Scotia - Development Approval

RNS Number:7380X
Van Dieman Mines plc
05 June 2007

                              VAN DIEMAN MINES PLC

                        Scotia Mine Development Approval


Van Dieman Mines plc ("Van Dieman" or "The Company"), the AIM listed mining
company which is developing tin and sapphire mines in Tasmania, Australia
announces receipt of development approval for its Scotia mine.

The company has been advised that at a meeting of the Dorset Council held on the
21st May 2007 the Council approved the company's Development Application and
Environmental Management Plan (DPEMP) for its Scotia mine. The final and formal
council approval requires a 14 day advertising period and that period commenced
on the 26th May 2007. Final and formal approval is expected to be received by
the company on or just after the 12th June 2007. The Council has advised that it
does not expect any impediment to formal approval.

Final approval by Council will trigger the issue of a number of other permits
required under Tasmanian State Government Legislation, specifically:

   * Permit to Commence Construction from Department of Tourism, Arts and the
     Environment (DTAE);
   * Threatened Species Permit TFL 07091. A permit to collect seed from the
     threatened flora species Xanthorrhoea arenaria and Hierochloe rariflora
     from the area of the Mt Cameron Regional Reserve covered by mining lease
     15M/ 2004;
   * Threatened Species Permit TFL 07118. A permit to take the threatened
     flora species Xanthorrhoea arenaria from the area of the Mt Cameron
     Regional Reserve covered by mining lease 15M/2004 and identified as mining
     stage 1-3 inclusive;
   * Fauna Permit FA 07119. A permit to take a product of wildlife being dens
     of Sarcophilus harrisii and burrows of Vombatus ursinus from the area of
     the Mt Cameron Regional Reserve covered by mining lease 15M/2004 and
     identified as mining stage 1;
   * Temporary Water Use Licence and Water Use Licence from the Department of
     Primary Industry and Water (DPIW);
   * Approval to Construct Dams from the Advisory Committee on Large Dams
     (ACDC) Section of the DPIW; and
   * Approval from Forest Practices Authority of the Forest Practice Plan.

The company has already received the following permits:

   * Parks and Wildlife Grant of Authority to construct a new road access,
     road upgrade and bridge works on the company access road to Scotia;
   * Parks and Wildlife Grant of Authority to construct electrical
     infrastructure works (Powerlines, sub-stations, etc).

                                                                     5 June 2007

ENQUIRIES:

VAN DIEMAN MINES plc                       Tel: [phone]
Clive Trist, Managing Director             Email: [e-mail]
GRANT THORNTON CORPORATE FINANCE           Tel: [phone]
Fiona Owen
BANKSIDE CONSULTANTS                       Tel: [phone]
Michael Padley / Daniela Hale




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