AMN - ALGERIA: Geotechnical drilling at Tala Hamza

Terramin Australia has recommenced the final geotechnical drilling campaign at the Tala Hamza Zinc Project in Algeria. Drilling is being undertaken by joint venture partner ORGM and should take about 10 weeks to complete with the purpose being to confirm the location of the portal and ventilation shafts.

Terramin has started the process of compiling the final documentation for the mining lease application which will incorporate recent project enhancements such as the dry stacking of tailings and relocation of the processing plant.

During recent meetings in Algiers, the representatives of the Algerian Ministry of Industry and Mines, partner ENOF and Terramin agreed to establish a working group which will review portions of the mining lease application as they are completed in order to facilitate rapid approval of the project.

Terramin’s Chief Executive Officer Martin Janes said: “We have been very pleased with the continued progress of the Tala Hamza project and in particular the joint initiative to establish a working group to facilitate the approval of the project.”

Tala Hamza is owned by Western Mediterranean Zinc Spa(WMZ), a joint venture vehicle between Terramin and Enterprise Nationale des Produits Miniers Non-Ferreux et des Substances Utiles Spa (ENOF) to develop the project. Terramin holds 65% of WMZ, with the remainder held by two Algerian government-owned companies with (32.5%) and Office National de Recherche Géologique et Minière (ORGM) with 2.5%.

The project is on the Mediterranean Sea, 15km from the regional city of Béjaia, which provides extensive infrastructure including an international airport and deep water port. Location benefits include grid power, abundant water and proximity to European zinc smelters.

Tala Hamza deposit holds a measured, indicated and inferred resource of 68.6 million tonnes at 4.6% zinc and 1.2% lead at a cut-off of 2.5% zinc equivalent. The deposit is within the Oued Amizour permit area that covers 125 sq km and includes a number of potential additional prospects for lead-zinc and copper.

www.terramin.com.au

News courtesy of International Mining