Press Releases

Distributed: Sep 2, 2010

Alerts Login

Melbourne, Sep 2, 2010 (ABN Newswire) - Pluton Resources Limited (ASX:PLV) ("Pluton"), the emerging iron ore producer behind the development of an innovative drilling platform for some of the toughest terrain in Australia, has been given this year's Golden Gecko Award for Environmental Excellence at an award ceremony in Perth.

The Australian made Universal Drilling Platform (UDP) was developed and patented by the Company to provide a safe, stable, low footprint option for diamond drilling programs on remote and rugged exploration prospects.

It is currently being used in Pluton's Irvine Island exploration program in The Kimberley. The UDP is a modular platform, which can be transported to an exploration site by helicopter and assembled by hand in less than a day. When fully assembled the platform has a ground disturbance of less than 5m2, much less than traditional exploration equipment. Hydraulically adjustable legs mean that it can be used on uneven and sloping terrain, without the need for excavation or earth moving machinery. The platform does not require the building of tracks or use of heavy vehicles, and once in place can be used as a helipad, further reducing ground disturbance.

Pluton's Managing Director, Tony Schoer, says the Company attributes the success of the project to its employees and contractors and the traditional owners of Irvine Island, the Mayala people.

"Minimising the land disturbance during exploration can make an important difference to the industry's footprint," he said. "A few months after drilling from the platforms, it is almost impossible to tell where we've been.

"We believe it's part of the new paradigm in mining. Increasingly, exploration and mining companies are finding new ways to operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner."

He said Mayala exploration teams have been trained to assemble the platforms and support exploration. They have been a key part of the Company's success.

As part of a broader environmental management strategy, Pluton has adapted accommodation technology used in the Antarctic to build green exploration sites in the tropical Kimberley. The Company is using polar "pods" to provide insulated shelter for the drill teams. The pods have little impact on the natural environment and they are easy to relocate from one site to another.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum in Western Australia instigated the Golden Gecko Awards in 1992 to recognise excellence and leadership, and to acknowledge the outstanding contribution recipients have made to balance environmental responsibility with the successful development of the state's mineral and petroleum resources.


About Pluton Resources Limited

Pluton Resources Limited (ASX:PLV) is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX Code "PLV"). Pluton has assembled a diversified portfolio of interests in tenements in Western Australia and Tasmania. Tenements in Western Australia are 100% owned by Pluton, which includes the Irvine Island iron ore project. Tenements located in Tasmania are prospective for high grade or bulk tonnage copper, gold and silver. Further details can be found at www.plutonresources.com

Contact

Tony Schoer
Managing Director
Pluton Resources Limited
Tel: +61-411-232-711
Email: tschoer@plutonresources.com
http://www.plutonresources.com

  Related Companies

>>>        Pluton Resources Limited

  Related Industry Topics:

Financial General | Mining | Iron Ore | 

  This Page Viewed:  (Last 7 Days: 10) (Last 30 Days: 70) (Since Published: 11630) 

Events & Exhibitions

Site Search

 
 ENGLISH   All Languages
Webcast Your Annual General Meeting

ABN Newswire on iPhone/iPad

Download from Apple

Mobile Video TV

qrcode
Scan with your Mobile Phone to view ABN Newswire Video Channel on Mobile
 
City Index - A Better Way To Trade