Capital Projects Update

Serabi Mining plc 22 June 2005 Capital Projects Update: Initiatives Herald a New Era ----------------------------------------------------- • Investments underpin operating benefits and company's growth potential • Palito set to benefit from the introduction of grid electricity • Significant mining efficiencies from new underground equipment Following the successful completion of Serabi's public market listing on the London AIM last month, management has moved quickly to review and implement a number of its planned critical capital projects worth a total of US$ 1.5 million. These are expected to have a significant impact on production at the Palito gold mine, in order that it can meet its forecast production rates and the evaluation of other projects. Notable amongst these are: • Palito power line project • Underground mining and drilling equipment • Surface drilling rigs Power line project Currently the Palito mine relies completely on power from on-site diesel generators. The company has for some time been in discussions with the local power company CELPA, for the construction of a suitable external power line to the operation. With the management having now obtained firm cost proposals and undertaken a feasibility study, the Board of Serabi has now given its approval to proceed with the project. Estimated to cost approximately US$ 580,000, the project should take approximately four months to complete and will provide significant costs savings; at the same time, the introduction of grid power will also benefit local inhabitants in the area. Power costs on completion are expected to be about R$0.14/Kwh, in line with the company's original estimates of the long-term power costs for its operations. This compares with the current costs using diesel generation of R$0.75/Kwh. Underground equipment During the initial start-up of the Palito operation, much of the mining has been carried out manually, inevitably resulting in slower and less efficient development of the mine. The mine is now about to take delivery of underground shovels and other mining equipment that will have a marked impact on development and mining rates, resulting in much higher production levels by year-end and significant cost efficiencies. These planned improvements will enable mine production rates to be brought in to line with a plant capacity upgrade to 300 tpd that is already underway. Until now mine planning and development has been directed using the results from surface drilling, combined with geological interpretation obtained from underground development. The recent order of underground drill rigs at a cost of US$ 110,000, which are expected to be on-site in about eight weeks, will enable major improvements to this process through better geological understanding of the ore body, thereby improving mining and grade control, as well as long-term mine planning. Surface drilling rigs The company's two surface operated diamond drill rigs are currently fully engaged in round-the-clock drilling of the Palito Main Zone ore body. This programme has the principle objectives of, (i) increasing the size and quality of the current JORC resource to a depth of 100m and over 900m strike length, with infill drilling and, (ii) expanding the strike and depth extension of the resource beyond the currently established JORC boundaries. The drills are operated by Serabi teams, resulting in good quality control with full drilling costs at least 40% less than available contract terms. Based on this success and with a large number of advanced projects to assess within the nearby Jardim do Ouro district, as well as across the Tapajos gold region, two new drill rigs have been ordered at a total cost of US$ 430,000 and additional drill teams are being trained. The introduction of this equipment later this year will enable a significant escalation of the company's exploration and evaluation programmes. General In addition to the above, a wide variety of other capital projects are now underway in order to achieve: increased production, operating efficiencies, improved safety, better operating and living conditions and upgraded systems. The plant upgrade is already well advanced and includes the introduction of additional mills, improved crushing and additional flotation cells and CIP tanks. During this transitional period from development to production, Serabi is also investing in other equipment and systems that will greatly improve the operating conditions and efficiencies of the company. The Chairman, Graham Roberts said: 'The availability of additional funds following the company's IPO in May, has enabled Serabi to introduce a number of important initiatives that will have substantial benefits for the Palito operation in the future, as well as enhancing the evaluation of the company's other opportunities in the region; these mark the beginning of a new era for the company. Our original assessment of the Palito mine had not anticipated the introduction of the power line to provide grid electricity. This is a particularly exciting project, not just because of the cost and production benefits it will bring to Serabi, but also because the introduction of grid power to the area will bring benefits to the local community. Furthermore, it has the potential to significantly change project economics in the future.' Enquiries and further information, contact Graham Roberts, Chairman Tel: 01737 773 691 Mobile: 07768 902 475 Clive Line, Finance Director Tel: 020 7618 7754 Mobile: 07710 151 692 Email contact@serabimining This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Companies

Serabi Gold (SRB)
UK 100

Latest directors dealings