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Mercator Minerals Ltd.

SymbolML
Float Market Cap386,744,006 as of Sept. 28, 2008
Last Price4.33 as of Sept. 29, 2008
Outstanding Shares74,805,417
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Articles and Press Releases
Mercator Financial Results For The Year Ended December 31, 2007

Direct contribution | contributed by nmandryk - Apr 1 - Mercator Minerals Ltd.
http://www.lineargoldcorp.com

Kingman, Arizona: April 1, 2008, – Mercator Minerals Ltd. today announced operating cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2007 of $19.34 million or $0.26 per share. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the year were $14.49 million compared to $12.28 million for 2006. After interest payments of $12.06 million (made on the Notes issued by the Company in 2007) and $15.19 million in non-cash items including accretion, amortization and stock based compensation (2006 $3.4 million), the Company recorded a net loss of $10.5 million or $0.16 per share, compared with net income of $7.1 million ($0.13 per share) for 2006. Mercator ended 2007 with cash of $104.5 million and working capital of $102.4 million, even after spending $52.1 million in capital to expand copper production at the Mineral Park Mine. Subsequent to year-end, Mercator announced a $42 million silver off-take financing arrangement. Combined, Mercator’s balance sheet and recent financing should be sufficient to complete the Phase 4 expansion of the Mineral Park Mine, which is forecast to increase average annual production over the first 10 years of milling operations to in excess of 56 million pounds of copper, 10 million pounds of molybdenum and 600,000 ounces of silver in concentrates.

 

“Our operating cash flow over the past year, combined with our capital raisings, have allowed us not only to aggressively advance the construction of Stage I of the Mineral Park Phase 4 Copper/Molybdenum Expansion Project, but to accelerate the timing of the Stage II expansion to 50,000 tons per day of mill throughput,” said Michael L. Surratt, President and CEO. “This will result in Mercator becoming a significant producer of copper and molybdenum by the end of 2008 and reach its objective of producing more than 56 million pounds of copper and 10 million pounds of molybdenum in concentrates ahead of schedule.”


"During 2007, SX/EW copper production at Mineral Park continued to ramp up as the benefits of the Phase 1 and 2 expansions were realized,” said Mr. Surratt. Production for 2007 was 11.2 million pounds of copper, compared to 9.5 million pounds in 2006, an 18% increase year-on-year generating revenues of $36.1 million versus $31.1 million in 2006.

 

 

Financial Highlights for the Year ended December 31, 2007

 

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company reported operating cash flow of $19.34 million ($0.26 per share), compared with operating cash flow of $20.2 million for the corresponding period in 2006, with increased financing and administration charges in 2007 impacting operating cash flow;

 

Production of 11.2 million pounds of copper in 2007 compared to 9.5 million pounds of copper in 2007;

 

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company reported a net loss of $10.5 million ($0.16 per share) compared with net income of $7.07 million ($0.13 per share), for the corresponding period in 2006 as a result of increased accretion and amortization expense at the Mineral Park Mine and an increased stock based compensation expense applicable to all employees at the Mineral Park Mine;

 

Assets of $206,572,758 $53,222,670 for the year ended December 31, 2006;

 

Cash and cash equivalents on hand at December 31, 2007 of $104,541,888 as compared to $11,076,108 for the year ended December 31, 2006, and working capital at December 31, 2007 of $102,361,082, as compared to a working capital of $13,708,823 for the corresponding period in 2006;

 

Subsequent to year end, Mercator’s subsidiary entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Silver Wheaton whereby it will sell its life-of-mine silver production in exchange for an upfront payment of $42 million and later $3.90 per oz for each ounce of silver produced and delivered. This agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including approval by Mercator’s secured note holders. This financing will allow Mercator to accelerate the Stage II of the Phase 4 expansion of the Mineral Park mine to 50,000 tons per day of mill throughput.

 

Gross Sales Revenue at Mineral Park, before expenses, for the year ended December 31, 2007, was $36,069,928, compared to $31,010,071 for the corresponding period in 2006, a 16% increase;

 

Capital expenditures of $52,133,617 in 2007 primarily focused on the development of the process plant at Mineral Park capable of producing copper and molybdenum concentrates.

 

 

All financial information contained herein should be read in conjunction with the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis and audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 and related notes thereto available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.

 

 

Mercator Minerals Ltd.

Mercator is a copper producer that owns and operates the Mineral Park copper/molybdenum mine in Arizona, with a corporate strategy focused on maximizing the production potential of the Mineral Park copper-molybdenum deposit and growing through mergers and acquisitions. Mercator is in an advanced stage of construction of the molybdenum-copper expansion at Mineral Park. At full capacity, the Mineral Park mine average annual production during the first 10 years is forecast to be approximately 56.4 million pounds of copper, 10.3 million pounds of molybdenum and 0.6 million ounces of silver.

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Mercator Announces Us$42 Million Silver Sale Transaction With Silver Wheaton

Direct contribution | contributed by admin - Mar 18 - Mercator Minerals Ltd.
http://www.lineargoldcorp.com

Mercator Minerals Ltd. (“Mercator”) is pleased to announce today that it and its wholly-owned affiliate have signed an agreement with an affiliate (“Silver Wheaton”) of Silver Wheaton Corp. for the sale of the life-of-mine silver production from Mercator's Mineral Park copper/molybdenum mine in Arizona. Under the agreement, Silver Wheaton will make an up-front payment of US$42 million in cash to Mercator’s affiliate. Upon delivery of the silver, Silver Wheaton will then also pay Mercator’s affiliate in cash the lesser of the silver spot price or US$3.90 per ounce of silver (escalated by 1% per annum starting in the fourth year of silver production).

 

The up-front payment will be used for the completion of the second phase of the Mineral Park mill expansion to a 50,000 ton-per-day milling operation with production of copper and molybdenum concentrates expected, as previously disclosed, to average 56.4 million pounds of copper, 10.3 million lbs of molybdenum and 0.6 million ounces of silver per year over the first 10 years of operation.

 

Commenting on the announcement, Michael L. Surratt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercator, said: “We are delighted to have completed this important transaction with Silver Wheaton. Silver at Mineral Park is a by-product of the copper and molybdenum operation, and represents less than 2% of our payable revenue at Mineral Park. By monetizing most of our silver revenue now, we will obtain funds that can be used to pay for the second stage of the construction of the Mineral Park milling facilities, expected to increase the operation to 50,000 tons per day. By having the funds now rather than waiting on phase one cash flow, we can save money completing many construction activities now while we have construction workers on site, rather than needing to remobilize after phase one. In addition, we will have the opportunity to accelerate phase two equipment deliveries. Every day we can speed up Phase Two is very important to our bottom line.”

 

The transaction and the up-front payment of US$42 million are subject to completion of documentation, normal to this type of transaction and the receipt of all necessary approvals of the holders of Mercator’s secured notes

 

Mercator Minerals Ltd.

Mercator is a copper producer that owns and operates the Mineral Park copper/molybdenum mine in Arizona, with a corporate strategy focused on maximizing the production potential of the Mineral Park copper-molybdenum deposit and growing through mergers and acquisitions. Mercator is in an advanced stage of construction of the molybdenum-copper expansion at Mineral Park. At full capacity, the Mineral Park mine average annual production during the first 10 years is forecast to be approximately 56.4 million pounds of copper, 10.3 million pounds of molybdenum and 0.6 million ounces of silver.

 

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

MERCATOR MINERALS LTD.

Per: “Michael L. Surratt” Michael L. Surratt, President

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Mercator Allows Offer For Tyler Resources To Expire

Direct contribution | contributed by admin - Jan 9 - Mercator Minerals Ltd.
http://www.lineargoldcorp.com

Vancouver, British Columbia: January 9, 2008 – Mercator Minerals Ltd. (“Mercator”) announced today that it has allowed its offer to acquire common shares of Tyler Resources Ltd. to expire at 8:00 pm EST on January 8, 2008 and will not acquire any shares of Tyler pursuant to the offer.

 

Mercator Minerals Ltd.

Mercator is a copper producer that owns and operates the Mineral Park copper mine in Arizona, with a corporate strategy focused on maximizing the production potential of the Mineral Park moly-copper deposit and growing through mergers and acquisitions. The Company is in an advanced stage of construction of the moly-copper expansion at Mineral Park. At full capacity, the Mineral Park mine average annual production during the first 10 years is forecast to be approximately 56.4 million pounds of copper, 10.3 million pounds of molybdenum and 600,000 ounces of silver.

 

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

MERCATOR MINERALS LTD.

Per: “Michael L. Surratt” Michael L. Surratt, President

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Mercator Extends Offer To Allow Time For Tyler Shareholders To Tender

Direct contribution | contributed by admin - Dec 18 - Mercator Minerals Ltd.
http://www.lineargoldcorp.com

TRADING SYMBOL: TSX – ML

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, December 17, 2007 – Mercator Minerals Ltd. (“Mercator” or the “Company”) announced today that its offer to acquire the outstanding shares of Tyler Resources Inc. for 0.113 of a Mercator share for each share of Tyler Resources Inc. will be extended to 8:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on January 8, 2008 to allow time for shareholders to tender. All other terms and conditions contained in the offer remain the same. A Notice of Extension will be filed with Computershare Investor Services Inc., the Depositary under the offer. The Notice of Extension will be mailed to Tyler shareholders and will be filed with the applicable securities regulators in Canada.

 

"We are providing additional time for Tyler shareholders to consider our offer, which we continue to believe, represents a fair offer to Tyler shareholders, and remains the only offer made to date. We maintain that Mercator's offer has insulated Tyler shareholders from recent declines in commodity prices and base metals equities, a situation that could rapidly reverse were Mercator to withdraw its offer," said Mike Surratt, Mercator’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Since Mercator announced its offer on October 19, 2007, the following developments have occurred, factors that should be carefully considered by Tyler shareholders as to why they should accept Mercator's offer:

 

- Commodity prices for copper and zinc have declined by approximately US$0.33 and US$0.64 per pound respectively;

  1. The S&P TSX Diversified Metals & Mining Index has declined by approximately 281 points or 9.25%;

  2. Tyler does not appear to have been successful in attracting another offer, despite running a full auction;

  3. Mercator believes that Tyler has been unable to demonstrate any additional value for its projects that was not well known before Mercator's offer.

 

Tyler released its Preliminary Economic Assessment Report for the Bahuerachi project and recently issued a series of news releases disclosing the same drill information, which information does not appear to have had a positive impact on the Tyler share price.

 

In the absence of Mercator's offer, Mercator believes that Tyler shares could reasonably be expected to return to pre-offer levels, perhaps even less given the recent declines in commodity and base metal equity prices. Shareholders who choose to accept Mercator's offer should be protected against the substantial risk of losses associated with such a price decline.

 

Mercator urges Tyler shareholder who may not have yet tendered their shares to do so prior to the expiry of 8:00 pm (Toronto) January 8, 2008. Questions concerning the offer and acceptance of the offer should be directed to Mercator’s Information Agent, Georgeson at 1-888-605-8401 (toll free in North America)

 

Additional Information

 

On November 9, 2007, Mercator Minerals Ltd. filed a Take-over bid circular related to its offer for the outstanding common shares of Tyler Resources Inc. Investors and security holders of Tyler are strongly encouraged to read the terms and conditions of our Offer and the additional information in the Offer and Circular mailed on November 9, 2007 and filed on SEDAR, because they contains important information.

 

Jennings Capital Inc. is acting as financial adviser to Mercator.

 

About Mercator Minerals Ltd.

Mercator is a copper producer that owns and operates the Mineral Park copper mine in Arizona, with a corporate strategy focused on maximizing the production potential of the Mineral Park copper-molybdenum deposit and growing through mergers and acquisitions. The Company has filed a technical report dated December 29, 2006, supporting the expansion of its Mineral Park copper-molybdenum mine into a 25,000 tpd operation (Phase I) and a 50,000 tpd operation (Phase II). At full capacity, expected to be reached mid 2009, the Mineral Park mine average annual production during the first 10 years is forecast to be approximately 56.4 million pounds of copper, 10.3 million pounds of molybdenum and 600,000 ounces of silver.

 

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

 

MERCATOR MINERALS LTD.

 

Per: “Michael L. Surratt” Michael L. Surratt, President

 

For further information, please contact: Marc LeBlanc, VP Corporate Development and Corporate Secretary, Tel: (604) 981-9661 or (604) 716-5582; Fax: (604) 960-9661; Email: mleblanc@mercatorminerals.com.

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Mercator Responds To Tyler Circular

Direct contribution | contributed by admin - Nov 27 - Mercator Minerals Ltd.
http://www.lineargoldcorp.com

Vancouver, British Columbia: November 27, 2007 – Mercator Minerals Ltd. (“Mercator”) has reviewed the Directors’ Circular filed by Tyler Resources Inc. (“Tyler”) in response to the offer by Mercator to purchase all of the shares of Tyler and is hereby responding to comments and clarifying certain information made in Tyler’s Directors' Circular. Mercator continues to believe that Mercator has presented a strong offer that represents the best combination of low risk/high return opportunities for Tyler’s shareholders.

 

Mercator’s Offer

On November 9, 2007, Mercator mailed an offer to all of Tyler shareholders comprised of 0.113 of a Mercator share per Tyler share (the “Offer”). Based on Mercator’s closing share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of November 23, 2007, the Offer represents a 46% premium to Tyler shareholders relative to the last closing price of Tyler’s shares prior to the Offer. The consideration offered is equivalent to $1.03 per Tyler share (almost identical to the $1.04 closing price of Tyler’s shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on November 23, 2007).

 

Rationale for Approach to Tyler

Mercator’s initial, friendly, approach to Tyler was made on the basis that the combination of Tyler’s Bahuerachi property and Mercator’s current and developing copper-molybdenum production, strong balance sheet and proven development team and represented a much lower risk scenario for Tyler than going it alone, while still giving Tyler shareholders a significant premium and considerable exposure to the upside potential of both sets of assets.

 

Tyler Rejects Offer

Mercator believes that the outright rejection by Tyler's Management and Board of Mercator's earlier "friendly" offer, without due consideration and without bringing the terms of the offer to the attention of Tyler shareholders, did not serve Tyler shareholders well. Mercator elected to make the Offer public so that Tyler’s shareholders are provided the opportunity to make their own decision.

 

Tyler Recommends Rejection; Mercator Responds to Directors' Circular

The Tyler Directors' Circular, filed November 23, 2007, sets out Tyler’s response to the Mercator Offer and recommends Tyler shareholders reject the Mercator Offer. However, there are numerous omissions and short comings in the Tyler Directors' Circular that require clarification, including the points set out below:

 

  1. The Tyler Preliminary Economic Evaluation (“PEA”) published November 8, 2007 states that the Bahuerachi project has an internal rate of return (“IRR”) of 16.1% and a net present value (“NPV”) of US$216 million (after tax) using an 8% discount rate and a long time copper price of US$1.50/ lb. In the Directors' Circular, Tyler uses pre-tax numbers, which is not the norm in the industry and is potentially misleading to Tyler shareholders.

     

  2. Tyler’s Directors' Circular represents the Bahuerachi resources as 524,509,785 tonnes. However, Tyler’s own PEA cut those previously disclosed resources in half, to 238,317,000 tonnes. Further, Tyler’s reporting of mineral resources is not compliant with National Instrument 43-101.

     

  3. Tyler’s Directors' Circular ignores the fact that the PEA forecasts a capital cost of more than US$619 million, approximately five times Tyler’s market capitalization of $119 million at November 23, 2007.

     

  4. Tyler's Directors' Circular makes reference to two companies to justify possible share price appreciation in the future - Frontera Copper Corp. and Sherwood Copper Corp. Four major differences are worth mentioning:

 

  1. Frontera and Sherwood have seasoned, experienced management and boards of directors that have financed, developed, constructed and operated mining projects. None of Tyler’s management or Board have ever financed, developed, constructed or operated a mine.

     

  2. Prior to feasibility, Frontera as well as Sherwood had tight share structures. Frontera had approximately 41.2 million and Sherwood had approximately 39.0 million fully diluted shares outstanding. Frontera currently has approximately 65.9 million and Sherwood currently has approximately 56.8 million fully diluted shares outstanding. The share dilution from pre-financing to current for Frontera was 60% and for Sherwood was 46%.

     

  3. The capital costs for both Frontera’s and Sherwood’s projects were approximately US$100 million, and Mercator’s Phase I Expansion approximately US$127 million as compared to the US$619 million capital estimate for the Bahuerachi project. This difference alone makes the comparison invalid and suggests considerable dilution is likely forthcoming to Tyler’s shareholders.

     

  4. In contrast, Tyler has 133.9 million fully diluted shares outstanding and an estimated US$619 million capital expenditure program to be funded.

     

Given the differences set out above, there is a real possibility that Tyler may never be able to fund the Bahuerachi project. Mercator is not aware of any junior Canadian exploration company, with no development and operating experience and a large number of shares already issued, that has been able to complete a project of this scale.

 

Mercator recommends that Tyler shareholders tender to the Offer for the following reasons:

 

  1. Experience: Mercator has one of the most experienced mining teams in the industry, each of the senior management having over 20 years of mine finance, development, construction and operations experience. Mike Surratt, Mercator’s President, has over 25 years of production experience and was responsible for the construction and operation of the Rabbit Creek gold mine and spent over 10 years with Santa Fe Pacific Gold, and was responsible for financing, development and operation of two other significant Canadian mining companies. Mercator’s VP of Engineering was the Chief Operating Officer with Frontera Copper and helped guide their Mexican project (Piedres Verde, located only approximately 100 km from Bahuerachi) through feasibility, financing and construction. Mercator’s board members also bring significant mining and construction experience; two are Presidents of successful mining companies - Sherwood Copper Corp. and Kingsgate Gold Ltd.

     

  2. Premium: By accepting the Mercator Offer, Tyler shareholders will lock in the premium to the value of Tyler shares prior to the Offer. Mercator believes that the Mercator Offer is the only apparent reason that Tyler shares are currently trading over $1.00.

     

  3. Upside: By accepting the Mercator Offer, Tyler shareholders would have immediate benefit to the upside exposure to Mercator’s assets just as Mercator is about to substantially increase copper production and add significant molybdenum production (at a time when molybdenum is trading over US$30 per pound).

     

  4. Reduced Volatility: By accepting the Mercator Offer, Tyler shareholders would move away from the speculative and highly volatile trading patterns typical of junior explorers on the TSX Venture Exchange and into the steady value expansion and growth of a liquid, Toronto Stock Exchange-listed producer. Tyler's shares are currently more than twice as volatile as Mercator’s shares. The presence of hedge funds owning 16% or more of Tyler’s shares has introduced a substantial risk of increased volatility of the Tyler shares.

     

  5. Less Dilution: Tyler has 114 million shares issued and outstanding, 134 million on a fully diluted basis, prior to commencing any substantial development expenditure on the Bahuerachi project. Using Tyler’s examples of Sherwood and Frontera, the share dilution from pre-financing to current for Frontera was 60% and for Sherwood was 46% for two US$100 million projects. The possibility of dilution for a US$619 million project could be significantly greater compared to these two US$100 million projects. On the other hand, Mercator anticipates that the revenues generated from the expanded Mineral Park operations should be sufficient to develop and construct the Bahuerachi project.

     

  1. No Alternative Transaction: Tyler has had now over 40 days to pursue an alternative transaction. If, as and when an alternative transaction surfaces, Mercator will respond accordingly.

     

  2. Attainable Conditions: The Mercator Offer has readily attainable and industry standard conditions.

     

Tyler shareholders should also consider and be informed that:

 

  1. Mercator’s initial friendly offer to Tyler was made at a higher ratio because it was to be friendly and allow detailed due diligence by both companies, contain industry standard outs to Mercator benefit and incorporate deal protection aspects such as break fees, “non-compete”, “no shop” and other provisions that could have warranted a higher price for a “friendly” deal. By rejecting Mercator’s original offer, Tyler’s board and management have reduced the consideration Mercator is willing to pay, given the lack of the aforementioned provisions.

     

  2. Tyler did not form a Special Committee, nor did they hire financial or legal advisors, to evaluate the initial Mercator offer. That initial offer was turned down without discussion, negotiation or a counter proposal from Tyler. Further, Tyler did not disclose the substantial offer and potentially material event to its shareholders until Mercator announced the Offer publicly.

     

  3. Having rejected the initial friendly offer and now the Offer, Tyler’s board and management seem determined to resist an offer that clearly presents considerable opportunity for and reduced risk to its shareholders, especially given management’s lack of experience required to advance the Bahuerachi project to production over the next several years.

     

  4. The risks outlined by Mercator in its Offer and Circular demonstrate Mercator is willing to openly and plainly disclose to all shareholders the inherent business risks.

     

  5. The Tyler Directors' Circular discloses a fairness opinion prepared for Tyler by their financial advisors, CIBC World Markets Inc., however, neither the Director’s Circular or Tyler’s news release discloses any of the assumptions made in that fairness opinion.

     

Conclusion

By tendering to and accepting the Mercator Offer, Tyler shareholders would become shareholders of a cash generating, growing, copper – molybdenum producer, with approximately 100 million shares fully diluted (33 million fewer than Tyler currently has outstanding on a fully diluted basis without even a pre-feasibility study completed). Moreover, Tyler shareholders would enjoy the benefits of an experienced, seasoned management team, a positive cash flowing mining operation, significant near-term increases to copper and molybdenum production, while retaining exposure to the Bahuerachi project that could be developed and built largely from internal cash flow, with limited additional dilution to the combined entity.

 

Mercator Minerals Ltd.

Mercator is a copper producer that owns and operates the Mineral Park copper mine in Arizona, with a corporate strategy focused on maximizing the production potential of the Mineral Park copper-molybdenum deposit and growing through mergers and acquisitions. The Company has filed a technical report dated December 29, 2006, supporting the expansion of its Mineral Park copper-molybdenum mine into a 25,000 tpd operation (Phase I) and a 50,000 tpd operation (Phase II). At full capacity, expected to be reached mid 2009, the Mineral Park mine average annual production during the first 10 years is forecast to be approximately 56.4 million pounds of copper, 10.3 million pounds of molybdenum and 600,000 ounces of silver.

 

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

MERCATOR MINERALS LTD.

Per: “Michael L. Surratt” Michael L. Surratt, President

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Mercator Reports Third Quarter Results

Direct contribution | contributed by admin - Nov 15 - Mercator Minerals Ltd.
http://www.lineargoldcorp.com

(Stated in US Dollars unless otherwise indicated)


Vancouver, British Columbia: November 15, 2007 – Mercator Minerals Ltd. announced the filing and dissemination of the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2007.

 

Financial Highlights for the Three Months ended September 30, 2007

 

  1. Copper production of 3,093,615 pounds for the three month period ended September 30, 2007, compared to 2,699,646 pounds for the corresponding three months in 2006;

     

  2. Gross revenues for the three month period ended September 30, 2007 of $10,593,092 compared to $9,864,737 for the corresponding period in 2006;

     

  3. Income from Operations for the quarter was $5,271,001 compared with $6,630,972 for the corresponding period in 2006;

     

  4. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the period was $7.86 million compared to $5.43 million for the third quarter of 2006;

     

  5. Average realized price for copper sales during the period was $3.36 per pound compared to $3.53 per pound for the corresponding period in 2006.

     

All financial information contained herein should be read in conjunction with the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis and unaudited financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2007 and the Management Discussion and Analysis and Audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and related notes thereto available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.

 

Mercator Minerals Ltd.

Mercator is a copper producer that owns and operates the Mineral Park copper mine in Arizona, with a corporate strategy focused on maximizing the production potential of the Mineral Park copper-molybdenum deposit and growing through mergers and acquisitions. The Company has filed a technical report dated December 29, 2006, supporting the expansion of its Mineral Park copper-molybdenum mine into a 25,000 tpd operation (Phase I) and a 50,000 tpd operation (Phase II). At full capacity, expected to be reached mid 2009, the Mineral Park mine average annual production during the first 10 years is forecast to be approximately 56.4 million pounds of copper, 10.3 million pounds of molybdenum and 600,000 ounces of silver.

 

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

MERCATOR MINERALS LTD.

Per: “Michael L. Surratt” Michael L. Surratt, President

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Mercator Minerals Files Formal Bid For Tyler Resources

Direct contribution | contributed by admin - Nov 13 - Mercator Minerals Ltd.
http://www.lineargoldcorp.com

Vancouver, B.C. – November 12, 2007 – Mercator Minerals Ltd. ("Mercator") (TSX: ML) today announced that it that it has mailed its offering circular and related documents to Tyler shareholders and has filed with securities regulators in Canada its formal offer for all of the outstanding common shares of Tyler Resources Inc. The offer to Tyler shareholders will remain open until 8:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on December 17, 2007, unless the offer is withdrawn or extended by Mercator. Under the terms of the offer, Tyler shareholders will be entitled to receive 0.113 Mercator common shares for each Tyler common share tendered and taken up by Mercator.

 

Based on Mercator’s closing share price of C$9.80 on October 18, 2007, the day prior to announcing the intention to make an offer, the share consideration represents a premium of approximately 50% over Tyler’s closing share price on October 18, 2007 and over Tyler’s volume weighted average share price on the TSX Venture Exchange for the 20 trading days ended October 18, 2007.

 

Commenting on the transaction, Mike Surratt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercator said “We believe the proposed combination makes tremendous geographic and strategic sense and is a creative way to unlock value for all shareholders involved. Mercator’s highly experienced development, financing and operations teams have the capability to realize and maximize the potential value of the Bahuerachi project. Given current economic forecasts, the Mineral Park mine is expected to generate sufficient cash to fund the construction of most of Bahuerachi project with little or no additional equity issuance.”

 

The prospect for development of Bahuerachi subsequent to Mineral Park, with little or no equity, sets the stage for a new mid tier base metal producer with growing resource and production base.”

 

The proposed combination of Mercator and Tyler would offer the following direct and immediate benefits and opportunities to Tyler’s existing shareholders:

 

  1. A significant increase in share price, based on the offered exchange ratio of 0.113

  2. Exposure to current copper production and cash flow from Mineral Park

  3. Participation in the forecast rapid growth in molybdenum and copper production at Mineral Park

  4. Exposure to a highly-experienced mine financing and mine building team

  5. Reduced risk in the development, financing and construction of Bahuerachi

  6. The potential for development of Bahuerachi with little or no equity dilution

 

Furthermore, the combined entity would become a rapidly growing mid-tier base metals producer, while having:

 

  1. Well structured and financed company

  2. Full scale production of molybdenum and copper at Mercator’s Mineral Park Project by 2009

  3. Attractive resource base to underpin growth

  4. Experienced corporate and operational management

 

To complete the transaction, Mercator would issue approximately 15 million new common shares to Tyler shareholders, assuming all of the outstanding shares of Tyler are tendered and assuming the conversion or exercise only of the currently outstanding options, warrants or other convertible securities of Tyler. On an issued basis, the pro rata shareholdings are anticipated to be approximately: 83% existing Mercator shareholders and 17% existing Tyler shareholders.

 

The bid is subject to a number of conditions, including without limitation absence of adverse material changes, receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and a minimum of 66 2/3% of Tyler shares (on a fully diluted basis) being tendered.

 

Tyler’s shareholders are strongly encouraged to read the terms and conditions of our Offer and the additional information in the Offer and Circular mailed on November 9, 2007 and filed on SEDAR.

 

Jennings Capital Inc. is acting as financial adviser to Mercator.

 

About Mercator Minerals Ltd.

Mercator is a copper producer that owns and operates the Mineral Park copper mine in Arizona, with a corporate strategy focused on maximizing the production potential of the Mineral Park copper-molybdenum deposit and growing through mergers and acquisitions.


The Company has filed a technical report dated December 29, 2006, supporting the expansion of its Mineral Park copper-molybdenum mine into a 25,000 tpd operation (Phase I) and a 50,000 tpd operation (Phase II). At full capacity, expected to be reached mid 2009, the Mineral Park mine average annual production during the first 10 years is forecast to be approximately 56.4 million pounds of copper, 10.3 million pounds of molybdenum and 600,000 ounces of silver.

 

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

MERCATOR MINERALS LTD.

Per: “Michael L. Surratt” Michael L. Surratt, President

For further information, please contact: Marc LeBlanc, VP Corporate Development and Corporate Secretary, Tel: (604) 981-9661 or (604) 716-5582; Fax: (604) 960-9661; Email: mleblanc@mercatorminerals.com

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Mercator Corporate And Construction Updates

Direct contribution | contributed by admin - Nov 6 - Mercator Minerals Ltd.
http://www.lineargoldcorp.com

 

Vancouver, B.C. – November 6, 2007 – Mercator Minerals Ltd. ("Mercator") (TSX: ML) today announced that its wholly owned Mineral Park copper mine will not be affected by the recent moves by the U.S. Congress to impose royalties on federally owned land. 100% of the Mineral Park ore reserves are contained and situated on private land (surface and underground) owned by the Company and therefore would not be subject to the proposed royalty structure.

 

The construction project for the Phase 1 expansion of the Mineral Park mine continues to make significant progress. The first SAG mill is on site and being readied for installation. The second SAG mill is in Kingman and is expected to be delivered to the mine site in the next month for installation at that time. The ball mills required for Phase 1 are still on schedule for Q1, 2008 delivery. In the moly circuit and copper cleaner flotation areas, most of the foundation excavation has been completed and concrete work is progressing on schedule. All major equipment purchases for the expansion of operations have been made and are now on fixed price delivery. Electrical transformers have arrived on site, the water supply has been secured, and ancillary mechanical installations are proceeding. The construction camp now includes 100 workers. Operation of the mine and SXEW facilities continues uninterrupted during the construction. The project remains on time for the startup of the 25,000 ton per day copper – molybdenum milling operation in Q2 of 2008. The ball mill deliveries for Phase 2 of the expansion are also still on schedule for Q1 of 2009.

 

The independent auditors have reviewed the unaudited financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2007, and based on comments received, the Company has amended and re-filed the financial statements and the management discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007. The net effect of amendment of the interim financial statements was to record earnings of US$1,518,219 for the three month period ended June 30, 2007 rather than the net loss of US$6,507,559 previously reported by the Company. The net loss reported for the six month period ending June 30, 2007 was reduced to US$6,446,466, improved from a previously recorded net loss of US$11,104,350. The changes arise primarily due to reclassification of the provision for income tax and of interest expense related to the financing completed in February of 2007.

 

About Mercator Minerals Ltd.

Mercator has 100% ownership of, and is the operator of, the Mineral Park mine in Arizona. The corporate strategy focuses on maximizing the production potential of the Mineral Park copper-molybdenum deposit, and growth through mergers and acquisitions. The Mineral Park mine currently produ