Romarco Permit Update: Draft Environmental Impact Statement Comment Period Closed

TRADING SYMBOL: TSX: R

TORONTO, May 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Romarco Minerals Inc. (TSX: R) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that the comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (the "Draft EIS") prepared by the US Army Corps of Engineers' (the "Corps") and the State Mining Permit for the Haile Gold Mine project has officially closed. Comments from the public were accepted verbally at the Joint Public Hearing on April 24, 2014 (see news release dated March 13, 2014) or in writing between March 13, 2014 and the end of day on May 9, 2014. The comment period on the State Mining Permit ran concurrently with the Draft EIS comment period and, due to a State holiday, ended on Monday May 12, 2014.

Overall, there were 34 verbal comments at the Public Hearing and, as of late Friday May 9th, there were approximately 34 written comment letters from individuals, groups and agencies. The vast majority of the verbal comments were supportive of the Haile project. Of the written comments received from agencies and interested parties, there were no comments that requested the project be opposed or the permit denied. Furthermore, the Company believes that all of the comments came from agencies or interested parties that have been actively involved throughout the Haile EIS process. The Final EIS publication date of July 2014 provides ample opportunity to consider and address all comments.

Diane Garrett, President & CEO commented: "The Draft EIS comment period is a significant milestone in the EIS process and we will continue to openly communicate with all stakeholders. We would like to commend the Corps on the thorough work presented in the Draft EIS, which left no stone unturned. We also thank the local community for their overwhelming support of the Haile project during the comment period."

The Corps' permit (pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act) is the only environmental Federal permit Romarco requires for the Haile project. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company received four state permits - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, Air Quality permit, Dam Safety permit, and Stormwater Construction permit. The State permits or authorizations remaining for the Haile project include, among others, the State Mine Operating permit, for which the comment period closes at the end of today, May 12, 2014, and 401 Water Quality Certification. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is actively working to process the remaining State permits. For a list of other required permits, please see the National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical report filed on SEDAR on March 19, 2012.

About Romarco Minerals Inc.

Romarco Minerals Inc. is a gold development company focused on production primarily in the US. The Company has completed a positive Feasibility study and is continuing permitting for its flagship project, the Haile Gold Mine in South Carolina.

SOURCE Romarco Minerals Inc.