SNC-LAVALIN COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PHASE OF BRISAS PROJECT
SNC-Lavalin has commenced the construction management phase of the Brisas Gold-Copper Mine Project in southeastern Venezuela.
SNC-Lavalin was awarded the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract for the processing facilities and mine infrastructure at the Brisas Project in February 2006. Since then, detailed engineering and procurement services have been progressing, and the owner, Gold Reserve Inc., has been advancing with environmental permitting efforts required to initiate on-site construction activities.
On March 28, 2007, Gold Reserve Inc. (TSX:GRZ – AMEX:GRZ) announced that the Venezuelan Ministry of Environment had approved the Brisas Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the exploitation and processing of gold and copper mineralization, and had issued the permit authorizing commencement of the construction phase of the Brisas Project.
"SNC-Lavalin is pleased with this development and we look forward to the successful completion of this project," said Pierre Duhaime, Executive Vice-President, SNC-Lavalin. "This is the first major mining project in the region, and we are working closely with Gold Reserve to maximize the local content and provide spin-off benefits to the local community."
With construction set to proceed, SNC-Lavalin is releasing equipment orders and contracts on behalf of Gold Reserve Inc. for the initial site works. Construction is expected to begin in June 2007 with initial site preparation and road contracts.
The Brisas Project is a large, open pit gold-copper mine in a remote area of Venezuela being developed using conventional truck and shovel mining methods.
SNC-Lavalin (TSX: SNC) is one of the leading groups of engineering and construction companies in the world, a major player in the ownership of infrastructure, and in the provision of operations and maintenance services. The SNC-Lavalin companies have offices across Canada and in 34 other countries around the world and are currently working in some 100 countries.
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Media Contact
Gillian MacCormackVice-President, Global Public Relations
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.
514-393-8000 x7354
gillian.maccormack@snclavalin.com
Investors
Stéphane RoyVice-President, Investor Relations
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.
514-393-1000 x7559
stephane.roy@snclavalin.com
