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Encouraging First Round Results in Coolgardie Drilling

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FOCUS MINERALS REPORTS ENCOURAGING FIRST ROUND RESULTS FROM COOLGARDIE NEAR MILL PROGRAMME

Focus Minerals Ltd. (ASX: FML) is pleased to announce the first round of results from its near mill exploration programme in Coolgardie, one of a number of new drilling programmes recently commenced.

The aim of the programmes across the group’s significant land holdings in the eastern goldfields region of Western Australia is to bolster Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves at its current operations as well as build a pipeline of future mines near its milling centres.

Highlights of the Coolgardie programme include high-grade intercepts at the Melanie Anne, Boundary and Jolly Britons targets near Focus’ Three Mile Hill plant.  Best intercepts include:

  • Melanie Anne: 6m @ 97.0g/t; 34m @ 4.0g/t; 6m @ 5.7g/t; and 5m @ 5.3g/t
  • Boundary: 7m @ 5.3g/t; 7m @ 4.0g/t; and 3m @ 5.9g/t
  • Jolly Britons: 17m @ 3.7g/t; and 7m @ 6.6g/t.

“Our drilling energies and resources in 2013 are being channelled into developing and growing our near plant  Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves over the next 12 months,” said Focus Minerals Chairman and Acting CEO Don Taig.

“Our goal is to return the business to a stable position of having 2-3 years of Ore Reserves ahead of us which will in turn enable us to make the appropriate key business decisions in relation to mill expansions and recommissioning’s which we know can have a significant impact on the long term economics of our operations.

“These initial results in Coolgardie are encouraging as they continue to underscore the abundance of near surface targets in the region.”

The following summarises each programme:

Melanie Anne Area

Approximately 3,700m were planned to be drilled to determine the along strike and down-dip continuity of known mineralisation around the old workings in the Melanie Anne area. Historic drilling along this trend has delivered intercepts that include 7m @ 11.6g/t (including 2m @ 37g/t), as well as a 1m quartz vein containing 173g/t.

This programme is still in progress, but early results have been very encouraging with best intersections including 6m @ 97g/t (including 3m @ 191.4g/t) and 34m @ 4g/t (Figure 1 and Table 1).

The area contains many historical shafts and shallow workings with evidence of historical drilling around them. Three targets areas were identified, all of which occur at the basalt / dolerite contact where there appears to be dislocations within the dolerite unit, as shown in the aeromagnetics (Figure 2).  The drilling has so far intersected mineralisation within sheared dolerite with small quartz veins and strong biotite alteration (Melanie Anne North, Figure 3), intensely altered sheared dolerite (Melanie Anne West, Figure 3), and within diorite the has intruded into basalt and basalt / dolerite contact (Melanie Anne, Figure 3). Mineralisation in all areas is open along strike and at depth.

Boundary

The RC programme at Boundary (Figure 1) aims to extend known mineralisation down-dip to at least 50-60m below the historic Boundary pit.  A total of 8 holes for 1,371m were completed with best intersections of 7m @ 5.3g/t and 3m @ 5.9g/t (Table 2).

Hole BNDC009 (Figure 4) was designed to test a possible change in dip of the mineralisation associated with the sediment/dolerite contact. The results indicate the mineralisation changing from steeply north to steeply south. This indicates that the historical drilling has potentially been ineffective in testing the mineralisation at Boundary.

Further drilling is being planned to test this theory. The mineralisation within the dolerite remains open at depth (Figure 5).

Jolly Britons

A total 15 RC holes for 1,492m was completed at Jolly Britons (Figure 1) in follow up to a previous RC programme, which delivered a series of high-grade intercepts over a 500m strike interpreted to be associated with a significant mineralised fault structure extending from two major pits along a 6km strike to the south.

The widest and most consistent mineralisation so far appears to be around the Jolly Britons Main Shaft (Figure 6 & 7) where drilling has intersected what is believed to be the main Jolly Britons structure 27m below the surface (Table 3) with the hole containing a high percentage of mineralised quartz and returning a best intersection of 17m @ 3.7g/t. Mineralisation remains open to the south.

Further drilling is being planned to interpret the exact orientation of this structure.

Stone Group Advises Intention to Accept Offer

Stone group advises intention to accept offer

MAJOR FOCUS LAVERTON SHAREHOLDER INTENDS TO ACCEPT FOCUS OFFER

  • Stone Group has advised Focus that it intends to accept the Offer in respect of its 14.4% holding in Focus Laverton, in the absence of a superior proposal

Focus Minerals Ltd (“Focus”) [ASX: FML] and Focus Minerals (Laverton) Limited (“Focus Laverton”) on 15 March 2013 announced an unconditional recommended off-market takeover offer by Focus for all of the remaining Focus Laverton shares it does not currently own (“Offer”).

On 20 March 2013, Stone Mining Limited (“Stone”) confirmed to Focus that it is Stone’s intention to accept the Offer for all of its shareholding in Focus Laverton, in the absence of a superior proposal. Stone holds 178,384,718 Focus Laverton shares representing a 14.4% shareholding in Focus Laverton.

As foreshadowed in Focus’ Bidder’s Statement, Focus intends to enact its rights to proceed to compulsory acquisition once Stone accepts the Offer and the necessary conditions to proceed to compulsory acquisition are satisfied.

The consideration being offered to Focus Laverton shareholders is 1 Focus share for every 0.725 Focus Laverton shares.  At the closing price of Focus shares on 14 March 2013 of 2.0 cents per share, the Offer represents an implied offer price of 2.8 cents per Focus Laverton share.[1]

The independent expert appointed by Focus Laverton, BDO Corporate Finance, has opined that the transaction is fair and reasonable to Focus Laverton shareholders.

The Independent Director of Focus Laverton, Mr Geoff Stanley, recommends that all Focus Laverton shareholders accept the Offer, in the absence of a superior proposal.

The transaction will consolidate the Laverton assets into Focus, creating an Australian gold producer with targeted annual gold production of 200,000oz per annum from 2014, a combined Mineral Resource base of 4.3Moz of gold, and outstanding growth potential across two major Western Australian mining regions.



[1] The value of the Offer may change as a consequence of changes in the market price of Focus shares.

Bidder’s and Target’s statements

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FOCUS MINERALS AND FOCUS LAVERTON RELEASE THEIR BIDDER’S AND TARGET’S STATEMENTS

Focus Minerals Ltd (“Focus”) [ASX: FML] and Focus Minerals (Laverton) Limited (“Focus Laverton”) today released their Bidder’s and Target’s Statements for the unconditional recommended off-market takeover offer by Focus for all of the remaining Focus Laverton shares it does not currently own (“Offer”). The Offer was announced to market on 15 March 2013.

The transaction follows the previous takeover offer for Focus Laverton (previously known as Crescent Gold Limited) which closed in October 2011 (“Initial Takeover Bid”), with Focus acquiring 81.57% of Focus Laverton shares.

The consideration being offered to Focus Laverton shareholders is 1 Focus share for every 0.725 Focus Laverton shares.  At the closing price of Focus shares on 14 March 2013 of 2.0 cents per share, the Offer represents an implied offer price of 2.8 cents per Focus Laverton share.[1]

The independent expert appointed by Focus Laverton, BDO Corporate Finance, has opined that the transaction is fair and reasonable to Focus Laverton shareholders.

Mr Don Taig, Chairman and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Focus Minerals said:  “Full ownership of Focus Laverton will allow Focus to be better placed to invest, grow and expand the Laverton operations. Focus has the financial capacity to extract significant value from the Laverton operations for all shareholders of the merged entity.”

The Independent Director of Focus Laverton, Mr Geoff Stanley, recommends that all Focus Laverton shareholders accept the Offer, in the absence of a superior proposal.

Mr Geoff Stanley, the Independent Director of Focus Laverton said:  “The Board of Focus Laverton considers the transaction to be a compelling opportunity for Focus Laverton shareholders to become part of a rapidly growing Australian gold producer. Post-acquisition, Focus Laverton shareholders will be part of an entity with an exciting production and exploration growth profile, strong balance sheet, diversified asset portfolio and an experienced management team.”

The transaction will consolidate the Laverton assets into Focus, creating an Australian gold producer with targeted annual gold production of 200,000oz per annum from 2014, a combined Mineral Resource base of 4.3Moz of gold, and outstanding growth potential across two major Western Australian mining regions.

Mailing of the Bidder’s Statement and Focus Laverton’s Target’s Statement is expected to be completed on Wednesday 20 March 2013. Copies of the Bidder’s Statement and Target’s Statement (including the independent expert’s report) are annexed to this announcement and can also be viewed on www.focusminerals.com,au.  The bid will close on 22 April 2013, unless extended.

 



[1] The value of the Offer may change as a consequence of changes in the market price of Focus shares.

Recommended Takeover of Remaining Laverton Shares

Download full announcement here – Recommended Takeover of Remaining Laverton Shares

RECOMMENDED TAKEOVER OF FOCUS LAVERTON BY FOCUS MINERALS 

  • Focus offering 1 Focus share for every 0.725 Focus Laverton (previously known as Crescent Gold Limited) shares in an unconditional off-market bid
  • The Independent Director of Focus Laverton recommends that all Focus Laverton shareholders accept the Offer, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert opining that the Offer is reasonable (even if not fair)
  • Full consolidation to maximise the value of Focus Laverton’s assets
  • Focus Laverton shareholders will be given the opportunity to become part of a growing, well capitalised gold producer
  • The Offer, if successful and fully accepted, will result in the issue of 314,604,392 Focus shares (equating to only 3.44% of the expanded capital base of Focus)

 

Focus Minerals Ltd (“Focus”) [ASX: FML] and Focus Minerals (Laverton) Limited (“Focus Laverton”) are pleased to announce an unconditional recommended off-market takeover offer by Focus for all of the remaining Focus Laverton shares it does not currently own (“Offer”).

The transaction follows the previous takeover offer for Focus Laverton (previously known as Crescent Gold Limited) which closed in October 2011 (“Initial Takeover Bid”), with Focus acquiring 81.57% of Focus Laverton shares.

The Independent Director of Focus Laverton, Mr Geoff Stanley, recommends that all Focus Laverton shareholders accept the Offer, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert opining that the Offer is reasonable (even if not fair).

The transaction will consolidate the Laverton assets into Focus, creating an Australian gold producer with targeted annual gold production of 200,000oz per annum from 2014, and a combined Mineral Resource base of 4.3Moz of gold with outstanding growth potential across two major Western Australian mining regions.

 

OFFER DETAILS

Focus and Focus Laverton have executed a Bid Implementation Agreement (“BIA”), under which Focus agreed to make the Offer.

The consideration being offered to Focus Laverton shareholders is 1 Focus share for every 0.725 Focus Laverton shares.  At the closing price of Focus shares on 14 March 2013 of 2.0 cents per share, the Offer represents an implied offer price of 2.8 cents per Focus Laverton share.[1]

The Offer is expected to open on 20 March 2013, and remain open for acceptances until 22 April 2013, unless extended or withdrawn.

Full particulars of the Offer will be provided in the Bidder’s Statement which is expected to be sent to Focus Laverton shareholders on 20 March 2013.

 

TRANSACTION HIGHLIGHTS

The Board of Focus Minerals and the Independent Director of Focus Laverton consider that the combination of the two companies will provide significant strategic and financial benefits to both sets of shareholders:

Mr Don Taig, Chairman and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Focus Minerals said:  “Full ownership of Focus Laverton will allow Focus to be better placed to invest, grow and expand the Laverton operations. Focus has the financial capacity to extract significant value from the Laverton operations for all shareholders of the merged entity.”

“There are resource, operating and processing synergies available once 100% ownership is achieved that would lead to increased output and hence improved economic outcomes for the benefit of existing Focus Laverton shareholders and Focus shareholders”, Mr Taig said.

Mr Geoff Stanley, the Independent Director of Focus Laverton said:  “The Board of Focus Laverton considers the transaction to be a compelling opportunity for Focus Laverton shareholders to become part of a rapidly growing Australian gold producer. Post-acquisition, Focus Laverton shareholders will be part of an entity with an exciting production and exploration growth profile, strong balance sheet, diversified asset portfolio and an experienced management team.”

 

Key compelling benefits for both Focus Minerals and Focus Laverton shareholders include:

  • Significant resource growth potential – the combined group will have a very significant Mineral Resource inventory of 4.3Moz.  Both the Laverton and Coolgardie regions have demonstrated the opportunity for significant resource growth on targeted exploration programmes.  Focus brings the immediate funds to accelerate exploration at Laverton, with strong group revenues providing a basis to fund further exploration to expand group resources.
  • Significant growing production profile – the combined group will be better positioned to achieve Focus’ targeted gold production of 200,000oz per annum from 2014.
  • Greater capacity to unlock the value of Focus Laverton’s assets – if 100% ownership was to result from the Offer and Focus Laverton was to become a wholly owned subsidiary of Focus, Focus will be better placed to drive growth and value from Focus Laverton’s assets for the benefit of both Focus Laverton and Focus shareholders.
  • Liquidity for Focus Laverton shareholders – as a Focus shareholder you will benefit from liquidity for your investment due to receiving shares in an ASX listed entity that are freely tradable.

The Offer, if successful and fully accepted, will result in the issue of 314,604,392 Focus shares (equating to only 3.44% of the expanded capital base of Focus).

 

MANAGEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS IN RELATION TO THE OFFER

The Directors of Focus Laverton recognised the potential for conflicts of interest to arise in relation to the Offer in relation to each of Donald Taig and Bruce McComish, who are also executives and/or directors of Focus.  Accordingly, the Offer was evaluated by the Independent Director of Focus Laverton, Geoff Stanley, without the participation of the other Directors.  The Independent Director of Focus Laverton had access to independent legal advice to assist him with his evaluation.

 

INDICATIVE TIMETABLE

The indicative timetable in relation to the Offer is set out below.

15 March 2013 Announcement of the Offer
19 March 2013 Focus lodges its Bidder’s Statement with ASIC and serves it on Focus Laverton
19 March 2013 Focus Laverton lodges its Target’s Statement with ASIC and serves it on Focus
20 March 2013 Joint despatch of Bidder’s Statement and Target’s Statement (including Independent Expert’s Report)
20 March 2013 Offer opens
22 April 2013 Close of Offer (unless extended or withdrawn)

 

OTHER MATTERS

Focus’ corporate adviser is Hartleys Limited and its legal advisor is King & Wood Mallesons. Focus Laverton’s legal advisor is Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

 

 



[1] The value of the Offer may change as a consequence of changes in the market price of Focus shares.

Half Year Audited Financial Results

Download FML 31 DEC 12 Interim Report here

Half Year Financial Results Update

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HALF YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS UPDATE

Focus Minerals Ltd. (ASX: FML), a leading Australian gold producer and explorer, said today its unaudited net loss after tax for the six months ended 31 December 2012 is expected to be approximately $27.4 million. This figure includes losses for minority interests in its Laverton operations of $4.1 million. The expected consolidated loss for Focus for the period is therefore $23.3 million.

The half-year loss of $27.4 million is primarily impacted by the following large expense items:

  • Approximately $26 million in amortisation costs, including $22 million for the pre-strip of the Apollo pit complex in Laverton; and
  • $15 million in royalty payments, including $9.6 million for an inherited royalty obligation with respect to a long-standing agreement on selected tenements in the Laverton region.

It is important to note that in the second half of FY2013 Focus’ new mining area at Burtville in Laverton is not affected by the historical royalty obligation. Burtville was recently subject to the negotiation of a new commercially competitive mining contract following a tendering process.  It operates at a far lower strip ratio than Apollo, providing economies of scale for mining, and has incurred much lower development costs.

Executive Chairman and Acting CEO Don Taig said:  “In the first half of FY2013 we have incurred a number of one off costs in relation to our Laverton operations which have impacted profitability.  I am now leading an action based review with our management team committed towards restoring our business to profitability and, with the valuable support of our major shareholder Shandong Gold, repositioning the company as a low cost, high value enterprise.”

Gold production for the first half was 90,056oz (80,572oz attributable), an increase from 80,921oz (69,858oz attributable). Revenue for the half was $130 million, up from $104 million.  With the company currently transitioning between primary ore sources at both Laverton and Coolgardie, production for the second half of 2013 is expected to be between 60,000oz and 70,000oz.

Focus has cash and equivalents as at 31 December 2012 of $225.8 million following its Placement to Shandong Gold.

Focus has recently commenced a major exploration and resource development drilling program across its significant tenement holdings in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia, with a goal of rapidly increasing Ore Reserves and identifying future mining areas from more than 40 priority targets. The Company is targeting growth in Ore Reserves to 1 million ounces and in Mineral Resources to 5.5 million ounces in the shortest timeframe possible.

Management Change

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FOCUS MINERALS ANNOUNCES CEO’S RESIGNATION

Focus Minerals Limited (ASX: FML) – Focus Minerals Limited today announced that Chief Executive Officer Campbell Baird has resigned from the Company.

Focus Minerals’ Chairman, Don Taig, will serve, effective immediately, as Executive Chairman and Acting CEO. The search for a successor to Mr Baird will begin immediately.

In the interim, Mr Taig will be supported by the business’ senior leadership team, including Mark Hine (Chief Operating Officer), Paul Fromson (Chief Financial Officer) and Dean Goodwin (Head of Geology).  This group and the balance of the management team will be undertaking an action based review of the business.

Mr Taig has extensive senior management experience at managing director and CEO level through a number of major Australian companies as well as eleven years within CRA Ltd.’s mining business.  Mr Taig was a founding director of Focus Minerals.

The Board will consider both internal and external candidates for the role of CEO.

“The Board would like to thank Campbell for his accomplishments and the establishment of a talented and experienced management team that is well positioned to lead the Company’s future success,” Mr Taig said.

 

December Quarterly Report

Download December Quarterly Report & Appendix 5B here

Focus Commences New Drill Programs

FML Commences New Drilling Programs 150113

FOCUS COMMENCES NEW DRILL PROGRAMS; TARGETING EXPANSION OF ORE RESERVES & MINERAL RESOURCES

  • Drilling commences at Treasure Island, Coolgardie and Laverton

Focus Minerals Ltd. (ASX: FML), a leading Australian gold producer and explorer, has commenced a suite of new drilling programs across its Coolgardie and Laverton operations following the completion of the $225 million Placement of shares to Shandong Gold International Mining Corporation Limited.

“We are targeting growth in Ore Reserves to 1 million ounces and in Mineral Resources to 5.5 million ounces over the next three years,” said Focus Minerals Chief Executive Officer Campbell Baird.

“We have 1,650 square kilometres of tenements in two world class gold producing districts, but less than 4% of these tenements have been explored, so we’re very excited about what the future holds.”

Focus’ Mineral Resource currently stands at 59Mt @ 2.2g/t for 4.3Moz and Ore Reserves of 7.6Mt @ 2.19g/t for 0.51Moz.

Mr Baird said more than 40 priority targets had been identified across its tenement package.

The new programs that have commenced immediately are:

  • Treasure Island – A specialised lake diamond drill rig has been commissioned at the Treasure Island Gold Project to target a 4km long anomaly on the eastern zone (see ASX announcement 16 February 2012).  The eastern zone target is the second gold bearing system identified running through the project which is located on the Boulder Lefroy fault 35km to the south along strike from the major gold camp of St Ives in Kambalda, Western Australia.
  • Coolgardie – An RC rig has been mobilised to drill a number of high priority targets in close proximity to Focus’ Three Mile Hill processing plant starting with the Jolly Britons (see ASX announcement 27 June 2012).  Previous RC drilling over a 500m strike between the Jolly Britons prospect and Patricia Jean pit delivered a series of high-grade intercepts, including 10m @ 21.0g/t, interpreted to be associated with a significant mineralised fault structure extending from two major pits along a 6km strike to the south.
  • Laverton – An RC drill program has commenced at the eastern zone of the Burtville Pit following on from drilling at the western zone that increased Mineral Resources at Burtville by 140% (see ASX release dated 7 August 2012).  Production has commenced at the western zone of the pit that will see a large cut back and depth extension to the pit. The goal of the drilling is to expand the Mineral Resource in the eastern zone with a view to future development.

Mr Baird said further drilling programs are planned to commence in the first quarter of calendar 2013.

 

Focus Completes $225M Placement

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FOCUS COMPLETES $225 MILLION RAISING VIA PLACEMENT TO SHANDONG GOLD

  • Final approvals received to complete $225M placement
  • Focus receives $225M in cash from Shandong Gold
  • Placement priced at a significant premium to Focus’ share price
  • Placement cements strategic partnership with one of China’s three largest gold producers
  • New directors appointed to join existing Board
  • Focus outlines immediate investment priorities to accelerate organic growth 

Focus Minerals Ltd. (“Focus”) (ASX: FML), a leading Australian gold producer and explorer, said today it has completed a placement to Shandong Gold International Mining Corporation Limited (“Shandong Gold”), issuing 4,501,997,651 new fully paid ordinary shares at 5 cents per share for approximately $225 million (“Placement”).

The finalisation of the Placement follows the receipt of all required Chinese regulatory approvals by Shandong Gold and the overwhelming vote last month by Focus’ shareholders to support the company’s plan to raise funds through the issue of new shares to Shandong Gold.

The Placement, which will double Focus’ market capitalisation, has been transacted at a significant premium to Focus’ current share price.

“This is one of the largest mining deals for an emerging mid-tier Australian gold producer in recent times and underscores the importance of Australia-China mining interests,” said Focus Minerals Chairman, Don Taig.

“Focus now has an exceptionally strong balance sheet and – importantly – a significant strategic partner in the region with whom we are looking forward to working together to ensure that we accelerate the development of our significant landholdings across two of Australia’s key gold producing regions.”

Shandong Gold General Manager, Zhang Dahui, said: “The establishment of our first strategic partnership in Australia demonstrates our determination to develop our business in Australia.  It is a significant investment we are making into Focus Minerals and reflects both our confidence in Focus and our capability to help develop the Focus operations at an accelerated pace for the benefit of all shareholders.”

Since Focus moved into production in 2008 the Company has reinvested its profits back into the ground, growing its Mineral Resources, Ore Reserves and production. Based just on its existing 4.3 million ounce resource inventory, Focus has an extensive production roadmap.  Development of new projects and ongoing exploration success will strengthen this position.

USE OF PROCEEDS

The funds raised from the Placement will establish the foundation for Focus to accelerate the development of its existing gold projects, targeting a growth in Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources, new discoveries from targeted exploration programmes, the ability to expand the capacity of its processing operations and the future potential for value accretive acquisitions.

Initial spending by Focus as a result of the Shandong Gold investment is planned to include:

  • $18 million on Ore Reserve growth drilling in next 12 months, with the goal of rapidly increasing Ore Reserves;
  • $22 million on exploration across its tenements in Laverton, Coolgardie and Treasure Island in the next 12 months, capitalising on work the exploration team has done in identifying more than 40 priority targets to develop across the Company’s tenement holdings;
  • Increasing mill capacity at its Three Mile Hill plant at Coolgardie from its current 1.2Mtpa capacity, to a rate to be determined by Ore Reserve growth; and
  • Focus will also consider refurbishing the company’s Barnicoat plant at Laverton. Through 2013, as it seeks to build its Ore Reserve inventory, Focus will determine whether this would be at its current nameplate capacity of 1.45Mtpa or greater.

“The refurbishment of the Barnicoat mill can clearly change the economics of our operations in Laverton where we currently mine for 365 days of the year but are only able to process for less than 200 days,” said Focus Minerals CEO, Campbell Baird.  “This has the potential to drive a strong increase in the margins in our business.”

Mr Baird said that the investment by Shandong Gold, apart from providing an immediate capital injection of $225 million to assist in fuelling an accelerated growth of Focus’ projects and operations, will introduce a large, supportive investor that will allow for the exchange of technical knowledge.

“The investment provides expertise at Board level to assist with the exploration of Focus’ large tenement holdings and it significantly increases the market capitalisation of Focus” said Mr Baird.

Focus recommissioned the Three Mile Hill plant in Coolgardie in 2009.  In the past two years, Focus has transitioned its Coolgardie operations from a single underground operation to now having multiple operating mines.  Following its successful takeover of Crescent Gold in 2011, it has integrated those operations into the Group and, under Focus, Laverton has turned from a $51 million loss-making operation in FY11 to a $3.8 million profit in FY12.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Mr Li Zhongyi, Executive Chairman of Shandong Gold; Mr Zhang Dahui, General Manager of Shandong Gold; and Mr Michael Guo, Deputy General Manager and the Chief Geologist of Shandong Gold have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors of Focus.  They join Chairman, Mr Don Taig and Non-Executive Directors; Mr Bruce McComish, Mr Gerry Fahey and Mr Phil Lockyer on the Focus Board.

Mr McComish has also agreed to represent the interests of Shandong Gold on the Board. He will liaise between the Independent Focus Directors and Shandong Gold’s Board representatives as well as providing an important and critical “on-the-ground” direct link between Shandong Gold’s Board representatives and Focus’ Chairman, Don Taig. Mr McComish will also assist and provide counsel to Shandong Gold’s three nominee directors on their duties.

“Mr McComish knows and understands the Focus business and is an ideal choice to act as a liaison between Shandong Gold’s Board representatives and Focus’ Independent Directors,” said Mr Taig.

“His role will benefit all Focus Minerals’ shareholders and will facilitate and ensure that strategic business matters are dealt with in an efficient way.”

Mr Taig said the new board structure reflects Shandong Gold’s post-Placement stake in Focus, with four nominees on the seven-member Focus Board. “Importantly, this will also maintain the same total number of Directors on the Focus Board as originally contemplated, and minimise costs associated with the employment of additional Directors,” said Mr Taig.

Mr Taig, was recently in China visiting his counterparts at Shandong Gold and took the opportunity to see two of Shandong Gold’s underground mines, two major processing centres and a gold refining plant, whilst also being able to talk with their staff at all levels and see the quality of the operations first hand.

“The scale of Shandong Gold’s operations is significant,” said Mr Taig.  “Much of the operations are heavily automated providing strong efficiencies.  They have a major commitment to eco-friendly mining concepts by management and staff as well as a proud record of improving the economic and social situation of the Shandong workforce.

“Clearly, both Focus and Shandong can assist one another on a number of levels, but in the short term, there is much that can be learnt from Shandong Gold’s track record.”