Vista Gold

DENVER, Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that it has closed the previously announced transaction (the "Transaction") to convert its interest in the Awak Mas gold project in Sulawesi, Indonesia (the "Awak Mas Project") into a net smelter return royalty on the project (the "Royalty").

Prior to the closing of the Transaction, the Awak Mas Project was indirectly held by the Company through a wholly owned subsidiary, Vista Gold (Barbados) Corp. ("Vista Barbados") and was the subject of a 2009 joint venture agreement, as amended and assigned, and a 2011 additional option agreement, as amended and assigned, (together, the "Former Agreements") each between Vista Barbados and Awak Mas Holdings Pty Ltd. (the "Purchaser") (a wholly owned subsidiary of One Asia Resources Corp.).  The Former Agreements provided the Purchaser with the option to acquire an 80% interest in the Awak Mas Project by completing certain activities.

As part of the Transaction, the Former Agreements were terminated and Vista transferred 100% of the outstanding shares of Vista Barbados to the Purchaser.  In exchange, (a) the Purchaser agreed to forego certain cash payments due to have been paid by the Company had the Purchaser completed the earn-in of its interest in the Awak Mas Project, and (b) the Company received the Royalty (2% on the first 1.25 million ounces of gold production and 2.5% on the next 1.25 million ounces of gold production from the Awak Mas Project).

About Vista Gold Corp.
Vista's principal assets include its flagship Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, and a 24.9% holding in Midas Gold Corp. In addition to non-core projects in Mexico and California, Vista holds royalty interests in projects in Bolivia and Indonesia. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.  

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company")  today announced that it has signed a binding share purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") to convert its interest in the Awak Mas gold project in Sulawesi, Indonesia (the "Awak Mas Project") into a net smelter return royalty ("Royalty") on the project.

The Awak Mas Project is indirectly held through a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Vista Gold (Barbados) Corp. ("Vista Barbados") and is the subject of a 2009 joint venture agreement, as amended and assigned, and a 2011 additional option agreement, as amended and assigned, (together, the "Existing Agreements") each between Vista Barbados and Awak Mas Holdings Pty Ltd. (the "Purchaser") (a wholly owned subsidiary of One Asia Resources Corp. ("One Asia")).  The Existing Agreements provide the Purchaser with the option to acquire an 80% interest in the Awak Mas Project by completing certain activities.  Additional information about the Existing Agreements is available in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The Purchase Agreement announced today provides for the termination of the Existing Agreements and the acquisition by the Purchaser of 100% of the outstanding shares of Vista Barbados, the entity that indirectly holds the Awak Mas Project.  In exchange, (a) the Purchaser will forego certain cash payments due to have been paid by the Company had the Purchaser completed the earn-in of its interest in the project, and (b) the Company will receive the Royalty (2% on the first 1.25 million ounces of gold production and 2.5% on the next 1.25 million ounces of gold production from the Awak Mas Project).

The completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of any required regulatory approvals, and the transaction is expected to close on or about December 16, 2013.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, said "We are pleased that One Asia has demonstrated an ability to advance the Awak Mas Project, and to operate effectively in Indonesia. With One Asia poised to perfect their 80% earn-in at the Awak Mas Project, Vista would have been required to reimburse One Asia for certain expenses incurred over the course of the last four years and begin to fund 20% of the ongoing project expenditures.  As a result of this new agreement with the Purchaser, and subject to the successful development of the Awak Mas Project, Vista could enjoy cash income with exposure to gold prices and project reserve growth, if any, without committing any future capital. This is consistent with our strategic objectives, which include reducing our operating risk, improving our balance sheet and locking in value for our shareholders."

About Vista Gold Corp.
Vista's principal assets include its flagship Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, and a 24.9% holding in Midas Gold Corp.  In addition to non-core projects in Mexico, Indonesia and California, Vista holds a royalty interest in a project in Bolivia.  For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com. 

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as the completion of the transaction announced in this press release, the anticipated closing date for the transaction, future obligations of Vista under the Existing Agreements, the successful development of the Awak Mas Project, the receipt of any payments pursuant to the Royalty, the potential for Vista to gain exposure to gold prices and project reserve growth at the Awak Mas Project, Vista's ability to successfully reduce its operating risk while preserving value for its shareholders and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: approved business plans, anticipated and estimated costs and budget expenditures to continue to optimize and advance the Company's core assets, the perceived extent and duration of the current weakness of gold equity securities and other such matters.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," "would," "could," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain approval of the environmental impact statement and the necessary permits for the Mt. Todd gold project, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) announced that the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Agency ("NT EPA") has recently requested additional information with respect to the final Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for its Mt. Todd gold project.  Vista is currently reviewing the request for additional information and evaluating how best to respond.  Vista will provide an update on the timing for anticipated approval of the EIS when it is reasonable to do so.

Vista's President and CEO, Mr. Fred Earnest, commented, "The NT EPA has invoked their right to request additional information prior to the expiration of the 35-day final EIS review period.  While this represents a delay in the approval of the Mt. Todd EIS, we do not expect a lengthy delay.  The Mt. Todd gold project is a large project and the final EIS is a very comprehensive document with supporting information that include the technical engineering reports prepared for the June 2013 preliminary feasibility study.  We are confident that most of the information requested by the NT EPA is readily available in the existing documentation.  Given the past history of the Mt. Todd mine site, we are respectful of the NT EPA's desire to ensure that any issues are appropriately addressed.  We look forward to working with the NT EPA to provide the requested information and are confident that we can work together to achieve the successful approval of the EIS."

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista's principal assets include its flagship Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, and a 24.9% holding in Midas Gold Corp.  In addition to non-core projects in Mexico, California and Indonesia, Vista holds a royalty interest in a project in Bolivia.  For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, providing an update on timing for anticipated EIS approval, length of delay in EIS approval, most information for our response to NT EPA being readily available in existing documentation, ability to work with the NT EPA to obtain EIS approval and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  mineral reserve estimates, terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plans, management's assessment of potential transactions and strategic options, and the Company's assessment of the questions raised by the NT EPA.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "plans," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, ability to work with the NT EPA to settle any questions raised, availability of information to respond to questions raised by the NT EPA, risks that additional studies may need to be conducted resulting in delays, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, estimates of results based on such resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) announced the closing of the previously announced agreement with its lender, Sprott Resource Lending Partnership ("Sprott"), to extend the maturity date of its Cdn$10 million loan from March 2014 to March 2015. The interest rate remains unchanged at 8% per annum, payable monthly.  Pursuant to the terms of the original loan agreement, as an extension fee Vista issued Sprott 486,382 common shares, which shares represent 3.5% of the loan value.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are fortunate to have a lender that has a longer term view and understands the intrinsic value of our assets. If we receive the final payment for the sale of the Los Cardones Project expected in January 2014, we will pay the Sprott loan down to approximately Cdn$4 million.  Management believes this extension provides us with the flexibility that is critical to executing our strategic plan to preserve value during these difficult markets and to continue to provide leverage to gold prices when the markets recover."

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is a gold company currently conducting a strategic review of its portfolio of gold assets, and is focused on advancing its flagship Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Vista's portfolio of assets also includes a 24.9% holding in Midas Gold Corp., the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico (a preliminary economic assessment was completed in March 2013), the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia (One Asia Resources Ltd. working to earn an 80% interest), a royalty on the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia (being advanced by LionGold Corp. Ltd.), and the Long Valley gold project in California.  For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, paying down the Sprott loan in early 2014 to approximately Cdn$4 million, execution of our strategic plan and continuing to provide leverage to gold prices and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: the receipt of the final payment for the Los Cardones Project, approved business plans, anticipated and estimated costs and budget expenditures to continue to optimize and advance the Company's core assets, the perceived extent and duration of the current weakness of gold equity securities and other such matters.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain approval of the EIS and the necessary permits for the Mt. Todd gold project, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced a consolidation of its senior corporate management and responsibilities as follows:

• Exploration and new project evaluation will now be the direct responsibility of John W. Rozelle, Sr. Vice-President.
• Corporate development and project financing will now be the direct responsibility of John F. "Jack" Engele, Chief Financial Officer and Sr. Vice-President.
• Advancement of the Mt. Todd gold project, including permitting, and optimization studies will be the responsibility of  Brent Murdoch, General Manager and Director, Vista Gold Australia.

These changes follow the elimination of certain senior management positions in the Denver corporate office and at the Mt. Todd gold project in Australia.

Vista's President and CEO, Frederick H. Earnest commented, "The recent consolidation of senior management responsibilities and broader reduction in force is designed to maintain our ability to preserve shareholder value by advancing the development of our core assets, preserving leverage to increases in the price of gold, and reducing present cash expenditures.  In addition to the elimination of five positions in our Denver office, we have eliminated four positions in our Australian Mt. Todd project office.  With these changes we believe we are better prepared to weather a protracted period of weakness in the gold equity sector while preserving our ability to optimize and carefully advance our core projects."

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is a gold company currently conducting a strategic review of its portfolio of gold assets, and is focused on advancing its flagship Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Vista's portfolio of assets also includes a 24.9% holding in Midas Gold Corp., the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico (a preliminary economic assessment was completed in March 2013), the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia (One Asia Resources Ltd. working to earn an 80% interest), a royalty on the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia (being advanced by LionGold Corp. Ltd.), and the Long Valley gold project in California.  For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the Company's future ability to preserve shareholder value by advancing the development of core assets, preserving leverage to increases in the price of gold, and reducing present cash expenditures, the changes better preparing the Company to weather a period of weakness in the gold equity sector and preserving the Company's ability to optimize and advance its core projects and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  anticipated and estimated costs and budget expenditures to continue to optimize and advance the Company's core assets, the perceived extent and duration of the current weakness of gold equity securities and other such matters.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain approval of the EIS and the necessary permits for the Mt. Todd gold project, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that on Friday it submitted the Mt. Todd gold project's Final Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") to regulators in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Following the conclusion of the public consultation process, the Vista team has worked diligently to compile responses to comments received on the project's initial EIS.  On Friday in Australia, we submitted the completed EIS for final review to Northern Territory regulators.  We continue to anticipate approval of the project's EIS around year-end. 

Mr. Earnest continued, "This is an achievement of a significant milestone and continues our strategy of advancing the Mt. Todd gold project toward a 'development-ready' status."

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is a gold company currently conducting a strategic review of its portfolio of gold assets, and is focused on advancing its flagship Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Vista's portfolio of assets also includes a 24.9% holding in Midas Gold Corp., the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico (a preliminary economic assessment was completed in March 2013), the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia (OneAsia Resources Ltd. working to earn an 80% interest), a royalty on the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia (being advanced by LionGold Corp. Ltd.), and the Long Valley gold project in California.  For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, timing for approval of the EIS for the Mt. Todd gold project, the ongoing strategic review of the Company's portfolio of gold assets, and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  timing and the ability to obtain approval of the EIS and the necessary permits and other such matters.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain approval of the EIS and the necessary permits for the Mt. Todd gold project, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results and highlights for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013.  Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 2:30pm MDT on October 31, 2013.  The Company's full financial results, Management's Discussion and Analysis together with other important disclosures can be found in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

Highlights:

• Completed the public consultation process for the Mt. Todd gold project's Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") and substantially completed responses to comments received, continuing the EIS permitting process that is anticipated to conclude around year-end;
• Implemented significant cost reduction measures;
• Reached an agreement  to extend the due date of Vista's Cdn$10 million term loan by one year to March 2015 subject to certain conditions; and
• Closed in October the sale of the Company's Los Cardones gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, for $13 million in non-dilutive financing and partially repaid the Company's term loan.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "During the third quarter, we continued our strategy of advancing the Mt. Todd gold project toward a 'development-ready' status.  We submitted the project's initial EIS in late June and are now finalizing responses to all comments received during the public consultation process.  We continue to anticipate EIS approval (including certain Federal governmental approvals) around year-end.  Simultaneously, we took steps to improve the Company's near-term liquidity by implementing previously-announced cost reduction measures and selling the Los Cardones gold project for $13 million, $7 million of which was received in October and $6 million of which is due in January 2014 failing which the ownership of the project would revert to Vista and Vista would retain the $7 million payment (as further explained in our October 18, 2013 press release).  We continue to evaluate other opportunities to raise capital through the sale of non-core assets."

Summary of Third Quarter 2013 Results

We reported a net loss of $3.0 million or $0.04 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  This includes operating expenses of $3.5 million, an unrealized $4.5 million mark-to-market gain on our investment in Midas Gold Corp., and a $3.5 million impairment charge on the Colomac mill equipment held for sale.  During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we reported net income of $12.3 million or $0.16 per share.

Project expenditures at the Mt. Todd gold project totaled $1.9 million during the quarter, down dramatically from previous quarters as we have now completed several cash intensive programs, and our cost reduction measures are beginning to take effect.   

During October, the Company closed the sale of the Los Cardones gold project in Mexico, which resulted in the receipt of $7 million at closing. The remaining $6 million is due January 31, 2014.  We used $3 million of the $7 million to pay down our term loan.  Assuming the remaining $6 million is paid to us in January 2014, we would make an additional $3 million payment against the loan.

Working capital at September 30, 2013 totaled approximately $12.4 million, including cash of approximately $4.3 million.  After giving effect to the extended maturity date and partial repayment of the term loan and the sale of the Los Cardones project, current working capital is approximately $26.1 million, including cash of approximately $8.3 million, and the balance of the term loan is approximately $6.7 million.

To review the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2013 or Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, including the related Management's Discussion and Analysis, visit any of the following websites: www.sedar.com, www.sec.gov, or www.vistagold.com.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 2:30pm MDT.

Toll-free in North America: 1-866-443-4188
International: 1-416-849-6196

This call will also be web-cast and can be accessed at the following web location:
http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/webcast/vistagold/q3-2013/site/

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after October 31, 2013.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America: 1-866-245-6755, passcode 43762.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please email questions to Connie Martinez, Manager – Investor Relations (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), and we will try to address these questions prior to or during the conference call.

All dollar amounts in the press release are U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is a gold company currently conducting a strategic review of its portfolio of gold assets, and is focused on advancing its flagship Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Vista's portfolio of assets also includes a 24.9% holding in Midas Gold Corp., the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico (a preliminary economic assessment was completed in March 2013), the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia (OneAsia Resources Ltd. working to earn an 80% interest), a royalty on the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia (being advanced by LionGold Corp. Ltd.), and the Long Valley gold project in California.  For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, timing for EIS permitting at the Mt. Todd gold project, finalizing responses to public comments made on the Company's EIS for the Mt. Todd gold project, future evaluation of other opportunities to raise capital through the sale of non-core assets, receipt of the second payment for the Los Cardones project due in January 2014, the future sale of the Colomac mill equipment, repayment of a portion of the Loan Facility in January 2014 and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, implementing cost reduction measures, likely market for the Colomac mill equipment and the likelihood of receipt of the remaining portion of the purchase price for the Los Cardones project due in January 2014 and other such matters.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, risks that the purchaser for the Los Cardones project will elect not to make the $6 million payment due in January 2014, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Oct. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) announced the closing of its previously announced sale of the Los Cardones gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, to the Invecture Group ("Invecture") and RPG Structured Finance S.a r.l. (together with Invecture (the "Purchasers")) for US$13 million.

As previously announced, Vista agreed to sell 100% of its debt and equity participation in the Los Cardones gold project to the Purchasers for US$13 million (US$7 million of which was paid today and US$6 million of which is due by January 30, 2014).  The Purchasers have the option to elect, in their discretion, not to make the second payment of US$6 million, in which case, Vista will retain the US$7 million received today and the project will be returned to Vista.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is a gold company currently conducting a strategic review of its portfolio of gold assets, and is focused on advancing its flagship Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Vista's portfolio of assets also includes a 24.9 % holding in Midas Gold Corp., the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico (a preliminary economic assessment was completed in March 2013), the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia (One Asia Resources Ltd. working to earn an 80% interest), the Long Valley gold project in California and a royalty on the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia (being advanced by LionGold Corp Ltd.). For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, receiving the US$6 million payment from the Purchasers, and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  mineral reserve estimates, terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plans, management's assessment of potential transactions and strategic options, and the Company's ability to cut costs and improve liquidity.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "plans," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, reliance on the Purchasers to complete their obligations under its agreements with Vista; uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates; estimates of results based on such resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced that it has signed a binding agreement to sell its debt and equity participation in the Los Cardones gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, to the Invecture Group ("Invecture") for US$13 million.

The Los Cardones gold project (formerly known as Paredones Amarillos) is subject to a 2012 earn-in agreement between Invecture and Vista whereby Invecture could earn a 62.5% interest in the project by completing certain activities.  The agreement announced today will result in the termination of that earn-in agreement and the sale of 100% of its debt and equity participation in the project to Invecture for US$13 million (US$7 million of which will be paid at closing and US$6 million of which will be paid in January 2014).  The agreement provides that Invecture has the option to elect, in its discretion, to not make the second payment of US$6 million; in which case, Vista will retain the US$7 million already paid and the project.  The transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of any required regulatory approvals.  The agreement provides that the parties will execute the definitive documentation with respect to the sale of the project by October 16, 2013, or such other date mutually agreed to by the parties. 

Proceeds from the completed sale are anticipated to fund Vista's operations substantially through 2014.  Approximately half of the proceeds will be used to reduce the outstanding balance of Vista's term loan with Sprott Resource Lending Partnership, resulting in an expected reduction of Vista's monthly interest payments by Cdn$40,000.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The sale of the Los Cardones gold project is consistent with Vista's strategy to raise capital through the sale of non-core assets.  This transaction preserves our shareholders' exposure and leverage to Vista's two core assets (the Mt. Todd gold project and Vista's ownership of Midas Gold Corp.) without diluting our shareholders."

Vista continues to list its Colomac mill equipment for sale through AM King Industries.  A successful sale could provide sufficient additional capital for Vista to fund itself beyond 2014, complete the Feasibility Study of the Mt. Todd gold project, and fully repay its term loan with Sprott.

About Vista Gold Corp.
Vista is a gold company currently conducting a strategic review of its portfolio of gold assets, and is focused on advancing its flagship Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Vista's portfolio of assets also includes a 24.9 % holding in Midas Gold Corp., the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico (a preliminary economic assessment was completed in March 2013), the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia (One Asia Resources Ltd. working to earn an 80% interest), the Long Valley gold project in California and a royalty on the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia (being advanced by LionGold). For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, completion of the sale of the Los Cardones gold project, the termination of the earn-in right agreement, the use of proceeds from such sale (the expected results of such use of proceeds), the impact of the potential sale of the Colomac mill equipment, and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  mineral reserve estimates, terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plans, management's assessment of potential transactions and strategic options, and the Company's ability to cut costs and improve liquidity.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "plans," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, ability to settle definitive agreement to sell the Los Cardones gold project, ability to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals for such transaction, reliance on Invecture to complete its obligations  under its agreements with Vista, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, estimates of results based on such resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) announced today that it is the Company's policy not to comment on unusual market activity, but the Company wishes to confirm that it is not aware of any undisclosed events or information that would explain the recent high volumes or unusual price activity of its shares.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is a gold company currently conducting a strategic review of its portfolio of gold assets, focused on its Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Vista's portfolio of assets also includes the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico (a preliminary economic assessment was completed in March 2013) and the Los Cardones gold project in Mexico (Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. working to earn a 62.5% interest). Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia (One Asia Resources Ltd. working to earn an 80% interest), the Long Valley gold project in California and a royalty on the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia (being advanced by LionGold). For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors are discussed under the headings "Uncertainty of Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013, and other documents filed  with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities commissions.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Vista Gold Corp. website at www.vistagold.com

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today provided an update of its Strategic Review and steps to improve corporate liquidity.

Strategic Review

Today, Vista provided an update of its Strategic Review aimed to maximize shareholder value with a specific focus on its Mt. Todd gold project in the Northern Territory of Australia. Endeavour Financial has been engaged as financial advisor to assist in the process. 

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "With 5.9 million ounces of Proven and Probable Reserves (222.8 million tonnes at 0.82 g Au/tonne), the Mt. Todd gold project is large and highly leveraged to the gold price.  We are in the final stages of completing environmental permitting and have finished engineering and environmental analyses supporting both permitting and the project's pre-feasibility study.  However, given the current condition of the equity markets and Vista's share price, Management and our Board believe it is in the best interests of our shareholders to evaluate ways to reduce our exposure to Mt. Todd's spending requirements while simultaneously unlocking some of the value contained in the project."

Vista will continue its Strategic Review in an orderly fashion to best serve the interests of Vista and its shareholders.  The Company will advise the market if and when its Board approves a definitive transaction or strategic option, if any, depending on the outcome of the Strategic Review.

Corporate Liquidity

Vista also announced today that it has reached a binding agreement with its lender, Sprott Resource Lending Partnership ("Sprott"), to extend the maturity date of its $10 million loan from March 2014 to March 2015. The interest rate remains unchanged at 8% per annum.  Pursuant to the original loan agreement, Vista will pay Sprott an extension fee of 3.5% of the loan value in Vista shares.

In addition to significant cost reductions already achieved, Vista is continuing to identify and implement further cost cutting initiatives. During the first half of 2013, Vista completed three significant programs at the Mt. Todd gold project including treating the 10.5 million cubic meters of acidic water contained in the Batman pit, completing a Preliminary Feasibility Study, and preparing/submitting applications for environmental permits.  During that time Vista used $18.6 million in cash ($3.1 million per month).  With the completion of these programs and the introduction of spending reductions announced in August, including 20% salary reductions for Vista's senior staff, Vista expects to reduce its cash consumption to approximately $5.0 million during the third quarter, and to make further cash reductions in the fourth quarter and 2014. 

Mr. Earnest commented, "Having the flexibility to defer repayment of Vista's term loan, together with continued aggressive spending reductions, enhance Vista's liquidity and are critical steps to Vista's ability to execute on our strategic plan to preserve value during these difficult markets and to continue to provide positive exposure to leverage when gold prices and markets recover."

Completion of the amendment to the Credit Facility, including the issuance of the fee shares to Sprott, is subject to all required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is a gold company currently conducting a strategic review of its portfolio of gold assets, focused on its Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Vista's portfolio of assets also includes the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico (a preliminary economic assessment was completed in March 2013) and the Los Cardones gold project in Mexico (Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. working to earn a 62.5% interest). Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia (One Asia Resources Ltd. working to earn an 80% interest), the Long Valley gold project in California and a royalty on the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia (being advanced by LionGold). For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, mineral reserve estimates, the proposed timing and outcome of the Strategic Review, including the possibility of a future definitive transaction or strategic option, future cost reduction initiatives and the ongoing liquidity of the Company, the ability of the Company to execute on the Strategic Review and maximize shareholder value, receipt of all regulatory approvals and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  mineral reserve estimates, terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plan, the anticipated completion of an EIS; the anticipated receipt of required permits; the potential occurrence and timing of a production decision; the anticipated gold production at the Mt. Todd gold project; the life of any mine at the Mt. Todd gold project; all economic projections relating to the Mt. Todd gold project, management's assessment of potential transactions and strategic options, the Company's ability to cut costs and improve liquidity.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "plans," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, estimates of results based on such resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Mineral Reserves    

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This press release uses the terms "Proven and Probable Reserves."  We advise U.S. investors that these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101. Reserve estimates contained in this press release are made pursuant to NI 43-101 standards, are based on a Preliminary Feasibility Study and do not represent proven and probable reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards.  Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.  Mineral reserves described in this press release have uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade, without reference to unit measures.  U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results and highlights for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013.  Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 2:30pm MDT on August 6, 2013.  The Company's full financial results, Management's Discussion and Analysis together with other important disclosures can be found in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

Second Quarter 2013 Highlights:

• Published a Preliminary Feasibility Study ("PFS") on the Mt. Todd gold project including a 44% increase in Proven and Probable Reserves to 5.9 million ounces gold;
• Awarded Major Project Status by the Northern Territory Government for the Mt. Todd gold project, signifying the Territory's support for the timely and responsible development of the project;
• Submitted the Mt. Todd gold project's Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") to the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Agency; and
• Implemented significant cost reduction measures including the deferral or elimination of various discretionary programs, the elimination of two executive positions, and executive/senior management and board cash compensation reductions of up to 50%.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "In the second quarter we have achieved several important milestones. We announced the results of the Mt. Todd PFS, most of which was completed based on feasibility-level engineering, significantly reducing the amount of time and expense to complete a final feasibility study.   We completed the treatment of water in the Batman Pit with better-than-expected results and are now in a position to discharge clean water during the next wet season.  We submitted the EIS and continue to expect its approval (including certain Federal government approvals) around year-end. With the completion of these cash-intensive activities we expect to significantly lower cash burn rates as we move forward, and importantly, we have positioned the Mt. Todd gold project to move forward quickly once the markets improve."

Mr. Earnest added, "We are very cognizant of current market conditions and are committed to taking all measures necessary to ensure our continued liquidity and preserve shareholder value.   We have implemented significant cost reduction measures including exploration spending deferrals, elimination of discretionary programs, and the elimination of two executive positions.  Additionally, our executive/senior management team and board have accepted voluntary cash compensation reductions of up to 50%, subject to periodic review by the compensation committee.   We are continuing to prioritize our capital raising efforts on the sale of non-core assets including our Colomac mill equipment, the Guadalupe de los Reyes project, and Invecture's pending earn-in on the Los Cardones project.  We remain optimistic about improvements to the gold market and Vista's potential favorable leverage to a higher gold price, but we acknowledge that the timing is not predictable.  Consequently, in addition to the measures described above we believe it is prudent to evaluate all options, including arrangements which might release some of the potential value contained in the Mt. Todd gold project."

Summary of Second Quarter 2013 Results

We reported a net loss of $21.0 million or $0.26 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2013.  This includes an unrealized $18.5 million mark-to-market loss on our investment in Midas Gold Corp., partially offset by a $4.4 million deferred tax benefit substantially related to this loss.  During the three months ended June 30, 2012, we reported a net loss of $30.5 million or $0.42 per share.

Project expenditures at the Mt. Todd gold project were $4.6 million, which was primarily attributable to water treatment and discharge, the completion of the PFS, preparation of an EIS, and site management expenses.

Our working capital at June 30, 2013 totaled approximately $12.9 million, including cash of approximately $9.3 million.

To review the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2013 or Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, including the related Management's Discussion and Analysis, visit any of the following websites: www.sedar.com, www.sec.gov, or www.vistagold.com.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 2:30pm MDT.

Toll-free in North America: 1-866-443-4188
International: 416-849-6196

This call will also be web-cast and can be accessed at the following web location:
http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/webcast/vistagold/q2-2013/site/

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after August 6, 2013.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America: 1-866-245-6755, passcode 912014.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please email questions to Connie Martinez, Manager, Investor Relations (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), and we will try to address these questions prior to or during the conference call.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista has completed a preliminary economic assessment on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project, in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the prospect of the Major Project Status of the Mt. Todd gold project leading to the timely and responsible development of the Mt. Todd gold project, efficacy of the Company's cost reduction initiatives in lowering the Company's cash burn rate, the receipt of all required approvals relating to the Company's EIS at the Mt. Todd gold project, the anticipated future improvement in the gold market, the prospective earn-in by the Invecture group, the future sale of the Colomac mill equipment and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  timing and completion of the preliminary feasibility and feasibility studies, timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, keeping expenditures at a minimum while taking advantage of the estimated mineral resources at Mt. Todd, theamount of expenditures required to increase the plant capacity, updated mineral resource estimate on the Mt. Todd gold project, timing and schedule of consultants' work, likely market for the Colomac mill equipment and the likelihood of Invecture meeting the earn-in  and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This press release uses the terms "Proven and Probable Reserves."  The estimates of mineral reserves shown in this press release have been prepared in accordance with the definition standards on mineral reserves of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum referred to in Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Mineral Disclosure Standards ("NI 43-101"). The definitions of Proven and Probable Reserves used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Industry Guide 7. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. Accordingly, Vista's disclosure in this press release of mineral reserves may not be comparable to information from U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced that it submitted the initial Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") to the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Authority ("NT EPA") on Friday, June 28, 2013.

Submission of the initial EIS starts concurrent agency review and public consultation periods, the latter of which will close on August 12, 2013.  Following closure of the public consultation and agency review periods, the NT EPA will provide a consolidated set of comments to Vista.  The Company will subsequently respond to the comments in a final EIS, which will be submitted to the NT EPA for approval.  Vista continues to anticipate completion of the EIS process around year-end.

Additionally, on Friday June 28, Vista completed and filed the 43-101 technical report for the Mt. Todd Preliminary Feasibility Study that was announced on May 29, 2013.  The Technical Report, dated June 28, 2013, is available on SEDAR as well as Vista's website under the Technical Reports section.

Fred Earnest, Vista's President and CEO, commented, "The submission of the EIS for review and approval by the NT EPA marks the achievement of a significant milestone for the project and is a key part of our strategy to add significant value with minimal expense going forward."

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista has completed a preliminary economic assessment on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project, in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the Company's continued work on the Mt. Todd gold project, anticipated discussions with the NT EPA regarding the EIS, timing for responses to the NT EPA comments on the EIS and finalizing the EIS process, and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  the anticipated timing and process for the completion of the EIS.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "plans," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

Press Release - PDF FORMAT

DENVER, May 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced the positive results of a new preliminary feasibility study (the "PFS") for its Mt. Todd gold project (the "Project") in Northern Territory, Australia.  The PFS evaluates two development scenarios including a 50,000 tonne per day ("tpd") project that develops more of the Mt. Todd resource (the "Base Case") and generates a larger Net Present Value ("NPV") and a smaller and higher-grade 33,000 tpd project that focuses on maximizing return and operating margins (the "Alternate Case").  The PFS was authored by Tetra Tech Inc. with Mine Development Associates, Resource Development Inc., Proteus EPCM Engineers (a Tetra Tech Company),  and Power Engineers, Inc.

A conference call and webcast to discuss highlights of the preliminary feasibility study will be held this afternoon at 4:30pm ET (2:30pm MT).  Call-in details are located at the end of this release.

Highlights of the 50,000 tpd Base Case include:

• Estimated proven and probable reserves of 5.90 million ounces of gold (223 million tonnes at 0.82 g Au/t) at a cut-off grade of 0.40 g Au/t, an increase of 44% from the Company's January 2011 PFS;
• Average annual production of 369,850 ounces of gold per year over the mine life, including average annual production of 481,316 ounces of gold per year during the first five years of operations;
• Life of mine average cash costs of $773 per ounce, including average cash costs of $662 per ounce during the first five years of operations;
• A 13 year operating life;
• After-tax NPV_5% of $591.3 million and IRR of 15.9% at $1,450 per ounce gold prices, increasing to $876.6 million and 21.1%, respectively, at $1,600 per ounce gold prices; and
• Initial capital requirements of $1,046 million.

Highlights of the 33,000 tpd alternate case include:

• Estimated proven and probable reserves of 3.56 million ounces of gold (124 million tonnes at 0.90 g Au/t) at a cut-off grade of 0.45 g Au/t;
• Average annual production of 262,826 ounces of gold per year over the mine life, including average annual production of 294,502 ounces of gold per year during the first five years of operations;
• Life of mine average cash costs of $684 per ounce, including average cash costs of $676 per ounce during the first five years of operations;
• An 11 year operating life;
• After-tax NPV_5% of $440.2 million and IRR of 16.9% at $1,450 per ounce gold prices, increasing to $615.6 million and 21.4%, respectively, at $1,600 per ounce gold prices; and
• Initial capital requirements of $761 million.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vista, commented, "The positive results of this PFS continue to demonstrate the quality and scale of the Mt. Todd gold project.  By completing the PFS analysis on two separate development scenarios, we are highlighting the flexibility we have in the development of this robust project.  We have the option to develop the mine most appropriate at the time a development decision is made.  Furthermore, the location of the project relative to local towns and labor markets and the infrastructure investments made by previous owners of this project provide potential construction and operating advantages relative to many gold projects."

Mr. Earnest continued, "During the balance of 2013, we will continue to advance the Mt. Todd gold project.  We will be working with the Northern Territory Government to address areas vital for the completion of a feasibility study and ultimately for a project development decision.  These discussions will be undertaken within the framework of Major Project Status, which the Territory has recently accorded Mt. Todd indicating the importance that the Territory places on its development.  The PFS results allow us to finalize and submit the Environmental Impact Study ("EIS") in June.  We continue to anticipate environmental approvals for the project around year end.   Because of the advanced state of this study, with most technical work already at feasibility levels, we estimate that a feasibility study would require four months to complete and cost approximately $2.5 million."

Nick Michael and Rex Bryan, on behalf of Tetra Tech, Thomas Dyer, on behalf of Mine Development Associates, Deepak Malhotra, on behalf of Resource Development Inc., and Lachlan Walker, on behalf of Proteus EPCM Engineers, all independent Qualified Persons as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), prepared or supervised the preparation of information that forms the basis for the scientific and technical information disclosed herein and have reviewed this press release and have consented to its release.

Base Case Highlights

Highlights of the PFS base case scenario are presented in the table below.

Base Case Project Economics

The following table provides additional details of the Project's economics at variable gold price and Australian dollar assumptions.

Base Case Capital Costs

Key capital expenditures for initial and sustaining capital requirements are identified in the following table.

Base Case Operating Costs

The following table presents a breakdown of operating costs.  The project includes a 76MW gas-fired power plant in the initial capital.  The Base Case project consumes all power generated during the operating life.  Self-generated power creates significant savings in operating costs compared to a grid-sourced power solution.  During the four years of reclamation and closure, the PFS assumes Vista will continue generating power and will sell that power into the Northern Territory electrical grid, for which there is a known market and indicative purchase rates have been provided by the government-owned utility, Power & Water Corporation.

Base Case Mining and Production

The 50,000 tpd Base Case mine plan contains 209.5 million tonnes of ore mined from the Batman open pit plus 13.4 million tonnes of ore from the existing heap leach pad that is processed through the mill at the end of the mine life.  Together, 222.8 million tonnes of ore containing 5.901 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.82 g Au/t are processed over the 13 year operating life.  Total gold recovered is expected to be 4.808 million ounces.  Average annual gold production over the life of mine is 369,850 ounces, averaging 481,316 ounces during the first five years of operations, with 580,472 ounces produced in the first year of operations.  Commercial production would begin following two years of construction and commissioning.

Base Case Annual Production

The table below highlights the production schedule.

Project Mineral Reserves and Resources

The table below illustrates the updated reserve and resource estimate for the Project.  The effective date of the Batman deposit resource estimate is March 18, 2013.  The effective date of the heap leach resource estimate is May 29, 2013.

Alternate Case Presented in PFS Study

In addition to the 50,000 tpd Base Case, the PFS also evaluated a smaller, higher-grade project as an Alternate Case.

Key differences between the Base Case and the Alternative Case include:

• A 33,000 tpd milling facility vs. a 50,000 tpd facility in the Base Case with associated lower mining rates and a smaller mining fleet; and
• A reserve pit shell of $925/oz vs. $1,360/oz in the base case and the application of a higher cut-off grade (0.45 g Au/t vs. 0.40 g Au/t).

Alternate Case Highlights

Highlights of the PFS alternate case scenario are presented in the table below.

Alternate Case Project Economics

The following table provides additional details of the Project's economics at variable gold price and Australian dollar assumptions.

Alternate Case Capital Costs

Key capital expenditures for initial and sustaining capital requirements are identified in the table below.

Alternate Case Operating Costs

The following table presents a breakdown of operating costs.  The Alternate Case project includes a 58MW gas-fired power plant in initial capital.  During the operating life, the power plant generates excess power and Vista has assumed a power credit against operating costs.  Additionally, during the four years of reclamation and closure, Vista intends to generate and sell power into the Northern Territory electrical grid, for which there is a known market and indicative purchase rates have been provided by the government-owned Power & Water Corporation.

Alternate Case Mining and Production

The 33,000 tpd Alternate Case mine plan contains 110.4 million tonnes of ore mined from the Batman open pit plus 13.4 million tonnes of ore from the existing heap leach pad that is processed through the mill at the end of the mine life.  Together, 123.7 million tonnes of ore containing 3.562 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.90 g Au/t are processed over the 11 year operating life.  Total gold recovered is expected to be 2.891 million ounces.  Average annual gold production over the life of mine is 262,826 ounces, averaging 294,502 ounces during the first five years of operations, with 417,166 ounces produced in the first year of operations.  Commercial production would begin following two years of construction and commissioning.

Alternate Case Annual Production

The table below highlights the production schedule.

Project Description

Gold mineralization in the Batman deposit at the Project occurs in sheeted veins within silicified greywackes/shales/siltstones.  The Batman deposit strikes north-northeast and dips steeply to the east.  Higher grade zones of the deposit plunge to the south.  The core zone is approximately 200-250 meters wide and 1.5km long, with several hanging wall structures providing additional width to the orebody.  Mineralization is open at depth as well as along strike, although the intensity of mineralization weakens to the north and south along strike.

The Project is designed to be a conventional, owner-operated, large open-pit mining operation that will utilize large-scale mining equipment in a blast/load/haul operation.  Ore is planned to be processed in a large comminution circuit consisting of a gyratory crusher, two cone crushers, two HPGR crushers, and three ball mills as discussed in greater detail below.  Vista plans to recover gold in a conventional carbon-in-leach ("CIL") recovery circuit.

Metallurgy, Processing and Infrastructure

Vista has completed extensive, feasibility-level metallurgic test work that was announced in a separate press release dated May 22, 2013.  The technical reports related to this test work are posted on the Mt. Todd section under the Technical Reports heading on the Company's website.

Vista's metallurgic test work programs support: (1) ore hardness estimates at the Batman deposit that are consistent and do not change at depth; (2) the selection of High Pressure Grinding Roll ("HPGR") technology as part of the comminution circuit; (3) estimated gold recovery rates based on optimized grind size and leach conditions; and (4) the processing of material from the historic heap leach pad at the end of the proposed mine life.

The robust comminution circuit is designed to process material with an average bond-work index 5% in excess of actual rock hardness based on the test work completed.  Gold will be recovered through a traditional CIL circuit.  Recovery rates are based on the results of 99 variability tests.

Because the Project was an operating mine, infrastructure exists that reduces initial capital expenditure and significantly reduces capital risk related to infrastructure construction, which has been a major source of capital overruns in the mining industry over the last decade.  Existing mining infrastructure items include:

• an existing tailings storage facility that will receive two raises and is expected to contain the initial 62 million tonnes of material processed;
• an existing fresh water storage reservoir that will receive a two-meter dam raise and will harvest stormwater sufficient to provide process water for year-round operations;
• a natural gas pipeline at site that can supply sufficient natural gas to meet the Project's energy requirements and would save considerably on project operating costs compared to grid-supplied power;
• a paved road to site;
• current electrical connection to the Northern Territory electric grid; and
• reduced earthworks costs due to the process plant location being the same as the previous process plant, which has already been cleared and graded.

Other benefits of the Mt. Todd project's Northern Territory location include:

• the Stuart highway – the main North / South highway in the Northern Territory is less than 15km from the project site;
• rail line parallel to the Stuart highway; and
• the regional center of Katherine (population approximately 12,000) less than 60km from site and the Territory capital of Darwin less than 300km from site, which has port access.

Vista is working with the communities of Katherine and Pine Creek to develop a community-based project as opposed to the more typical fly-in, fly-out project, which is generally more expensive and limits the economic benefits of projects to local communities.

Conference Call Details

A conference call and webcast to discuss highlights of the preliminary feasibility study will be held this afternoon at 4:30pm ET (2:30pm MT).  A presentation accompanying the conference call will be made available on the Company's website prior to the conference call.

Toll-free in North America: 1-866-443-4188

International: 416-849-6196

This call will also be web-cast and can be accessed at the following web location: http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/webcast/vistagold/mt-2013/site/

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after May 29, 2013.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America: 1-866-245-6755, passcode 494532.

Detailed Report

A NI 43-101 Technical Report will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days and will be available on our website at that time.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista has completed a preliminary economic assessment on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project, in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the Company's continued work on the Mt. Todd gold project, anticipated discussions with the Northern territory government regarding the Feasibility Study, timing for finalizing the EIS, timing for full project permits, cost and timing for Feasibility study, estimates of reserves and resources, projected project economics, including anticipated production, average cash costs, before and after-tax NPV, IRR, capital requirements and expenditures, gold recovery after-tax payback, operating costs, average tonne per day milling, mining methods procedures, recovery and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  results of the PFS, mineral resource and reserve estimates, exploration and assay results, terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plan, the anticipated timing and completion of a feasibility study on the Project; the anticipated completion of an EIS; the anticipated receipt of required permits; the potential occurrence and timing of a production decision; the anticipated gold production at the Project; the life of any mine at the Project; all economic projections relating to the Project, including estimated cash cost, NPV, and initial capital requirements; and Vista's goal of becoming a gold producer..  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "plans," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This press release uses the terms "Proven reserves," "Probable reserves," "Measured resources," "Indicated resources," and "Measured & Indicated resources."  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101, such terms are not recognized under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Reserve estimates contained in this press release are made pursuant to NI 43-101 standards and do not represent reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards.  Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.  Mineral resources described in this press release have a great amount of uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade, without reference to unit measures. The term "contained gold ounces" used in this press release is not permitted under the rules of the SEC.  "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility.  It cannot be assumed that any or all part of an Inferred resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today published the significant results of feasibility-level metallurgic test work supporting the comminution circuit design and estimated gold recovery rates for the Batman deposit at the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  The test work was based on HQ core samples from the Company's 2011 and 2012 drilling programs and included extensive variability testing.  This test work, combined with the findings of previous test work programs, supports (1) ore hardness estimates at the Batman deposit that are consistent and do not change at depth; (2) the selection of High Pressure Grinding Roll ("HPGR") technology as part of the comminution circuit; (3) gold recovery rates for freshly mined ore of 81.7% based on optimized grind size and leach conditions; and (4) the processing of material from the historic heap leach pad at the end of the proposed mine life.  Results of this test work are being incorporated into the Company's preliminary feasibility study ("PFS"), the results of which will be released prior to market open on May 29, 2013.  Vista will host a conference call that afternoon to discuss the results of the PFS.

Vista's President and Chief Executive Officer, Frederick H. Earnest, commented, "These metallurgic test results are key milestones in the optimization of the Mt. Todd gold project.  Since purchasing the project in 2006, Vista has completely re-evaluated the entire project with a methodical, systematic and exhaustive focus on the metallurgical process.  The feasibility-level metallurgic testing program has added significantly to our understanding of the metallurgical behavior of the Batman deposit and independently validated more than six years of technical analysis of the project.  We are confident that material from the Batman deposit can be efficiently processed by proven, 'off the shelf' technologies to achieve good gold recoveries."

Full technical reports are available under the "Technical Reports" header of the Mt. Todd section of the Vista Gold website at http://www.vistagold.com/mt_todd.php?subpage=technical_study.  The key findings are summarized below.

Ore Hardness: ore in the Batman deposit is hard, but consistent and does not change at depth

Samples used for the test work program were sourced from eight holes from the Company's 2010 and 2011 drilling program that were oriented to intersect the main Batman deposit beneath the existing pit and are believed to be representative of the ore within the limits of the preliminary feasibility pit.

Twenty of the samples were subjected to Bond ball mill work index ("BWi") tests, the SMC Test (drop-weight and specific gravity tests) as well as Compressive Strength Tests and Crushing Work Index ("CWI") tests.  The results of the BWi tests show an average BWi value of 26.2 kWh/t with a maximum value of 28.2 kWh/t and a minimum value of 23.6 kWh/t.

The results of this test work support two main conclusions: (1) that the hardness of ore at the Batman deposit is relatively constant; and (2) that ore at the Batman deposit does not change at depth.

This test work validates the Company's prior test work and supports Vista's comminution circuit design, which is designed to crush and grind ore with an average BWi of 27.4 kWh/t, a 5% factor of safety above the average BWi and closer to the 75^th percentile of BWi test results.

HPGR Selection: use of HPGRs provides more desirable feed for ball mills and saves on energy consumption compared to a Semi-Autogenous Grinding ("SAG") mill

Prior operators of the Mt. Todd project processed approximately 7.5 million tonnes through a five-stage comminution circuit that incorporated a gyratory crusher and cone crushers as the primary and secondary-stage crushers.  Historic operating data indicates that the primary and secondary crushers worked well, although may have been inappropriately sized (too small or under-powered).  The third and fourth-stages of crushing, which incorporated the use of 19 Barmac crushers, were the bottleneck of the historic operation.

Vista's proposed comminution circuit incorporates the use of a large gyratory crusher and two large cone crushers for the primary and secondary stages, but contemplates the use of HPGRs as the third-stage of the crushing circuit.  Much of Vista's test work has focused on confirming the use of HPGRs.

Initially, Vista ran a series of parallel tests comparing a SAG/ball mill circuit with an HPGR crushing and ball mill circuit.  Based on the test work completed, HPGR technology was selected.  Industry experience has shown HPGRs to produce micro-fracturing in particles that reduce the overall particle strength and generate a greater distribution of fine material in the ball mill feed, reducing downstream ball mill energy requirements.  The ore at the Batman deposit consists of silicified greywackes/shales/siltstones and test work has shown the HPGRs tend to fracture ore at the Batman deposit along the bedding planes more than micro-fracturing.  The result, however, is consistent with other industry HPGR applications in that the HPGR product produces a lower BWi feed for the ball mills.  The test results indicate the SAG mill circuit produced a product with an average BWi of 26.4 kWh/t compared to the HPGR crushed product with an average BWi of 24.8 kWh/t, a reduction of over 6%.

Additionally, material crushed in the HPGR test resulted in up to 10% of the HPGR product being fine enough to by-pass the ball mills entirely and proceed straight to the leach circuit.  Vista has incorporated this HPGR advantage in its comminution circuit design.

The test work also assessed the difference in power requirements between a primary/SAG/ball mill circuit, a conventional 3-stage crush/ball mill circuit, and a 3-stage HPGR/ball mill circuit to generate a 90 μm P₈₀ product.  The assessment concluded that the 3-stage HPGR/ball mill circuit has a significantly lower specific energy requirement than the primary/SAG/ball mill option and that a finer grind size can be achieved with the HPGR crushed material compared to conventionally crushed material ground for the same period of time.

This test work also confirms the Company's prior test work and supports Vista's comminution circuit design.  The use of HPGRs is anticipated to (a) produce a product that can be ground more efficiently (lower BWi) in the ball mills; and (b) reduce energy requirements when compared to a SAG mill design.

Gold Recoveries: gold recovery rates expected to be 81.7% for freshly mined ore and not negatively impacted by presence of copper in ore

Vista's focus was to solve the high reagent consumption, poor gold recovery and copper leaching issues encountered by previous operators.  Historic core samples indicated the presence of cyanide soluble secondary copper mineralization (chalcocite and bornite) in ore at the Batman deposit, and as such, Vista's initial focus was to develop a flowsheet that incorporated the production of a copper concentrate.

However, Vista's drill programs from 2007–2012 indicated a significant change in the mineralogy of ore at the Batman deposit with depth with copper mineralogy changing from cyanide soluble secondary copper to non-cyanide soluble primary copper mineralization (chalcopyrite).  The change in mineralogy occurs at approximately 40 meters below surface and the majority of the ore containing cyanide soluble secondary copper was mined by previous operators.  As a result, more than 96% of ore at the Batman deposit contains low-to-non-cyanide soluble primary copper mineralization.  Therefore, Vista's recovery circuit has been simplified and focuses only on recovering gold from ore at the Batman deposit through a conventional Carbon in Leach ("CIL") circuit.

The remainder of Vista's test work relating to gold recovery focused on optimal grind size, pre-conditioning of ore with lime (to reduce cyanide consumption), the identification of a reagent to suppress copper leaching (lead nitrate was selected), and optimal cyanide concentration.

After determining the optimal leach conditions, 99 samples covering a range of head grades from throughout the Batman deposit were subjected to leach tests resulting in gold extraction between 75% and 85%, with an average of 81.7%, net of solution losses.  Cyanide consumption was estimated at 0.77kg/t and lime consumption was estimated at 0.91kg/t.

This test work validates the Company's prior recovery estimates (82%), indicates little gold recovery variability throughout the Batman deposit, and supports Vista's recovery plant design utilizing a conventional, industry-proven, CIL circuit.

Deepak Malhotra, President of Resource Development Inc., who is a "qualified person" within the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has verified and approved the data and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release.

Existing Heap Leach Pad: material to be processed through mill at end of mine life

In addition to analysis of freshly-mined ore from the Batman deposit, Vista has analyzed the potential to incorporate nearly 13.35 million tonnes of material on the existing heap leach pad into the Mt. Todd gold project.  The original Mt. Todd project started as a heap leach operation with historic records indicating that the average grade of  material placed on the pad was 0.96 g Au/t.  Although the material was partially leached in the mid-1990s, Vista has drilled 24 air-rotary holes into the heap leach pad and assayed 361 samples, and created a 3D resource model that has an average grade of 0.54 g Au/t.

Initial evaluation efforts focused on re-starting the heap leach pad.  Bottle roll and column tests were completed, both of which supported the leachability of the material with gold recovery rates around 35%.  However, poor in situ permeability rates caused Vista to ultimately abandon plans to re-start the heap.

Vista subsequently submitted two heap leach variability composites and two drill hole composites from the leach pad for CIL cyanidation leach test work.  The samples were ground to P₈₀ passing 90 μm and pre-treated with lime and 100g/t of lead nitrate to suppress copper leaching.  The material was then leached for 24 hours.  These results support recovery rates of 70% for this material when processed through the CIL plant.

Vista's upcoming pre-feasibility study will incorporate processing this material through the plant at the end of the mine life.  The heap leach material will be listed as a separate resource from the Batman deposit.  A separate technical report relating to the heap leach CIL cyanidation test work has been completed and posted to the Vista website along with the additional reports referenced above.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista has completed a preliminary economic assessment on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project, in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the completion and release of the PFS as scheduled, the expected efficiencies from the use of HPGR's in Vista's plant design, Vista's expected gold recovery rate at the Mt. Todd project, Vista's ability to recover gold using a CIL recovery circuit and Vista's goal of becoming a gold producer and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  timing and completion of the preliminary feasibility and feasibility studies, timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, keeping expenditures at a minimum while taking advantage of the estimated mineral resources at the Mt. Todd gold project, the amount of expenditures required to increase the plant capacity and timing and schedule of consultants' work  and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results and highlights for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013.  Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 2:30pm MDT on May 8, 2013.  The Company's full financial results, Management's Discussion and Analysis together with other important disclosures can be found in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

First Quarter 2013 Highlights:

• Released a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project indicating an after-tax Net Present Value of $57.3 million using an 8% discount rate and gold and silver prices of $1,480 and $28 per ounce, respectively;
• Completed an updated Mt. Todd gold project resource estimate containing 7.4 million ounces of estimated Measured and Indicated gold resources (279.6 million tonnes at 0.823 grams per tonne);
• Received important water discharge permits at the Mt. Todd gold project following positive results from the water treatment program;
• Received Major Project Status from the Northern Territory Government, prospectively providing the Mt. Todd gold project an important high-level government platform to reach decisions regarding matters of importance to the project in an efficient and timely matter;
• Submitted the Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") to the Northern Territory government for preliminary review; and
• Completed a non-dilutive Canadian $10 million bridge loan facility that enables Vista to continue its advancement of the Mt. Todd gold project while allowing time for the Invecture Group to earn-in on the Los Cardones gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico ($20 million) and for A.M. King Industries to sell our Colomac mill equipment.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Vista made excellent progress on a number of fronts during the first quarter of the year.  The successful conclusion of our 2012 drill program resulted in an updated resource estimate that makes the Mt. Todd gold project the largest gold development project in Australia.  We have been working very hard with our technical consultants to complete the Preliminary Feasibility Study ("PFS") for Mt. Todd which we expect to release by the end of May.  We anticipate that the PFS will evaluate two development scenarios including a larger and smaller case. We believe that releasing two development scenarios will illustrate the flexibility and quality of the Mt. Todd gold project and identify options to develop the project most appropriate for the market conditions at the time Vista makes a development decision.

Continuing, Mr. Earnest added, "We have been very successful in treating the acidic water pumped in the open pit at the Mt. Todd gold project.  As a result of the pH neutralization and successful removal of nearly all of the metals, we expect to be able to discharge most of the treated water during the 2013-2014 wet season, pursuant to the project's current water discharge permit.  In April, Mt. Todd was awarded Major Project Status.  Major Project Status is a special designation that the Northern Territory Government awards to projects that have the potential to provide significant economic opportunities for the Northern Territory and its citizens.  During the rest of 2013, we will be working with the office of the Chief Minister to further de-risk the Mt. Todd gold project by reaching mutually acceptable agreements on key fiscal, environmental and energy initiatives.  Lastly, we submitted our Draft EIS to the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Agency for a preliminary review and continue to anticipate timely permitting of the Mt. Todd gold project."

Summary of First Quarter 2013 Results

Vista reported a net loss of $27.4 million or $0.34 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  This includes an unrealized $28.8 million mark-to-mark loss on our investment in Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas"), partially offset by an $11.0 million increase deferred tax benefit substantially related to this loss.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we reported a net loss of $11.2 million or $0.16 per share.

Project expenditures at the Mt. Todd gold project were $8.8 million, which was primarily attributable to water treatment, PFS evaluation and site general and administrative expenses.

During March, we closed on a Canadian $10 million one year loan facility, which may be extended by an additional year.  Our working capital at March 31, 2013 totaled approximately $31.7 million, including cash of approximately $16.3 million.

To review the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2013 or Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, including the related Management's Discussion and Analysis, visit any of the following websites: www.sedar.com, www.sec.gov, or www.vistagold.com.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 2:30pm MDT.

Toll-free in North America: 1-866-443-4188
International:  416-849-6196

This call will also be web-cast and can be accessed at the following web location:
http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/webcast/vistagold/q1-2013/site/

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after May 8, 2013.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America: 1-866-245-6755, passcode 596512.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please email questions to Connie Martinez, Manager – Investor Relations (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), and we will try to address these questions prior to or during the conference call.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista has completed a preliminary economic assessment on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project, in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the prospect of the Major Project Status of the Mt. Todd gold project resulting in decision of the Northern Territory Government being reached in a timely and efficient manner, timing and results of the PFS for the Mt. Todd gold project, the PFS containing two development scenarios, timing for draining the pit at the Mt. Todd gold project, timing for permitting the Mt. Todd gold project, the project economics and exploration potential at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, the prospective earn-in by the Invecture Group, the future sale of the Colomac mill equipment and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  timing and completion of the preliminary feasibility and feasibility studies, timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, keeping expenditures at a minimum while taking advantage of the estimated mineral resources at the Mt. Todd gold project, theamount of expenditures required to increase the plant capacity, updated mineral resource estimate on the Mt. Todd gold project, timing and schedule of consultants' work, likely market for the Colomac mill equipment and the likelihood of the Invecture Group meeting the earn-in  and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This press release uses the terms "Measured resources," "Indicated resources," and "Measured & Indicated resources."  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101, such terms are not recognized under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Mineral resources in these categories have a great amount of uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade, without reference to unit measures. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its 2013 annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held in Vancouver, British Columbia on April 30, 2013.  At the Meeting, all nominees listed in the management information and proxy circular for the Meeting were elected as directors of the Company.  Detailed results of the vote by ballot are as follows:

In addition, at the Meeting, shareholders reappointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors of the Company and passed a special resolution authorizing the Company to continue into British Columbia and to adopt constating documents that comply with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).

The formal Report of Voting Results with respect to all matters voted upon at the Meeting will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista has completed a preliminary economic assessment on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project, in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the filing of the formal Report of Voting Results on SEDAR, Vista's goal of becoming a gold producer, the potential exercise of existing earn-in rights and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and the forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: results of feasibility studies, mineral resource and reserve estimates, exploration and assay results, terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plan. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate, " "expect," intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Northern Territory ("NT" or the "Territory") Government has awarded its Mt. Todd gold project Major Project Status, signifying the NT Government's support for the timely and responsible development of the Mt. Todd gold project. 

Major Project Status is awarded by the NT Government to projects that have the potential to provide significant economic opportunities for the Territory and its citizens.  Major Project Status prospectively provides a process and structure for decisions regarding matters of importance to the project to be made in an efficient and timely manner.  Major Project Status is coordinated by a Cabinet-level committee and implementation is supervised by the office of the Chief Minister, thereby hopefully minimizing potential for delays in obtaining critical decisions.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of Vista, stated, "I am extremely pleased with the NT Government's continued support for the redevelopment of the Mt. Todd gold project.  Major Project Status is an indication of the NT Government's continued focus on the Mt. Todd gold project and commitment to regional development in the Katherine region.  Areas of shared interest – whether related to the departments of Mines and Energy, Treasury, Lands and Planning or Environment – will now be handled at the highest level within the NT Government, with coordination provided by the office of the Chief Minister. This decision recognizes the significance of the project and its benefit to the future development of the Northern Territory.  We look forward to our continued work with the NT Government in the development of the Mt. Todd gold project."

Separately, Vista announced that it has completed and submitted a Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") to the Environmental Protection Agency of the NT Government ("NTEPA") for review.  The NT Government has encouraged Vista to submit a Draft EIS so that it can be reviewed for completeness.  Mr. Earnest commented, "The purpose of the review is to identify any possible omissions in the EIS, prior to its formal submission.  The NTEPA has proposed this review as a way to identify any items that may require additional study early in the process and to avoid untimely delays later in the approval process.  We anticipate submitting the final EIS later this quarter and believe that we remain on track to receive permits around the end of the year."

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista has completed a preliminary economic assessment on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project, in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the potential effects of Major Project Status for allowing project decisions to be made in an efficient and timely manner and minimizing the potential for delays in obtaining critical decisions, the anticipated filing date of the final EIS, the process and expected timing for receipt of permits at the Mt. Todd gold project , and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward looking information contained in this press release include the following: our approved business plans, exploration and assay results, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks related to project decision making processes of the NT Government changing or taking longer than expected, risks related to the review of the Draft EIS, risks related to the completion and submission of the Final EIS, risks related to delays in obtaining final permits at the Mt. Todd gold project , risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Vista Gold Corp. website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that it has closed and drawn a $10 million loan facility (the "Facility") with Sprott Resources Lending Partnership (the "Lender") that provides the Company with funding to continue its evaluation of its Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "This transaction provides Vista additional working capital during a significantly difficult equity market. We remain optimistic that the Invecture Group will later this year complete the earn-in on the Los Cardones gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico.  The earn-in would include a US$20 million payment to Vista.  Furthermore, we have been informed that Invecture's development strategy contemplates mill equipment other than the mill equipment that we own.  As a result, we have retained A.M. King Industries to manage the sale of the Colomac mill equipment that we purchased in 2008 for the project.  The added liquidity will afford us time for these events to transpire." 

Mr. Earnest continued, "We evaluated several non-dilutive financing options and have come to the conclusion that this opportunity provides us with the best option to preserve future shareholder value while we continue to advance the Mt. Todd gold project, which we believe the market is significantly undervaluing. We also believe there is significant upside in Midas' Golden Meadows project and continue to be very supportive of Midas' efforts to advance this project.  We believe it is not in the best interest of our shareholders to pursue the sale of Vista equity or the sale of any portion of our Midas holdings at this time."

Mr. Earnest concluded, "We have taken pride in being debt-free, but given the difficult equity markets and the timing uncertainties related to the sale of the Colomac mill equipment and the Invecture Earn-in, we are pleased to have the support of a lender who understands the undervalued nature of our assets.  We expect to complete the preliminary feasibility study and submit the permit applications for the Mt. Todd gold project shortly, neither of which are particularly capital intensive. However, other significant development commitments will be deferred until market conditions improve for junior gold equities."

The Facility matures March 28, 2014, however early repayment of the Facility, at Vista's option, is allowed provided that at least four months interest has been paid.  The maturity date can be extended by one year (to March 28, 2015) at Vista's request, subject to the payment of a 3.5% extension fee and the Lender's satisfaction in Vista's capacity to repay the loan and that Vista's assets are not, or are not about to become, impaired.

The Facility bears an interest rate of 8% per annum, payable monthly. In addition to interest, the Facility provides the Lender total fees associated with the closing of the Facility of 3.5%, including $100,000 in cash and the issue of 125,798 Vista shares.  The Facility is secured by a general security agreement with exclusions for the Mt. Todd gold project and the Colomac mill equipment.

About Vista Gold Corp.
Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista has completed a preliminary economic assessment on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project, in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the use of proceeds from the Facility, expected preclusion from the need to sell Vista or Midas shares at current prices, timing and expected proceeds from the sale of Colomac mill equipment, timing of the Invecture Group earn-in at our Los Cardones project, timing and completion of the preliminary feasibility and to submit permits at our Mt. Todd gold project and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following:  expected proceeds from the sale of Colomac mill equipment, management expectations regarding the Invecture Group earn-in at our Los Cardones project, current status of and projected process for the completion of preliminary feasibility and feasibility studies, expected process to obtain the necessary permits, expected cash flow obligations and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and the forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: results of feasibility studies, mineral resource and reserve estimates, exploration and assay results, terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plan.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today reported the results of an updated mineral resource estimate for the Batman deposit at the Company's Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. 

The updated mineral resource estimate includes the final 14 drill holes (7,701 total meters) from the Company's resource conversion drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project.  The Batman deposit is now estimated to contain 7.40 million ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated ("M&I") categories and 1.73 million ounces in the Inferred category.  This resource estimate will be the basis for the Company's planned feasibility study, which is expected to be completed later this year.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of Vista, stated, "This resource estimate represents the conclusion of Vista's successful resource conversion drilling program.  Altogether, Vista has grown the M&I resource at Mt. Todd from 1.92 million ounces in 2006 to 7.40 million ounces currently, a 285% increase.  The final 14 holes of this drilling program were primarily located toward the north and south ends of the deposit and the magnitude of the resource growth resulting from these holes is in line with our expectations.  More important is the location of the converted M&I resources relative to the pit shape and the impact that the conversion of material previously classified as waste may have on the stripping ratio and mine schedule." 

The Preliminary Feasibility Study that the Company has nearly completed will be based on our September 2012 resource estimate whereas our planned Feasibility Study will be based on this updated resource estimate, expected later this year."

Highlights of the updated mineral resource estimate include:

• A 5% increase in contained gold ounces in the M&I categories (+394,361 ozs) compared to the previous resource estimate (September 2012); and
• A 44% increase in contained gold ounces in the M&I categories (+2,276,000 ozs) compared to the January 2011 preliminary feasibility study.

The new mineral resource estimate for the Batman deposit, as of March 12, 2013, is presented in the table below.  The mineral resource estimate is reported at a cutoff grade of 0.40 grams of gold per tonne (0.015 ounces gold per ton), the same cut-off grade as the Company's previous estimates.  The estimate was prepared using MicroMine® software and used whole block kriging to estimate block values.

March 2013 Mt. Todd Resource Estimate – Batman Deposit

Note: minor rounding errors may exist

A historic summary of estimated resources at the Batman deposit is presented in the table below.

Note: minor rounding errors may exist.  All estimated resources are shown using a 0.4 g/t cutoff

1. Vista's first resource estimate

The updated mineral resource estimate was completed on March 12, 2013 by TetraTech MM, Inc. of Golden, Colorado, pursuant to Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").  This updated gold resource estimate was completed by or under the supervision of Dr. Rex Bryan, SME Registered Member, an independent Qualified Person (as defined in NI 43-101), utilizing standard industry software and resource estimation methodology.  Dr. Bryan has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information contained in this press release.  Previous technical reports contain extensive geologic and technical information related to the deposit for which the estimate is prepared.  The last technical report was filed on SEDAR on October 5, 2012, and is entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report - Resource Update - Mt. Todd Gold Project – Northern Territory, Australia" and was issued on October 4, 2012 with an effective date of September 4, 2012.  This updated resource estimate incorporates the results of 7,602 new assay intervals from 14 drill holes (all core holes) totaling 7,701 meters drilled by Vista in 2012 with sample preparation and assaying completed by North Australia Laboratories.  These results are in addition to the results of drilling and assaying completed by BHP Resources Pty Ltd., Zapopan NL, Pegasus Gold Australia Pty Ltd. and Vista, which were used in the previous updates of the Mt. Todd mineral resource estimate.  In addition, Vista completed a preliminary feasibility study for the project, the results of which were announced on January 4, 2011.  The press release is available on Vista's website (www.vistagold.com) and on SEDAR.  Because the Company does not view this change in the Mt. Todd resource estimate as a material change, it will not be completing and filing a separate technical report for this resource update; however, the Company plans to complete a feasibility study on the Mt. Todd project later this year, the NI 43-101 report on which will contain extensive geologic and technical information related to the deposit for which this estimate was prepared.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista is advancing exploration on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project, in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, mineral resource and reserve estimates, the timing and completion of a preliminary feasibility study and feasibility study on the Mt. Todd gold project, and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward looking information contained in this press release include the following: our approved business plans, exploration and assay results, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of  anticipated drilling activities and completion of preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Without limiting the foregoing, this press release uses terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and certain estimates are made in accordance with NI 43-101. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosures an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects.  This press release uses the terms "Measured resources," "Indicated resources," "Measured and Indicated resources" and "Inferred resources"  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101, such terms are not recognized under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC")  Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Mineral resources in these categories have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of these mineral resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category.  The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.  Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.  U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Vista Gold Corp. website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (the "Company," "we" or "our") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced its audited financial results and highlights for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MDT on March 14, 2013. The Company's full audited financial statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis together with other important disclosures can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

Recent Highlights:

• Completed the resource conversion drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project;
• Continued building the Mt. Todd development team by appointing Brent Murdoch as General Manager;
• Completed an updated resource estimate for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project based on the Company's completed drilling program;
• Completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project;
• Held analyst days in Toronto and New York where Vista's senior management team provided the market  an in-depth review of  the technical and development work conducted at the Mt. Todd gold project over the previous six years; and
• Completed a public offering of units raising gross proceeds of $11.5 million.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The market for gold equities since the beginning of the fourth quarter of last year has been extraordinarily challenging, with the GDXJ trading down over 34%.  Despite the difficult markets, the Company is currently adequately financed and we are implementing steps to make sure we remain so.  Although we had intended to complete a Preliminary Feasibility Study ("PFS") on the Mt. Todd gold project earlier this year, present market conditions have given us reason to re-evaluate our development strategy.  Previous studies indicated that a larger project would be optimal, but we are currently focusing our analysis on defining a project that limits CapEx and maximizes operating margins, to the extent possible.  We expect completion of a PFS within the next two months and will discuss our plans for the Mt. Todd gold project PFS in further detail during the conference call on Thursday after the market close."

Summary of 2012 Financial Results

We reported a net loss of $70.7 million or $0.95 per share for the year ended December 31, 2012.  This includes an unrealized $50.4 million mark-to-market loss on our investment in Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas"), partly offset by a $20.1 million deferred tax benefit substantially related to this loss and a $6 million impairment of mill assets that had originally been purchased for use at the Los Cardones gold project.  The mill assets are now held for sale.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, we reported net income of $51.5 million, or $0.75 per share.  The 2011 results included a $77.8 million unrealized gain on the disposal of our Yellow Pine gold project, and a $37.3 million unrealized mark-to-market gain on our investment in Midas, which was also partly offset by a $35.5 million deferred tax expense substantially related to these gains. 

Project expenditures at the Mt. Todd gold project, the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, and at our corporate headquarters were in line with expectations.

In December 2012, we realized net proceeds of $10.2 million from a public equity offering. Our working capital at December 31, 2012 totaled approximately $60.3 million, including cash of approximately $18.3 million.  Working capital at the end of 2011 totaled $16.9 million.  The increase in working capital resulted from the reclassification of our investment in Midas from long-term to current assets, as the few remaining restrictions on our ability to sell our Midas stock expire in July 2013.

To review the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, including the related Management's Discussion and Analysis, visit any of the following websites: www.sedar.com, www.sec.gov or www.vistagold.com.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 2:30p.m. MDT.

Toll-free in North America: 1-866-443-4188
International:  416-849-6196

This call will also be web-cast and can be accessed at the following web location:

http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/custom_events/vistagold-20130314/site/

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after March 14, 2013.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America:  1-866-245-6755, passcode 394973.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please email questions to Connie Martinez, Manager – Investor Relations (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), and we will try to address these questions prior to or during the conference call.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. The Company is advancing exploration on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project in Mexico. The Company's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, subject to One Asia Resources Ltd.'s right to earn an 80% interest, and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as, timing, completion and results of a PFS on the Mt. Todd gold project, including completing a PFS that limits CapEx while maximizing operating margins, the Company's adequate funding for future operations and steps to ensure continued adequate funding, the Company's future development plans, and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: our approved business plans, exploration and assay results, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to completing the PFS for the Mt. Todd gold project; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2013 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Without limiting the foregoing, this press release uses terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and certain estimates are made in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosures an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects.  This press release uses the term "mineral resource."  We advise U.S. investors that while the term is recognized by Canadian regulations, the term is not a defined term under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC") Industry Guide 7 and is normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Mineral resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of these mineral resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category.  The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.  Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.  U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Corporation") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced the positive results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico.  The PEA evaluates the potential viability of a 1,500 tonne per day (540,000 tonne per annum) processing facility.  Highlights of the PEA include:

• Payable production of 327,681 ounces of gold and 4.39 million ounces of silver over a 11 year mine life, including average payable production of 35,031 ounces gold and 253,223 ounces silver over the first five years;
• Ore processed through a 1,500 tonne per day ("tpd") plant;
• Gold and silver recoveries of 93% and 83% respectively, through a conventional CIL recovery circuit;
• Gold-equivalent cash costs of $631 per ounce over the life of mine, including average gold-equivalent cash costs of $568 per ounce over the first five years;
• Initial capital costs of $88.9 million and life of mine capital costs of $124.3 million, including a 30% contingency; and
• After-tax NPV_8% of $57.3 million, Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 21%, and capital payback of 3.6 years using gold and silver prices of $1,480 and $28 per ounce, respectively.

Vista's President and CEO, Fred Earnest, commented, "This Preliminary Economic Assessment demonstrates the potential for a small but profitable project with low estimated initial capital requirements.  This PEA contemplates mining material within the current identified resource estimate, located in the lower-grade, near-surface stockwork zones.  Meanwhile, our exploration efforts from last year continued to identify the potential for high gold grades and bonanza silver grades at depth.  The completion of the PEA culminates a successful step in the evaluation of Guadalupe de los Reyes which we believe represents an interesting opportunity to potentially initiate operations with a small-scale open pit mining operation that would provide cash flow from operations to continue exploring for high-grade mineralization at depth."

Mr. Earnest went on to comment, "We have completed and published the results of this PEA as we indicated to the market we would do last year; however our focus remains on completing the preliminary feasibility study on the Mt. Todd project. For the remainder of 2013, Vista's expenditures on the Guadalupe de los Reyes project will be restricted to property holding costs and community support initiatives, as the Company remains primarily focused on the continued evaluation of the Mt. Todd project."

Notes on the Guadalupe de los Reyes Preliminary Economic Assessment

The Guadalupe de los Reyes PEA was completed by TetraTech MM, Inc. of Golden, Colorado, pursuant to Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").  The PEA was completed by or under the supervision of Edwin C. Lips P.E., Dr. Rex Bryan, Vicki Scharnhorst P.E. and Erik Spiller, each independent Qualified Persons (as defined in NI 43-101).  Mr. Lips, Dr. Bryan and Mr. Spiller have reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information contained in this press release.  Previous technical reports contain extensive geologic and technical information related to the deposit, on which this estimate relies.  The last technical report was filed on SEDAR on November 29, 2012 and is entitled "Technical Report Resource of Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold silver Project – Sinaloa, Mexico" and was issued on November 5, 2012.  We expect to file on SEDAR a technical report for the Preliminary Economic Assessment within 45 days of this press release.

The PEA summarized in this news release is intended to provide only an initial review of the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project's potential and is preliminary in nature.  The PEA includes inferred resources that are considered to be too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.

Project Economics

The following table provides details of the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project's estimated economics at variable gold price assumptions.

Project Concept

The Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, as currently envisioned, consists of five small open pits within the Guadalupe de los Reyes system, all located within approximately 2.5km of each other.  Conventional open pit methods are recommended for mining the five deposits.

The deposits are typical of a low sulfidation epithermal system with mineralization occurring in westward dipping structural zones that range from a few meters to tens of meters in thickness.  The gold occurs as microscopic-sized, free to quartz-encapsulated electrum associated with silver sulfides.  Historic metallurgic testwork focused on heap leach recovery methods; however Vista believes that finer grind size through milling could lead to better recoveries.  Vista's testwork has focused on gold extraction under a conventional mill and CIL circuit and has resulted in an estimated average gold recovery of 93% and a range of silver recoveries, dependent on the specific deposit tested.

Mill throughput is assumed to be 1,500 tonnes per day or 540,000 tonnes per year.  With this assumed production rate, the mine life would be approximately 11 years, with 5.5 million tonnes of material processed.  The mine would have an overall strip ratio of 11.7 tonnes of waste rock per tonne of economic mineralized rock.  Gold accounts for approximately 80% of the value of the payable metals with silver accounting for the balance.

Mineral Resources

The mineral resources utilized in this PEA were announced in November 2012 and are presented in a separate technical report that was filed on November 29, 2012.  Those mineral resources are summarized in the table below.

Capital Costs

Capital costs estimates are based on Q4 2012, un-escalated U.S. dollars and are summarized in the table below. 

Operating Costs

Operating cost estimates are based on Q4 2012 un-escalated U.S. dollars and are summarized in the table below. 

Annual Production

The annual production estimates and mine material movement schedule is summarized in the following table.  Pre-production stripping requirements are minimal and mostly associated with the initial construction activities.  The stripping ratio varies by pit and pit sequencing has been designed to minimize total material movement in the early years of the project.  Significant increases in grade are expected in the bottom benches of the North and South San Miguel pits which results in increased estimated metal production in years four and ten of the project.

Exploration Upside

Vista's 2011-2012 exploration program was designed to confirm the existing resource and test the potential for higher gold and silver grades at depth.  The minimal amount of deep drilling conducted by the Company together with historical records indicate that the stockwork of the low sulfidation epithermal vein system that is the host for the deposits evaluated in the PEA consolidate into high-grade vein systems with widths that could be mined by underground mining methods.  The Company believes there is a possibility that with time and the appropriate exploration expenditures, a high-grade underground-mineable resource could potentially be developed.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista is advancing exploration on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones (formerly named Concordia) gold project in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This press release uses the terms "Measured resources," "Indicated resources," "Measured & Indicated resources" and "Inferred resources."  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101, such terms are not recognized under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Mineral resources in these categories have a great amount of uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and, under Canadian regulations, cannot form the basis of a pre-feasibility or feasibility study, except in limited circumstances. Further this press release contains a discussion of estimates of mine economics and recoveries on the basis of preliminary economic assessment.  These estimates are preliminary in nature and may not occur as anticipated or estimated, if at all.  The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade, without reference to unit measures. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as, estimated payable production, anticipated processing rates and tonnage, expected recovery rates, anticipated life of mine, average cash costs, expected capital and operating costs, life of mine costs, expected After Tax NPV, IRR and capital payback, the mine production schedule, strip ratios, estimates of resources, potential for high grade gold and bonanza silver grades, the potential for a small-scale open pit mine, cash flow from such operations funding continued exploration, the potential results of continued exploration, and Vista's goal of becoming a gold producer, and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: our approved business plans, exploration, assay and metallurgic test results, mineral resource and reserve estimates, results of preliminary economic assessments, pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, gold and silver prices, cut off grades, processing recovery rates, mine plans and production scheduling, process and infrastructure design and implementation, accuracy of estimated operating and capital costs, reliability of sampling and assay data, representativeness of mineralization and accuracy of metallurgical testwork,.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "confident," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," "goal, " and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates; estimates of recovery rates and grinding capacity; estimates of results based on such resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to PEA being preliminary in nature and actual mining methods, expected costs and returns/recoveries differing materially from expected results described in the PEA; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of technical studies on our projects; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2012 and the Company's Amendment 1 to its Annual Report filed on April 5, 2012 and other documents filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

7961 SHAFFER PARKWAY
SUITE 5
LITTLETON, COLORADO 80127
TELEPHONE (720) 981-1185
FAX (720) 981-1186

Trading Symbol: VGZ
Toronto and NYSE MKT Stock Exchanges

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Feb. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista") is pleased to announce that Fred Earnest, President and CEO, will attend the BMO Capital Markets 22^nd Global Metals and Mining Conference in Hollywood, Florida, February 24-27, 2013.  Institutional investors wishing to meet with Mr. Earnest should use BMO Capital Markets' one-on-one meeting system.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista is advancing exploration on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com. 

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Feb. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") announced that it has completed the initial phase of water treatment at the Mt. Todd mine site in Northern Territory, Australia, and initiated the second phase of the program. 

Additionally, on February 5, 2013, through its wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, Vista Gold Australia Pty. Ltd., Vista has received authorization from the Northern Territory ("NT") Government to release treated water from the mine site into the Edith River, subject to stringent water quality and environmental standards. 

Since its initial involvement in the Mt. Todd gold project, Vista has worked closely with the NT Government to effectively manage acidic water accumulated on site. As part of the water management plan to protect the nearby Edith River system, approximately 10.3 gigaliters of water affected by acid rock drainage is currently stored in the Batman pit.  Vista has undertaken laboratory, bench-scale and pilot-scale testing programs to evaluate the effectiveness of the water treatment methods to be used at the Mt. Todd gold project.

Commencing in October 2012, Vista has added over 10,000 tonnes of finely ground limestone to the water in the Batman pit.  The water quality has rapidly improved with the pH rising from 3.3 to 6.4 with significant decreases in the concentrations of aluminum, copper, chromium, ferrous iron and lead due to precipitation.  Vista is now adding approximately 2,000 tonnes of hydrated lime and believes water quality will continue to improve as the water approaches the pH target of 7.

Vista remains committed to the protection of the Edith River system and has been authorized to release treated water only when flow rates are sufficient to ensure that Australian drinking water standards for health are achieved downstream of the mixing zone. In addition to daily water quality testing during periods of discharge, Vista will continue to conduct annual macro-invertebrate and sediment testing programs in the Edith River to ensure that there is no long-term impact to the environment. 

Based on historic flows in the Edith River, Vista estimates that two wet seasons will be required to complete the discharge of water from the pit. To date, Vista has invested AUD $9 million in the water treatment program and the construction of the automated management system.

Detailed information and ongoing monitoring results can be found on the Mt. Todd gold project website, via a link on the Vista website (www.vistagold.com).

Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of Vista, commented, "I am pleased with the results of the water treatment program and the recently granted authorization to discharge treated water from the Mt. Todd site. This authorization has been granted, taking into consideration the experience gained in the management of previous authorizations which date back to 2006. Vista is committed to operating the Mt. Todd gold project in an environmentally responsible manner and minimizing the existing and ongoing environmental impacts of the site. The in situ treatment with micronized limestone and hydrated lime is producing tremendous improvement in the quality of water in the Batman pit. We are hopeful that the treatment of water in the Batman pit will serve as an important example which motivates other operations to implement similarly efficient treatment programs. I am pleased that we have been able to work with the various agencies of the NT Government to effectively achieve a win for the NT and the project. Treating and dewatering the Batman pit is an important step toward the development of the Mt. Todd gold project."

Mr. Earnest went on to comment, "I understand that the release of any water is of concern to every stakeholder in the NT. Therefore, we will be hosting a community meeting on Saturday, February 16, 2013 in Katherine where Vista's Mt. Todd team will be on hand to discuss the water treatment and water management programs and to answer any questions. We want to continue to build our relationship and dialogue with the community on this issue and others related to the Mt. Todd gold project redevelopment."

About Vista Gold Corp.
Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista is advancing exploration on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the anticipated completion of the second phase of the Mt. Todd water program and related testing, projected improvements in the water quality as water approaches pH of 7 and estimated time to complete the discharge of water from the Batman pit, future testing programs at the Edith River, potential future impact of water discharges into the Edith River, number of wet seasons to complete discharge into the Edith River, continued advancement of the Mt. Todd gold project, Vista's goal of becoming a gold producer and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and the forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: results of feasibility studies, mineral resource and reserve estimates, exploration and assay results, terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plan.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to the future effectiveness of the water treatment program and risks related to the discharge of water into the Edith River, completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of  anticipated feasibility study, updated resource estimates, and feasibility study, risks related to the changes in mine design, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on April 5, 2012 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced assay results from the final ten holes drilled at the Batman deposit in 2012 as well as the results of the initial exploration hole at the Snowdrop exploration target on the Company's Exploration Licenses at the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.

The assay results reported below are from the final ten holes of a 31 core hole drilling program completed in 2011-12. The first 18 holes of the program were incorporated into Vista's updated mineral resource estimate announced September 4, 2012. The last 13 holes, including the ten holes announced today, are anticipated to be incorporated into an updated resource estimate targeted for completion in early March 2013, and used for the planned definitive feasibility study targeted for completion later this year. The Company also continues to advance the Mt. Todd gold project preliminary feasibility study targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2013.   

Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of Vista said, "We continue to be pleased by the results of our recent resource conversion drilling program. The drill holes we announced in 2012 focused on resource conversion at the bottom of the economic pit in areas of projected higher grade mineralization. The latter part of the drilling program, including the ten holes announced today, focused on targets on the north and south ends of the economic pit. Based on the results from these holes, we expect there to be a modest increase in measured and indicated resources resulting from the conversion of inferred resources. Furthermore, we believe this will result in positive changes to the project, including improved mine scheduling and better overall economics, without significant changes to the preliminary feasibility study pit designs. We are working with a broad group of independent consultants to finalize the preliminary feasibility study, which we anticipate will be followed by the updated resource estimate and final feasibility study."

The assay results are summarized below.

The orientations of these drill holes relative to the deposit are shown in cross sections found on the Company's web site at http://www.vistagold.com/mt_todd.php?subpage=dr_20130211. The sample intervals are constrained by geology and range from a minimum of 0.2 meters to a maximum of 1.2 meters in length, generally averaging 1 meter in length. Mean grades are calculated at a 0.4 g/t Au cutoff with no upper cap applied. The maximum length of internal waste is 4.0 meters.

Snowdrop Exploration

One core hole was completed on the Snowdrop Target prior to the onset of the wet season. Snowdrop is located approximately 23 kilometers north of the Batman Pit. The target is defined by a soil gold anomaly that is 400 meters long and 200 meters wide. Although the hole did not intersect significant ore grade mineralization, assay results were encouraging and the Company's management believes that additional drilling is warranted. The highest grade intercept was 0.90 g/t Au with six intervals returning greater than 0.4 g/t Au. Three intervals of 31.4 meters, 14.8 meters and 23.3 meters contained detectable (>0.01 g/t) gold. True thicknesses of these intervals are uncertain. Two geochemical signatures are apparent in the assay data; one with gold associated with anomalous base metals and one with an association with As, Bi, Co, and Te.

Additional work is planned correlating gold mineralization with geology and in evaluating recent results from soil and rock chip sampling.

The drilling has been completed and the core has been logged, photographed and sampled by employees or contractors of Vista Gold Australia under the direction of Vista's Vice President of Exploration, Mr. Frank Fenne P.G., who is a "qualified person" within the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101―Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Samples were prepared and assayed by North Australia Laboratories, Pine Creek, Australia. Second lab check assays were completed by Northern Territory Environmental Laboratories (Intertek Group) in Darwin, Australia. Gold grades are based on a 50 gram fire assay method.

Core logging and sample custody, preparation and assaying were reviewed by Mr. Frank Fenne and Mr. Fenne is of the view that they are sufficient. Mr. Frank Fenne has verified and approved the data and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release.

About Vista Gold Corp.
Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista is advancing exploration on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Los Cardones gold project in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This press release and the technical reports referenced in this press release use the terms "measured resources," "indicated resources," "measured & indicated resources" and "inferred resources." We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101, and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") – CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Standards"), such terms are not recognized under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Mineral resources in these categories have a great amount of uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and, under Canadian regulations, cannot form the basis of a pre-feasibility or feasibility study, except in limited circumstances. The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade, without reference to unit measures. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the inclusion of drill data into an updated resource estimate, timing and results of the anticipated pre-feasibility study, updated technical report and feasibility study, continued advancement of the Mt. Todd gold project, expected conversion of inferred resources to measured and indicated resources, positive changes to the project including improved mine scheduling and better overall economics without significant changes to pit designs, additional drilling and work at the Snowdrop target, Vista's goal of becoming a gold producer and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and the forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: results of feasibility studies, mineral resource and reserve estimates, exploration and assay results, terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plan. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to completing metallurgical testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of  anticipated feasibility study, updated resource estimates, and feasibility study, risks related to the changes in mine design, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on April 5, 2012 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista") is pleased to announce that Fred Earnest, President and CEO, will present at the Dahlman Rose 4^th Annual Precious Metals Conference in New York on Wednesday, January 9, at 1:30 pm ET.  Mr. Earnest will provide an update on Vista's world-class Mt. Todd gold project as well as a corporate overview.

A webcast of the presentation will be available online at http://wsw.com/webcast/dahlman18/vgz/.  The presentation will also be available on Vista's website www.vistagold.com following the event.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. Vista is advancing exploration on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico and has granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the Las Cardones gold project in Mexico. Vista's other holdings include the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia and the Long Valley gold project in California. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

For further information, please contact Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, or visit the Company's website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.