Mine Equipment Update

 
TIDMHMB 
 
 

  Mine Equipment Update 
 
Hambledon Mining Plc     11 March 2009 
 
 

  The Directors of Hambledon Mining Plc ("the Company") are pleased to report upon the installation and performance of the new secondary crusher. 
 

  The installation of the new secondary cone crusher and re-lining of the primary ball mill were completed in late February. The installation and commissioning interrupted operations for longer than expected, resulting in the equivalent of three weeks of lost production. The upgraded circuit is, however, now producing crushed ore at above the design rate. 
 

  Several other improvements to the crushing circuit were carried out during the shutdown and will be completed in the next two weeks. These changes are designed to make the plant more reliable and less prone to stoppages caused by freeze-thaw weather in spring and autumn. Nevertheless, some weather-related disruption to production can be expected from now until the end of April. 
 

  The new circuit is capable of producing a more finely crushed product, which will allow the mills to operate at higher tonnages. There is therefore potential for higher milling rates after further experience of operating the new circuit is gained, particularly in the summer months. 
 

  A quarterly production update will be given at the beginning of the next quarter. 
 

  Enquiries: 
 

  Hambledon Mining: 
 

  Telephone [phone] 
 

  Charles Zorab 
 

  Fairfax I.S. PLC: 
 

  Telephone [phone] 
 

  Nominated Adviser and Broker 
 

  Ewan Leggat