Interim Management Statement

Kenmare Resources plc ("Kenmare" or "the Company")  Interim Management Statement (LSE/ISE: KMR)  17 November 2010 Kenmare Resources plc, issues the following Interim Management Statement in accordance with reporting requirements of the EU Transparency Directive. Third Quarter Operations Update Mining production of heavy mineral concentrate increased in the third quarter by 31% to 297,000 tonnes. Over the same period, the mineral separation plant produced 206,000 tonnes of ilmenite, a 22% increase on the second quarter's production. Zircon output was 11,000 tonnes, a 25% increase and 2,000 tonnes of rutile was produced, a 158% increase. Although some rutile specification issues are still being addressed, the Company is pleased to report that the first bulk shipment of 3,800 tonnes of rutile was made in October. The Company shipped 199,000 tonnes of finished products in the third quarter, bringing total year to date shipments to the end of September 2010 to 566,000 tonnes, an increase of 106% compared with the first three quarters of 2009. The second transshipment vessel acquired by the Group is currently en route to Mozambique and is expected to arrive in early 2011. Following planned modifications, this vessel will increase the operation's load-out capacity and flexibility covering future expansion requirements. In October, work commenced upgrading the jetty which will enhance operational flexibility by allowing berthing and loading of the transshipment vessels on both sides of the jetty. This project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2011. Settling Pond Breach As previously reported, on 8 October a settling pond at the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in Mozambique breached a retaining wall resulting in the release of water, sand and clay which flowed through part of the nearby village, Topuito. Kenmare has provided help and support to those affected by the breach including the family of a four year old girl who was lost during the incident. It is expected that by the end of November all affected families will be settled back in their homes and compensated. Improvements to the settling pond berm complex have been completed and following a review by the Mozambican authorities mining operations resumed on the 9 November. Mining output has returned to full capacity levels.  The mineral separation plant continued operation during this period utilising stockpiled heavy mineral concentrate and stockpiled material produced during early plant commissioning. Use of the commissioning stockpiled material has resulted in lower mineral recoveries. This is not expected to have a material impact on annual production output. Market developments Titanium feedstocks are currently in tight supply and this situation is expected to become more acute in 2011 as end-use demand continues to grow and limited new supply enters the market. A number of titanium feedstock producers closed or permanently curtailed production during the global economic crisis in 2009 and the industry has been unprepared by the speed and strength of the recovery in the pigment market. A recovery in the titanium metal market, which has just recently commenced, and increasing demand for feedstocks for the welding electrode market, are also adding to market demand pressures. Demand for Kenmare's main product, ilmenite, remains robust and is driven by growing Chinese demand and recovering demand by European pigment producers. Kenmare is presently negotiating a number of new contracts for 2011 and expects to achieve significant price increases for uncommitted ilmenite sales over 2010 levels. Following the sharp contraction during 2009, zircon demand has also rebounded very strongly in 2010, particularly in China, and the market remains in tight supply with both producers and end-users holding minimal inventories. Zircon prices have increased by circa 30% during 2010 over year end 2009 levels and further price increases are expected in 2011 as the gap between increasing global demand and limited supply widens. Progress on Expansion Plans During the third quarter, a project implementation schedule and execution plan for a 50% expansion of output were completed. The Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contract for the execution of the expansion was awarded to Engineering and Projects Company Limited (E+PC). E+PC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aveng (Africa) Ltd. The Kenmare owner's team is fully established and based in the offices of E+PC in Centurion, Pretoria. Kenmare has entered into contracts for critical long lead time items, including the third dredge and equipment for the existing wet concentrator plant. Mechanical completion is scheduled for the end of 2011. Kenmare will continue to monitor the capital costs of the expansion project as the remaining contracts are tendered. Financial The average revenue per tonne of ilmenite and zircon increased in the third quarter, and is expected to continue on this trend for the remainder of the year as zircon prices continue to strengthen and the level of lower priced legacy ilmenite contract sales volumes reduces as a percentage of overall ilmenite sales volumes. Likewise the average production cost per tonne of final products declined in the third quarter as production volumes increased. The Company has progressed with technical completion tests as set out in the loan agreements. The production target tests were passed at the start of October. Further work is required to pass the remaining environmental tests. The Company expects all technical completion tests will be passed in early 2011, following which interest margins on the subordinated loans will decrease by 2% per annum, reducing future financing charges by approximately US$3 million per annum. The net debt position as at the 30 September 2010 was US$80.5million (30 June 2010: US$78.6 million). For more information: Kenmare Resources plc Japie Deysel, Operations Director Tel: +353 1 6710411 Mob: + 353 87 6139609 Murray Consultants Joe Heron Tel: +353 1 498 0300 Mob: + 353 87 690 9735 Conduit PR Ltd Charlie Geller/Paul  Youens Tel: +44 207 429 6604 Mob: +44 752 823 3383 www.kenmareresources.com [HUG#1463119] This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Kenmare Resources via Thomson Reuters ONE
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