Golden Minerals Company (Golden Minerals) is a precious metals producer, primarily engaged in the operation and further development of its acquired Velardena gold, silver and base metals mines in the State of Durango, Mexico, and in the advancement of the 100% owned El Quevar silver exploration property in the province of Salta, Argentina.On September 2, 2011, the Company completed a business combination transaction with ECU Silver Mining Inc. (ECU) and owned and operated ECU's gold, silver and base metals mines at its Velardena and Chicago properties, located in the Velardena mining district in the State of Durango, Mexico. As of December 31, 2011, the Company controlled a portfolio of approximately 80 exploration properties located primarily in certain traditional precious metals producing regions of Mexico and South America, including several focus properties in the Zacatecas state of Mexico.