Endeavour Mining completes Salman Village resettlement in Ghana
Toronto Stock Exchange: EDV
Australian Securities Exchange: EVR
MONACO, March 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Endeavour Mining Corporation ('Endeavour' or the 'Corporation')
is pleased to report that all community residents have relocated to the new Salman Village located near the company's Nzema Gold Mine in Ghana.A version of this news release including photos is available on the Endeavour Mining website (http:/www.endeavourmining.com/i/pdf/2012-03-05.pdf) and should be read in conjunction with this text-only version.
Mark Connelly, COO, stated: 'One of the most important aspects of the Nzema Gold Mine development has been the resettlement of the local Salman community village. We have completed an outstanding result and have established a protocol for future involuntary resettlements within Ghana and its mining jurisdictions'.
'The completion of the village resettlement and demolition and removal of the old village provides greater flexibility to the mining operations at Nzema. As mining advances at depth in the Salman open pits, blasting fresh rock is now underway with the first blast having occurred in Salman 1A pit on 28 February 2012. This advancement will improve mined ore grades and provide greater ore feed flexibility to the process plant'.
The Salman Resettlement involved resettling 2,200 people, at a 250 acre (100 hectare) site purchased in 2008, approximately 1km to the east of planned mining at Salman Central pit.
The village included the construction of :
-- 706 structures including residential dwellings, detached
kitchens, religious and commercial buildings.
-- 29 public structures including schools, a health centre, police
station, teachers, nurses and police quarters, along with more
than 20 ablution blocks
-- 7 km gravel roads
-- 17 boreholes
-- Electrical distribution to all residential and community
buildings
Negotiations for the resettlement were an integral part of the mine approval and were conducted between the company and the Salman community over a two-year period, beginning in 2008 and culminating in the signing of the Resettlement Agreement on 11 May 2010 and a subsequent Memorandum of Understanding in October 2010. These documents in addition to the Resettlement Action Plan became the blueprint for the resettlement of the new Salman township.
Endeavour used an innovative approach to the resettlement. The structures were built with the use of hydraform brick technology. These building bricks are stronger and cooler than the commonly used cement blocks enhancing both the aesthetic and practical benefits of the new village. In addition the bricks were constructed with the use of local labor, creating a sustainable local industry. The hydraform block making equipment has been given to the community to further assist in the development of a sustainable industry.
As part of the Resettlement Action Plan, Endeavour commenced a livelihood restoration program restoring the livelihoods of over 500 farmers impacted by the Nzema Gold Project. Additionally the company recently launched the Nzema Gold Scholarship Program (Nwoma Moale). Scholarships will benefit talented youth pursuing secondary, tertiary or vocational education within the company's operational area. In its inaugural year, nine students were selected from the Salman community to receive education scholarships. The program will be extended to other communities in the operational area next academic year.
In addition to Nwoma Moale, 40 young people are currently enrolled at the Kikam Technical Institute, receiving vocational training in aluminum fabrication, electrical installations, computer hardware and mobile phone repairs, refrigeration and air-conditioning repairs. This program is run by Endeavour in conjunction with the Australian High Commission in Ghana.
Endeavour is committed to operating in a way that takes into account not only the financial implications of business decisions, but also the social and environmental impact it has on the community. Our aim is to improve economic function and quality of life through an investment in people, and our focus remains on education and training.
About Endeavour Mining Corporation
Endeavour is a growth focused West African gold production and exploration company led by an accomplished management team. Endeavour is currently producing gold at a rate of 180,000 ounces per year from two operating mines (Nzema in Ghana and Youga in Burkina Faso). With a near-term mine construction decision (Agbaou in Côte d'Ivoire) and an extensive 2012 exploration program underway. Endeavour's goal is to produce approximately 250,000 ounces of gold per year from the end of 2013 from existing properties. Endeavour also has an acquisition growth strategy focused on West Africa and is targeting the acquisition of additional gold production before the end of 2013.
Endeavour Mining Corporation is listed on the TSX (symbol EDV) and ASX (symbol EVR).
On behalf of Endeavour Mining Corporation
'Neil Woodyer'
Neil Woodyer
Chief Executive Officer
The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The foregoing information may contain forward-looking information relating to the future performance of Endeavour Mining Corporation. Forward-looking information, specifically, that concerning future performance, is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the Corporation's filings with the appropriate securities commissions.
Endeavour Mining Corporation
CONTACT: Stephen Roberts, Vice President - Investor Relations +1 (604) 609
6130, sroberts@endeavourmining.com
David Ikin, Professional Public Relations, +61 8 9388
0944, david.ikin@ppr.com.au
Florence Liberski, Renmark Financial Communications, +1 514 939 3989 or
+1 416 644 2020, fliberski@renmarkfinancial.com
