Nueva Esperanza Gold/Silver Project Update
Nueva Esperanza Gold/Silver Project Exploration Update
Kingsgate Consolidated (ASX:KCN) (“Kingsgate” or the “Company) is pleased to provide an update on exploration activities at its 100% owned Nueva Esperanza Project in Chile. The spring exploration
season commenced in September 2016, and forms part of a previously announced US$3 million exploration budget for FY17 which will focus on district targets separate from the three existing resource areas. For the balance of the 2016/17 season exploration will be focused on detailed geological mapping, surface sampling, Air-Blast and RC drilling.
Update on Thai Media Reports on the Chatree Gold Mine
Update on Thai Media Reports on the Chatree Gold Mine
Kingsgate Consolidated (ASX:KCN) (“Kingsgate” or the “Company”) has been made aware of some alleged recent comments by the Thai Minister of Industry reported in the Thai media that relate to the premature closure of the Chatree Gold Mine on 31 December 2016.
The following is a summary of those reports:
- The Ministry of Industry is not certain that it has the power under existing Thai law to prematurely close the Chatree Gold Mine, including the non-renewal of its metallurgical licence;
- There is no conclusive evidence of hazardous waste or contamination caused by the Chatree Gold Mine. The Ministry of Industry expects a study conducted by various government authorities into this matter to be finalised in November;
- The Ministry of Industry is discussing the situation internally and will consult with the Deputy Prime Minister in relation to the resulting legal implications of the premature closure of the Chatree Gold Mine;
- The Thai Government plans to establish a Mineral Management Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister to develop mining policies including a policy for mineral exploration; and
- The Thai Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Industry to consider the impact of the matter on the Free Trade Agreement between Thailand and Australia.
Neither Kingsgate nor its Thai subsidiary Akara Resources Public Company Limited, have received any communication from the Thai Government in relation to these matters, and accordingly are unable to assess what weight, if any, should be given to these remarks.
The media reports themselves are contradictory in certain respects, and the Thai press should not necessarily be regarded as a reliable source of information of this type.
Greg Foulis
Chief Executive Officer
Kingsgate Consolidated Limited
Update on Chatree Gold Mine Metallurgical Licence
Update on Chatree Gold Mine Metallurgical Licence
Kingsgate Consolidated’s (ASX:KCN) (“Kingsgate” or the “Company”) Thai controlled subsidiary, Akara Resources Public Company Limited (“Akara”), will today submit an application for a 5 year renewal of the Metallurgical Licence for the Chatree Gold Mine. This renewal application follows an announcement by the Thai Government in May 2016, to only extend Akara’s Metallurgical Licence until 31 December 2016. Lodgement of a renewal application for the Metallurgical Licence is required to be made by 60 days prior to its expiration under Thai Law. There can be no assurance that such an application will be successful. Kingsgate continues to push for remedies to the premature closure of the Chatree Gold Mine.
In addition, Akara has also released a Community Survey taken across approximately 1,800 households in the vicinity of the mine that was undertaken in accordance with the Thai Department of Primary Industries and Mines “Social Licence to Operate” guidelines. The Community Survey reported a high satisfaction rate with the Chatree Gold Mine and its operations.
Greg Foulis
Chief Executive Officer
Kingsgate Consolidated Limited