Winshear Gold Corp. (TSX-V: WINS) has commenced international arbitration proceedings against the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania under the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments which entered into force on 9 December 2013 (the “BIT”) (“the Arbitration”). The Arbitration results from Tanzania’s expropriation of investments held by Winshear (formerly Helio Resource Corp) in relation to the SMP Gold Project (see news release dated January 10, 2020). Winshear has entered into a Letter of Intent with a third party funder, the details of which will be announced on conclusion of a definitive agreement. 

The Arbitration has been initiated under the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States process, which falls under the auspices of the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), to which Tanzania is a signatory. 

Winshear delivered notice to the Attorney General for Tanzania in January 2020 of its intention to submit a claim to arbitration as a result of Tanzania’s breaches of the BIT, including the expropriation of its investments. The notice period provides for a six month consultation period before arbitration proceedings can be pursued. Tanzania did not respond during the 6-month consultancy period. As a result, Winshear has commenced the Arbitration to seek compensation for the losses it incurred as a result of Tanzania’s illegal acts.

The Company has engaged LALIVE, an international law firm, to act on its behalf.  LALIVE has offices in Geneva, Zurich and London, and specialises in international arbitration. The firm has extensive experience in international investment arbitration concerning mining and other natural resources and is representing investors and States as counsel worldwide.

For more information please contact Irene Dorsman at (604) 210-8751.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“Richard D. Williams”

Richard D. Williams, P.Geo

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

This news release includes certain statements and information that may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws.

Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “intends” or “anticipates”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would” or “occur”.  Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including the risks normally involved in the exploration, development and mining business or as may be otherwise set out in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies.  Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.