AIM-listed mining group Condor Gold has appointed engineering group Lycopodium to provide a pre-feasibility processing plant design for Condor's La India project in Nicaragua.The group expects as a base case to generate 2,300 tonnes per day of ore, processing 800,000 tonnes per annum, if production is from La India open pit only, and an alternative case of 2,800 tonnes per day if the two feeder pits of America and Central Breccia are inlcuded. Condor Chairman Mark Child said: "The award of an engineering design contract for a 2,300tpd and 2,800tpd plant for production solely from open pits marks a major step forward in Condor's development and the progress of a pre-Feasibility Study on La India Project. "Lycopodium is a world leader in the design, engineering and construction of gold mines. Their extensive and recent experience with similar types of processing plants will assist Condor with a more accurate assessment of the capital expenditure and operating costs at La India Project."As of 08:40, Condor's share price was unchanged at 77.00p.WS