COPPER MINING: Work resumes at Las Cruces

SPAIN — Toronto-based Inmet Mining Corp. has resumed mining operations at is Las Cruces copper mine after receipt of final approval from the Analucian Regional Ministry of Innovation, Science and Business (CICE). CICE demanded that work be suspended in May 2008 pending resolution of water use issues.

A public review process is required to amend the permit for the dewatering and reinjection system to incorporate water treatment and other aspects of Las Cruces' plan that addresses the regulators' concerns that led to the suspension of mining. The public commentary period has expired and the Water Authority of Andalucía has now commenced the process to amend the permit. This process is expected to take several months. Mining and cathode production would continue while the process to amend the permit is underway.

Inmet says commissioning of the process plant has been completed and with the resumption of mining in the pit, Las Cruces now anticipates that it will produce its first copper cathode during the first week in June. Inmet owns 70% of the project.

Please visit www.InmetMining.com.