QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ASX CODE: RNI

Transcription

1 2 January 201 QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ASX CODE: RNI HIGHLIGHTS GROSVENOR GOLD AND BASE METALS PROJECT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Advanced feasibilty study work progressed for both the Grosvenor and Peak Hill gold projects, targeting cash costs of less than $A1,000/oz Ongoing metallurgical testwork on different material types from drillcore Detailed engineering design completed for initial five-year mine plan at Grosvenor Project mine plan advanced to enable a new mining tender in the March 201 quarter on a revised cost base Resource re-estimation initiated at the Starlight/Daylight deposits Mining study tenders commenced for pre-feasibilty work at the Peak Hill open pits and Starlight underground deposit Joint venture signed with Northern Star Resources to consolidate exploration of the Cashmans coppergold project INTRODUCTION Resource and Investment NL (ASX: RNI) (RNI or the Company) continued to advance the Company s Grosvenor gold and base metals project in Western Australia s Bryah Basin during the December 2013 Quarter. The project includes the Grosvenor gold processing plant (Figure 1), located ~170km north of Meekatharra, and a JORC compliant resource base of ~1.Moz, based on 1.93g/t gold (Appendix 1 and 3). In addition, RNI has an option to acquire the adjoining Peak Hill gold project 0km to the south-east (Figure 1), which, if exercised, would add an additional ~550,000oz to the Company s resource base, giving a combined gold inventory of ~2Moz (Appendix 2 and 3). RNI is progressing advanced feasibility studies examining the economics of both heap leach (HL) and conventional carbon in leach (CIL) processing options for the Grosvenor and Peak Hill projects, targeting cash costs of less than $A1,000/oz. Refurbishment work on the 1Mtpa-nameplate CIL Grosvenor gold plant is ongoing, along with the necessary State approvals required to resume gold production. RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN Bagot Road Subiaco Western Australia 008 PO Box 298 West Perth WA 872 T F E general@rninl.com.au W rninl.com.au

2 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e 2 RNI also has a dominant ~1,800km 2 ground holding in the highly prospective Bryah Basin, which is divided into five project areas Grosvenor, Horseshoe, Peak Hill, Cashmans and Morck s Well (Figure 1). These projects have a well-defined gold and copper endowment within a favourable geological setting considered highly prospective for both gold and base metal discoveries. Figure 1: Grosvenor and Peak Hill project locations and regional geology GROSVENOR GOLD PROJECT The Company has commenced and maintains ongoing study and design work to estimate capital and operating costs and a start-up timeline at its Grosvenor Gold project, subject to ongoing project finance. During the Quarter the focus was on detailed engineering design to underpin the initial five year short and medium term mine plan at Grosvenor, including both CIL and HL processing pathways. This work also focused on supporting a mining contract re-tender, subject to final design and approval in the March 201 quarter. Supporting this, one short reverse circulation (RC) drilling program and a subsequent RC pre-collar, diamond tail metallurgical program was completed. As announced on 9 January 201, significant assay results from the Callies (CLDD001) metallurgical drill hole included 1.03g/t gold from 170m, 0.97g/t from 170m and 7.52g/t from 2.7m. In addition, gold assays of 3.79g/t from 2.g/t from m and 3.7g/t from m were returned from half core from the Yarlarweelor (YLDD003) metallurgical drillhole. A 1,122m RC drilling program at the Ricks Prospect, which forms part of the Daylight/Starlight gold resource, returned gold assays within expectations. A re-estimation of the Starlight underground resource is expected in the March 201 quarter, incorporating this drilling, along with drilling from the Tyrant prospect and currently developing structural understanding. RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN

3 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e 3 Significant RC assay results from Ricks included: 3.87g/t from 37m, including 32.3g/t from 37m 2.5g/t from 39m 2.0g/t from 3m 11.0g/t from 38m All assay results have been reported as downhole length. JORC 2012 exploration compliance was announced on 9 January 201 for these results. Approvals Process RNI has at hand, or under review, WA State approvals for: Operating the CIL plant with a current Licence for a Prescribed Premises; A current 3.1Gl water licence, which allows for pit dewatering and water supply to the plant; A separate approved processing and pit dewatering safety Project Management Plans; A Works Approvals for a tailing storage facility (TSF) lift to provide 18-2 months tailings storage; A permit to dewater open pit workings into the Yarlarweelor creek; A current Mining Approval for Toms Pit; A Mining Approval for Yarlarweelor and Callies pits and a new TSF3 design are under active review; and An approved surface water management hydrology plan New work initiated in the Quarter comprised baseline flora, fauna and material characterisation studies to underpin approvals at the Peak Hill open pits, as well as an aerial topographic and photographic (Lidar) survey to support study work expected to commence in the March 201 quarter. Ongoing plant and site refurbishment focused on process water ponds, electrical infrastructure, process control, re-wiring and ongoing conveyor inspection and refurbishment. Plant start-up, first chemical fills, site, telecommunication and camp capital estimates were completed within the study framework. Estimates on the capacity, cost and location of HL plant are ongoing. EXPLORATION Forrest Gimp Prospect The Forrest Gimp gold prospect is located ~12km south of the Grosvenor gold processing plant and has been delineated over a strike length of at least 180m by reconnaissance RAB drilling and minor follow-up RC drilling (Figures 2 and 3). The deposit remains open down-plunge and along the strike trend to the north and south. Forrest Gimp has been identified as having significant resource upside that would add to the Grosvenor resource base, once formalised, given the shallow depth of intersections and the tenor of mineralisation. RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN

4 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e Figure 2: Prospect locations at the Grosvenor Gold Project The prospect has been targeted by prior explorers. This work included RAB and RC drilling intersections (see Table 1 for details): FGRB g/t Au FGRB01 2.g/t Au FGRB019 2.g/t Au FGRB02 1.2g/t Au FGRC g/t Au RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN

5 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e 5 Figure 3: Historical drilling at Forrest Gimp prospect (See ASX announcement 21 November 2013) Ongoing activities at Forrest Gimp involve completing all required permitting prior to commencing resource evaluation drilling, programs of geo-metallurgical testwork and geotechnical studies. Table 1 Summary of Reported Historical Drilling Results (Forrest Gimp Prospect) Prospect Drillhole MGA Easting (MGAZ50) MGA Northing (MGAZ50) From (m) To (m) Downhole Interval (m) True Width (m) Grade (Au g/t) Forrest Gimp FGRB015 0,88 7,185, Forrest Gimp FGRB01 0,89 7,185, Forrest Gimp FGRB019 0,913 7,185, Forrest Gimp FGRB020 0,900 7,185, Forrest Gimp FGRB02 0,923 7,185, Forrest Gimp FGRB028 0,909 7,185, Forrest Gimp FGRC005 0,78 7,185, Forrest Gimp FGRC021 0,881 7,185, RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN

6 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e Erics Prospect The Erics gold prospect (Figure ) was identified through evaluation of the historical database. Limited reconnaissance RAB drilling on the northern side of the Fortnum Fault, east of Starlight, has intersected two parallel zones of near surface gold mineralisation. Both zones remain open along strike and down-dip. Drilling results include (see Table 2 for details): Prospect FRB g/t Au FRB282 Au (EOH) FRB g/t Au Table 2 Summary of Reported Historical Drilling Results (Erics Prospect) Drillhole MGA Easting (MGAZ50) MGA Northing (MGAZ50) Dip/Azimuth From (m) To (m) Down Hole Interval (m) Grade (Au g/t) Erics FRB281 37,981 7,198,52-5/ Erics FRB282 38,025 7,198,525-5/ Erics FRB283 38,085 7,198,525-5/ Figure : Historical drilling at Erics prospect (ASX announcement 21 November 2013) Follow up drilling at Erics is being planned. RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN

7 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e 7 Cashmans Project Northern Star JV As announced to the ASX on December 2013, RNI moved to consolidate a major exploration holding in a highly-prospective part of the Bryah Basin in Western Australia through a joint venture agreement with Northern Star Resources Limited (ASX: NST). The joint venture has enabled RNI to expand its Cashmans copper-gold project to 500km with the inclusion of exploration licences E51/1391 and E52/2509 held by Northern Star (Figure 5). Significantly, the Cashmans Project now includes almost continuous coverage of a 0km strike of the highlyprospective Goodin Fault and the identified base metal/gold target trend. The joint venture enables RNI to launch a systematic base metals exploration initiative over the expanded Cashmans area, targeting both volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS)-style deposits and structural replacement-style base metal deposits. The main target will be to identify and test immediate extensions of the VMS horizon that hosts the identified mineralisation at RNI s Orient Prospect, which has returned surface grades of up to 12.8% copper and 1.7g/t gold (See ASX announcement 25 September 2012). Figure 5: Cashmans Project and Northern Star JV The agreement enables RNI to extend its targeting concepts onto the Northern Star tenements. In addition to the targets already defined by RNI at Cashmans, a series of Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic Survey (VTEM) and airborne magnetics targets have been identified on the joint venture tenements which have either not been followed up, or otherwise require additional assessment. An opportunity now exists to apply systematic programs of geochemical sampling across the wider Cashmans project area. Consideration will also be given to assessing the potential of the Johnson Cairn Formation that is considered prospective for large-scale replacement-style copper deposits. Future work programs will include: The full collation of all available data Initial field checking of the high-priority geophysical targets Programs of geochemical sampling and detailed geological mapping to generate initial drilling targets in the first half of 201 RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN

8 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 Page 8 Morck s Well The Morck s Well Project is a priority copper-gold copper gold exploration area adjoining Sandfire Resources flagship DeGrussa copper-gold project (Figure 1). 1) Morck s Well covers an approximate 0km strike of the pprospective Narracoota Volcanics and a series of regionally regio significant structures. RNI s exploration has focused on the collection and assessment of quality regional datasets. This data includes VTEM, gravity and regional geochemical sampling (Figure ). Assessment of a series of targets generated from this data will be the subject of a proposed follow-up exploration program during the first half of 201. Figure : Geophysical targeting at Morck s Well The ongoing review focused on identifying discrete, late-time late VTEM anomalies only - i.e. those most likely to be associated with strongly conductive targets. Five target zones have been identified within the Narracoota Formation and adjacent to regional fault structures. Ongoing follow-up work includes ground-based detailed electromagnetic surveys and supporting geochemical and gravity surveys. CORPORATE As announced on 1 November 2013, RNI finalised terms with Montezuma Mining Company Limited (ASX:MZM) to extend to 31 January 201 its option to acquire the Peak Hill Gold Project. Project In consideration for the extension, RNI paid Montezuma $75,000 in cash and issued Montezuma with 2.1 million RNI options exercisable at $0.20 within three years of the date of issue. RNI can exercise the option to acquire the Peak Hill Gold Project by paying Montezuma $2.8 million in cash and the issue of 8. million fully-paid paid RNI shares and 2.1 million options exercisable at $0 $0.35 within three years of issue. If the option is exercised, RNI must also pay Montezuma a 1% gross royalty, capped at $1 million, on revenue received from production from Peak Hill. During the Quarter, uarter, the remaining funds were drawndown from the Taurus debt facility. The Board are in ongoing discussions with both project debt lenders and project funders with regard to project debt, pro project finance and the finance of on-ongoing ongoing feasibility work. On 25 November 2013,,000,000 unlisted $1.00 options expired without exercise. RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN

9 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 Page 9 For further information, contact: ALBERT THAMM TECHNICAL DIRECTOR PETER LANGWORTHY GENERAL MANAGER EXPLORATION Tel: Competent Person s Statement Information in this announcement that relates to exploration results or mineral resources is based on and fairly represents information and supporting documentation prepared and compiled by Albert Thamm BSc (Hons) MSc, who is a Corporate Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. The information in this announcement that relates to previously released exploration data was disclosed under JORC Code 2012 for the Orient Prospect (refer ASX announcement dated 10 October 2013), Cashmans Project (refer ASX announcement dated December 2013) and Callies, Yarlarweelor and Ricks Prospects (refer ASX announcement dated 9 January 201). The information in this announcement that relates to previously released exploration and resource data on the Forrest Gimp and Erics Prospects were disclosed in the ASX announcement dated 21 November 2013 under the JORC Code 200. It has not been updated to comply with the JORC Code 2012 on the basis that the information has not materially changed since it was last reported and is based on and fairly represents information and supporting documentation prepared and compiled by Albert Thamm BSc (Hons) MSc, who is a Corporate Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. The information in this announcement that relates to previously released Project Resource data was disclosed in the ASX announcement dated November 2013 under the JORC Code 200. It has not been updated to comply with the JORC Code 2012 on the basis that the information has not materially changed since it was last reported and is based on and fairly represents information and supporting documentation prepared and compiled by Albert Thamm BSc (Hons) MSc, who is a Corporate Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Thamm is a Director of Resource and Investment NL. Mr Thamm has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Thamm consents to the inclusion in the announcement of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears. Forward-Looking Statements This announcement has been prepared by Resource and Investment NL. This document contains background information about Resource and Investment NL and its related entities current at the date of this presentation. This is in summary form and does not purport to be all inclusive or complete. Recipients should conduct their own investigations and perform their own analysis in order to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy and completeness of the information, statements and opinions contained in this announcement. This announcement is for information purposes only. Neither this document nor the information contained in it constitutes an offer, invitation, solicitation or recommendation in relation to the purchase or sale of shares in any jurisdiction. This announcement may not be distributed in any jurisdiction except in accordance with the legal requirements applicable in such jurisdiction. Recipients should inform themselves of the restrictions that apply in their own jurisdiction. A failure to do so may result in a violation of securities laws in such jurisdiction. This document does not constitute investment advice and has been prepared without taking into account the recipient s investment objectives, financial circumstances or particular needs and the opinions and recommendations in this representation are not intended to represent recommendations of particular investments to particular investments to particular persons. Recipients should seek professional advice when deciding if an investment is appropriate. All securities transactions involve risks, which include (among others) the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments. No responsibility for any errors or omissions from this document arising out of negligence or otherwise is accepted. This document does include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are outside the control of Resource and Investment NL. Actual values, results, outcomes or events may be materially different to those expressed or implied in this announcement. Given these uncertainties, recipients are cautioned not to place reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forwardlooking statements in this presentation speak only at the date of issue of this presentation. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law and ASX Listing Rules, Resource and Investment NL does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any information or any of the forward-looking statements in this document or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such forward-looking statement is based. RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN

10 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e 10 Appendix 1: Classified gold resources at the Grosvenor project at cut-off grades as stated Summary of Project Resources, Resource Classification and metrics Cut-off Mineral Resource grade Tonnes (kt) (g/t) Grade (Au g/t) Measured Tonnes (kt) Grade (Au g/t) Tonnes (kt) Indicated Grade (Au g/t) Tonnes (kt) Inferred Grade (Au g/t) Au Ounces Total Yarlarweelor 0.5 5, , , ,500 Starlight Starlight Hanging Wall 1.0 1, , , ,500 Twilight 1.0 1, , ,700 Ricks ,800 Midnight ,00 Dougies ,500 Eldorado ,100 Toms & Sams Horseshoe, Cassidy & Pod , , , , , ,000 1, , ,900 Nathans 0.75 Callies 0.5 2, , , , , ,300 22, ,08,000 Labouchere Regent TOTAL 0. 2,05 RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN ,983 7,737

11 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e 11 Appendix 2: Classified gold resources for the Peak Hill Project Classification Harmony, Enigma, Durack and Main Pit-Five Ways at 0.8g/t cut-off Material type Tonnes (kt) Au (g/t) Oxide Transitional Fresh INDICATED TOTAL INDICATED INFERRED TOTAL INFERRED SUBTOTAL Classification 1,270 2,90,90 9, , , , Jubilee Deposit Mineral Resources at 1.0 g/t cut-off Material type Tonnes (kt) Au (g/t) INDICATED INFERRED SUBTOTAL Oxide Transitional Fresh Oxide Oxide Au (oz) 50, , ,000 30,000 5,000 3,000 7,000 8,000 51,000 Au (koz),000 0,000 7,000 Appendix 3: Classified global resources for the Grosvenor and Peak Hill Gold Projects Combined Global Mineral Resources Estimated for the Grosvenor Gold Project Classification Tonnes (kt) Au (g/t) Ounces (oz) MEASURED 2, ,000 INDICATED 12, ,00 INFERRED 7, ,00 TOTAL 22, ,08,000 Combined Global Mineral Resources Estimated for the Peak Hill Project * Classification Tonnes (kt) Au (g/t) Ounces (oz) INDICATED 9, ,000 INFERRED 2, ,000 TOTAL 11, ,000 *51Koz attributable to RNI/GG under the option agreement. RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN

12 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e 12 Appendix : Schedule of Mining Tenements as at 31 December 2013 Tenement Number Registered Holder Grosvenor Gold Project E51/1033 0% PepinNini Robinson Range Pty Ltd 0% E51/1053 E51/1085 E51/1120 E51/113 E52/113 0% PepinNini Robinson Range Pty Ltd 0% E52/159 80% E52/170 0% PepinNini Robinson Range Pty Ltd 0% E52/171 80% E52/172 0% PepinNini Robinson Range Pty Ltd 0% E52/1818 E52/1832 E52/ % PepinNini Robinson Range Pty Ltd 50% E52/1951 E52/19 50% PepinNini Robinson Range Pty Ltd 50% E52/2059 L52/102 M52/5 M52/ M52/93 M52/95 M52/9 M52/98 M52/99 M52/125 M52/132 M52/133 M52/338 P52/117 P52/118 P52/119 P52/1150 P52/1151 P52/1152 P52/1153 P52/115 P52/1155 RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN Date Granted Area Graticular blocks(bk)/hectares (ha) Notes 22/09/ bk 1,2 22/09/ /09/ /08/200 15/11/200 29/03/200 35bk 17bk 70bk bk 30bk 1,2 27/01/200 13bk 1 23/11/200 9bk 1,2 23/11/200 1bk 1 22/09/ bk 1,2 1/0/2005 1/03/ /08/200 2bk 10bk 7bk 3 2/02/ /11/ bk 18bk 3 17/02// /11/ /0/ /0/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /12/ /05/ /05/ /10/1992 2bk 9.00ha.85ha 79.0ha 795.5ha 9.30ha 82.70ha 910.0ha 8.15ha ha 98.20ha ha 8.35ha ha 18.00ha 10.00ha ha ha ha ha ha 12.00ha

13 Quarterly Activities Report December 2013 P52/115 P52/1157 P52/1158 P52/1159 P52/110 P52/113 P52/11 P52/115 P52/ % P52/ % P52/ % Peak Hill Project E52/2237 E52/213 E52/271 85% Wilson, Walter E52/272 L52/2 L52/19 L52/20 L52/39 L52/2 L52/3 M52/35 M52/5 M52/297 M52/7 M52/801 85% Horseshoe Gold Mine Pty Ltd 15% P52/ % Horseshoe Gold Mine Pty Ltd 15% P52/ % Horseshoe Gold Mine Pty Ltd 15% P52/ % Horseshoe Gold Mine Pty Ltd 15% P52/ % Horseshoe Gold Mine Pty Ltd 15% P52/ % Horseshoe Gold Mine Pty Ltd 15% P52/123 P52/133 85% Wilson, Walter P52/13 85% Wilson, Walter P52/135 85% Wilson, Walter P52/138 85% Wilson, Walter P52/117 85% Wilson, Walter P52/118 85% Wilson, Walter P52/119 85% Wilson, Walter RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN January 201 P a g e ha ha ha ha ha ha ha 15.00ha ha ha ha 1 2/02/ /09/2009 1/10/2009 bk 1bk 9bk 19/11/ /0/ /08/1988 2/02/1988 2/05/ /0/ /0/1993 1/01/ /11/198 0/02/ /03/199 19/05/2003 2bk 3.8ha 1.18ha 5.00ha 3.50ha 1.00ha 2.00ha ha 11.05ha 91.55ha 18.3ha ha 1/01/ ha 1/01/ ha 1/01/ ha 1/01/ ha 1/01/ ha 1/01/ /01/ ha ha 20/01/ ha 20/01/ ha 20/01/ ha 30/12/ ha 30/12/ ha 30/12/ ha

14 Quarterly Activities Report December January 201 P a g e 1 Doolgunna Project E52/238 Ascidian Prospecting Pty Ltd 11/02/2010 7bk Horseshoe East Project M52/00 Brosnan, Allan Neville, Broomfield, David 18/11/ ha 5 Paul and Senako Marketing & Design Pty Ltd Fortnum West Project E52/258 Resource and Investment NL 1/0/ bk Horseshoe West Project E52/ /09/2010 1bk E52/28 20/0/2011 1bk E52/3005 Resource and Investment NL 17/12/2013 1bk M52/251 11/03/ ha P52/ /12/ ha P52/128 12/0/ ha P52/ /10/ ha P52/ /01/ ha P52/1337 2/10/ ha P52/1338 2/10/ ha P52/1339 2/10/ ha P52/130 2/10/ ha P52/131 2/10/ ha P52/ /09/ ha Horseshoe West Project (Mineral Rights Deed) E52/151 Auvex Horseshoe Pty Ltd 0/01/2005 3bk 7 M52/108 Auvex Horseshoe Pty Ltd 22/02/ ha 7 Notes: (GG) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Resource and Investment NL. 1. Peak Hill Sale Agreement GG 80%, Jackson Minerals Pty Ltd (JM) 20% and free carried to a decision to mine. 2. Jackson Iron Ore JV Agreement GG 0%, PepinNini Robinson Range Pty Ltd (PRR) 0%, JM 20% iron ore with GG contributing 0% and JM free carried to a decision to mine. GG 80%, JM 20% all other minerals with JM free carried to a decision to mine 3. Robinson Range JV Agreement GG 50%, PRR 50% iron ore with GG contributing 50%. GG 100% all other minerals.. Option to purchase. 5. Earning 51% JV interest.. In the process of being transferred to Resource and Investment NL. 7. Resource and Investment NL gold mineral rights only. RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT NL ABN