Doc re. Moma Update

Kenmare Resources plc ("Kenmare" or "the Company") 26 January 2010 Moma Update Production During the fourth quarter of 2009, production of heavy mineral concentrate at the Company's Moma Titanium Minerals Mine increased by 22% (from 230,000 tonnes to 280,200 tonnes) compared to the previous quarter. Production of heavy mineral concentrate is now at full design level. Processing of this concentrate resulted in a 13% increase in production of finished ilmenite (from 130,000 tonnes to 147,100 tonnes) compared to the previous quarter.  Zircon production in the fourth quarter was at similar levels to the previous quarter at 5,400 tonnes, mainly as a result of disruptions to zircon production associated with the implementation of further metallurgical optimisation projects.  Since year end, additional equipment has been commissioned in the zircon circuit and zircon production has improved significantly. Tonnage of finished products delivered to customers' vessels was up 6% in the fourth quarter (from 131,000 tonnes to 139,000 tonnes) compared to the previous quarter, continuing the upward trend in production and shipments shown in previous quarters. In the second half of 2009, production of heavy mineral concentrate increased by 61% to 510,200 tonnes compared to the first half of 2009; ilmenite production increased by 39% to 276,358 tonnes compared to the first half of 2009; and tonnes of finished products shipped increased by 83% to 270,000 tonnes compared to the first half of 2009. The mineral separation plant is now capable of operating at the target feed rate. However, the recovery of minerals in this plant is below target. It is expected that existing metallurgical optimisation projects should bring these recoveries to target levels during the first half of 2010. The plant configuration is such that rutile and zircon production are interlinked and hence it is expected that improvement in rutile output will follow the optimisation of the zircon circuits currently in progress. The majority of this work is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2010. Expansion Study In January 2010, Kenmare completed an Expansion Study, utilising the services of a number of independent consultants, investigating plans for  increasing production at its Moma Mine which resulted in options for potential increases in production by  approximately 50% to 1.2 million tonnes of ilmenite per annum plus associated co-products. Kenmare has commenced a detailed engineering study under the supervision of Aker Solutions E&C Limited.  This study is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2010. Under such plans, Kenmare would expect to both significantly increase existing levels of production and also extend the life of the mine by expanding operations to the adjacent Nataka resource, which contains in excess of 140 million tonnes of heavy mineral and is expected to sustain production well beyond 2050. The Company will continue to evaluate the results of this study and the ongoing detailed Engineering Study when completed and monitor the outlook for the end markets for its products. Market Update The current market outlook is for a continued rebound in pigment demand in 2010 that is expected to lead to strong demand for titanium minerals, principally driven by increased demand from China and other developing countries. Demand for zircon is also expected to rebound strongly in 2010 led by growth in China and a recovery in Europe. Kenmare's supply and demand analysis and that of other titanium industry analysts indicate that the industry will experience strong demand growth over the next five years. Kenmare's Chairman, Charles Carvill, said: "We are delighted with the continued production improvements at Moma and the improving market outlook for titanium minerals and zircon. We believe that Kenmare is well placed to take advantage of these strong markets given its large resource base at Moma and its facilities at the mine. With the completion of the recent Expansion Study the Company has taken an important first step towards putting itself in a position to further capitalise on this market opportunity should it seek to do so." For more information: Kenmare Resources plc Michael Carvill, Managing Director Tel: +353 1 671 0411 Mob: + 353 87 674 0110 Murray Consultants Jim Milton/Joe Heron Tel: +353 1 498 0300 Mob: + 353 86 255 8400 Conduit PR Ltd Leesa Peters/Charlie Geller Tel: +44 207 429 6600 Mob: +44 781 215 9885 www.kenmareresources.com < http://www.kenmareresources.com/> [HUG#1377139]
UK 100