Acquisition Resources

Listed UK mining investment firm Cambrian Mining is conducting a strategic review, in order to transform itself from an investment holding company into an operating mining group. The company plans to remove existing inherent value traps, and to create a platform for further shareholder value creation.

This strategy also builds on Cambrian's track record of identifying undervalued resource opportunities and supporting the development of these into producing assets. In total, Cambrian has supported the development of seven mining operations through associated/ subsidiary companies and has made significant profits through the divestment of assets.

The strategic review includes examining the alternatives for restructuring and consolidation of the Group's constituent parts while divesting of others. On the consolidation front, Cambrian is looking at partial or complete combinations, while on the divestment side alternatives include divesting for cash, divesting for shares in another entity or distributing underlying shares to Cambrian shareholders.

Mark Burridge, Chief Executive of Cambrian Mining, commented: "Since becoming Chief Executive, three months ago, I have visited all of the key operations within the Group and I am pleased to inform you that we are well down the road in analysing and implementing some of the key initiatives that will need to be undertaken to progress our strategic development. We are also making progress in a number of related areas, such as working to improve operating performance and improving management processes.

In order to assist us in advancing this strategy, relevant advisers have been appointed and a number of the important work streams are being progressed. It is important that we complete this strategic review soon and take action in time to position ourselves to take advantage of the positive outlook for commodity prices, in particular coal, as predicted by many mining analysts.

We have therefore set ourselves the goal of completing the strategic review and launching a number of specific and meaningful initiatives by the end of the year. I look forward to having the opportunity to update the market fully on our progress at our preliminary results in December."