May 2, 2005
Mines Management reviewed qualifications and proposals of several major engineering firms to initiate optimization of the surface facilities and process flow sheet and selected Hatch.
The company's President and CEO, Mr. Glenn M. Dobbs commented, “We are very pleased to have Hatch on board as we move the Montanore to the next stage of development. They are a world-class firm and will contribute significantly to fully optimizing the project, and taking it through this important step necessary to ultimately financing construction.”
Hatch will be responsible for conducting trade-off studies for processing, material handling, and the surface facilities, along with completion of a feasibility study. Hatch will work with McIntosh Engineering, previously announced, to incorporate McIntosh's mine design into a plan that seeks the best possible combination of technology and processes for the Montanore Mine. Hatch will review past engineering designs and information contained within the Montanore Project Feasibility Study originally completed by Noranda Minerals Corporation (NYSE: NRD) as part of the overall project update and optimization review.
Mr. Klepfer stated, “The timing of the feasibility process will overlap with the re-permitting of the Montanore so that by the time approval for the project is granted, there will be little left to do beyond detailed engineering prior to commencing construction.”
The Hatch Group of companies provide a full range of solutions to clients in the mining, manufacturing, infrastructure and energy sectors through a network of 80 permanent offices worldwide. Programs and projects under management have an aggregate value in excess of $15 billion. Hatch is an employee-owned company of more than 5,800 employees. Fees for 2004 are expected to exceed $700,000,000.
Mines Management, Inc. is a U.S. based mineral development company focused on the exploration and development of silver dominant mineral deposits. The Montanore has been reported to contain approximately 260 million ounces of silver and 2 billion pounds of copper.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Securities Laws. Such statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable but which are subject to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated are discussed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Further information about Mines Management, Inc. can be reviewed on the website for the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov or on the company's website at www.minesmanagement.com.
Contact:
Douglas Dobbs
Director, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
Mines Management, Inc. Douglas Dobbs, 509/838-6050 fax: 509/838-0486 email: info@minesmanagement.com website: www.minesmanagement.com
Source: Mines Management, Inc.