Mexus Gold US announced today that Argonaut Gold notified the company that it will not exercise their option at the Julio/Santa Elena property. Argonaut explained that the uncertainty with the price of gold is challenging exploration budgets. This, along with the obligations of $5,000,000 in drilling and mapping, $950,000 payable to Mexus to continue the JV, and a 20% fully carried contract were all factors in their decision . To date it is estimated that Argonaut has spent upwards of $500,000 in drilling, mapping and other associated costs. They also added that in better economic times the company would have exercised the JV option.