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REGIONAL NEWS - ASIA 24 E&MJ; • SEPTEMBER 2017 www.e-mj.com Thai Government Lifts Suspension of Chatree Mine Recently, representatives of Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd. met with represen- tatives of the Royal Thai Government to discuss a possible settlement of the company's claims against the Kingdom of Thailand under the Australia-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA). Shortly before the meeting, the com- pany was informed that the Thai gov- ernment had lifted the "temporary sus- pension" of the Chatree mine, which is operated by the company's subsidiary, Akara Resources Public Co. Ltd. Further, Kingsgate was advised that Akara's appli- cation for renewal of its metallurgical pro- cessing license, which expired on Decem- ber 31, 2016, could now be processed. However, Kingsgate said it became clear that the Thai government would not be offering any monetary compensation for the substantial losses that company had already suffered as a result of the closure and expropriation of the Chatree mine, nor for the substantial expenses that would be incurred in connection with restarting oper- ations at Chatree. Kingsgate was informed that the Thai government may be willing to provide other meaningful benefits in con- sideration of the shutdown of the mine. In light of the foregoing, the Kingsgate board has determined that it is in the in- terests of the company to further explore the matter. Kingsgate has reserved its le- gal position under TAFTA and allowed a further limited period of dialogue with the government. Major Equipment Arrives at Amulsar This week, Lydian International said ma- jor equipment components have arrived at its Amulsar gold project in Armenia. Major pieces of equipment for the crush- ing plant, including the jaw crusher, a secondary cone crusher, rock breaker, pan feeders, and screen liners have all arrived at the site. The material handling system includes crushing and screening equipment and the overland conveyor, all supplied by Sandvik. Components have been shipping since the second quarter of 2017 as fabrication is completed. Modular steel structures for the overland conveyer and other structural steel com- ponents are arriving on site and this will continue throughout the third quarter. "Equipment lead times and delivery logistics present unique challenges for many projects," said Howard Stevenson, Lydian's president and CEO. "We are very pleased that our vendors are meeting fab- rication schedules and deliveries to site are being well managed." Caterpillar remains on schedule in manufacturing the primary mine mobile equipment. The first phase of equipment, consisting of a 6040 hydraulic shovel, one CAT 994 front end loader, five 789D haul trucks and other equipment, was shipped in July. Deliveries to Amulsar and assembly are expected over the balance of the third quarter of 2017. The gold recovery plant is being fab- ricated in South Africa by Azmet. Pre-as- sembled modules have been loaded for shipment later this month. Delivery is expected by late third-quarter 2017. ABB is suppling all major site-wide elec- trical and control systems. Fabrication of the main substation and distribution grid, integrated automation and process control by optimized solutions, motors and drive systems is advancing in accordance with the manufacturer's planned delivery sched- ules. Electrical transformers are scheduled for shipment this month, with delivery an- ticipated during the fourth quarter of 2017. The Chatree plant (above) closed when the operation was placed on care and maintenance in December 2016.