Rambler Files Lower Footwall Zone PEA with SEDAR
NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY MARKETWIRE
FOR: RAMBLER METALS & MINING PLC
AIM SYMBOL: RMM
TSX VENTURE SYMBOL: RAB
April 30, 2012
Rambler Files Lower Footwall Zone PEA with SEDAR
LONDON, ENGLAND and BAIE VERTE, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwire - April 30, 2012) - Rambler Metals and
Mining plc (TSX VENTURE:RAB)(AIM:RMM) ('Rambler' or the 'Company') would like to announce that it has filed the
complete technical report associated with the results of the preliminary economic assessment ('PEA') previously
announced on 15 March 2012. The assessment has evaluated the potential for a mine expansion program to first
optimize the existing infrastructure then transition the Ming Mine into a bulk tonnage operation.
The results show positive economics, good internal rate of return and significant cash flow as well as numerous
additional opportunities for continued growth and improved economics.
PEA HIGHLIGHTS
-- The PEA is based on an optimization of the current high grade operation
at the Ming Mine and Nugget Pond milling facility followed by a
transition into a 20+ year bulk tonnage mine based on the anticipated
ramp-up schedule of concentrate production:
-- Current Production Forecast: 630 mtpd (year one)
-- Years two and three: 1,000 mtpd (optimization of existing
infrastructure)
-- Years four to end of mine: up to 3,500 mtpd (bulk tonnage operation)
-- Also in year four and five the Nugget Pond hydrometallurgical
facility will process all remaining gold ore from the 1806 zone
within the Ming Mine
-- Project before tax net present value ('NPV') of $251M with an internal
rate of return ('IRR') of 18% based on trending copper and gold prices
(see Note 1 below)
-- Pre-tax cash flow from operations of $861M undiscounted
-- Initial CAPEX requirement of $231M estimated for the entire ramp-up of
the project. Includes a significant expansion to the mining fleet, a
newly built 3,500 mtpd copper concentrator, new production hoist, a
backfill plant and fresh air intake/ exhaust raises
-- Ore from the Ming Mine produces a very clean concentrate, approximately
28.5% copper, with little deleterious materials. During the life of
mine, after milling and recovery, approximately 980k tonnes of copper
concentrate (616M lbs of copper) will be produced with 193k ounces of
gold and 851k ounces of silver
-- Average annual cash operating cost of $1.94 per equivalent pound copper
Table 1: Project sensitivities associated with head grade, commodity pricing, currency rate, project OPEX and
CAPEX.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Variable -15% Base NPV 15% Range
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grade to mill $ 53.21 $ 251.49 $ 449.78 $ 396.57
Metal Price $ 37.38 $ 251.49 $ 465.61 $ 428.23
Currency $ 85.16 $ 251.49 $ 417.85 $ 332.70
OPEX $ 133.93 $ 251.49 $ 369.06 $ 235.14
CAPEX $ 209.56 $ 251.49 $ 293.42 $ 83.86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Discounted NPV before-tax (millions of dollars)
As part of the economic assessment a new geological resource and reserve has been estimated for the project.
Tables 2 and 3 below outline the results of this updated estimate which are detailed in the technical report
filed with SEDAR. The PEA included some inferred mineralization, approximately 8% of the reserve estimate,
which are considered speculative geologically and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic
assessment for these resources will be realized and eventually moved into any reserve category.
Table 2: Resource Estimate for all Zones within the Ming Copper-Gold Mine
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resource Grades
Classification Cutoff Quantity
--------------------------------------------------
Copper Gold Silver Zinc
----------------------------------------
(000't) % g/t g/t %
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Measured
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMS (Copper) 1.00 % Cu 1,016 2.46 1.99 8.88 0.56
1.25 g/t
MMS (Gold) Au 267 0.56 4.31 32.15 1.31
Total Massive Sulphides 1,283 2.07 2.47 13.72 0.71
Total Stringer 1.00 % Cu -- -- -- -- --
Combined Total 1,283 2.07 2.47 13.72 0.71
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicated
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMS (Copper) 1.00 % Cu 1,088 1.99 2.00 8.74 0.48
1.25 g/t
MMS (Gold) Au 83 0.74 2.83 13.86 0.70
Total Massive Sulphides 1,171 1.90 2.06 9.14 0.50
Total Stringer 1.00 % Cu 18,306 1.43 0.09 1.35 0.01
Combined Total 19,477 1.46 0.21 1.77 0.04
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined Measured and Indicated
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMS (Copper) 1.00 % Cu 2,105 2.22 2.00 8.29 0.49
1.25 g/t
MMS (Gold) Au 349 0.60 3.96 27.82 1.16
Total Massive Sulphides 2,454 1.99 2.28 11.07 0.59
Total Stringer 1.00 % Cu 18,306 1.43 0.09 1.35 0.01
Combined Total 20,760 1.49 0.35 2.51 0.08
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inferred
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMS (Copper) 1.00 % Cu 1,711 2.01 1.81 8.87 0.66
1.25 g/t
MMS (Gold) Au 136 0.73 1.97 8.29 0.60
Total Massive Sulphides 1,847 1.91 1.83 8.82 0.66
Total Stringer 1.00 % Cu 17 1.19 0.09 1.00 0.01
Combined Total 1,863 1.91 1.81 8.74 0.65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated
economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the accuracy of the
estimate. Cut-off grades of 1.0 per cent copper for the massive sulphides,
1.25 grams per tonne gold for the 1806 zone, 1.00 per cent copper for the
stringer sulphides have been used in the estimate. Cut-offs are based on an
NSR model and long term metal prices of US$3.45/lb copper and US$1200/oz
gold, and US$21.96/oz silver. Zinc does not contribute to the revenues.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resource
Classification Cutoff Quantity Contained Metal
--------------------------------------------------
Copper Gold Silver Zinc
----------------------------------------
(000't) tonnes oz oz tonnes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Measured
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMS (Copper) 1.00 % Cu 1,016 25,029 65,155 290,192 5,642
1.25 g/t
MMS (Gold) Au 267 1,494 36,919 275,644 3,489
Total Massive Sulphides 1,283 26,524 102,074 565,836 9,131
Total Stringer 1.00 % Cu -- -- -- -- --
Combined Total 1,283 26,524 102,074 565,836 9,131
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicated
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMS (Copper) 1.00 % Cu 1,088 21,656 70,151 270,713 4,672
1.25 g/t
MMS (Gold) Au 83 616 7,545 36,881 580
Total Massive Sulphides 1,171 22,271 77,695 307,594 5,252
Total Stringer 1.00 % Cu 18,306 261,258 52,015 794,102 2,603
Combined Total 19,477 283,530 129,710 1,101,697 7,854
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined Measured and Indicated
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMS (Copper) 1.00 % Cu 2,105 46,685 135,306 560,904 10,314
1.25 g/t
MMS (Gold) Au 349 2,110 44,464 312,526 4,068
Total Massive Sulphides 2,454 48,795 179,770 873,430 14,383
Total Stringer 1.00 % Cu 18,306 261,258 52,015 794,102 2,603
Combined Total 20,760 310,053 231,784 1,667,533 16,985
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inferred
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMS (Copper) 1.00 % Cu 1,711 34,362 99,832 409,823 9,499
1.25 g/t
MMS (Gold) Au 136 993 8,589 36,138 814
Total Massive Sulphides 1,847 35,355 108,421 445,961 10,313
Total Stringer 1.00 % Cu 17 196 50 531 2
Combined Total 1,863 35,552 108,471 446,491 10,314
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated
economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the accuracy of the
estimate. Cut-off grades of 1.0 per cent copper for the massive sulphides,
1.25 grams per tonne gold for the 1806 zone, 1.00 per cent copper for the
stringer sulphides have been used in the estimate. Cut-offs are based on an
NSR model and long term metal prices of US$3.45/lb copper and US$1200/oz
gold, and US$21.96/oz silver. Zinc does not contribute to the revenues.
Table 3: Minable Reserve Estimate for the Ming Copper-Gold Mine
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grades
Classification Quantity
--------------------------------------------------
Copper Gold Silver Zinc
----------------------------------------
(000't) % g/t g/t %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proven Reserve 1,252 1.85 2.10 11.85 0.63
Probable Reserve 19,012 1.30 0.18 1.52 0.03
Combined Total 20,264 1.34 0.29 2.16 0.07
Estimated Minable
Resource 1,821 1.71 1.47 6.52 0.51
(after
dilution/recovery)(i)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) A portion of the mine plan utilizes inferred mineralization which
cannot be characterized into any reserve classification. The 1.8M tonnes
of minable inferred mineralization, which represents 8% of the total
reserve estimate, is classified as an "Estimated Minable Resource" and
cannot be carried into a NI43-101 technical report".
This PEA does not include any of the exploration potential at the Ming Mine
and has only used the drill defined resources and reserves.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classification Quantity Contained Metal
--------------------------------------------------
Copper Gold Silver Zinc
----------------------------------------
(000't) tonnes oz oz tonnes
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proven Reserve 1,252 23,195 84,542 476,865 7,908
Probable Reserve 19,012 247,716 107,408 928,901 6,277
Combined Total 20,264 270,911 191,951 1,405,766 14,186
Estimated Minable
Resource 1,821 31,080 86,258 381,847 9,213
(after
dilution/recovery)(i)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) A portion of the mine plan utilizes inferred mineralization which
cannot be characterized into any reserve classification. The 1.8M tonnes
of minable inferred mineralization, which represents 8% of the total
reserve estimate, is classified as an "Estimated Minable Resource" and
cannot be carried into a NI43-101 technical report".
This PEA does not include any of the exploration potential at the Ming Mine
and has only used the drill defined resources and reserves.
ABOUT RAMBLER METALS AND MINING
Rambler Metals and Mining plc is a Junior Mining Company that has 100% ownership of the Ming Copper-Gold Mine
in Baie Verte, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. As a producing gold and copper miner, our objective is to
become a mid-tier mining company by continuing the development of the Ming Mine, discovering new deposits and
through mergers and acquisitions.
The initial six years of the Ming Mine project is based on the underground mining of massive sulphides with a
mineable reserve estimate of 1.498 million ore tonnes grading 1.62% copper, 2.40 g/t gold and 10.90 g/t silver
(24,252 tonnes of copper, 115,549 ounces of gold and 525,139 ounces of silver of contained metal). All massive
sulphide zones remain open both up and down plunge with the current exploration program focused on extending
the known mineralization for inclusion in the resource/ reserve estimate.
In addition to the outlined reserve estimate there is a sizeable footwall deposit, beneath the massive sulphide
horizon, that has been outlined with an indicated resource grade of 18,306k tonnes grading 1.43% copper
(261,258 tonnes of contained copper at a 1.00% copper cut-off grade). This zone forms the basis of the
preliminary economic assessment, currently being compiled by the Company, which envisions the Ming Mine
transitioning itself into a bulk tonnage mining operation. For further information on the Ming Mine project,
please refer to the Company's NI 43-101 compliant technical reports, available under the Company's profile on
SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
Over the coming months and years, as the Company seeks to optimize the Ming Mine project into cash positive
position, it is expected that future expansion into the footwall zone will be formalized with the goal of
maximizing returns for shareholders and increasing the life of mine.
Note 1: Unless otherwise noted all figures are quoted in $US
Note 2: Commodity pricing for years 1 and 2 are reflective of Macquarie's
published forecast report, November 2011.Long term pricing beyond
year 5 trending to$3.45 per pound copper, $1,200 per ounce gold
and $21.96 per ounce silver. For the life of mine the average
copper price is $3.53 per pound, gold price is $1,320 per ounce
and silver price is $24.16 per ounce
Larry Pilgrim, P.Geo., is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this release and has
reviewed and approved it accordingly. Mr. Pilgrim is an independent consultant contracted by Rambler Metals and
Mining plc.
All tonnes reported are dry metric tonnes unless otherwise indicated.
The NI43-101 technical report has been complied by a number of independent,
third party, consultants. Including:
George Darling, P.Eng., Stantec: Reserve estimate, mining methodology and
project economics;
James Weick, P.Geo. : Resource estimate and regional geology;
Dean Thibault, P.Eng., Thibault and Associates Inc: Metallurgical
processing;
Peter Pheeney, P.Eng., Stantec: Environmental.
Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements:
Certain information included in this press release, including information relating to future financial or
operating performance and other statements that express the expectations of management or estimates of future
performance constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements include, without
limitation, statements regarding the financial strength of the Company, estimates regarding timing of future
development and production and statements concerning possible expansion opportunities for the Company. Where
the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or
belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, forward-looking statements
are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially
from future results expressed, projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but
are not limited to, interpretation and implications of drilling and geophysical results; estimates regarding
timing of future capital expenditures and costs towards profitable commercial operations. Other factors that
could cause actual results, developments or events to differ materially from those anticipated include, among
others, increases/decreases in production; volatility in metals prices and demand; currency fluctuations; cash
operating margins; cash operating cost per pound sold; costs per ton of ore; variances in ore grade or recovery
rates from those assumed in mining plans; reserves and/or resources; the ability to successfully integrate
acquired assets; operational risks inherent in mining or development activities and legislative factors
relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land use, title and permits, importing and exporting of minerals and
environmental protection. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements and
the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by
this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and
the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements
or any forward-looking statements contained in any other documents whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities law.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Rambler Metals and Mining
George Ogilvie, P.Eng.
President and CEO
709-800-1929 / 709-800-1921
OR
Rambler Metals & Mining Plc.
Corporate Office
+44 (0) 20 8652-2700
+44 (0) 20 8652-2719 (FAX)
www.ramblermines.com
OR
Seymour Pierce Limited
Nandita Sahgal / Jeremy Stephenson
+44 (0) 20-7107-8000
OR
Pelham Bell Pottinger
Charles Vivian / Philippe Polman
+44 (0) 20 7861 3921
OR
Ocean Equities Limited
Guy Wilkes
+44 (0) 20-7786-4370
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of
the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Rambler Metals & Mining Plc
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