Document:

Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan

 Exhibit 10.2 
 GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD. 
 SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN 
 (Effective Date of Amendment April 8, 2004) 
  

	1.	PURPOSE 

  

	1.1	The purpose of the 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) is to advance the interests of Golden Star Resources Ltd. (the “Corporation”) by encouraging equity
participation in the Corporation by selected key employees, consultants and directors of the Corporation or subsidiaries of the Corporation through the acquisition of common shares without par value (“Shares”) in the Corporation. Any
reference herein to the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation shall be deemed to refer to any predecessor or successor corporation thereto. 

 It is the further purpose of this Plan to permit the granting of awards that will constitute performance-based compensation for certain executive officers, as described in section 162(m) of the United States Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and regulations promulgated thereunder. 
 As of the effective date of the Plan, the
1992 Employees’ Stock Option Plan and the 1992 Non-Discretionary Directors’ Stock Option Plan (collectively, the “1992 Plans”) will be terminated subject to the assumption under the Plan of outstanding options granted under the
1992 Plans. 
  

	2.	ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN 

  

	2.1	 The Plan will be administered by a specifically designated independent committee (“Independent Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Corporation
(the “Board of Directors”), except that with respect to options granted to non-employee directors of the Corporation, the Board of Directors shall serve as the Committee, and, where applicable, any reference herein to the Independent
Committee shall be deemed to refer to the Board of Directors. The Independent Committee shall consist of such two or more directors of the Corporation as the Board of Directors may designate from time to time, all of whom shall be and remain
directors of the Corporation. To the extent necessary to comply with Code section 162(m) or Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended (“Rule 16b-3”), each member of the Independent
Committee shall be intended to be an “outside director” within the meaning of Code section 162(m) or a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3. The Independent Committee is authorized to interpret and to
implement the Plan and all Plan agreements and may from time to time amend or rescind rules and regulations required for carrying out the Plan. The Independent Committee shall have the authority to exercise all of the powers granted to it under the
Plan, to make any determination necessary or advisable in administering the Plan and to correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any 

  

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inconsistency in the Plan. Any such interpretation or construction of any provision of the Plan shall be final and conclusive. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Board of Directors may resolve to administer the Plan with respect to all of the Plan or certain participants and/or awards made or to be made under the Plan. To the extent that the Board of Directors determines to administer the Plan, all
references herein to the Independent Committee shall be deemed to refer to the Board of Directors. 

 All administrative
costs of the Plan shall be paid by the Corporation. No member of the Independent Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any option granted under it. 
  

	3.	PARTICIPATION 

  

	3.1	Options may be granted under the Plan to persons who are directors or key employees (including officers, whether or not directors, and part-time employees) of, or independent
consultants to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries who, by the nature of their positions or jobs, are in the opinion of the Independent Committee in a position to contribute to the success of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or
who, by virtue of their length of service to the Corporation or to any of its subsidiaries are, in the opinion of the Independent Committee, worthy of special recognition. Designation of a participant in any year shall not require the designation of
such person to receive an option in any other year. The Independent Committee shall consider such factors as it deems pertinent in selecting participants and in determining the amount and terms of their respective options. 

 

	3.2	Subject to applicable regulatory approval, options may also be granted under the Plan in exchange for outstanding options granted by the Corporation, whether such outstanding
options are granted under the Plan, under any other stock option plan of the Corporation or under any stock option agreement with the Corporation. Options granted under the 1992 Plans which are outstanding upon the effectiveness of the Plan will be
assumed and will be deemed to be governed by the Plan as of such date. 

  

	3.3	Options may also be granted under the Plan in substitution for outstanding options of another corporation in connection with a plan of arrangement, amalgamation, merger,
consolidation, acquisition of property or shares, or other reorganization between or involving such other corporation and the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries. 

  

	4.	NUMBER OF SHARES RESERVED UNDER THE PLAN 

  

	4.1	The number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan is limited as follows: 

  

	 	(a)	the maximum number of Shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the Plan shall be 15,000,000 (including such number of Shares issuable upon exercise of
options granted under the 1992 Plan as of the effective date of the Plan) provided, however, if, after the effective date of the Plan, any Shares covered by an option granted under the Plan, or to which such an option relates, are forfeited, or if
an option has expired, terminated or been cancelled for any reason whatsoever (other than by reason of exercise), then the Shares covered by such option shall again be, or shall become, Shares with respect to which options may be granted hereunder;

  

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	 	(b)	the number of Shares that may be reserved from time to time under the Plan for issuance to Insiders (as defined below) of the Corporation shall be limited to that number which is
equal to the difference between (i) 10% of the outstanding number of Shares from time to time, and (ii) the number of Shares that are reserved for issuance to Insiders pursuant to stock options granted under other stock option plans or
arrangements of the Corporation; 

  

	 	(c)	the total number of Shares issuable within any one-year period to all Insiders of the Corporation pursuant to the exercise of vested options granted under the Plan or pursuant to
any other share compensation arrangements of the Corporation shall not exceed 10% of the Outstanding Issue; 

  

	 	(d)	the total number of Shares reserved for issuance to any one optionee pursuant to options granted under the Plan or other stock option plans or arrangements of the Corporation shall
not exceed 5% of the outstanding number of Shares from time to time; and 

  

	 	(e)	the total number of Shares issuable within any one-year period to an Insider and, if applicable, such Insider’s “associates” (as defined under the Securities Act
(Ontario) pursuant to the exercise of vested options granted under the Plan or any other share compensation arrangements of the Corporation shall not exceed 5% of the Outstanding Issue. 

 “Insiders” has the meaning set forth in the Toronto Stock Exchange’s policy issued March 22, 1994 entitled “Employee Stock Option
and Stock Purchase Plans, Options for Services and Related Matters.” 
 “Outstanding Issue”, for the purposes of the Plan, is
determined on the basis of the number of Shares that are outstanding immediately prior to the Shares issuance in question, excluding Shares issued pursuant to the Plan or the Corporation’s other share compensation arrangements over the
preceding one-year period. The maximum number of Shares set forth in Section 4.1(a) shall be appropriately adjusted in the event of any subdivision or consolidation of the Shares or in the discretion of the Independent Committee, to reflect any
other corporate event or change in the Shares. 
  

	5.	NUMBER OF OPTIONED SHARES PER OPTIONEE 

  

	5.1	Subject to Section 4.1 hereof, the maximum number of Shares subject to options granted to any one participant under the Plan in any one calendar year shall not exceed 400,000
(subject to adjustment in the event of any subdivision or consolidation of the Shares). Subject to these limitations, however, the determination regarding the number of optioned Shares that may be granted to each optionee pursuant to an option will
be made by the Independent Committee and will take into consideration the optionee’s present and potential contribution to the success of the Corporation. 

  

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	6.	PRICE 

  

	6.1	The exercise price per optioned Share shall be determined by the Independent Committee at the time the option is granted, but such price shall not be less than the fair market value
per Share on the date of grant. For the purposes of the Plan, “fair market value” per Share shall mean the closing price of the Shares on the stock exchange or other market on which the Shares principally traded on the day immediately
preceding the date of grant. 

  

	7.	EXERCISE OF OPTIONS 

  

	7.1	The period during which an option may be exercised (the “Option Period”) shall be determined by the Independent Committee at the time the option is granted and may be up
to 10 years from the date the option is granted, except as the same may be reduced pursuant to the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 hereof. 

  

	7.2	In order to ensure that the Corporation will receive the benefits contemplated in exchange for the options granted hereunder, no option shall be exercisable until it has vested. The
vesting schedule for each option shall be specified in an option agreement as provided for in Section 12 hereof; provided, however, that the Independent Committee shall have the right with respect to any one or more optionees to accelerate the
time at which an option may be exercised. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.2, if there is a Change of Control, as defined below, then all options outstanding shall become immediately exercisable.

 For purposes of this Plan, a “Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the
sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation to any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections
13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), (ii) any person or group, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person shall be deemed to have “beneficial
ownership” of all shares that any such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the voting stock of
the Corporation, including by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise or (iii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors (together with any new directors
whose election by such Board of Directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Corporation was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors of the Corporation, then still in office, who were either directors at the beginning
of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors, then in office. 
  

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	7.3	Options shall be exercisable, either all or in part, at any time after vesting. If less than all of the Shares included in the vested portion of any option are purchased, the
remainder may be purchased, subject to the option’s terms, at any subsequent time prior to the expiration of the Option Period. 

  

	7.4	Except as set forth in Sections 8 and 9 hereof, no option may be exercised unless the optionee is at the time of such exercise an employee or director of, or consultant to, the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries and shall have continuously served in any one or more of such capacities since the grant of the option. Absence on leave, with the approval of the Independent Committee, shall not be considered an interruption
of service for any purpose of the Plan. 

  

	7.5	The exercise of any option will be contingent upon receipt by the Corporation of payment for the full purchase price of the Shares being purchased in cash by way of certified cheque
or bank draft or by way of proceeds of any loan made by the Corporation to the optionee pursuant to Section 10 hereof. No optionee or his or her legal representatives, legatees or distributees will be, or will be deemed to be, a holder of any
Shares subject to an option under the Plan, unless and until certificates for such Shares are issued to him, her or them under the terms of the Plan. 

  

	7.6	No option granted under the Plan shall be an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Code section 422. 

  

	8.	TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT 

  

	8.1	If an optionee ceases to be employed by, or provide services to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries for any reason (other than death), or shall receive notice from the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries of the termination of his or her employment or services (such optionee being referred to in this Section 8.1 as a “Former Optionee”), the Former Optionee may only exercise each option held, to
the extent that it has vested and not been exercised before such termination, until the earlier of: 

  

	 	(a)	the date which is 30 days after the Former Optionee ceased to be employed by, or provide services to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; and 

  

	 	(b)	the expiry of the Option Period for the option (the “Option Expiry Date”); 

 provided, however, that: 
  

	 	(c)	if the Former Optionee was a director of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, each option held will continue to be exercisable until the earlier of: 

 

	 	(i)	the date which is 12 months after the Former Optionee ceases to be such a director for any reason (other than death), and 

  

	 	(ii)	the Option Expiry Date, and 

  

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	 	(d)	each option held may continue to be exercisable for such longer period than that provided for in this Section 8.1 if and as may be determined by the Independent Committee and
any such determination by the Independent Committee may be made retroactively effective in order to reinstate the effectiveness of an option held by a Former Optionee that is otherwise rendered unexercisable pursuant to the other provisions of this
Section 8.1; provided, however, that any such determination by the Independent Committee shall be subject to the following: 

  

	 	(i)	such determination shall be made within three months after the date that the Former Optionee ceased to be employed by, or provide services to, the Corporation or any of its
subsidiaries; 

  

	 	(ii)	such determination shall be subject to applicable regulatory approvals; and 

  

	 	(iii)	such longer exercise period determined by the Independent Committee for any option shall not extend beyond the Option Expiry Date for such option. 

  

	9.	DEATH OF OPTIONEE 

  

	9.1	In the event of the death of an optionee while in service or in the post-termination period described in Section 8, each option theretofore granted to him or her shall be
exercisable until the earlier of: 

  

	 	(a)	the expiry of the period within which the option may be exercised after such death, which period may be up to one year after such death and is to be specified in his or her option
agreement, and 

  

	 	(b)	the Option Expiry Date; 

 provided, however, that the
option is only exercisable in such event: 
  

	 	(c)	by the person or persons to whom the optionee’s rights under the option shall pass by the optionee’s will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and

  

	 	(d)	to the extent that the option has vested and not been exercised prior to the Optionee’s death. 

  

	10.	LOANS TO EMPLOYEES 

  

	10.1	An interest free loan will be made available to optionees who are employees of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries at the time the loan is made, the proceeds of which loan
may only be used directly for the exercise of options granted under the Plan to the optionee. 

  

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 The optionee shall pledge the subject shares as security for timely repayment of the loan and the
Corporation’s sole recourse for repayment and recovery of the loan shall be against the pledged shares. Until the loan is repaid, the pledged shares will be held by a trustee designated by the Corporation. The term of the loan shall be five
years from the date of the loan, provided that the due date for the loan shall not in any event extend beyond that date which is ten years from the date of grant of the particular option, and, provided further, that the loan shall be repaid within
30 days of the earlier of the date upon which the optionee ceases to be an employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries for any reason (other than death), or the date upon which the optionee receives notice from the Corporation or any of
its subsidiaries of the termination of his or her employment. If the option has not been exercised by the optionee prior to his or her death, the loan provisions shall not be available for the exercise of the option pursuant to Section 9 hereof
after his or her death. 
  

	11.	INTENTIONALLY OMITTED 

  

	12.	OPTION AGREEMENT 

  

	12.1	Upon the grant of an option to an optionee, the Corporation and the optionee shall enter into an option agreement setting out the number of optioned Shares granted to the optionee
and incorporating the terms and conditions of the Plan and any other requirements of regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over the securities of the Corporation and such other terms and conditions as the Independent Committee may determine are
necessary or appropriate, subject to the Plan’s terms. 

  

	13.	ADJUSTMENT IN SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN 

  

	13.1	The option exercise price and the number of Shares to be purchased by an optionee upon the exercise of an option will be adjusted, with respect to the then unexercised portion
thereof, by the Independent Committee from time to time (on the basis of such advice as the Independent Committee considers appropriate, including, if considered appropriate by the Independent Committee, a certificate of auditors of the Corporation)
in the event and in accordance with the provisions and rules set out in this Section 13. Any dispute that arises at any time with respect to any adjustment pursuant to such provisions and rules will be conclusively determined by the Independent
Committee, and any such determination will be binding on the Corporation, the optionee and all other affected parties. 

  

	 	(a)	In the event that a dividend is declared upon the Shares payable in Shares (other than in lieu of dividends paid in the ordinary course), the number of Shares then subject to any
option shall be adjusted by adding to each such Share the number of Shares which would be distributable thereon if such Share had been outstanding on the date fixed for determining shareholders entitled to receive such stock dividend.

  

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	 	(b)	In the event that the outstanding Shares are changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of Shares or other securities of the Corporation or of another corporation,
whether through an arrangement, amalgamation or other similar procedure or otherwise, or a share recapitalization, subdivision or consolidation, then there shall be substituted for each Share subject to any option the number and kind of Shares or
other securities of the Corporation or another corporation into which each outstanding Share shall be so changed or for which each such Share shall be exchanged. 

  

	 	(c)	In the event that there is any change, other than as specified above in this Section 13, in the number or kind of outstanding Shares or of any securities into which such Shares
shall have been changed or for which they shall have been exchanged, then, if the Independent Committee, in its sole discretion, determines that such change equitably requires an adjustment to be made in the number or kind of Shares, such adjustment
shall be made by the Independent Committee and be effective and binding for all purposes. 

  

	 	(d)	In the event that the Corporation distributes by way of a dividend, or otherwise, to all or substantially all holders of Shares, property, evidences of indebtedness or shares or
other securities of the Corporation (other than Shares) or rights, options or warrants to acquire Shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares or other securities or property of the Corporation, other than as a dividend in the
ordinary course, then, if the Independent Committee, in its sole discretion, determines that such action equitably requires an adjustment in the option exercise price or number of Shares subject to any option, or both, such adjustment shall be made
by the Independent Committee and shall be effective and binding for all purposes. 

  

	13.2	In the case of any such substitution or adjustment as provided for in this Section 13, the exercise price in respect of each option for each Share covered thereby prior to such
substitution or adjustment will be proportionately and appropriately varied, such variation shall generally require that the number of Shares or securities covered by the option after the relevant event multiplied by the varied option exercise price
be equal to the number of Shares covered by the option prior to the relevant event multiplied by the original option exercise price. 

  

	13.3	No adjustment or substitution provided for in this Section 13 shall require the Corporation to issue a fractional share in respect of any option. Fractional shares shall be
eliminated. 

  

	13.4	The grant of an option shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Corporation to effect adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations, arrangements or changes of its
capital or business structure, or to amalgamate, merge, consolidate, dissolve or liquidate, or to sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets. 

  

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	14.	TRANSFERABILITY 

  

	14.1	All benefits, rights and options accruing to any optionee in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan shall not be assignable other than as specifically provided in
Section 9 in the event of the death of the optionee. During the lifetime of an optionee, all benefits, rights and options shall not be transferable and may only be exercised by the optionee. 

  

	15.	EMPLOYMENT 

  

	15.1	Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer upon any optionee any right with respect to employment or continuance of employment with, or the provision of services to, the Corporation
or any of its subsidiaries, or interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries to terminate the optionee’s employment or services at any time. Participation in the Plan by an optionee is voluntary.

  

	16.	RECORD KEEPING 

  

	16.1	The Corporation shall maintain a register in which shall be recorded: 

  

	 	(a)	the name and address of each optionee; and 

  

	 	(b)	the number of Shares subject to an option granted to an optionee and the number of Shares subject to the option remaining outstanding. 

  

	17.	SECURITIES REGULATION AND TAX WITHHOLDING 

  

	17.1	Where the Independent Committee determines it is necessary or desirable to effect exemption from registration or distribution of the Shares under securities laws applicable to the
securities of the Corporation, an optionee shall be required, upon the acquisition of any Shares pursuant to the Plan, to acquire the Shares with investment intent (i.e., for investment purposes) and not with a view to their distribution, and to
present to the Independent Committee an undertaking to that effect in a form acceptable to the Independent Committee. The Board of Directors and the Independent Committee may take such other action or require such other action or agreement by such
optionee as may from time to time be necessary to comply with applicable securities laws. This provision shall in no way obligate the Corporation to undertake the registration or qualification of any options or the Shares under any securities laws
applicable to the securities of the Corporation. 

  

	17.2	The Board of Directors and the Corporation may take all such measures as they deem appropriate to ensure that the Corporation’s obligations under the withholding provisions
under income and tax laws applicable to the Corporation and other provisions of applicable laws are satisfied with respect to the issuance of Shares pursuant to the Plan or the grant or exercise of options under the Plan, including retention of
Shares that would otherwise be issued to the optionee or requiring the optionee to fund the amount required to be withheld. 

  

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	17.3	Issuance, transfer or delivery of certificates for Shares purchased pursuant to the Plan may be delayed, at the discretion of the Independent Committee, until the Independent
Committee is satisfied that the applicable requirement of securities and income tax laws have been met. 

  

	18.	AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION 

  

	18.1	The Board of Directors reserves the right to amend or to terminate the Plan at any time if and when it is advisable in the absolute discretion of the Board of Directors; provided,
however, that no such amendment or termination shall adversely affect any outstanding options granted under the Plan without the consent of the optionee. Furthermore, to the extent any amendment would require shareholder approval under Code section
162(m), such amendment shall be effective upon the required approval of the shareholders of the Corporation. Any amendment to the Plan shall also be subject to any necessary approvals of any stock exchange or regulatory body having jurisdiction over
the securities of the Corporation and, where applicable, shareholders approval. 

  

	18.2	Subject to regulatory approval, where applicable, the Independent Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or
terminate, any option theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively; provided, however, that any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would impair the rights of any optionee or any
holder or beneficiary of any option theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected optionee, holder or beneficiary. 

  

	19.	NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY 

  

	19.1	The Corporation makes no representation or warranty as to the future market value of any Shares issued in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. 

  

	20.	NECESSARY APPROVALS 

  

	20.1	The obligation of the Corporation to issue and to deliver any Shares in accordance with the Plan is subject to any necessary or desirable approval of any regulatory authority having
jurisdiction over the securities of the Corporation. If any Shares cannot be issued to any optionee for whatever reason, the obligation of the Corporation to issue such Shares shall terminate and any option exercise price paid to the Corporation
shall be returned to the optionee. 

  

	21.	GENERAL PROVISIONS 

  

	21.1	Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Corporation or any subsidiary thereof from adopting or continuing in effect other compensation arrangements, which may, but need not,
provide for the grant of options (subject to shareholder approval if such approval is required), and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. 

  

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	21.2	The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan and any option agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York. 

  

	21.3	If any provision of the Plan or any option is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any person or option, or would disqualify
the Plan or any option under any law deemed applicable by the Independent Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination
of the Independent Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the option, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or option and the remainder of the Plan and any such option shall remain in full force and
effect. 

  

	21.4	Neither the Plan nor any option shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or any subsidiary
thereof and an optionee or any other person. 

  

	21.5	Headings are given to the Sections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction
or interpretation of the Plan or any provision thereof. 

  

	22.	TERM OF THE PLAN 

  

	22.1	The Plan shall be effective as of the date of its approval by the shareholders of the Corporation, subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

  

	22.2	No option shall be granted under the Plan after April 8, 2014. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable option agreement, any option granted
hereunder may, and the authority of the Board of Directors or the Independent Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such option or to waive any conditions or rights under any such option shall, continue after
April 8, 2014. 

  

 11Mining lease

 Exhibit 10.20 
 THIS MINING LEASE is made the 11th day of January 2008 between THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA (hereinafter called “the Government”) acting by ESTHER OBENG DAPPAH the Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines
(hereinafter called the Minister”) of the one part and FIRST CANADIAN GOLDFIELDS LIMITED having its registered address at P.O. BOX 16075, K.I.A., ACCRA (hereinafter called “the Company”) of the second part: 
 WHEREAS: 
 The Government is desirous of developing its mineral resources in
such manner as will ensure that the maximum possible benefits accrue to the nation from the exploitation of minerals and has agreed to grant the Company a Mining Lease on the terms and conditions hereinafter following: 
 NOW THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH THAT: 
  

	1.	GRANT OF MINING RIGHTS: 

 (a) The Government hereby grants to the Company mining rights to ALL that piece of land described in the schedule hereto and more particularly delineated on the Plan attached and shown edged red (hereinafter called “the Lease
Area”) together with mines, beds, seams, veins, channels and strata of gold lying and being within and under the surface for a term of four (4) years from the date of this Agreement. Such term shall be renewable from time to time in
accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, (Act 703); 
 (b) The Government hereby grants to the Company the exclusive
rights to work, develop and produce gold in the Lease Area for the said term of four (4) years (including, the processing, storing and transportation of ore and materials together with the rights and powers reasonably incidental thereto)
subject to the provisions of this Agreement; 
 (c) The Company shall not, however, conduct any operations in a sacred area
and shall not, without the prior consent in writing of the Minister conduct any operations: 
 (i) within 50 yards of any
building, installation, reservoir of dam, public road, railway or area appropriated for railway; 
 (ii) in an area occupied
by a market, burial ground cemetery or Government office, or situated within a town or village or set apart for, used, appropriated or dedicated to a public purpose. 
 (d) The Company shall commence commercial production of gold within two (2) years from the date of this Mining Lease. 
 (e) The Company shall conduct its operations in a manner consistent with good commercial mining practices so as not to interfere
unreasonably with vegetation in the Lease Area or with the customary rights and privileges of persons to farm, hunt and snare game, gather firewood for domestic purposes or to collect snails. 

 (f) The public shall be permitted at their sole risk to use without charge, any road
constructed by the Company in the Lease Area, in a manner consistent with good mining practices, safety and security, provided that such use does not unreasonably interfere with the operations of the Company hereunder and provided also that such
permission shall not extend to areas enclosed for mining operations. 
 (g) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be
deemed to confer any rights on the Company conflicting with provisions contained in the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, (Act 703) or to permit the Company to dispense with the necessity of applying for and obtaining any permit or authorization which
the Company may be required by law or regulation to obtain in respect of any work or activity proposed to be carried out hereunder. 
  

	2.	GRANT OF RIGHTS TO THIRD PARTIES IN THE MINING AREA: 

 (a) Subject to satisfactory arrangements between the Government and the Company, the Government shall grant the first option to the Company to work minerals other than gold and silver discovered in the Lease Area.

 (b) Failing such satisfactory arrangements between the Government and the Company, the Government reserves the right to
grant licences to third parties to prospect for or to enter into agreements for the production of minerals other than gold and silver in the Lease Area, provided that any such activity shall not unreasonably interfere with the rights granted to the
Company hereunder. 
  

	3.	POWER OF GOVERNMENT TO EXCLUDE PARTS OF THE MINING AREA: 

 (a) The Government may by reasonable notice in writing to the Company exclude from the Lease Area, at any time and from time to time, any part which may be required for any stated public purpose whatsoever, provided
that: 
 (i) The parts so excluded shall not have a surface area in the aggregate greater than ten percent of the Lease Area.

 (ii) Any parts of the Lease Area so excluded shall continue to form part of the Lease Area subject to this Agreement.

 (iii) except that no mining operations shall be conducted on the parts so excluded. 
 (iv) No part of the Lease Area shall be so excluded in respect of which the Company shall have given prior notice specifying that such
part is required for mining operations hereunder or on which active operations have commenced or are in progress (such as digging, construction, installation or other works related to gold and silver mining) but, in lieu thereof, a part equal in
area to any such part shall be excluded for such public purposes; and 
 (v) The Government shall not take to itself or grant
to third parties the right to mine gold and silver from any part so excluded. 
  

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 (b) The company shall be relieved of all liabilities or obligations hereunder in respect
of any part excluded under this paragraph except liabilities or obligations accrued prior to such exclusion. 
  

	4.	WORK OBLIGATION: 

 The Company
shall continuously operate in the Lease Area in accordance with good mining practices until such time as the reserves or deposits may be exhausted or the mine can no longer be economically worked or until this Agreement expires, whichever shall be
sooner. 
  

	5.	CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS: 

 (a) The
Company shall conduct all of its operations hereunder with due diligence, efficiency, safety and economy, in accordance with good mining practices and in a proper and workmanlike manner, observing sound technical and engineering principles using
appropriate modern and effective equipment, machinery, materials and methods, and pay particular regard to conservation of resources, reclamation of land and environmental protection generally. 
 (b) The Company shall mine and extract ore in accordance with paragraph 5(a) herein utilizing methods, which include dredging,
quarrying, pitting, trenching, stoping and shaft sinking in the Lease Area. 
 (c) The company shall maintain all equipment in
good and safe condition, normal wear and tear excluded, and shall keep all excavated areas, shafts, pits, and trenches in good and safe condition and take all practical steps: 
 (i) to prevent damage to adjoining farms and villages; 
 (ii) to avoid damage to trees, crops, buildings structures and other property in the Lease Area; to the extent, however, that any such
damage is necessary or unavoidable, the Company shall pay fair and reasonable compensation. 
 (d) The Company shall fence off
effectually from the adjoining lands, all pits, shafts and other works made or used under the powers hereof. 
 (e) The
company shall as far as is necessary or practicable provide and maintain in good repair and condition roads, gates, stiles and fences for the convenient occupation of the surface of the Lease Area. 
 (f) The Company shall provide and maintain proper and sufficient drains, culverts, arches and passageways for carrying off any waters
which shall arise or be produced or interrupted by any of the works hereby authorized so that the drainage of the Lease Area may not be prevented or prejudiced. 
  

 3 

	6.	NOTIFICATION OF DISCOVERY OF OTHER MINERALS: 

 (a) The Company shall report forthwith to the Minister, the Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, the Head, Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission and the Director of Ghana Geological Survey, the
discovery in the Lease Area of any other mineral deposits apart from gold and silver and the Company shall be given the first option to prospect further and to work the said minerals, subject to satisfactory arrangements between the Government and
the Company. 
 (b) Failing any such satisfactory arrangements the Company shall not produce any minerals from the Lease Area
other than gold and silver except where they are unavoidably linked with the production of gold and silver. 
  

	7.	SAMPLES: 

 (a) The Company shall
not during the currency of this agreement remove, dispose of or destroy, except in analyses, any cores or samples obtained from the Lease Area without the prior consent in writing of the Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission.

 (b) The Company shall provide the Director of Ghana Geological Survey with such samples from the Lease Area as he may from
time to time reasonably request, and shall keep such samples as he may be directed to do so by the Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission. 
  

	8.	HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: 

 (a) The Company shall comply with all such reasonable instructions as may from time to time be given by the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission for securing the health and safety of persons engaged in or
connected with the operations hereunder. 
 The Company shall adopt all necessary and practical precautionary measures to prevent undue
pollution of rivers and other potable water and to ensure that such pollution does not cause harm or destruction to human or animal life or fresh water fish or vegetation. 
  

	9.	POWER OF HEAD OF THE INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE MINERALS COMMISSION TO EXECUTE CERTAIN WORKS: 

 If the Company shall at any time fail to comply with any provisions of this Agreement or applicable law and such failure is likely, in the opinion of the
Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, to: 
  

	 	(i)	endanger the health or safety of persons, or 

  

	 	(ii)	endanger the environment, or 

  

	 	(iii)	cause harm or destruction to potable water; or 

  

 4 

	 	(iv)	result in damage to mining equipment or other structures or installation; 

 the Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, shall after giving the Company reasonable notice, execute any works which in his opinion are necessary and practicable in the circumstances and the
costs and expenses of such works shall be borne by the Company. 
  

	10.	LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE OR INJURY AND INDEMNITY: 

 (a) Nothing in this Agreement shall exempt the Company from liability for any damage, loss or injury caused to any person, property or interest as a result of the exercise by the Company of any rights or powers
granted to it under this Agreement. 
 (b) The Company shall at all times indemnify the Government and its officers and agents
against all claims and liabilities in respect of any loss suffered by or damage done to third parties arising out of the exercise by the Company of any rights or powers granted to it under this Agreement provided that the Company shall not so
indemnify the Government, its officers and agents where the claim or liability arises out of the wrongful or negligent acts of the Government, its officers and agents. 
  

	11.	EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING: 

 (a)
Citizens of Ghana shall be given preference for employment by the Company in all phases of its operations hereunder to the maximum possible extent, consistent with safety, efficiency and economy. 
 (b) Except with respect to unskilled personnel, the Company may employ non-Ghanaian personnel in the conduct of its operations provided
that the number of such non-Ghanaian personnel employed shall not exceed the quota permitted by the Government. 
 (c) The
Company shall provide appropriate programmes of instruction and theoretical and practical training to ensure the advancement, development, improved skills and qualification of Ghanaian employees in all categories of employment. 
  

	12.	PREFERENCE FOR GHANAIAN GOODS AND SERVICES: 

 In
the conduct of its operations and in the purchase, construction and installation of facilities, the Company shall give preference to: 
 (a) materials and products made in Ghana, if such materials and products are comparable or better in price, quality and delivery dates than materials and products from foreign sources; 
 (b) service agencies located in Ghana owned by Ghanaian citizens or companies organized pursuant to Ghanaian law, including but not
limited to, insurance agencies, bidding contractors, import brokers, dealers and agents if such agencies give or provide equal or better price and quality of service than competing foreign firms and can render services at such times as the Company
may require. 
  

 5 

	13.	AFFILIATED COMPANY TRANSACTIONS: 

 (a) Any services including services in respect of the purchase and acquisition of materials outside Ghana provided by an affiliated company shall be obtained only at a price, which is fair and reasonable. The Company shall, at the request
of the Minister, provide such justification of costs as may be required, duly supported by an Auditor’s certificate if necessary. 
 (b) Any other transactions between the Company and an affiliated company shall be on the basis of competitive international prices and upon such terms and conditions as would be fair and reasonable had such
transactions taken place between unrelated parties. 
 (c) The Company shall notify the Minister of any and all transactions
between the Company and an affiliated company and shall supply such details relating to such transactions as the Minister may by notice reasonably require. 
  

	14.	TECHNICAL RECORDS: 

 (a) The
Company shall maintain at its registered or mine offices complete records of pits and trenches (location, depths of overburden and gravel and assay value) in the Lease Area in such form as may from time to time be approved by the Head of the
Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission and the Director of Ghana Geological Survey. 
 (b) The Company shall maintain at the said offices copies of all reports including interpretations dealing with gold and silver prospects in the Lease Area in the course of its operations hereunder and copies of all
tests and analyses, geological and geophysical maps, diagrams or charts relevant to its operations hereunder. These reports and records may be examined by persons in the service or acting on behalf of the Government and authorized in writing by the
Minister. 
 (C) The Company shall maintain at the said offices correct and intelligible plans and sections of all mines which
plans and sections shall show the operations and workings which have been carried on as well as dykes, veins, faults and other disturbances which have been encountered in such workings and operations. All such plans and sections shall be made,
amended and completed from actual surveys conducted for that purpose. 
 (c) Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement
or the surrender of any part of the Lease Area, such records and data as are required to be maintained pursuant to this paragraph which relate to the Lease Area, or such part of the Lease Area as may have been surrendered shall be delivered to the
Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission and the Director of Ghana Geological Survey and shall become the property of the Government without charge. 
  

 6 

	15.	PRODUCTION RECORDS: 

 The Company shall maintain at
its registered or mine offices complete and accurate technical records of its operations and production in the Lease Area in such form as may from time to time be approved by the Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission.

  

	16.	FINANCIAL RECORDS: 

 (a) The
Company shall maintain at its registered or mine offices, detailed and complete accounts and systematic financial records of its operations as may be required by law. The books of account shall show all revenues received by the Company from all
sources including its operations hereunder, as well as all its expenditure. The Company shall provide for a clear basis for understanding and relating the financial records and accounts to its operations. 
 (b) The Company’s books of account shall be kept on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles. 
 (c) The Company shall keep separately records and financial statements in terms of Ghana currency an also in terms of U.S. Dollars or
other international currency and may record in foreign currency such claims and liabilities as arise in such foreign currency. 
 (d) The Company’s books of account shall be audited within six (6) months after the close of each Financial Year by a qualified Accountant and member of the Ghana Institute of Chartered Accountants. Such auditing shall not in any
way imply acceptance of its results by the Government or preclude the Government from auditing such books of account. The Company shall deliver to the Minister without charge, copies of all or any part of such financial records as he may from time
to time reasonably request. 
  

	17.	REPORTS: 

 (a) The Company shall
furnish a report each quarter, to the Minister, the Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, the Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission and the Director of Ghana Geological Survey, in such forms as may from time to time be
approved by the Minister, regarding the quantities of gold and silver won in that quarter, quantities sold, the revenue received and royalties payable for that quarter and such other information as may be required. Such reports shall be submitted
not later than thirty (30) days after the end of each quarter. 
 (b) The Company shall furnish a report each half-year
to the Minister, the Chief Inspector of Mines of the Inspectorate Division, Minerals Commission, the Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission and the Director of Ghana Geological Survey in such form as may from time to time be approved by the
Minister summarising the results of its operations in the Lease Area during the half-year and records to be kept by the Company pursuant to paragraphs 14, 15 and 16 hereof. Each such report shall include a description of any geological or
geophysical work carried out by the Company in that half-year and a plan upon a scale approved by the Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission showing dredging areas and mine workings. Such reports shall be submitted not later
than forty (40) days after the half-year to which they relate. 
  

 7 

 (c) The Company shall furnish a report each Financial Year in such form as may from time
to time be approved by the Minister to the Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, the Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission and the Director of Ghana Geological Survey Department summarising the results of its operations
in the Lease Area during that Financial Year and the records required to be kept by the Company pursuant to paragraphs 14, 15, and 16 hereof. Each such report shall include a description of the proposed operations for the following year with an
estimate of the production and revenue to be obtained therefrom. Such reports shall be submitted not later than sixty (60) days after the end of each Financial Year. 
 (d) The Company shall furnish the Minister, the Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, the Chief Executive of the
Minerals Commission and the Director of Ghana Geological Survey not later than three (3) months after the expiration or termination of this Agreement, with a report giving an account of the geology of the Lease Area including the stratigraphic
and structural conditions, together with a geological map on a scale prescribed in the Mining Regulations. 
 (e) The Company
shall furnish the Minister and the Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, with a report of the particulars of any proposed alteration to its regulations. The Company shall also furnish the Minister and the Chief Executive of the Minerals
Commission with a report on the particulars of any fresh issues of shares of its capital stock or borrowings in excess of an amount equivalent to the Stated Capital of the Company. All such reports shall be in such form as the Minister may require
and shall be submitted not less than twenty-one (21) days (or such lesser period as the Minister may agree) in advance of any proposed alteration, fresh issue or borrowing, as the case may be. 
 (f) The Company shall, not later than 180 days after the end of each Financial Year, furnish the Minister and the Chief Executive of the
Minerals Commission with a copy each of its annual financial reports including a balance sheet, profit and loss account, and all notes pertaining thereto, duly certified by a qualified accountant who is a member of the Ghana Institute of Chartered
Accountants. Such certificate shall not in any way imply acceptance of such reports by the Government or preclude the Government from auditing the Company’s books of account. 
 (g) The Company shall furnish the Minister, the Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, the Chief Executive of the
Minerals Commission and the Director of Ghana Geological Survey with such other reports and information concerning its operations as they may from time to time reasonably require. 
  

	18.	INSPECTION: 

 (a) Any person or
persons in the service of or acting on behalf of the Government and authorized in writing by the Minister shall be entitled at all reasonable times to enter into and upon any part of the Lease Area and the Company’s registered office, for any
of the following purposes: 
 (i) to examine the mine workings, equipment, buildings, installation and any other structures
used in the mining operation; 
  

 8 

 (ii) to inspect the samples which the Company is required to keep in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement; 
 (iii) to inspect and check the accuracy of the weights and measures and weighing and
measuring devices, used or kept by the Company; 
 (iv) to examine and make abstracts of the books and records kept by the
Company pursuant to this Agreement; 
 (v) to verify or ensure compliance by the Company with all applicable laws and
regulations and with its obligations hereunder; 
 (vi) to execute any works which the Head of the Inspectorate Division the
Minerals Commission may be entitled to execute in accordance with the provisions of the Mining Laws and Regulations of Ghana, or of this Agreement. 
 (b) The Company shall make reasonable arrangements to facilitate any such work or inspection, including making available employees of the Company to render assistance with respect to any such work or inspection. All
such works and inspections shall be listed by the Company in the reports and furnished each half year. 
  

	19.	CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT: 

 The Government shall
treat all information supplied by the Company hereunder as confidential for a period of five (5) years from the date of submission of such information or upon termination of this Agreement whichever is sooner and shall not reveal such
information to third parties except with the written consent of the Company which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Government and persons authorized by the Government may nevertheless use such information received from the Company for
the purpose of preparing and publishing general reports on Minerals in Ghana and in connection with any dispute between the Government and the Company. 
  

	20.	FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS: 

 (a)
Consideration Fees: 
 The Company shall, in consideration of the grant of the Mining Lease pay to Government an amount
of US$30,000.00 (thirty thousand U.S. Dollars). 
 (b) Rent: 
 The Company shall pay rent (which shall be subject to review) at the rate of Ë105,000.00
(one hundred and five thousand cedis) or GH¢10.50 (ten Ghana cedis, fifty pesewas) i.e. (Ë5,000 or 50Gp per square kilometre) 
  

 9 

 (i) the said rent shall be paid half yearly in advance on or before the first day of
January and on or before the first day of July in each year. 
 (ii) in the event of a surrender of any part of the Lease Area
pursuant to paragraph 25 hereof, no rental payments shall be refunded in whole or in part of any area so surrendered for which yearly rental has been paid in advance or shall rental payments be refunded in the event of termination. 

 

	21.	ROYALTIES: 

 (a) The Company shall
pay to the Government royalty as prescribed by legislation. 
 (b) The Company shall pay royalty to the Government each
quarter through the Commissioner of Internal Revenue based on the production for that quarter, within thirty (30) days from the end to the quarter. 
 Any necessary adjustments shall be made annually within sixty (60) days of the end of each Financial Year, except that any over-payment of royalty shall not be refunded by the Government but shall be credited
against royalty due and payable in the next quarter. 
 (c) In the event of a dispute with respect to the amount of royalty
payable hereunder, the Company shall first make payment of the lower of the disputed amounts and shall pay forthwith any further royalty which shall be agreed upon or determined to be payable by arbitration in accordance with paragraph 35
hereof. Such further royalty shall carry interest to be agreed upon or at the ruling prime rate in Ghana at the time of the award or agreement to take effect from the date on which such amount ought originally to have been paid. 
 (d) The Company shall also pay royalty on all timber felled by the Company in accordance with existing legislation. 
  

	22.	LATE PAYMENTS: 

 (a) Anything
herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall pay as penalty for any late payment of any amounts due to the Government hereunder, an additional amount calculated at the Bank of Ghana re-discount rate for every thirty-day period
or part thereof for the period of the delay in paying the amounts, that is to say, the period between the actual payment date and the date on which each such payment should have been made. 
 (b) In the event the Company shall fail to make payment to the Government of any amount due hereunder, the Government without prejudice to
any other rights and remedies to which it may be entitled, may, after giving 30 days notice in writing, enter into and upon the Lease Area and seize and distrain and sell as landlords may do for rent in arrears, all or any of the stocks of gold and
silver produced therefrom, and the plant and equipment, materials and supplies belonging to the Company which shall be thereon; and out of the monies obtained from the sale in respect of such distress may retain and pay all of the arrears of any
amounts due hereunder and the costs and expenses incidental to any such distress and sale and deliver up the surplus (if any) to the Company. 
  

 10 

	23.	TAXATION: 

 (a) The Company shall
not be required to deduct or withhold any taxes from any payment made from its external account of which is authorized under the terms of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) of: 
 (i) any interest or other costs or fees paid in respect of any borrowing by or on behalf of the company in foreign currency for the
project; 
 (ii) any dividends paid to the shareholders. 
 (b) Save for the above, the Company shall pay tax in accordance with the laws of Ghana. 
  

	24.	FOREIGN EXCHANGE: 

 All foreign exchange
transactions shall be in accordance with the laws of Ghana. 
  

	25.	SURRENDER: 

 (a) The Company may
surrender at any time and from time to time, by giving not less than two months’ notice to the Minister, all its rights hereunder in respect of any part of the Lease Area not larger in the aggregate than 20% of the said Area. The Company may
surrender a larger part of the Lease Area by giving not less than twelve (12) months’ notice to the Minister. The Company shall be relieved of all obligations in respect of the part or parts of the Lease Area so surrendered except those
obligations, which accrued prior to the effective date of surrender. 
 (b) The Company shall leave the part of the Lease Area
surrendered and everything thereon in a good and safe condition, provided, however that the Company shall have no such obligations for areas surrendered on which the company has not undertaken any works or which have not been affected by the
operations of the Company. The Company shall take all reasonable measures, in accordance with good mining practices to leave the surface of such part of the Lease Area surrendered, in good and usable condition having regard to the ecology, drainage,
reclamation and the protection of the environment. In the event that the Company fails to do so, the Minister shall make such part and everything thereon safe and in good, usable condition at the expense of the Company. The provisions of
sub-paragraphs (a) and (c) of paragraph 29 hereof shall apply. 
 (c) The Company shall, on such terms and
conditions as may be agreed upon between the Government and the Company, be entitled to such wayleaves, easements or other rights through or across the surrendered part or parts as may be necessary for its operations and such wayleaves shall not
form part or be included in the calculation of the area of the retained part. 
 (d) The Government may require that there be
reserved over any part surrendered such wayleaves, easements or other rights as will in its opinion be necessary or convenient to any party to whom the Government may subsequently grant a prospecting licence or mining lease. 
  

 11 

	26.	EXTENSION: 

 If the Company, not less than six
(6) months before the expiration of this Agreement, applies to the Minister for an extension of the term hereof and if the Company shall not be in default at that time in the performance of any of its obligations hereunder, the Company shall be
entitled to an extension of the period of this Agreement upon such terms and conditions as the parties may then agree. 
  

	27.	COMPANY’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE AGREEMENT: 

 The
Company may, if in its opinion the mine can no longer be economically worked, terminate this Agreement by giving not less than nine (9) months’ notice to the Government. Such termination shall be without prejudice to any obligation or
liability incurred by the Company hereunder prior to the effective date of such termination. 
  

	28.	GOVERNMENT’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE AGREEMENT: 

 (a) The Government may, subject to the provisions of this paragraph, terminate this Agreement if any of the following events shall occur: 
 (i) the Company shall fail to make any of the payments provided for in this Agreement on the payment date; 
 (ii) the Company shall contravene or fail to comply with any other provisions of this Agreement; or 
 (iii) the Company shall become insolvent or bankrupt or enter into any agreement or composition with its creditors or take advantage of
any law for the benefit of debtors or go into liquidation, whether compulsory or voluntary, except for the purposes of reconstruction or amalgamation; or 
 (iv) the Company makes a written statement to the Government on any material matter in connection with this Agreement or with its operations which the Company knows to be false or makes recklessly without due regard
as to whether it was true or false. 
 (b) If and whenever the Government decides there are grounds to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of the preceding sub-paragraph, the Government shall give the Company notice specifying the particular contravention or failure and permit the Company to remedy same within one hundred and twenty
(120) days of such notice, or such longer period as the Minister may specify in such notice as being reasonable in the circumstances. 
  

 12 

 (c) If the Company shall fail to remedy any event specified in clauses (i) and
(ii) of sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph within the stated period, or an event specified in clauses (iii) and (iv) of the said sub-paragraph shall occur, the Government may by notice to the Company terminate this Agreement,
provided that if the Company disputes whether there has been any contravention or failure to comply with the conditions hereof (including any dispute as to the calculation of payments by the Company to the Government hereunder), and the Company
shall, within such period as aforesaid refer the dispute to arbitration in accordance with paragraph 35 hereof and, thereafter, diligently prosecute its claim thereunder, the Government shall not terminate this Agreement except as the same may
be consistent with the terms of the arbitration award. 
 (d) No delay or omission or course of dealing by the Government
shall impair any of its rights hereunder or be construed to be a waiver of any event specified in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph or an acquiescence therein. 
 (e) Upon termination of this Agreement, every right of the Company hereunder shall cease (save as otherwise specifically provided
hereunder) but subject nevertheless and without prejudice to any obligation or liability imposed or incurred under this Agreement prior to the effective date of termination and to such rights as the Government may have under the law. 
  

	29.	ASSETS ON TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION: 

 (a) The Company may within six months of the termination of the Mining Lease or a further period allowed by the Minister, remove the mining plant if the mining plant is removed solely for the purpose of use by the Company or a person
deriving title through the Company, in another relevant mining activity in the Country. 
 (b) A mining plant not removed by
the Company within two months after notice is given by the Minister to the Company at anytime after expiration of the period referred to in subsection (a), shall vest in the Republic on the expiration of the two-month notice period. 

(c) Nothing in this Agreement removes or diminishes an obligation that the Company may have under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006,
(Act 703), another enactment or a condition of this Agreement to remove a mining plant and rehabilitate the land. 
 (d)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Minister, may by notice to the Company require the removal or destruction of any assets of the Company in the Leased Area, and if the Company does not remove or destroy such assets within a period of
thirty (30) days from the date of the Minister’s notice to that effect, the Minister shall cause such removal or destruction at the expense of the Company. 
 (e) The Company shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that all of the assets to be offered for sale to the Government or
transferred to the Government in accordance with this paragraph shall be maintained in substantially the same condition in which they were at the date of the termination or the date on which the Company reasonably knew that such termination would
occur and any such assets shall not be disposed of, dismantled or destroyed except as specifically provided for in this paragraph. 
  

 13 

 (f) Upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement, the Company shall leave the
Lease Area and everything thereon in good condition, having regard to the ecology, drainage, reclamation, environmental protection, health and safety; provided however that the Company shall have no obligation in respect of areas where the Company
has not undertaken any work or which have not been affected by the Company’s operations. In this connection, unless the Chief Inspector of Mines otherwise directs, the Company shall, in accordance with good mining practices, fill up or fence
and make safe all holes and excavations to the reasonable satisfaction of the Chief Inspector of Mines. In addition the Company shall take all reasonable measures to leave the surface of the Lease Area in usable condition and to restore all
structures thereon not the property of the Company to their original condition. In the event that the Company fails to do so, the Minister shall restore and make safe the Lease Area and everything thereon at the expense of the Company. 

(g) The Company shall have the right to enter upon the Lease Area for the aforesaid purposes, subject to the rights of surface owners
or others, for a period of six (6) months from the effective date of the termination or such longer period as the Minister may decide. 
 (h) On the termination of this Agreement, the Company shall deliver to the Minister the records which the Company is obliged to maintain under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, (Act 703); the plans and maps of
the area covered by the mining lease prepared by the Company; and other documents, including in electronic format, if available that relate to the mineral right. 
  

	30.	FORCE MAJEURE: 

 (a) For the
purpose of this paragraph, force majeure includes acts of God, war, strikes, insurrection, riots, earthquakes, storm, flood or other adverse weather conditions or any other event which the Company could not reasonably be expected to prevent or
control, but shall not include any event caused by a failure to observe good mining practices or by the negligence of the Company or any of its employees or contractors. 
 (b) The Company shall notify the Minister within forty-eight (48) hours of any event of force majeure affecting its ability to fulfil
the conditions hereof or of any events, which may endanger the natural resources of Ghana and similarly notify the Government of the restoration of normal conditions within forty-eight hours of such restoration. This provision shall be in addition
to any requirements contained in the Mining Regulations in force in Ghana. 
 (c) All obligations on the part of the Company
to comply with any of the conditions herein (except the obligation to make payment of monies due to the Government) shall be suspended during the period the Company is prevented by force majeure from fulfilling such obligations, the Company having
taken all reasonable precautions, due care and reasonable alternative measures with the objective of avoiding such non-compliance and of carrying out its obligations hereunder. The Company shall take all reasonable steps to remove such causes of the
inability to fulfil the terms and conditions hereof with the minimum of delay. 
  

 14 

 (d) The terms of this Agreement shall be extended for a period of time equal to the
period or periods during which the company was affected by conditions set forth in the sub-paragraph (a) and (b) of this paragraph or for such period as may be agreed by the parties. 
  

	31.	POLITICAL ACTIVITY: 

 The Company shall not engage
in political activity of any kind in Ghana or make a donation, gift or grant to any political party. The Company shall make it a condition of employment that no employee, other than a citizen of Ghana shall engage in political activity and shall not
make donations, gifts or grants to any political party. In the event of any such employee acting in disregard to this condition, he shall be dismissed forthwith. 
  

	32.	ADVERTISEMENTS, PROSPECTUSES, ETC: 

 Neither the
Company nor any affiliated Company shall in any manner claim or suggest, whether expressly or by implication that the Government or any agency or official thereof, has expressed any opinion with respect to gold in the Lease Area and no statement to
this effect shall be included in or endorsed on any prospectus notice, circular, advertisement, press release or similar document issued by the Company or any affiliated Company for the purpose of raising new capital. 
  

	33.	CO-OPERATION OF THE PARTIES: 

 Each of the parties
hereto undertake that it will from time to time do all such acts and make, enter into, execute, acknowledge and deliver at the request of the other party, such supplemental or additional instruments, documents, agreements, consents, information or
otherwise as may be reasonably required for the purpose of implementing or further assuring the rights and obligations of the other party under this Agreement. 
  

	34.	NOTICE: 

 Any application, notice, consent,
approval, direction, instruction or waiver hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or by registered mail. Delivery by hand shall be deemed to be effective from the time of delivery and delivery by registered mail shall be deemed
to be effective from such time as it would in the ordinary course of registered mail be delivered to the addressee. 
  

	35.	ARBITRATION AND SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES: 

 (a) Any dispute between the parties in respect of the interpretation or enforcement of the provisions of this document shall be settled in accordance with the procedures available in Ghana for the settlement of such dispute provided that at
the instance of either of the parties any such dispute may be submitted for settlement by arbitration under the Arbitration Rule of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (the “UNCITRAL Rule”). 
 (b) Any arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules shall be by three (3) arbitrators unless the parties agree to a single arbitrator. The
place of arbitration shall be Accra and the proceedings shall be in English unless the parties otherwise agree. Ghana Law shall be the law applicable to the proceedings. 
  

 15 

 (c) Nothing in clause 35(a) or 35(b) shall prevent either of the parties from
requesting any judicial authority to order provisional measures prior to the initiation of arbitration proceedings or during the proceedings for the preservation of their respective rights. 
 (d) The parties acknowledge and that this Agreement was made on the basis of the laws and conditions prevailing at the date of the
effective conclusions of the negotiation of this Agreement and accordingly, if thereafter, new laws and conditions come into existence which unfairly affect the interest of either party to this Agreement, then the party so unfairly affected shall be
entitled to request a re-negotiation and the parties shall thereupon re-negotiate. 
 (e) The parties hereby undertake and
covenant with each other to make every effort to agree, co-operate, negotiate and to take such action as may be necessary to remove the causes of unfairness or disputes. 
  

	36.	ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER OF RIGHTS: 

 (a) This Agreement shall not be assignable in whole or in part by the Company without the prior consent in writing of the Government. 
 (b) The Government may impose such conditions precedent to the giving of such consent as it may deem appropriate in the circumstances. No assignment, however, may relieve the Company of its obligations under this
Agreement except to the extent that such obligations are actually assumed by the Assignee. 
 (c) During the term of this
Agreement, no shares of the capital stock of the Company may be transferred except in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Law. 
  

	37.	HEADINGS: 

 The headings given to paragraphs in
this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. 
  

	38.	GOVERNING LAWS: 

 This Agreement shall be governed
and construed in accordance with the Laws of Ghana. 
  

 16 

 [HWINI BUTRE MINING LEASE APPLICATION] 
 [MAP ATTACHED] 
  

 17 

 THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO 
 All that piece or parcel of land containing an approximate total area of 40.00 square kilometers Lying to the North of Latitudes 5° 06’
31”, 4° 57’ 08”, 4° 56’ 40”; 4° 56’ 06”, and 5° 03’ 07”; South of Latitudes 5° 06’ 47”, 4° 59’ 52”, and 5° 05’ 00; East of Longitudes 1° 58’
30, 1° 52’ 43”, 1° 53’ 32” and 1° 52’ 55”; West of Longitudes 1° 50’ 24” 1° 52’ 04”, 1° 52’ 35” and 1° 53’ 06” in the Mpohor Wassa East District of the
Western Region of the Republic of Ghana which piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineated on the plan annexed hereto for the purposes of identification and not of limitation. 
  

 18 

 IN WITNESS OF WHICH the Parties have respectively executed the original and counterpart of this Agreement on the date
first above written. 
  

					
	SIGNED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE	  	]	  	
	REPUBLIC OF GHANA acting by	  	]	  	
			
	ESTHER OBENG DAPPAH, the Minister	  	]	  	/s/ E. Dappah
	of Lands, Forestry and Mines who by this	  	]	  	HON. MINISTER
	execution warrants to the other party that he	  	]	  	MIN. OF LANDS, FORESTRY
	is duly authorized and empowered to enter	  	]	  	AND MINES
	into this Agreement in the presence of:	  	]	  	P.O. BOX MB 212, ACCRA

  

					
			
	/s/ [ILLEGIBLE]	 		 	 
	CHIEF DIRECTOR	 		 	
	MINISTRY OF LANDS, FORESTRY AND MINES	 		 	

  

					
			
	SIGNED BY THE WITHIN-NAMED	  	]	  	
			
	FIRST CANADIAN GOLDFIELDS LIMITED	  	]	  	
	acting by its Chief Executive/Managing Director	  	]	  	
	who by this execution warrants to the other	  	]	  	
	party that he is duly authorized and	  	]	  	
	empowered to enter into this Agreement in	  	]	  	
	the presence of:	  	]	  	

 [SEAL] 
  

					
			
	/s/ Lt. Col. A.Y.K. Disu	 		 	/s/ R. Q. Gray
	LT COL A.Y.K DISU	 		 	R. Q. GRAY
	DIRECTOR/SECRETARY	 		 	MANAGING DIRECTOR

  

 19 

 OATH OF PROOF 
 I, George Banful of ACCRA make oath and say that on the 11th day of January 2008 I was present and saw ESTHER OBENG DAPPAH, Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines duly execute the Instrument now produced
to me and marked “A” and that the said ESTHER OBENG DAPPAH can read and write. 
 Sworn at Accra, this 22nd day of January
2008 
 BEFORE ME 

					
			
	/S/ [ILLEGIBLE]	 		 	/S/ [ILLEGIBLE]
	REGISTRAR OF LANDS	 		 	DEPONENT

 This is the Instrument Marked “A” Referred to in the Oath of George Banful Sworn
before me this 22nd day of January 2008. 
  

	
	
	/s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
	REGISTRAR OF LANDS

 CERTIFICATE OF PROOF 
 On the 22nd day of January 2008 at 11:50 O’clock in the fore noon this Instrument was proved before me by the Oath of the within-named George
Banful to have been duly executed by the within-named ESTHER OBENG DAPPAH for and on behalf of “the Government” of the Republic of Ghana for Lessor herein. 
  

	
	
	/s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
	REGISTRAR OF LANDS

  

 20 

 Dated this 11th day of January 2008 
 GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA 
 AND 
 FIRST CANADIAN GOLDFIELDS LIMITED 
  
  
 MINING LEASE 

 
  

			
	TERM:	  	FOUR (4) YEARS
		
	COMMENCEMENT:	  	11/01/2008
		
	EXPIRY DATE:	  	10/[31]/2012
		
	FILE NO:	  	PL.2/47

 SOLICITOR OF THE SUPREME COURT 
 GHANA 
  

 21

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