Alexander Mining plc-First Cobalt and Copper Metal Produced From Commissioning of AmmLeach(R) Copper/Cobalt Demonstration Pil...

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



--  Successful commissioning of AmmLeach(R) copper/cobalt plant in South
    Africa has produced its first copper and cobalt cathode metal. 
--  First AmmLeach(R) plant in the world with two circuits through to copper
    and cobalt cathode metal, compared with majority of Democratic Republic
    of Congo ('DRC') cobalt currently produced as a concentrate requiring
    further processing outside the DRC. 



The DRC currently supplies over half of the world's annual cobalt mine
production (98,000t), which has a current global value of around US$2.8 billion
per annum. Alexander believes that its AmmLeach(R) process offers a clear
competitive advantage for the production of cobalt through to metal cathode in
the DRC, as well as offering a way to treat high-acid-consuming carbonate copper
ores in the DRC that hitherto have been uneconomic to treat. 


Martin Rosser, Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are delighted with the results
of the commissioning of our AmmLeach(R) copper/cobalt demonstration pilot plant
in South Africa. We look forward to building on the success as part of our
current commercialisation activities for our AmmLeach(R) technology in the DRC
Copperbelt." 


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.  


Notes for editors 

The AmmLeach(R) cobalt/copper process has particular relevance to the DRC which
accounts for around 53% (52,000t) of world mine production in 2011 and 45%
(3.4Mt) 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.