Shabait, Massawa, 30 March 2011- Different study papers focusing on the development of the variety of energy sources were presented today at the symposium of the Ministry of Mining and Energy underway in Massawa under the theme, “Eritrea: 20 Years of Dignity”.

In a paper presented by the head of the hydrocarbon department, Mr. Teklehaimanot Debretsion, the history of fuel exploration in Eritrea was extensively discussed. The study paper also explained that the Ministry had in the past 20 years prepared technical data of international standard and that it had signed three different exploration agreements whose geological and geographical information have been carefully documented. Mr. Teklehaimanot also pointed out that a number of important tasks remain before effective work can be achieved in the department.

The head of renewable energy, Mr. Nebi Gebremedhin on his part indicated that a department for the development of renewable sources of energy has been established and studies are being made as regards their usage and potential. Using renewable sources of energy can play an important role in the nation building endeavors, he added.

Stating that a number of tasks have been accomplished in exploiting renewable sources of energy, Mr. Nebi said that wind turbines in Assab cover 20% of the city’s electricity consumption and that additional turbines with a capacity of up to 30 Kilowatts have been installed in Edi, Berasole, Beilul, Rahaita, Gahro and Dekemhare.

Moreover, Mr. Nebi explained that around 3,000 solar panels have been installed in different parts of the country producing more than 12,000 Kilowatt power and that 65% of remote areas in the country have become beneficiaries of power generated in such manner. More than 80,000 smokeless ovens, which reduce wood consumption by 50%, have also been distributed around the country, he added.

In the study paper presented by the head of geothermal energy, Mr. Ermias Yohannes, it was pointed out that exploration activities were carried out in collaboration with different companies in a bid to introduce such services and that priority is being given to producing the relevant skilled man power so that the existing potentials can be exploited based on internal capacity.

In a statement he made at the opening of the symposium, the Minister of Mining and Energy, Mr. Ahmed Haji Ali stated that extensive efforts are being made to ensure efficient supply of electricity in all parts of the country.

Emphasizing that the success of development endeavors are determined by the investments in the energy sector, the Minister said that the activities to ensure equal distribution of resources in all parts of the country will be further strengthened. The experience gained so far in mining and studies made in land structure are limited and hence more investment is required to promote the role of mining in the country’s economy, he added.

Eritrea

Chalice Gold Mines Limited (ASX: CHN) has announced that the Company’s 100% owned subsidiary, Keren Mining Pty Ltd has signed agreements with the Eritrean Ministry of Energy and Mines for two new Exploration Licences totalling 830 sq km in northern Eritrea.

The new licences, Mogoraib North and Hurum, add significantly to the Company’s exploration tenure in two highly prospective geological terrains. Intensive exploration programs are planned for the first 12 months of tenure, with an initial budget exceeding US$1 million.

Mogoraib North EL

The 555 sq km Mogoraib North licence lies approximately 10 kilometres north of the world class Bisha polymetallic Volcanic-hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) deposit owned by Nevsun Resources Ltd. (TSX:NSU)(AMEX:NSU) (60%) and the Eritrean National Mining Corporation (ENAMCO) (40%) which commenced production in early January this year.

The volcano-sedimentary rocks hosting the Bisha deposit extend northwards beneath the Mogoraib North EL although much of the basement geology is masked by recent alluvial cover. A regional interpretation of Landsat imagery conducted by Chalice in 2009 identified several ‘islands’ of exposed bedrock within these later sediments with Bisha-like spectral signatures and the licence was lodged to cover these anomalies.

Chalice is planning to undertake an initial exploration program involving acquisition and interpretation of further satellite imagery, geological mapping, geochemical sampling and an airborne EM survey using the VTEM system.

Hurum EL

The 275 sq km Hurum licence lies adjacent to and south west of the Company’s Zara South licence.

The property straddles the Elababu Shear Zone, a major regional structure that controls much of the known gold mineralization in northern Eritrea, including the Company’s flagship Koka Gold Deposit (Indicated Resource of 5Mt grading 5.3 g/t) which lies ~40 kilometres to the north east .

Chalice is planning to undertake an initial exploration program involving acquisition and interpretation of satellite imagery, geological mapping, geochemical sampling and an airborne magnetic and radiometric survey.

Zara North and Zara South Licences

Chalice also wishes to advise it has signed agreements for the conversion of the 115 sq km Zara North and 350 sq km Zara South Prospecting Licences to Exploration Licences. These licences lie adjacent to and along strike from the Koka Gold Deposit and are currently the focus of intensive exploration programs (refer to the announcement of 20 December 2010 for further details).

Chalice Chairman Mr Tim Goyder commented that:

“With the granting of these new tenements, and the successful conversion of Zara North and South to Exploration Licences, Chalice now holds Exploration Licences totalling some 1445 sq km in a region that has a demonstrated potential to host substantial high grade gold and base metal deposits. We look forward to implementing intensive exploration programs on these properties and a steady flow of positive news in the coming months.

Shabait, Asmara, 23 January 2011 - The Ministry of Energy and Mines carried out modern technology-backed study and exploration activities in 2010 with a view to reinforcing the ongoing mining endeavors, according to Mr. Alem Kibreab, director general of the Mining Department.

He pointed out that successful tasks have been accomplished to properly study the nation’s mineral resources and utilize them for the benefit of the people and the nation. As a result, mining sites have been identified in a number of areas in the country, he added.

Mr. Alem further explained that mineral resources in the country are solely owned by the people themselves, and that the Government shoulders the responsibility of their management so as to reduce possible damages in mining activities. Twenty foreign companies are engaged in studying, exploring and mining activities in Eritrea thanks to the Government’s policy that encourages conducive mining investment, he elaborated.

As regards traditional mining and its consequences, Mr. Alem noted that mining activities have dangerous consequences unless they are undertaken in a modern way that guarantee human and environmental safety. He particularly emphasized the severe consequences of traditional mining with the help of mercury on human life and the environment, including water sources.

Noting that the year 2010 was a turning point in the country’s mining activities, Mr. Alem indicated that the putting in place of infrastructure and mining experiment facilities have been finalized in the Bisha Gold Mining Plant, and that it would enhance production as of this year.

Action plan for 2011 focuses on undertaken gold mining activities in Zara and mining of potash in the Northern Red Sea region for agricultural purpose, identifying and studying mining sites, as well as other related tasks, he disclosed.

Butuan – This year, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Caraga Region has been chosen as one of the recipients of the Green Apple Award by The Green Organization, an independent, non-profit environment group that recognizes rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world and is based in England.

The “Green Apple Awards 2009” is an international competition wherein, DENR Caraga placed 2nd with its entry: “Development of Protocol for the Rehabilitation of Mine-Waste Dump of Manila Mining Corporation (MMC) in Placer, Surigao del Norte.”

The project seeks to achieve 3 specific objectives namely: rehabilitate the five-hectare mine waste dump area of the Manila Mining Corporation at Barangay Suyoc, Surigao del Norte, establish a demonstration site for rehabilitation, wherein the protocol development of rehabilitating site will serve as standard guide in the country, and the third objective involves the regular monitoring, data gathering and analysis on the performance of the planted species in the site.

Other awards include The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Eritrea, Africa for its entry -Improved Stove Design who placed 1st (see table at the bottom of this article), while the Society for the Protection of Animals, in Amman, Jordan with their entry “The Educational Animal Centre” got a silver award and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Karar Castle Plaza in Amman, Jordan got a gold award.

The 9th International Green Apple Awards for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage took place at Hampton Court Palace with keen environmentalist Kate O’Mara who presented the awards.

Incidentally, DENR Regional Director Edilberto Buiser has excused himself to the organizer from attending the awarding rites due high cost of transportation fare to England and the pressing environmental issues and problems that the DENR is facing in the region.

Garnering the international prestigious award, DENR Secretary Lito Atienza Jr has expressed elation of the award considering the fact that the DENR under his leadership is promoting sustainable mining development.

The national organizer of Green Apple Award Roger Wolens said in a fax message to DENR Caraga that the nominees did particularly well to make it to the finals against some very strong competitors.

The organizer said the award-winning project will have the option of being featured in the next National Treasures guide and a chance to be presented with a prestigious Green Plaque later during a special prize-giving ceremony at the House of Commons.

Among the avid supporters of the Green Organization include the environment agency, the Chartered Institution of Wales Management, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and various other professional groups. Source: (Mindanao)

SECTOR : INTERNATIONAL

WINNERS AWARD:

The Ministry of Energy and Mines – Improved Stove Design, Eritrea. Africa - Gold

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan - Karar Castle Plaza, Amman. Asia - Gold

Society for the Protection of Animals, Jordan – The Educational Animal Centre, Amman. Asia - Silver

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines – Rehabilitation of Mine Waste Dump, Manilla. Asia - Bronze

Source: (The Green Organisation)