Operations Update

    RNS Number : 5340Z
  Tarquin Resources PLC
  22 July 2008
   

    22 July 2008

    TARQUIN RESOURCES PLC
    ("Tarquin" or "the Company")


    OPERATIONS UPDATE

    22 July 2008.  The directors of Tarquin (AIM : TQN) wish to inform and update the market on the following activities which have been
carried out during the quarter ended 30 June 2008.

    Project Puquios:  

    Puquios is an open-cut, heap leach SX EW project located in northern Chile. The project is planned to produce 15,000tpa of copper
cathode commencing in early 2010. The completion of the bankable feasibility study and finalisation of project financing of the Puquios
project remains the major focus for the Company during 2008.

    The bankable feasibility study continued throughout the quarter. Progress was largely to plan, with the key activities undertaken
being:

    *     Some additional assay work from the recently completed in-fill drilling programme was carried out. The revised geological
model/resource evaluation was close to completion with a new JORC compliant resource statement expected to be available in August. The
closer spaced drill hole data should now result in a geological model with the majority of the resource in the Measured and Indicated
categories.

    *     The Phase 1 metallurgical test programme report indicated an orebody with high copper recovery and low acid consumption. The Phase
II test programme commenced in May and is designed to confirm the results of the previous testwork and provide additional process design
information. Preliminary results of this programme are largely as expected.

    *     The Process Plant basic engineering continued. Technical packages suitable for quotation purposes were prepared for the majority
of plant/infrastructure requirements and forwarded to potential suppliers. Project capital estimates are expected to be available in
August.

    *     Detailed mine planning and operating cost estimation will commence with the completion of the geological model.

    Negotiations are underway for the acquisition of a new water source and the accompanying water rights license. This additional water
source will provide a total supply in excess of estimated project requirements.

    A Letter of Intent was entered into for the potential supply of sulphuric acid to meet the planned project requirements. The price and
other conditions of supply are to be agreed with the execution of a binding contract.

    The public consultation process for the revised Environmental Assessment commenced in June. Assuming that no major issues are raised in
this process, the current anticipated date for obtaining the main environmental license is October.  

    The target completion date for the bankable feasibility study is the end of September.

    Preliminary economic analysis of the Puquios project indicates robust project economics over a wide range of copper prices

    -End-

    For further information:

 Annie Richards  Tarquin Resources plc        Tel: [phone]

 Hugh Oram       Nabarro Wells & Co. Limited  Tel: [phone]


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