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RTG ANNOUNCES MAIDEN RESOURCE OF 5.87MT CONTAINING 202,000T OF CU EQUIV METAL IN INDICATED RESOURCES AND 5.50MT CONTAINING 146,000T OF CU EQUIV METAL IN INFERRED RESOURCES
ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE
SUBIACO, Western Australia, Nov. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - RTG Mining Inc. ("RTG", "the Company") (TSX Code: RTG, ASX Code: RTG) is pleased to report the maiden Mineral Resource, with an effective date of 14 September 2014, for the Mabilo Project reported in accordance with NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and the JORC Code (2012). The Indicated Resource includes significant high grade oxide gold and copper at shallow levels which contains 67,000 ounces of gold, 32,000t of copper and 312,000t of iron. These resources could be mined with limited capital requirements which could allow for the majority of capital expenditure on the primary plant to be funded from the oxide ore.
The magnetite skarn mineralisation which makes up a significant portion of the Mineral Resource is well defined and continues to remain open in multiple directions and is the subject of further drilling. The copper equivalent grade of the Indicated Mineral Resource is 3.4%* after diluting for full recovery assumptions.
Highlights of the resource include: -
Mineral Resource Estimate Results - Reporting at 0.3 g/t Au lower cut-off - Mabilo Deposit - South and North Zones | |||||||||||
Weathering State |
Classification | Million Tonnes |
Cu % | Au g/t | Ag g/t | Fe % | Contained Cu ('000s t) |
Contained Au ('000s oz) |
Contained Fe ('000s t) |
Cu Equivalent % |
Contained Cu Equivalent ('000s t) |
Oxide + Supergene |
Indicated | 0.73 | 4.4 | 2.8 | 9.5 | 42.6 | 32.2 | 67.0 | 312.7 | 5.8 | 42.6 |
Inferred | 0.13 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 10.4 | 34.9 | 3.9 | 9.0 | 43.6 | 4.3 | 5.4 | |
Fresh | Indicated | 5.13 | 1.7 | 2.1 | 8.3 | 49.9 | 88.9 | 347.0 | 2,563.0 | 3.1 | 159.6 |
Inferred | 5.37 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 12.9 | 39.1 | 80.4 | 293.0 | 2,101.9 | 2.6 | 140.5 | |
Combined | Indicated (Total) | 5.87 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 8.4 | 49.0 | 121.1 | 414.0 | 2,875.7 | 3.4 | 202.2 |
Combined | Inferred (Total) | 5.50 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 12.9 | 39.0 | 84.3 | 302.0 | 2,145.6 | 2.7 | 145.9 |
Note: The Mineral Resource was estimated within constraining wireframe solids based on the mineralised geological units. This resource table is quoted from all classified blocks above a lower cut-off grade 0.3 g/t Au within these wireframe solids. Differences may occur due to rounding |
Table 1 - Total Mabilo Resource at 0.3 g/t Au Cut-off Grade
OXIDE MINING STRATEGY
The Indicated Oxide Resource includes a high grade oxide gold "cap" zone (356,000t @ 3.1g/t Au) and a very high grade Supergene Chalcocite zone (101,000t @ 24.0% Cu) at shallow levels (Table 2). Given the high grade nature of this shallow oxide mineralisation, the focus will be to prioritise this area for initial exploitation.
The zones are layered and should lend themselves to open pit mining processes. (See Figure 1).
Indicated | |||||||
South Mineralised Zone | Million Tonnes | Au g/t | Cu % |
Fe % |
Contained Au ('000s oz) |
Contained Cu ('000s t) |
Contained Fe ('000s t) |
Oxide Gold Cap | 0.34 | 3.2 | 0.2 | 43.4 | 34.7 | 0.8 | 145.3 |
Oxide Copper/Gold | 0.26 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 45.7 | 22.6 | 6.7 | 120.3 |
Supergene Chalcocite | 0.10 | 2.3 | 24.0 | 38.6 | 7.6 | 24.2 | 39.0 |
Sub-Total | 0.70 | 2.9 | 4.5 | 43.6 | 64.8 | 31.7 | 304.6 |
North Mineralised Zone | |||||||
Oxide Gold Cap | 0.02 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 23.0 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 4.7 |
Oxide Copper/Gold | 0.01 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 21.5 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 2.6 |
Sub Total | 0.03 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 22.4 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 7.3 |
Total | 0.73 | 2.8 | 4.4 | 42.6 | 67.0 | 32.2 | 311.9 |
Inferred | |||||||
North Mineralised Zone | Million Tonnes | Au g/t | Cu % |
Fe % |
Contained Au ('000s oz) |
Contained Cu ('000s t) |
Contained Fe ('000s t) |
Oxide Gold Cap | 0.02 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 28.3 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 5.0 |
Oxide Copper/Gold | 0.03 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 22.7 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 6.1 |
Sub Total | 0.06 | 2.6 | 4.6 | 22.8 | 4.6 | 2.6 | 12.7 |
Note: The Mineral Resource was estimated within constraining wireframe solids based on the mineralised geological units. The resource is quoted from all classified blocks above a lower cut-off grade 0.3 g/t Au within these wireframe solids. Differences may occur due to rounding |
Table 2 - Oxide Gold and Chalcocite Copper Mabilo Resource at 0.3g/t Au Cut-off Grade
RTG Chief Executive Officer, Justine Magee said the Company was very pleased with the Maiden Mineral Resource. "It validates our belief in the potential for a low-cost, high grade copper-gold project. The very high grade near surface oxide resource has the potential to be quickly put into production and fund a significant part of the capital development. The project remains open in multiple directions with significant exploration upside," Ms Magee said.
* The Copper Equivalent grade was calculated using the following formula, which fully dilutes for recovery assumptions
CuEq=(((0.9*AuOz*$1,150)+(0.9*CuMetal*$6,700)+(0.7*FeMetal*$90)+ (0.6*AgOz*$15.5)) / $6,700)/Total ore tonnes
ABOUT MABILO
The Mabilo Project is located in Camarines Norte Province, Eastern Luzon, Philippines. It comprises one granted Exploration Permit (EP-014-2013-V) of approximately 498 ha and Exploration Permit Application EXPA-000188-V of 2,820 ha. The Project area is relatively flat and is easily accessed by 15 km of all-weather road from the highway at the nearby town of Labo.
Summary of Mineral Resource Estimate and Reporting Criteria
The Mineral Resource was prepared by independent resource consultancy CSA Global Pty Ltd ("CSA").
Geology and Geological Interpretation
Two mineralised magnetite skarn bodies were initially targeted using ground magnetic data and have been subsequently drilled. The magnetite skarn mineralisation is parallel to the host carbonate unit and passes down-dip into garnet skarn, contact metamorphosed marble or limestone. Magnetite skarn represents the replacement bodies of the limestone marble lithologies. Magnetite skarn bodies have been fault off-set laterally with magnetite continuing across offset zones as strongly mineralised magnetite breccias.
Magnetite near surface has been subject to tropical weathering and the development of an oxide zone dominated by significant a gold-rich, copper-depleted cap (referred to as Oxide Gold "Cap"). A high grade chalcocite zone dominates the northern end of the South Zone with the remainder of the oxide resource being oxidised magnetite skarn with similar copper and gold grades to primary magnetite.
The North Mineralised and South Mineralised Zones have both been modelled for this Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"). The larger South Mineralised Zone skarn is approximately 450m in strike and dips to the southwest at approximately 60 degrees. The North Mineralised Zone is approximately 150m in strike and dipping 75 degrees in a northerly direction. Magnetite skarn bodies are currently modelled as three main offset fault blocks in the South Mineralised Zone and two fault blocks in the North Mineralised Zone. Thickness of magnetite skarn is variable due to lithological variation of the host marble limestone. At the southern end of the South Body, magnetite is approximately 30m in thickness at the southern end of the system thinning down dip to approximately 15m. At the northern end of the South Mineralised Zone the thickness is approximately 45-50m where it has been subjected to oxidation processes before being covered by volcanic lahars and tuffs.
Drilling and Sampling Techniques
The MRE is based on data obtained from 69 diamond core drill holes (11,231.45m) drilled across the two project areas. Drill holes are located on a nominal 40m by 40m spacing across primary magnetite zones with good geological continuity. Oxide and chalcocite zones were subject to 25m by 20m nominal spacing with drilling oriented approximately north-west to south-east across the strike of mineralisation. The dip of the drill holes was designed to intersect the mineralisation at the optimal angle to minimise sampling bias with a number of early vertical holes followed up with angled holes. A number of drill holes included in the MRE were infill in nature and have not been previously reported. These holes are listed in Appendix 1.
Drill hole collars were surveyed using a differential global positioning system ("DGPS") to centimetre accuracy. All down-hole surveying was carried out using a combination of Reflex Ez-Trak multi-shot survey tool at 30m intervals down hole and the Reflex Gyro system was used where magnetite skarn was intersected.
All diamond drill samples were geologically logged, recording relevant data to a set template at or on geological contacts. Diamond core was also geotechnically logged and the core photographed for future record. Diamond core was half core sampled on geology contacts. Core samples were submitted for analyses using ISO-certified Intertek McPhar Laboratory in Manila. Field quality assurance procedures were employed, including the use of standards, blanks and duplicates. The drill hole data is maintained in a secure relational database by company personnel.
Sample Analysis Method
Half core samples were cut and sent for analysis by an independent ISO-certified laboratory (Intertek McPhar Laboratory) in Manila. Samples were crushed and pulverised (95% 75 ɥm). Gold was analysed by 50g fire assay and the other elements including copper and iron by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) or ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) following a four-acid digest.
The sample preparation and assay techniques used for the assay results reported herein are of international industry standard and can be considered total.
Resource Estimation Methodology
Datamine Studio 3 software was used for all geological modelling, block modelling, grade interpolation, Mineral Resource classification and reporting. Mineralisation domains were modelled based on the geological interpretation from the lithological logging of drill core and drill sample assay results. For the magnetite skarn zones, which are by definition reasonably well mineralised with magnetite iron, the lithological logging has driven the interpretation. Other lithological units in the system are not necessarily mineralised to potentially economic levels throughout their full extents. These zones have been modelled using a nominal lower cut-off grade combination of 0.3g/t Au and 0.3% Cu in concert with the lithological logging to generate mineralised lithological domains.
The Mineral Resource block model consists of 30 mineralisation lenses grouped into 15 mineralised lithological domain zones of Cu-Au-Fe mineralisation, based on lens lithology type. There are 8 mineralised lithological domain zones in the South Mineralised Zone and 7 in the North Mineralised Zone. The mineralised lithological domain zones were used as hard boundaries to select sample populations for data analysis and grade estimation, with soft boundaries between the lenses within each domain zone.
Sample data was composited to 1m downhole lengths based on sample length frequency. Statistical analysis was undertaken on all mineralised zones and high grade cuts were applied based on a review of the histograms, probability plots and basic statistics.
Grade estimation was undertaken using a combination of ordinary kriging ("OK") and inverse distance squared ("IDS") depending on the available number of samples within the individual mineralised wireframes. Search ellipsoids were oriented to reflect mineralisation continuity directions identified from sample data analysis.
Block model definition parameters were reviewed with the primary block size of 20m E-W by 20m N-S by 4m vertical and sub-blocking to 2.5m by 2.5m by 0.5m.
Cut-off Grades
Cut-off grades for reporting the Mineral Resource are 0.3g/t Au, in line with recommendations from RTG based on preliminary optimisation studies.
Mining and Metallurgical Methods and Parameters
It has been assumed that the Mabilo Mineral Resource, if mined, will be developed using open pit mining methods. No assumptions have been made to date regarding minimum mining widths or dilution.
Extensive metallurgical testwork is ongoing and the various styles of mineralisation which make up the Mabilo Mineral Resource have been domained according to their mineralogical and geological characteristics.
Classification Criteria
Classification of the Mineral Resource estimate was carried out taking into account the geological understanding of the deposit, quality of the samples, density of data and drill hole spacing.
QUALIFIED PERSON AND COMPETENT PERSON STATEMENT
The information in this release that relates to exploration results at the Mabilo Project is based upon information prepared by or under the supervision of Robert Ayres BSc (Hons), who is a Qualified Person and a Competent Person. Mr Ayres is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and a full-time employee of Mt Labo Exploration and Development Company, a Philippine mining company, an associate company of RTG Mining Limited. Mr Ayres has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" and to qualify as a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Ayres has verified the data disclosed in this release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information contained in the release. Mr. Ayres consents to the inclusion in the release of the matters based on his information in the form and the context in which it appears.
The information in this release that relates to Mineral Resources is based on information prepared by or under the supervision of Mr Aaron Green, who is a Qualified Person and Competent Person. Mr Green is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and is employed by CSA Global Pty Ltd, an independent consulting company. Mr Green has sufficient experience that 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 of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" and to qualify as a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Green has verified the data disclosed in this release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information contained in the release. Mr Green consents to the inclusion in the release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
ABOUT RTG MINING INC
RTG Mining Inc. is a mining and exploration company listed on the main board of the Toronto Stock Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange Limited. RTG is focused on developing the high grade copper/gold/magnetite Mabilo Project and advancing exploration on the highly prospective Bunawan Project, both in the Philippines, while also identifying major new projects which will allow the Company to move quickly and safely to production.
RTG has an experienced management team (previously responsible for the development of the Masbate Gold Mine in the Philippines through CGA Mining Limited), and has B2Gold as one of its major shareholders in the Company. B2Gold is a member of both the S&P/TSX Global Gold and Global Mining Indices.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This announcement includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates and related assumptions and inherent operating risks, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from RTG's expectations include uncertainties related to fluctuations in gold and other commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs, recovery rates, production estimates and estimated economic return; the need for cooperation of government agencies in the development of RTG's mineral projects; the need to obtain additional financing to develop RTG's mineral projects; the possibility of delay in development programs or in construction projects and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones for RTG's mineral projects and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in RTG's Annual Information Form for the year ended 31 December 2013 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR website at sedar.com.
Appendix 1: Location of Infill Drill Holes Previously Not Reported
HOLE ID | Location | DGPS Coordinates (UTM WGS84) |
Orientation True Nth |
Depth | ||||
Prospect | East | North | RL | Dip | Azi | E.O.H (m) | ||
MDH-72 | South A | Resource | 476044 | 1559846 | 110 | -74 | 50 | 275.30 |
MDH-74 | South A | Resource | 476067 | 1559976 | 108 | -60 | 50 | 114.80 |
MDH-75 | South B | Resource | 476050 | 1559745 | 112 | -65 | 50 | 303.70 |
MDH-76 | South A | Resource | 476068 | 1559974 | 108 | -60 | 90 | 83.00 |
MDH-77 | South B | Resource | 476047 | 1559850 | 110 | -45 | 50 | 139.60 |
MDH-78 | South A | Resource | 476066 | 1559978 | 108 | -60 | 185 | 261.80 |
MDH-79* | South A | Resource | 475998 | 1559846 | 116 | -60 | 50 | 140.10 |
MDH-80 | South A | Resource | 476074 | 1559716 | 113 | -65 | 50 | 304.00 |
MDH-81 | South A | Resource | 476082 | 1559930 | 109 | -65 | 50 | 174.40 |
*MDH-79 abandoned early without reaching target depth All collars were surveyed using a differential global positioning system ("DGPS") to centimetre accuracy The model includes all drill holes over the North and South parts of the system up to and including MDH-081. Drilling to date continues to validate the Company's confidence that the system will continue to extend and average grade will increase. Drilling is currently ongoing and continues to target infilling and extensions along strike and down dip. |
Appendix 2: JORC Code 2012 Edition Table 1
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data | |||
Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary | |
Sampling techniques |
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Drilling techniques |
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Drill sample recovery |
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Logging |
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Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation |
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Quality of assay data and laboratory tests |
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Verification of sampling and assaying |
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Location of data points |
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Data spacing and distribution |
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Orientation of data in relation to geological structure |
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Sample security |
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Audits or reviews |
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Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results | |||
Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary | |
Mineral tenement and land tenure status |
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Exploration done by other parties |
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Geology |
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Drill hole Information |
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Data aggregation methods |
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Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths |
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Diagrams |
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Balanced reporting |
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Other substantive exploration data |
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Further work |
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Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources | |||
Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary | |
Database integrity |
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Site visits |
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Geological interpretation |
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Dimensions |
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Estimation and modelling techniques |
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Moisture |
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Cut-off parameters |
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Mining factors or assumptions |
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Metallurgical factors or assumptions |
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Environmental factors or assumptions |
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Bulk density |
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Classification |
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Audits or reviews |
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Discussion of relative accuracy/ confidence |
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Image with caption: "Figure 1 - Schematic Long Section Showing Layering of Main Oxide Zones (CNW Group/RTG Mining Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141124_C9896_PHOTO_EN_43254.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 2 - Mabilo Deposit - Location Plan (CNW Group/RTG Mining Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141124_C9896_PHOTO_EN_43255.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 3 - Block Model Long Sections Showing Distribution of Copper and Gold Grades (CNW Group/RTG Mining Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141124_C9896_PHOTO_EN_43256.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 4 - Mabilo Deposit - Drill Hole Collar Plan and Resource Wireframes (Oblique View) (CNW Group/RTG Mining Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141124_C9896_PHOTO_EN_43257.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 5 - Typical Geological Cross Section in Southern Mineralised Zone (CNW Group/RTG Mining Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141124_C9896_PHOTO_EN_43258.jpg
SOURCE: RTG Mining Inc.
ENQUIRIES
Australian Contact
President & CEO - Justine Magee
Tel: +61 8 6489 2900
Fax: +61 8 6489 2920
Email: [email protected]
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