2012 04 30 Quarterly Activities Report - Mar Qtr 2012 - Final · 2012. 4. 29. · Altura Mining...
Transcript of 2012 04 30 Quarterly Activities Report - Mar Qtr 2012 - Final · 2012. 4. 29. · Altura Mining...
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30 April 2012
QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT March 2012
Highlights Coal Three new mining permits (IUPs) acquired as part of Altura’s strategy of gaining access
to further coal resources through joint ventures with well established Indonesian partners.
Combined Tabalong tenements to cover 17,000 hectares of high value coal targets after completion of acquisition.
Process underway to obtain the Forestry Land Use Permit, approval is required for mining to commence.
Tabalong Coal Project targeting production in 2012. Iron Ore Final resource definition drilling completed during the quarter. Mt Webber mining development planned for 2013 (subject to approvals). Initial capital estimates released for the Mt Webber DSO Project.
Lithium Diamond core program completed and detailed metallurgical testing underway. Resource definition program commenced and to continue through Q2 2012. Total Pilgangoora Mineral Resource estimate of 13.29 million tonnes of mineralised
spodumene pegmatites at 1.21% Li2O. Contained lithium oxide (Li2O) to date of 161,000 tonnes.
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Altura Mining Limited – Quarterly Activities Report March 2012
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COAL TABALONG (South Kalimantan – Indonesia) Thermal Coal (70% AJM) Altura’s strategy for the development of the Tabalong Coal Project has focussed on expanding its coal holdings in the Tabalong region and gaining access to further coal resources through a joint venture with a well established Indonesian partner. Two key milestones for this strategy have recently been achieved: An agreement to acquire a neighbouring IUP (Mining Permit) from a well respected Indonesian
business entity, PT Unitras Jaya Investama (UJI) has been entered into (see ASX release on 27 March 2012).
An agreement in principle with another party to acquire a further two nearby IUPs, subject to
the successful completion of due diligence (see ASX release on 23 April 2012). First Transaction This new IUP is located approximately 15 kilometres east of the main Tabalong Project, and comprises 3,250 hectares of highly prospective coal ground. The IUP is approved for Operation Production for a period of 20 years from 31 December 2009 with a further 10 year extension option. Forestry Permits have been lodged and are currently following the approval process. Upon completion of this transaction Altura will hold 70% of the Tabalong Coal Project, with UJI holding the remaining 30%. Each partner will be required to fund their respective share of the coal mine development. This IUP, PT Suryaraya Pusaka (SP), together with the existing PT Suryaraya Permata Khatulistiwa (SPK) and PT Suryaraya Cahaya Cemerlang (SCC) tenements (see Figure 1) has increased the total holdings from 4,411 hectares to 7,661 hectares. The geological setting of SP is similar to SPK and SCC and is located in the Tanjung Formation which is noted for its higher energy thermal and metallurgical coals. Exploration to date in SP consists of approximately 45 shallow drillholes concentrated in the south‐eastern section of the tenement. The shallow drilling has been conducted in a 500 hectare section of the IUP with the remaining 85% of the IUP relatively unexplored. Drilling to date has located several coal seams however there are no JORC compliant resources calculated as yet. Second Transaction Altura has entered into an agreement to acquire a further two (2) IUPs located near the existing Tabalong Coal Project JV IUPs. The parties have an agreement in principle and will enter into a formal Shareholders Agreement upon successful completion of the due diligence process. The transaction will permit the Altura controlled Tabalong Coal Project JV (70% Altura) to acquire 80% of each project with the vendors to retain the remaining 20%.
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On completion of the acquisition of these two new coal projects, the expanded Tabalong Coal Project JV will comprise five (5) IUPs. The strategic acquisition will complement the Tabalong Coal Project JV, and more than doubles the area under tenement to some 17,000 hectares of high value coal targets.
Figure 1 – Tabalong Coal Project Tenement Plan (Current and First Transaction) Project Development In addition to the acquisitions, Altura has continued the process to obtain the Forestry Land Use Permits (Pinjam Pakai) for the SPK and SCC tenements. This is the last key approval required to allow coal mining to proceed. During the quarter the Governors Recommendations for these tenements were received, which has allowed the formal Pinjam Pakai process with the Ministry of Forestry to progress. Further exploration is planned for previously unexplored areas of the Tagalong tenements upon receipt of further forestry approvals (exploration). Activities during the quarter were limited to field mapping and observations until the Forestry Permits are in hand. During the quarter mapping and sampling has been conducted as part of the evaluation of the new tenements to be acquired under the Tabalong Coal Project JV. Results are pending and will be available for release upon completion of the Shareholders Agreement and final due diligence.
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Altura Mining Limited – Quarterly Activities Report March 2012
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The expanded Tabalong Coal Project is planned to commence coal production in the first of the Tabalong IUPs in 2012 (subject to statutory approvals). The Project has a revised initial production target of 500,000tpa (tonnes per annum) of premium grade thermal coal with a longer term plan to ramp up to 1,500,000tpa. The planned operation will consist of a surface mined and simply beneficiated product delivered to an off‐take point on the Barito River located approximately 100 kilometres to the west of the mine site. The overall Tabalong production concept is based on coal production from several different mining locations to a central receiving facility. Coal will then be transported west by road to an offload point on the Barito River. Altura is currently negotiating with the operators of a shared port and stockpile facility on the Barito River. Upon successful completion of these negotiations coal will be transported some 50 kilometres from the mine site to a central receiving facility for crushing and loading to the port. The concept has considerable advantages for Altura in reduction of capital expenditure and accelerated start up timeframe. About the Tabalong Coal Project The Tabalong Coal Project consists of three (3) Mining Licences (IUPs) and an agreement in principle signed to acquire an additional two (2) IUPs in the province of South Kalimantan on the island of Borneo (see Figure 1). Currently three (3) IUPs are granted for Operation Production and Altura is seeking the necessary Forestry Land Use approvals to allow mining to proceed. The additional two (2) IUPs are granted for Exploration with Altura planning to fast track Operation Production approval upon completion of the exploration phase. About Thermal Coal Thermal coal forms the backbone of worldwide energy supplies with Indonesia now the world’s largest exporter of thermal coal products. Recent innovations in coal beneficiation and clean coal technology point toward a strong future for coal to remain a reliable energy generation commodity.
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Altura Mining Limited – Quarterly Activities Report March 2012
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IRON ORE MT WEBBER (Pilbara – Western Australia) 30% Altura Mining Limited, 70% Atlas Iron Limited Resource Definition Drilling Drilling at Mt Webber resumed in late February, slightly behind schedule as a result of ongoing seasonal weather activity. During the quarter fifty (50) Reverse Circulation (RC) holes were drilled for 3,468 metres within the Ibanez deposit (see Figure 2), completing final definition drilling within the main area of the deposit and closing off strike extents on the northeast limb. The main focus of this drilling was aimed at upgrading all Mineral Resources to a minimum of Indicated category and subsequent conversion to Ore Reserves. The majority of assays from this drilling are still being processed and are expected to be reported in Q2 2012. Atlas has scheduled a global Resource and Reserve upgrade in July 2012, and Altura has requested a separate upgrade of the Mt Webber joint venture Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves prior to the global release. Final estimates of the expected mineable ore from Mt Webber will be required to assist Altura with the decision to proceed to mine. Assay results have been received for reconnaissance exploration drilling completed on the MW8 deposit on E45/2312 (located south‐west of the main Mt Webber deposit). Although small pockets of iron enrichment were discovered the results did not display potential for future mineral resources at this location. As at the time of writing all planned exploration and resource definition drilling has been completed within the Mt Webber joint venture tenements. Project Development During the quarter the managing partner (Atlas) continued assessment of infrastructure options for mine access, plant layouts and haulage routes. Atlas plans to expand its Northern Pilbara Projects’ production to 12Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) export rate during the course of the 2013 financial year. On 26 April 2012 (subsequent to the end of the quarter) Altura and Atlas held its scheduled Joint Venture meeting in Perth where Atlas detailed its current development plan for Mt Webber. The development of Mt Webber forms the basis for Atlas’ proposed “Phase B” plan to increase their overall production to 12 Mtpa export rate. It should be noted that Atlas has acquired the joint venture interests of Haoma Mining on the Daltons JV and now refers to the combined Mt Webber / Daltons projects as a single Mt Webber DSO Project. The Phase B mine development is based on mining 6 Mtpa of ore from Mt Webber and feeding into the total estimated production of 12 Mtpa rate by the end of 2013. Mt Webber will then become the major feed mine into the Phase B development. Atlas disclosed the capital estimates on 27 April 2012 for the Phase B development (refer ASX release 27 April). The indicative total capital expenditure estimate for the Mt Webber DSO Project is $250 million; however Altura is yet to receive the detailed breakdown of the estimate and determine the capital expenditure commitment of Altura.
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Joint Operations Agreement In order for the Mt Webber project to proceed to a decision to mine (which is required to be unanimous), both Altura and Atlas need to settle the terms of the Joint Operations Agreement (JOA) covering the mining and commercial aspects of the development. Altura and Atlas agreed in principle to the framework of the JOA in late 2010, however the draft agreement has yet to be received by Altura. The key point of the JOA is based on a “mine gate” sale from Altura to Atlas whereby Atlas will take possession and control of 100% of Mt Webber mined product. Altura’s revenue stream will be based on a pricing average for the DSO product (FOB Port Hedland) less direct expenses (mining, crushing, hauling, stockpiling, loading) with an additional infrastructure utilisation fee to provide Atlas with a return on their infrastructure investment (roads, plant and port facilities). Altura’s component of capital expenditure is to be confined to the Altura mining tenement only, with the infrastructure utilisation fee providing for use of other capital investment to move the DSO material from the mine to the port. The JOA concept provides advantages to both parties in providing Altura with a point of sale for its share of the ore, and Atlas with total control of the DSO product for stockpiling, blending, loading and sales. The Company hopes the JOA terms will be agreed as soon as possible given the revised construction commencement target of January 2013. About Mt Webber The Mt Webber Iron Ore Project is located 150 kilometres south‐southeast of Port Hedland in the world’s premier iron ore province, the Pilbara (see Figure 3). Altura has a 30% interest in the Mt Webber Iron Ore DSO project (and five other Pilbara tenements that form part of the joint venture agreement) in the Pilbara. Atlas Iron is Altura’s joint venture partner for this project. Under the terms of the agreement, Altura remains the owner of the Mt Webber and other tenements, totalling 333 square kilometres.
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Figure 2 – Reserve, Resource and Prospect Location, Mt Webber DSO Project
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LITHIUM PILGANGOORA (Western Australia) Lithium, Tantalum (100% AJM) Drilling at the Pilgangoora Lithium Project resumed in February following the Christmas break and an extended period of rain during January following a cyclone. Field activities were also impacted by the weather in early March. Drilling Program The drilling program to date has identified five (5) mineralised pegmatite zones, namely C1, E1, N1, S1 and W1. All of the zones have been shown to be highly prospective, apart from W1 which is weakly mineralised (see Figure 3). Drilling has been focussed on finalising a diamond core program for Quality Assurance and Quality Control purposes followed by a further extensive RC program aimed at increasing the existing Mineral Resources. The three (3) hole diamond drilling program has been completed, with the pegmatite intersections cut and sampled for assaying and submitted for analysis. Altura has continued to use its own Maxdrill 2000 drill rig and in‐house crew to undertake this drilling work. In addition to the diamond drilling, a total of 10 RC drill holes were completed for a total of 1,252 metres. Altura will continue with the RC drilling program during the June quarter, and it is anticipated that a further 35 to 40 drill holes will be completed. Exploration Target Altura continues to maintain its exploration target of 18 to 25 million tonnes @ 1.3 to 1.6% Li2O. Table 3 sets out the respective ranges of tonnes and grades for the Pilgangoora exploration targets for Areas C1, E1, N1 and S1.
Table 3 – Pilgangoora Lithium Exploration Targets
Lithium Target Area Tonnes (Mt)
Li Grade % Li2O
Area C1 5 – 7 1.3 – 1.5 Area E1 4 – 5 1.3 – 1.5 Area N1 4 – 5 1.3 – 1.5 Area S1 5 – 8 1.4 – 1.6 TOTAL 18 – 25 1.3 – 1.6
Note: The potential quantities and grades are conceptual in nature and there has been
insufficient exploration to date to define a Mineral Resource. It is not certain that further exploration will result in the determination of a Mineral Resource.
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Figure 3 – Pegmatite Target Areas and Drill Hole Locations
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Resource Estimate Altura has a current Pilgangoora Mineral Resource estimate of 13.29 million tonnes of mineralised spodumene pegmatites at 1.21% Li2O (see Table 4 below).
Table 4 – Pilgangoora Lithium Resource Estimate
# based on 0.3% Li2O cut‐off and depth limit of 100 metres About Lithium Lithium (Li) is recovered from the mineral spodumene and lithium‐rich brines. It is used in a range of products such as ceramics, glass, batteries and pharmaceuticals. Lithium use has expanded significantly in recent years due to increasing use in rechargeable batteries in portable electronic devices and in batteries and electric motors for hybrid and electric cars.
Pilgangoora Li2O Resource – November 2011 Zone Resource Tonnes Li2O % Li2O tonnes
C1 Area Indicated 2,960,000 1.24 36,525 Inferred 760,000 1.40 10,655
E1 Area Indicated 2,130,000 1.33 28,473 Inferred 1,260,000 1.29 16,223
N1 Area Indicated 1,830,000 1.15 21,139 Inferred 1,600,000 1.17 18,767
S1 Area Indicated ‐ ‐ ‐ Inferred 2,750,000 1.06 29,149
Subtotal Indicated 6,920,000 1.24 86,138 Inferred 6,370,000 1.17 74,214
Total All Resources 13,290,000 1.21 160,352
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About Altura Mining Limited (ASX:AJM) “Aggressively building independently sustainable businesses that deliver profitability, liquidity and growth in coal, iron ore and non‐ferrous mining and exploration” – The Altura Vision
Altura is a multi‐faceted miner with significant coal, iron ore and lithium projects in Indonesia and Australia, a diverse minerals exploration portfolio, and a profitable mining services business that delivers drilling, geophysical and project development services. With experienced leadership and a strong and supportive shareholder base, Altura’s success is further underpinned by its solid suite of exploration and development projects. The Company’s main focus is coal and its key project, Tabalong Coal in Indonesia, is in the final stages of approvals before mining commences. Key Projects and Prospects: Coal: Tabalong Coal Project ‐ South Kalimantan, Indonesia – final approvals in process. Iron Ore: Mt Webber DSO Joint Venture (30% Altura). Lithium: Pilgangoora Project WA, Finniss Range Prospect NT – pre‐feasibility. Garnet: Balline Mineral Sands Project WA. Uranium: Mt Shoobridge NT, exploration stage with key uranium targets in Hayes Creek region. Base/Precious Metals: Mt Shoobridge NT, lead, copper, zinc, gold and silver prospect at exploration
stage.
COMPETENT PERSONS STATEMENT Pilgangoora (WA) The information in this report that relates to the Pilgangoora exploration results is based on information compiled by Mr Bryan Bourke, who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and a full‐time employee of Altura Mining Limited. Bryan Bourke has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity he is undertaking, to qualify as a Competent Person in terms of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code 2004 Edition). Bryan Bourke consents to the inclusion of such information in this Report in the form and context in which it appears.
For further information, please contact:
James Brown, Managing Director Ph: + 61 7 3814 6900
Paul Mantell, Executive Director Ph: + 61 7 3814 6900
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