TONGON, CÔTE D'IVOIRE--(Marketwire - April 26, 2010) -
RANDGOLD RESOURCES LIMITED
Incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands
Reg. No. 62686
LSE Trading Symbol: RRS
Nasdaq Trading Symbol: GOLD (
Local businesses are making a significant contribution to the development of Randgold Resources' new mine at Tongon, chief executive Mark Bristow said here today. The mine, now rapidly taking shape, is scheduled to pour its first gold in the fourth quarter of this year.
Speaking at a media day on site, Bristow said that thanks to capacity and quality improvements, Randgold had been able to increase the use of locally produced steel from 300 tonnes to over 800 tonnes, which is more than 20% of the total of 3 800 tonnes which will go into the mine's construction. All the steel required for the first phase of the project has already been produced and the final 1 400 tonnes are now being manufactured.
Many local businesses are being used for the development of the project. These include construction contractors, metal constructors and transporters. Local professionals have also been retained for the electrical and civil work.
Bristow also noted that the transport of goods to the site had to date required 1 660 truck trips between the port of San Pedro and the mine. All the trucks are being provided and operated by Ivorian companies and, despite the ruggedness of the route, there have been only two minor accidents so far. Ten breakbulk vessels have already delivered 31 000 freight tons of equipment and materials for the mine through San Pedro. Only two more are due, of which one is on its way from Durban while the other will be loaded at Jeddah towards the end of June. Once their cargoes have been received, 99% of all the requirements for the first two phases of the mine's development will be on site.
To view the full announcement Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser.
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/7245K_1-2010-4-23.pdf
Contact Information:
RANDGOLD RESOURCES ENQUIRIES:
Chief Executive
Dr Mark Bristow
+223 6675 0122
+44 788 071 1386
Group General Manager
West Africa
Mahamadou Samaké
+223 6675 6136
Côte d'Ivoire Country Manager
Bodiel N'Diaye
+225 05 04 93 87
Investor & Media Relations
Kathy du Plessis
+44 20 7557 7738
Website: www.randgoldresources.com