3 Feb 2014 07:00
BERKELEY MINERAL RESOURCES PLC
("BMR" or the "Company")
Proof of Concept programme achieves 92% copper grade
Berkeley Mineral Resources (AIM:BMR), the AIM listed resource company engaged in the processing of tailings dumps in Zambia, is pleased to report the latest results from the continuing copper processing trials programme being carried out by its wholly owned Zambian subsidiary Enviro Processing Ltd ("EPL") at Kabwe, Zambia. The programme is being conducted by processing locally acquired copper oxide feed-stock.
The first set of trials commenced in December 2013 shortly after the construction of the copper cementation plant at Kabwe was completed. The trials produced a cement grading 89% copper content. Following reconfigurations made to the plant and process circuit (including finer crushing) a second set of trials was conducted in January 2014 using the same type of copper oxide feed-stock The cement produced had an improved grade of 92% copper content.
The Company has received interest from international parties seeking to enter into an off-take agreement. These discussions are at an advanced stage.
The Company is now proceeding to a further stage of the copper processing trials programme which will be carried out over the next two weeks. The trial is expected to process a batch of approximately 16 tonnes of copper oxide feed-stock with an estimated average of 11% copper content. The Directors anticipate production from this trial to achieve approximately 1.5 tonnes of copper cement at a grade close to 95% copper content.
Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS")
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency ("ZEMA") has now reviewed EPL's draft EIS application for the proposed Kabwe Lead-Zinc Recovery and Copper Cement Projects. ZEMA has confirmed it has no objection to EPL proceeding with the submission of the final EIS in the correct form.
Accordingly, the final submission of the EIS has now been prepared and delivered to ZEMA. ZEMA's stakeholders will have 20 days to comment, following which ZEMA will complete a report which is then capable of being approved and ratified by the Board of ZEMA.
Masoud Alikhani, Chairman, commented:
"We are pleased to learn that our finalised EIS application is proceeding in a satisfactory manner and look forward to the EIS approval process being completed.
In the meantime we are delighted with the impressive proof of concept results coming from the trials of our newly-installed copper oxide processing plant. We will be increasing our efforts in the weeks ahead to maximise the processed grades in preparation for commissioning of the plant and movement into full production".
03 February 2014
This release has been reviewed by Dennis Human, B.Sc. (Hons), Bus. Admin (Hons), MGSSA, Consulting Geologist to the Company, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the guidance note for Mining, Oil & Gas Companies issued by the London Stock Exchange in respect of AIM Companies.
For further information please contact:
Berkeley Mineral Resources Plc
Masoud Alikhani, Chairman
020 7408 1181
Cantor Fitzgerald Europe
Stewart Dickson / Julian Erleigh
Jeremy Stephenson
Tel: 020 7894 7000
Lothbury Financial Services
Michael Padley / Gary Middleton
020 3440 7620
For further information please see the Company's website at http://www.bmrplc.com
The Directors of Berkeley Mineral Resources accept responsibility for this announcement.