Vista Gold

DENVER, Dec. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (the "Company," "we" or "our") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) announced today the closing of its previously announced public offering of 4,182,550 units, which includes 545,550 units issued pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option. The units were offered at a price to the public of US$2.75 per unit. Each unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company's stock at a price of US$3.30 for a period of 24 months from the closing of this offering. The Company will not apply for the listing of the warrants on any stock exchange.

The gross proceeds of the offering, before expenses, were US$11,502,013. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to advance our Mt. Todd gold project in Australia, including completing a bankable feasibility study, for corporate administration, to complete a preliminary economic assessment on our Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico, and for working capital requirements and general corporate purposes.

Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC and National Bank Financial Inc. acted as joint book-running managers for the offering and Casimir Capital L.P. acted as co-manager for the offering.

Copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying base shelf prospectus relating to this offering can be obtained at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to these securities may also be obtained from:

Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC
Attn: Prospectus Dept.
1301 Avenue of the Americas, 36th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 702-4521
Fax: (212) 920-2952
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

National Bank Financial Inc.
Attn: Heather McLennan
130 King Street West, Suite 3200
Toronto, ON M5X 1J9
Phone: (416) 869-6662
Fax: (416) 869-1010
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus supplement, the base shelf prospectus or the Company's shelf registration statement.

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 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 Vista's intention to not apply to list the warrants issued under the offering, Vista's proposed use of the proceeds from the offering 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 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," "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 results based on such resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to completing updated resource and reserve estimates; 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Dec. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (the "Company," "we" or "our") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) announced today that it has priced an underwritten public offering of approximately 3.6 million units at a price to the public of US$2.75 per unit. Each unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company's stock at an exercise price of US$3.30 for a period of 24 months from the closing of this offering. The warrants will not be listed on any stock exchange.

The Company expects that the offering will yield gross proceeds, before expenses, of US$10.0 million and intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to advance our Mt. Todd gold project in Australia, including completing a bankable feasibility study, for corporate administration, to complete a preliminary economic assessment on our Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico, and for working capital requirements and general corporate purposes.  The offering is expected to close on or about December 21, 2012, subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE MKT. In connection with the offering, the Company has also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to approximately 0.5 million additional units at the applicable offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC and National Bank Financial Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering and Casimir Capital L.P. is acting as co-manager, pursuant to the terms of an underwriting agreement entered into with the Company. The securities described above are being offered pursuant to a final prospectus supplement to a base shelf prospectus dated April 19, 2011 filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, other than Quebec, and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to its effective registration statement on Form S-3.  

Copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying base shelf prospectus relating to this offering can be obtained at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to these securities may also be obtained from:

Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC
Attn: Prospectus Dept.
1301 Avenue of the Americas, 36th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 702-4521
Fax: (212) 920-2952
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

National Bank Financial Inc.
Attn: Heather McLennan
130 King Street West, Suite 3200
Toronto, ON M5X 1J9
Phone: (416) 869-6662
Fax: (416) 869-1010
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus supplement, the base shelf prospectus or the Company's shelf registration statement.

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 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, the completion of the offering, Vista's proposed use of  the proceeds from the offering 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 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," "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 results based on such resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to completing updated resource and reserve estimates; 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (the "Company," "we" or "our") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) announced today that it has filed a preliminary prospectus supplement pursuant to its base shelf prospectus dated April 19, 2012 with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, other than Quebec, and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to its effective registration statement on Form S-3, pursuant to which the Company proposes to complete an offering of units upon terms to be determined in the context of the market. Each unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company's stock at an exercise price to be determined in the context of the market for a period of 24 months from the closing of this offering. The Company will not apply for the listing of the warrants on any stock exchange.

Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC and National Bank Financial Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering and Casimir Capital L.P. is acting as co-manager. 

When available, copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement, the final prospectus supplement and accompanying base shelf prospectus relating to this offering can be obtained at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to these securities may also be obtained from:

Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC
Attn: Prospectus Dept.
1301 Avenue of the Americas, 36th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 702-4521
Fax: (212) 920-2952
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

National Bank Financial Inc.
Attn: Heather McLennan.
130 King Street West, Suite 3200
Toronto, ON M5X 1J9
Phone: (416) 869-6662
Fax: (416) 869-1010
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This offering is subject to market conditions and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering. The offering is expected to be priced before 9:30 am EST on Friday, December 14, 2012.

It is anticipated that the net proceeds of the offering will be used for ongoing technical evaluations/engineering studies, exploration/resource conversion drilling and water treatment at the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia and for general corporate purposes.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus supplement, the base shelf prospectus or the Company's shelf registration statement.

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 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, the completion of the offering, the terms and size of the offering, Vista's intention to not apply to list the warrants to be issued under the offering, the availability of  the preliminary prospectus supplement and the final prospectus supplement, Vista's proposed use of  the proceeds from the offering 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 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," "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 results based on such resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to completing updated resource and reserve estimates; 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Corporation") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced the appointment of Brent Murdoch as General Manager of the Company's Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. In this role, Brent will be primarily responsible for building the Mt. Todd operating team, developing operating systems, processes and policies, managing local stakeholder relationships, and ultimately managing the operation of the Mt. Todd mine.

Brent has 24 years of industry experience, including more than ten years' experience specializing in mine start-ups and large project construction.  Brent has substantial mining industry experience including project experience in gold, manganese, iron ore and copper.  Most recently, Brent was the Ore Processing Facility Manager at the Solomon Mine in Western Australia for Leighton Contractors and previously served as the Commissioning Manager for Leighton Contractors at the Yandi Mine, General Manager of OM Manganese Pty Ltd, and General Manager - Construction for Harmony Gold at the Hidden Valley Mine.  Brent's previous work in the Northern Territory earned him significant recognition from the Northern Land Council for his work in developing training programs for indigenous workers.

Vista's President and Chief Executive Officer, Fred Earnest, commented, "We are very pleased to have Brent join Vista and lead the Mt. Todd project team.  Brent has been involved in the development of large projects and understands what is required to effectively implement project development both in Australia and in tropical environments.  Brent lives and works in the Northern Territory and understands the priorities of the local community and the rich cultural values of the Jawoyn aboriginal people.  We look forward to the contributions he will make as we complete a preliminary feasibility study of the world-class Mt. Todd gold project and transition to the completion of a feasibility study next 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 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 (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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

Vista Gold Corp. Announces Third Quarter 2012 Financial Results and Provides Update on Recent Activities including an Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold Project

DENVER, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Vista Gold Corp. (the "Company," "we" or "our") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced its financial results and highlights for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012. Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. MST on November 5, 2012. 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.  

Third Quarter 2012 Highlights:

• Announced plans to evaluate a two-phased development strategy for the Mt. Todd gold project based on the completion of a comprehensive analysis focused on enhancing project economics while preserving the ability to develop the entire Mt. Todd resource;
• Initiated a preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") of Mt. Todd gold project, with results expected early Q1 2013, to evaluate the two-phased development strategy and to accelerate the environmental permitting process;
• Announced an updated resource estimate for the Mt. Todd gold project (see our September 4, 2012 press release and technical report filed October 5, 2012) and continued to announce positive drill results from the Company's ongoing resource conversion drilling program;
• Began treating water in the Batman pit for discharge during the upcoming wet season at the site; and
• Continued to make good progress at the Las Cardones (formerly named Concordia) gold project in Baja California Sur where our partner, Invecture Group, filed permit applications with Mexican authorities.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "During the third quarter, we continued to advance our world-class Mt. Todd gold project by announcing the results of a new resource estimate that now ranks Mt. Todd as the largest undeveloped gold resource in Australia.  We further advanced the project by deciding to evaluate a phased development approach that we expect to improve project economics.  This quarter we expect to complete the ongoing resource conversion drilling program and, early next year, we plan to complete a PFS on the Mt. Todd project. 

Although we are principally focused on advancing Mt. Todd, we continue to make progress at our two Mexican properties as well.  At Guadalupe de los Reyes, we completed our drilling program and announced an updated resource estimate, which is discussed further below.  Lastly, at Las Cardones, our Mexican partner, Invecture Group, has made good progress by submitting permit applications to the Mexican government.  We continue to be pleased by the progress Invecture has been able to make and are hopeful they will continue to have success permitting the Las Cardones project."

Summary of Third Quarter 2012 Financial Results

The Company reported a net income of $12.3 million or $0.16 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  This includes an unrealized $29.1 million mark-to-market gain on our investment in Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas"), partly offset by a $9.9 million increase in deferred tax liability substantially related to this gain. During the three month period ended September 30, 2011, we reported net income of $10.7 million, or $0.15 per share. The 2011 results included an unrealized $27.8 million mark-to-market gain on our investment in Midas, which was also partly offset by a $10.0 million increase in deferred tax liability substantially related to this gain.

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2012 totaled approximately $14.9 million, compared to $7.5 million at June 30, 2012. During the quarter, the Company closed a private placement equity offering which provided $14.2 million net proceeds to the Company.  During the quarter, $5.8 million was used for drilling, permitting, water treatment, technical evaluations and engineering studies at our Mt. Todd gold project and for advancing the preliminary economic assessment at our Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project; and $1.1 million was used for general and administrative expenses. The Company has no debt.

To review the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 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.

Updated Resource Estimate for the Guadalupe de los Reyes Project

The Company also announced an updated resource estimate for its Guadalupe de los Reyes project in Sinaloa, Mexico.  This resource estimate includes 48 core drill holes (7,215 meters) drilled since November 2011. 

The new resource estimate for the Guadalupe de los Reyes Project, as of November 2, 2012, is presented in the table below.  The mineral resource estimate is reported at a cutoff grade of 0.50 grams of gold per tonne, the same cut-off grade as the Company's previous estimate on the project.

The Guadalupe de los Reyes resource estimate is contained entirely within a lower-grade stockwork located close to the surface.  This resource estimate represents a decrease of 103,152 contained gold ounces in the Indicated category and a decrease of 161,707 contained gold ounces in the Inferred category relative to the previous estimate.  Core drilling was selected in order to gain more detailed information rather than reverse circulation drilling that was used historically, and as a result the mineralization at the Guadalupe de los Reyes project has been redefined as being confined to more discrete but higher-grade mineralized zones.  Importantly, our drilling has also intersected several high-grade veins at depth that provide exciting exploration opportunities and underground potential.  The Company is currently evaluating whether a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) is appropriate at this time or whether additional drilling should be conducted prior to the completion of a PEA.

Notes on Guadalupe de los Reyes Resource Estimate

This updated resource estimate was completed on November 2, 2012 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 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 December 10, 2009, and is entitled "Technical Report for the Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold-Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico – Amended and Restated" and was issued on December 8, 2009.  This updated resource estimate incorporates the results from 48 drill holes (all core holes) totaling 7,215 meters drilled by Vista in 2011 and 2012 with sample preparation and assaying completed by ALS Chemex in Hermosillo, Mexico and Vancouver, Canada. These results are in addition to the results of drilling completed by Northern Crown Mines, which were used in the previous updates of the Guadalupe de los Reyes resource estimate.  The press releases and technical reports are available on Vista's website (www.vistagold.com) and on SEDAR.  We expect to file on SEDAR a technical report for the updated mineral resource estimate within 45 days of this press release.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for Monday, November 5 at 2:00 p.m. MST.

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-20121105/site/

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after November 5, 2012.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America:  1-866-245-6755, passcode 934594.

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 Las Cardones gold project in Mexico. The Company'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.

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, evaluation of the two phased development strategy at Mt. Todd (including that it may result in improved project economics), acceleration of the permitting process at the Mt. Todd gold project, the Mt. Todd gold project being a world-class project with the largest known undeveloped gold resource in Australia, timing and completion of the resource conversion drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project, the timing and completion of a preliminary economic assessment on the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silverproject, and success of permitting at Las Cardones 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 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 results based on such resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to completing updated resource and reserve estimates; 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 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, Oct. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that it has completed a comprehensive analysis focused on optimizing the development plans for the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  After a thorough review, the Company has selected a two-phased strategy to achieve its development goals and economic objectives.

Stage 1 contemplates the construction of a 30,000 tonne per day ("tpd") project using a higher cut-off grade (0.5 g Au/tonne vs. 0.4 g Au/tonne used in all prior Vista analysis), with lower grade material to be stockpiled.

Stage 2 would involve an expansion to 45,000 tpd after payback of initial capital and contemplates a reduction in the cut-off grade to 0.4 g Au/tonne and the processing of stockpiled material from Stage 1.

This two-phased strategy enables the Company to minimize initial capital costs and further increase the average grade of material to the mill in the early years of the project to achieve the shortest possible payback period.  It also provides the opportunity to achieve a 50% increase in project scale with modest additional capital expenditures to allow the Company to take advantage of Mt. Todd's large and growing resource base.

Additionally, the Company announced that it intends to complete a preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") in the first quarter of 2013 that evaluates this development strategy.  The Company expects to complete a feasibility study ("FS") for the project in the second quarter of next year.

Vista's President and CEO, Fred Earnest, explained, "After a detailed review of development options, we have selected a strategy that optimizes cash flow during the initial capital payback period and also takes advantage of economies of scale and Mt. Todd's large resource.  This review process and our continued resource development drilling success confirms our belief that Mt. Todd is a world-class deposit and capable of sustaining long-term, large-scale production.  Our decision to first complete a PFS allows us to better communicate with the market and to more efficiently manage the environmental permitting process by making reportable information available at an earlier date."

The original Mt. Todd PFS announced in January 2011 contemplated a 30,000 tpd project.  As previously announced, the continued success from the Company's ongoing resource conversion drilling program led the Company to consider increasing the size of the process facilities ranging from 40,000 – 50,000 tpd to balance the significant increase in resources with an economically attractive project.  Analysis of the recently completed resource model (results announced on September 4, 2012) has led the Company to conclude that a 0.5 g Au/t cut-off grade combined with a smaller, scalable plant have the potential to result in significantly better project economics.

The Company indicated that the same consultants engaged in the evaluation of development options are already working on the PFS and will immediately thereafter work on completing the FS.

The Company also announced that it will hold analyst days this week in Toronto, Ontario (October 23) and New York City (October 24).  Parties interested in attending should contact a Company representative.  Both events will be webcast.  Links to the presentation and webcasts are on the Company's website at www.vistagold.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 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 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.

This press release and the technical reports referenced in this press release use the terms "measured & indicated resources" and "inferred resources."  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in 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 definitions are not defined in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, 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.  "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 all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. 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, estimates of mineral resources, the timing, completion, goals and results of the evaluation of the two-phased development strategy, ability to keep initial capital expenditures at a minimum while taking advantage of the estimated mineral resources at Mt. Todd, the amount of expenditures required to increase the plant capacity, timing and completion of the PFS, FS and updated mineral resource estimate on the Mt. Todd gold project, timing and schedule of consultants' work 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 drilling activities at the Mt. Todd gold project, 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 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, Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT Equities: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Corporation") is advising warrant holders today that the second year exercise price of US$4.00 per share for the warrants issued pursuant to the Corporation's October 2010 private placement (TSX: VGZ.WT.U) will expire at 4:30 p.m. (Vancouver time) on October 22, 2012.  After such time, the exercise price will automatically increase to US$4.50 per share for the following one-year period. The exercise prices and expiration dates were established as part of the private placement of Special Warrants of the Corporation that closed on October 22, 2010.  Upon receipt of shareholders' approval of the private placement on December 15, 2010, each Special Warrant was automatically exercised, for no additional consideration, for one Common Share of the Corporation and one Common Share purchase warrant of the Corporation (a "Warrant").  Each Warrant is exercisable over a five-year period to purchase one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a purchase price of US$3.50 during the first year, US$4.00 during the second year, US$4.50 during the third year and US$5.00 thereafter until the expiry of the Warrants on October 22, 2015.  If the closing price of the Common Shares on the NYSE MKT Equities Stock Exchange is at least 35% above the current exercise price of the Warrants for a period of 15 consecutive trading days, then Vista will have the option to request that the Warrants be exercised.  If the Warrants are not exercised within 25 business days following such request, they will be canceled.

The Warrants are freely tradable pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (333-172826) which the Corporation filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Registration Statement"). 

Warrants held by persons who purchased the Warrants on the Toronto Stock Exchange after May 5, 2011, may be exercised pursuant to the Registration Statement and Warrant Shares received upon such exercise will be free trading.  A copy of the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement is available on the SEC's website at: www.sec.gov or by contacting the Corporation at (720) 981-1185.

Warrants held by original purchasers in the October 22, 2010 private placement ("Original Purchasers") or by persons who purchased such warrants from such Original Purchasers on a private basis or prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement on May 5, 2011 ("Subsequent Restricted Purchasers"), may not be exercised by such Original Purchasers or such Subsequent Restricted Purchasers and the Warrant Shares may not be issued upon such exercise, unless the holder is outside the "United States" (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and not exercising for the account or benefit of a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) or person in the United States or there is an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. 

Original Purchasers that remain "accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the U.S. Securities Act and represent to the Corporation on their Warrant exercise form as such, may exercise the Warrants on an exempt basis pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Warrant.  Subsequent Restricted Purchasers may not exercise the Warrants unless they provide an opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Corporation and its transfer agent to the effect that the Warrants can be exercised and the Warrant Shares can be delivered pursuant to an exemption from the U.S. Securities Act and in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. Warrant Shares issued upon exercise of the Warrants by such Original Purchasers or such Subsequent Restricted Purchasers will be "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144, and can not be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirement and pursuant to any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States, and will bear a legend to such effect.  Such Warrant Shares have been registered for resale under the U.S. Securities Act by the Original Purchasers pursuant to the Registration Statement.  Original Purchasers and Subsequent Restricted Purchasers of the Warrants or the Warrant Shares may not engage in hedging transactions with regard to the Warrants or the Warrant Shares unless in compliance with the U.S. Securities Act.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Warrants or the Warrant Shares.  There shall be no sales of the Warrants or the Warrant Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

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 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today reported further drilling results from its ongoing resource conversion drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.

Highlights of the most recent three drill hole results include:

• 1.32 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 149 meters in VB12-015;
• 1.49 g/t gold over 129 meters in VB12-016; and
• 1.54 g/t gold over 33 meters, including 5.22 g/t over 7 meters in VB12-017.

True widths of the intercepts reported above range between 80-87% and are discussed in more detail in the table below that lists comprehensive results from the three drill holes announced in this release.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of Vista, stated, "The resource conversion drilling program in the Batman pit continues to deliver strong results by targeting mineralization currently in the inferred resource category located inside of or near the limits of an economic pit shape.  The first 18 drill holes of the program were recently incorporated into an updated resource estimate that significantly increased the measured and indicated mineral resources at Mt. Todd's Batman deposit (please refer to our press release dated September 4, 2012).  We have now completed 24 drill holes and expect to drill another 8-10 holes this year targeting shallow mineralization at the north end of the pit and an untested area in the core zone to the south of the pit.  We plan to release an updated resource estimate at the end of the year that will incorporate the final results of our resource conversion drilling program and serve as the basis for the feasibility study we expect to complete in early 2013."

Assay results of the first 18 holes were announced previously (please refer to our press releases dated March 12, April 25, June 5, July 2, and August 29 of this year).  The following table summarizes results from the subsequent three drill holes announced in this release.

The orientation of these drill holes relative to the deposit is shown in cross sections found on the Company's web site at http://www.vistagold.com/mt_todd.php?subpage=dr_20120925. 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.

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 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.

This press release uses the terms "measured & indicated resources" and "inferred resources."  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in 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 definitions are not defined in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, 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.  "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 all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. 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, estimates of mineral resources, the timing, completion and results of a feasibility study at the Mt. Todd gold project, the timing, completion and results of an updated mineral reserve and resource estimate at the Mt. Todd gold project, the goals and achievement of the goals of the drilling program and the feasibility study, plans to complete another 8 to 10 drill holes this year targeting shallow mineralization,  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 drilling activities at the Mt. Todd gold project, 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 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, Sept. 4, 2012 /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 18 drill holes (13,036 total meters) from the Company's ongoing resource conversion drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project.  The Batman deposit is now estimated to contain 7.01 million ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories and 2.09 million ounces in the Inferred category.  The drilling program is ongoing and new results are expected to be included in a further updated resource estimate that will be the basis for a feasibility study, which the Company expects to release in early 2013.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of Vista, stated, "I am very pleased with the continued growth in the estimated gold resource of the Batman deposit and we have not yet completed our drill program.  This updated resource estimate represents an increase of over one million ounces in the Measured and Indicated categories since our last resource estimate in September 2011 and an increase of over 1.8 million ounces of Measured and Indicated categories since the completion of the January 2011 preliminary feasibility study.  These estimates support the decision to evaluate a project larger than the 30,000 tonnes per day operation contemplated in our January 2011 preliminary feasibility study (the "PFS").  The results of our past and ongoing drilling programs combined with technical evaluations currently in progress support my belief that Mt. Todd is becoming a world-class gold project in one of the world's more favorable mining jurisdictions."

Highlights of the updated mineral resource estimate include:

• A 17% increase in contained gold ounces in the Measured and Indicated categories (+1,024,000 ozs) compared to the previous resource estimate (September 2011); and
• A 37% increase in contained gold ounces in the Measured and Indicated categories (+1,882,000 ozs) compared to the PFS.

The new mineral resource estimate for the Batman deposit, as of August 31, 2012, 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 GEMCOM software and used whole block kriging to estimate block values.

August 2012 Mt. Todd Resource Estimate – Batman Deposit

Note: minor rounding errors may occur

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

Note: minor rounding errors may occur.  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 August 31, 2012 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 April 11, 2012, and is entitled "Amended and Restated - NI 43-101 Technical Report - Resource Update - Mt. Todd Gold Project – Northern Territory, Australia" and was issued on April 11, 2012 with an effective date of September 6, 2011.  This updated resource estimate incorporates the results of 12,820 new assay intervals from 18 drill holes (all core holes) totaling 13,036 meters drilled by Vista in 2011 and 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 and full technical reports are available on Vista's website (www.vistagold.com) and on SEDAR.  We expect to file on SEDAR a technical report for the updated mineral resource estimate within 45 days of 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 recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the 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.

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 technical report on the updated mineral resource estimate on the Mt. Todd gold project, the further update on the Mt. Todd mineral resource estimate that will form the basis of a feasibility study, the evaluation of a larger plant at the Mt. Todd gold project, the timing and completion of a 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; 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 at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project and the completion of the preliminary economic assessment, 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, 2012 and Vista's Amendment 1 to its Annual Report 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.

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 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.

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, Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today reported further drilling results from its ongoing resource conversion drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.

Highlights of the most recent five drill hole results include:

• 1.03 grams per ton (g/t) gold over 206 meters in VB12-013
• 0.99 g/t over 24.9 meters in VB12-011 starting at 169 meters in depth
• 2.46 g/t over 33.3 meters including 4.29 g/t over 14.1 meters in VB12-012

True widths of the intercepts reported above range between 77-96% and are discussed in more detail in the table below that lists comprehensive results from the five drill holes announced in this release.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of Vista, stated, "Our resource conversion drilling program continues to successfully intersect mineralization in the inferred mineral resource category.  Of the 24 holes drilled to date, we have received assays results on 18 holes and are incorporating the results into an updated resource estimate which is expected to be completed next week.  Results from the remainder of the ongoing drilling program will subsequently be incorporated into the resource estimate that will form the basis of the definitive feasibility study that we expect to complete early next year."

Assay results of the first 13 holes were announced previously (please refer to our press releases dated March 12, April 25, June 5, and July 12).  The following table summarizes results from the subsequent five holes.

The orientation of these drill holes relative to the deposit is shown in cross sections found on the Company's web site at http://www.vistagold.com/mt_todd.php?subpage=dr_20120829.  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.

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 recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the 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.

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 timing and completion of updated mineral resource estimates on the Mt. Todd gold project, the timing and completion of a 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; 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 at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project and the completion of the preliminary economic assessment, 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, 2012 and Vista's Amendment 1 to its Annual Report 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.

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 "mineral resource" And "inferred mineral resource."  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are 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. Inferred 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.

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, Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today reported further assay results from the final 25 holes of its 48 hole drilling program at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico.  

Highlights of the drilling program include:

• 2.8 grams/ton (g/t) gold and 32.8 g/t silver over 8.1 meters, including 6.6 g/t gold and 50.1 g/t silver over 2 meters in 12NB-01 (Nocha Buena );
• 38.7 g/t gold and 201 g/t silver over 2.0 meters in 12SM-02 (San Miguel);
• 3.5 g/t gold and 132 g/t silver over 23.7 meters, including 12.7 g/t gold and 348 g/t silver over 4 meters in 12SM-08 (San Miguel);
• 2.3 g/t gold and 232 g/t silver over 19.4 meters in 12SM-06 (San Miguel); and
• 8.2 g/t gold and 109 g/t silver over 11 meters in 12GL-04 (Guadalupe)

True widths of the intercepts reported above range between 60-100% and are discussed in more detail in the table below that lists comprehensive results from the 25 drill holes announced in this release.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO, said, "The results from these final 25 holes, and particularly the intercepts at depth in San Miguel, continue to indicate the potential for a significant epithermal gold-silver vein system at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project.  The results confirm the presence of both lower grade stockwork veining and high grade potential occurring in larger quartz veins.  We are now working to incorporate the results from this drill program into a new mineral resource estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment, which we anticipate to be completed early in the fourth quarter."

About the Guadalupe de los Reyes Drilling Program

Vista completed an initial phase of drilling at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in April 2012.  Forty-eight diamond drill holes totaling 7,215 meters were completed at the project with the objectives of confirming and updating the existing estimated mineral resource, obtaining core for metallurgical test work, and providing additional information to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the project. 

Assays have been received from the final 25 holes including three from Guadalupe, seven from El Zapote, eleven from San Miguel, and four from Noche Buena.  A drill hole location map, together with selected cross sections showing the drill hole results and the relationship between the stockwork and Low Sulfidation Epithermal ("LSE") veins can be found on our website at http://vistagold.com/guadalupe_test.php?subpage=dr_20120808.

Composites from each of the veins have been selected and shipped to Resource Development Inc. for preliminary metallurgical testwork.

Results from the 25 drill holes are summarized on the following table.  The equivalent gold grade (Au equiv) was calculated using a metal price ratio of 60:1 (60 g Ag equals 1 g EqAu).

All results are from diamond core drill holes. The sample intervals are constrained by geology and range from a minimum of 0.4 meters to a maximum of 1.5 meters, generally averaging 1 meter in length.  Mean grades are calculated at the stated cutoff with no upper cap applied.  Several high silver/low gold intercepts in San Miguel  were calculated using a 0.4 g/t gold equivalent cutoff.  The maximum length of internal waste is 1.0 meter. Approximate true thickness is estimated from cross sectional interpretation.

Core was logged, photographed, and sampled by contractors of Vista under the supervision 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 shipped to the ALSChemex sample prep lab in Hermosillo, Mexico.  Prepared sample pulps were shipped by ALSChemex to its assay lab in Vancouver.  Commercial standards and blanks were submitted routinely with each batch of samples.  Gold was analyzed using a 50 gram fire assay with an atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Gold assays greater than 10 g/t were re-assayed using a 50 gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish.   Silver was initially analyzed using a 41 element ICP analysis using a four acid digestion.  Silver assays greater than 100 g/t were re-assayed using a 50 gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish.  An quality control/quality assurance protocol was employed in the program that includes standards and blanks in every batch of assays.  Check assays were conducted on every 20^th sample by a second independent laboratory.

Sample custody, preparation and assaying were reviewed by Mr. Fenne and Mr. Fenne is of the view that they are sufficient.  Mr. 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 recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 62.5% interest in the 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.

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 for significant epithermal gold-silver vein system at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, the presence of lower grade stockwork veining and high grade potential occurring in larger quartz veins, completion of a new mineral resource estimate on the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, the timing and completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, 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 relating to delays in the completion of  anticipated drilling activities at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project and the completion of the preliminary economic assessment, 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, 2012 and Vista's Amendment 1 to its Annual Report 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.

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 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.

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, Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (the "Company," "we" or "our") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced its financial results and highlights for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012. Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. MDT on August 10, 2012.  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 (the "SEC") and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

Second Quarter 2012 Highlights:

• Released further positive results from the Mt. Todd gold project's resource conversion drilling program;
• Based on the favorable drilling program results, announced our decision to revise the scope of the Mt. Todd gold project feasibility study to incorporate an increased throughput rate of the processing facility; 
• Announced encouraging metallurgical test results from the Mt. Todd gold project's heap leach pad, which results support our goal of recovering gold from the heap leach pad while constructing the larger Mt. Todd gold project;
• Released further high-grade assay results from the drilling program at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico that are anticipated to be incorporated into a preliminary economic assessment later this year;
• Continued to add key personnel to our team, including John (Jack) F. Engele as Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Seth L. Foreman as Vice President Corporate Development; and
• Closed a non-brokered private placement with net proceeds of $14.5 million subsequent to quarter end.

Fred Earnest, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are continuing to execute our business goals for the year and I am looking forward to a number of key milestones through the rest of 2012.  I am pleased that, even in these difficult markets, we were able to raise capital on good terms, and am appreciative of the long-term shareholder support that made it possible.  The remainder of 2012 will be exciting for the Company as we progress toward completing an updated mineral resource estimate at the Mt. Todd gold project and a preliminary economic assessment on the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project.  We also look to complete the feasibility study on the Mt. Todd gold project late this year or early in 2013."

Summary of Second Quarter 2012 Financial Results

We reported a net loss of $30.5 million or $0.42 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2012. This loss includes an unrealized $35.0 million mark-to-market loss on our investment in Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas"), partly offset by $13.2 million of deferred tax benefit. The decline in the value of our Midas shares is consistent with the continued decline in equity values within the junior gold sector. During the three month period ended June 30, 2011, we reported net income of $47.8 million, or $0.69 per basic and diluted share. The 2011 results included an unrealized gain of approximately $78 million that was recognized upon the completion of the combination transaction with Midas, and was partly offset by $23.6 million in deferred taxes. 

Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2012 totaled $7.5 million, compared to $14.8 million at March 31, 2012. During the quarter, $6.6 million of this $7.3 million decrease was used for drilling, permitting and development activities at our Mt. Todd gold project and the exploration program and preliminary economic assessment at our Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project; and $1.8 million was used for General and Administrative expenses.  During the quarter, the Company received $1.1 million from the exercise of warrants.  

On July 30, 2012, we closed a non-brokered private placement equity offering which provided $14.5 million net proceeds to the Company.  The Company has no debt.  Proceeds from the private placement will be used to continue our technical evaluations and engineering studies, exploration and resource conversion drilling and water treatment at the Mt. Todd gold project, and for general corporate purposes.

To review the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 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 quarter ended June 30, 2012 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for Friday, August 10, 2012 at 9:00 a.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://c81.hostcontrols.com/console/console-login?active=yes

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after August 10, 2012.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America:  1-866-245-6755, passcode 399275.

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 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 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.

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 ability to recover gold from the heap leach pad at the Mt. Todd gold project, the potential larger project scope at the Mt. Todd gold project, timing and completion of an updated mineral resource estimate at the Mt. Todd gold project, timing and completion of a feasibility study on the Mt. Todd gold project, and the timing and completion of a preliminary economic assessment on the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver 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 relating to completing updated resource estimates; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of the feasibility study on the Mt. Todd gold project and completion of the preliminary economic assessment  at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver 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, 2012 and Vista's Amendment 1 to its Annual Report 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.

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 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, July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT Exchanges: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced private placement of units (the "Units").  The Company completed the sale of 5,000,000 Units for gross proceeds of US$15,000,000 (the "Offering").  Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a "Warrant").  Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of US$3.60 until July 27, 2014.

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid cash commissions in the aggregate of $500,000 and issued a total of 166,667 compensation warrants ("Compensation Warrants") to finders that provided services in respect of subscriptions for 3,333,334 Units.  Each Compensation Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of US$3.18 until July 27, 2014.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for ongoing technical evaluations and engineering studies, exploration/resource conversion drilling and water treatment at the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia and for general corporate purposes.

The above-described securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) or a person in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements and in accordance with all applicable state securities laws of any state of the United States.  This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the above described securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Vista Gold

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 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.

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 private placement 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 "may", "will", "intends", "goal", "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 and estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of the drilling program; risks related to the adequacy of the design of the drilling program; risks related to 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 latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2012 and Vista's Amendment 1 to its Annual Report 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. 

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced assay results of drill holes from the ongoing resource conversion drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.

Vista has now completed 19 holes totaling 13,047 meters.  The assay results of the first ten holes (approximately 50% of total drilled to-date) were announced previously (please refer to our press releases dated March 12, April 25, and June 5, 2012). The following table summarizes results from the subsequent three holes.

The orientation of these drill holes relative to the deposit is shown in cross sections found on the Company's web site at http://vistagold.com/mt_todd_test.php?subpage=dr_20120712.  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 grams/tonne Au cutoff with no upper cap applied.  The maximum length of internal waste is 4.0 meters.

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.

Vista's President and Chief Executive Officer, Fred Earnest, commented, "The latest assay results, from holes drilled on both the north and south sides of the Batman deposit, continue to confirm our understanding of the deposit.  Consistent with previous results from this drilling program, the mineralized intercepts are being encountered where predicted and are returning assay results generally better than the estimated grade of corresponding blocks in the current resource model.  A review of the drilling program results as shown on the cross sections on our web site further supports both our expectation that we will increase the estimated measured and indicated resources at the Mt. Todd project, as well as our decision to incorporate a larger processing facility into the project's feasibility study."

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 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.

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 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 definitions differ from the definitions in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. 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.

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, estimates of mineral resources, the conversion of resources to measured and indicated resources, the decision to incorporate a larger process facility and the potential impact thereof 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 drilling activities at the Mt. Todd gold project, 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 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 Vista Gold Corp. website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced the appointment of Seth L. Foreman as Vista's Vice President Corporate Development.  Mr. Foreman will report to Vista's Chief Financial Officer, Jack Engele, and will focus on corporate strategic planning, evaluation of new business opportunities, and the Company's efforts to secure project financing for the Mt. Todd gold project in Australia.  Given Mr. Foreman's strong background in investor relations for both junior and major mining companies, he will also play an important role in Vista's efforts to identify and attract new investors and analysts.  Prior to his appointment, Mr. Foreman served as Director of Investor Relations and Business Development for General Moly Inc.  Previously, Mr. Foreman worked for Newmont Mining Corporation where he held the positions of Manager of Investor Relations and Manager of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs.  Mr. Foreman holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Bucknell University.

Vista's President and Chief Executive Officer, Fred Earnest, commented, "We are very pleased to have Seth join our team as VP Corporate Development.  As we continue to advance the development of the Mt. Todd gold project, we believe Seth will be an excellent complement to our existing technical team and will help us achieve our goal to deliver this world class gold project to production, and also help to grow the Company through new business opportunities and enhanced market visibility." 

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 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.

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 achieving production at the Mt. Todd gold project, the growth of the Company 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 drilling activities at the Mt. Todd gold project, 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 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 Vista Gold Corp. website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT Exchanges: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, subject to regulatory approval, it intends to undertake a private placement financing to raise gross proceeds of up to US$15.0 million from the sale of up to 5,000,000 units (the "Units") at an offering price of US$3.00 per Unit (the "Offering").  Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a "Warrant").  Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of US$3.60 per share and will be exercisable for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering.

In connection with the Offering, the Company has agreed to pay finders' fees in respect of subscriptions for up to 3,333,334 Units.  Each finder will receive: (i) a cash commission of 5% of the gross proceeds raised from the Units purchased by investors introduced to the Company by that finder; and (ii) warrants (the "Compensation Warrants") equal to 5% of the Units purchased by investors introduced to the Company by that finder.  Each Compensation Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of US$3.18 and shall be exercisable for a period of 24 months from the date of the closing of the Offering.

The issuance of the Units is subject to the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the NYSE MKT Exchange and other regulatory approvals.

The net proceeds from the sale of Units will be used for ongoing technical evaluations/engineering studies, exploration/resource conversion drilling and water treatment at the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia and for general corporate purposes.

Fred Earnest, Vista's President and CEO, commented "As we stated in our last press release, we are very pleased with the continued results of our resource conversion drilling program and project feasibility study efforts at our Mt. Todd gold project and, as a result, have decided to revise the scope of the Mt. Todd feasibility study to incorporate a larger processing facility and re-designed mine and production schedule.  We are very grateful that despite difficult market conditions, a large shareholder and certain of our long-term shareholders share our enthusiasm for this effort and have agreed to provide additional financing on terms that are favorable to the Company to ensure that we can continue to accelerate our efforts to complete the feasibility study to evaluate the revised scope of the Mt. Todd gold project and to advance the Mt. Todd gold project."

The above-described securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) or a person in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements and in accordance with all applicable state securities laws of any state of the United States.  This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the above described securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Vista Gold

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 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.

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 private placement, the potential proceeds from the private placement, the use of proceeds from the private placement, incorporation of a larger processing facility and redesigned mine and production schedule into the feasibility study on the Mt. Todd gold project and the growth and development of Vista 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 "may", "will", "intends", "goal", "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 cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of the drilling program, risks related to the adequacy of the design of the drilling program, risks related to 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 latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2012 and Vista's Amendment 1 to its Annual Report 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that it has revised the scope of the Feasibility Study on its Mt. Todd gold project ("FS") to incorporate the following areas of optimization:

• a larger processing facility with daily throughput expected to be in the range of 40-45,000 tonnes of ore per day;
• a redesigned open pit and mine production schedule incorporating a new resource estimate which will include the results of the drilling program currently in progress; and
• design of facilities to recover gold from the existing heap leach pads, commencing in the construction period.

The Company is now targeting the release of the FS in late 2012 or early 2013, which will evaluate a larger project with the hope that it will result in economies of scale, a forward shift in the production of ounces due to the optimization of the mine schedule and the increased throughput rate of the processing facility, and a mine life that results in the more efficient use of project capital. 

Fred Earnest, Vista's President and CEO, commented, "Our decision to change the scope of the FS at this time has been taken in order to incorporate new information from the ongoing drilling program, the subsequent results of mining and processing engineering to optimize the mine production and plant throughput rates, as well as the heap leach testing programs.  The FS we started in April of last year was based on a smaller measured and indicated mineral resource estimate and a 30,000 tonne per day processing facility.  Given the increase in the resource estimate announced last September (please refer to our press release dated September 6, 2011) and our additional exploration results to date, we believe that a larger process facility will be justified. 

We are very pleased with the continued results of the resource conversion drilling program.  We have now completed a substantial majority of the approximately 14,000 planned meters and expect to complete an updated mineral resource estimate for Mt. Todd in the latter part of the third quarter of this year. The results continue to show that the mineralization in the Batman deposit is open to expansion along strike to the north and south, at depth and to the east.  Based on the most recent assays and the drill results previously announced, we expect that the new resource estimate may result in the conversion of a significant portion of the project's estimated inferred resources to estimated measured and indicated resources. Furthermore, because of the location of the mineralized intercepts relative to the previous pit designs, we believe the new FS may result in a larger open pit.

The metallurgical testing that has been completed on material from the existing heap leach pad indicates that the evaluation of the production of gold during the construction of the main process facilities is warranted.  Vista's work over the past several years leads us to believe that we have addressed the technical issues which contributed to the failure of previous operations at the Mt. Todd gold project. The revised scope of the FS will incorporate design changes to deal with these technical issues and renewed leaching of the heap leach pad."

As Vista works to finalize the FS, the Company is also advancing in parallel its permitting and project financing efforts.  Vista continues to discuss the Mt. Todd gold project with, and seek the requisite project approvals on an expedited schedule from, the appropriate agencies in the Northern Territory, Australia.   In addition, Vista is pleased to announce that it has appointed Endeavour Financial Limited (Cayman) to assist the Company with both the evaluation of potential debt finance opportunities for the development of the Mt. Todd gold project, as well as the appointment of a third party technical consultant to review and confirm the studies completed on the Mt. Todd gold project.  This review is to be undertaken in parallel with the FS to independently verify its findings to potential third party financiers and investors.

Additional Drilling Results

Vista has now completed 16 holes totaling 11,835 meters.  The assay results of the first seven holes (approximately 48% of total drilled to-date) were announced previously (please refer to our press releases dated April 25, 2012 and March 12, 2012). The following table summarizes the significant results from the subsequent three holes, representing approximately 14% of total drilled to-date:

The orientation of these drill holes relative to the deposit is shown in cross sections found on the Company's web site at http://www.vistagold.com/mt_todd.php?subpage=dr_20120604.  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.

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 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.

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 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 definitions differ from the definitions in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. 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.  "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. 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, estimates of mineral resources, the timing, completion and results of a feasibility study at the Mt. Todd gold project (including the revised scope of the FS and the expected or hoped results thereof), the timing, completion and results of an updated mineral reserve and resource estimate at the Mt. Todd gold project (including the conversion of inferred resources to measured and indicated resources), the increase in the size of the open pit, the potential to produce gold from the existing heap leach pad, the goals and achievement of the goals of the drilling program and the FS, the size and significance of the Mt. Todd gold project, the justification of a larger process facility, the potential impact of a larger process facility, Vista's ability to address technical issues which contributed to the failure of prior operators and the inclusion of Vista's solutions in the FS, the appointment of and review by and conclusions of a third consultant to confirm prior studies 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 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 drilling activities at the Mt. Todd gold project, 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 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 Vista Gold Corp. website at www.vistagold.com.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Corporation") (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced the appointment of John F. ("Jack") Engele as Sr. Vice President - Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Corporation.  Ms. Terri Eggert, Interim Chief Financial Officer, will continue with the Corporation for a short period to ensure a smooth transition.

Mr. Engele has over 25 years of mining finance and accounting experience including more than 12 years of experience in senior finance executive and CFO roles.  Mr. Engele has substantial industry expertise in multiple areas including strategic planning, project and corporate finance, accounting, tax, risk management and regulatory compliance.  Most recently Mr. Engele was the Sr. Vice President - CFO of Electrum Ltd. (a privately held global gold exploration company).  Previously, Mr. Engele served as the CFO of AngloGold Ashanti, North America and Vice President Finance - CFO of Queenstake Resources Ltd.  Mr. Engele also has prior experience with Vista, having served as the Corporation's Vice President Finance - CFO from 2001-2003.  Mr. Engele is a Certified Management Accountant in British Columbia, Canada and holds an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

Vista's President and Chief Executive Officer, Fred Earnest, commented, "We are very pleased to have Jack return to Vista as our Sr. Vice President - CFO.  His broad mining industry finance experience is an excellent complement to the project analysis/development skill sets of the rest of our senior management team.  We look forward to his contributions to assist us with achieving our goal of becoming a gold producer.  I would also like to thank and acknowledge Terri Eggert for her efforts as Vista's interim CFO over the past 12 months and wish her well in her future endeavors."

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 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the initial results of a sampling and metallurgical testing program on the existing heap leach pad at its Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. To date, the existing heap leach pad has been considered an environmental liability; however, as part of the ongoing feasibility study, Vista completed a review of the historic blast hole and production data associated with the heap leach pad and concluded that there may be potential to recover additional gold from the existing heap leach pad.

In order to evaluate this potential, Vista initiated an evaluation of the existing heap leach pad in December 2011 by completing 12 drill holes and collecting 165 one-meter samples (two were damaged in transit). The one-meter assays were submitted to Northern Australia Laboratories ("NAL") in Pine Creek, Australia, for analysis. In April 2012, Vista completed an additional 12 drill holes and collected 160 one-meter samples which were also submitted to NAL for analysis. The results are presented in the following tables.

Based on the assay results of the initial 12 drill holes, Vista selected 38 samples for bottle roll testing at ALS/Ammtec in Perth, Australia. The bottle roll tests (a test used to determine the amount of cyanide soluble gold in samples) were run on 1 kg samples for 240 hours with 0.05% cyanide. The results of the bottle roll tests are shown in the included graph and the 38 bottle roll tests resulted in an average recovery of 32.9% of the gold present in the samples. These test results led Vista to initiate column leach testing at ALS/Ammtec. Currently, 7 (50 kg) column tests are in progress, the results of which are not expected to be available until late August 2012.

Historic records indicate that the existing heap leach pad has between 13.2 and 18 million tonnes of crushed, agglomerated material on it. 

Fred Earnest, Vista's President & CEO, stated "The drilling and subsequent bottle roll test results from the existing Mt. Todd heap leach pad are causing us to consider some new aspects of the Mt. Todd gold project. The potential to convert what we had previously considered to be a brownfield site liability to a potential revenue generating component of the project could represent a potentially significant source of additional value. We are in the process of evaluating the potentially favorable implications and timing of gold production from the existing heap leach pad and believe that the heap leach pad should be incorporated into the definitive Mt. Todd feasibility study. We are currently evaluating the impact this may have on our current feasibility study."

The samples were obtained using a rotary aircore drill and were collected by employees or contractors of the Company or its subsidiaries 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. The reported assays are from an initial split that were prepared and assayed by NAL. These assays were used to select composites that were subsequently assayed by ALS/Ammtec.

Mr. Frank Fenne has 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 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.

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, expected exploration results, expected timing for results of the column leach testing, potential to convert brownfield site liability to a revenue generating component of the Mt. Todd gold project resulting in a potentially significant source of additional value, potential for favorable implications and timing of gold production from the existing heap leach pad at the Mt. Todd gold project, the inclusion of the heap leach pad into the definitive Mt. Todd feasibility study, the completion of a feasibility study for 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 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 column leach testing; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of anticipated drilling activities at the Mt. Todd gold project, 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 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista," the "Company," "we" or "our") (NYSE Amex and TSX: VGZ) today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012; highlights for the three-month period then ended; and that a management quarterly conference call is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. MDT on Monday, May 14, 2012.  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 (the "SEC") and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on May 8, 2012.

Recent Highlights:

• Vista remains debt free after repaying its $23-million convertible notes in March 2011 and has $14.8 million in cash at March 31, 2012.
• In March 2012, the Company received $1.5 million from Awak Mas Holdings Pty. Ltd. ("Awak Mas") under the additional option agreement, resulting in a gain of $934,000 on the Awak Mas gold project.
• In March 2012, the Company received $733,000 from the exercise of certain compensation options, and in April 2012, the Company received $1.1 million from the exercise of certain compensation warrants.
• On April 19, 2012, the Company announced that it filed a final short form base shelf prospectus with the securities commissions in each province and territory of Canada (other than Quebec) and that its shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC was brought effective (collectively, the "Offering Documents").  The Offering Documents were filed to replace Vista's prior Canadian short form base shelf prospectus that expired last year and Vista's current shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that expired on May 1, 2012 and allow Vista to make offerings of common shares, warrants, subscription receipts or units for aggregate proceeds of up to US$200 million during specified periods of time.
• Under the provisions of the earn-in right agreement (the "Earn-in Right Agreement") between Vista and Invecture Group S.A. de C.V. ("Invecture"), the Company agreed that if certain specified events (the "adjustment triggering events") did not occur by specified dates ending on April 30, 2012, the interest that Invecture could earn-in to the Concordia gold project would increase.  Because the adjustment triggering events had not occurred by April 30, 2012, Invecture's earn-in right increased from 60% to 62.5% effective May 1, 2012.  Also, pursuant to the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, the Company received a $2 million payment from Invecture.

Summary of First Quarter 2012 Financial Results

With the continuation of drilling, permitting and development activities at our Mt. Todd gold project and the on-going exploration program at our Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, we incurred a net loss of $11.2 million, or $0.16 per share ($0.16 per share on a fully diluted basis), for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  This is compared to a net loss of $3.9 million, or $0.06 per share ($0.06 per share on a fully diluted basis), for the same period in 2011.  Compared to the respective prior period, results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 were primarily attributable to: (i) increased costs of $2.8 million that we incurred to advance the feasibility study and permitting process being undertaken at our Mt. Todd gold project; and (ii) increased costs of $976,000 due to legal and professional fees associated with the Earn-in Right Agreement with Invecture and our Canadian and United States prospectuses and for stock-based compensation for the restricted stock units that we granted in January of 2012.  These increased costs were partially offset by the $934,000 gain we realized on the $1.5 million payment we received from Awak Mas under the additional option agreement.  Additionally, we recognized an unrealized loss of $4.6 million, net of deferred taxes, on our investment in Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas") due to a decline in the value of its common shares, which is consistent with the decline experienced during the first quarter of 2012 in the value of shares of other junior gold stocks.

Cash and cash equivalents declined by $3.1 million from $17.9 million at December 31, 2011 to $14.8 million at March 31, 2012 in support of advancements at our Mt. Todd gold project, the exploration drilling program at our Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project and the Earn-in Right Agreement with Invecture.  These cash outflows were partially offset by the $733,000 proceeds we received upon the exercise of certain compensation options, the $2 million non-refundable payment we received from Invecture and the $1.5 million option payment we received from Awak Mas.  The payments we received from both Invecture and Awak Mas reduced the mineral property balances for our Concordia and Awak Mas gold projects by $2 million and $566,000, respectively.  Additionally, our investment in Midas, net of tax, declined in value from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012 as noted above.  Lastly, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1 million for outstanding stock awards, including the restricted stock units we granted in January 2012.

The following table summarizes Vista's selected financial data.  To review the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended March 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.

All dollar amounts in this press release are in United States dollars, except dollar amounts (other than per share data) in the following table, which are in thousands of United States dollars.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for Monday, May 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.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://c81.hostcontrols.com/console/console-login?active=yes

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after May 14, 2012.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America:  1-866-245-6755, passcode 780534.

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 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 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities:  VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional results from its ongoing drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  As part of the Mt. Todd Feasibility Study, the results of which are expected later this quarter, Vista completed a mine pit design based only on measured and indicated mineral resources known at that time.  A review of the feasibility study pit design and the location of inferred mineral resources relative to the feasibility study pit design led the Company to commence an 8,500 meter drilling program in November 2011 designed to convert inferred mineral resources to measured or indicated mineral resources in areas that could expand the pit shape.

Vista has now completed 13 holes totaling 7,768.8 meters.  The assay results of the first three holes (approximately 25% of total drilled to-date) were announced previously. The following table summarizes the results from the subsequent four holes, representing approximately 39% of total drilled to-date:

Based on the initial assay results and the visual logging of core with pending assays, Vista has increased the size of the program from 8,500 meters to 14,300 meters and expects to complete the expanded program in late May or early June of this year.

Fred Earnest, Vista's President & CEO, stated, "The drill results at Mt. Todd continue to confirm our belief that we will be able to convert a portion of the existing estimated inferred resources to measured and indicated resources.  Upon completion of the expanded drill program and the feasibility study on the Mt. Todd gold project, we intend to evaluate whether a larger process facility with higher throughput is warranted to improve the project's economics by optimizing economies of scale and the project life." 

The orientation of these drill holes relative to the deposit is shown in cross sections found on the Company's web site at http://vistagold.com/mt_todd.php?subpage=dr_20120424.  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.  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.

The drilling to-date has been completed and the core has been logged, photographed and sampled by employees or contractors of the Company or its subsidiaries 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. 

In addition to completing the drill program and feasibility study for the Batman Pit at Mt. Todd, Vista is also evaluating the large heap leach pad on site. Vista has now completed 24 rotary drill holes totaling 270 meters on the existing heap and has initiated metallurgical testing to evaluate the possibility of recovering gold from the existing heap by conventional heap leaching methods.

Mr. Frank Fenne has 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 recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 60% interest in the 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.

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

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 definitions differ from the definitions in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. 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 "inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. 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, estimates of mineral resources, expected exploration results (including the conversion of inferred resources), timing and completion of drilling, the timing, completion and results of a feasibility study at the Mt. Todd gold project, the advancement of a feasibility study to evaluate a larger plant 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 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 drilling activities at the Mt. Todd gold project, 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 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.

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 "mineral reserve" and "mineral resource."  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are recognized by Canadian regulations, these terms are not a defined term under the SEC Industry Guide 7 and are 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.

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, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it filed today a final short form base shelf prospectus with the securities commissions in each province and territory of Canada (other than Quebec) and that its shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission was brought effective (collectively, the "Offering Documents"). The Offering Documents were filed to replace Vista's prior Canadian short form base shelf prospectus that expired last year and Vista's current shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that expires in the second quarter of this year. The Offering Documents preserve Vista's ability to complete future financings for corporate growth and development in an efficient and flexible manner, if appropriate at the time.

The Offering Documents allow Vista to make offerings of common shares, warrants, subscription receipts or units for aggregate proceeds of up to US$200 million during the next three years to potential purchasers in the United States and, upon issuance of a receipt by the applicable Canadian securities regulators, during the next 25 months to potential purchasers in each province and territory of Canada (other than Quebec).

As previously announced, Vista currently anticipates using any proceeds from the sale of securities under the Offering Documents, if any, to fund the development of existing or acquired mineral properties and may also use such funds for acquisitions, working capital requirements, to repay indebtedness outstanding from time to time or for other general corporate purposes.

The terms of any securities offered under the Offering Documents and the intended use of the net proceeds resulting from such offering will be established at the time of any offering and will be described in a prospectus supplement filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities at the time of the offering. A copy of the Offering Documents and, at the time of an offering, if any, a prospectus supplement relating to the offering under the Offering Documents, when available, can be obtained by contacting Vista, attention: Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, Suite 5, 7961 Shaffer Parkway, Littleton, Colorado 80127.

About Vista Gold

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 recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 60% interest in the 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 our 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 issuance of a receipt by Canadian securities regulators, the potential filing of a prospectus supplement, the completion of future financings, the use of proceeds from such financings and the growth and development of Vista 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 "may", "will", "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 cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of the drilling program, risks related to the adequacy of the design of the drilling program, risks related to 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 latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2012 and Vista's Amendment 1 to its Annual Report 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today provided an update on the status of the anticipated definitive feasibility study for Vista's Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, and reported results for the ongoing drilling program at its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico. 

Mt. Todd Feasibility Study

Previously, Vista announced that it was targeting release of the results of a definitive feasibility study for its Mt. Todd gold project before the end of the first quarter of 2012 or shortly thereafter.  Due to a longer than expected process to finalize capital and operating costs for the process facility, Vista now expects to release the feasibility study towards the middle of the second quarter of 2012.  All portions of the feasibility study are substantially complete except for the final capital and operating costs for the process facility.  In general, we are anticipating some escalation of operating costs due to industry-wide pressures from increased labor and fuel costs and changes in foreign exchange rates.  The estimated capital costs for the Mt. Todd gold project, however, appear to be in line with our previous expectations.     

Vista's President and CEO, Fred Earnest, commented, "We are working very hard with the process engineers and our independent review team to finalize the Mt. Todd feasibility study and we will release it as soon as it is complete.  Meanwhile, we continue to make excellent progress with our ongoing drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project and have recently increased the scope of the program based on early results.  As a result of the additional drilling, we now expect to release an updated mineral resource estimate in the third quarter of 2012 and, as we have previously announced, will continue to advance work on the feasibility of a larger plant (nominal capacity in the range of 40-45,000 tonnes per day) with the objective of optimizing the mine life and further enhancing the project economics."

Guadalupe de los Reyes Drilling Program

Vista currently has two core drills running at its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico, with the objectives of confirming and upgrading the existing mineral resource estimate, obtaining core for metallurgical test work, and providing additional information in support of a preliminary economic assessment for the project. 

Assays have been received from ten additional holes; three from the Guadalupe vein and seven from the El Zapote vein.  The deeper intercepts from the Guadalupe vein continue to return high grade gold-silver mineralization.  The results from the drilling in the El Zapote vein system are also encouraging and confirm the presence of strong mineralization in the near-surface stockwork veining previously defined by reverse circulation drilling by prior operators.

The results are summarized on the following table.  The equivalent gold grade ("EqAu") was calculated using a metal price ratio of 60:1; 60 g Ag equals 1 g EqAu.

All results are from diamond core holes. Interpreted vein orientation and approximate true width are illustrated on the cross sections on our website. A drill hole location map, together with sections showing the drill hole results and the relationship between the stockwork and low-sulfidation epithermal veins can be found on our website at http://vistagold.com/guadalupe.php?subpage=figures_adr2.

Commenting on the results from Guadalupe de los Reyes, Mr. Earnest stated, "The results of the drilling in El Zapote continue to confirm the results of previously completed reverse circulation drilling and are giving us a much better understanding of the structural controls of the mineral resource.  With the results of this program we expect to be able to further refine the geologic interpretations for the project area.  After we complete the mineral resource confirmation phase of drilling and have sufficient confidence in our geologic model and the project's economic potential, we expect to commence a second phase of deeper drilling to test the potential for higher-grade narrow veins underlying the stockwork that hosts the presently estimated mineral resource."

Core was logged, photographed, and sampled by contractors of Vista under the supervision 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 shipped to the ALSChemex sample prep lab in Hermosillo, Mexico.  Prepared sample pulps were shipped by ALSChemex to its assay lab in Vancouver.  Commercial standards and blanks were submitted routinely with each batch of samples.  Gold was analyzed using a 50 gram fire assay with an atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS") finish.  Silver was initially analyzed using a 41 element ICP analysis using a four acid digestion.  Silver assays greater than 100 g/t were re-assayed using a 50 gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish and these results replaced the AAS finish. An ongoing quality control/quality assurance protocol is employed in the program that includes standards and blanks in every batch of assays.  Check assays were conducted on every 20^th sample by a second independent laboratory.  Sampling, sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with NI 43-101 standards.

Mr. Frank Fenne has 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 recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 60% interest in the 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.

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, estimates of mineral resources, the timing, completion and results of a feasibility study at the Mt. Todd gold project (including increased operating costs), the timing and completion of an updated mineral reserve and resource estimate at the Mt. Todd gold project, the advancement of a feasibility study to evaluate a larger plant at the Mt. Todd gold project, the expectation to further refine geological interpretations at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, the timing and results of the second phase drilling program at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, the potential for high grade gold-silver mineralization at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, the location of the intercepts in the Guadalupe vein in comparison to the productive zone 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 drilling activities at the Mt. Todd gold project and the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, 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 latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 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.

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 "mineral reserve" and "mineral resource."  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are recognized by Canadian regulations, these terms are not a defined term 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 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 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it filed today a preliminary short form base shelf prospectus with the securities commissions in each province and territory of Canada (other than Quebec) and a corresponding shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (collectively, the "Offering Documents").  The Offering Documents were filed to replace Vista's prior Canadian short form base shelf prospectus that expired last year and Vista's current shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that expires in the second quarter of this year.  This preserves Vista's ability to complete future financings for corporate growth and development in an efficient and flexible manner, if appropriate at the time.

The Offering Documents, if and when brought effective, will allow Vista to make offerings of common shares, warrants, subscription receipts or units for aggregate proceeds of up to US$200 million during the next 25 months to potential purchasers in each province and territory of Canada (other than Quebec) and the United States.  The authorized amount of aggregate proceeds is the same as the proceeds authorized under Vista's prior Canadian short form base shelf prospectus and Vista's current shelf registration statement on Form S-3.

Vista currently anticipates using any proceeds from the sale of securities under the Offering Documents, if any, to fund the development of existing or acquired mineral properties and may also use such funds for acquisitions, working capital requirements, to repay indebtedness outstanding from time to time or for other general corporate purposes.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.  This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

The terms of any securities offered under the registration statement and the intended use of the net proceeds resulting from such offering will be established at the time of any offering and will be described in a prospectus supplement filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at the time of the offering. After the registration statement becomes effective, a copy of the shelf registration statement on Form S-3 and copies of the base shelf prospectus contained therein and, at the time of any offering, if any, a prospectus supplement relating to the offering under the registration statement, when available, can be obtained by contacting Vista, attention: Connie Martinez at (720) 981-1185, Suite 5, 7961 Shaffer Parkway, Littleton, Colorado 80127.

About Vista Gold

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 recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 60% interest in the 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.

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 future effectiveness of the prospectus and the registration statement, the completion of future financings, the use of proceeds from such financings and the growth and development of Vista and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  When used in this press release, the words "may", "will", "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 cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of the drilling program, risks related to the adequacy of the design of the drilling program, risks related to 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 latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE Amex and TSX: VGZ) today provided an overview of the Company's recent operating highlights and selected financial results and highlights for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The Company's full financial results, 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 (the "SEC") and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on March 14, 2012.

Recent Highlights Include:

• On March 12, 2012, the Company announced initial results from its resource conversion drilling program, which is in progress at its Mt. Todd gold project, and its decision to build a project development team and to evaluate the potential for a larger project as its definitive feasibility study nears completion;
• Vista announced on February 27, 2012 the initial results of a drilling program, in progress at its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project.  The program is designed to provide information for a Preliminary Economic Assessment study of the shallow gold and silver resources and to test exciting deeper high grade gold and silver extensions to the vein system;
• On February 7, 2012, Vista and Invecture Group S.A. de C.V. ("Invecture") entered into an earn-in right agreement (the "Earn-in Right Agreement") with respect to Vista's Concordia gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico.  Under the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, Invecture made a non-refundable payment of $2 million in exchange for the right to earn a 60% interest (subject to adjustment) in Desarrollos Zapal S.A. de C.V.  See our press release dated February 7, 2012 for additional information on the Earn-in Right Agreement;
• Vista remains debt free after repaying its $23-million convertible notes in March 2011 and has $17.9 million in cash at December 31, 2011;
• The fair value of the Company's investment in Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas") was estimated at $119.9 million at December 31, 2011, an increase of $9.6 million for the three months then ended; and
• Vista appointed Fred Earnest as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective January 1, 2012.

Highlights for 2011 Include:

• Increased estimated gold resources at Mt. Todd announced on September 6, 2011;
• Public offering of 9,000,000 common shares on April 20, 2011;
• Completion of the combination with Midas Gold Inc. on April 6, 2011 and its subsequent initial public offering on July 14, 2011;
• Repayment of Vista's convertible notes on March 4, 2011; and
• Results of a new Preliminary Feasibility Study at Mt. Todd announced on January 4, 2011.

Summary of 2011 Financial Results

For the year ended December 31, 2011, Vista reported net income of $51.5 million, or $0.75 per share ($0.74 per share on a fully diluted basis), compared to a net loss of $20 million, or $0.42 per share ($0.42 per share on a fully diluted basis), for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Results for the year ended December 31, 2011 benefited from the unrealized gain of approximately $77.8 million that was recognized upon the completion of the combination (the "Combination") of Vista's and Midas Gold Inc.'s assets in the Yellow Pine-Stibnite District in Idaho and the increase in the estimated fair value of its investment in Midas of $37.3 million.  The value of the investment in Midas is estimated based on quoted market prices of Midas' shares, discounted to the extent considered necessary to account for the regulatory holding period applicable to those shares.  These increases in Vista's net income were partially offset by the $35.5 million increase in deferred tax expense and the increase in exploration, property evaluation and holding costs of $8.3 million, which were incurred for the feasibility study being undertaken at the Mt. Todd gold project.

The Company's balance sheet at December 31, 2011 benefited from its investment in Midas, which was recorded at a fair value estimated at $119.9 million on that date.  This increase was offset by the net deferred tax liability of about $35.5 million associated with unrealized gains that were recognized upon the completion of the Combination and for the increase in the estimated fair value of the investment in Midas.  Vista's cash and cash equivalents were primarily impacted by the repayment of $23 million in convertible notes on March 4, 2011, the approximate $29 million that was raised on April 20, 2011 in the Company's public offering of 9,000,000 shares of its common stock, the $3.6 million cash that was invested in Midas and the approximate $25 million of cash that was used in operating activities, of which about $21.8 was incurred on exploration, property evaluation and holding costs on Vista's core projects.

The following table summarizes Vista's selected financial data.  To review the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 that includes the annual financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis, visit any of the following websites:  www.sedar.com, www.sec.gov or www.vistagold.com.

All dollar amounts in this press release are in United States dollars, except dollar amounts (other than per share data) in the following table, which are in thousands of United States dollars.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2011 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for Monday, March 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.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/event/?event_id=2647

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after March 19, 2012.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America:  1-866-245-6755, passcode 420604.

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 is advancing exploration on its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project in Mexico and has recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 60% interest in the 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.

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 building a project development team for Mt. Todd, evaluating the potential for a larger project at Mt. Todd, timing and completion of a definitive feasibility study at Mt. Todd, positive results of the drilling program at Guadalupe de los Reyes that support the Company's hypothesis that there is potential for high grade gold and silver mineralization in the district, the value of the investment in Midas, the development of the Mt. Todd and Concordia gold projects, Vista's goal of becoming a gold producer and other matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  When used in this press release, the words "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 that 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, risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs, risks related to 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, risks related to the future value of Vista's Midas' shares (including Vista's lack of involvement in the business of Midas and all risks associated with Midas' business) and uncertainty of being able to raise capital on favorable terms or at all, as well as those factors 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, 2012 and other documents filed with the SEC 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 Canadian National Instrument NI 43-101 ("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 "resource". We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized by Canadian regulations, this 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. These 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 or government authorizations 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the initial results of the current resource conversion drilling program at its Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, and provide an update on the Company's development activities at the Mt. Todd gold project as the definitive feasibility study nears completion. The Company has decided to build a project development team in Australia and to evaluate the potential for a larger project than contemplated in the feasibility study.

Conversion Drilling Program – Initial Results

As part of the ongoing Mt. Todd feasibility study process, Vista generated a final pit design based on estimated measured and indicated mineral resources. Subsequently, the Company determined the limits of an economic pit using estimated measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources. This economic pit design and the location of inferred mineral resources relative to the feasibility study pit design led the Company to commence an 8,500 meter drilling program in November 2011 designed to convert estimated inferred mineral resources to estimated measured or indicated mineral resources in areas that could expand the feasibility study pit shape. The program is ongoing and the first three holes have been logged and assayed. The initial results are consistent with Vista's expectation that the program will result in the reclassification of estimated resources in the area between the two pit shapes. The following table summarizes the results from the initial three holes:

The drill results, and particularly hole VB11-012, continue to indicate that the Batman mineralization is open at depth and exhibits increasing gold grades with depth. The results for hole VB11-013 suggest that previous exploration in this part of the deposit may have drilled below the up-rake, near surface expression of the core zone of the deposit. Mineralization in the hanging wall of the core zone is more widespread than has been previously modeled and if we are successful, it is expected that additional drilling of this style of mineralization within the limits of the pit will convert modeled inferred mineralization and waste into ore, resulting in a decrease in the stripping ratio. Based on these initial results Vista has increased the size of its drilling program and is presently sourcing an additional drill rig to expedite the completion of the program.

The orientation of these drill holes relative to the Batman deposit is shown on cross sections that can be found on the Company's web site at http://www.vistagold.com/mt_todd.php?subpage=batman. 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, but mostly average 1 meter. Mean grades are calculated using a 0.4 g Au/t cutoff with no upper cap applied to assay values. The maximum length of internal waste is 4.0 meters.

The drilling has been completed and the core has been logged, photographed and sampled by employees or contractors of Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd. 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 Genalysis Laboratory Services in Perth, Australia. Gold grades are based on a 50 gram fire assay method.

Core logging and sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with NI 43-101 standards.

Feasibility Study and Project Development Update

The current feasibility study is based on a 30,000 ore tonne per day mine and the Company expects to announce the results before the end of the first quarter of 2012 or shortly thereafter. Based on the work done to date, the Company is initiating the process of hiring a General Manager and starting to build an Australian-based project development team. Also, the Company is advancing work to evaluate a larger 40-45,000 tonne per day project based on the presently anticipated mine life and the potential for additional growth in project reserves.

As noted in this release, the Company believes that the drilling program will result in an increase in the estimated measured and indicated mineral resources at the Mt. Todd gold project. Based on conceptual mine plans that include the targeted inferred mineral resource blocks, the Company has reason to believe that an additional increase in proven and probable reserves is also possible and should be evaluated in an updated feasibility study prior to a definitive project development decision. Moreover, the anticipated life of the project has increased at the presently contemplated processing rate of 30,000 tonnes per day. The Company believes that a larger process facility may be justified, resulting in a shorter mine life, increased annual production and more efficient use of the mining equipment capital, with a general shift in the production toward the start of the project and corresponding improvements to the project's economics. The Company intends to conduct an updated feasibility study based on a larger process facility in order to appropriately evaluate the potential costs and benefits prior to the anticipated approval of the principle environmental permits later this year.

Other recent developments at Mt. Todd include testing of the large heap leach pad on site. This initial testing suggests that the heap leach pad may still contain a significant amount of gold. The Company is planning additional drilling, and metallurgical testing is in progress to determine if the heap can be re-commissioned or be treated as ball mill feed for the planned processing facility. The initial testing program leads the Company to believe that the heap leach pad should be considered as an asset rather than a reclamation liability as presently considered.

Vista's President and CEO, Fred Earnest, commented on these new developments: "Work on the Mt. Todd feasibility study is being finalized and we expect to announce the results before the end of the first quarter of 2012 or shortly thereafter. Through our significant efforts over the past seven years, we believe we have addressed all of the issues related to those conditions that contributed to the failure of previous operations. We believe that the metallurgical testing and process engineering reports will provide the market with a clear understanding, supported by testing results and analysis, of what needs to be done to efficiently process the ore in the Mt. Todd deposit. Additionally, we believe there is opportunity to further optimize the Mt. Todd gold project and to enhance the project's economics prior to the anticipated approval of the principle environmental permits in the 4th quarter of this year. I am pleased that we are now moving forward to build a project management team for this project and look forward to the results of continued refinements in the coming months."

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 recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 60% interest in the 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.

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

This press release and the reports referred to 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 definitions differ from the definitions in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. 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. "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. 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 and the reports referred to in this press release use the terms "proven and probable reserves" and "mineral reserves." We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards, such definitions differ from the definitions in 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. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in this category 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 Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as estimates of mineral reserves and resources, the timing and completion of a feasibility study at the Mt. Todd gold project, the conversion of mineral resources to mineral reserves, estimates and location of inferred resources at the Mt. Todd gold project, the potential use of core drill rigs and the planned drilling program at the Mt. Todd gold project, opportunities to expand measured and indicated resource estimates, potential growth of proven and probable reserves, life of mine, processing rate of facilities, increases in annual production, efficiency of mining equipment capital, increase in project size and the resulting impact on project economics, presence of gold in heap leach pad, characterization of heap leach pad as an asset rather than a reclamation liability 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 reserve and resource estimates, estimates of results based on such reserve and resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to scheduling for a feasibility study; risks that mineral reserve and resource estimate will not be confirmed by a new feasibility study; risks that a new feasibility study will contain other risk factors important to investors; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs including cost of power; risks relating to delays at the Mt. Todd gold project; risks related to delays in the timing and completion of the Mt. Todd drill program; 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 "Uncertainty of Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2011, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed November 9, 2011 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional results for the drilling program currently in progress at its Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico.  Drilling with one drill resumed on January 10, 2012 and a second drill began drilling on January 23, 2012.

Assays have been received from three holes; two from the Guadalupe vein and one from the El Zapote vein. The intercepts from the Guadalupe vein confirm our hypothesis that there is potential for high grade gold-silver mineralization in the district.  Based on the depth of historical underground workings, it is estimated that the intercepts in the Guadalupe vein are a couple hundred meters above the base of the productive zone.  Neither drill hole from the Guadalupe vein reached the planned target depth due to difficult drilling conditions, though, assay results from 12GV-02 indicated strong mineralization at the bottom of the hole.

The results from the first hole in the El Zapote vein are encouraging and confirm the presence of near surface stockwork veining previously defined by reverse circulation drilling.

The results are summarized in the following table.  The equivalent gold grade (Au equiv) was calculated using a metal price ratio of 60:1; 60 g Ag equals 1 g AuEq.

All results are from angle diamond core holes. Interpreted vein orientation and approximate true width are illustrated on the cross sections on our website. The high grade mineralization intersected in 12GV-02 from 236.3 to 245.2 meters occurs in a brecciated quartz vein and resulted in a lower core recovery (approx. 34%) than has been typically encountered. It is likely that finely ground rock was washed from the core.  The grade of the interval without this loss of material could be lower or higher than reported.  A drill hole location map, together with sections showing the drill hole results and the relationship between the stockwork and low-sulfidation epithermal ("LSE") veins can be found on our website at http://vistagold.com/guadalupe.php?subpage=figures_adr.

Vista's President and CEO, Fred Earnest, stated, "In addition to confirming the results of previous reverse circulation drilling, we are making tremendous advances in validating our hypothesis that the stockwork systems that host the reported estimated mineral resources are underlain by LSE veins with the potential for high gold grades and bonanza silver grades.  We are excited by the success of this drilling program and look forward to the results of drilling on other veins within the district.  These preliminary results (grades and thicknesses) suggest that the LSE veins potentially could be mined by mechanized underground mining methods.  Following the completion of this program in March, we intend to evaluate the overall exploration potential of the district and propose additional drilling in the hope that we can define a high-grade underground mineral resource estimate."

Core was logged, photographed, and sampled by contractors of Vista under the supervision 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 shipped to the ALSChemex sample prep lab in Hermosillo, Mexico.  Prepared sample pulps were shipped by ALSChemex to its assay lab in Vancouver.  Commercial standards and blanks were submitted routinely with each batch of samples.  Gold was analyzed using a 50 gram fire assay with an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish.  Silver was initially analyzed using a 41 element ICP analysis using a four acid digestion.  Silver assays greater than 100 g/t were re-assayed using a 50 gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish and these results replaced the AAS finish. An on-going quality control/quality assurance protocol is employed in the program that includes standards and blanks in every batch of assays.  Check assays were conducted on every 20th sample by a second independent laboratory.  Sampling, sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with NI 43-101 standards.

Vista has awarded a contract for the completion of a preliminary economic assessment for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold project to Tetra Tech, Inc., of Golden, Colorado, and it is anticipated that Tetra Tech, Inc. will complete the study early in the 3rd quarter of 2012.  This study will focus on the economic viability of an open pit mine with a mill to recover gold and silver from the presently reported estimated mineral resources.

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 recently granted Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. a right to earn a 60% interest in the 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.

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, estimates of mineral resources, the timing and results of permitting the drill program at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project, the timing, amount of drilling and results of the Phase II drilling program at Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project, the timing, preparation and results of the preliminary economic assessment for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project, potential for a high-grade underground mineral resource estimate, the potential for high grade gold-silver mineralization in the district and the potential for high gold grades and bonanza silver grades at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project, the location of the intercepts in the Guadalupe vein in comparison to the productive zone, potential to mine the LSE veins by mechanized underground mining methods 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 relating to delays in the completion of  anticipated drilling activities at the Guadalupe de los Reyes project and the completion of the preliminary economic assessment, risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits for the drilling program at the Guadalupe de los Reyes 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, 2011, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed November 9, 2011, 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 Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("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 are 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.

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, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an Earn-in Right Agreement (the "Agreement") with Mexico-based Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. ("Invecture") with respect to Vista's Concordia gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico.  Invecture is the owner of Frontera Copper Corporation, which owns and operates the Piedras Verdes Copper Mine in the Mexican State of Sonora.  A conference call with management to discuss this transaction is scheduled for Monday, February 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. MST.

Vista holds the Concordia gold project through its wholly-owned, Mexican subsidiary, Desarrollos Zapal, S.A. de C.V. ("DZ Mexico").  Under the terms of the Agreement, Invecture has agreed to make a non-refundable payment of US$2.0 million in exchange for the right to earn a 60% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico (the "Earn-in Right").  The Earn-in Right will expire if not exercised by February 7, 2014, subject to extension in certain circumstances (the "Earn-in Period").  The Agreement provides that during the Earn-in Period, Invecture will, at its sole expense, manage and operate the Concordia gold project and will undertake all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the Change of Forest Land Use Permit ("CUSF") and the Authorization of Environmental Impact which are required to develop the project.  Invecture has advised that it will secure US$70.0 million in project debt finance to construct the Concordia gold project after it has exercised the Earn-in Right and after a project development decision has been made. Once Invecture has earned its interest in the Concordia gold project, the parties have agreed to evaluate market conditions with regard to the future organization and ownership structure of DZ Mexico.

Commenting on this transaction with Invecture, Fred Earnest, President and CEO of Vista, said, "Our team in Mexico has worked hard to advance the Concordia gold project.  This investment by Invecture represents a vote of confidence that the Concordia gold project represents an excellent opportunity to develop a new mine that we expect will make an important contribution to employment and to the economy in Baja California.   We and Invecture believe that the environmental impacts of the development of a mine can be limited and that the benefits to the state and local communities will far outweigh these concerns.  We believe Invecture's in-country experience, financial strength, and committed management team make Invecture an excellent strategic partner to take the lead in securing the authorizations and financing required to bring Concordia into production."  

The Agreement provides that the exercise of the Earn-in Right by Invecture is conditional upon, among other things: (i) receipt of the CUSF and the Authorization of Environmental Impact; (ii) the completion of a feasibility report on the Concordia gold project which updates the existing feasibility report with respect to costs; (iii) Invecture funding the Concordia gold project during the Earn-in Period; and (iv) Invecture making an additional payment of US$20.0 million to DZ Mexico, which amount will be used to repay intercompany loans owed by DZ Mexico to Vista. 

During the Earn-in Period and subject to the terms of the Agreement, Vista will hold 40% of the DZ Mexico shareholder voting rights.  The remaining 60% of the DZ Mexico shareholder voting rights will be held in a trust that will be instructed by representatives from Vista and Invecture.  Upon Invecture's exercise of the Earn-in Right, Vista will continue to hold a 40% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico and the Concordia gold project.  

As part of the Agreement, DZ Mexico has transferred all of its other material assets, including the mill equipment acquired by Vista for the Concordia gold project in 2008 and the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, to other entities in the Vista group of companies.  Vista has granted Invecture the option to cause DZ Mexico to acquire the mill equipment for US$16.0 million plus storage, insurance and transportation costs and any applicable taxes.  This option is exercisable by Invecture during the first 12 months after the date of the Agreement. 

Mr. Earnest went on to conclude, "With Concordia being funded and managed by a very capable Mexican partner, we are able to fully focus our energy and resources on the development of the Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, and on the exploration and evaluation of the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico.  We have drilling programs underway at both of these projects, and in the coming weeks, we expect to announce the results of a definitive feasibility study for the Mt. Todd gold project, which will be a significant milestone in our development of that world class project."

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of its Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, and its Concordia gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer. After the initial public offering of the common shares of Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas"), Vista held approximately 30% of Midas' common shares. Midas has a large exploration property in Idaho, including the Yellow Pine property previously held by Vista. Vista's other holdings include the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project in Mexico, 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 Vista's website at www.vistagold.com.

About Invecture Group, S.A de C.V.

Invecture Group holds approximately $500 million in assets, is owned by Mexican investors and owns Frontera Copper Corporation whose principal asset is the Piedras Verdes copper mine in the State of Sonora, Mexico. It acquired Frontera in 2009 and has executed a significant turnaround in operational, financial and community relationship terms. This included restarting the Piedras Verdes mine, raising US$140 million to acquire mining equipment, build a crushing, screening and stacking circuit and a major upgrade to the management team.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to discuss this transaction is scheduled for Monday, February 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. MST.

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/event/?event_id=2580

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after February 13, 2012.  Audio replay will be available for three weeks by calling in North America:  1-866-245-6755, passcode 827120.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please feel free to 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.

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 timing of the expiry of the Earn-in Period, the exercise of the Earn-in Right by Invecture, Vista's continued interest in DZA Mexico after the exercise of the Earn-in Right, the receipt of the required mining authorizations in respect of the Concordia gold project, the completion of an updated feasibility report on the Concordia gold project, the payment by Invecture of costs associated with the Concordia gold project, the payment by Invecture of US$20 million to DZA Mexico to exercise the Earn-in Right and the subsequent repayment of intercompany loans, the anticipated benefits of the Earn-in Right Agreement, the ability of Invecture to assist with the advancement of the Concordia gold project, including acceleration of efforts and receipt of authorizations required for the Concordia gold project, the evaluation of strategic alternatives for the Concordia gold project, development of a mine at the Concordia gold project and the resulting contribution to employment and the economy in Baja California, environmental impact of development on the mine, benefit to local and state communities as a result of development of a mine at the Concordia gold project, timing for and announcement of the definitive feasibility study for the Mt. Todd gold project 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," "could," "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 associated with reliance on Invecture, risks related to timing, completion and results of feasibility studies, uncertainty of resource estimates, estimates of results based on such resource estimates; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks related to 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 latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2011, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed November 9, 2011, 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities: VGZ) ("Vista") is pleased to announce the results of its initial drilling program for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico.  In November 2011, Vista initiated an exploration drilling program on the project.  With the results of the first 10 core holes, we have begun to achieve our objectives of:

• Obtaining core for metallurgical testing from the stockwork that is the host for the project's current reported estimated resource in support of a planned Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA");
• Testing for the potential for high gold and silver grades in the underlying low-sulfidation epithermal vein systems, with hole 11GW-001 intersecting 1.5 meters of 5.46 grams/ton ("g/t") gold and 645.7 g/t silver at 60 meters below surface; and
• Confirming the historic reverse circulation drill results with diamond core drilling.

Prior to the holiday break this past December, Vista completed 10 diamond core holes totaling 1,470 meters.  All of the holes targeted the Guadalupe vein system which can be traced over a distance of 4.5 kilometers.  Approximately 2.5 kilometers of strike length was extensively developed by historic mining with underground workings extending 400 meters vertically.

A drill hole map, together with typical sections showing the relationship between the stockwork and low-sulfidation epithermal ("LSE") veins can be found on our website at http://www.vistagold.com/guadalupe.php?subpage=figures_idp.

In the Guadalupe West area, six holes were drilled down dip and along strike from previous drilling.  Three additional holes were drilled to explore the projection of the vein to the east in an area with no prior drilling.  These holes were designed to test potential veining below surface stockwork outcrops that have returned assays ranging from 1 to 4 g/t gold.  The final hole targeted high grade mineralization east of the main area of historic production. 

Six of the 10 holes intersected 10 to 40 meters of quartz veins and stockwork zones.  In this area the vein is typically five to eight meters wide with stockwork veining extending an additional 20 to 30 meters up the hole.  Assays are still pending from the final hole.

The following table summarizes the results of the drilling program.  The drilling was oriented to intersect the vein system at right angles to provide a close approximation of true width.

*calculated at 60:1 Ag:Au

Frank Fenne, Vista's Vice President of Exploration commented, "This initial phase of core drilling at Guadalupe de los Reyes confirmed that we are in a district that is host to a system of LSE veins with the potential for higher gold and silver grades, particularly when you look at the intercepts from hole 11GW-001.  This is only the first round of core drilling we have undertaken in the district, however, and we are still in the early stages of our understanding of the system.  Based on these initial holes, the stockwork appears to be more extensive than previously contemplated and, therefore, we are now drilling deeper holes as the program continues."

Drilling resumed at Guadalupe de los Reyes on January 5, 2012, and a second drill is scheduled to arrive on site on January 20, 2012.  The planned program of 4,000 meters of core drilling is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2012.  Vista plans to complete a PEA for an open pit project during 2012.  

This drilling program, including the logging, photographing, and sampling by contractors of Vista, was conducted under the supervision 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 shipped to the ALSChemex sample prep lab in Hermosillo, Mexico.  Prepared sample pulps were shipped by ALSChemex to its assay lab in Vancouver.    Gold was analyzed using a 50 gram fire assay with an atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS") finish.  Silver was initially analyzed using a 41 element ICP analysis using a four acid digestion.  Silver assays greater than 100 g/t were re-assayed using a 50 gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish and these results replaced the AAS finish. An on-going quality control/quality assurance protocol is employed in the program that includes standards and blanks in every batch of assays.  Check assays were conducted on every 20th sample by a second independent laboratory.  Sampling, sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with NI 43-101 standards.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is focused on the development of its Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, and its Concordia gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer.  After the initial public offering of the common shares of Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas"), Vista held approximately 30% of Midas' common shares.  Midas has a large exploration property in Idaho, including the Yellow Pine property previously held by Vista. Vista's other holdings include the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project in Mexico, 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, estimates of mineral resources,  the timing, amount of drilling and results of the drilling program at Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project, the timing and preparation of the PEA for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project, the potential for higher silver and gold grades at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project, timing and delivery of an additional drill at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project 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 relating to delays in the completion of  anticipated drilling activities at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project and the completion of the PEA, risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits for the drilling program at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project, risks related to the timing and delivery  an additional drill at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver 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, 2011, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed November 9, 2011, 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 "estimated resource". We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized by Canadian regulations, this 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. These 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 the primary environmental analysis or report 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, Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities:  VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2012, Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Earnest's new title will be President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Earnest's appointment follows the retirement of Michael B. Richings as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Richings will continue to be actively involved with Vista in his role as a director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Richings, who returned to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation in 2004, leaves a legacy of creating shareholder value.  Following the acquisition of Vista's flagship Mt. Todd gold project in 2006, Mr. Richings conceived and led the transaction that resulted in the formation of Allied Nevada Gold Corp. ("ANV") and a significant distribution of value to the Corporation's shareholders in the form of ANV shares.  Mr. Richings was also integral to the recent contribution of the Corporation's Yellow Pine project to the recently formed Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas").  The current value of Vista's investment in Midas is approximately US$118 million.

Succeeding Mr. Richings is Mr. Earnest, who is highly qualified for the role of Vista's Chief Executive Officer having worked closely with Mr. Richings and the Board of Directors for the past several years.  Since August 1, 2007, Mr. Earnest has served as Vista's President and Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Earnest holds a degree in Mining Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and has over 25 years of experience in the design, evaluation, permitting, construction and operation of mining projects in the Americas and Australia.  During his tenure with Vista, Mr. Earnest has successfully advanced the Corporation's core projects including overseeing the growth of the Corporation's Mt. Todd gold project in Australia and the pending completion of the project's bankable feasibility study.

Mr. Tom Ogryzlo, the Chairman of Vista's Corporate Governance Committee commented, "on behalf of the Board of Directors and the shareholders of the Corporation, we thank Mr. Richings for his leadership and dedication to the Corporation. We are pleased to have Mr. Richings' continued leadership as our Chairman of the Board of Directors and are equally pleased with the smooth transition to Mr. Earnest's very capable leadership.  We know, based on Mr. Earnest's proven track record and accomplishments with the Corporation during the past 5 years, that we have an experienced and accomplished mining executive to lead Vista into the future. We are looking forward to an exciting year in 2012, and to Mr. Richings' and Mr. Earnest's continued contributions to the growth of the Corporation and the value for our shareholders."

About Vista Gold Corp.
Vista is focused on the development of its Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia, and its Concordia gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, to achieve its goal of becoming a gold producer.  After the initial public offering of the common shares of Midas, Vista holds approximately 30% of Midas' common shares, which has a large exploration property in Idaho, including the Yellow Pine property previously held by Vista. Vista's other holdings include the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold-silver project in Mexico, 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. 

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 pending completion of a feasibility study at the Mt. Todd gold project 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 reserve and resource estimates, estimates of results based on such reserve and resource and reserve estimates; risks relating to scheduling for a feasibility study; risks that mineral reserve and resource estimate will not be confirmed by a new feasibility study; risks that a new feasibility study will contain other risk factors important to investors; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs including cost of power; risks relating to delays 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 "Uncertainty of Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 14, 2011, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed November 9, 2011 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.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.