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Formation Capital Corporation
November 17, 2008
Formation Resolves Appeals With Environmental Groups on Idaho Cobalt
Project
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire - Nov. 17, 2008) - Formation
Capital Corporation ("Formation") (TSX:FCO) reports today that its wholly
owned subsidiary, Formation Capital Corporation, U.S.(the Company),
reached an agreement with two environmental groups who appealed the June
2008 Forest Service Record of Decision, the Boulder White-Clouds Council
and Earthworks. Company president William G. Scales stated, "We are very
happy with the outcome of these negotiations, as they help to clear the
way for the development of the Idaho Cobalt Project ("ICP") early in
2009." In reaching the agreement the parties collaborated to revise a
methyl-mercury study plan and copper loading demonstration plan. The two
plans will now be submitted to the Idaho Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) for review and to the Forest Service for inclusion into the
Idaho Cobalt Project Plan of Operations.
The methyl-mercury study implements the DEQ guidance for mercury water
quality criteria. Although there are no specific concerns regarding
methyl-mercury at the ICP, the Company recognizes the importance of a
monitoring program and is a willing participant in a study that involves
analysis of fish tissue to determine impacts on water quality due to
mercury. The collaborative effort resulted in a refined, site specific
plan that satisfies DEQ requirements while minimizing impact to the fish
population.
Through a cooperative approach, a copper loading demonstration plan was
designed to protect the watershed from additional copper loading that may
occur due to activities at the ICP. Predictions made by the Dynamic
Systems Model used in the Final EIS indicate that no significant negative
effects are expected; however, the plan describes a methodology for
monitoring surface and ground water quality to determine if additional
copper loading occurs and its source. The plan further describes the
specific countermeasures that will be employed should degradation be
observed. Preston Rufe, Environmental Manager for the Idaho Cobalt
Project, praised the technical staff of the environmental groups stating,
"We are pleased to have reached this settlement, and believe it results in
superior plans being submitted to the agencies."
Under the terms of the agreement, Formation requested that the DEQ and the
U.S. Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) set an effluent concentration
limit of 10 ppb for arsenic in the NPDES discharge permit for the Idaho
Cobalt Project. General Manager of the ICP, Guy Jeske, stated, "While the
current state standard for arsenic is 50 ppb the company felt that
requesting the lower limit further demonstrates Formation's commitment to
protecting the environment and illustrates our proactive management
strategy." By resolving these issues, the Boulder White-Clouds Council and
Earthworks further agreed to not challenge the upcoming Forest Service's
Record of Decision approval of the Plan of Operations, the DEQ's issuance
of the 401 certification and the EPA issuance of an NPDES permit.
Once in production, Formation's Idaho Cobalt Project will provide the
United States with high purity super alloy grade cobalt metal required for
critical applications such as the construction of jet airplane engines,
land based turbines, catalysts for gas to liquid technology, and batteries
used in hybrid and electric cars. The Company trades on the Toronto Stock
Exchange under the symbol FCO.
Formation Capital Corporation,
Mari-Ann Green, C.E.O.
The statements contained in this news release in regard to Formation
Capital Corporation that are not purely historical are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995, including Formation Capital Corporation's beliefs,
expectations, hopes or intentions regarding the future. All
forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and are based on
information available to the parties as of such date. It is important to
note that actual outcome and the actual results could differ from those in
such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as
technological, legislative, corporate, commodity price and marketplace
changes.
For more information, please contact:
Formation Capital Corporation
E.R. (Rick) Honsinger, P. Geo.
V.P. Corporate Communications
(604) 682-6229
(604) 682-6205 (FAX)
Email: inform@formcap.com
Website: www.formcap.com
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