Mineral Resource Increase & Upgrade Amapá Project

RNS Number : 0959C

Cadence Minerals PLC

07 October 2022

 

Cadence Minerals Plc

("Cadence Minerals", "Cadence" or "the Company")

Mineral Resource Increase & Upgrade at the Amapá Iron Project

Cadence delivers an increase to JORC Resource tonnes at the Amapá Iron Ore Deposit, including a substantial uplift in Resource Categorisation.

Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to announce that DEV Mineraço S/A ("DEV") has completed a new Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") in compliance with the Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves ("JORC Code, 2012") for the Amapá Iron Ore Project Brazil.

Highlights:

● Substantial increase in total Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources, to 276.24 Million Tonnes ("Mt") grading 38.33% Fe

● New Measured Resource of 55.33 Mt grading 39.26% Fe

● Measured and Indicated Resource increase to 229.48 Mt at 38.76% Fe, from 176.7 Mt at 39.75% Fe^[1] , reported within an optimised pit shell and using a cut-off grade of 25% Fe.

● Inferred Mineral Resource increased to 46.76 Mt at 36.20% Fe, from 8.7Mt at 36.9% Fe, reported within an optimised pit shell and using a cut-off grade of 25% Fe.

Cadence CEO Kiran Morzaria commented:

"The main aim of our new mineral resource statement was to provide a sound basis for pre-feasibility studies. In particular, to convert a significant portion of the indicated mineral resource into the measured category. The results reported today have achieved this goal and more.

The results clearly indicate the robustness and consistency of the Amapá resource.

As we move closer to the next stage of development, this higher degree of certainty in our mineral resource estimate provides more funding options for the Project. The new measured resource and the overall increase in the mineral resource provides a sound basis for an initial 15-year mine life, with the potential to expand this further by upgrading the 46.76 Mt of inferred resources."

Assumptions and Method of MRE

Prominas Mining Ltd ("Prominas") was commissioned by DEV Mineraço S/A ("DEV") to complete a JORC Code (2012) compliant MRE on the 100% owned mineral assets of DEV comprising the Amapá Iron Ore Deposit ("Amapá" or the "Project") located in Amapá State, Brazil. DEV holds the mining rights to the Project, and Cadence, via a joint venture company, owns 27% of DEV. The classification of Mineral Resources was considered appropriate on the basis of geological confidence, drill spacing, sample interval, QAQC and estimation performance.

Before this MRE, the most recent MRE on the Amapá Project was completed in 2020 by Cadence ("2020 MRE"). The 2020 MRE was estimated following the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines" (CIM, 2019). The 2020 MRE was limited to the Friable Hematite, Friable Itabirite and Friable Altered Itabirite material types. While the current MRE included these material types plus Colluvium and Canga material within the resource statement. This inclusion of Colluvium and Canga into the MRE was deemed appropriate as it was used as ore in historic production. The inclusion of Colluvium and Canga in the MRE represents the majority of the increase in the current MRE.

The geologic units that underlie the region consist of Archean basement rocks, TTG terrains (Guianense Complex, Tumucumaque Complex and Água Fria Metatonalite), discordantly overlaid by Paleoproterozoic greenstone belts (Vila Nova Group), in turn, overlain by Cenozoic lateritic deposits and Quaternary alluvial materials. In the Amapá System area, the iron ore (oxide and silicate facies itabirites), calc-silicate and carbonatic rocks occur in two regions. The first is a synform (locally named APW/APS) above the unit of metabasic rocks (mainly amphibolites) and quartz mica schist biotite and muscovite-bearing schist, where the mine is located. The second is Dragão, a mineralised body located 3.5km to NE with orientation NW/SE , assumed as a potential resource and not included in this mineral resources estimate .

Mineralisation extends approximately 6.5km in strike length, 1.5km in width, and exists in some areas to more than 100m in depth. Geological processes have weathered this proto-resource, the hard itabirite (ITC), actually considered waste, transforming part of the volume into mineral resources, the soft itabirite (ITB) illustrated in Figure 1 -Amapá Iron Ore Mineralisation here

A 3D geological model was built by an implicit modelling method based on interpreted geological domains using the drillhole database and study of the old sections provided by DEV , then used to flag the sample data for statistical analysis and to limit the resource estimation. For this study, statistical and geostatistical analysis was carried out on drilling data composited to 4 m downhole for APW/APS only. This included variography to model spatial continuity relationships in the geological domains.

Geostatistical analysis and interpolation were undertaken using MinePlan© proprietary software. The Ordinary Kriging interpolation method was used for the estimation of Fe, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, P, and Mn, using variogram parameters defined from the geostatistical analysis for the APW/APS domains.

Wet Bulk density values for the Amapá deposit were assigned based on data provided by DEV. The density values were assigned to 15 lithologies based on almost 678 density samples for friable and compact material collected from 2006 to 2012.

Mineral Resource Statement

The MRE has been reported at a cut-off grade of 25% Fe constrained by a resource open pit and the topography dated April 2014 (grey surface in Figure 1 here ), in line with the Reasonable Prospects For Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) principle. The MRE has been estimated, considering a product revenue of US$ 120/t. The geotechnical parameters, metallurgical recovery and updated mining costs were all provided by DEV.

Table 1:  Gross and attributable Mineral Resources for the Amapá Iron Ore Project at a Cut-Off Grade reported within an optimised pit and above a cut-off grade of 25% Fe

Classification	Material	Tonnage (Mt)	Attributable Tonnage (Mt)	Fe (%)	SiO2 (%)	Al2O3 (%)	P  (%)	Mn (%)
Measured	Friable Altered Itabirite	33.31	8.99	38.47	30.42	7.22	0.170	1.19
	Friable Itabirite	14.65	3.96	39.55	36.50	2.81	0.086	0.88
	Friable Haematite	0.69	0.19	62.63	4.32	2.20	0.226	0.38
	Colluvium	5.84	1.58	38.80	21.66	11.89	0.177	0.70
	Canga	0.84	0.23	50.03	5.68	10.60	0.971	0.18
	Sub-total	55.33	14.94	39.26	30.40	6.54	0.161	1.03
Indicated	Friable Altered Itabirite	66.43	17.94	37.41	32.11	6.73	0.173	1.29
	Friable Itabirite	37.14	10.03	39.73	35.73	2.91	0.103	0.92
	Friable Haematite	1.5	0.41	57.53	12.85	2.18	0.113	0.43
	Colluvium	64.22	17.34	37.98	23.11	11.86	0.140	0.58
	Canga	4.86	1.31	48.81	8.98	10.08	0.579	0.21
	Sub-total	174.15	47.02	38.60	28.75	7.86	0.156	0.91
Mea. + Ind.	Friable Altered Itabirite	99.74	26.93	37.76	31.55	6.89	0.172	1.26
	Friable Itabirite	51.79	13.98	39.68	35.95	2.88	0.098	0.91
	Friable Haematite	2.19	0.59	59.14	10.16	2.19	0.149	0.41
	Colluvium	70.06	18.92	38.05	22.99	11.86	0.143	0.59
	Canga	5.7	1.54	48.99	8.49	10.16	0.637	0.21
	Sub-total	229.48	61.96	38.76	29.15	7.54	0.157	0.94
Inferred	Friable Altered Itabirite	11.27	3.04	37.01	31.98	6.40	0.190	1.67
	Friable Itabirite	3.09	0.83	38.60	35.35	3.28	0.144	1.41
	Friable Haematite	0.53	0.14	50.06	21.36	2.88	0.094	0.85
	Colluvium	30.21	8.16	34.80	26.20	12.92	0.107	0.53
	Canga	1.66	0.45	47.19	11.60	9.98	0.381	0.27
	Sub-total	46.76	12.63	36.20	27.62	10.49	0.139	0.86
TOTAL		276.24	74.58	38.33	28.89	8.04	0.154	0.93

Notes:

(1) The Mineral Resource is considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction based on an optimised pit shell

(2) Cut-off grade of 25% Fe applied

(3) Tonnages are reported as wet tonnes

(4) Mineral Resources are not reserves until they have demonstrated economic viability based on a Feasibility Study or Pre-Feasibility Study

(5) The Mineral Resource Estimate has an effective date of 31 August 2022

(6) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results. Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2012)

(7) The attributable tonnes represent the part of the Mineral Resource that will be attributable to Cadence Minerals' 27% interest in the Project

(8) The operator is DEV

A 3D schematic model of the Amapá Mineral Resource Estimate is available here

Prominas notes that the Mineral Resource has a reasonable prospect for eventual economic extraction but is not currently considered Ore Reserves. Ore Reserves are estimates of the tonnage and grade or quality of material contained in a Mineral Resource that can be economically mined and processed. To be considered an Ore Reserve , modifying factors must be applied to the MRE as part of the preparation of a Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Study . The estimated amount of saleable material contained in the final product must demonstrate a positive net present value using an appropriate discount rate and must demonstrate that eventual extraction could be reasonably justified.

Prominas are not aware of any factors (environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors) that have materially affected the Mineral Resource Estimate. The data used for the MRE update were drill hole databases with proper validations , topographic surveys and the previous Mineral Resource models provided by DEV with the work undertaken by Prominas , which included several site visits during 2021.

As required per the JORC Code 2012. Table 1 needed for the reporting of MREs is available here

Competent Person's Statement

The information that relates to Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Geraldo Majella, who is an associate of Prominas and a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG). Geraldo Majella has sufficient relevant experience to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity for which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code (2012). Geraldo Majella consents to the inclusion in the announcement of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears and confirms that this information is accurate and not false or misleading.

Kiran Morzaria has also reviewed and approved the technical information in his capacity as a qualified person under the AIM Rules.

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are or may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''believe'' ''could'' "should" ''envisage'' ''estimate'' ''intend'' ''may'' ''plan'' ''will'' or the negative of those variations or comparable expressions including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth results of operations performance , future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof) competitive advantages business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors.  Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions competition environmental and other regulatory changes actions by governmental authorities the availability of capital markets reliance on key personnel uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. The Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.

Glossary

Al2O3	Aluminium oxide is a chemical compound of aluminium and oxygen .
Block model	A three-dimensional electronic model in which geological characteristics and qualities are housed.
Canga	An iron-rich rock formed where material weathered from an original iron ore deposit has been cemented by iron minerals.
Colluvium	Loose. unconsolidated material that accumulates above the weathering iron ore bodies.
Core	A cylindrical section of a naturally occurring substance. Most core samples are obtained by drilling with special drills into the substance, such as sediment or rock, with a hollow steel tube, called a core drill . The hole made for the core sample is called the "core hole."
Cut-off grade	The lowest grade of mineralised material that qualifies as ore in a given deposit or rock of the lowest assay included in an ore estimate.
Drillhole	A drill hole formed by the act or process of drilling boreholes using bits as the rock-cutting tool. The bits are rotated by various types and sizes of mechanisms motivated by steam, internal-combustion, hydraulic, compressed air, or electric engines or motors.
Fe	Chemical symbol for iron. It is a metal that belongs to the first transition series and group 8 of the periodic table . It is by mass the most common element on Earth , right in front of oxygen (32.1% and 30.1%. respectively), forming much of Earth's outer and inner core . It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust .
Feasibility study	This study is the most detailed and will determine definitively whether to proceed with the Project. A detailed feasibility study will be the basis for capital appropriation and will provide the budget figures for the Project. Detailed feasibility studies require a significant amount of formal engineering work, are accurate to within 10-15% and can cost between ½-1½% of the total estimated project cost.
Itabirite	Itabirite is a banded quartz hematite schist, very similar to banded iron formation in appearance and composition. Friable Itabirite is extensively weathered leading to disaggregation of the individual mineral grains comprising the rock;
Haematite	An iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe2O3;
Grade	Relative quantity or the percentage of ore mineral or metal content in an ore body;
Indicated Mineral Resources	That part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage , densities , shape , physical characteristics , grade , and mineral content can be estimated with a reasonable level of confidence. It is based on exploration. sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops , trenches , pits , workings and drillholes. The locations are too widely or inappropriately spaced to confirm geological and/or grade continuity but are spaced closely enough for continuity to be assumed;
Inferred Mineral Resources	That part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a low level of confidence. It is inferred from geological evidence and assumed but not verified geological and/or grade continuity. It is based on information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops , trenches , pits , workings , and drill holes which may be limited or of uncertain quality and reliability;
Interpolation	Estimation of a statistical value from its mathematical or graphical position intermediate in a series of determined points;
Kt	Thousand tonnes;
Lithologies	The lithology of a rock unit is a description of its physical characteristics visible at outcrop , in hand or core samples , or with low magnification microscopy. Physical characteristics include colour, texture, grain size, and composition;
Measured Mineral Resources	The part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage , densities , shape , physical characteristics , grade , and mineral content can be estimated with a high level of confidence.
Mineral Reserves	The economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments and studies have been carried out and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining , metallurgical , economic , marketing , legal , environmental , social , and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction could reasonably be justified. Ore Reserves are subdivided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Ore Reserves and Proved Ore Reserves.
Mineral Resource	A concentration or occurrence of material of intrinsic economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form , quality , and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location , quantity , grade , geological characteristics , and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known , estimated , or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. Mineral Resources are subdivided, in order of increasing geological confidence into Inferred , Indicated and Measured categories.
Mn	Chemical symbol for Manganese. It has an atomic number 25. It is not found as a free element in nature; it is often found in minerals in combination with iron .
Implicit modelling	Implicit modelling is generated by computer algorithms directly from a combination of measured data and user interpretation. The modelling requires a geologist's insight , but this is made in the form of trends , stratigraphic sequences , and other geologically meaningful terms. This approach is faster , more flexible , and fundamentally better suited to modelling geology.
Modifying factors	The term 'modifying factors' is defined to include mining , metallurgical , economic , marketing , legal , environmental , social and governmental considerations.
Net present value	This is the difference between the present value of cash inflows and the present value of cash outflows over a period of time. NPV is used in capital budgeting and investment planning to analyse the profitability of a projected investment or Project.
Open pit	An excavation or cut made at the surface of the ground for the purpose of extracting ore and which is open to the surface for the duration of the mine's life
Ordinary kriging	In the estimation of mineral resources by geostatistical methods , the use of a weighted moving-average approach both to account for the estimated values of spatially distributed variables, and to assess the probable error associated with the estimates.
P	The chemical symbol for Phosphorus with atomic number 15.
Pit Optimisation	A process whereby a series of optimised shells for open pits are generated each corresponding to a specific commodity price assumption.
Pit shell	A design of a open-pit obtained from the process of open-pit optimisation
Pre Feasibility study	Is more detailed than a Scoping Study. A Prefeasibility study is used in determining whether to proceed with a detailed feasibility study and as a " reality check " to determine areas within the Project that require more attention. Pre-Feasibility stud ies are done by factoring known unit costs and by estimating gross dimensions or quantities once conceptual or preliminary engineering and mine design has been completed. Pre-Feasibility studies have an accuracy within 20-30%.
Scoping study	An order of magnitude study is an initial financial appraisal of a mineral resource. Depending on the size of the Project , an order of magnitude study may be carried out. It will involve a preliminary mine plan and is the basis for determining whether to proceed with more detailed engineering work. Order-of-magnitude studies are developed by copying plans and factoring known costs from existing projects completed elsewhere and are accurate to within 40-50%;
SiO2	Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is an oxide of silicon most commonly found in nature as quartz and in various living organisms. In many parts of the world, silica is the major constituent of sand .
Strike	This is the direction of the line formed by the intersection of a fault , bed, or other planar feature and a horizontal plane. Strike indicates the attitude or position of linear structural features such as faults, beds, joints, and folds.
t	Tonnes

- Ends -

For further information:
Cadence Minerals plc	[phone]
Andrew Suckling
Kiran Morzaria
WH Ireland Limited (NOMAD & Broker)	[phone]
James Joyce
Darshan Patel

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^[1] Cadence Minerals 2 November 2020 Update Mineral Resource Estimate - Amapa Iron Ore, Available at https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/KDNC/updated-mineral-resource-estimate-amapa-iron-ore/14739627.

 

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