Justin Loasby Appointed Chairman of Kenmare Res...

Kenmare Resources plc ("Kenmare" or "the Company")

9 January, 2012

Justin Loasby Appointed Chairman of Kenmare Resources plc

Kenmare is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Justin Loasby as Non-Executive Chairman of Kenmare Resources plc with effect from 23 January 2012.

Mr. Loasby (64), a British citizen, joined Kenmare's Board in August 2011 as a Non-Executive Director. He has extensive experience of African mining from his former position as Associate Director at the European Investment Bank, Luxembourg, where he led the EIB's financing of development of the mining sector in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean from 1994 to 2007. In his early career, he worked in investment in the City of London, notably at Morgan Grenfell & Co Ltd and at 3i plc. Mr. Loasby's appointment follows an extensive search led by senior recruitment consultants Egon Zehnder.

Mr. Charles Carvill has been Chairman of the Company since 1986 and has led its development from a junior exploration company to a mining company producing approximately 7% of the world's titanium minerals and 4% of its zircon, and expected to increase to 10% and 6% respectively following completion of the current expansion of the Company's operations.

Charles Carvill said: "I am delighted to welcome Justin as my replacement as Chairman. For some time I have been seeking the opportunity to appoint a successor to this very rewarding and challenging role. To this end, we met many impressive candidates and it is with much satisfaction that I announce the culmination of this effort. Justin has an excellent understanding of the Company and a clear vision for its future success. He will maintain the Company's high standards of corporate governance. He will also be an outstanding custodian of the contribution we seek to make to the communities in which we operate and of our environmental values. Kenmare has overcome many challenges during my stewardship and I hand over a Company which has solid production in an environment where output prices have significantly increased. I know that Justin will ensure that the Company remains flexible and responsive to the market as it builds on these successes. Finally, I would like to thank the Board and shareholders for their support during my tenure as Chairman."

Justin Loasby said: "Charlie has been an exceptional Chairman and has steered Kenmare throughout the very difficult development period. I hope to add to his stewardship by further enhancing corporate governance, maintaining the same spirit within the Company and enabling its continued commercial success."

Justin Loasby's appointment will be effective from 23 January 2012, Kenmare's next Board meeting, following a handover from Charles Carvill.

For further information, please contact:

Kenmare Resources plc.

Tony McCluskey, Financial Director

Tel: [phone]       

Mob: + 353 87 674 0346

Murray Consultants

Joe Heron

Tel: [phone]

Mob: [phone]

Tavistock Communications

Paul Youens / Jos Simson

Tel: [phone]  

Mob: [phone]

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Source: Kenmare Resources via Thomson Reuters ONE

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