MAS Gold Corp. said Jan. 8 that will begin legal proceedings against Golden Band Resources Inc., after the latter failed to respond to its notifications related to the ownership of the La Ronge South gold joint venture in Saskatchewan.

The Canada-listed junior explorer said that due to sole-funding exploration work across the property, Golden Band's interest has been diluted below 10% and was converted into a 2.5% net smelter returns royalty. It also formally requested that Golden Band transfer its ownership interest in the property. The NSR can be repurchased at any time for C$1 million in cash.

MAS Gold expects to resolve the matter prior to the start of the summer exploration season.