Production Update
Hambledon Mining PLC
Hambledon Mining plc
(“the Company”)
Production Update
The Company reports its production for the three months from 1 January
2009 to 31 March 2009.
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January
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February
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March
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Total
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Milled tonnes (dry)
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30,742
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22,930
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48,092
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101,765
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Gold grade (g/t)
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1.50
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1.06
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1.20
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1.26
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Contained gold (gms)
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46,035
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24,325
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57,927
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128,288
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Contained gold (oz)
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1,480
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782
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1,862
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4,125
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Gold recovery %
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79%
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80%
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80%
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80%
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Recovered gold (oz)
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1,169
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626
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1,490
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3,285
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Recovered silver (oz)
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2,108
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1,096
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3,632
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6,836
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As previously disclosed, operations during the quarter were severely
affected by deficiencies in the crushing plant and consequent shutdowns
for repairs and installation of new equipment. A new cone crusher was
installed in early March and various other modifications were made
during the shut-down. The newly supplied cone crusher drive motor failed
shortly after installation and further shutdowns occurred later in the
month for the installation of new feeder arrangements and modifications
to improve the flow.
Ore grade was lower in the quarter than usual and recovery of gold has
been consistently below planned levels, albeit higher than the previous
quarter, largely as a result of the failure of the gravity concentrator
to work properly. This has now been upgraded by the suppliers and other
installation modifications have been made which are expected to improve
recoveries in the current quarter.
Since the restart on 1 April 2009, the changes have proved successful.
In the first 12 days of full operation, some 24,100 tonnes were milled
and 900 ounces of gold were produced.
Enquiries:
Hambledon Mining:
Telephone +44 (0)20 7233 1462Telephone +44 (0)20 7233 1462
Charles
Zorab
Charles
Zorab
Fairfax I.S. PLC:
Telephone +44 (0)207 598 5368Telephone +44 (0)207 598 5368
Nominated
Adviser and BrokerNominated
Adviser and Broker
Ewan LeggatEwan Leggat