WPG Resources Ltd's (ASX:WPG) subsidiary, Challenger Gold Operations Pty Ltd (owner of the Challenger Gold Mine in South Australia) filed its defence of a claim brought by contractor Pybar Mining Services as to a mining services agreement which was terminated in August 2017.
Wayne Rossiter, WPG director, commented:
"Having undertaken a thorough review of the consequences of Pybar’s performance at our mine, our directors are very pleased to now have the opportunity to commence defending our claim for the losses wrongly incurred and seeking damages.
"We will be vigorously pursuing our recovery rights to ensure that shareholders are fully and properly compensated."
The defence details
The defence, filed in the Supreme Court of South Australia, strongly refutes Pybar’s claims on several grounds including that:
- Pybar failed to properly perform its services with due care and skill and in accordance with the contract and good industry practice;
- Pybar failed to supply equipment and supplies of an acceptable standard, quality and specification;
- Pybar failed to provide adequate and properly qualified and trained labour;
- Pybar failed to progress services as contracted; and
- Pybar failed to apply a proper standard of skill necessary to competently perform services.
The defence sets out the arguments as to how Pybar’s various breaches of contract gave rise to Challenger suffering significant loss and damage in its operations for the consideration of the court.
Independently of its defence, Challenger has filed claims against Pybar exceeding $9 million (plus GST) for losses including in respect of costs overruns, damage to property, losses caused by improper mining practices, and for recovery of overcharges.
Challenger’s counterclaim against Pybar exceeds Pybar’s claim against Challenger of $8.7 million (plus GST).