FEDERAL COURT RESERVES DECISION ON CLASS ACTION

The Federal Court in Sydney today reserved its decision in relation to Pasminco’s application to have the class action against it `struck out` on the grounds that the Court did not have jurisdiction to hear the class action relating to its smelter operations at Cockle Creek and Port Pirie.

A judgement will be delivered at 9.30am this Friday 12 May.

The Court today heard submissions relating to the proposed federal cause of action arising from the claims raised by the applicants involving allegations that emissions from Pasminco`s smelters constituted `defective` `goods` which it `manufactured` and `supplied` to them.

The class action relates to alleged damage caused by the long term effects of lead emissions from Pasminco’s lead and zinc smelters at Cockle Creek and Port Pirie.

Managing Director and Chief Executive of Pasminco, Mr David Stewart, said the company had always acknowledged and supported government, regulatory and community initiatives to foster a healthy, safe and enjoyable environment for employees and the people in the communities where it operated. He added that Pasminco had also invested significant funds to constantly improve and upgrade its operations.

“Today’s result does nothing to change our commitment to working with all stakeholders to find solutions to issues involving the health and environment of the communities where we operate,” he said.

For further information contact:

Peter Griffin
Group Manager - Public Affairs
61 3 9288 0463 or 0419 314 265

Trevor Shard
Group Manager - Investor Relations
61 3 9288 9186 or 0419 584515

David Lambert
General Counsel
61 3 9288 0425 or 0419 346 004

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