4th May 2006 07:00
Gemfields Resources Plc Construction Contract Awarded for Zambian Emerald Mine * Consulmet to build Phase I of emerald washing plant * Commencement of emerald production on track for Q3 2006 * 1,000,000 tonnes of waste removed and key infrastructure on schedule 4 May 2006Gemfields Resources Plc ("Gemfields" or "the Company", Ticker "GEM") todayannounces that Consulmet (Pty) has been awarded the contract to build Phase Iof the washing plant at the Mbuva-Chibolele emerald mine. First production atthe Mbuva-Chibolele mine in Zambia is scheduled to commence in Q3 2006.Phase I of the washing plant's construction, due to be complete in Q3 of 2006,involves the erection of a primary crushing and screening circuit, which willenable emerald production to be greatly enhanced. Before completion of thewashing plant Gemfields will begin to extract highly concentrated pockets ofemeralds that do not need to undergo a bulk separation process. Once thewashing plant comes on line the Company will bring the Mbuva-Chibolele mineinto full production.The Company also reports that over 1,000,000 tonnes of waste at the mine hasbeen removed in four months, security fencing around the mining area is nearingcompletion and construction work on the sorthouse is progressing to schedule.Commenting today, Peter Kitchen, CEO, said "The awarding of the constructioncontract for the plant is another significant step forward for Gemfields and weremain on schedule to begin emerald production by the end of Q3 this year".For more information:Peter Kitchen, CEO [email protected] James, CFO [email protected] Resources Plc Tel: +44 (0)20 7016 9416Laurence Read/ Leesa Peters Tel: +44 (0) 207 429 6605Conduit PR Mob: +44 (0) 7974 982 512AppendixConsulmetSouth African based Consulmet offers a full and diversified range of productsand services with access to engineering design, manufacture installation andmanagement services. This, coupled with the spares and commodities division,affords clients a diverse base from which to choose the products and servicesthat best meet their needs.Consulmet focuses on providing engineered process solutions for the mining andmineral processing industries, providing a competitive range of innovativeniche technologies, encompassing capital equipment and process engineeringservices.http://www.consulmet.com/ENDGEMFIELDS RESOURCES PLCRelated Shares:
Gemfields Grou.