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TSX / THX - Trans Hex Group Limited - Operational update

Release Date: 10/04/2008 13:47
Code(s): TSX
Wrap Text

TSX / THX - Trans Hex Group Limited - Operational update Trans Hex Group Limited Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa (Registration number 1963/007579/06) Share code JSE: TSX and NSX: THX ISIN: ZAE000018552 ("Trans Hex") OPERATIONAL UPDATE Trans Hex continues to make good progress implementing operational improvements at both its production and exploration facilities and has now built a firm platform from which to turn the business around. Second half production from the South African operations is expected to be in line with that of the first half. The Bloeddrift plant was successfully re- commissioned during November 2007 and production has been increased from pre- shutdown levels of 28,000m3 to 40,000m3 per month. Operating costs have been driven down from a high of R129/ m3 (R51/ tonne) to R70/ m3 (R28/ tonne) and further reductions are expected to bring costs to below R60 per m3 on a sustainable basis from April 2008. Demand and pricing for higher quality and large sized rough diamonds, with which Trans Hex`s production is synonymous, continues to be strong. 23154 carats were sold at the final sale of the year and achieved a sale price of US$29,3 million. Prices achieved in most categories for this sale were approximately 14% above those achieved at the previous sale during November 2007, partially as a result of the exceptional quality of the stones. Production from the Angolan operations continues to be affected by difficult operating conditions. Management has made considerable progress in implementing long-term solutions to resolving operational difficulties and is achieving recovery plan milestones. The Namibian operations, comprising the Group`s two deep water mining vessels, continue to make losses and various options for exiting this business are being actively considered. Trans Hex`s results for the financial year ending 31 March 2008 are expected to be published on or about 28 May 2008. Ends Enquiries: George Zacharias 021 937 2000 Trans Hex Rachel Quigley/ Rob Pinker 011 502 7416 Brunswick Cape Town 10 April 2008 Sponsor Rand Merchant Bank (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited) Namibian Sponsor IJG Corporate Finance (Pty) Ltd Notes to Editors: Trans Hex Group is a world leader in the exploration, mining and marketing of high-quality alluvial diamonds from both land and sea operations. The Group has well-established land operations in South Africa as well as mining and exploration interests in Angola, Namibia and Liberia. Date: 10/04/2008 13:47:14 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers, employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature, howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on, information disseminated through SENS.

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