Archipelago wins support from regency parliament

London Stock Exchange-listed mining firm Archipelago Resources plc announced that on Thursday, 15th November 2007 the Parliament of North Minahasa Regency, Sulawesi voted to support the company?s Toka Tindung Gold Project, a decision for which formal ratification is now awaited as noted below.

The Project processing plant, all infrastructures and the majority of the open pits will lie within the Regency of North Minahasa which is one of a number of rural and urban regions that together comprise the Province of North Sulawesi, the company said.

This support from regional government for the Project is consistent with the previously announced support received from local people within ten villages in closest proximity to the project, the company said.

The company?s gold project had been opposed by provincial government, supported by some NGOs and the company has yet secured approval of Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) from the Minsitry of Environment. The lack of approval had caused lengthy delays to the project.

?When the decree is issued, the company?s intention is to deliver a copy to the State Minister for the Environment to demonstrate regional political support for the Project. As all technical aspects of the Project have already been accepted by the State Ministry for the Environment the company hopes that this decree will evidence the provincial support that the Minister has requested to allow him to approve the Company?s AMDAL. The Company views this vote of support for the Project as a major step towards its goal of AMDAL approval,? the company said.

The mine is targeted to start production in 2008 with annual production rate of 160,000 ounces. (alex)