ELR12 Jun 2012 18:18
Eastplats Reports Proposed Development Plan for Crocodile River Mine
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - June 12, 2012) - Eastern Platinum Limited ("Eastplats" or the "Company")
(TSX:ELR)(AIM:ELR)(JSE:EPS) reports a review of funding for all its South African mining operations based on the current
economic environment has been completed. Management at the Crocodile River Mine ("CRM") has thoroughly analysed its
mining operations and proposes to implement a comprehensive mine development plan to reduce costs and improve
efficiencies. The proposed plan would involve extensive underground development resulting in reduced stoping production
and increased "on-reef" development in the near term, leading to significant increases in mineable reserves, production,
and operating flexibility in the medium and long-term.
As reported in the Company's news release dated May 30, 2012 ("Eastplats Suspends Funding for the Mareesburg/KV
Project"), the review of all the Company's mining and development projects was conducted in response to continuing cost
pressures combined with depressed metal prices and negative industry outlook for a near-term recovery.
There have been encouraging improvements in production at CRM, particularly from the Zandfontein section. However, as a
result of continued issues facing the industry, the Company proposes to temporarily suspend stoping at Zandfontein and
embark on a 12 to 18 month development program. This program will focus on "on-reef" development by "wide
raising/winzing" in preparation for increased future stoping production, as well as "off-reef" development of the new
service decline and the 5, 6 and 7-level footwall drives. Over 18 months, this plan would result in the completion of up
to 28 raise lines available for mining as well as providing production of UG2 reef for plant feed. Additionally,
cleaning, sweeping and vamping of previously mined areas will be maximized, along with the reclamation of material and
equipment from "back-areas". Combined with the continued construction and equipping of underground infrastructure and
the new chairlift-conveyor, this development plan would provide the necessary stope availability to sustain
significantly greater production levels over the long term with lower unit costs. Additionally, the deeper levels of the
mine will be developed for production securing the long-term future of the operation. Should there be a marked
improvement in industry conditions in the interim, CRM can react quickly and ramp up production at Zandfontein at any
time.