02 July 2024

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC

('CAML' or the 'Company')

CAML achieves conformance with Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management

Central Asia Metals plc (AIM: CAML) is pleased to announce the release of its Public Disclosure Document with respect to management of the tailings storage facilities ('TSFs') at the Company's wholly-owned Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia ('Sasa'). Publication of the document, the culmination of a three-year work programme completed on schedule, brings CAML in conformance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management ('GISTM'), the first such global standard. 

Key highlights

-      GISTM is based on 15 core principles spread across six topics, ranging from potentially affected communities, through design and construction, to facilities management and planned emergency response.

-      The disclosure document covers Sasa, the only operation in the CAML Group which has TSFs.

-      CAML's GISTM conformance has been independently audited by a third-party, international consultancy Knight Piésold.

-      Adoption of GISTM is not a legal requirement for CAML, though is required of members of the International Council on Mining & Metals ('ICMM'), an industry body comprising 24 of the world's largest mining companies.

-      However, CAML decided to adopt GISTM on a voluntary basis to demonstrate its commitment to safe and sustainable mining practices.

-      Looking ahead, Sasa is moving its tailings storage to a system of predominantly paste fill, part of its revised underground mining method, and dry-stack tailings ('DST'). Placing of cemented tailings as paste fill is already under way, and deposition of DST will commence in H2 2024.

Nigel Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Three years ago the CAML Board took the voluntary decision to bring the Group's TSFs into conformance with GISTM, thereby demonstrating our continued commitment to international best practice. We place the highest priority on the health and safety of our workforce and the communities in which we operate, and we believe today's announcement underlines the high standards that we set ourselves in this regard."

Richard Elmer, Director of Knight Piésold, commented:

"For the Sasa TSFs all GISTM requirements have either been met (92%), or are met with a plan in place (8%), and therefore CAML conforms with GISTM. A significant milestone is the commissioning of the DST due to occur in H2 2024. Adopting filtered tailings stacks is an example of best available technology and is in line with international best practice."

More information on CAML's tailings management and a copy of its GISTM Public Disclosure Document may be found on the Group's website at the following link:

https://www.centralasiametals.com/sustainability/environment/tailings/

For further information contact:

Note to editors:

Central Asia Metals, an AIM-listed UK company based in London, owns 100% of the Kounrad SX-EW copper project in central Kazakhstan and 100% of the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia. The Company also owns an 80% interest in CAML Exploration, a subsidiary that was formed to progress early exploration opportunities in Kazakhstan, and a 28.7% interest in Aberdeen Minerals Ltd, a privately owned UK company focused on the exploration and development of base metals opportunities in Northeast Scotland. 

For further information, please visit www.centralasiametals.com and follow CAML on X at @CamlMetals and on LinkedIn at Central Asia Metals Plc