Argonaut Gold Announces the Collegiate Tribunal Has Ruled to Reinstate the Explosives Permit at the La Colorada Mine

Argonaut Gold Inc. (TSX: AR) (the “Company”, “Argonaut Gold” or “Argonaut”) is pleased to announce that the Collegiate Tribunal (an arm of the State Supreme court that is tasked with overseeing the Judiciary court) has unanimously ruled to lift the suspension of the explosives permit at the La Colorada mine (see press releases dated April 12, 2018, April 17, 2018, April 27, 2018, May 17, 2018 and June 5, 2018).  The ruling directs that the Secretary of National Defense (“SEDENA”) reinstate the explosives permit.

SEDENA was immediately informed of the ruling and it is expected that SEDENA will reinstate the explosives permit imminently.  Once SEDENA officially reinstates the explosive permit, the Company will be able to resume blasting operations.  It is anticipated that ramp up of full operations will be re-established by approximately mid-July.

With this successful appeal, the Company will now have the ability to continue full operations during the balance of the Judiciary legal process.  The Company is encouraged by the Collegiate Tribunal’s ruling and continues to believe the legal action brought against SEDENA and the Municipality of La Colorada is without merit.

During the suspension, the Company continued to operate at the budgeted production rate of 12,000 tonnes per day with free-dig material in the pit and low-grade ore stockpiles.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the proposed transaction and the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Argonaut Gold Inc. (“Argonaut” or “Argonaut Gold”).  Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to permitting and legal processes in relation to mining permitting and approvals; estimated production and mine life of the various mineral projects of Argonaut; synergies and financial impact of completed acquisitions; the benefits of the development potential of the properties of Argonaut; the future price of gold, copper, and silver; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; success of exploration activities; and currency exchange rate fluctuations.  Except for statements of historical fact relating to Argonaut, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur.  Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Argonaut and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include legal and regulatory processes, changes in market conditions, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, risks relating to international operations, fluctuating metal prices and currency exchange rates, changes in project parameters, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.  Although Argonaut has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended.  There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.  Argonaut undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws.  The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.  Comparative market information is as of a date prior to the date of this document.

About Argonaut Gold

Argonaut Gold is a Canadian gold company engaged in exploration, mine development and production activities.  Its primary assets are the production stage El Castillo mine and San Agustin mine, which together form the El Castillo Complex in Durango, Mexico and the production stage La Colorada mine in Sonora, Mexico.  Advanced exploration stage projects include the San Antonio project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, Mexicoand the Magino project in Ontario, Canada.  The Company also has several exploration stage projects, all of which are located in North America.