Exco says fieldwork continues in Bengkulu copper-gold prospect

Australian mineral explorer Exco Resources NL reported on Wednesday that it was continuing fieldwork in Manna copper-gold prospect in Bengkulu, Sumatra, with initial sampling and mapping results indicating that recent volcanic cover is masking outcrops on ridges and slopes preventing the mapping of mineralized zones between streams

The cover is believed to be thin but will require trenching or shallow drilling to sample bedrock. This work will be undertaken once all permits are received for exploration within the forestry reserves, which cover parts of the areas of interest, said the company in its quarterly report.

Exco said the heightened security situation in Indonesia would not immediately affect planned field activities although movement of foreign personnel will be minimized and further developments are being monitored closely.

Exco, which acquired Manna copper-gold prospect in March this year, has 90 percent interest in the project. (alex)