February 13, 2006
Vancouver, BC, February 13, 2006 – Goldcorp Inc. (TSX: G; NYSE: GG) is pleased to announce that it has agreed with Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX: SLW; AMEX: SLW) to amend their existing silver purchase agreement in connection with an increase in Goldcorp’s investment in exploration and development at its San Dimas mine in Mexico.
Under the existing silver purchase agreement dated October 15, 2004, Silver Wheaton is entitled to purchase all of the silver produced by Goldcorp’s Mexican operations, Luismin, for a per ounce cash payment of the lesser of US$3.90 and the prevailing market price (subject to an inflationary adjustment commencing in 2007). Further, Luismin is required to deliver a minimum of 120 million ounces of silver over the 25 year contract period and Silver Wheaton is obligated to pay 50% of any capital expenditures made by Luismin at its mining operations in excess of 110% of the projected capital expenditures outlined in the agreement.
Goldcorp and Silver Wheaton have agreed to amend the existing agreement, increasing the minimum number of ounces of silver to be delivered over the 25 year contract period by 100 million ounces, to 220 million ounces, and waiving any capital expenditure contributions previously required to be paid by Silver Wheaton. In consideration for these amendments, Silver Wheaton will issue to Goldcorp 18 million common shares, representing 9.8% of the outstanding shares of Silver Wheaton, and a US$20 millionpromissory note, increasing Goldcorp’s ownership to 62%, or 126 million common shares of Silver Wheaton. Goldcorp does not have any present intention to acquire ownership of, or control over, any additional securities of Silver Wheaton. The total consideration of US$150 million is equal to the approximate value of Silver Wheaton’s share of the future capital expenditures estimated over the remaining life of the existing agreement.
Luismin plans to increase its investment in exploration and development at the San Dimas mine, in order to improve ore production (gold and silver) at the mine by approximately 35% by 2009.
Closing of the transaction is conditional upon completion of definitive documentation and receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Randy Smallwood, P. Eng., Director, Project Development of Goldcorp is the “qualified person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed the proposed expansion of ore production at Luismin and has reviewed and approved of the contents of this news release.
Goldcorp is the world’s lowest cost and fastest growing gold producer, and is unhedged. Gold production in 2006 is forecast to be approximately 2 million ounces, on an annualized basis, at a cash cost of approximately US$150 per ounce.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future price of gold, silver and copper, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Goldcorp to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the integration of acquisitions; risks related to international operations; risks related to joint venture operations; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of current reclamation activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of gold, silver and copper; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, as well as those factors discussed in (a) the section entitled “Description of the Business – Risk Factors” in Goldcorp’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2004, and (b) the section entitled “Description of the Business – Risk Factors” in Wheaton River Minerals Ltd.’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2004. Although Goldcorp has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Goldcorp does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
For further information, including a copy of the early warning report of Goldcorp to be filed on www.sedar.com within two business days of this news release, please contact:
Julia Hasiwar
Director, Investor Relations
Goldcorp Inc.
1560-200 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6
Telephone: 1800-567-6223
Fax: (604) 696-3001
Email:
info@goldcorp.com
Website:
www.goldcorp.com