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LAF
LOLAF
LAF - Lonrho Plc - Signs joint venture with Countermine to explore landmine
clearance opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Lonrho Plc
(Incorporated and registered in England and Wales)
(Registration number 2805337)
(Share code: LAF; ISIN number: GB0002568813)
("Lonrho" or "the Company")
SIGNS JOINT VENTURE WITH COUNTERMINE TO EXPLORE LANDMINE CLEARANCE OPPORTUNITIES
IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Lonrho plc ("Lonrho") (AIM: LAF) and Countermine plc, ("Countermine") are
pleased to announce a Joint Venture agreement ("Joint Venture") to jointly
develop opportunities for landmine clearance in sub-Saharan Africa, allowing
previously unusable areas of land in the region to be rehabilitated for
productive purposes. Under the terms of the Joint Venture, Lonrho will offer
funding and its extensive African business network to build the African arm of
Countermine`s landmine clearance business.
Countermine and Lonrho, using the ORACLE system, will provide mine clearing
services that are more effective yet less expensive than currently available
methods. Lonrho is committed to providing services and products that support the
development of African infrastructure, helping to re-invigorate local
communities. Lonrho views the strategic partnership with Countermine as a
significant development in the implementation of its strategy.
ORACLE MINE CLEARENCE
Countermine produces the ORACLE mine clearance machine. At the forefront of
mine clearance technology ORACLE is the fastest and most cost effective system
available for landmine clearance. Only the ORACLE can move forward at an
efficient rate and cost, while tilling the land to a depth of at least 50cm
preparing it for agricultural use. The ORACLE technology is tried and tested,
having been contracted to the Croatian Government (CROMAC) since 2000,
performing beyond expectations in clearing active minefields.
The ORACLE mine-clearing system is the safest land mine clearance method
currently available and is approximately 100 times faster and more effective
than manual clearing techniques. The Spitfire tool within the machine hits the
mines at such a high speed that it destroys the mines before detonation. The
physical destruction from the mine clearance neutralizes mines and disperses the
explosives into the soil meaning that the land is immediately ready for
agricultural or other development.
Antipersonnel mines pose a massive threat to safety in all corners of the globe,
claiming new victims every day, with between 15,000 and 20,000 new casualties
caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance every year.
Countermine and Lonrho will jointly evaluate potential opportunities. Based on
the successful model already used in Croatia, a local company will be
established in each country to oversee the management and operation of the
projects. The majority of the personnel will be recruited and trained locally in
each country, supporting local job creation as well as utilising the intimate
local knowledge of the areas that are targeted.
LANDMINES IN AFRICA
The presence of landmines has rendered huge expanses of land in sub-Saharan
Africa unusable. It is estimated that in Angola alone there are approximately
2,900 suspected landmine areas covering a total area of some 1,300 to 1,400
square kilometres. The presence of two or three landmines or even the suspicion
of their presence can result in a large patch of land being avoided and left
derelict. (Source: International Campaign to Ban Landmines: www.icbl.org and
Landmine Monitor Report 2006 www.icbl.org/lm/2006/ ).
David Lenigas, Chairman and CEO of Lonrho commented:
"We are very excited about the Joint Venture with Countermine and we see the
partnership adding value to Lonrho`s growth strategy. By rehabilitating large
areas of valuable land we will make a significant difference to African
communities that have suffered terribly as a result of landmines. Countermine
brings with them a strong and experienced management team with all the required
skills and knowledge combined with the best technology available to make this
partnership work."
Air Marshal Sir John Walker, Vice Chairman of Countermine commented:
"The very large areas around the world contaminated by landmines can only be
cleared in meaningful timescales by heavy mine clearance machinery. Manual
methods are too slow and result in heavy casualties amongst the de-miners. It
is satisfying that ORACLE can play its part in this worthwhile humanitarian
task."
Lars Nylin, CEO of Countermine commented:
"We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Lonrho aimed at creating a
safer environment in Africa. The Lonrho management team brings with them
considerable experience across a variety of industries and their experience and
local knowledge will be a key element in the success of our foray into sub-
Saharan Africa. We believe that this partnership will greatly strengthen the
business in line with our strategy going forward."
14 May 2007
South African sponsor to Lonrho Africa Plc
Java Capital (Proprietary) Limited
Date: 14/05/2007 09:18:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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