Doc re. Update on Settling Pond Breach at Moma ...

Kenmare Resources plc ("Kenmare" or "the Company") 13(th) October, 2010 Update on Settling Pond Breach at Moma Mine As reported on Friday, 8(th) October, a settling pond at the Moma Mine breached its southern retaining wall, which resulted in the release of water, sand and clay that flowed through part of the nearby village of Topuito. Sadly, a 4 year old girl has been missing since the incident and has not yet been found.  The search for her is continuing. Kenmare, community leaders and Government authorities are working together co- operatively. The residents of Topuito village who had to temporarily leave their homes have been accommodated. Supplies of food and blankets, installation of a new fresh water well and other assistance has been provided by Kenmare. Some minor injuries were incurred and all of these have been treated by Kenmare medical staff. Cleaning operations to remove mud from the houses and other areas in the village are underway. In total, 388 houses were affected by the discharge. Most of the affected houses suffered only minor damage and repairs to these houses are already underway. Approximately 30 houses were more extensively damaged and will be rebuilt by Kenmare. The first of the displaced families are expected to return to their homes today and most of the remaining families are expected to return in the coming week. Kenmare is working with Government authorities to investigate the incident. All tailings and clay management systems were constructed as designed by independent experts and, prior to the incident, operated safely according to accepted practice.  However, an incoming pipe discharging water and reject materials from the mineral separation plant inadvertently scoured an internal berm of a settling pond. This caused a failure of this berm during the early hours of Friday, 8(th) October.  As a result, a large body of non-toxic water, sand and clay moved into an adjoining settling pond paddock, which was not designed to contain this volume of material, and breached an exterior retaining wall.  This low density material flowed across a median area, a road and entered part of Topuito village. Kenmare ceased dredge mining operations immediately following the incident. Having established the cause, we are working with geotechnical experts and Government authorities to design and implement a new enhanced berm complex. This will be designed to prevent any such incident recurring and will learn from the lessons of this accident.  Contractors are mobilising equipment to site and it is expected that it will take a few weeks to implement these plans. Mining will recommence only when the new berm complex is completed.  In the meantime, the mineral separation plant, which produces the finished products of the mine, is continuing to operate using a stockpile of heavy mineral concentrate, which represents about 25 days' supply. Kenmare's Managing Director, Michael Carvill, and Operation's Director, Jacob Deysel, are at site continuing to lead the team in order to enable the community to return to their normal lives as quickly as possible. Further updates will be issued as new information becomes available. For further information, please contact: Kenmare Resources plc. Tony McCluskey, Financial Director Tel: +353 1 6710411 Mob: + 353 87 674 0346 Murray Consultants Jim Milton Tel: +353 1 498 0300 Mob: + 353 86 2558400 Joe Heron Tel: +353 1 498 0300 Mob: + 353 87 690 9735 Conduit PR Ltd Leesa Peters/Charlie Geller Tel: +44 207 429 6604 Mob: +44 752 823 3383 [HUG#1451626] This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Kenmare Resources via Thomson Reuters ONE
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