Aug 10 2016
Dundee Precious Metals Inc. ("DPM" or "the Company") is pleased to report that the final construction permit for the Company's Krumovgrad gold project in Bulgaria has been issued by the Chief Architect of the Krumovgrad Municipality. The statutory review and appeal period has expired and the permit is in force as of August 9, 2016. With final preparatory activities expected to be completed during the third quarter, and the recent completion of the sale of Kapan, equity offering and commodity hedging, the Company is well positioned to commence the construction phase of this project following receipt of Board approval.
"After 12 years of continuous investment in Bulgaria at the Chelopech mine and Krumovgrad project, we are pleased and excited to announce that we have received the permit to construct the Krumovgrad mine, a high value return project for all stakeholders. The receipt of this permit is a testament to the commitment of our project team to listen to the concerns of the local community and design a project capable of gaining the support of the community and other key stakeholders," said Rick Howes, President and CEO. "We are on track to break ground on this project, as scheduled, and commence production in the second half of 2018."
About the Krumovgrad Gold Project
The proposed mine site is located approximately three kilometers south of the town of Krumovgrad in southeastern Bulgaria. The project plan contemplates the construction of an open pit mining operation comprised of a process plant which will employ conventional crushing, grinding and flotation processing for gold extraction and the disposal of thickened tailings together with the mine rock waste in an integrated mine waste facility. The plant is designed to treat up to 840,000 tonnes of ore containing 85,700 ounces of gold per annum over an eight year mine life. The capital cost to complete the construction of the mine and associated facilities, excluding escalation, financing and sunk costs is estimated at US$178 million. This project remains robust with an estimated 25% after-tax internal rate of return based on gold and silver prices of US$1,250/ounce and US$15/ounce, respectively.
In addition, DPM is currently executing a systematic exploration program on the mine concession, and the surrounding exploration licenses, to identify additional resources to extend the current eight year mine life. Encouraging drill results received to date include those from the Kupel North target area that were reported in management's discussion and analysis for the second quarter issued on July 28, 2016, which is posted on the Company website at www.dundeeprecious.com and on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
Source: http://www.dundeeprecious.com/