Amur Minerals says no drilling at Russian nickel pit without licence

Amur Minerals reported progress on a nickel copper sulphide project in the Russian Far East, but said there would be no drilling this season unless it secures a mining licence.The group said drilling had found a fifth deposit that would substantially increase resources at its Kun-Marie scheme.It had also updated resource estimates at four other deposits yielding a substantial increase in mineralised tonnage and containing nickel and copper which could substantially improve the economic potential of the project.Amur said key tasks going forward include the award of the mining licence for the project, which will cost about $751,000, and an update on the 2007 pre-feasibility study.But it said it had no plans for drilling this season unless the mining licence is awarded and the weather is good."This decision not to drill at this time has been undertaken as the current resource inventory is substantial and capable of sustaining the planned operation," it said.It added that a technical and economic study of the scheme was ongoing, but costs had risen as a result."These higher costs are being utilised to update an internally compiled document for the company," Amur said. "A comprehensive redesign of potential operation is underway and nearing completion. We look forward to releasing the new design, results and plans for advancing Kun-Manie."The company remained debt free throughout 2013 with cash reserves of about $2.4m at December 31st, 2013.Shares fell 0.65p or 16.7% to 3.25p by 16:21 in London. PW