IMG downplays new rules

Article Excerpt

IAMGOLD $1.65 (Toronto symbol IMG; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (1-888-464-9999; www.iamgold.com; Shares outstanding: 391.3 million; Market cap: $688.8 million; No dividends paid) believes Burkina Faso’s upcoming parliamentary vote on an updated mining code will have no effect on its Essakane mine’s profits. Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in West Africa, is that continent’s fourth-largest gold producer; the precious metal accounts for about 20% of its gross domestic product. The new code is expected to abolish a 10% tax break on miners’ profits. However, Burkina Faso will honour clauses in existing deals. As well, the new code should also end uncertainty surrounding the current 12-yearold mining regulations. IAMGold is still a buy. buy…