DRDGOLD Limited - Philip Shaft Mining Resumes At V
DRD
DRDD
DRDGOLD Limited - Philip Shaft Mining Resumes At Vatukoula
DRDGOLD LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1895/000926/06)
ARB number 086 277 616
JSE trading symbol: DRD
ISIN Code: ZAE000058723
Issuer code: DUSM
Nasdaq trading symbol: DROOY
("DRDGOLD" or "the Company")
PHILIP SHAFT MINING RESUMES AT VATUKOULA
Emperor Mines Limited is pleased to announce that production at the Philip
Shaft at Emperor Mines" Vatukoula Gold Mine in Fiji has recommenced earlier
than anticipated, following repairs to damage to the shaft following a
shaft conveyance failure on October 14 this year.
During testing of the shaft conveyance following routine maintenance, a
skip-cage fell down the shaft, along with approximately 900 metres of wire
cable, damaging power and water services to the lower levels of the mine
structure.
Mining in Philip Shaft was halted following the incident, while
investigations and repairs were undertaken.
Mine General Manager Frazer Bourchier said today that extensive testing of
the conveyance mechanism showed limited damage arising from the incident,
which in turn accelerated the process of repairs and clearance of the shaft
for mining to resume.
"The Team who worked on shaft and conveyance repairs have done an excellent
job, and I am delighted that we have been able to recommence mining in the
Shaft earlier than anticipated. We can now continue general mining reforms
at Vatukoula, as we work to reduce our costs and increase our production. I
am pleased that repair work has progressed safely and quickly, and that we
can now return our focus to the turn-around", Mr Bourchier said.
Philip Shaft provides approximately 50% of production at Vatukoula, which,
in turn, represents approximately 25% of group production for Australia-
based miner Emperor Mines Limited.
Emperor Mines is 78.7% owned by DRDGOLD.
Johannesburg
14 November 2006
Sponsor
Standard Bank
Date: 14/11/2006 01:13:09 PM Produced by the JSE SENS Department
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