:: Sepon Copper Project on Schedule for Commissioning in 2005

Construction of the copper hydrometallurgical-process plant for Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) in Laos is well underway and on schedule to enable commissioning and start-up for the production of the first batch of copper in the first quarter of 2005. This contract, worth in excess of US$160M, is being executed by a joint venture between Bateman BV and Ausenco Limited of Australia.

The design of the plant is based on the definitive feasibility study prepared by Bateman and it is being constructed close to the Khanong copper deposit in the Vilabouly district of Savannakhet province, next to the operating gold-processing plant, also owned by LXML.