The most obvious spin-out in the whole of South America's mining scene is now happening

And about time too. We'll have a look at this at the weekend, subbers. Here's how the NR starts, click to continue

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - 03/17/11) - Minera Andes Inc. (the "Corporation" or "Minera Andes") (TSX:MAI - News)(OTC.BB:MNEAF - News) is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a spin-out its Los Azules Copper Project into a new publicly traded company.

The Los Azules Project is a 100% owned advanced-stage porphyry copper exploration project located in the cordilleran region of San Juan Province, Argentina near the border with Chile. It is one of the world's largest undeveloped copper deposits with an indicated mineral resource of 137 million tonnes grading 0.73% copper, equivalent to 2.2 billion pounds of copper, and an inferred mineral resource of 900 million tonnes grading 0.52% copper, equivalent to 10.3 billion pounds of copper. Exploration and infill drilling continues with five drills currently operating at the Los Azules Copper Project.

-- Management believes now is the time to unlock the value and potential of
Minera Andes' world class Los Azules Copper Project.
-- The spin-out of the Los Azules Copper Project allows Minera Andes
shareholders CONTINUES HERE