Berkeley Mineral Resources moves step closer to production at Kabwe mine

Berkeley Mineral Resources (BMR), the AIM-listed tailings processing company, has reported that Ascot, its appointed processing consultant, has received a final batch of representative samples of washplant stockpiles from BMR's Kabwe mine-site in Zambia.

The Kabwe mine was in operation from 1906 to 1994 and in its 88-years of mining, produced 2.6m tonnes of zinc and lead.

BMR reported that Ascot would test the samples and verify its multi-gravity processing programme's ability to maximise recoveries.

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A pre-feasibility study for the processing of the washplant tailings into a combined zinc and lead concentrate is to be issued by Ascot when the verification process is complete and finalised concentrate levels are established, the company added.

Masoud Alikhani, Chairman of BMR, commented: "We are steadily working towards production and this is the final stage before BMR receives the Pre-Feasibility Study, after which we can finalise the production timetable for the processing of the Kabwe washplant tailings.

He added: "BMR understands that the Zambian authorities are supporting action to mitigate the environmental impact of surficial deposits of base metals in the country and the company is grateful to the Zambian authorities for issuing the necessary approvals so that BMR can commence operations as soon as possible".

BMR's share price was up 4.44% to 2.35p at 10:42 on Thursday.

MF