Sparton Implements Safety and Health Upgrades for China Operations
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 08/09/10 -- Sparton Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SRI) (the 'Company') is pleased to report that it is in the process implementing a series of measures designed to improve and upgrade the safety and health aspects of its Huajun germanium operations in Yunnan Province, China. The upgrades are being done as part of the Company's ongoing monitoring programs and are designed to exceed the Safety Evaluation Program (SEP) mandated by PRC Mine Safety Departments at the local, provincial and federal levels. The programs are expected to be completed this month and will improve surface and underground installations as well as monitoring systems.
306 Huajun Coal Co. Ltd. ('Huajun') produces germanium concentrates and thermal coal in the Lincang area of Yunnan Province, China. Germanium is a specialty metal with large and growing applications in the manufacture of high efficiency fibre optic cables, infrared devices, solar panels, wireless communications, semi-conductors and polymer fabric production. Small amounts of this metal act as a catalyst or doping agent to improve the operating characteristics of these devices and the structural quality of materials.
Currently approximately 125 full time staff are working at Huajun, of which 90 work underground. Huajun is the fourth (4th) largest germanium producer in China and currently ranks as number six (6) in the world. Plans are being formulated to expand operations.
While the mine boasts a continuous and enviable record of no lost time accidents in the last five years, a management review has recommended that a number of health and safety improvements be implemented to ensure that mine practices continue to comply with or exceed the new industry standards.
The initiatives include mandatory quarterly medical examinations for all staff, upgrades to personal safety equipment with new self rescue kits, installation of a new backup generator for reserve power in event of a local power failure, increased pumping and ventilation capacity, and upgrades to underground and surface sensors and camera monitoring and warning systems. The operation will also enter into a contract for back up accident support with the local area mine rescue group that services other similar mines in the Lincang area.
The safety upgrade and health program is currently underway and has been planned so as to enable development operations to continue unimpeded. The estimated cost of the upgrades under the program is 700,000 RMB (approximately $CAD 105,000).
President and CEO, Lee Barker, commented that 'It is important that all of our staff appreciate and continue to be reminded that health and safety are paramount considerations and that we will strive to achieve continued profitability while also incorporating the best available mining practices and strictly adhering to all PRC operating regulations related to safety and health.'
Sparton Resources Inc. is an international mineral exploration, development and production company with focus on gold, uranium and specialty metals for the 21st century. It intends to expand its germanium operations and advance the development of secondary uranium recovery in China. Concurrently, the Company is continuing to explore its gold prospects in north western Ontario. Sparton is the recipient of the World Finance Best Clean Technology-Asia Award for 2010.
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Contacts:
Sparton Resources Inc.
A. Lee Barker
President and CEO
416-366-3551 or Mobile: 416-716-5762
416-366-7421 (FAX)
info@spartonres.ca
Sparton Resources Inc.
Charles Ge
Director
+86 10 8559 2276
+86 10 8559 0411 (FAX)
Charlesge@vip.163.com
www.spartonres.ca