Conifex Timber provides update on bioenergy project

Nov 20, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Conifex Timber Inc. has received shipment and delivery of its turbine generator at its power facility situated in Mackenzie, British Columbia in connection with the Company's bioenergy project, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. The Bioenergy Project is approximately 30% complete and is currently on budget and on time. In order to further the continued development of the project and secure satisfactory long-term financing, Conifex is continuing with essential engineering and equipment procurement activities but will temporarily suspend installation and construction activities. The Company is continuing discussions with several lenders with respect to long-term financing for the Bioenergy Project. Negotiations with a potential lender that was seeking an equity interest in the Bioenergy Project have been terminated. A material delay in securing long-term financing for the Bioenergy Project could delay the overall development of the Bioenergy Project, including the commercial operation date which is currently scheduled for the 3Q 2013. Ken Shields, CEO of Conifex, stated: "While it is disappointing to have to reduce expenditures on the project over the next few months, we concluded that it was more important for us to have the best possible financing in place to ensure that an optimal value is realized for Conifex and its shareholders over the 20-year term of our energy purchase agreement with B.C. Hydro. We remain optimistic that we will identify appropriate financing for the Bioenergy Project that makes sense for Conifex." Conifex Timber Inc. and its subsidiaries' primary business currently includes timber harvesting, reforestation, forest management, sawmilling logs into lumber and wood chips, and value added lumber finishing. Conifex's lumber products are sold in the United States, Chinese, Canadian and Japanese markets. Upon completion of its bioenergy facility at Mackenzie, British Columbia, Conifex's business sectors will be expanded to include bioenergy.