03/07/2009                                     www.insidemetals.com Vol 4, Issue 5
In This Edition...

Precious Metals Market Update
Gold & Silver ETF's
Geopolitical View

Gold Producer News
Website Updates

Dear Subscriber,
The newsletter will be published next on March 21, 2009.
IN THIS EDITION OF INSIDEMETALS

In this edition of the InsideMetals Newsletter, we'll take a look at gold & silver ETF's, production, pricing and news, as well as precious metals trends, gold producer news and recent website updates, which includes our new Advertising and Media Kit information.

In This Issue
Precious Metals Markets Update
2007 Silver Nevada Miner Bar
Geopolitical View
Whitney & Whitney Inc.
NYSE Gold Producer News
AMEX Gold Producer News
NASD Gold Producer News
InsideMetals.com Website Updates
PRECIOUS METALS MARKET UPDATE
PRECIOUS METALS MARKET UPDATE
Gold closed at $913.00/oz (London Fix) on March 5, 2009, a 0.8% decrease from the $920.00/oz (London Fix) closing price on February 19, 2009, when data for the previous newsletter was gathered.
 
Silver closed at $13.15/oz (London Fix) on March 5, 2009, a 6.0% increase from the $12.40/oz (London Fix) closing price on February 19, 2009.

Platinum closed at $1056.00/oz (London Fix) on March 5, 2009, a 7.6% increase from the $981.00/oz (London Fix) closing price on, February 19, 2009.

Palladium closed at $198.00/oz (London Fix) on March 5, 2009, a 1.2% decrease from the $200.50/oz (London Fix) closing price on February 19, 2009.

ONE YEAR GOLD vs. EURO/U.S. DOLLAR CHART

The gold bullion vs. the Euro/U.S. Dollar chart displayed below for the last year shows a good correlation between bullion and currency. Gold values peaked in March 2008 above $1,000 per ounce, consolidated in the second quarter of 2008 below $900 per ounce, and then climbed briefly back above $950 per ounce in July as news about the financial crisis intensified during the third quarter.

The gold price has risen from its October low ($712.50) and closed at $913.00 per ounce on March 5, 2009. Gold has been steadily rising since the October lows, and briefly popped over a $1,000 per ounce in late February, before declining to test the $900 per ounce level. During this rise in the bullion price, there were strong fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar. On January 9, 2009 the Euro/$ was 1.3684 and the dollar has increased in value to a Euro/$ value of 1.2555 on March 5, 2009, due to a strengthening dollar. Today, March 6, 2009, gold prices have resumed their rise. The rise in the gold price reflects investor flight to safety as investors still have reservations about the U.S. economy and continued problems with the banks, the U.S. auto industry and escalating job losses. The simultaneous strength in the U.S. dollar also reflects investor concern about the weakness in other currencies. The continuing strong divergence in gold price and currency reflects the concerns of both bullion and currency investor.
Advertise to a world-wide targeted audience
 
Gold & Silver ETF's
 
 
The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) controls over 33,000,000 ounces of gold. The gold holdings have been steadily increasing since October in spite of significant gold price fluctuations. The GLD now holds a record 33,092,632 ounces of gold.
 

The accumulation of silver by the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has been increasing as silver prices have risen above $14.00 per ounce. Silver holdings have been strongly building since August in spite of declining silver prices through October. SLV silver holdings and the price of silver have moved upward in mid-January. SLV silver holdings peaked on February 23, 2009 with a record 263,008.023 ounces. As of March 5, 2009 these holdings stand at 256,600,428 ounces as the silver price dropped below $14.00 per ounce.
2007 Silver Nevada Miner Bar - 99.9% Pure 5 Troy Ounces of American History
GEO POLITICAL VIEW
GEOPOLITICAL VIEW BETTER TO BUY BEFORE STIMULATING
 
Based on rumors that the Chinese were going to add to their November $586 billion stimulus package, the DOW closed up more than 150 points on Wednesday, March 4, 2009. The stimulus package announced in November by Premier Wen Jiabao, would focus on infrastructure such as airports, highways, and would provide more aid to poor farmers, and cut taxes for importers. Tax cuts for importers could boost demand for iron ore, from Brazil and Australia; increase demand for factory and equipment from the U.S. and Europe, and industrial components throughout Asia.

Rumors of additional stimulus caused a rise in the DOW, and a surge in commodity prices, and especially the stocks of mining companies. The stocks of world class mining companies, such as copper giant Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold (FCX), Brazilian iron ore giant Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CRVD), and Australian diversified base and industrial mineral producer Rio Tinto Plc (RTP) and Australian base metals and oil producer BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) all rose sharply on the rumor.

On Thursday, March 5, 2009, Premier Wen Jiabao threw cold water on the prior day's market flare-up by announcing that China could achieve an 8% growth rate without adding to the previously announced November plan. The stock prices of the above noted companies fell back when investors realized there would be no additional stimulus by China ... until they were ready.

Since their November announcement, the Chinese have been acquiring commodity companies. Doesn't it make sense to buy low before a surge in imports increases commodity prices. It makes even more sense to acquire equity positions in the commodity producers in order to secure long term sources of commodities at low prices.

Early in February 2009, Mineweb reported that one of Australia's best known analysts and market commentators, Keith Goode, at Sydney-based Eagle Advisory Service stated that China was clearly on a quest to acquire control of mineral deposits outside of China for the next 20 to 40 years, not just the next fiscal year or business cycle. Goode pointed out that the Chinese are reacting to being held hostage last year by the BHP and RTP over iron ore pricing.

The Chinese have taken advantage of the debt that RTP took on to thwart the hostile take over bid by BHP. RTP added $38.1 billion in debt by purchasing Alcan Inc. A year ago the Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) joined with Alcoa (AA) to purchase 12% of RTP. Chinalco's buy into RTP was then viewed as having a potential impact on the then ongoing iron ore contract negotiations with BHP, RTP, and RIO, and even if iron ore prices increased, Chinalco would be a beneficiary from increased profits received by RTP.

On March 4, 2009, Reuters reported that China Investment Corp. (CIC) wants to diversify its portfolio into the natural resources sector after booking heavy losses on high profile financial investments in private equity funds managed by Blackstone and Morgan Stanley. The CIC is responsible for managing part of China's foreign exchange reserves which have $200 million under management, making it the fourth largest Sovereign Wealth Fund. A move into commodities by the CIC would add to the wave of recent investments by Chinese state funds that topped $50 billion in February alone that include a $25 billion loan to Russian oil company Rosneff, a $10 billion loan to Brazilian oil producer Petrobras, and investments into Australian mining companies:

Ginadalbie Metals Ltd. shareholders in Perth agreed to a $A162 million placement with Chinese partner Ansham Iron & Steel Group to keep its Karara iron ore project in Western Australia on track.

Chinese state owned metals group Minmetals will use its $1.7 billion acquisition of debt ridden Oz Minerals to buy more distressed firms

Chinese steelmaker Hunan Valin purchased 275 million shares of Pilbara iron ore producer Fortescue Metals for $364 million in a new share allotment plus participation in a co-operative exploration agreement.

Chinalco invested $12.3 billion for a stake in RTP's iron ore, copper, and aluminum assets and $7.2 billion for convertible notes that could take its equity position to 18%.

The Chinese resource spending is expected to accelerate over the next year and is expected to include Canadian mining and energy companies. The above investments will stimulate the Chinese economy for years in the future.
Advertise to a world-wide targeted audience
 
Whitney & Whitney Inc. - A Nevada Based Management Consulting Firm
NYSE GOLD PRODUCER NEWS
NYSE
 
February 20, 2009: Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX) reported record operating cash flow of $2.21 billion for 2008, a 27% increase over the $1.73 billion for the prior year. Net income was $0.79 billion compared to $1.12 billion for the prior year. The adjusted fourth quarter net income was $277 million compared an adjusted net income of $597 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. A net loss of $468 million reported for the fourth quarter was largely a result of non-cash impairment charges of $773 million mainly related to goodwill. For the full year, gold production was 7.68 million ounces at a total cash cost of $443 per ounce. Fourth quarter 2008 gold production was 2.11 million ounces at a total cash cost of $471 which reflected more production from Goldstrike and Cortez. Year-end, 2008 reserves increased by 11% to 138.5 million ounces. Three advance stage projects remain on schedule and in line with pre-production capital budgets. Cortez Hills is in construction and expected to be in production in the first quarter of 2010. Initial production is expected from Pueblo Viejo in the fourth quarter of 2011, and the first gold production is expected from Buzwagi in the second quarter of 2009.
 
February 20, 2009: Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX) announced that it has agreed to buy a 50% in the Hemlo Mine, located in western Ontario from its joint venture partner Teck Cominco for $65 million
 
February 20, 2009: IAMGOLD Corp. (IAG) announced that the Ontario Superior Court issued a final order approving the terms of its arrangement with Orezone Resources Inc. (OZN) Under the terms of its arrangement shareholders will receive 0.08 common shares of IAG plus 0.125 of a share of the new exploration company, Orezone Gold Exploration Corp. (TSX: ORG).
 
February 24, 2009: IAMGOLD Corp. (IAG) reported record gold production of 997,000 ounces in 2008, an 8% increase over 2007 gold production at a cash cost of $459 per ounce. Revenue for 2008 was $869.6 million, a 28% increase over the prior year. Fourth quarter revenue reached $200.6 million, an 8% increase over the fourth quarter of 2007. IAG increased their gold reserves 20%, or 1.6 million ounces in 2008 to 9.6 million ounces. An additional 3.1 million ounces will be added through the purchase of Orezone Resources Inc. IAG also increased their niobium reserves by 36% to 151,929 tons of Nb2O5, which represents an 18 year mine life at current production rates.
 
February 26, 2009: Newmont Mining Corp. (NEM) reports that it expects copper production from its Indonesian unit to increase by 60% in 2009 as it starts to mine higher grade ore at its Batu Hijau copper and gold mine in Sumbawa island in eastern Indonesia. NEM expects to produce 227,500 tons of copper concentrate in 2009, up from 142,000 tons in 2008. The mine will also produce 486,000 ounces of gold in 2009, up 80.6% from the 269,000 ounces produced in 2008. NEM does have a concern that the government hasn't issued a land use permit to clear land for waste disposal. Mining operations could be curtailed in 2011 if the permit is not issued, a delay in issuing the permit could result in the lay off of workers in the first quarter of 2009.
 
February 27, 2009: Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp. reported that its fourth quarter 2008 profit fell as precious metal prices declined, but said that it would produce more gold and silver in 2009 at expected higher prices. Net income for the quarter was $4.3 million, compared to fourth quarter 2007 income of $14.3 million. Revenue for the quarter fell to $42.4 million from $59.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Silver production in the fourth quarter of 2008 was 4 million ounces of silver, an increase of 28% resulting from production from start up of the San Bartolome mine in Bolivia. During the quarter the average realize price of silver decreased 38% from the prices received in the fourth quarter of 2007. CDE forecast that silver production in 2009 would increase by 66% to 20 million ounces. Operations at its new Palmarejo silver and gold mine in Mexico is expected to to begin in March 2009.
 
March 2, 2009: Newmont Mining Corp. (NEM) CEO Richard O'Brien has announced that in view of recent volatility in global mining, the company has elected to defer decisions on its Conga project in Peru and the Akyem project in Ghana. NEM is currently facing stiff opposition at Akyem, after receiving a license to start mining from the Environmental Protection Agency. The project is surrounded by the Aykem Ajenua Bepo Forest Reserve. Conga is a gold-rich copper porphyry system located northeast of Yanacocha, Peru. A feasibility study was completed in 2004. The company continues to evaluate the optimum development plan for Conga. NEM anticipates that production would not commence until after 2010.
 
March 3, 2009: Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX) announced that it hopes to make a decision soon on its next major potential mine, the Pascua-Lama project which straddles the borders of Argentina and Chile. ABX hopes to cut the estimated $2.7 billion cost and resolve tax issues with both governments. The project contains an estimated 18 million ounces of gold. If a decision is made to go ahead with the project, gold production would begin in late 2012 or early 2013. The $2.7 billion estimate was made about a year ago, since that time many materials and fuel costs have declined.
 
March 4, 2009: Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) provided an update on its 2008 exploration program. During 2008, AEM spent $72 million on exploration, including $38 million on exploration capitalized at its development projects. Exploration in 2008 resulted in a significant increase in reserves and resources. Gold reserves were increased 8% to a record 18.1 million ounces. Gold resources were increased to 9 million ounces. At Meadowbank, mineralization was extended at depth and along strike. At Pinos Altos, reserves total 0.5 million ounces of gold and 8.9 million ounces of silver. At Kittila, 1.3 million ounces of inferred resources have been added at depth. AEM's exploration budget for 2009 is approximately $54 million, as the company has planned to complete approximately 725,000 feet of drilling. Refer to the press release for details on operations and projects.
 
March 4, 2009: Yamana Gold Inc. (AUY) announced proven and probable gold reserves of 19.4 million ounces as of December 31, 2008. Newly discovered proven and probable gold reserves totaled 2.5 million ounces, while total measured and indicated resources were up 22% to 15.7 million ounces. The increase was mainly attributed to the addition of 600,000 ounces at Mercedes in Mexico, and 1.1 million ounces at Gualcamayo in Argentina. AUY plans to spend a minimum of $56 million on exploration in 2009 in Chile, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina in areas adjacent to existing mines.
 
March 5, 2009: Yamana Gold Inc. (AUY) reported net earnings of $344.8 million or $0.63 per share for 2008, compared to $157.2 million or $0.38 per share for net earnings for 2007. Net earnings for the fourth quarter were $179.4 million or $0.25 per share, up from $47.1 million or $0.08 per share in the year-earlier period. In 2009, AUY expects production to increase by 35% in 2009 to more than 1.35 million gold equivalent ounces.
 
March 5, 2009: Newmont Mining Corp. (NEM) announced that it has signed an agreement with Solomon Gold Plc, which allows NEM to earn up to a 70% interest in five of Solomon's exploration licenses. NEM may spend $6 million within three years to earn a 51% stake in five copper-gold licenses on the island of Guadacanal. Under the agreement NEM may spend an additional $6 million to take the interest up to 70% over an additional two year period.
AMEX GOLD PRODUCER NEWS
AMEX
February 20, 2009: Aurizon Mines Ltd. (AZK) reported that it replaced its mined reserves at Casa Bernardi in 2008. Casa Berardi is located in northwestern Quebec. Reserves at Casa Berardi in 2008 totaled 956,000 ounces of gold, a 4% increase over the 918,000 ounces reported in 2007. Reserves were estimated using an average long-term gold price of $750 per ounce. Resources at Casa Berardi in 2008 totaled 1.85 million ounces of gold.

February 23, 2009: Eldorado Gold Corp. (EGO) announced that it plans to sell about $220 million in stock. The number of shares to be issued will be determined at the time of the pricing. The offer will be underwritten by Macquarie Capital Markets, and should close about March 16, 2009.

February 23, 2009: Apollo Gold Corp. (AGT) announced that it has closed its $70 million financing agreement for its 100% owned Black Fox Project located near Timmins, Ontario. This facility refinances the $15 million bridge facility entered into on December 10, 2008. The agreement includes a commitment by both Macquarie Bank Ltd and RMB Australia Holding Ltd. to provide AGT up to $70 million  available for drawdown between the closing and June 30, 2009. Interest on the outstanding principal amount accruing will be at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 7% per annum and repayable in quarterly installments commencing September 30, 2009. An arrangement fee of $3,465,551 will be paid by AGT upon the first drawdown.

February 24, 2009: Eldorado Gold Corp. (EGO) announced that it plans to withdraw its offer to sale approximately $220 million in stock. EGO stated that the offer had strong support, but the terms presented by the underwriter did not meet the company's minimum expectations of net proceeds without exceeding an acceptable limit of dilution.

February 25, 2009: Golden Star Resources Ltd. (GSS) reported annual gold sales of 295,926 ounces of gold, a 20% increase over 2007. Gold sales for the fourth quarter, which exceeded guidance was 86,144 ounces. Gold revenues for the year totaled $257.4 million, a 46.5% increase over 2007 revenue. A net loss of $120.1 million was incurred in 2008, which included a non-cash $16.4 million stockpile inventory adjustment, and a $60.7 million in asset impairment write-offs net of tax. The adjusted loss before inventory and impairment write-offs was $43.0 million. In the third quarter of 2008, GSS began mining at Benso and initiated construction of the haul road from Benso to Hwini-Butre. The addition of gold sales from Benso, and followed by Hwini-Butre will result in additional ounces. In 2008, GSS spent $15.8 million on exploration, up from $13.9 million in 2007. The focus of exploration was centered on close proximity to operating mines. Mineral reserves after mining depletion decreased in 2008 by 1.65 million ounces, or 33% to a contained 3.26 million ounces.

February 27, 2009: Endeavour Silver Corp. (EXK) announced that it has closed a C$14 million private placement financing of subordinated, unsecured convertible, redeemable debentures for 5 years at 10%.

March 4, 2009: Central Sun Mining Inc. (SMC) announced updated mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates for its Limon Mine, Orosi Mine, and Mestiza La India projects in Nicaragua. These updated estimates include the results of a successful 2008 exploration program which discovered new zones at Limon, and Orosi. The recently returned Cerro Quema property in Panama and the Bellavista Mine are currently being evaluated and are not included in this current estimate. Total proven and probable reserves at Limon contain 174,100 ounces of gold, down from 217,200 ounces in 2007. Total measured and indicated resources total 102,900 ounces. Total proven and probable reserves and measured and indicated resources at Orosi remain unchanged at 509,500 ounces and 200,400 ounces respectively. Inferred resources at Orosi (San Juan zone) now include 141,400 ounces of gold. The Tatiana vein at Mestiza La Linda contains a previously reported inferred resource of 156,600 ounces of gold.

March 4, 2009: Western Goldfields Inc. (WGW) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with New Gold Inc. (NYSE Alternext: NGD), whereby NGD will acquire by way of a plan of arrangement for all of the outstanding shares of WGW. NGD will issue one new common share and C$.0001 in cash for each common share of WGM. Upon completion of the transaction, existing NGD and WGW shareholders will respectively own approximately 58% and 42% of the combined company. Based on the March 3, 2009 closing price of NGD common shares, the day prior to the announcement, the transaction represents a 19.2% premium to the closing price of WGW shares. Completion of the transaction will result in a company having diversified gold production from three mines in politically friendly jurisdictions with forecasted gold production of approximately 335,000 ounces in 2009. Production is expected to grow to 400,000 in 2012. The combined company will have mineable reserves totaling 7.6 million ounces.
NASDAQ GOLD PRODUCER NEWS
NASD
March 4, 2009: Lihir Gold Ltd. (LIHR) announced that it has launched an institutional share placement to raise approximately $325 million. The proceeds will be used to accelerate key stages of the planned process plant expansion at Lihir Island in PNG. The placement will take advantage of changing market conditions that have led to reduced prices and shorter lead-times for components; will position the company for further growth opportunities that will emerge in West Africa; and will provide continued financial strength and flexibility for growth. The placement will be conducted by way of an institutional book-build and will be made available only to accredited investors. The new shares will be issued to participants on March 12, 2009.
 
March 4, 2009: Northgate Minerals Corp. (NXG) reported net earnings of $18.67 million or $0.07 per diluted common share for the fourth quarter of 2008.  For the full year, net earnings were $10.74 million or $0.04 per diluted common share. NXG had record gold production of 354,800 ounces in 2008 at a net cash cost of $447 per ounce, which included record fourth quarter production of 118,265 ounces at an average net cash cost of $413 per ounce. NXG posted revenue of $137 million for the fourth quarter, a 43% increase over the year-earlier quarter. For the full year NXG reported revenue of $461 million, a 37% increase over 2007 revenue. NXG doubled measured and indicated gold resources at Young-Davidson to over 3 million ounces, and increased inferred resources by 300,000 ounces to a total 748,000 ounces of gold. NXG also announced its first resource estimate for the recently expanded Harrier Underground Zone at Fosterville which added indicated resources of 159,000 ounces and inferred resources of 221,000 ounces.
INSIDEMETALS.COM WEBSITE UPDATES
INSIDEMETALS WEBSITE UPDATES
Western Goldfields Inc. (WGW) has agreed to be acquired by New Gold Inc. (NGD). A vote by shareholders is scheduled for a May 2009 Special Meeting. If approved by shareholders, WGW will be replaced on the list of InsideMetals Gold Stock Producers by New Gold Inc. 
 
InsideMetals has added to the Home Page of its website, an Advertising & Marketing Guide link for readers who may be interested in advertising their business on the InsideMetals website, or in the newsletter. The website has been visited by readers from more than 184 countries.
 
The Advertising & Marketing Guide contains basic demographic information as to the regions in the world from which the website is viewed; information as to banner advertisements and placements in the website and in the newsletter; and special Gold and Silver Medallion Advertising Programs that are available to mining and exploration companies.
If interested, please visit the following links for more information:
 
30 Day No Risk Offer to Our Premium Subscription

InsideMetals provides unique coverage of over 35 major publicly traded gold producers across the  NYSE, NASDAQ and AMEX: everything from full business summaries, financials, production and reserve reports, news, tools and more.

Not only do you receive these great benefits, you get positive and negative ranking numbers for each gold stock that indicate investment potential... empowering you to make educated and informed investment decisions.

Why not see for yourself how valuable InsideMetals is by taking full advantage of our 30 Day No Risk Offer?

Get your 30 Day No Risk Subscription Now!


We hope you have enjoyed our newsletter.
 
The newsletter will be published next on March 21, 2009.
 
Until next time!!!,
 
InsideMetals