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Mining For Water Recognizes Significant Industry Contributions: Barrick Gold and Glencairn Gold Recognized for Outstanding Achievements

Toronto , ON (PDAC, Booth 2327) – March 7, 2005

Last year at the PDAC Ron Little , president of Orezone Resources (OZN:TSX, Amex) and 13 year old Ryan Hreljac, founder of the Ryan’s Well Foundation, announced the launch of Mining for Water, a new program developed to leverage the resources of the global exploration and mining industry to substantially improve the quality of life of people in developing countries by providing access to clean, fresh drinking water.

Mining for Water challenged the global mining community, including  all exploration and mining companies, drilling contractors, brokers, agents, lawyers and other service providers, to raise $1 million and drill 150 water wells in the developing world by either contributing financially to Ryan’s Well Foundation or directly undertaking water related projects.  One of the objectives of Mining for Water is to have the substantial contribution already being made in this area by the mining community recognized both in Canada and internationally. 

Mining for Water is pleased to announce that of the projects submitted, the most outstanding contribution from a senior company was made by Barrick Gold Corporation.  During construction of its Bulyanhulu Mine in Tanzania , Barrick built a US $5.5 million pipeline from Lake Victoria and dedicated 40 per cent of its capacity to local communities.  Barrick also completed 18 shallow wells, and a number of deep wells with a pipeline system to service nearby villages.  Near its Tulawaka Mine in Tanzania , Barrick is in the process of completing five shallow wells and three deep boreholes.  The total additional cost to Barrick of providing improved community access to clean, reliable sources of water was US $2.8 million!

The most outstanding contribution from a small or intermediate sized company was made by Glencairn Gold Corporation which is spending US $265,000 on community water supply projects.  In 2004 Glencairn constructed a pipeline from a freshwater spring in the hills above its Bellavista Mine in Costa Rica and connected it to the water system of the town of Miramar (pop. 5,000) at a total cost of US $125,000.  The pipeline replaced a number of springs which were contaminated due to farming and other human activities.  Glencairn is also donating land containing another spring and will replace aging water tanks in Miramar at a total cost up to $100,000.  At its Limon Mine in Nicaragua , Glencairn is spending US $40,000 on a water treatment facility that will also provide clean water to the town of Limon (pop. 5,000) 

Mining for Water would also like to acknowledge the support and contributions of BMO Nesbitt Burns, Canaccord Capital, Westwind Partners, Stikeman Elliot, High River Gold and Gold 2000.

Ron Little , President and CEO of Orezone stated that:  “While we do not yet have a comprehensive list of all companies that completed water projects in 2004, we hope that the recognition being received by Barrick and Glencairn will stimulate others to come forward with existing projects, plan new ones, or make a donation to Ryan’s Well Foundation.”  He added that “the mining industry is making a difference and it is time to be recognized.”

“One out of every five people on earth does not have access to safe drinking water.  30,000 people die every day from drinking contaminated water,” said Ryan Hreljac, founder of the Ryan’s Well Foundation and co-chair of Mining for Water.  “UNICEF says that 80 per cent of sickness and death among children is caused by water-related diseases – that’s almost four million deaths every year. Exploration and mining companies can help because they are already working in developing countries and they have powerful drills and experienced crews.  Mining companies are urged to determine the need for clean water and sanitation in areas near their drilling sites and be pro-active in addressing these issues.