Augusta provides additional update on permitting

TORONTO, May 23, 2014 /CNW/ - Augusta Resource Corporation (TSX and NYSE MKT: AZC) ("Augusta" or the "Company") announces that, following its press release issued yesterday, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has today formally requested that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS) re-initiate consultation on the Rosemont Copper Project as a result of additional information received from the US FWS. Consultation is required under the Endangered Species Act to ensure that the effects of a proposed project on listed species are avoided or minimized.

Additional information includes the documented evidence of the presence of ocelot within or near the project area and conferencing on the potential listing of species which were not considered in the original biological opinion.  Additional information related to the effects of groundwater drawdown on aquatic and riparian species near the project area will also be included as part of this process.

The Forest Service will prepare a supplemental biological assessment to incorporate the additional information.  In preparation of the biological assessment the Coronado National Forest will work with Rosemont Copper Company and US FWS to identify any further conservation measures needed to mitigate for effects on endangered species, if any are determined to be required. Formal consultation and publication of the new biologic opinion by the US FWS could take 135 days to complete once consultation is initiated.

Said Gil Clausen, Augusta's President and CEO, "Although this delay is unfortunate, we recognize the need to have a robust and comprehensive decision document that includes all the required analysis. Further, the USFS has committed to dedicating the appropriate resources to this analysis and to ensure that the work is done expeditiously."  

About Augusta
Augusta is a base metals company focused on advancing the Rosemont Copper deposit near Tucson, Arizona.  Rosemont hosts a large copper/molybdenum reserve that would account for about 10% of U.S. copper output once in production (for details refer to www.augustaresource.com).  The exceptional experience and strength of Augusta's management team, combined with the developed infrastructure and robust economics of the Rosemont project, propels Augusta to becoming a solid mid-tier copper producer.  Augusta's shares are listed and posted for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE MKT under the symbol AZC.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain of the statements made and the information contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" under United States federal securities laws or "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities laws.  These statements and information relate to future events and Augusta's future performance, business prospects or opportunities, including information concerning the unsolicited offer of HudBay and the strategic review process of Augusta, which are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to statements concerning Augusta's plans at the Rosemont project, including the timing for obtaining final permits, construction and estimated production, expectations surrounding future financings and refinancings, capital and operating cash flow estimates, changes in market conditions, changes or disruptions in the securities markets and market fluctuations in the prices for Augusta's securities, the lack of any alternative transactions or the terms and conditions of any alternative transactions not being acceptable.

Forward-looking statements or information is frequently, but not always, characterized by words such as "will", "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "budget", "forecast", "schedule", "estimate" and similar expressions, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should", "could", "might" or "will" occur.  The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release is based on the reasonable expectations and beliefs of management and involves numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific to Augusta and the industry in which the Company operates.  Such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to Augusta's history of losses, requirements for additional capital, dilution, loss of material properties, interest rate increases, global economy, no history of production, speculative nature of exploration activities, periodic interruptions to exploration, development and mining activities, environmental hazards and liability, industrial accidents, failure of processing and mining equipment, labour disputes, supply problems, commodity price fluctuations, uncertainty of production and cost estimates, the interpretation of drill results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, legal and regulatory proceedings and community actions, title and tenure matters, regulatory restrictions, permitting and licensing, volatility of the market price of the Company's common shares, insurance, competition, hedging activities, currency fluctuations, loss of key employees, as well as those factors disclosed in Augusta's documents filed from time to time with the securities regulators in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.  Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, may vary materially from those described in this presentation.  For further details, reference is made to the risk factors discussed or referred to in Augusta's annual and interim management's discussion and analyses and Annual Information Form on file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available under Augusta's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Although Augusta has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.  Such forward-looking statements and information are made or given as at the date of this news release and Augusta disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities law.  The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

SOURCE: Augusta Resource Corporation

Investor Contact Information
Letitia Cornacchia
Augusta Resource Corporation
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

Media Inquiries:  
Ian Hamilton
DFH Public Affairs
Tel: [phone] x222 or [phone]
Email: [email protected]