Nov. 2, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- VANCOUVER, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - New Gold Inc. ("New Gold") (TSX and NYSE AMEX - NGD) confirms that all permits, licenses, concessions or authorizations that are required to operate its Cerro San Pedro Mine are valid and in force.
New Gold has filed an appeal to a recent decision of the Federal Court of Fiscal and Administrative Justice in Mexico pertaining to the process by which the Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for the Cerro San Pedro Mine was approved in 1999. Over the last ten years a small group opposed to the mine has conducted an ongoing series of challenges, appeals and counter appeals related to the EIS approval process. This latest decision does not affect Cerro San Pedro's other permits, including its operating permit or its ability to conduct business.
"New Gold is a welcome member of the Cerro de San Pedro community and has demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility through meaningful support to our schools, health services and infrastructure improvement," stated Mr. Santos Loredo Tenorio, President of the Cerro de San Pedro Municipality. "The company's contribution to sustainable community development and our future is greatly appreciated."
Robert Gallagher, President and CEO of New Gold stated: "We are committed to operating in a socially responsible and sustainable manner in all the regions where we operate. New Gold is confident that all legal requirements related to its Cerro San Pedro Mine are being achieved or exceeded and that ongoing legal activities do not impact the continued operation of the mine."
New Gold's Cerro San Pedro Mine has had excellent operational performance in 2009 and has an enviable record of meeting its environmental and social responsibilities. The operation achieved ISO 140001 certification of its Environmental Management System to ensure globally recognized standards are achieved and routine third party monitoring and reporting is performed in accordance with the ISO requirements.
About New Gold
New Gold is an intermediate gold mining company with three operating assets; the Mesquite Mine in the United States, Cerro San Pedro Mine in Mexico and Peak Mines in Australia. The company is expected to produce between 270,000 and 300,000 ounces of gold in 2009 for the period of ownership, growing to over 400,000 ounces in 2012. In addition, New Gold has a strong portfolio of mining, development and exploration assets in mining friendly jurisdictions.
