| Fri 15 Aug 2008, 10:39 | | LAF - Lonrho Plc - Lonrho mining update |
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LAF
LOLAF
LAF - Lonrho Plc - Lonrho mining update
Lonrho Plc
(Formerly Lonrho Africa Plc)
(Incorporated and registered in England and Wales)
(Registration number 2805337)
(Share code: LAF; ISIN number: GB0002568813)
("Lonrho" or "the Company")
Lonrho Mining Update
15 August 2008
Lonrho (AIM: LONR), the conglomerate with a structured portfolio of African
investments, is pleased to note that Lonrho Mining Ltd (formerly known as Nare
Diamonds), which is owned 24.16% by Lonrho, has today signed an exclusive option
agreement to sell 80% interest in the Schmidtsdrift prospecting right and the
associated mining equipment for approximately US$13.35 million, with a non-
refundable option fee of US$500,000. Lonrho Mining is to focus on the
development of the world class Lulo project in Angola.
Set out below is the text of the announcement released by Lonrho Mining to the
Australian Securities Exchange earlier today:
"Australian-based diamond exploration and development company Lonrho Mining
Limited (ASX: LOM) ("Lonrho Mining" or the "Company") today announced it has
entered into an option agreement to sell the prospecting right and associated
mining equipment to New African Mining ("NAM").
The Schmidtsdrift mine - owned by Lonrho Mining (80%) and the Schmidtsdrift
Communal Property Association (20%) - comprises six contiguous farms along the
western bank of the Vaal River, with a combined area of 320kmSquared.
Since the Company commenced operations in April 2006 up to 31 May 2008, the
Schmidtsdrift mine has produced 16,805 carats of diamonds from 3,209,484 tonnes
at an average grade of 0.5 carats per hundred tons. The production included 338
stones in excess of 5 carats in size, including a rare 235 carat stone, two 66
carat stones, a 61 carat stone and 45 stones between 15 and 50 carats in size.
Under the Option Agreement NAM will have an exclusive option for 14 days to
conclude all the necessary documentation and formal agreements for the sale of
the Company`s interests in the Schmidstdrift mining operation. NAM has agreed to
pay an option fee of US$500,000 for the exclusive right to purchase the
Company`s interest in the Schmidtsdrift prospecting right (US$7,500,000) and the
mining fleet and equipment (US$5,850,000). The option fee is non-refundable and
will be deducted from the purchase price of the transaction. Due diligence has
been completed in relation to the sale of the prospecting right. It is expected
that completion of due diligence in relation to sale of the equipment will occur
during the next 14 days during which the parties will finalise the sale
agreements in accordance with the above commercial terms.
On completion of the transaction and after payment of debt and other associated
costs, the Company will retain sale proceeds of approximately US$6 million.
These funds will in due course be applied towards the exploration and
development of the Lulo diamond project in Angola.
Commenting on the sale, Lonrho Mining`s Chief Executive Officer Charles Mostert
said:
"The Company has undertaken the divestment of the Schmidtsdrift mine so that it
can focus its efforts on developing the Lulo diamond project in Angola. The Lulo
project is capable of delivering significant value to shareholders and we
believe it is important that the Company`s resources are directed towards
unlocking the potential value as quickly as possible."
LONRHO ENQUIRIES
Lonrho Plc +44 (0)20 7016 5105
David Lenigas, Executive Chairman +44 (0)7881 825 378
Geoffrey White, Chief Executive +44 (0)7717 307 308
Officer
Emma de Borchgrave, Executive +44 (0)7867 785 177
Director
Pelham PR
Charles Vivian +44 (0) 20 7743
6672
+44 (0) 7977
297903
James MacFarlane +44 (0) 20 7743
6375
+44 (0) 7841 672831
Collins Stewart Europe : NOMAD to
Lonrho
Hugh Field / Ned Fox +44 (0) 20 75238350
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Lulo
The Lulo Project is located on the eastern margin of the Cuango River catchment
approximately 650km east of Luanda within the Lunda Norte Province of
northeastern Angola.
The Company has signed Joint Venture Agreements with Endiama, the national
diamond company of Angola and exclusive concessionary for Angolan diamond mining
rights, to develop the highly prospective 3,000kmSquared Lulo Diamond Concession
in Angola.
On all kimberlite deposits Lonrho`s participating interest will initially be 39%
of the joint venture which will decrease to 30% after recoupment of its
investment in the Project. On all alluvial deposits Lonrho`s participating
interest will be 40% in the joint venture. Under the terms of the joint venture
agreement with Endiama, Lonrho has paid a cash deposit of US$1.4 million (A$1.54
million) which is refundable after exploration expenditure of an equal amount by
Lonrho within nine months after signing the joint venture agreement. Lonrho is
also required to fund a work programme for which the first year of exploration
expenditure will total US$6 million (A$7 million). Under the terms of the joint
venture, the Company will also receive in priority the funds it has expended on
exploration from future cash flow from mining operations.
For more information please visit: www.lonrhomining.com
About LONRHO:
Lonrho Plc is an expanding conglomerate that is rapidly growing a successful
business throughout Africa. The Company`s shares are traded on the London AIM
stock exchange (LONR). Lonrho is strategically focused on the development of
business opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, support services,
hotels and natural resources. The Company has over 19,000 shareholders and
substantial institutional backing to support its mandate to build a profitable
business that plays a fundamental role in the development of the African
economy.
Since 2006, the Company has invested in or acquired control of:
Hotel Cardoso - www.hotelcardoso.co.mz (retained)
Lonrho Mining - www.lonrhomining.com
Luba Freeport - www.lubafreeport.com
Fly540 - www.fly540.com
Swissta Holdings - www.swissta.com
SA Independent Liner Services - www.saliners.com
Bytes and Pieces www.bytespieces.com
Kwikbuild - www.e-kwikbuild.co.za
LonZim - www.lonzim.co.uk
South African sponsor to Lonrho Plc
Java Capital (Proprietary) Limited
Date: 15/08/2008 10:39:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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