Alexander Mining plc-AmmLeach(R) Copper/Cobalt Demonstration Pilot Plant Established

Alexander Mining plc ('Alexander' or the 'Company') (TSX VENTURE:AXD)(AIM:AXM) - 

Alexander is pleased to report that it has, in partnership with MC Process Pty
Ltd ('MC Process') of South Africa, completed construction of an AmmLeach(R)
copper/cobalt demonstration pilot plant in Johannesburg, and has commenced
commissioning the plant using bulk ore samples from the DRC. 


As part of Alexander's initiatives in the DRC, we have collected a significant
range of copper and cobalt mineralisation samples from the DRC for initial
laboratory amenability testing. The testwork results have been highly
encouraging and jointly we have now established a pilot plant at MC Process's
premises. Initially, the plant will be used for testing larger bulk
representative samples which have been delivered from the DRC, but will be
capable of treating other base metal deposit types. 


The AmmLeach(R) cobalt/copper process has particular relevance to the DRC which
accounts for around 53% of world mine production in 2011 and 45% of world
reserves (source: U.S. Geological Survey January 2012). Moreover, the majority
of cobalt currently produced in the DRC is as an intermediate product. The
AmmLeach(R) cobalt/copper process is simpler and requires fewer unit processes
to produce cobalt and copper metal cathode, resulting in significantly reduced
capital and operating costs compared to the conventional acid/SO2 process. Given
the inherent high costs associated with operating within the DRC, using
conventional technology, AmmLeach(R) has the potential to enable the processing
of a significantly greater number of deposits that have to date been considered
marginal or uneconomic to develop.


Furthermore, the AmmLeach(R) process:



--  may economically treat high carbonate and acid consuming ore bodies that
    are prevalent in the DRC and which may not be economically treated using
    acid leaching; and 
--  is also ideally suited to heap leaching 'lower' grade ore bodies. 



The results from the pilot plant will be invaluable for design and scale up to a
full size commercial plant. 


MC Process is Alexander's partner of choice for AmmLeach(R) plant design and
engineering in Africa and it is dedicated to the design and manufacture of
minerals processing equipment, especially solvent extraction electro-winning
("SX-EW") plants. Moreover, it has considerable experience with designing and
establishing SX-EW plants in the DRC and other countries in Africa.  


Martin Rosser, Chief Executive Officer, said: "This pilot plant will be the
first in Africa to showcase Alexander's innovative AmmLeach(R) technology
producing both copper and cobalt metal from two circuits in the one plant. It
will be integral to our business development plans for the DRC Copperbelt and
also for testing material from copper and cobalt projects in other parts of
Africa and the world. The ability for third parties to see the AmmLeach(R)
process working will be invaluable for its commercialisation. Moreover, we are
delighted with the highly beneficial relationship already developed with MC
Process and we look forward to our continued successful close collaboration." 


Forward Looking Statements 

This news release contains forward looking statements, being statements which
are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding
potential results of AmmLeach(R) testwork, anticipated applications for the
AmmLeach(R) processing and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can
be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are
necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to
numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future
events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's
expectations are in Company documents filed from time to time with the TSX
Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are
available at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to
revise or update such statements unless required by law.