Perth, Sep 22, 2006 AEST (ABN Newswire) - A construction start is imminent on a US$133 million Indonesian zinc mine regarded as one of the highest grade undeveloped zinc lead deposits in the world and being developed by ASX-listed Herald Resources Limited (ASX: HER).
The Company said today only one approval was now awaited ahead of first capital works on the high grade Dairi zinc/lead project in Sumatra. First metal production is currently scheduled for the third quarter of 2007.
The project - 80% owned by Herald - is expected to generate revenues of US$400-500 million a year based on current metal prices when production commences late next year.
Addressing the Paydirt Asia Pacific Downunder Conference in Perth today,
Herald's Executive Director, Mr Michael Wright, said the Company had yet to finalise off-take agreements and was talking to a wide range of potential customers.
"Virtually every smelter in the world has come visiting and we are keeping options open at the moment to create some competitive tension before locking in any sales deals," Mr Wright said.
"The zinc price has taken off and we believe the price will remain strong for some years yet as the extended period of low zinc prices for 15 years has impacted the development pipeline and stockpiles are being eaten away.
"Most stockpiles will be gone by Christmas time and we can then expect to see some further upwards action on zinc prices.
"It is no surprise therefore that we are being chased aggressively as a supplier because of the shortage worldwide of both zinc metal and concentrate - and as this will also last some years, we are looking to maximise our options.
"There is for example, a potential billion dollar profit at present prices in just one of Dairi's ore bodies alone and that is on known reserves - there is a lot of upside yet in the project area."
The underground Dairi mine is expected to produce 300,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate, generating 185,000 tonnes of contained metal per annum.
First mining will be from the high grade Anjing Hitam deposit within Dairi.
It has minable reserves of 6.6 million tonnes @ 15% zinc and 9% lead for an initial mine life of seven years.
Herald has mandated Societe Generale Australian branch to provide US$62 million of senior finance facilities to develop the project, in addition to US$90 million equity already raised.
Additional exploration at the nearby Lae Jehe deposit includes intercepts of 13.8m @ 8.8% zinc and 4.8% lead. This deposit has combined Indicated and Inferred resources of 4.4 million tonnes grading 9.9% zinc and 5.5% lead.
Contact
Kevin Skinner
Senior Consultant
FIELD PUBLIC RELATIONS
231 South Road
MILE END SA 5031
Tel: (08) 8234 9555
Fax: (08) 8234 9566
Mob: 0414 822 631
kevin@fieldpr.com.au
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