INSIDER TRADING — Crown insider buys shares at 52-week low

Shares of Crown Resources (TSE) have slid steadily downhill since late last year, when the junior announced plans to withdraw from the Kettle River gold operation in northeastern Washington.

In mid-February, when Crown hit a 52-week low, Executive Vice-president Christopher Herald recognized a bargain and moved into the market. According to the Ontario Securities Commission’s Bulletin, Herald bought 12,200 shares at between $3 and $3.38 to hold 53,326 directly and indirectly. The stock has recovered somewhat and is now trading at $5 in a 52-week range of $3 to $10.25.

By dropping its 30% interest in Kettle River, Crown walked away from US$19 million in non-recourse debt owed to partner Echo Bay Mines. The junior still holds a 49% interest in the Crown Jewel gold deposit in Washington, for which Battle Mountain Gold is completing an environmental impact statement. Other transactions after Feb. 1 include:

Aber Resources (TSE) — Lyle Hepburn, insider, sold 25,000 at $2.02-$2.55 to hold 40,001.

American Barrick Resources (TSE) — Daniel McConvey, officer, exercised 20,000 options at $7.53 and sold 20,000 shares at $21.63 to hold 40,000 options and no shares.

Ateba Mines (CDN) — Arthur Howe, director, bought 100,000 privately at 20 cents to hold 379,874.

Azco Mining (TSE) — Anthony Harvey, officer and director, bought 35,000 at $2.60-2.75 to hold 70,000.

Cambior (TSE) — Jean Boissonnault, officer, sold 2,700 at $12.75 to hold 2,841. Gerard Piourde, officer, sold 8,000 at $12.38 to hold 200. Canmine Resources (CDN) — Eric Plexman, officer and director, sold 13,126 indirectly at 35 cents to hold 200,736 directly.

Equity Reserve (TSE) — Julie Stokke, officer, bought 50,000 at $1.50 to hold 50,000.

Franco-Nevada Mining (TSE) — Robert Luba, officer, sold 7,600 at $30.81 to hold 18,000.

Kerr Addison Mines (TSE) — Ian Bayer, officer, sold 9,836 at $16.50-18.63 to hold none.

Sherritt Gordon (TSE) — Eric Sprott, director, sold 8,250 indirectly at $7.50 to hold none.

Thunderwood Resources (TSE) — Peter McCarter, officer, sold 43,000 at 63-67 cents to hold 388,736.