Production Update

Production Update

Hambledon Mining PLC

Hambledon Mining plc

(“the Company”)

Production Update

The Company reports its production for the three months from 1 January 2009 to 31 March 2009.

Â	Â	Â	January	Â	Â	Â	February	Â	Â	Â	March	Â	Â	Â	Total	Â	Â
Milled tonnes (dry)			30,742				22,930				48,092				101,765
Gold grade (g/t)			1.50				1.06				1.20				1.26
Contained gold (gms)			46,035				24,325				57,927				128,288
Contained gold (oz)			1,480				782				1,862				4,125
Gold recovery %			79%				80%				80%				80%
Recovered gold (oz)			1,169				626				1,490				3,285
Recovered silver (oz)			2,108				1,096				3,632				6,836

As previously disclosed, operations during the quarter were severely affected by deficiencies in the crushing plant and consequent shutdowns for repairs and installation of new equipment. A new cone crusher was installed in early March and various other modifications were made during the shut-down. The newly supplied cone crusher drive motor failed shortly after installation and further shutdowns occurred later in the month for the installation of new feeder arrangements and modifications to improve the flow.

Ore grade was lower in the quarter than usual and recovery of gold has been consistently below planned levels, albeit higher than the previous quarter, largely as a result of the failure of the gravity concentrator to work properly. This has now been upgraded by the suppliers and other installation modifications have been made which are expected to improve recoveries in the current quarter.

Since the restart on 1 April 2009, the changes have proved successful. In the first 12 days of full operation, some 24,100 tonnes were milled and 900 ounces of gold were produced.

Enquiries:

Hambledon Mining:
Telephone [phone]Telephone [phone]
Charles Zorab Charles Zorab

Fairfax I.S. PLC:
Telephone [phone]Telephone [phone]
Nominated Adviser and BrokerNominated Adviser and Broker
Ewan LeggatEwan Leggat