To: IKE who wrote (37 ) 1/26/1999 3:30:00 PM From: Gord Bolton Respond to of 94
South Africa Diamond Project Advances Poplar Forms Strategic Alliance With Leader Mining datetime:20 Jan 1999 06:39:00 / LEADER MINING INTERNATIONAL INC POPLAR RESOURCES LTD ("PPX-V;PPLTF-L") LEADER MINING INTERNATIONAL INC ("LMN-Y") - South Africa Diamond Project Advances - Poplar Forms Strategic Alliance With Leader Mining W. Gennen McDowall, President & CEO of Poplar Resources Ltd, announces that Poplar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Leader Mining International Inc. of Calgary, to develop the Karmel Diamond Project in South Africa. The Karmel Project is 100% owned by Poplar's subsidiary, Karmel Diamond Holdings (Pty) Ltd. It covers 7,500 hectares of prime diamond exploration terrain near the Lesotho border. The Project consists of a series of Group II kimberlite fissures/pipes. Under the terms of the agreement Leader Mining will acquire a 75% working interest in the project. Leader Mining is providing funding of $1.5 million over the next three years, with a minimum investment of $500,000 in the first year. Poplar Resources will be the Operator of the project. Preliminary ground magnetic surveys indicate the kimberlite bodies are magnetic. With this in mind, the initial budget includes funding for a high-resolution, low-level helicopter magnetic survey. This will be followed by a sampling program including a bulk sample of the known diamondiferous bodies. A kimberlite pipe on the property has been partially mined for diamonds in the past. The Project, at the moment, consists of 3 known fissures, a kimberlite pipe, and a possible blow. There is a high probability of more pipes and fissures being identified, offering excellent exploration targets. Poplar Resources has recently purchased a 10 tonne/hour diamond recovery plant. This pilot plant will be moved to the Karmel Project shortly, to be used to carry out the bulk-sampling program. The Management of Poplar Resources believes this strategic alliance with Leader Mining will prove to be of great merit to both companies. TEL: (604) 718-5454 W. Gennen McDowall, President & CEO FAX: (604) 682-4459 Poplar Resources Ltd. ______________________________________