Press Release
Rocmec Mining Inc. Symbols: RMI: TSX-V
D5O: FSE
ROCMEC PROVIDES COMMISSIONG UPDATE OF ITS UNDERGROUND MILL AT ROCMEC 1
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, December 8th, 2008- ? Rocmec Mining inc. (TSX-V Symbol: RMI - FSE Symbol: D5O), is pleased to announce that the commissioning process of the underground modular milling plant at its Rocmec 1 mine, located in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec is well underway and scheduled to be completed within the coming weeks. Programming of the software that runs the fully automated process will be terminated this week, following which, the mill will be ready for preliminary testing. Once management is satisfied with start-up operations, it is expected that the ore currently stockpiled underground, will be processed at the rated 75 tonne per day capacity. Milling will allow Rocmec to verify the grades of the tonnes extracted within the framework of its bulk sampling programme currently underway.
A first in the Canadian mining industry, the UMCO 75 F, is installed underground on the 130 metre level. This modular plant requires only one specialised mining technician to operate. The success in controlling dilution and reducing operating costs by using the thermal fragmentation mining method will allow Rocmec to mine and treat, only the high-grade in-situ ore contained in the mineralised structures. Left-over residue will be used as backfill therefore no tailing pond will be needed.
With the thermal fragmentation mining method, gold is extracted directly and solely from within the vein. The size of the feed ore will range from 0 ? 3 inches (0 ? 75mm) then ground to obtain a granulometry of 80% passing 200 mesh that will supply a series of flotation cells. The flotation process is an ecological way of extracting precious metals as it does not employ cyanide. After a gravity circuit, soaping agents are used to float the gold along with the copper and pyrite present in the mineralised ore. The resulting high-grade concentrate will be stored in specialized bags and shipped to a refinery for final treatment. This technology is supported by an understanding of the metallurgy of the ore which allows for constant control and sequential analysis of the different parameters of the process.
Management is also extremely pleased to inform its shareholders that information requests and site visits regarding its exclusive and patented thermal fragmentation mining method have significantly increased over the past months. Companies of all sizes from around the globe including some majors have demonstrated interest in the technology.
About Rocmec Mining Inc. Rocmec Mining Inc. is a Canadian junior exploration company actively involved in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metal projects. The Company's exclusive thermal fragmentation process combined with its growth strategy positions it as the partner of choice for the development of narrow high-grade precious metal quartz vein projects. The Company?s shares are listed on the TSX-Venture (RMI) and the FSE (D5O) exchange.
?Thermal fragmentation ? an innovative process for mining narrow high-grade ore bodies?
The Thermal Fragmentation Mining Method video can be viewed on Rocmec?s website or by clicking the following link:
http://www.rocmecmines.com/video_an.asp
Please visit us on the web at www.rocmecmines.com
For further information, please contact
John Stella, Donald Brisebois
Manager Investor Relations President and chief executive officer
(450)510-4442 (450)510-4442
Cell (514)718-7976
FAX (450)510-9901 FAX (450)510-9901
jstella@rocmecmines.com dbrisebois@rocmecmines.com
Statements in this release that are not historical facts are ? forward-looking statements ? within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual developments or results may vary materially from those in these ? forward-looking statements ?.
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.