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EPS - Eastern Platinum Limited - Eastplats reports production results for the

Release Date: 19/04/2012 16:14
Code(s): EPS
Wrap Text

EPS - Eastern Platinum Limited - Eastplats reports production results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 EASTERN PLATINUM LIMITED (Incorporated in Canada) (Canadian Registration number BC0722783) (South African Registration number 2007/006318/10) Share Code TSX: ELR ISIN: CA2768551038 Share Code AIM: ELR ISIN: CA2768551038 Share Code JSE: EPS ISIN: CA2768551038 April 19, 2012 Trading Symbol: ELR (TSX & AIM) EPS (JSE) NEWS RELEASE EASTPLATS REPORTS PRODUCTION RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 Eastern Platinum Limited ("Eastplats") reports operating results from the Crocodile River Mine ("CRM") for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 ("Q1 2012"). Production statistics for the current quarter and historical quarters are as follows: Quarter ended Production statistics Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, June 30, Mar 31, 2012 2011 2011 2011 2011 Ounces produced 24 474 19 854 26 955 20 528 25 387 Run-of-mines tonnes hoisted 247 538 200 919 265 889 203 166 247 369 Run-of-mines tonnes 235 354 194 532 261 280 201 986 245 500 processed Development (meters) 3 117 2 929 3 976 3 562 4 219 On-reef development (meters) 1 704 1 591 2 248 2 090 2 434 Stoping units (square 39 857 31 767 40 594 31 828 44 674 meters) Head grade (grams/tonne) 4.07 4.05 4.08 3.93 3.93 Concentrator recovery from 77% 76% 78% 76% 79% ROM ore* Chrome dispatched (tonnes) 74 920 62 791 77 531 64 913 62 498 * Concentrator recovery has been rounded to the nearest percentage point. Increase (decrease) Production statistics Q1 2012 vs. Q1 2012 vs. Q4 2011 Q1 2011 Ounces produced 4 620 (913) Run-of-mines tonnes hoisted 46 619 169 Run-of-mines tonnes processed 40 822 (10 146) Development (meters) 188 (1 102) On-reef development (meters) 113 (730) Stoping units (square meters) 8 090 (4 817) Head grade (grams/tonne) 0.02 0.14 Concentrator recovery from ROM ore* 1% (2%) Chrome dispatched (tonnes) 12 129 12 422 * Concentrator recovery has been rounded to the nearest percentage point. First quarter mining and production at the Crocodile River Mine ("CRM") improved compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, which was negatively impacted by strike action by employees of CRM`s main mining contractor, JIC Mining Services ("JIC"), in October, and by a Section 54 shut-down of operations following the fatality at CRM in November. Both incidents resulted in stoppages of mining operations. The JIC strike has had a lingering effect on Q1 2012 production. Although PGM ounces produced in Q1 2012 are similar to PGM ounces produced in Q1 2011, the production at the Maroelabult Section remains below the Company`s budgeted levels. The Company and JIC are taking measures to rectify this and further improvements are expected in the second quarter of 2012. The qualified person having reviewed the operating results presented in this press release is Mr. Brian Montpellier, P.Eng. Eastplats expects to release its full first quarter results on Monday, May 14, 2012. Total shares issued and outstanding: 928,187,807 For further information contact: Investor Relations Website: www.eastplats.com Email: info@eastplats.com Tel: 1-(604)-685-6851, Fax: 1-(604)-685-6493 NOMAD: Rob Collins Canaccord Genuity Limited, London Tel: +44 20 7050 6500 JSE SPONSOR: Johan Fourie PSG Capital (Pty) Limited Email: johanf@psgcapital.com Tel: +27 21 887 9602 No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Certain statements included herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions by the Company and therefore, readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to factors such as general economic and market conditions, changes in government legislation, controls, regulations and political developments. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable laws. Date: 19/04/2012 16:14:02 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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