Aspire Mining Limited is focused on developing metallurgical coal assets in Mongolia, principally its wholly owned Ovoot Coking Coal Project (OCCP). The Company is pleased to advise that Sedgman Pty Ltd. (Sedgman) has completed Stage 2 of the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) Study for the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) infrastructure to be constructed at the OCCP and issued its final report outlining the design and cost estimate (FEED Study). In response to feedback gathered during community consultation, the elimination of potential dust emissions was an express objective of the design and engineering.

Result of this is evident in the planned coal handling, stockpiling and truck loading infrastructure. The concept presented in this FEED Study represents a significantly more sophisticated processing and materials handling solution than that contemplated in the March 2019 Pre-Feasibility Study1. Leading technologies are also incorporated to minimise power and water consumption.

This is an important step in the development of the OCCP, as establishment of a CHPP at the Ovoot site is an important factor to enable consistent delivery of high-quality coking coal to market. Currently, only one other Mongolian coking coal producer beneficiates its coal on site to a globally recognised product specification. Key outcomes from Stage 2 of the FEED Study include: Preparation of concept design with nameplate capacity of 350 tonnes per hour (tph) feed, based on a simple, robust process flowsheet comprising proven technologies.

Incorporation of reliable equipment capable of operating more than 7,200 hours per annum and 20 years life with appropriate training and maintenance regimes in place. Meeting design objectives to maximise water and power efficiency, containment of potential dust emissions, and avoidance of requirement for tailings storage facility. Optimisation of layout conducive to future phased expansion, including product handling system capable of supporting doubling of initial throughput.