Crystallex contract cancelled in Venezuela

From Crystallex Website
Crystallex Updates Status of Las Cristinas Mine Operating Contract 02/06/2011
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TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Feb. 6, 2011) – Crystallex International Corporation (TSX:KRY)(NYSE Amex:KRY) announced today that it has received a letter from the Corporacion Venezolana de Guayana (“CVG”) that states that the Company’s Mine Operating Contract (“MOC”) for the Las Cristinas Project in Bolivar State, Venezuela, has been “unilaterally terminated” by the CVG. The letter also enclosed a copy of a resolution passed by the CVG on February 3, 2011 which states that the MOC is unilaterally terminated. The resolution cites, as the basis for the termination of the MOC, Crystallex’s lack of activity to progress the Las Cristinas Project for more than one year and “… for reasons of opportunity and convenience”.

Crystallex has fully complied with all its obligations under the MOC and has advanced Las Cristinas to a “shovel ready” state while awaiting the issuance of the Authorization to Affect Natural Resources (the “Permit”) from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (“MinAmb”). In June, 2007, the CVG confirmed that the approval of the Crystallex Las Cristinas Environmental Impact Study (“EIS”), the posting of the construction guarantee bond and the payment of the environmental disturbance taxes represented the final and conclusive step in the procedure for the issuance of the Permit required to construct the Las Cristinas Project. Notwithstanding Crystallex’s fulfillment of the conditions to receive the Permit, MinAmb denied the request for the Permit in April 2008. Despite the Company’s compliance with the MOC requirements and the CVG’s confirmation in August 2010 that the MOC was in full force and effect, to date the Permit to allow project construction to commence has not been issued.

Crystallex is reviewing its position in light of this correspondence and is considering all steps necessary to protect its investment on behalf of all its stakeholders including the filing of the International Arbitration claim outlined in a Notification of Dispute served by the Company on the Venezuelan Government in November 2008.

About Crystallex
Crystallex International Corporation is a Canadian based company, whose principal asset is its interest in the Las Cristinas gold project located in Bolivar State, Venezuela. Crystallex shares trade on TSX (symbol: KRY) and NYSE-Amex (symbol: KRY).

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws, including: statements relating to the expected timing of completion of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, estimated reserves and resources at Las Cristinas; anticipated results of drilling programs, feasibility studies or other analyses; the potential to increase reserves and expand production, at Las Cristinas; Crystallex’s projected construction and production schedule, and cost and production estimates, for Las Cristinas; and management’s statements regarding its expectations regarding mining in Venezuela. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by Crystallex in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that Crystallex believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause Crystallex’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements, including: the conditions to the transactions contemplated by the Agreement not being satisfied, gold price volatility; impact of any hedging activities, including margin limits and margin calls; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, between actual and estimated reserves, and between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; mining operational risk; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; risks of sovereign investment; speculative nature of gold exploration; dilution; competition; loss of key employees; additional funding requirements; and defective title to mineral claims or property. These factors and others that could affect Crystallex’s forward-looking statements are discussed in greater detail in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Crystallex’s Annual Information Form (which is included in the Annual Report on Form 40-F that Crystallex files with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and elsewhere in documents filed from time to time with the Canadian provincial securities regulators, the SEC and other regulatory authorities. These factors should be considered carefully, and persons reviewing this press release should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Crystallex has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this press release, except as required by law.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Investor Relations Contact:
Crystallex International Corporation
Richard Marshall, VP
(800) 738-1577
info@crystallex.com
www.crystallex.com

Source: Crystallex International Corporation