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14 October 2015
Market Announcements Platform ASX Limited
Exchange Centre 20 Bridge Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Manica Gold Project Update
Further to the announcement of 17 September 2015, which highlighted the receipt of a further US$500,000 from Xtract Resources plc (Xtract), Auroch Minerals NL (ASX: AOU) (Auroch or the Company), is pleased to advise that Xtract has commenced ground work on the Manica Mining Concession 3990C.
Xtract has commenced a 6 hole diamond drilling program which will be directed towards increasing the acquisition of new geotechnical data and ground water testing. Importantly, several of the geotechnical holes are designed to test the central parts of the orebody where there is only sparse previous drilling. Xtract have also designed a shallow sterilisation drilling program over the site of the proposed tailings dam to sterilise this area.
In another development, Xtract have re-engaged with SLR Consulting (SLR), the original manager of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), in regards to finalising the EIA on the updated project scope. Under Auroch's management the scope of the project changed considerably to focus on a 40Kt per month operation at the Fair Bride prospect. SLR are mobilising to site over the coming weeks and will be looking at aspects of village relocation for the affected local population, including infrastructure positioning and the engineering of the Tailings Storage Facility.
Dr Andrew Tunks CEO of Auroch commented 'this is a positive sign of Xtract's commitment and the continuing progression of the Manica Project toward the publication of a Definitive Feasibility Study. The drilling will provide important information regarding geotechnical data, ground water distribution and chemistry, which is crucial to the development of the planned open pit. Importantly it further underlines Xtract's commitment to the acquisition of the Manica asset.'
For further information visit www.aurochminerals.com or contact:
Glenn Whiddon Chairman
Auroch Minerals NL T: +61 8 9486 4036