Lonrho Regulatory News (LONR)

15 Aug 2008 07:00



15 August 2008

LONRHO PLC

('Lonrho' or the 'Company')

Lonrho Mining Update

Lonrho (AIM: LONR), the conglomerate with a structured portfolio of African investments, is pleased to note that Lonrho Mining Ltd (formerly known as Nare Diamonds), which is owned 24.16% by Lonrho, has today signed an exclusive option agreement to sell 80% interest in the Schmidtsdrift prospecting right and the associated mining equipment for approximately US$13.35 million, with a non-refundable option fee of US$500,000. Lonrho Mining is to focus on the development of the world class Lulo project in Angola.

Set out below is the text of the announcement released by Lonrho Mining to the Australian Securities Exchange earlier today:

"Australian-based diamond exploration and development company Lonrho Mining Limited (ASX: LOM) ("Lonrho Mining" or the "Company") today announced it has entered into an option agreement to sell the prospecting right and associated mining equipment to New African Mining ("NAM"). 

The Schmidtsdrift mine - owned by Lonrho Mining (80%) and the Schmidtsdrift Communal Property Association (20%) - comprises six contiguous farms along the western bank of the Vaal River, with a combined area of 320km². 

Since the Company commenced operations in April 2006 up to 31 May 2008, the Schmidtsdrift mine has produced 16,805 carats of diamonds from 3,209,484 tonnes at an average grade of 0.5 carats per hundred tons. The production included 338 stones in excess of 5 carats in size, including a rare 235 carat stone, two 66 carat stones, a 61 carat stone and 45 stones between 15 and 50 carats in size.

Under the Option Agreement NAM will have an exclusive option for 14 days to conclude all the necessary documentation and formal agreements for the sale of the Company's interests in the Schmidstdrift mining operation. NAM has agreed to pay an option fee of US$500,000 for the exclusive right to purchase the Company's interest in the Schmidtsdrift prospecting right (US$7,500,000) and the mining fleet and equipment (US$5,850,000). The option fee is non-refundable and will be deducted from the purchase price of the transaction. Due diligence has been completed in relation to the sale of the prospecting right. It is expected that completion of due diligence in relation to sale of the equipment will occur during the next 14 days during which the parties will finalise the sale agreements in accordance with the above commercial terms.

On completion of the transaction and after payment of debt and other associated costs, the Company will retain sale proceeds of approximately US$6 million. These funds will in due course be applied towards the exploration and development of the Lulo diamond project in Angola.

Commenting on the sale, Lonrho Mining's Chief Executive Officer Charles Mostert said:

"The Company has undertaken the divestment of the Schmidtsdrift mine so that it can focus its efforts on developing the Lulo diamond project in Angola. The Lulo project is capable of delivering significant value to shareholders and we believe it is important that the Company's resources are directed towards unlocking the potential value as quickly as possible." 

LONRHO ENQUIRIES

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Lulo

The Lulo Project is located on the eastern margin of the Cuango River catchment approximately 650km east of Luanda within the Lunda Norte Province of northeastern Angola.

The Company has signed Joint Venture Agreements with Endiama, the national diamond company of Angola and exclusive concessionary for Angolan diamond mining rights, to develop the highly prospective 3,000km² Lulo Diamond Concession in Angola. 

On all kimberlite deposits Lonrho's participating interest will initially be 39% of the joint venture which will decrease to 30% after recoupment of its investment in the Project. On all alluvial deposits Lonrho's participating interest will be 40% in the joint venture. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement with Endiama, Lonrho has paid a cash deposit of US$1.4 million (A$1.54 million) which is refundable after exploration expenditure of an equal amount by Lonrho within nine months after signing the joint venture agreement. Lonrho is also required to fund a work programme for which the first year of exploration expenditure will total US$6 million (A$7 million). Under the terms of the joint venture, the Company will also receive in priority the funds it has expended on exploration from future cash flow from mining operations.

For more information please visit: www.lonrhomining.com 

About LONRHO:

Lonrho Plc is an expanding conglomerate that is rapidly growing a successful business throughout Africa. The Company's shares are traded on the London AIM stock exchange (LONR). Lonrho is strategically focused on the development of business opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, support services, hotels and natural resources. The Company has over 19,000 shareholders and substantial institutional backing to support its mandate to build a profitable business that plays a fundamental role in the development of the African economy. 

Since 2006, the Company has invested in or acquired control of: 

Hotel Cardoso - www.hotelcardoso.co.mz  (retained)

Lonrho Mining - www.lonrhomining.com 

Luba Freeport - www.lubafreeport.com 

Fly540 - www.fly540.com 

Swissta Holdings - www.swissta.com 

SA Independent Liner Services - www.saliners.com 

Bytes and Pieces www.bytespieces.com 

Kwikbuild - www.e-kwikbuild.co.za 

LonZim - www.lonzim.co.uk