Untitled Document

At the plant the vermiculite ore is milled, dried, screened and winnowed to remove small stones. Then the vermiculite is laboratory tested for particle-size distribution and its mineral characteristics - that is, principally, its exfoliation ability. Exfoliated material is measured in grams per litre, the lighter the better.

Most of the Namekara vermiculite will be exported and used as a soil conditioner, hydroponics for growing plants, insulation, mixture with cement/concrete, brake-liners and for making boards. It is even used as a carrier for vitamins: so, it is not at all toxic to human or animal health.

All exporting will be done in standard 20-foot shipping containers, by truck or rail to Mombasa. The initial focus will be on nearby markets in the Middle East and Europe.

The future potential.

Presently most internationally traded vermiculite comes from Palabora in South Africa.

Large volumes also are mined in the United States, but mainly for their domestic markets.

The ultimate life-span of the Namekara mine is a big and interesting question mark! Known proven reserves are enough for well over 100 years producing 40,000 tonnes per year. "But", says Hansen, supported by Wilson Ongom, "vermiculite exists to the south, west, east and north of the present explored and defined site - if it is all interconnected, then 500 years of supply at 40,000 tonnes per year is not unrealistic". In the words of Dr. Ulrich Kretschmar, consulting geologist for the project, "Namekara is clearly a world-class deposit of vermiculite."

Hans Hansen, Managing Director of Canmin Resources Limited, is very pleased with development progress so far. The success to date is a tribute to the vision and cooperation of Canmin's employees, the Namekara community, the local administrative councils, the Mbale District Authority, the Uganda Investment Authority, Mr. Wilson Ongom who is now Site Manager, and the Commissioner of the Geological Survey and Mine Department and his very helpful staff.

Canmin Resources Limited is confident that it has a quality product that will provide a competitive advantage to allow it to compete and even develop new opportunities as a major vermiculite supplier on the world market.

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UGANDA VERMICULITE MINE OPENED
		The mining and processing of vermiculite. The Namekara vermiculite will be mined as an open pit from the surface. Excavators and loaders will be used to fill trucks, which will drive up inside roadways and deliver the raw material to the nearby processing plant.

	At the plant the vermiculite ore is milled, dried, screened and winnowed to remove small stones. Then the vermiculite is laboratory tested for particle-size distribution and its mineral characteristics - that is, principally, its exfoliation ability. Exfoliated material is measured in grams per litre, the lighter the better. Most of the Namekara vermiculite will be exported and used as a soil conditioner, hydroponics for growing plants, insulation, mixture with cement/concrete, brake-liners and for making boards. It is even used as a carrier for vitamins: so, it is not at all toxic to human or animal health. All exporting will be done in standard 20-foot shipping containers, by truck or rail to Mombasa. The initial focus will be on nearby markets in the Middle East and Europe. The future potential. Presently most internationally traded vermiculite comes from Palabora in South Africa. Large volumes also are mined in the United States, but mainly for their domestic markets. The ultimate life-span of the Namekara mine is a big and interesting question mark! Known proven reserves are enough for well over 100 years producing 40,000 tonnes per year. "But", says Hansen, supported by Wilson Ongom, "vermiculite exists to the south, west, east and north of the present explored and defined site - if it is all interconnected, then 500 years of supply at 40,000 tonnes per year is not unrealistic". In the words of Dr. Ulrich Kretschmar, consulting geologist for the project, "Namekara is clearly a world-class deposit of vermiculite." Hans Hansen, Managing Director of Canmin Resources Limited, is very pleased with development progress so far. The success to date is a tribute to the vision and cooperation of Canmin's employees, the Namekara community, the local administrative councils, the Mbale District Authority, the Uganda Investment Authority, Mr. Wilson Ongom who is now Site Manager, and the Commissioner of the Geological Survey and Mine Department and his very helpful staff. Canmin Resources Limited is confident that it has a quality product that will provide a competitive advantage to allow it to compete and even develop new opportunities as a major vermiculite supplier on the world market. >> <<