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NEWSLETTER JULY 2010
Diamonds - Lesotho

Letseng update:

• Operations are ongoing.
• We continue in discussions with Letseng regarding future contract work.

Stormberg (formerly known as Kao) update:

• We continue to dialog with Namakwa Diamonds regarding future operations, assets and equipment.
• Operations are targeted to begin in 2011.

Social investment:

• Malherbe Rust Architects were selected to design the orphanage in Maseru. They have been on site and have begun the design process.


Recent tenders:

• Successful tenders were held in April and May.


Goals for Q3:

• Work with Namakwa Diamonds toward 2011 operational readiness at the Stormberg mine.
Uranium - Austin's Post RSA

Update:

• Excavated the trench and retrieved two 5 metric ton ore samples (one low grade, one high grade) for further testwork at Mintek. Mintek has started agglomeration testing and 1 meter column leaching testwork on the samples. Various conditions of acid and alkaline leaching will be tested to determine the optimal leaching process and associated reagent consumption.
• A draft resource statement has been produced and is being finalized.
• Some preliminary plant design work has been done.

Goals for Q3:

• Complete the testwork.
• Apply testwork results to determine project capabilities and operations and overall project viability.
• Complete the resource statement and start the mine and pit design work.
• Perform exploration drilling where required.
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Tungsten - Piketberg RSA

Update:

• Bongani Minerals submitted a prospecting application to the Department of Minerals & Energy, and withdrew the previously submitted mining rights application.
• A public participation process included editorial adverts in 3 newspapers, distribution of the background documents to 500+ interested parties, focus groups with NGOs, CBOs, commenting authorities, and directly affected land owners. A public information day was held in Piketberg.
• Bongani also submitted the draft Prospecting Environmental Management Plan to the DME.
• To read the submitted application and draft EMP, go to www.withersenviro.co.za

Goals for Q3:

• Support Bongani in cooperating with the DME in the prospecting application process and provide information as requested.
Granite - Malmesbury RSA

Update:

• Progress has been halted at Elsana Quarry pending court decisions (to be made late August).

Goals for Q3:

• Proceed with operations per court and municipal decisions.
• Begin selling aggregate.
Coalbed Methane - Namibia and South Africa
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Update:

• Namibia: We are formulating a partnership to expand rights to include the Waterberg area.
• Namibia: Moving drill rigs into place at Waterberg site to execute core drilling.
• South Africa: Continuing with data analysis.

Goals for Q3:

• Formalize partnerships to build energy plants at the Namibian and/or South African CBM sites.

• Begin core drilling at Waterberg site by end of August.
Office Updates

South Africa update:

• The Stellenbosch personnel moved into a new building/office complex in Technopark. We're still getting settled, but it's great to have all personnel in one office suite.

Logo El Nino Mining (Pty) Ltd - A wholly owned subsidiary of
Batla Minerals SA PO Box 340 Stellenbosch  7599  South Africa