RNS Number:8539O
Van Dieman Mines plc
14 July 2005


VAN DIEMAN MINES PLC (AIM: VDM)

14 July 2005

                    Mining Lease Granted over Scotia Project

Van Dieman Mines Plc ("Van Dieman" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that
the Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, Tasmania, has formally
approved the granting of a mining lease over the Company's Scotia resource area,
one of the three principal components in Stage I of the Company's tin and
sapphire resources base in north eastern Tasmania.

Highlights
     
*    This approval marks the culmination of a process begun late last year
     which has involved detailed applications and local approvals for the 
     development of this project in terms of its commercial and environmental 
     impact.

*    As outlined in the Company's prospectus at the time of its listing on
     the AIM market in November 2004, this prepares the way for the planned 
     initial phase of the Van Dieman mining operation, which is scheduled to 
     commence in the final months of 2005.

*    Subject to further lease approvals, the Company plans to closely follow
     with the commencement of mining operations at the adjacent Endurance 
     project.

Clive Trist, CEO of Van Dieman Mines Plc, commented:

"The granting of the Scotia mining lease marks a major step forward for the
Company towards its goal of establishing a significant new tin and sapphire
mining operation.

"The Company has developed sound relationships with the Department of Mineral
Resources of Tasmania which continues to be wholly supportive of the Company's
mining strategy.

"With this latest development, Van Dieman Mines remains firmly on course with
its declared strategy of developing substantial and profitable mining operations
in Tasmania".

"At the same time, the Company is making good progress with finalising the
design of the treatment plant and with commercial negotiations for the offtake
of the main mine products".

For more information

Clive Trist, Van Dieman Mines Tel: +61(0) 2 9264 0433
E-mail:ctrist@vandiemanmines.com

Laurence Read/ Leesa Peters, Conduit PR Tel: +44(0) 20 79369095 /+44 (0) 7979
955 923
E-mail: laurence@conduitpr.com


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