RNS Number:0855I
Ballarat Goldfields N.L.
01 February 2005



ASX and Media release: 2 February 2005

   BGF Awards Contract for Ventilation Shaft Construction to Mancala Pty Ltd

Ballarat Goldfields NL (BGF) is pleased to announce it has awarded the contract
for construction of a new mine ventilation shaft at Ballarat East to Mancala Pty
Ltd.

Mancala is an established mining contracting company operating out of Melbourne
and Sydney. The company has over 10 years experience in shaft construction
having completed projects in many states of Australia for a number of major
mining companies.

The new shaft, named the "North Prince Extended", will be concrete lined, 6
metres in diameter, and located within the mine lease area on crown land some
700 metres to the north of the decline portal. It will replace the current,
(smaller) timber lined ventilation shaft, and will provide sufficient exhaust
capacity for the life of the Ballarat East mine.

The shaft will be sunk using a conventional "blind sink" method. Whilst
conservative, this will ensure a quality and timely outcome.

BGF Managing Director, Richard Laufmann, said, "The key factors in the selection
of Mancala were the company's expert knowledge and experience, safety management
and their contract program.. Mancala has also successfully operated in built-up
environments including Beaconsfield in Tasmania."

"The awarding of this contract to Mancala is an important milestone in the
development of the Ballarat East project and complements the current underground
development work," Mr Laufmann said.

The contractor will begin preparation and fabrication works shortly and commence
site civil works in mid March 2005 to fit in with the underground development
schedule. The total construction time is expected to be between 20 and 25 weeks,
depending on the total depth of the shaft to be established.

For further information, please visit our website www.ballarat-goldfields.com.au
or contact Joel Forwood, Manager Corporate and Markets, on 03 5327 1111


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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