Hillgrove gets permit to begin exploration at Papua mine project

Australian-listed firm Hillgrove Resource announced that it has received a forestry leasing permit (Izin Pinjam Pakai) from the Ministry of Forestry granting PT Akram Resources Pte. Ltd a permission to commence exploration drilling activities in specified Limited Production Forest areas within its Birds Head project, located in West Papua.

Hillgrove has an 80% beneficial interest in PT Akram through an executed Joint Venture Agreement.

PT Akram has maintained close consultation with local stakeholders while undertaking its current surface exploration activities, as well as through the forestry leasing permit application process, Hillgrove said in a statement.

PT Akram will now undertake further consultation with local stakeholders, with a view to commencing the process of mobilizing drilling equipment to test the West Delta porphyry targets.

The Managing Director, Drew Simonsen said ?the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry permitting process is methodical and rigorous, and we are pleased to have been able to satisfy their requirements, and those of local stakeholders. We look forward to being able to drill-test the initial target in the first half of 2012.? (romel)