ORM.L Regulatory News (ORM)

30 Jan 2007 07:01

Ormonde Mining PLC30 January 2007 30 January 2007 Ormonde Mining plc Ormonde Appoints Leading Engineering Firms for La Zarza Feasibility Study DUBLIN & LONDON: 30 January 2007 - Ormonde Mining plc ("Ormonde" or "the Company") reports that it has engaged two leading international engineering firms for the Bankable Feasibility Study ("the Study") on the La Zarza Copper-Gold Project in southwest Spain ("the Project"). Aker Kvaerner Engineering Services Ltd, UK ("Aker Kvaerner") has been appointedas overall Feasibility Study Manager and, in addition to its coordinating role,will be responsible for the process plant engineering and infrastructure designaspects of the Study. Aker Kvaerner has an extensive track record in the design and construction ofmine processing facilities and, more specifically, in flotation concentrators ofthe type required to extract the copper, gold, silver and zinc at La Zarza.Aker Kvaerner was responsible for the construction of the Lisheen and Galmoylead-zinc mines in Ireland and is presently contracted to provide engineering,procurement and construction management services for the Aguas TenidasZinc-Copper underground mine located some 18 kilometres from La Zarza. The UK office of AMC Consultants ("AMC"), a long established Australian mineengineering group with extensive experience in mine evaluation, design andoptimisation for a wide range of commodities, including base metals and gold,has been appointed to carry out the underground mine design for La Zarza. AMC'sbrief covers all aspects of the underground mining operation at La Zarza,including ore reserve/resource estimation, geotechnical engineering,ventilation, mining method and mine access design. Of particular relevance toLa Zarza is AMC's experience in the design of underground mining of orebodies inclose proximity to old underground workings. Proposals for the provision of the tailings management part of the FeasibilityStudy are currently being finalised. Ormonde is also in discussion with Spanishengineering groups to provide environmental and permitting consultancy services,assist in liaison with the provincial and regional administrations and ensurethat the Study and related permitting documentation address all regulatoryrequirements. The Study is being supervised and coordinated by Ormonde's Project Manager, MrSteve Nicol, a contract Mining Engineer with some 20 years experience inmanaging and developing mines in Australia and Europe. Kerr Anderson, Managing Director, said today, "We are delighted to have engaged the services of Aker Kvaerner and AMC to workon the La Zarza Bankable Feasibility Study. We have put together a first classproject team, and I believe the high calibre of their technical capability andexperience will add great value to the Project during the course of the Study." Work towards the Study has been ongoing since completion of the PrefeasibilityScoping Study in September 2006. All infill drill holes have been sampled andfinal assay results are awaited prior to the generation of a new mineralresource estimation. Optimisation metallurgical testwork is in progress toestablish the process flowsheet required for the plant design. This programmeincludes testwork on Zinc Massive Sulphide material representative of the newzinc resource reported in November 2006. Additionally, an initial submissionhas been made to the provincial administration regarding environmentalpermitting for the proposed La Zarza mining operation. The La Zarza Copper-Gold Project comprises a group of Mining Concessionscovering a total of 13 square kilometres in the Iberian Pyrite Belt miningdistrict of southwest Spain, some 50 kilometres north of Huelva and 90kilometres northwest of Seville. The Project benefits from existing road, rail,power and water infrastructure in the immediate proximity, a local skilledworkforce and available contractors in this historic mining area, andappropriate regulatory and investment regimes. Enquiries to: Kerr Anderson, Managing Director,Ormonde Mining plc Tel: +353 (0)46 9073623 Fraser Gardiner, Director,Ormonde Mining plc Tel: +353 (0)86 3931178 Simon Rothschild,Bankside Consultants Tel: +44 (0)20 7367 8871 Mob: +44 (0)7703 167065 Additional Information Ormonde Mining plc is quoted on the AIM in London and the IEX in Dublin. TheCompany's objective is to enhance shareholder value by developing miningprojects in Spain and taking them into production. For more information on theCompany and the La Zarza Project please visit www.ormondemining.com or downloadthe latest Investor Information Pack from www.ormondemining.com/pdf/ORMinfo.pdf. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange