21 May 2008 07:00
Strategic Natural Resources PLC
21 May 2008
Strategic Natural Resources PLC
("SNR" or the "Company"; Ticker: SNRP)
MINING RIGHT EMP COMPLETE AND ACCEPTED BY DME
May 21, 2008: AIM-quoted Strategic Natural Resources plc (SNR) is pleased to announce that it's wholly owned subsidiary, Elitheni Coal (Pty) Limited, has met all original and legislated timelines imposed on it by the South African Department of Minerals & Energy (DME), through the completion and submission of its Mining Right Environmental Management Programme (EMP).
The EMP is a key requirement of the Mining Rights Application and SNR Chief Operations Officer, David Nel, advised: "This is the most arduous component of the Mining Rights Application process and to meet this deadline successfully and in a timely manner, is a huge achievement for Elitheni".
SNR will receive the record of decision on this EMP on 10th September 2008. This will be one of the final decisions required of the DME prior to the granting of the 30 year underground Mining Right.
This announcement follows a recent announcement that Elitheni has now obtained the necessary mining permit to commence opencast production for 1,5ha of Elitheni's Phase 1 & 2 coal prospecting area.
SNR Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Metcalfe, said: "This milestone confirms that SNR is well on track in the process of applying for coal Mining Rights to meet the growing coal and energy shortage in South Africa. My sincere congratulations go to the whole team in South Africa."
For further information contact:
Jeremy P Metcalfe, Chief Executive, Strategic Natural Resources plc: +44 1303 874 798
Allan Piper, First City Financial Public Relations: +44 20 7242 2666
Rod Venables / Cecil Jordaan, HB Corporate: +44 20 7510 8600