| Tue 7 Nov 2006, 15:52 | | Lonrho Africa - Lonrho notes todays announcement m |
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LAF
LOLAF
Lonrho Africa - Lonrho notes today"s announcement made by Brinkley Mining
Plc ("Brinkley"), in which Lonrho has A 9.94% interest
Lonrho Africa Plc
(Incorporated and registered in England and Wales)
(Registration number 2805337)
(Share code: LAF; ISIN number: GB0002568813)
("Lonrho Africa" or "the Company")
LONRHO NOTES TODAY"S ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY BRINKLEY MINING PLC ("BRINKLEY"),
IN WHICH LONRHO HAS A 9.94% INTEREST.
"We are pleased with the progress Brinkley is making in the Democratic
Republic of Congo ("DRC"). The DRC Atomic Energy Commission`s public
statement demonstrates its commitment to the partnership with Brinkley in
developing the country"s uranium potential. This partnership will allow the
Commission to increase its nuclear activity in the industrial sector and
consolidate the use of nuclear energy for the sustainable development of
the DRC," said Lonrho"s Joint Executive Chairman and Chief Executive, David
Lenigas.
The full text of Brinkley"s announcement released earlier today is as
follows:
Brinkley Mining Plc
("Brinkley Mining" or the "Company")
DRC"s CGEA Announces Agreement with Brinkley Africa
During a visit to Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of
the Congo ("DRC), Gerard Holden, Chairman of Brinkley Mining, today
participated in a press conference hosted by the Commissaire General of the
Commissariat General a l`Energie Atomique ("CGEA" or "The Atomic Energy
Commission"), where the CGEA formally announced its Memorandum of
Understanding with Brinkley Africa Ltd.
This agreement was the subject of a previous press release dated 23 October
2006, which stated that the CGEA had partnered with Brinkley Mining to
develop and advise on all Uranium assets in the DRC. Both the French
language version of the CGEA press release dated 7 November 2006 and an
English translation are attached to this document for information.
While in Kinshasa, the Brinkley Mining delegation, led by Gerard Holden,
held extensive discussions with both the Minister of Scientific Research
and Technology, Honorable Minister Gerard Kamanda Wa Kamanda and the
Commissaire General of the Atomic Energy Commission, Professor Fortunat
Lumu Badimbayi-Matu.
Following this announcement, plans are now in place to commence work on
identified target areas and a technical team is being mobilised to start
work in the country.
Gerard Holden, Chairman of Brinkley Mining, commented that:
"We are extremely pleased with the progress we have made with our Congolese
partners. It bodes well for our future cooperation and collaboration that
we understand each others objectives clearly. We share a common desire to
maximise the value of the country"s uranium resources in a timely and safe
manner and look forward to announcing specific projects in the near
future."
The translation of the French press release from the CGEA is attached below
for information.
"PRESS RELEASE
Democratic Republic of Congo
The Commissariat General a l`Energie Atomique ("CGEA" - The Atomic Energy
Commission) formally announced its Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with
Brinkley Africa Ltd for the research, development and production of nuclear
materials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ("DRC").
Furthermore, Brinkley Africa Ltd will assist the CGEA in the installation
of equipment to control nuclear matter and radioactive substances destined
for exports.
I have the pleasure in presenting, Mr Gerard Holden, Chairman of Brinkley
Mining Plc, who has come to Kinshasa to begin implementing our MoU.
With this document in mind, I would like to alert you to the 20th September
2006, when the Ministers of Mines and of Scientific Research and Technology
signed an Inter-ministerial Decree No. N051/CAB.MIN.MINES/01/2006 and N029
CAB.MIN.RST/01/2006 dated 20th September 2006 which focused on the mining
of radioactive products and the deposit of core samples with the CGEA.
As you are aware in our country, the production of Uranium is regulated by
the CGEA statutes and Act No. 017/2002.
The Ordinance No. 78-195 dated 5th May 1978 stipulates in article 3 that
the CGEA"s objectives, among others are;
effect, promote and coordinate scientific and technical research in the
diverse areas of science an d industry, including the use of atomic energy
and spatial research
effect the prospecting, production and treatment of minerals, radioactive
material and their production, alone or with third parties.
Furthermore, the Act No. n 017/2002 dated 16th October 2002 stipulates the
need for protection against the danger of ionising rays and physical
protection of nuclear installations and products. It stipulates in
articles 3, 4, 5 and 6 that all activity linked to the exploration or
production of nuclear materials requires authorisation beforehand from the
CGEA.
As the preferred partner of CGEA, Brinkley Africa Ltd, has the first right
of preference over exploration and production areas identified by the CGEA
or proposed to the CGEA for development.
Conforming to the objectives set out by the State, the CGEA wishes to
develop this industry with other credible external partners experienced in
the activity of research and production of uranium.
The prospecting and research in this sector will therefore fit into the
economic policy of the country, promoting the value of mineral resources,
training of the national workforce, transfer of technology and thus an
increased standard of living. It is also recognised that investments in
this sector can be a major contributor to the socio-economic development of
the country as these investments are characterised by returns over the
medium to long-term.
Under the terms of this MoU, once the results of the research and
feasibility study are concluded and deemed satisfactory, the CGEA and
Brinkley Africa Ltd can agree to explore deposits by creating a production
company in line with national legislation.
The MoU with Brinkley Africa Ltd will allow the CGEA to increase its
nuclear activity in the Industrial sector, to grow, to consolidate and to
bring to the CGEA and our country additional resources that will help
increase the peaceful use of nuclear energy for sustainable development
within the DRC.
Kinshasa, 7th November 2006"
07 November 2006
South African sponsor to Lonrho Africa Plc
Java Capital (Proprietary) Limited
Date: 07/11/2006 03:52:37 PM Produced by the JSE SENS Department
