News Archive

10 August 2006

Muir Dean Planning Application

ATH Resources plc, one of the UK’s largest coal producers, announces that its application for planning consent to develop the proposed opencast coal site at Muir Dean, in Fife, has not been approved by Fife Council’s West Area Development Committee.

Commenting on the decision, ATH Chief Executive Tom Allchurch said: “Whilst we are disappointed with the decision, which goes against a strong recommendation by Fife Council’s Planning Officials for approval, we will review the Council’s reasons for refusal and will be lodging an appeal. We remain confident that our application will ultimately be approved.

“With a strong contribution from the recent acquisition of the Ogden business, the Group remains on course to deliver its expected growth prospects in 2007.”

For further information:
ATH Resources
Tom Allchurch, Chief Executive	Tel: +44 (0) 1302 760 462
tom.allchurch@ath.co.uk
Media enquiries:
Abchurch
Georgina Bonham/ Justin Heath	Tel: +44 (0) 113 203 1341
georgina.bonham@abchurch-group.com	www.abchurch-group.com

Notes to Editors:

ATH Resources is an AIM-listed operator of opencast coal mines in the UK with its current three operational mines, Skares Road, Grievehill and Garleffan, located near New Cumnock, East Ayrshire in Scotland. The Company is currently the third largest producer of coal in the UK producing approximately 1.7 million tonnes per annum. Coal was used to generate 34 per cent of the UKs electricity in 2005 and the Company holds coal supply contracts with four of the UKs main electricity generating companies.

The management team has been in place since 1998. It acquired the rights to operate (and subsequently acquire) the Skares Road mine with support from The Alchemy Plan and Bank of Scotland. Following ATH Resources incorporation in October 2003, and backed by a follow on investment from The Alchemy Plan, the Company acquired the Garleffan mine in November 2003.

In June 2005 the Group acquired two new opencast sites, Grievehill and Glenmuckloch in Scotland for 18 million using the 16.8 million raised by way of an Open Offer on the basis of 1 New Ordinary Share for every 3 Existing Ordinary Shares. The acquisition increased the Groups reserve base by 160% and provided longer term stability to the business.

In addition to its operating mines, the Company also has a number of other coal mining projects in Scotland and two through its French subsidiary, SRMMC including a series of six existing coal concessions in south-central France, covering an area of 36km, 2 with an estimated resource of approximately 4.5 million tonnes of recoverable coal.

In May 2006 the Group acquired Doncaster-based A Ogden & Sons Limited a successful coal recovery, land remediation and regeneration business with a particular focus on colliery spoil heap reclamation projects. ATH paid net 9.5 million for the business. The acquisition, which was earnings enhancing, allowed ATH to build on its skills as a regenerator of land, whilst developing strong relationships with key English planning authorities.

ATH Resources listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in June 2004 under the symbol ATH.L

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