Bumi says to continue survey in Mauritania iron ore project

Publicly listed diversified mining company PT Bumi Resources Tbk said that the company is to continue to survey for iron ore at its site in Sfariat-Zednes in the republic of Mauritania, Africa.

The Sfariat-Zednes area is one of the two iron ore mining permits granted by the Mauritanian government. The other iron ore permit granted is in the Tamagot area, Bumi said in statement Wednesday.

To date, the company has conducted preliminary survey work on both permit areas, with priority assigned to Sfariat-Zednes to determine its iron ore resource.

According to Bumi, the extent of investment and funding for Sfariat-Zednes is being assessed and it will depend on the survey results. A similar approach will be adopted for the Tamagot permit.

Bumi expects to engage a work force composing of Mauritanian and Indonesian professionals in this project.

Bumi first visited Mauritania in 2004 to assess the feasibility of helping the Mauritanian government develop its iron ore industry. The company stated that it will bring its world class mining expertise and work standards into the proposed Sfariat-Zednes and Tarnagot iron ore concessions, and ensure compliance with prevailing Mauratian laws and regulations. (denny)