Athabasca Minerals Inc. said Jan. 25 that it received a positive decision from the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta regarding operations at its Susan Lake public pit.

Alberta's superior trial court on Jan. 24 denied an application brought by Syncrude Canada Ltd. for an injunction on activities at Susan Lake, consequently allowing Athabasca to continue overseeing operations in the public pit.

Athabasca has the right to seek costs incurred in defending the injunction.

The company previously received a Statement of Defence and Counterclaim from Syncrude relating to its dispute regarding about C$620,000 in user fees and government royalties allegedly owed in respect of gravel used by Syncrude from Susan Lake.

Syncrude has denied all allegations and has filed a counterclaim, seeking damages in excess of C$68 million.