TIDMRMM
RNS Number : 6122G
Rambler Metals & Mining PLC
05 March 2018
5 March 2018
Rambler Updates Reserves at its Producing Canadian Copper &
Gold Mine
Demonstrating a Profitable 20 Year Mine Life
London, England & Baie Verte, Newfoundland and Labrador,
Canada - Rambler Metals and Mining plc, a Canadian copper and gold
producer, explorer and developer (TSXV: RAB, AIM: RMM) ("Rambler"
or the "Company") today reports that it has completed a new mineral
resources and reserves estimate for the Ming copper-gold mine in
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Contained copper in the mineral
reserves is estimated at 329 million pounds with gold of 114
thousand ounces, fully replacing reserves after two years of
mining. Mineral resource tonnes (M+I) have declined from the 2015
estimate by 18%, however, the copper grade has improved 9% and gold
grade by 14%. The change in measured and indicated resources is a
result of an extensive diamond drilling program in an underexplored
area of the Lower Footwall Zone.
The mineral resource and reserve estimations were performed by
WSP Consultants, an independent third party, and will be documented
in a NI43-101 Technical Report to be filed on SEDAR within 45 days
of this release. The effective date of the reserve estimate is
January 1, 2018 and the resource estimate is September 1, 2017. All
currency is expressed in US dollars (USD) unless otherwise noted.
The estimation was based on long term metal pricing of $2.99 per
pound of copper, $1300 per ounce of gold and $17 per ounce of
silver with a USD:CAD exchange rate of 1:0.80.
Norman Williams, President and CEO of Rambler, commented:
"The updated NI43-101 Technical Report documents the twenty year
reserve mine life and expected financial outcomes of the Ming
Copper-Gold Mine, operating at an average of 1,250 metric tonnes of
ore mined and processed per day ('mtpd'). We expect to be able to
sustain production at 1,250 mtpd after completion of the
ventilation upgrade later in March, 2018. The Nugget Pond milling
facility has proven that it can maintain the target throughput at
the planned recovery rates and in January it achieved record
throughput of 1,360 mtpd over a twenty four hour period.
"Once the ventilation upgrade is complete, our attention will
turn towards optimizing production at the reserve grade to further
reduce costs to the 1,250 mtpd optimized design. The focus of the
cost improvement efforts will be; maintenance practice improvements
to increase equipment availability in the mine; cycle time
improvements for improved productivity in the mine; improving grade
control and upgrading low grade material by crushing, screening and
possibly dense media separation; rehabilitating the shaft for
reduced haulage cost as mining proceeds deeper; and improving gold
and silver recovery in the plant.
"Given the exceptional surface exploration drill results
reported for the Lower Footwall Zone, which are several hundred
meters down plunge of the current mining front, we are also
planning on accelerating our exploration efforts. These drill
intersections, which are outside of the resource model, confirm
that the mineralization in the LFZ improves in grade and continuity
at depth. As we complete the 1,250 mtpd expansion and move into
positive cash flow, we will continue to evaluate resource, reserve,
and production expansion opportunities to improve upon the
life-of-mine reported here."
Table 1: Mineral Reserve Estimate Summary for the Ming
Copper-Gold Mine(*)
Classification Quantity Grades Contained Metal
-------------------------- ---------- ----------------------- -----------------------
tonnes Copper Gold Silver Copper Gold Silver
-------------------------- ---------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
% g/t g/t M lbs K oz K oz
-------------------------- ---------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
Total Proven
Reserve 3,452,600 1.87 0.44 3.05 143 49 338
(undiluted, unrecovered)
Total Probable
Reserve 4,968,500 1.81 0.44 3.13 198 71 500
(undiluted, unrecovered)
Dilution (all
sources) 1,263,100 0.64 0.06 0.73 18 2 30
Reserve (diluted
and recovered) 8,715,800 1.71 0.41 2.98 329 114 835
-------------------------- ---------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
* All figures are rounded to reflect the accuracy
of the estimate; numbers may not total due
to this rounding. This reserve statement reflects
changes to reserves in the massive sulphides
based on depletion due to mining and additions
due to new exploration drilling results. The
NSR for the reserve material was calculated
using an all-in cost of $72 per tonne of ore
milled.
Commodity prices for 2018 are reflective of
the Company's fiscal forecast; $3.06 per pound
copper, $1,305 per ounce of gold and $17.65
per ounce of silver. Long term metal prices
of USD$2.99 per pound copper, USD$1300 per
ounce gold and USD$17.00 per ounce silver with
a long term USD/CDN FX rate of 1:0.80.
Table 2: Mineral Resource Estimate Summary for the Ming
Copper-Gold Mine(*) (Resources are inclusive of reserves)
Classification Quantity Grades Contained Metal
------------------ --------- ----------------------- -------------------------
Copper Gold Silver Copper Gold Silver
----------------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ------ --------
('000) % g/t g/t M lbs K oz K oz
t
----------------- --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ------ --------
Measured Total 19,323 1.60 0.25 2.31 682.8 156.3 1,438.5
Indicated Total 4,120 1.83 0.62 3.50 166.4 82.2 463.8
M&I Total 23,448 1.64 0.32 2.52 849 239 1,902
Inferred Total 2,873 1.78 0.42 2.78 113 39 256
------------------ --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ------ --------
*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% copper
for the massive sulphides, 1.25 grams per tonne
gold for any gold zones and 1.00 % copper for
the stringer sulphides have been used in the
estimate.
Cut--offs are based on an NSR model and forecast
long term metal prices of USD$2.99 per pound
copper, USD$1,300 per ounce gold and USD$17.00
per ounce silver with a long term USD/CDN FX
rate of 1:0.80.
LIFE OF MINE PRODUCTION, COST AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
-- Over a planned 20 year life-of-mine, ending 2037, the project
will produce 514 thousand tonnes of high-grade copper concentrate
containing saleable metal of 312 million pounds of copper and 57
thousand ounces of gold. Average annual sales is 26 thousand tonnes
of copper concentrate containing an average of 16 million pounds of
saleable copper and 2,800 ounces of saleable gold.
-- Average annual cash operating cost of $1.98 per pound of
copper net of byproduct credits ('C1'), with an all-in pre-tax
costs of $2.37 per pound of copper and after-tax cost of $2.49 per
pound.
-- Net undiscounted cash flow from operations of $277 million.
Net pre-tax cash flow of $195 million (after-tax $157 million).
-- Project pre-tax net present value ('NPV(7%) ') of $100
million (CAD $125 million). After-tax NPV(7%) of $83 million (CAD
$104 million).
-- With the investment made by CEII in 2016 this expansion is
fully funded and expected to start generating free cash flow
mid-2018.
NI43-101 Technical Report Notes
The twenty year life-of-mine will see underground mining from
both the high grade massive sulphides and the Lower Footwall Zone.
With the current infrastructure in place and the ventilation
upgrade nearing completion in the coming weeks, the Phase II
expansion of the mining and milling processes to 1,250 mtpd is
expected to be completed in March, 2018.
The LOM envisages steady state production from 2018 onwards with
majority of the planned tonnage coming from longhole bulk mining of
the LFZ. Paste backfill augmented with waste rock from underground
development will be the primary filling mechanism with access to
each of the zones made possible through existing and new
development with extensions to existing ramps and raises.
The Technical Report has been developed through a number of
independent consultants; WSP Canada Inc. out of Sudbury, Montreal
were responsible for the mineral resource and reserve estimates,
mining, civil, structural and project economics; Thibault &
Associates Inc. out of New Brunswick were responsible for all
processing aspects of the project; while GEMTEC Consulting
Engineers and Scientists Limited, based out of Newfoundland and
Labrador, were responsible for all environmental aspects of the
project.
The procedures used for the resource and reserve estimation
processes are consistent with the Canadian Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy ('CIMM') best practices and in compliance with NI43-101.
All operational data from the ongoing mining and milling at the
Ming Copper-Gold Mine was made available to the independent
consultants for review and inclusion.
Tim Sanford, P.Eng., is the Qualified Person responsible for the
technical content of this release and has reviewed and approved it
accordingly. Mr. Sanford is an employee of Rambler Metals and
Mining Canada Limited. Tonnes referenced are dry metric tonnes
unless otherwise indicated.
The NI43--101 technical report has been complied by a number of
independent, third party, consultants. Including:
Joanne Robinson, P.Eng., WSP Canada Inc.: Project economics;
Dean Thibault, P.Eng., Thibault & Associates Inc.:
Metallurgical processing;
James Powell, P. Eng., Gemtec Consulting Engineering and
Scientist Limited: Environmental;
Aubrey Sargeant, P.Eng., WSP Canada Inc.: Reserve Estimation and
mining methodology;
Todd McCracken, P.Geo., WSP Canada Inc.: Resource
estimation;
Sébastian Bertelegni, P.Eng., WSP Canada Inc.: Civil and
Structural
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.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by
the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under
the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR'). Upon the
publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service
('RIS'), this inside information is now considered to be in the
public domain.
Rambler is dual listed in London under AIM:RMM and in Canada
under TSX-V:RAB.
For further information, please contact:
Norman Williams, Peter Mercer
CPA,CA Vice President, Corporate
President and CEO Secretary
Rambler Metals & Rambler Metals & Mining
Mining Plc Plc
Tel No: 709-800-1929 Tel No: +44 (0) 20
Fax No: 709-800-1921 8652-2700
Fax No: +44 (0) 20
8652-2719
Nominated Advisor Investor Relations
(NOMAD)
David Porter Nicole Marchand Investor
Cantor Fitzgerald Relations
Europe Tel No: 416- 428-3533
Tel No: +44 (0) Nicole@nm-ir.com
20 7894 7000
Website: www.ramblermines.com
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 copper, gold and silver forecasts,
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 are based on assumptions
made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. Such
assumptions include, without limitation, the price of and
anticipated costs of recovery of, copper concentrate, gold and
silver, the presence of and continuity of such minerals at modeled
grades and values, the capacities of various machinery and
equipment, the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment
at estimated prices, mineral recovery rates, and others. 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 security law.
APPIX 1 - Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Statements
Table 3: Mineral Reserve Estimate for the Ming Copper-Gold Mine
- January 1, 2018
Classification Quantity Grades Contained
Metal
-------------------------- ---------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Copper Gold Silver Copper Gold Silver
-------------------------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
tonnes % g/t g/t M lbs K oz K oz
-------------------------- ---------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
MMS - Total Proven
Reserve 503,600 2.00 2.52 13.49 22 41 218
LFZ - Total Proven
Reserve 2,949,000 1.85 0.08 1.26 120 8 120
(undiluted, unrecovered)
TOTAL 3,452,600 1.87 0.44 3.05 143 49 338
MMS - Total Probable
Reserve 724,700 2.00 2.52 13.49 32 59 314
LFZ - Total Probable
Reserve 4,243,800 1.78 0.09 1.36 166 12 185
(undiluted, unrecovered)
TOTAL 4,968,500 1.81 0.44 3.13 198 71 500
MMS - Dilution
(all sources) 184,200 0 0 0 - - -
LFZ - Dilution
(all sources) 1,078,900 0.75 0.07 0.86 19 2 30
TOTAL 1,263,100 0.61 0.06 0.70 17 2 28
Total MMS Reserve
(diluted and recovered) 1,271,300 1.74 2.19 11.73 49 89 480
Total LFZ Reserve
(diluted and recovered) 7,444,500 1.71 0.10 1.48 280 25 355
Combined Total
Reserve
(diluted and recovered) 8,715,800 1.71 0.41 2.98 329 114 835
-------------------------- ---------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
Mineral Reserve Notes
All figures are rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate;
numbers may not total due to this rounding. This reserve statement
reflects changes to reserves in the massive sulphides based on
depletion due to mining and additions due to new exploration
drilling results. The NSR for the reserve material was calculated
using an all-in cost of $72 per tonne of ore milled.
Commodity prices for 2018 are reflective of the Company's fiscal
forecast; $3.06 per pound copper, $1,305 per ounce of gold and
$17.65 per ounce of silver. Long term metal prices of USD$2.99 per
pound copper, USD$1300 per ounce gold and USD$17.00 per ounce
silver with a long term USD/CDN FX rate of 1:0.80.
Mineral Resource Notes
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 % copper for
the massive sulphides, 1.25 grams per tonne gold for any gold zones
and 1.00 % copper for the stringer sulphides have been used in the
estimate.
Cut--offs are based on an NSR model and forecast long term metal
prices of USD$2.99 per pound copper, USD$1,300 per ounce gold and
USD$17.00 per ounce silver with a long term USD/CDN FX rate of
1:0.80. Resources are inclusive of reserves.
Table 4: Mineral Resource Estimate for the Ming Copper-Gold Mine
- September 1, 2017 (Resources are inclusive of reserves.)
Resource Cutoff Quantity Grades Contained Metal
Classification
----------------- -------- --------- ----------------------- -----------------------------
Copper Gold Silver Copper Gold Silver
----------------- -------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
(000't) % g/t g/t M lbs oz oz
----------------- -------- --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
Measured
----------------- -------- --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
1.00
1807 Zone % Cu 488 2.29 2.54 19.45 24.6 39,830 305,445
1.25
g/t
1806 Zone Au 185 0.40 3.00 14.74 1.6 17,830 87,663
1.00
Ming South % Cu 353 2.21 2.50 15.27 17.2 28,327 173,282
1.00
Ming North % Cu 192 1.96 1.88 13.83 8.3 11,581 85,313
Unmined -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Levels
Remnant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Pillars
Sub-Total Massive
Sulphides 1,218 1.93 2.49 16.64 51.7 97,567 651,703
1.00
Lower Footwall % Cu 18,110 1.58 0.10 1.35 631.1 58,765 786,787
Sub-Total Stringer
Sulphides 18,110 1.58 0.10 1.35 631.1 58,765 58,765
Combined Measured
Total 19,328 1.60 0.25 2.31 682.8 156,333 1,438,490
--------------------------- --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
Indicated
----------------- -------- --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
1.00
1807 Zone % Cu 83 1.72 2.51 18.86 3.1 6,683 50,239
1.25
g/t
1806 Zone Au 65 0.71 2.87 16.01 1.0 6,029 33,650
1.00
Ming South % Cu 333 2.21 2.38 14.26 16.3 25,515 152,914
1.00
Ming North % Cu 140 1.88 1.99 14.45 5.8 8,959 65,239
Unmined
Levels -- 125 2.43 1.99 -- 6.7 7,989 --
Remnant
Pillars -- 259 3.96 2.00 -- 22.6 16,656 --
Sub-Total Massive
Sulphides 1,006 2.51 2.22 9.34 55.6 71,832 302,043
1.00
Lower Footwall % Cu 3,114 1.62 0.10 1.62 110.9 10,392 161,722
Sub-Total Stringer
Sulphides 3,114 1.62 0.10 1.62 110.9 10,392 161,722
Combined Indicated
Total 4,120 1.83 0.62 3.50 166.4 82,224 463,765
--------------------------- --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
Measure and Indicated
Combined
-------------------------------------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
1.00
1807 Zone % Cu 571 2.21 2.53 19.37 27.8 46,513 355,684
1.25
g/t
1806 Zone Au 250 0.48 2.96 15.07 2.6 23,859 121,314
1.00
Ming South % Cu 687 2.21 2.44 14.78 33.4 53,842 326,196
1.00
Ming North % Cu 332 1.93 1.92 14.09 14.1 20,540 150,552
Unmined
Levels -- 125 2.43 1.99 -- 6.7 7,989 --
Remnant
Pillars -- 259 3.96 2.00 -- 22.6 16,656 --
Sub-Total Massive
Sulphides 2,224 2.19 2.37 13.34 107.3 169,399 953,746
1.00
Lower Footwall % Cu 21,224 1.59 0.10 1.39 742.0 69,157 948,509
Sub-Total Stringer
Sulphides 21,224 1.59 0.10 1.39 742.0 69,157 948,509
Combined Measured
& Indicated
Total 23,448 1.64 0.32 2.52 849.3 238,557 1,902,255
--------------------------- --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
Inferred
----------------- -------- --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
1.00
1807 Zone % Cu 122 1.72 1.19 7.68 4.6 4,690 30,254
1.25
g/t
1806 Zone Au 149 0.66 2.63 10.67 2.2 12,576 51,100
1.00
Ming South % Cu 264 2.25 0.78 3.24 13.1 6,648 27,429
1.00
Ming North % Cu 290 1.84 0.71 3.71 11.8 6,638 34,623
Unmined -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Levels
Remnant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Pillars
Sub-Total Massive
Sulphides 825 1.74 1.15 5.40 31.7 30,553 143,407
1.00
Lower Footwall % Cu 2,048 1.80 0.12 1.72 81.3 8,219 112,984
Sub-Total Stringer
Sulphides 2,048 1.80 0.12 1.72 81.3 8,219 112,984
Combined Inferred
Total 2,873 1.78 0.42 2.78 113.1 38,772 256,391
--------------------------- --------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------
APPENDIX 2: Summary of updated NI43-101 Technical Report
Table 5: Project Economics
Item Value Value
$CDN $USD
-------------------------- --------- ---------
Copper produced (million
lbs) 312 312
Gold produced (ozs) 57,000 57,000
Silver Produced (ozs) 210,000 210,000
Mine Life (2018 to 20 Years 20 Years
2037)
Net Revenue (million) $1,265 $ 1,011
Net Cash Flow from
Operations (million) $347 $ 277
Total Capital Cost
(Over LOM, million) $150 $ 120
Net Cash Flow (before
tax, million) $244 $ 195
Net Cash Flow (after
tax, million) $197 $ 157
Net Present Value-before
tax ( 7% discount,
million) $125 $ 100
Net Present Value-after
tax ( 7% discount,
million) $104 $ 83
Internal Rate of --% --%
Return-before tax
("IRR")
Internal Rate of --% --%
Return-after tax
("IRR")
-------------------------- --------- ---------
Table 6: Summary of Economic Parameters
Item Value Value
$CDN $USD
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Average Copper Price
($USD per lbs) $3.74 $ 2.99
Average Gold Price
($USD per oz) $1,626 $ 1,301
Average Silver Price
($USD per oz) $21.38 $ 17.10
Average $USD/$CDN
Exchange Rate 1:0.80 1:0.80
5 Year Project Capital (million) (million)
Plan
Mill Site $1.86 $ 1.47
Mine Site Surface $8.29 $ 6.63
Mine Underground
and In-directs $39.81 $ 31.80
Port Site Nil nil
Contingency $7.14 $ 5.70
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Total (million) $ 57.10 $ 45.60
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------
5 Year Net Cash (undiscounted) (million) (million)
F2018 $9.80 $ 7.71
F2019 $7.16 $ 5.73
F2020 ($11.55) ($ 9.24)
F2021 $8.53 $ 6.83
F2022 $4.61 $ 3.69
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Total 5 Year Cash
(million) $18.56 $ 14.72
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Operating Costs ($USD
per tonne milled)
Mining $39.42 $ 31.51
Ore Haulage to Mill $9.15 $ 7.31
General & Administration $15.82 $ 12.65
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Sub-total $64.39 $ 51.47
Processing $16.03 $ 12.81
Concentrate shipping,
treatment & refining $13.47 $10.77
Port Operations $0.55 $ 0.44
Royalties $1.98 $ 1.58
Total (per tonne
milled) $96.42 $ 77.08
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------
C1 - average LOM $2.48 $1.98
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------
All in cash - average $2.96 $2.37
LOM (pre/ after-tax) / $3.11 / $2.49
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Other Parameters
Mining Dilution (MMS,
LFZ) 30%, 15%
Recovery (Stopes,
Drifts) 90%, 100%
Mill Recoveries MMS 96.5%, 65.0%,
(Cu, Au, Ag) 60.0%
Mill Recoveries LFZ 98.9%, 63.6%,
(Cu, Au, Ag) 62.0%
Concentrate Grade
(Cu) 28.5%
-------------------------------- ----------------------
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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