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Gem Resources Plc (formerly
URA Holdings plc)
("GEMR"
or the "Company")
Operational
Update
Gem Resources Plc (LSE: GEMR),
formerly URA Holdings plc, is pleased to provide an operational
update on its activities this quarter at the Gravelotte Emerald
Mine ("Gravelotte").
Phase 1 Restart Progress
Phase 1 of the Gravelotte's restart
has been underway for approximately six months. During this period,
the Company has processed approximately 5,500 tonnes of ore,
primarily sourced from tailings and stockpiled materials. Initial
results from Phase 1 have highlighted several key items and
opportunities to enhance operational efficiency.
To capitalize on these findings, GEM
has engaged two local engineering firms to support its in-house
team in manufacturing, installing, and modifying components within
the processing plant which will boost its production capacity. In
addition, this initiative aims to improve recovery rates, and
minimise delays caused by equipment downtime. Additionally, general
site infrastructure has been systematically upgraded since the
start of Phase 1.
Key
Upgrades
A major improvement involves
replacing the current screening trommel (see Figure 1) with a
custom-made double deck vibrating washing and sizing screen
(Figures 2 and 3). The new screen, now on-site, is expected to be
installed within a week, followed by calibration and
fine-tuning.
The new screen's robust design and
larger capacity are projected to significantly increase daily
processing volume and reduce downtime. GEM will update shareholders
on the efficiency gains achieved after the screen has been
operational for a sufficient period.
Mining Operations
In Phase 1, the material processed
has primarily been from stockpiles and tailings, while some
material removed as part of the preparation of the start of mining
activities in both the Cobra and Discovery Open Pits were also
processed. Preparations for the commencement of mining in the Cobra
and Discovery open pits have been successful, with material cleared
and access roads now completed in preparation for the start of
mining activities at Level 8 in the Cobra Pit and Levels 1 and 6 in
the Discovery Pit.
Phase 2
Upon completing the planned
processing plant upgrades, GEM will shortly initiate active mining
in both the Cobra and Discovery open pits. This next phase will be
a critical step in further ramping up production, improving the
quality of the emeralds recovered as well as establishing a steady
supply of high-grade ore for processing.
Chairman's Statement
Ed Nealon, Chairman of Gem Resources
Plc, commented: "We are pleased by the progress made during Phase 1
of Gravelotte's restart, which demonstrates the mine's potential to
resume its historic position as a major source of emeralds. The
upgrades and equipment additions will improve recovery rates and
minimise production delays. As part of the start-up phase, we were
hoping to conduct a small trial sale in late September, but due to
circumstances beyond our control we are unable to do so. We are
currently looking at options to conduct a trial sale in the near
future while we continue to stockpile material. I look forward to
sharing further updates to keep shareholders informed of our
journey of growth and renewal at Gravelotte."
-Ends-
Figure 1. Trommel screen current in use in the GEM processing
circuit.
Figure 2. Double Deck vibrating washing and sizing screen
arriving on site.
Figure 3. New Double Deck Sizing and washing Screen to replace
the Trommel screen.
Enquiries:
Gem Resources
Plc
Chief Executive Officer
Bernard Olivier
Executive Director
Peter Redmond
Chief Operating Officer
Jeremy Sturgess-Smith
|
+44 (0)746
368 6497
info@gemresources.co.uk
|
Peterhouse Capital Limited
Joint Corporate Broker
Lucy Williams
Duncan Vasey
Capital Plus Partners
Joint Corporate Broker
Keith Swann
Jon
Critchley
|
+44 (0)20
7469 0930
+44 (0)203
821 6169
+44 (0)203
821 6168
|
CMC
Markets
Joint Corporate Broker
Douglas Crippen
|
+44 (0)20
3003 8632
|
About Gem Resources Plc ("GEMR")
GEMR is an emerging emerald
producer, focusing on the Gravelotte Emerald Mine (GEM).
Historically, GEM is one of the world's largest emerald mines,
located in South Africa. The Company s is committed to sustainable
and efficient mining practices, utilizing modern technology to
revive this historically significant emerald mine. The Company has
also acquired the Curlew Emerald Mine in Australia, further
expanding its emerald mining operations and assets.
For more information about Gem
Resources Plc, including investor relations and corporate news,
please visit our website at www.gemresources.co.uk.