Nov 26 2010
Kria Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:KIA) announces the following update on progress on the Halfmile Mine.
- Kria continues to progress on the Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") with the New Brunswick Department of Environment. Kria believes that it has submitted substantially all of the information to the Department of Environment that is required to make a decision on the Project. Kria believes it has addressed all environmental concerns and mitigated any potential impacts of the Project. It is the Company's understanding that the remaining steps are for the Department of Environment to finalize their review, make their recommendation to the Minister, and that the Minister will then make its decision on the Project. Until the permit approval is received there is always the risk the permit is not approved.
- Kria has submitted the Mining Lease Application to the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and expects a decision from the Minister of the Department of Natural Resources shortly. However, it is necessary that the EIA is approved before final approval of the Mining Lease Application is granted.
- Kria has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Mi'gmag First Nations in New Brunswick, including Amlamgog (Fort Folly), Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church), Elsipogtog (Big Cove), L'nui Menikuk (Indian Island), Metepenagiag (Red Bank), Natoaganeg (Eel Ground), Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau), Tjipõgtõtjg (Buctouche), and Ugpi'ganjig (Eel River Bar) (collectively, the "Mi'gmag First Nations") with respect to the development of the Company's Halfmile property. By entering into the MOU the parties confirm their agreement to work together toward a Cooperation Agreement and an Aboriginal Rights Impact Agreement to be implemented with respect to the development of an underground base metal mining operation on the Property. The MOU is intended to enhance and support the constitutional Aboriginal and Treaty rights held by the Mi'gmag and economic development processes within the current regulatory framework for both parties (see Kria press release dated November 4, 2010).
- Detailed engineering on surface facilities is well advanced.
- Kria has sought and obtained tender estimates on building the new site access road, excavating and supporting the mine portal, and on underground development.
- Kria expects to finalize agreements with Xstrata Zinc on processing the Halfmile ore at Xstrata Zinc's Brunswick 12 operation shortly.
Mr. Mike Hoffman, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company stated, "Kria believes it will obtain permits to develop Halfmile shortly and continues to work with government authorities to expedite the process. In order to advance Halfmile during this permitting period on a timely basis, extensive work continued on designing, planning and obtaining the resources required to develop the project. Our shareholders will continue to receive updates on progress at this critical time of Halfmile's development."
The scientific and technical contents of this press release has been supervised, reviewed and approved by Dayle Rusk, P. Geo., Vice President Exploration of Kria, who is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 guidelines.