Kenmare Resources plc : Moma Mine WCP A Resumes...

  

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

28 November 2013

Moma Mine: WCP A Resumes Operations

Kenmare announces that Wet Concentrator Plant A (WCP A) has returned to full production capability following successful completion of repairs to machinery which had sustained fire damage.

Repair works on one of the two trommels was successfully completed as planned, and WCP A resumed production of Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC).  Ore from both dredges is being fed through the repaired trommel.  As WCP A can operate at capacity using only one trommel, the completion of this repair has allowed a rapid return to full operating capacity.  Having closely reviewed the operation of the trommel, we are satisfied that the repairs have been completed successfully.  Strong production levels from WCP A since re-commissioning, have rebuilt the HMC stockpile to 60,000 tonnes.

Repair works on the second trommel are well advanced and scheduled to be complete on 30 November, in line with previous guidance.  

Whilst the trommels section repair works were underway, the Mineral Separation Plant continued to process HMC from Wet Concentrator Plant B (WCP B) and from a large stockpile of HMC that was produced prior to the incident.  During this period, maintenance works on WCP A and the dredges in Mining Pond A that had been scheduled for 2014 were also accelerated and have now been completed.  

The fire occurred following completion of routine welding repairs.  A review of hot works and safety procedures and how they were applied has been conducted and lessons learned from the incident have been incorporated into Kenmare's procedures.  No injuries were suffered as a result of the incident.

As previously reported in the Interim Management Statement, the Moma Mine has been subject to a number of unplanned power outages, rather than power dips as previously experienced.  These power interruptions, which have continued to occur, impact production.  The Mozambican Government is aware of the difficulties caused by the outages and is working proactively with Electricidade de Moçambique (EdM) to develop and implement solutions as a matter of priority.  Kenmare continues to work closely with EdM to rectify these issues and continues to take actions to minimise the impact on production during this important quarter as expansion ramp up proceeds.

For further information, please contact:

Kenmare Resources plc
Michael Carvill, Managing Director  
Tel: [phone]  
Mob: + 353 87 674 0110

Tony McCluskey, Financial Director
Tel: [phone]  
Mob: + 353 87 674 0346

Virginia Skroski, Investor Relations Manager
Tel: [phone]
Mob: + 353 87 739 1103

Jacob Deysel, Operations Director  
Tel: [phone]  
Mob: + 353 87 613 9609  

Murray Consultants  
Joe Heron  
Tel: [phone]  
Mob: [phone]  

Tavistock Communications
Jos Simson / Mike Bartlett
Tel: [phone]
Mob: [phone]

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Source: Kenmare Resources via Globenewswire

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