The objectives of the Study are to: (i) assess the potential for open pit mining, (ii) guide decision making on the optimal size of a processing facility in a standalone development scenario and (iii) help determine at what depth a transition from open pit mining to underground mining is likely to be most profitable
Bombora is a virgin discovery with no mining legacy issues, is a typical Archean (stratabound) multi-lode deposit hosted by fractionated dolerite. The Company's objective at Lake Roe is to develop a standalone open pit and underground mine based initially on the Bombora gold deposit, while concurrently stepping up its drilling to keep growing the 9km-long gold system and further expand its development options. Preliminary underground mining studies are now underway and will initially focus on the high-grade Tura lode and the 2.2km-long array of high-grade flat lodes discovered below the open pit Resource over the last year.
Breaker Managing Director,
Mineral Resource
The Study is based on the Mineral Resource Update (ASX Announcement
Open Pit Optimisation Studies
The aim of the open pit optimisation study is to create a set of economically defined, staged open pits 'shells' which start at surface and which culminate in an 'ultimate' optimum open pit which aims to maximise the pre-tax free cash flow for a given range of input assumptions as summarised below. The initial open pit optimisation targeted the 5km-long Bombora-Claypan gold deposits, different elements of the same large gold system, the 'Global Bombora' run. In light of the positive results, a second optimisation run was completed over the northern part of the Bombora deposit to assess the potential for 1.1km-long 'starter' pit scenario that enables the establishment of a decline portal for early underground mining or for underground drill access the 'North Bombora Starter Pit' optimization
A preliminary assumption is that ore processing will occur on-site. The Study assumes a processing rate of 1.8Mtpa but this assumption may change and will be influenced by the results of this Study and further mining studies that will be completed prior to any decision regarding development by the Company. Given its preliminary nature, the Study does not account for the capital costs of a processing plant or other pre-mining capital and infrastructure works. The assumed average pit slopes used in the Whittle optimisation process make allowance for regulatory berms and access ramps that would otherwise be included in any final open pit design based on independent geotechnical studies. Detailed pit design and scheduling have not been completed and the results do not constitute an Ore Reserve.
Each open pit shell represents the tonnes and grades of the open pit Mineral Resource enclosed within that particular open pit shell inclusive of assumed mining dilution and metallurgical recovery. When 'mined' in progressively deeper stages, the pit shells simulate staged cut-backs in a potential open pit that culminates in an optimum open pit which aims to maximise the pre-tax cash flow. Where the incremental costs equals the incremental revenue, the Revenue Factor (RF) equals one and the net cash flow is at a maximum. Open pit shells below the optimal open pit shell may be 'profitable' in a cumulative free cash flow sense but are not optimal unless there is a change in the Whittle input parameters which result in a deeper optimal open pit shell upon re-optimisation, such as a lower unit processing cost per tonne by using a larger capacity processing facility. Other potential input parameters that may influence the final optimal open pit shell by the time of development after further mining studies, include a change in gold price, or a change in unit mining costs (eg. owner-operator vs contractor).
Each open pit shell has a maximum depth and designated Revenue Factor (RF). The Whittle process uses different Revenue Factors (RFs) to calculate different pit shells by varying the assumed base case gold price but keeping the costs the same. Revenue Factors represent the percent of the base case metal price (
Cautionary Statements
The Study referred to in this ASX announcement is conceptual in nature. It is a preliminary technical study to assess the potential for open pit gold mining and to assist in determining the likely depth of open pit mining to guide preliminary underground mining studies. The Study is based on a JORC compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Bombora gold deposit (ASX release
Forward-Looking Statements
This ASX announcement contains a series of forward-looking statements. The words 'expect', 'potential', 'intend', 'estimate' and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements in this report and are not a guarantee of future performance. Statements in this release regarding Breaker's business or proposed business, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include Mineral Resource Estimates, metal prices, capital and mine production costs, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, the continued availability of capital, general economic, market or business conditions, and statements that describe the future plans, objectives or goals of the Company, including words to the effect that Breaker or its management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Breaker, are inherently subject to significant technical, business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company has concluded that it has a reasonable basis for providing these forward-looking statements and the forecast financial information included in this ASX announcement and accompanying Study. This includes a reasonable basis to expect that it will be able to fund the development of the
Contact:
Tel: +61 8 9226 3666
Email: breaker@breakerresources.com.au
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