Producer: The Palmarejo Project's anticipated low
    operating costs are expected to materially reduce Coeur's overall
    cash costs, making Coeur a competitive low-cost producer in the
    sector. Following the commencement of production at the Palmarejo
    Project, Coeur anticipates that its operating costs will be below
    US$2.00 per ounce of silver (after by-product credits).

    -- Sector Leading Liquidity: Coeur is currently listed on both the
    NYSE and TSX, and, in connection with the Transaction, Coeur
    intends to seek listing of its shares on the ASX in the form of
    CHESS Depositary Interests. Coeur expects to remain one of the
    world's most liquid publicly-traded silver mining companies.

    -- Strong Balance Sheet: Based on Coeur's, Bolnisi's and Palmarejo's
    balance sheets as at December 31, 2006, the pro forma cash position
    of the combined company would be $382 million, which is expected to
    be sufficient to fund all three growth projects -- San Bartolome,
    Kensington and Palmarejo -- without further equity dilution.
    >>

    "With this transaction we are establishing Coeur as the clear leader in
    the silver mining industry," said Dennis E. Wheeler, Coeur's Chairman,
    President and Chief Executive Officer. "Coeur will have an unrivaled platform
    of silver mines and projects, which we expect to provide substantial growth at
    low cost. In addition, we have performed substantial due diligence on the
    Palmarejo Project and are pleased to be making a substantial strategic
    investment in Mexico. We believe that we can add substantial value, leveraging
    our development, operational and exploration expertise to the Palmarejo
    Project. The Board of Directors and I are excited about the future of the
    combined company, and we look forward to delivering the significant benefits
    of the combination to all of our shareholders."

    Norman A. Seckold, Executive Chairman of Bolnisi, said, "We are very
    excited about today's announcement. This transaction provides our shareholders
    with immediate value for their shares as well as the opportunity to
    participate in the upside potential of what we believe will be the world's
    premier silver producer. By leveraging Coeur's expertise in underground and
    open cut project development, we expect to realize the full value of the
    Palmarejo Project."

    David Fennell, Chairman of the Special Committee of independent directors
    of Palmarejo said, "The Special Committee has undertaken a comprehensive
    review of the transaction, including seeking advice from both our financial
    advisor and legal counsel, and has received a fairness opinion from its
    financial advisor. The Special Committee also retained a separate and
    independent financial advisor to complete a formal valuation in connection
    with the transaction as contemplated by Canadian securities laws. After
    careful consideration, the Special Committee has unanimously recommended
    approving the transaction to the Palmarejo board of directors, who have in
    turn approved entering into the agreement. Furthermore, the Palmarejo board,
    on the recommendation of the Special Committee has authorized the submission
    of the arrangement to Palmarejo shareholders for their approval at a special
    meeting of shareholders and the Palmarejo Board unanimously recommends that
    Palmarejo shareholders vote in favor of the transaction."

    Terms of the Transaction

    Under the terms of the Transaction, Coeur will acquire all of the
    outstanding shares of Bolnisi and all of the outstanding shares of Palmarejo
    not owned by Bolnisi in exchange for shares in Coeur. Based on the total
    number of outstanding shares of common stock for both Bolnisi and Palmarejo as
    of May 2, 2007, the Transaction has a total value of approximately US$1.1
    billion.

    Under the terms of the Transaction, Bolnisi shareholders will receive
    0.682 Coeur shares for each Bolnisi share they own (or, at the election of the
    Bolnisi shareholder, CHESS Depositary Interests representing Coeur shares)
    under a Court approved Scheme of Arrangement pursuant to Australian law, and
    Palmarejo shareholders will receive 2.715 Coeur shares for each Palmarejo
    share they own under a Court approved Plan of Arrangement pursuant to Canadian
    law. In addition, Bolnisi and Palmarejo shareholders will receive a nominal
    cash payment equal to A$0.004 (US$0.003) per Bolnisi share and C$0.004
    (US$0.003) per Palmarejo share.

    Based on Coeur's stock price as of close of business on May 2, 2007,
    Bolnisi shareholders will receive the equivalent of A$3.35 (US$2.76) per
    share, and Palmarejo shareholders will receive the equivalent of C$12.20
    (US$11.00) per share. The agreed terms represent a 9% premium over Bolnisi's
    closing stock price on May 1, 2007, the last full trading day before the
    company entered a trading halt, and a 14% premium over the volume-weighted
    average price of Bolnisi shares over the last 60 trading days. The agreed
    terms also represent a 40% premium over Palmarejo's closing stock price on May
    1, 2007, the last trading day for Palmajero before the transaction was
    announced, and a 32% premium over the volume-weighted average price of
    Palmarejo shares over the last 60 days.

    Each of the directors of Bolnisi has entered into a call option deed,
    which, between them, grants Coeur the right to acquire up to 19.9% of
    Bolnisi's outstanding shares held by the directors at the same price as that
    offered by Coeur to other Bolnisi shareholders under the Bolnisi Scheme of
    Arrangement.

    Under the terms of the Transaction, Bolnisi, Palmarejo and Coeur have
    agreed to give each other exclusivity, subject to certain exceptions and have
    agreed to a reciprocal break fee of 1% payable in certain circumstances.

    Palmarejo Project

    The Palmarejo Project, expected to be one of the world's lowest cost
    primary silver mines, is wholly-owned by, and the major asset of, Palmarejo.
    Bolnisi is the majority shareholder of Palmarejo, holding 73.6% of its
    outstanding shares.

    The Palmarejo tenement covers approximately 12,160 hectares and the
    current development project is located on one of 14 silver targets identified
    to date on the tenement. The Palmarejo Project is located in the state of
    Chihuahua in northern Mexico and lies in Mexico's premier silver region, the
    gold-silver belt of the Sierra Madre Occidental.

    Construction of the Palmarejo Project began during September 2006. Based
    on Palmarejo mineral resource estimates and all the metallurgical and mining
    studies completed to date, Palmarejo is constructing a 2 million tonne per
    annum processing plant capable of producing 12 million ounces of silver and
    110,000 ounces of gold annually, nearly equal to the 13 million silver ounces
    and 136,000 gold ounces expected to be produced by Coeur in 2007. Coeur and
    Palmarejo will form a joint management committee to oversee progress on the
    Palmarejo Project pending completion of the Transaction. The joint management
    committee will pursue an optimization scenario based on Coeur's plan for a
    combined open pit and underground development targeting enhanced project
    economics, with first production expected in late 2008.

    Approvals

    The Transaction is subject to approval by the shareholders of Coeur,
    Bolnisi and Palmarejo, the completion of satisfactory due diligence by Coeur
    (which shall be completed within 30 days of this announcement) and the
    satisfaction of customary closing conditions (including completion of
    regulatory reviews and receipt of regulatory approvals, including those of
    antitrust agencies). The consummation of each of the Bolnisi transaction and
    the Palmarejo transaction is also conditioned upon the consummation of the
    other transaction, although Coeur has the right to waive this condition if the
    Palmarejo transaction does not proceed, and still proceed with the Bolnisi
    transaction. Assuming timely completion of the required regulatory processes
    and receipt of the required shareholder and Court approvals, the companies
    expect the Transaction to be completed in the third quarter of 2007.

    The Bolnisi Scheme of Arrangement requires the approval of three-fourths
    of the total shares voted, plus half of the shareholders present and voting at
    the meeting, either in person or by proxy. The Palmarejo Plan of Arrangement
    must be approved by two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders present and
    voting at a special meeting of shareholders called to consider the
    Transaction, as well as a simple majority of the votes cast by such
    shareholders (excluding interested parties). Both Arrangements require
    approval by the applicable courts in Canada and Australia.

    Coeur's Board of Directors has unanimously approved the Transaction and
    recommends that Coeur shareholders vote in favor of proposals required for its
    implementation. Prior to the Bolnisi and Palmarejo shareholder meetings, Coeur
    will convene a special meeting of its shareholders to approve an amendment to
    Coeur's articles of incorporation to increase the number of its authorized
    capital and to approve the issuance of shares required to implement the
    Transaction. These proposals require the approval of a majority of the Coeur
    shares that are present or represented by proxy at the shareholder meeting.

    CIBC World Markets is acting as financial advisor to Coeur. Freehills,
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Goodmans LLP and Rubio Villegas y Asociados, S.C.
    are acting as legal counsel to Coeur. Cormark Securities Inc. is acting as
    financial advisor to Bolnisi and Minter Ellison and Dorsey & Whitney LLP are
    acting as legal counsel. Dundee Securities Corporation is acting as financial
    advisor to Palmarejo's Special Committee and Westwind Partners Inc. has
    provided a formal valuation to the Special Committee of independent directors
    of Palmarejo and Stikeman Elliott LLP and Dorsey & Whitney LLP are acting as
    Palmarejo's legal counsel.

    Conference Call Information

    Coeur will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, May 3, 2007,
    at 9:30 am ET to discuss this announcement. The conference call can be
    accessed by dialing 888-868-9080 (US and Canada) and 973-935-8511
    (International) and the access code is 8763642. The conference call and
    presentation will also be webcast on Coeur's website: www.coeur.com.

    About Coeur d'Alene Mines

    Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation is one of the world's leading primary
    silver producers and a growing gold producer. The company has mining interests
    in Alaska, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Chile, Nevada, and Tanzania.

    About Bolnisi

    Bolnisi Gold NL is an Australia-based company engaged in mining and
    exploration for gold and minerals. The Company's activities are all Mexican
    precious metals operations with an existing portfolio of projects, which
    include the Palmarejo Silver-Gold project (including Trogan), Chihuahua; the
    Yecora Gold-Silver project, Sonora, and the El Realito Gold-Silver project,
    Chihuahua.

    About Palmarejo

    Palmarejo Silver And Gold Corporation is a silver/gold exploration
    company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "PJO". Palmarejo's
    principal activity is to explore and develop gold and silver properties
    located in the Temoris District of Chihuahua, Mexico within the Sierra Madre
    Occidental mountain range.

    Technical Disclosure

    Except as described in the paragraphs below, scientific and technical
    information in this news release relating to the mineral projects of Coeur and
    the Palmarejo Project was prepared under the supervision of Kenneth M.
    Phillips, geologist of VOP Mining Services Pty Ltd who is also a director of
    Bolnisi Gold NL. Mr. Phillips is a qualified person under Canadian National
    Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and a Member of the Australasian Institute of
    Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Phillips has sufficient experience which is relevant
    to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to
    the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as
    defined in the 2004 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of
    Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mr Phillips has
    consented to the inclusion in this press release of the matters based on his
    information in the form and context in which it appears.

    Donald J. Birak, Coeur's Senior Vice President of Exploration, is the
    qualified person responsible for the preparation of the scientific and
    technical information concerning Coeur's reserve and resource information in
    this news release. Mr. Birak has reviewed the available data and procedures
    and believes the collection of exploration data and calculation of Coeur's
    mineral reserves and resources reported in this news release was conducted in
    a professional and competent manner. For a description of the key assumptions,
    parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and resources, as
    well as a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be
    affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation,
    socio-political, marketing or other relevant factors, please see the Technical
    Reports for each of the Rochester, Cerro Bayo, Martha, San Bartolome,
    Kensington, Endeavor and Broken Hill projects as filed on SEDAR at
    www.sedar.com.

    The definitions of proven and probable mineral reserves and resources
    under NI 43-101 are substantially identical to the definitions of such
    reserves under Guide 7 of the SEC's Securities Act Industry Guides. Mineral
    resources are in addition to mineral reserves and have not demonstrated
    economic viability.

    This press release uses the terms "Measured", "Indicated" and "Inferred"
    Resources. U.S. investors are advised that while such terms are recognised and
    required by Canadian regulations, the Securities and Exchange Commission does
    not recognise them. "Inferred Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as
    to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot
    be assumed that all or any part of an inferred resource will ever be upgraded
    to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Resources
    may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S.
    investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of Measured or
    Indicated Resources will ever be converted into reserves. U.S. investors are
    also cautioned not to assume that all or any part an Inferred Mineral Resource
    exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

    Cautionary Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
    of securities legislation in the United States and Canada, including
    statements regarding the terms and conditions of the proposed transaction and
    anticipated operating results. Such statements are subject to numerous
    assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of Coeur
    or Palmarejo, as the case may be. Operating, exploration and financial data,
    and other statements in this press release are based on information that Coeur
    or Palmarejo, as the case may be, believes is reasonable, but involve
    significant uncertainties affecting the business of Coeur or Palmarejo, as the
    case may be, including, but not limited to, future gold and silver prices,
    costs, ore grades, estimation of gold and silver reserves, mining and
    processing conditions, construction schedules, currency exchange rates, and
    the completion and/or updating of mining feasibility studies, changes that
    could result from future acquisitions of new mining properties or businesses,
    the risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including environmental
    hazards, industrial accidents, weather or geologically related conditions),
    regulatory and permitting matters, risks inherent in the ownership and
    operation of, or investment in, mining properties or businesses in foreign
    countries, as well as other uncertainties and risk factors set out in filings
    made from time to time with the SEC and the Ontario Securities Commission,
    including, without limitation, Coeur's reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and
    Palmarejo's Annual Information Form. Additionally, there are risks that the
    parties will not proceed with the Transaction, that the ultimate terms of the
    Transaction will differ from those that currently are contemplated, and that
    the Transaction will be not be successfully completed for any reason
    (including the failure to obtain the required approvals or clearances from
    regulatory authorities). Actual results, developments and timetables could
    vary significantly from the estimates presented. Readers are cautioned not to
    put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Coeur and Palmarejo disclaim
    any intent or obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements,
    whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    Additionally, Coeur and Palmarejo undertake no obligation to comment on
    analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Coeur
    and Palmarejo, their financial or operating results or their securities or the
    Transaction.

    Additional Information

    The proxy statement that Coeur plans to file with the United States
    Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and Canadian securities regulators
    and mail to its shareholders will contain information about Coeur, Bolnisi,
    Palmarejo, the Palmarejo Project, the Transaction and related matters.
    Shareholders are urged to read the proxy statement carefully when it is
    available, as it will contain important information that shareholders should
    consider before making a decision about the Transaction. In addition to
    receiving the proxy statement from Coeur by mail, shareholders will also be
    able to obtain the proxy statement, as well as other filings containing
    information about Coeur, without charge, from the SEC's website (www.sec.gov)
    and the Canadian securities regulators' website (www.sedar.com) or, without
    charge, from Coeur. This announcement is neither a solicitation of a proxy, an
    offer to purchase, nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Coeur.
    Coeur and its executive officers and directors may be deemed to be
    participants in the solicitation of proxies from Coeur's shareholders with
    respect to the proposed Transaction. Information regarding any interests that
    Coeur's executive officers and directors may have in the Transaction will be
    set forth in the proxy statement. The Coeur shares to be issued in the
    Transaction have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act
    of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States
    absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.
    Coeur intends to issue such Coeur shares pursuant to the exemption from
    registration set forth in Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act.

    Copies of the merger implementation agreements and certain related
    documents will be filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators and
    will be available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and at the Canadian
    securities regulators' website at www.sedar.com.

    (1) As of May 2, 2007 US$1.00 = A$0.8248 = C$0.9016.


    <<
    Coeur's Proven Mineral Reserves (Year-end 2006)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Grade
    Short (ounces/ton) Ounces (000s)
    Tons ---------------- ------------------
    Property Location (000s) Silver Gold Silver Gold
    ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------------- ------------------

    Rochester Nevada,
    USA 3,720 0.66 0.007 2,436 26
    Cerro Bayo Chile 375 10.41 0.20 3,902 75
    Martha Argentina 33 64.05 0.10 2,118 3
    San Bolivia
    Bartolome - - - - -
    Kensington Alaska,
    USA - - - - -
    Endeavor Australia 9,700 1.59 - 15,420 -
    Broken Hill Australia 10,064 1.46 - 14,648 -
    ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------------- ------------------
    23,892 38,524 105
    ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------------- ------------------

    Coeur's Probable Mineral Reserves (Year-end 2006)
    --------------------------------------------------- ------------------
    Grade
    Short (ounces/ton) Ounces (000s)
    Tons ---------------- ------------------
    Property Location (000's) Silver Gold Silver Gold
    ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------------- ------------------

    Rochester Nevada,
    USA - - - - -
    Cerro Bayo Chile 259 8.66 0.18 2,242 47
    Martha Argentina 66 59.97 0.08 3,966 6
    San Bolivia
    Bartolome 46,176 3.29 - 151,882 -
    Kensington Alaska,
    USA 4,419 - 0.31 - 1,352
    Endeavor Australia 11,684 1.42 - 16,563 -
    Broken Hill Australia 2,844 1.18 - 3,368 -
    ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------------- ------------------
    65,448 178,021 1,405
    ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------------- ------------------
    >>

    Mineral Reserves correspond to Ore Reserves per US SEC classification.
    Metal prices used to determine ore reserves were $8.00/oz. Ag and $475.00/oz.
    Au at Cerro Bayo, Martha and Rochester; $10.0/oz Ag at Endeavor; $10.12/oz Ag.
    at Broken Hill; $6.00/oz Ag at San Bartolome; and $550/oz Au at Kensington.
    Endeavor and Broken Hill reserves are as of June 30, 2006.

    <<
    Coeur's Measured Mineral Resource (Year-end 2006)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Grade
    Short (ounces/ton) Ounces (000s)
    Tons ---------------- ----------------
    Property Location (000s) Silver Gold Silver Gold
    ------------- ------------ --------- ---------------- ----------------

    Rochester Nevada, USA 12,304 0.94 0.01 11,598 88
    Cerro Bayo Chile 455 9.38 0.17 4,267 75
    Martha Argentina 19 39.44 0.06 739 1
    San Bartolome Bolivia - - - - -
    Kensington Alaska, USA - - - - -
    Endeavor Australia 3,748 3.00 - 11,259 -
    Broken Hill Australia 2,105 2.31 - 4,870 -
    ------------- ------------ --------- ---------------- ----------------
    18,631 32,733 164
    ------------- ------------ --------- ---------------- ----------------

    Coeur's Indicated Mineral Resource (Year-end 2006)
    ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------
    Grade
    Short (ounces/ton) Ounces (000s)
    Tons ---------------- ----------------
    Property Location (000's) Silver Gold Silver Gold
    ------------- ------------ --------- ---------------- ----------------

    Rochester Nevada, USA 2,931 0.92 0.01 2,705 21
    Cerro Bayo Chile 727 6.11 0.14 4,436 100
    Martha Argentina 31 39.24 0.06 1,211 2
    San Bartolome Bolivia 70 2.29 - 160 -
    Kensington Alaska, USA 3,136 - 0.20 - 623
    Endeavor Australia 4,519 3.12 - 14,105 -
    Broken Hill Australia 1,510 1.96 - 2,956 -
    ------------- ------------ --------- ---------------- ----------------
    12,924 25,573 746
    ------------- ------------ --------- ---------------- ----------------

    Coeur's Inferred Mineral Resource (Year-end 2006)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Grade
    Short (ounces/ton) Ounces (000s)
    Tons ---------------- ----------------
    Property Location (000's) Silver Gold Silver Gold
    ------------- ------------ --------- ---------------- ----------------

    Rochester Nevada, USA - - - - -
    Cerro Bayo Chile 1,328 9.00 0.16 11,944 208
    Martha Argentina 63 45.76 0.05 2,875 3
    San Bartolome Bolivia 1,096 3.52 - 3,851 -
    Kensington Alaska, USA 1,184 - 0.21 - 243
    Endeavor Australia 1,102 2.51 - 2,765 -
    Broken Hill Australia 7,256 4.64 - 33,674 -
    ------------- ------------ --------- ---------------- ----------------
    12,028 55,109 453
    ------------- ------------ --------- ---------------- ----------------
    >>

    Mineral resources correspond to mineralised material per US SEC
    guidelines. Mineral resources are in addition to mineral reserves and have not
    demonstrated economic viability.


    <<
    Palmarejo's Mineral Resource Statement

    Mineral Resource Tonnes Au Ag Au Ag
    category (millions) (g/t) (g/t) (Oz) (Moz)
    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------
    Palmarejo(1)
    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------
    Measured 5.4 2.22 200 384,000 34.6
    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------
    Indicated 9.1 2.00 186 587,000 54.66
    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------
    Inferred 4.0 1.31 138 169,000 17.93
    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------

    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------
    Guadalupe(2)
    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------
    Inferred 5.7 0.83 106 155,000 19.57
    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------

    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------
    La Patria(3)
    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------
    Inferred 3.6 1.49 35 171,000 4.03
    ---------------- -----------------------------------------------------
    >>

    1. Source: Palmarejo Updated Resource Statement - 24 October 2006 - A 0.8
    g/t AuEq cutoff has been applied to Palmarejo - only those blocks with higher
    interpolated grade than these cutoffs have been included in the mineral
    resource statement above. Gold equivalent grades and ounces were calculated
    using a gold to silver ratio of 1:55 based on recent gold to silver ratios and
    projected metallurgical recoveries.

    2. Source: Palmarejo Initial Resource Statement for Guadalupe - 24
    October 2006 - 0.8 g/t AuEq cutoff has been applied to Guadalupe above 1300 m
    elevation. A 3.0 g/t AuEq cutoff has been applied to Guadalupe below 1300 m
    elevation. Only those blocks with higher interpolated grade than this cutoff
    have been included in the mineral resource statement above. Gold equivalent
    grades and ounces were calculated using a gold to silver ratio of 1:55 based
    on recent gold to silver ratios and projected metallurgical recoveries.

    3. Source: Palmarejo Initial Resource Statement for the La Patria Project
    - 16 January 2007 - A 0.8 g/t AuEq cut-off has been applied to the La Patria
    resource estimate. Only those blocks with higher interpolated grade than this
    cut-off have been included in the mineral resource statement above. Gold
    equivalent grades and ounces were calculated using a gold to silver ratio of
    1:55 based on recent gold to silver ratios and projected metallurgical
    recoveries.



    For further information: Coeur: Mitchell J. Krebs, 888-545-1138 Senior
    Vice President - Corporate Development or Matthew Sherman / Jennifer Schaefer
    Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449 or Bolnisi: Norman
    Seckold, 011 (61 2) 9247 5300 Chairman or Palmarejo: James Crombie,
    450-677-2253 President & CEO

 
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