It could take until late 2017 before Northern Superior Resources’ case against the Ontario government is resolved. But in the meantime, it’s been handed a $440,569.89 legal bill.
The Sudbury-based junior miner lost the first round of its court fight with the Ontario government in May. The gold explorer had sued the province for failing to protect its interest on a gold exploration play in northwestern Ontario. The company abandoned its mining claims over a series of disputes in 2011 with a First Nation community.
The company was seeking $25 million in compensation for the work it had put into exploration on its gold projects near Sachigo Lake near the Manitoba border.
An Ontario Superior Court ruled in the government’s favour in late May, but the company is appealing.
Company president Tom Morris responded by email that the appeals process could take until the end of next year before they get a ruling.
In an Aug. 29 release, the company said they’re not required to pay anything to the province until their case is heard at the Ontario Court of Appeal and a decision is rendered.
“If the appeal of the trial decision is successful,” said the company in a statement, “the cost award will most likely be vacated. In addition, even if the company is not successful in overturning the trial decision, the Court of Appeal could still reduce or even vacate the cost award in any event.
Morris said an “appeal has been filed and the
process of transferring the transcripts to the appeal court has been
initiated.”
Since there is no further evidence to present to the
court, all the information presented at the trial will be reviewed by
a three-judge panel.
The company is currently working on its Croteau Est gold property in Québec and its Ti-pa-haa-kaa-ning property in Ontario’s Far North.
