Kenmare Resources plc ("Kenmare" or "the Company")
25 January 2008
Production update for Kenmare's Moma Mine
Kenmare owns and operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine located in
northern Mozambique. Construction at Moma commenced in August 2004
and the minerals separation plant ("the Plant") was handed over to
Kenmare in August 2007. Since the handover Kenmare has been
commissioning the Plant and gradually increasing its production
rate. Ilmenite products have already been produced and the first two
shipments were made in December 2007. Revenues have been received for
the first shipment and the third and fourth shipments are scheduled
to sail shortly.
Increased production at the mine and the Plant has been inhibited by
power dips and by equipment which has not operated to specified
levels. This equipment is being replaced under warranty by the
contractor. For example, a delay to full Plant production has been
caused by two vibratory screens failing to meet production
specification and reliability. Until replacement screens are
installed, the Plant is operating at reduced production levels. The
replacement screens are expected to be in place by the end of March.
Additional equipment, which will make the facilities more resilient
to power dips, is also being installed. Production of rutile and
zircon, which are other valuable minerals extracted in the production
process, was also delayed by faulty equipment which has now been
replaced under warranty. Production of these minerals is now
underway.
Against this backdrop, Kenmare plans to draw down from its standby
credit facility negotiated in August last year and will continue to
capitalise costs during part of this additional period of production
ramp up.
Despite these temporary setbacks, Kenmare expects that it will be
producing at its full intended annual rate of production within the
next six months.
Charles Carvill, Chairman said: "We have experienced some teething
problems which are being resolved and which have resulted in a delay
in production ramp up. However the mine has already demonstrated its
ability to produce and export saleable products. We expect to reach
full production during the next six months. The market for titanium
minerals is positive with a favourable trend in prices. We look
forward to many years of profitable production."
For more information:
Kenmare Resources plc
Michael Carvill, Managing Director
Tel: + 353 1 671 0411
Mob: + 353 87 674 0110
Murray Consultants
Jim Milton
Tel: +353 1 498 0300
Mob: +353 86 2558400
Conduit PR Ltd
Jane Stacey/Charlie Geller
Tel: +44 (0)207 429 6606
Mob: +44 (0)7922 923 306
www.kenmareresources.com
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