Altyngold Regulatory News (ALTN)

9 Jun 2009 07:00

HAMBLEDON MINING PLC 9 June 2009

("Hambledon" or the "Company")

PRODUCTION UPDATE

Hambledon, the AIM quoted gold mining company operating in Kazakhstan, is pleased to report on its gold production for the months of April and May 2009. It is taking this opportunity to update shareholders alongside the announcement of its preliminary results for the financial year to December 2008 issued today. The quarterly update will be issued as scheduled in July 2009.

In April 2009, 30,468 tonnes of ore were mined and 67,825 tonnes were milled with a grade of 1.15 g/t. Metallurgical gold recovery was 80.6 per cent., producing 2,027 oz of gold and 5,132 oz silver.

In May 2009, 45,999 tonnes were mined and 66,430 tonnes were milled with a grade of 1.05 g/t. Metallurgical gold recovery was 82.1 per cent. giving 1,841 oz gold and 3,741 oz silver.

Mining was interrupted for 14 days at the end of April and the start of May 2009 by the failure of both excavators and a lack of spares in Kazakhstan. Mill throughput was maintained by the treatment of low grade ore from the stockpile. This, together with lower grades than expected from this part of the pit, resulted in the lower than usual grades processed.

Following the changes made to the crushing plant in late March and April 2009, its performance has improved markedly to the extent that it no longer restricts production. Milling rates for April were affected by shortages of crushed ore (prior to the changes) and in May by a five day scheduled mill reline during which other improvements to the circuit were also made. Following these improvements, the supply of crushed ore has been more than adequate and the process plant is now capable of much higher treatment rates than originally anticipated. Metallurgical recovery rates have improved thanks to better milling with the new liners and improved performance from the Falcon concentrator.

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