Stornoway Signs Partnership Accord With Chibougamau and Chapais
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - July 5, 2012) -Stornoway Diamond Corporation (TSX:SWY) is pleased to announce that it has executed a Declaration of Partnership (the "Declaration") with the communities of Chibougamau and Chapais in the James Bay Region of Québec. The Declaration is a statement of cooperation between the partners for the responsible development of Stornoway's 100% owned Renard Diamond Project based on the principles of environmental protection, social responsibility and economic efficiency. The Declaration was signed in Chibougamau on July 5th by Mme. Manon Cyr, Mayor of Chibougamau, M. Steve Gamache, Mayor of Chapais, and M. Patrick Godin, Chief Operating Officer of Stornoway.
The Declaration provides for the creation of a Renard Liaison Committee that will address issues of mutual interest such as communication, employment, and the economic diversification of local communities. In particular, the committee will oversee initiatives to attract and retain new residents to the towns of Chibougamau and Chapais.
Matt Manson, Stornoway's President and CEO, stated: "The Declaration of Partnership with Chibougamau and Chapais is a further example of the framework of trust, transparency and cooperation with which we seek to develop Québec's first diamond mine. It follows the execution of the Mecheshoo Agreement with the Crees of the James Bay Region in March, which was established on similar principles. For Stornoway, the Declaration is an expression of the importance we place on Chibougamau and Chapais as commercial centers, and future civic partners, for the successful development of Renard."
Manon Cyr, Mayor of Chibougamau stated: "This accord confirms the common bond of cooperation and respect between our two cities and Stornoway in the development of the Renard Project, which has been in existence for several years now. Today's signing marks the beginning of a new phase, allowing us to plan for the future by strengthening the collaboration between the City of Chibougamau and Stornoway."
For his part, Steve Gamache, Mayor of Chapais stated: "The Declaration of Partnership is part of a new era of economic and social development based on respect, mutual trust and a shared understanding of the issues of each partner. The town of Chapais is extremely proud to work with Stornoway Diamond Corporation on the development of this leading diamond mining project."
About the Renard Diamond Project
The Renard Diamond Project is located approximately 250 km north of the Cree community of Mistissini and 350 km north of Chibougamau in the James Bay region of North-Central Québec. In November 2011, Stornoway released the results of a Feasibility Study for Renard that highlighted the potential of the project to become a significant producer of high value rough diamonds over a long mine life. NI 43-101 compliant Probable Mineral Reserves stand at 18.0 million carats, with a further 17.5 million carats classified as Inferred Mineral Resources, and 23.5 to 48.5 million carats classified as non-resource exploration upside. All kimberlites remain open at depth. Pre-production capital cost stands at C$802 million, with a life of mine operating cost of C$54.71/tonne giving a 68% operating margin over an initial 11 year mine life. Production start-up is scheduled for 2015. Readers are referred to the technical report dated December 29, 2011 in respect of the Renard Diamond Project for further details and assumptions relating to the project.
About Stornoway Diamond Corporation
Stornoway is a leading Canadian diamond exploration and development company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY. Our flagship asset is the 100% owned Renard Diamond Project, on track to becoming Québec's first diamond mine. Stornoway also maintains an active diamond exploration program with both advanced and grassroots programs in the most prospective regions of Canada. Stornoway is a growth oriented company with a world class asset, in one of the world's best mining jurisdictions, in one of the world's great mining businesses.
On behalf of the Board
STORNOWAY DIAMOND CORPORATION
Matt Manson, President and Chief Executive Officer
