Mineral Resource Estimate Report for Pacific Nickel ... · INERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE REPORT FOR...

September 2014

ROGEL A. SANTOS, PhD Geochemist/Economic Geologist

Geologist – PRC No. 1022 Competent Person – CP No. 12-10-12

Mineral Resource Estimate Report of the Islands of Nonoc, Awasan, and Hanigad

and Part of South Dinagat for Pacific Nickel Philippines Inc. (PNPI)

MPSA No. 072-1997-XIII

Provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands

INERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE REPORT FOR PACIFIC NICKEL PHILIPPINES

INCORPORATED (PNPI) September 2014

Competent Person Report | RASantos 2

CERTIFICATE AND CONSENT OF THE COMPETENT PERSON

I, Rogel A. Santos, B.S. Geo, M.S. and Ph.D. Geochemistry and Economic Geology; post-

PhD in Environmental Geochemistry, hereby certify that:

I am a Registered Professional Geologist under the Philippine Professional Regulatory

Commission (PRC) with license number PRC-1022 and am an active member of the

Geological Society of the Philippines since 1985;

I am a Competent Person (CP) under the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code (PMRC) system

with CP number - 12-10-12 and recently elected as Secretary of the Competent Person

Accreditation Committee (CPAC);

I am continuously practicing my profession for more than 25 years and my expertise is further

supplemented by my graduate degrees, Master of Science, Doctor of Science, and post-

Doctoral Fellowship, at the University of Tokyo after having my Bachelor of Science degree

in Mapua Institute of Technology;

For the purposes of this Technical Report I serve as a Competent Person as defined in the

PMRC with business address at 106 Cotabato St., Bago Bantay, Quezon City, Phillipines

and email address and mobile number – [email protected]; +639399155580;

I am responsible for the preparation of the entirety of this report though geostatistical runs of

analytical data are on a contracted basis with my full supervision. I have based the

geological observations mainly from my routine visits to the property being the Project

Manager for the PNPI nickel exploration project contract since April of 2014 and throughout

the preparation of this report. The contents and substance of this report have been peer

reviewed by a fellow Competent Person under the PMRC.

To this date, to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, this PMRC-Compliant

Report contains all the scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to

make this Technical Report not misleading;

I consent for the public filing of this Technical Report for stock exchange purposes, business

publication, or as part of the requirements by any regulatory authority.

Dated this 30 September 2014 at Quezon City, Philippines.

Rogel A. Santos, PhD

Professional Geologist and Competent Person

mailto:[email protected]




EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This technical report discloses the mineral resource estimate of a part of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of the Pacific Nickel Philippines Incorporated (PNPI) denominated as MPSA 072-1997-XIII. This work made use of all the historical data for test pitting, auger drilling, and mechanized drilling since the inception of the areas in consideration as part of the Surigao Mineral District sometime in 1939. Bulk of the data were generated through the series of exploration and geological studies initiated by the Philippine Bureau of Mines (PBM), the present Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) between the years 1953 to 1958. Succeeding activities were conducted by Marinduque Mining and Industrial Corporation (MMIC) which later initiated the mining and the nickel processing plant operation from 1977 to 1986. The nickel resources herein declared include only that portion of the saprolite layer which was drilled during the previous exploration works. The present exploratory drilling programme is intended to cover the entire laterite section portion – from the top limonite horizon through the saprolite profile until bedrock. The whole MPSA has an aggregate area of 23,877 hectares which covers almost a third of the mainland Dinagat Island (17,729 hectares) and the three adjacent islands in the south namely Nonoc (4,265.5 hectares), Hanigad (976 hectares), and Awasan (916 hectares). The latter islands and the South Dinagat peninsula (4,816 hectares) were the areas considered in this report. The database covers 35,214 drill holes and test pits location and an enormous amount of analytical assays at 256,950 mainly for the elements Ni and Fe and to a minor extent for Co, Mg, and Si. The database was built–up and compiled to a much later date by Minproc (1998) and its subsidiary, Vantage Mining Group (1996), for the purpose of reviving the mine and plant operation as commissioned by PNPI. The mineral resource estimation of the historical data yields the following results:

For Nonoc Island and adjacent areas of South Dinagat peninsula, Hanigad and Awasan Islands at 0.70%Ni cut-off for Measured Resource for all matrices yield a total resource of 143M Mt at 1.25%Ni average grade and iron contents averaging at 35%Fe:

AREA CATEGORY Cut-off %Ni Volume Resource Ni Wt% Fe wt %

Nonoc Area 1 measured 0.7 11,512,600 11,374,528 1.26 39.73


Gaboc Area measured 0.7 1,807,200 1,959,177 1.10 28.70

Nonoc Areas 3 & 4 measured 0.7 20,856,000 24,271,373 1.30 34.65


Nonoc Sub-TOTAL

0.7 88,392,994 108,446,472 1.27 36.77




For Indicated Resource at 0.70% cut-off the total resource yields 92M Mt with 1.23% Ni average grade and an average iron contents of 33%Fe broken down as follows:

The combined resources (measured and indicated) of all the areas in consideration are at 235M Mt at an average of 1.25%Ni and the Fe average at 35%.

The overall resource at a similar cut-off of 0.70%Ni yields 314M Mt at a weighted average grade of 0.95%Ni, thus, the inferred resource is at 79M Mt. The latter resource may progress to indicated or measured category upon further exploration.


South Dinagat measured 0.7 24,602,700 30,487,065 1.45 34.72

Hanigad Island measured 0.7 1,137,500 1,218,674 1.09 32.95

Awasan Island measured 0.7 2,311,500 3,058,205 1.18 35.87

Islands Sub-TOTAL 0.7 28,051,700 34,763,944 1.24 34.51

Grand TOTAL 116,444,694 143,210,416 1.25 35.64


Nonoc Area 1 indicated 0.7 3,987,200 4,432,616 1.17 32.68


Gaboc Area indicated 0.7 3,023,700 2,769,141 1.09 26.73

Nonoc Areas 3 & 4 indicated 0.7 5,786,200 6,525,154 1.13 34.63


Nonoc Sub-TOTAL

0.7 49,393,598 55,221,010 1.21 32.74


South Dinagat indicated 0.7 25,297,100 28,218,422 1.41 35.21

Hanigad Island indicated 0.7 3,077,000 1,967,376 1.15 26.65

Awasan Island indicated 0.7 5,119,900 6,708,704 1.20 32.22

Islands Sub-TOTAL Resource 0.7 33,494,000 36,894,502 1.26 31.36

Grand TOTAL 82,887,598 92,115,512 1.23 32.05

AREA Cut-Off: %Ni Tonnes Grade: %Ni

Nonoc Island 0.70 193,481,124 0.97

South Dinagat 0.70 94,561,908 0.91

Hanigad 0.70 5,825,977 0.90

Awasan 0.70 20,647,930 0.95

Total Resource 0.70 314,516,939 0.95




TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY List of Tables ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 List of Figures --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

1.0 INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

1.1 Terms of Reference ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

1.2 Purpose and Compliance with PMRC ------------------------------------------------- 11

1.3 Data Verification and Field Visits ------------------------------------------------------- 11

2.0 RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS --------------------------------------------------------- 12

2.1 PNPI Technical Personnel --------------------------------------------------------------- 12

2.2 GIS Expert and Geostatistics Expert -------------------------------------------------- 12

3.0 DISCLAIMERS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

4.0 TENEMENT AND MINERAL RIGHTS ----------------------------------------------------- 14

4.1 Description and Location of Mineral Rights ------------------------------------------ 14

4.2 Brief History and Ownership of Mineral Rights -------------------------------------- 14

5.0 GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES ------------------------------------------------------------------ 18

5.1 Location and Accessibility ---------------------------------------------------------------- 18

5.2 Physiography, Climate, and Vegetation ---------------------------------------------- 18

5.3 Land Use and Infrastructures ----------------------------------------------------------- 23

5.4 Socio-Economic Environment ----------------------------------------------------------- 23

5.5 Environmental Features ------------------------------------------------------------------ 24

6.0 PREVIOUS WORKS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25

7.0 HISTORY OF PRODUCTION (internal data) --------------------------------------------

8.0 REGIONAL GEOLOGY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 26

8.1 Regional Geological Setting ------------------------------------------------------------- 26

8.1.1 The Dinagat Ophiolite Complex ------------------------------------------------ 26

8.1.2 The Metamorphic Basement ---------------------------------------------------- 29

8.1.3 The Sedimentary Formation ----------------------------------------------------- 29

8.2 Regional Structures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 29

8.3 Related Prospects and Other Deposits ----------------------------------------------- 34

9.0 MINERAL PROPERTY GEOLOGY --------------------------------------------------------- 34

9.1 Lithological Distribution and Related Formation ------------------------------------ 34




9.2 Local Structures ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36

10.0 MINERALIZATION IN THE MINERAL PROPERTY----------------------------------- 36

11.0 EXPLORATION HISTORY ------------------------------------------------------------------ 38

12.0 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES ----------------------------------------------------- 39

12.1 General Statement and Resources Summary -------------------------------------- 39

12.2 Database for Estimation: Validation and Integrity ---------------------------------- 40

12.3 Resource Estimation Parameters: Matrix Classification and

Bulk Density -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40

12.3.1 Nonoc Island Resources --------------------------------------------------------- 42

AREA 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

AREA 2 (includes AREA 3) -------------------------------------------------------- 46

Gaboc Area ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48

AREA 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52

AREA 5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56

12.3.2 South Dinagat Peninsula --------------------------------------------------------- 59

12.3.3 Hanigad Island ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 62

12.3.4 Awasan Island ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 65

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS ---------------------------------------------------- 68

RECOMMENDATIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

REFERENCES

APPENDICES (see adjoining volume)




LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1.1. Technical Description and corresponding bearings ` of PNPI tenement in Dinagat Island group -------------------------------- 15 Table 8.1.4. Starigraphic column showing the various formation ages of formation and the Dinagat Ophiolite Complex ------------------------ 31 Table 12.2.1. Summary of test pit and drill holes with corresponding accumulated number of analysis -------------------------------------------- 40 Table 12.2.2. Comparative bulk density determination conducted in-situ by PBM and MMIC -------------------------------------------------------------- 41 Table 12.2.3. Parameters used in the computation of resources: bulk density values (PBM) and iron ranges (MMC) -------------------------------------- 42 Table 12.3.1.1. The global resource (0% cut-off) for Mining Area 1. -------------------- 42 Table 12.3.2 Nonoc Island Mining Area 1 showing tonnages or various cut-off grades ---------------------------------------------------------- 43 Table 12.3.1.4. The global resource (0% Ni cut-off) for Mining Area 2 of Nonoc Island ------------------------------------------------------------------ 46 Table 12.3.1.5. Nonoc Island Mining Area 2 showing tonnages for

various cut-off grades of Ni -------------------------------------------------- 46

Table 12.3.1.6. The global resource (0% Ni cut-off) for Gaboc Area of Nonoc Island ------------------------------------------------------------------ 49 Table 12.3.1.7. Gaboc Area in noerthern Nonoc Island showing tonnages for various cut-off grades ------------------------------------------------------ 49 Table 12.3.1.8. The global resource (0% Ni cut-off) for Area 4 of Nonoc Island ------------------------------------------------------------------ 53 Table 12.3.1.9. Ni resources of Area using various cut-off grades ---------------------- 53 Table 12.3.1.10. The global resource (0% cut-off) for Area 5 of Nonoc Island. -------- 56 Table 12.3.1.11. Nickel resources at selected cut-off grades. ------------------------------ 56 Table 12.3.2.1. Tonnages based on Ni cut-off grades South Dinagat Island ----------------------------------------------------------- 59 Table 12.3.2.2. The global or overall Ni resource (i.e., at 0% Ni cut-off) --------------- 60 Table 12.3.3.1. Tonnages based on Ni cut-off grades to produce ores with various Ni grades in Hanigad Island ---------------- 62




Table 12.3.3.2. The overall Ni resource i.e., at 0% cut-off) of Hanigad Island ------- 63 Table 12.3.4.1. Cut-off grades for nickel in Awasan Island -------------------------------- 65 Table 12.3.4.2. The computed tonnages for every resource category in Awasan Island ---------------------------------------------------- 66 Table 13.1.1. Total nickel resource of Nonoc, Hanigad, Awasan islands and the South DInagat peninsula at 0.70% Ni cut-off.------------------ 68 Table 13.1.2 Total nickel resource for Nonoc Island at 0.70%Ni cut-off per matrix per resource category ------------------------------------------------- 70 Table 13.1.3. Total nickel resource for Hanigad, Awasan and South Dinagat peninsula at 0.70%Ni cut-off per matrix per resource category. ----- 71

LIST of FIGURES Figure 4.1.1 Area coverage of the PNPI MPSA which is draped over an area of 25,000 hectares. -------------------------------------------- 16 Figure 5.1.1. Location of study area with adjacent islands in northeastern Surigao region. ------------------------------------------------- 19 Figures 5.2.1. The topographic features of: (A) Nonoc Island and (B) South Dinagat peninsula. ------------------------------------------------- 20 Figure 5.2.2. A 3D satellite imagery of the island of Nonoc, Hanigad, and Awasan and that of South Dinagat peninsula. --------------------------- 20 Figure 5.2.3. Forest of “paguspus” and “maribujoc” in east of Lutawon north of Mining Area 4. --------------------------------------------------------- 21 Figure 5.2.4. The modified Corona Classification of Climates in the Philippines

showing the study as part of Type II climate system. ------------------- 22 Figure 5.3.1. Part of the Special Economic Zone within the island of Nonoc covering the nickel processing plant and the old tailings pond. ------ 23 Figure 5.5.1. The coastal mangrove forest between the islands of Nonoc and Hanigad and Awasan. ---------------------------------------------------- 24 Figure 8.1.1. Some of the basic tectonic features of the Philippine archipelago and the spatial relationships of the ophiolite complexes. -------------- 28 Figure 8.1.2. The comparative stratigraphies of Palawan Ophiolite Complex (POC)

relative to Dinagat Ophiolite Complex (DOC). ---------------------------- 30




Figure 8.1.3. Metasedimentary formation exposed along the western coastline of Nonoc Island. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31

Figure 8.2.1. Regional geology and structures of Dinagat Island group and part of Surigao del Norte. ------------------------------------------------ 31 Figure 8.2.2. Geology of the Dinagat Island group --------------------------------------- 33 Figure 9.1.1. Simplified geological map of the islands of Nonoc, Hanigad, Awasan, and the South Dinagat peninsula. ------------------------------ 35 Figure 9.1.2. Outcrops and floats representing the major rock formations --------- 35 Figure 12.3.1.1. The grades-tonnage curve for Mining Area 1 of Nonoc Island. ------ 44 Figure 12.3.1.2. Drill hole and test pit distribution map for the whole study area. ----- 44 Figure 12.3.1.3. Series of GEMCOM-GEMS generated figure showing the distribution of Ni grades and resource categories. ---------------------- 45 Figure 12.3.1.4. Drill hole and test pit distribution in Mining Area 2 &3 of Nonoc Island. --------------------------------------------------- 47 Figure 12.3.1.5. The grade-tonnage curve for Mining Area 2 & 3 of Nonoc Island --- 47 Figure 12.3.1.6. Series of GEMCOM-GEMS generated figures showing the distribution of Ni grades and resource categories ------------------ 48 Figure 12.3.1.7. The grade-tonnage curve for Gaboc Area of Nonoc Island. ---------- 50 Figure 12.1.1.8. Series of GEMCOM-GEMS generated figure showing the distribution of Ni grade and resource categories. ------------------- 51 Figure 12.3.1.9. Drill hole and test pit distribution of Gaboc area. ------------------------ 52 Figure 12.3.1.10. The grade-tonnage curve for Area 4 of Nonoc Island. ----------------- 54 Figure 12.3.1.11. Drill hole and test pit distribution in Mining Area 4 ---------------------- 54 Figure 12.3.1.12. Map series of Area 4 showing grade distribution of Ni per matrix per category ------------------------------------------------- 55 Figure 12.3.1.13. Drill hole and test pit distribution map for Area 5 ------------------------ 57 Figure 12.3.1.14. Grade –tonnage curve for mining Area 5. --------------------------------- 57 Figure 12.3.1.15. Map series of Area 5 showing grade distribution of Ni per matrix per category ------------------------------------------------- 58 Figure 12.3.2.1. Grade-tonnage curve for South Dinagat peninsula. -------------------- 59 Figure 12.3.2.2. Drill hole and test distribution map in South Dinagat peninsula. ----- 60




Figure 12.3.2.3. Series of GEMS generated maps showing the Ni grade distribution per matrix with resource category ---------------------------- 61 Figure 12.3.3.1. The grade-tonnage curve for Hanigad Island. ---------------------------- 62 Figure 12.3.3.2. Drill hole and test pit distribution map of Hanigad Island. ------------- 63 Figure 12.3.3.3. Series of maps showing the Ni grade distribution and resource category in limonite ------------------------------------------- 64 Figure 12.3.4.1. Grade-tonnage curve for Awasan Island. --------------------------------- 65 Figure 12.3.4.2. Drill holes and tes pit distribution map of Awasan Island -------------- 66 Figure 12.3.4.3. Series of GEMCOM-GEMS generated maps showing the Ni grade per matrix for Awasan Island. ------------------------------------ 67




1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1. Terms of Reference

This report was prepared pursuant to the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code and follows

the most recent recommended template for reporting of exploration results and mineral

resources of nickel laterite (Template 1D) to support the public disclosure of Pacific

Nickel Philippines, Inc. (PNPI) property which is being managed by Clariden Holdings

Incorporated and the latter as a subsidiary of Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc. (TF)

and in part as compliance to the requirements of regulatory authorities such as the Mines

and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The quality of information and estimates contained in this report is consistent with the

amount of effort exerted by the Competent Person based on i) available data at the time

of preparation; ii) the data supplied by PNPI; and iii) the assumptions and qualifications

set forth in this report.

1.2. Purpose and Compliance with PMRC

Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc (TF) being a publicly listed corporation requires

submission of resource estimates of its Nonoc Island and the adjacent islands of Awasan,

Hanigad, and that of South Dinagat peninsula lateritic nickel property which are under the

management of PNPI as part of the Registration Statement for Securities and Exchange

Commission. This technical report has been prepared as a commissioned work pursuant

to the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code or the PMRC.

1.3. Data Verification and Field Visits

The author has relied mainly on the information provided by the technical personnel of

PNPI based on previous technical reports and raw data supplied to PNPI by previous

exploration contractors. As of writing of this technical report the island of Nonoc is being

re-drilled in its entirety by MacroAsia Mining Corporation. The drilling campaign has been

programmed to hit the bottom of the laterite profile until bedrock. Some data and

geological interpretation from this recent drilling campaign were incorporated in this

report.




A detailed topographic survey was not conducted for the purpose of this report.

Topographic features were build- up based on collar elevation data of the drill holes and

test pits. Thus, on areas with high frequency of drill hole location the resulting topography

yields detailed features close to actual land morphology. To support the volume

calculation of the remaining resource of Nonoc Island and that of the laterite carapace of

the South Dinagat, Awasan, and Hanigad Islands which is a vital stage for the resource

evaluation the geomorphologic features in areas with few or relatively low frequency of

drill hole location were based on digitized contours of commercially available maps.

Site visits were conducted by the author on several occasions (January and September,

2013; February, 2014) in Nonoc Island and ocular observations on the adjacent islands of

Hanigad, Awasan, and the South Dinagat peninsula prior to formal commissioning of this

resource assessment. During the preparation of this report, the author is the Project

Manager of the exploration drilling services contract of MacroAsia Mining Corporation

(MMC) with PNPI, thus, being in the island of Nonoc most of the time since April 2014.

Throughout this time the preparer is directly coordinating with Mr. Edwin A. Rillon,

Geology and Exploration Manager of Clariden Holdings Inc. as representative of PNPI.

2. RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS

2.1. PNPI Technical Personnel

Mr. Edwin Rillon provided all the historical data on drilling and test pitting of the Nonoc

and adjacent islands of Awasan, Hanigad, and the South Dinagat peninsula. Engineer

Wendell Gador, Safety Engineer of PNPI, guided the author on initial visits to the island

covering the five (5) mining areas, the tailings pond, and a tour of the abandoned nickel

processing plant.

2.2 GIS Expert and Geostatistics Expert

Maps and sections preparation was through a contracted work. Maps were drawn and

re-drawn until they meet the quality apt for this report and strictly follow the standard

format of a map presentation. Aerial photos were excerpts from free wares of Google

Earth. Along with this contracted maps are 3D terrain models based on digitized maps




available commercially in National Mapping and Resources Information Authority

(NAMRIA) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Geostatistical runs using licensed GEMS software were also on a contracted service but

under the full supervision of the undersigned CP. Several iterations were undertaken due

to the enormity of the data sets generated by several workers in past years that utilized

varying geographical references that if uncorrected and unchecked will result to

numerous overlaps and mislocated points such as along beaches or in adjacent open

seas. As such the GIS expert in coordination with the GEMS technician and the

undersigned CP have to work repeatedly on several occasions in order to arrive at a

consensus on the most possible distribution of test pits and drill holes that will constitute a

unified and robust data base.

3. DISCLAIMERS

This commissioned technical report preparation focuses mainly on the historical resource

assessment and the remaining resources for lateritic nickel of the PNPI property which

covers the islands of Nonoc, Awasan, Hanigad, and the South Dinagat peninsula. The

database does not indicate the contractor/worker responsible for the data collection nor

the period the data was taken. Duplicate samples nor other check samples such as

internal standards and even blank samples are neither indicated in the database nor

submitted as separate lists. For conservatism, it is assumed that during the past drilling

and test pitting periods such quality assurance/quality control measures during sample

collection were not practiced in the absence of any evidence for such. The database is

also not accompanied by sample log sheets nor pictures as documentation of the

physical characteristics of the laterite profile. Since the last known drilling entity made

use of NQ-size rod it is assumed that the rest of the drilling data are of the same core

sizes. The integration of the various batches of data bases do include estimates of the

resulting resources of nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) which are the only economic contained

metals considered during those periods. The resulting data base is a combination of test

pits and drill hole data. However there is no indication as to which data sets belong to

such categories. For the purpose of this resource assessment the whole data set is

treated to represent drill hole data at a uniform core size of NQ (65mm diameter).




Topograhic survey dedicated for this commissioned work was not undertaken. Since

volume calculation is inevitable in the resource calculation surface morphology and

elevation were based mainly on the collar elevation of each drill hole/test pit. As stated

earlier in areas where the drill holes are of high frequency of occurrence the resulting

topography assumes the actual surface morphology of the area. In areas of sparse drill

hole data digitized contour of the area based on commercial maps is used to supplement

the scant data to avoid as much as possible built-up of trapezoid which the software

assumes by connecting adjacent drill holes. Thus, reliability of the resulting resource

estimation in such areas is diminished. The last known topographic survey in the area

was conducted in 2012 by Shuley Mines Incorporated (SMI) which was the last contract

operator in the mine. Their survey covers only the parcels SMI operated which are Mine

Areas 2 and 3.

This report also assumes that the analytical results fall within the 90% mark of true value

since it is not possible to conduct quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC)

assessment in the absence of known sets of check samples within the submitted

database.

This technical report has been prepared for PNPI by the undersigned Competent Person

(CP) based on aforementioned assumptions discussed throughout the text of this

document. The undersigned CP is not in a position to, and does not, verify the accuracy

of, or adopt as its own, the information and data supplied to him.

4.0 TENEMENT AND MINERAL RIGHTS

4.1 Descriptions and Location of Mineral Rights

The islands of Nonoc, Hanigad, and Awasan are all within the jurisdiction of the City of

Surigao, Province of Surigao del Norte. The island of Nonoc covers within its jurisdiction

Barangays Nonoc, the namesake of the island at the southwestern tip, Talisay at mid-

south, and Cantiasay, west of the island. The whole island measures 4,265 hectares

and forms part of the 23,877-hectare Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of

the PNPI (Fig. 4.1.1) formerly Philnico Mining and Industrial Corporation (PMIC).




Hanigad Island covers 976 hectares while Awasan Island stretches for about 916

hectares. At the southern tip of Hanigad Island is the fishing community of Barangay San

Pedro. Barangay San Pedro is linked to Barangay Cantiasay of Nonoc Island by almost

a kilometer-long wooden foot bridge, a local attraction in which Barangay Cantiasay has

become famous for (see cover photo). Awasan Island is not populated. All the three

(3) islands are part of the aforementioned MPSA of PNPI (Table 4.1.1). Hanigad Island

covers 976 hectares

The South Dinagat parcel is the southernmost tip of the 17,720 hectares Dinagat Island

portion of the MPSA. South Dinagat parcel alone encloses an area of about 4,816

hectares almost equal the size of Nonoc Island.

Although adjacent to Cagdianao Municipality South Dinagat parcel has two barangays in

its perimeter, Barangay Mabini at the southern coast and close to the mouth of Gaboc

Channel and Barangay Tigbao, west of the peninsula along the mouth of a river.

The PNPI having been granted the MPSA is obliged to manage its exploration, mining,

and plant operations in the future in a technically, financially, socially, culturally, and

environmentally responsible system.

Corner ID Latitude Longitude Remarks/Bearing

Point No. 1 10⁰-04‟-51.76” 125⁰-41‟-26.60” Between boundary of Parcel II and III

Point No. 2 9⁰-51‟-57.89” 125⁰-42‟-01.06” Southwards from Pt. 1 along coast

Point No. 3 9⁰-53‟-07.87” 125⁰-38‟-28.56” Westwards from Pt.2 along coast

Point No.4 9⁰-56‟-25.61” 125⁰-37‟-36.86” Northwards from Pt. 3 along west coast

Point No.5 9⁰-59‟-19.75” 125⁰-37‟-36.86” 5,350 meters due N from Pt.4

Point No.6 9⁰-59‟-19.75” 125⁰-37‟-02.55” 1,045 meters due W of Pt.5

Point No.7 10⁰-06‟-24.69” 125⁰-37‟-02.55” 13,055 meters due N from Pt.6

Point No.8 10⁰-06‟-24.69” 125⁰-40‟-30.81” 6,345 meters due E from Pt.7

Point No.1 Following coastline southwards to close

Table 4.1.1. Technical description and corresponding bearings of PNPI tenement in Nonoc, Awasan, Hanigad islands and in South DInagat Peninsula.




Cagdianao

Bgy. Mabini

Bgy. Tigbao

SOUTH DINAGAT

PENINSULA

NONOC ISLAND

HANIGAD ISLAND

AWASAN ISLAND

Bgy. San Pedro

Bgy. Talisay

Bgy. Cantiasay

Bgy. Nonoc

Bgy. Talisay Bgy. Nonoc

Bgy. Cantiasay

Bgy. San Pedro NONOC ISLAND

HANIGAD ISLAND

AWASAN ISLAND

Figure 4.1.1. Area coverage of the PNPI MPSA which is draped over an area of 23,877 hectares. This technical report covers the three islands of Nonoc, Hanigad, and Awasan and the South Dinagat Peninsula. The populated centers within the area of coverage: red circle – for municipality and yellow circles- for barangays.




4.2 Mineral Rights History and Ownership

The economic potential of the laterites of the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao

del Norte was first recognized in 1912. The interest then is on the iron content (Fe) of the

material that it is then called ferruginous laterite (Santos-Ynigo and Esguerra, 1961). By

1914 the first Mineral Reservation of Surigao was proclaimed by the Commonwealth

Government but covers only a fraction of the eastern part of the present Surigao del

Norte. It was not until 1939 that the Mineral Reservation was extended to all the laterite-

bearing islands north of mainland Surigao which encompasses in part the study areas

covered by this technical report.

Marinduque Mining and Industrial Corporation (MMIC) in partnership with Sherritt

Gordon Mines took the first interest of developing the laterites of Nonoc Island in 1967

(Vantage Mining Group, 1998). MMIC further expanded the exploration which was

initiated then by the Philippine Bureau of Mines in this portion of the Mineral Reservation

sometime in 1953 until 1958. MMIC was granted an Operating Contract by the Philippine

government in July of 1968. In 1970, a feasibility study was conducted which yielded a

geological resource of 80.75 Mt with an average grade of 1.24 wt% Ni and 37.5% wt%

Fe at a cut-off grade of 0.9 wt%Ni for Nonoc Island. South Dinagat meanwhile bore 16.8

Mt with an average grade of 1.19% Ni and 39.3 %Fe for the same cut-off grade for Ni.

After this extensive study of the lateritic ores, subsequently mine development and plant

construction were undertaken. Production of nickel commenced in 1974 and continued

until 1986 when metal prices dropped making production operations unsustainable

resulting to its closure. Since then, the refinery and mine is on care and maintenance.

The mineral concession, now converted to an MPSA, has been kept and retained by the

management of PNPI. In recent years several operators were granted contracts for

mining in small parcels within Nonoc Island. The present MPSA, denominated as MPSA

No. 072-1997-XIII is valid until 6th August 2022.

To date, Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary, Clariden

Holdings Inc., purchased the property from the former management of PNPI and is at

present in the process of reassessing the remaining resources of the islands of Nonoc,

Hanigad, and Awasan and that of South Dinagat peninsula.




5.0 GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES

5.1 Location and Accessibility

Nonoc Island is situated at the southernmost end of mainland Dinagat Island wherein the

only separating body of water is the Gaboc Channel transecting generally east-west in a

sinuous manner. Commercial boats connects Surigao City to the island through

Barangays Nonoc and Talisay crossing a roughly fifteen (15) areal kilometers across

width of the channel known as the Hinatuan Passage in an east-northeast direction (Fig.

5.1.1). Surigao City is roughly 700 kilometers south-southeast of Manila and connected

by commercial airline routes and by passenger ships.

Hanigad Island is connected to Nonoc Island by a wooden footbridge transecting the

Cantiasay Bay (see cover photo). The bridge connects Barangay San Pedro of

Hanigad Island and Barangay Cantiasay on Nonoc Island side on the other end. Awasan

Island and South Dinagat Peninsula can be reached by light pump boats or motorized

bancas by crossing the Gaboc Channel from Nonoc Island.

5.2 Physiography, Climate, and Vegetation

Nonoc Island is generally hilly with elevations hardly exceeding 330 meters above sea

level. Peaks and ridges are generally sharp trending mostly towards north and

northeast. Prominent among the peaks is Mt. Conico having a central peak with steep

conical slopes (Fig. 5.2.1). Rolling areas and gentle slopes in between ridges within the

island are generally considered as prospective for nickeliferous laterite mineralization.

Major drainages flow north or south only.

On adjacent islands of Hanigad and Awasan sharp ridges paralleling the trend of the

island forms the backbone of each island with gentle slopes along sides tapering

towards the coast. Small streams drain from the ridge side towards the coast on varying

directions. Peaks and ridges in these islands hardly exceed 150 meters in elevation.

Low sharp ridges with almost uniform elevation may imply mature geomorphology which

have been uplifted and then again subsided on the latter stage of development. The




Figure 5.1.1. Location of study area (in red square) with the adjacent islands in northeastern Surigao region. Localities and islands with known nickel laterite prospects and mines (yellow circle with red rim).

Siargao Island

Bucas Grande

Island

Surigao City

Hinatuan Passage

Hinatuan Island

Taganito, Claver

Loreto

Basilisa

Cagdianao




N

Nonoc Island

South Dinagat

Figure 5.2.2. A 3D Satellite imagery of the islands of Nonoc, Hanigad, and Awasan and that of South DInagat peninsula showing the general topography of the island group, the configuration of the coastlines, and the extent of Gaboc Channel (after Google Earth, 2014).

Gaboc Channel

Hanigad Island

Awasan Island

A

B

Figure 5.2.1. The topographical features of: (A) Nonoc Island showing the dominant rolling topography (foreground) though partially mined in contrast with the prominent peak of “Cantiasay Hill”; (B) the general topographic features of South Dinagat peninsula having Mt. Gaboc at eastern part (right of the picture and partly cloud covered).




almost uniform width along the sinuous channel of Gaboc and irregular coastlines of

these islands are strong manifestations of the latter event (Fig. 5.2.2).

In contrast with the three aforementioned island, the South Dinagat Peninsula manifests

high ridges having Mt. Gaboc as the prominent peak at around 540 meters elevation

along its central ridge. The inner segment of the island is marked by these steep ridges

and generally rugged terrain. The topography can be attributed to possible play of faults

wherein the central segment may be a manifestation of a horst structure. Drainage is

generally radial with two major river systems on the eastern and western side of the

peninsula. The western river drains towards Barangay Tigbao and the other towards the

Pacific Ocean.

Having a carapace of nickeliferous laterites the islands of Nonoc, Hanigad, and Awasan

and that of South Dinagat Peninsula are sparsely vegetated. Such soil cover is deprived

of minerals essential for the growth of vegetation. Stunted growth of trees are

observable both in height and trunk diameter. Among the more prominent of these trees

are the small-leafed “paguspus”, the indigenous deep red variety of iron wood locally

called “mancuno” or “magcuno”, and sporadic occurrences of conifer known as

“maribujoc”. Various vines of rattan palm, ferns, and orchids on branches of larger trees

are notable throughout the study area. Pitcher plants and purple-flowered ground

orchids patch the lateritic grounds at mid-elevation (Fig.5.2.3).

Figure 5.2.3. Forest of „paguspus” and “maribujoc” in east of Lutawon north of Mining Area 4. Inset is a cluster of pitcher plant and purple ground orchid in the vicinity of Mining Area 1.




Where the bedrock changes to sedimentary or basalt, vegetal species, sizes, and

frequency abruptly changes. Such an occurrence is best observed along the western

half Nonoc Island at the vicinity of the abandoned nickel processing plant and the old

housing areas along the recently declared special economic zone.

Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands Provinces fall under the Type II climate based on

the modified Corona Classification of Climates in the Philippine. The region does not

manifest a distinct wet and dry seasons but frequency of precipitation is highest during

the months of October until March with peaks at around December to January. The

season coincides with the northeast monsoon. Coastal waters are rough with large tidal

swells (Fig. 5.2.4). The region is also with the typhoon belt of east Asia as shown inset

in Fig. 5.2.4 which is based on the typhoon track passing by the Philippines for the last

60 years.

Fig. 5.2.4. The modified

Corona Classification of

Climates in the Philippine

showing the study areas at

the southern extreme of the

Type II climate system. Note

also that Surigao del Norte

and Dinagat Island

provinces are within the

southern limit of the typhoon

belt of east Asia (inset).




Figure 5.3.1. Part of the Special Economic Zone within the island of Nonoc covering the nickel processing plant (background) and the old tailings pond (foreground).

5.3 Land Use and Infrastructures

Almost the entirety of Nonoc Island is meant for nickel mining. Major infrastructures at

the core of the island are intended for the production of nickel and associated metals.

Although the processing plant is no longer in production the whole zone has been

declared as a special economic zone (Fig. 5.3.1). The airstrip for light aircraft, some

settling ponds and the series of housing development for the staff of the past operation

are the infrastructures within the Nonoc Special Land Use. Population centers are along

coasts: Barangays Nonoc, Talisay, and Cantiasay.

In Hanigad Island, the only populated center is Barangay San Pedro on the southern tip

of the island. Awasan Island remains unpopulated while South Dinagat Peninsula has

Barangays Tigbao and Mabini as populated centers.

Although power lines have been built in these populated areas of Barangays Nonoc and

Hanigad electricity is yet to be produced relayed from the mainland Dinagat Island.

5.4 Socio-Economic Environment

From the period of extensive exploration, mine development, and processing plant

production, the working population of Nonoc, Hanigad, Awasan, and South Dinagat has

been greatly dependent on mining industry until the cessation of operation of the last

mining contractor on July of this year. During lulls in mining and exploration activities,

the people are dependent on the produce of the surrounding seas having the City of

Surigao as major market.




5.5 Environmental Features

The MPSA areas covered by this report are characterized by island ecosystem. The

terrestrial component consists of disturbed and undisturbed areas. The disturbed areas

are the mining parcels (designated as mining areas 1 to 5), and areas used for facilities

to support the mining operations such as stockpiles, tailings pond, water containment,

camps and access roads. Most of these areas are bare although some of the mined-out

areas were already rehabilitated through the planting of agoho and other local species.

The undisturbed areas are either sparsely vegetated or covered by stunted forest growth

due to the nutrient deficient topsoil cover. The settling and environmental ponds serve as

refuge for many reptiles and birds in addition to the thick forest-like vegetation of areas

immediately around the old nickel processing plant and former staff housing areas.

The coastal environment consists of sandy beaches, rocky shorelines and mangrove

estuaries. The mangrove estuaries or swamps serve as natural filters for lateritic run-offs

and hosts near-coast marine organisms. Shallow sandy deposits or coral growth

underlies the floors of the water channels separating the islands. Reefs and coral growth

characterize the shallow marine areas.

The sheared and deeply weathered character of the ultramafic bedrock makes it

vulnerable to mass movements such as landslides and rock fall.

Figure 5.5.1. The coastal mangrove forest between the islands of Nonoc (foreground), Hanigad (hill on the left), and Awasan (right of the picture) at the west end of Gaboc Channel.




6.0 PREVIOUS WORKS

Ever since the recognition of the expanded Surigao Mineral District in 1939, interest in

the potential of the iron and lately on nickel and cobalt contents of the laterites situated

in Dinagat Island group including Nonoc, Hanigad, and Awasan and that of South

Dinagat peninsula, motivated various exploration and mining companies to take their

chances of evaluating the economic potential of the district. Having been a mineral

reservation the

Philippine Bureau of Mines took the initiative of exploring the district to evaluate the

laterite extent and the various metals grade within. The Philippine Bureau of Mines

(PBM) started with a reconnaissance geological mapping in 1946. Succeeding works

focused on metallurgical testing of the ores utilizing the materials delineated by the

geologists and engineers of PBM from 1953-1958. By 1961 the group headed by Dr.

Luis Santos-Ynigo and Fernando B. Esguerra made a compilation of the works done by

PBM and published the only known comprehensive work on the Nonoc laterite prior to

operation by MMIC. The PBM was able to finish 1,704 test pits and MMIC by 1967

further added 1,298 test pits along with 891 test pits in South Dinagat Peninsula.

After the nickel processing plant ceased operation in 1986, interests to the nickel

deposits of Nonoc and adjacent islands was rekindled only in 1995. PNPI hired Minproc

Engineers Limited of Australia along with its subsidiary, the Vantage Mining Group to

assess the remaining resources and reserves of Nonoc and adjacent islands and

peninsula. MMIC, prior and during its operations, termed the „inferred resource‟ (per

PMRC and JORC) as „total or geologic reserve‟ which may roughly be the counterpart of

the declared „Mineable Reserves‟ then, the reported resource of 81.2 Mt with an

average grade of 1.23 % Ni and 37.6 % Fe at 0.9% Ni cut-off or at 64.1 Mt with an

average grade of 1.31 %Ni and 36.6 % Fe at 1.0% Ni cut-off grade (Vantage, 1996).

By 2003 Hinatuan Mining Corporation leased the Mt. Sigbanog parcel, the designated

Mining Area 5 of PNPI, for them to operate and market the raw ores with terms of royalty

to PNPI. More recently in 2010, Shuly Mines Incorporated re-drilled and operated two

mining areas of PNPI in Nonoc Island, i.e., Mining Areas 2 and 3 until July 2014.

Likewise the ores were directly shipped out without prior processing.




At present MacroAsia Mining Corporation is contracted to conduct exploratory drilling

services along with the re-assessment of Nonoc Island and soon the adjacent peninsula

of South Dinagat. Drilling to bedrock, test pitting for density determination, and geologic

mapping are the main activities of the commissioned program. After the first phase of

the contract that will end by 30th September 2014, resource modeling and calculation

using statistical software will be conducted. The drilling services contract is intended to

assess the remaining resources of the area by penetrating the full extent of saprolite

layer until bedrock and further confirm the geology of the islands.

7.0 HISTORY OF PRODUCTION (internal data of PNPI)

8.0 REGIONAL GEOLOGY

8.1 Regional Geologic Setting

8.1.1 The Dinagat Ophiolite Complex

The Dinagat Ophiolite Complex (DOC) constitutes most of the Dinagat Island group and

extends down south to Surigao del Sur and southwestwards along Mainit Range to the

Municipality of Jabonga, Province of Agusan del Norte. The DOC forms part of the

Eastern Bicol-Eastern Mindanao Ophiolite belt (MGB, 1986) and in particular the Samar-

Surigao segment of the belt (Fig. 8.1.1). The age of the ophiolite is interpreted to be of

Late Cretaceous (MGB, 2010) based on some potassium-argon dating (K-Ar) although

isotopic age dating using the Re-Os isotope system yields much older ages (235 Ma)

making it comparable to most of accreted terranes in the Philippine Sea Plate (Santos,

2013).

The DOC typifies an ophiolitic complex having the sedimentary carapace, basalt-diabase

formation, gabbros, and the peridotite (Fig.8.1.2). The residual ultramafic rocks comprise

the bulk of the exposed lithological units of the DOC to as much as 80% (MGB, 2010).

These residual units manifest the highest relief and elevation within the island.

Harzburgite composes the major fraction of the ultramafic rocks with minor dunite lenses

and some dikes of medium-gained gabbro and minor pyroxenite. Harzburgite on

occasion manifests layering of the orthopyroxene and to a minor extent the accessory

spinel within its matrix. Isotropic gabbro is very scarce and was observed only as minor




patches of probably tectonic windows or dragged slivers in Barangay Panamaon,

Municipality of Loreto in the north and around Barangay Bitayon in Municipality of

Tubajon at the center of the island. Basalts and the sheeted dike complex are exposed

in valleys and in some coastal areas of the island. These rock units of DOC manifest

low rolling relief and lower elevation relative to the ultramafic fraction and its sedimentary

cover.

The north-south strip distribution of ophiolitic lithologies having the ultramafic complex as

the dominant exposure from east and the upper units of gabbro and basalt towards west

imply a tilted terrane towards west. The tilting is further manifested by the general

westward dips of the younger sedimentary cover of the DOC (see section 8.1.3).




Figure 8.1.1. Some of the basic tectonic features of the Philippine archipelago and the spatial relationships of the ophiolite complexes (purple patches). Enclosed in square is the Dinagat Island group where the study areas comprise the southern portion of the group.




8.1.2 The Metamorphic Basement

Nueva Estrella Schist represents the metamorphic sole of the Dinagat Ophiolite

Complex (DOC). The formation is composed mainly of amphibolite schist,

quartzofeldspathic schist, and biotite-quartz schist with minor metamorphosed chert

forming deep red bands alternating with bright yellowish-brown clastic metasediments.

The metasediments on occasion express overturned beds and folding (Fig. 8.1.3). This

basement formation is interpreted to be of Cretaceous Age.

8.1.3 The Sedimentary Formation

Younger sedimentary formation covers in part the ophiolitic members along the western

coast of the island group. The Loreto Formation is the most pervasive clastic formation

which is composed of conglomerate, interbeds of sandstone and mudstone, and shale.

The clastic fragments are mainly from the ophiolitic members. The age is believed to be

of Late Miocene (Table 8.1.4).

Perhaps the oldest clastic sedimentary formation in the district is the Madanlog

Formation which is composed of conglomerate interbedded with calcareous sandstone

and mudstone. The formation is interpreted to be of Late Eocene and distributed in the

north western coast of the island. It lies unconformable with the basalt and diabase

dikes of the DOC.

The possible Late Cretaceous non-clastic formation of Timamana Limestone is the

dominant formation observable along coast of Dinagat Island which extends from the

vicinity of San Jose in the south of the peninsula up to the western section of the town of

Loreto. The limestone is massive and crystalline but shows distinct bedding. Typical of

its color is grayish white to almost white.

8.2 Regional Structures

Two distinct structural lineaments are observable throughout the island: 1) the older

northeast (NE) fabric which is best preserved north of the Municipality of Loreto at the

vicinity of Panamaon and Masdang Point; and 2) the younger northwest (NW) fabric

truncating in most parts the NE lineament and is the dominant structure from south of




Loreto down to Nonoc Island and even up to the minute Rasa Island immediately south

of Nonoc Island (Fig. 8.2.1). These NW structures even transect the sedimentary cover

of the ophiolitic complex.

The DOC having been identified as an accreted terrane is believed to have overthrusted

towards west. Thus, low-angle thrust faults mark the contact between the metamorphic

sole and the ultramafic units. Thrust structures also separate the ultramafic units with

the basalt and diabase occurrences (Fig. 8.2.2).

Figure 8.1.2. The comparative stratigraphies of Palawan Ophiolite Complex (POC) relative to Dinagat Ophiolite Complex (DOC). The DOC sequence typifies an ophiolitic complex but with layered gabbro section which at present have not been observed throughout Dinagat Islands (Santos, 1997).




A B

Figure 8.1.3. Metasedimentary formation exposed along the western coastline of Nonoc showing: (A) tight folding and overturned beds and (B) folds with alternating beds of varying resistances to weathering.

Table 8.1.4. Stratigraphic column showing the vatious formation ages and the spatial relationships of the Dinagat Ophiolite Complex with adjacent sedimentary (partly as carapace)and metasedimentary (metamorphic sole) formations.




Figure 8.2.1. Regional geology and structures of Dinagat Island group and part of Surigao del Norte. Note the frequency of the northwest structural fabric which if it serve as riedel or splay of the southern section of Philippine Fault confirms the left lateral movement of the latter (after UNRFNRE 1993; GOP, 2010).




Figure 8.2.2.. Geology of the Dinagat Island group showing the structural fabric of the island group and the dominance of the ophiolitic rock units. Note that the island group apparently tilts towards the west exposing the ultramafic basement of the ophiolite and leads to westward dip of the sedimentary carapace (after UNRFNRE, 1993).




8.3 Related Prospects and Other Deposits

Nickeliferous laterite deposit is very pervasive throughout Dinagat Island being the direct

weathering product of the ultramafic fraction of the DOC. Several nickel prospects and

mines abound within the island group (Fig. 8.2.1). As a consequence the whole of

Dinagat Island is covered by various mining and exploration permit applications.

Besides PNPI which has the largest nickel operation in Dinagat historically, the adjacent

island of Hinatuan hosts the Hinatuan Nickel Mining Corporation‟s nickel operation and

the Cagdianao Nickel Mining Corporation operates a property in eastern Dinagat Island

which is along the Peninsula Point facing the Pacific Ocean. Both companies are under

the umbrella corporation of Nickel Asia Corporation. North and east of Loreto are the

MPSA‟s of Comet Exploration and Mining Corporation and Oriental Peninsula

Corporation.

Chromite deposits are sporadically distributed throughout the island with well known

deposits occurring adjacent to Mt. Redondo in Loreto which is under the claims of

Krominco Mining Corporation and the Kongking deposit northwest of Krominco to the

eastern shores which is being held by Loreto Mining Corporation. The Vel-ore Mine

which used to be operated by North Dinagat Mining Corporation produces “lumpy” (in-

situ chromitite) and “sandy” ores (through hydro-licking of laterite).

Quartz-gold veins and veinlets suspected to be hosted by basalt were mined by artisanal

miners near Panamaon at the foot of Mt. Kambinlio. The workers make use of a small

downhole shaft and an adit underneath follows the trend of the veins. A hydrothermal

sulfide deposit near Osmena south of Libjo yields cobalt-rich pentlandite layer. The

deposit is believed to be a type of skarn in which the hydrothermal fluids followed the

calcareous layer probably below the Loreto Formation.

9.0 MINERAL PROPERTY GEOLOGY

9.1 Lithological Distribution and Related Formation

Nonoc and the adjacent islands of Hanigad and Awasan and South Dinagat Peninsula

are all underlain mainly by the ultramafic units of the Dinagat Ophiolite Complex (Fig.

9.1.1). Harzburgite is the dominant lithology with occasional lenses of dunite that hardly




Figure 9.1.1. Simplified geological map of the islands of Nonoc, Hanigad, Awasan, and the South Dinagat peninsula (after PNPI map file, 2014). The lineaments depicted in the map can be a series of thrust faults and some high angle faults related to ophiolitic terrain obduction.

Figure 9.1.2. Outcrops and floats representing the major rock formations: (A) mottled surface of weathered harzburite due mainly on resistance of pyroxenes to weathering relative to oilivine; (B) the smooth surface of weathered dunite which is attributable to dominance of olivine that weathers readily at similar pace; and (C) the lamination of the mudstone units (Loreto Formation).overlying the ultramafics of DOC.

A B C




exceeds 1 meter in width at the thickest portion of lens. Gabbro dikes, medium to fine –

grained, transect in part these ultramafic units.

Coastal areas west of the island of Nonoc yield outcrops of the metamorphic basement

which forms part of the Nueva Estrella Schist. The exposure runs from Barangay Nonoc

in the south towards west to Barangay Cantiasay and northwards approaching Gaboc

Channel. Metasediments with deep red chert exhibit foliation and tight folding of beds

along with the presence of some lenses of biotite-quartz schist and amphibolites (see

Fig. 9.1.2). Large floats of amphibolites were found along a north-draining river east of

Mining Area 1 which implies exposure of the metamorphic sole within the vicinity.

Post-ophiolite emplacement clastic units of the Loreto Formation can be observed as

irregular patches in Nonoc Island. The formation is composed mainly of light –gray

shale with minor intercalations of arkosic sandstones. Large angular grains are mostly

composed of basalt and ultramafic fragments with some large limestone grains. The

bedding and lamination trend northwest with gentle dips (30o) towards southwest. The

large occurrence of this formation in west-southwest of the island is utilized as site for

the nickel processing plant and in part as sector for housing of the plant and mine staff.

A strong contrast with the type and frequency of vegetation is observable between areas

underlain by Loreto Formation and that of the ultramafics of the Dinagat Ophiolite

Complex.

9.2 Local Structures

Strong northwest –trending lineaments representing high –angle faults abound within the

islands of Nonoc, Hanigad, and Awasan and in South Dinagat Peninsula. The structural

fabric is observable from south of Loreto to the minute island of Rasa south of Nonoc

Island. The north-south trending splays imply left-moving transform faults (sinistral

faults). The curvilinear faults mapped earlier by PNPI with north-northeast trend and dip

gently towards east may delineate series of thrust faults (Fig. 9.1.1).

10.0 MINERALIZATION IN THE MINERAL PROPERTY

Nickeliferrous laterite deposits are basically classified as residual ore in which the

primary process in its formation is the extensive weathering of the ultramafic host rock




leading to liberation of metallic ions and its eventual deposition in a matrix under

favorable environmental condition. The ultramafic rocks contain predominantly

magnesium (Mg)- and iron (Fe)- rich minerals such as olivine and pyroxene which have

undergone various degrees of serpentinization. Subsequent weathering may lead to

dissolution and transport of metallic ions at varying rates. This results in geochemical

stratification within a laterite profile. The upper section is called the limonite layer or

zone which is composed mainly of hydrous oxides of iron in the form of goethite with

enrichment in cobalt, oxides of manganese, and those of chromium ions but mainly as

discrete spinel. The zone exhibits deep reddish brown to dark brown color and minerals

present are mostly amorphous. Dominance of harzburgite over dunite as protolith yields

lesser or thinner iron hydroxide zone. Otherwise, oxide and oxihydroxide ores will form

the major fraction of the ore. Hydroxides and oxy-hydroxides of iron have been found to

have positive affinity with scandium (Sc) that in limonite zone the content may range

from 60 to 90 ppm.

Iron gradually decreases towards depth thus the profile changes in color to yellowish

brown to a lighter tinge at depth. This marked change signifies approach to the lower

zone or layer called saprolite. Geochemically saprolite horizon marks the progressive

increase in silica and magnesium contents as bedrock is approached. In contrast the

iron, manganese, chromium, and cobalt contents decrease towards depth. Downward

percolating ions of nickel are trapped at the interface of the bedrock and the saprolite

zone. Silica enrichment at depth with hydrous ions of nickel may form hydrous nickel

compounds as coating to bedrock surfaces and boulders and as fracture fill. These are

called garnierite with characteristic bright, light green color. Pure garnierite compound

may contain nickel to as high as 32 wt%.

Nickel contents of laterite along with metals of economic importance such as cobalt,

manganese, and chromium are highest on more mature or well-formed laterite profiles.

Thus, topography is one physical parameter that may dictate the grade of the metals. At

gradients less than 20o laterite profile are usually thick and shows geochemically distinct

layering from limonite to saprolite with various sub-stratification in-between. The

thickness is usually at 15 meters or thicker. It has been found that weighted average

grade of nickel improves by the thickness (or depth) of the host laterite (Fig. 10.1.3).




11.0 EXPLORATION HISTORY

Nonoc Island and South Dinagat peninsula have been the targets of numerous

exploration campaigns since the declaration of Surigao del Norte as a mineral

reservation in 1939 which includes the Dinagat Island group. Early works were sporadic

test pitting and geological mapping. After the recognition of the economic potential of

ferruginous laterite of Surigao and having it declared subsequently as the first Mineral

Reservation in the Philippines in 1912 more intensive exploration for ferruginous laterite

commenced sometime in the early 1950‟s through the initiative of the Philippine Bureau

of Mines (PBM). Initial topographic surveys made use of plane table method. Test

pitting are the main activities then having a dimension of 2 x 4 feet with elongation

oriented north-south. PBM geologists conducted channel sampling on two opposite

faces of the pit while later sampling conducted by MMIC cuts the four walls. On-site

sample preparation make use of hand-crushing of coarse fragments followed by mixing,

coning, and quarter splitting to arrive at a sample size of about 4kg.

Manual and mechanized auger drilling succeeded the test pitting activity. On-site

splitting follows the method imposed for test pitting. PBM samples were sent to

government laboratory making use of mixed acid dissolution in atomic adsorption

spectrometry (AAS) finish (Vantage, 1996). Based on the compilation of Vantage (1998)

assay were based on the following sample sources:

PBM pits – 1,932 test pits on 100 m x 100 m grid (1953-1958)

MMIC pits – 1,962 pits on 100 m x 100 m grid, including 602 pits checking the

PBM work (pre-1970)

MMIC hand auger drilling - on 25 m x 25 m grid in parts of Mining Area II and V

(Nonoc Island only: 1974 -1986)

MMIC machine auger drilling - on 25 m x 25 m and 12.5 m x 12.5 m grids in parts

of Mining Area II and V (Nonoc Island only: 1974 - 1986).

Cooperative projects between governments also conducted reconnaissance samplings

and extensive geological mapping among which are the United Nations Revolving Fund

(UNRF, 1993.) and the Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA) – Metal Mining

Agency of Japan.




12.0 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE

12.1 General Statement and Resource Summary

The Surigao Mineral Reservation has been in existence since 1914 (Santos-Ynigo and

Esguerra, 1961) and the Dinagat Island group was incorporated as part of the

reservation in 1939. The declaration of the mineral reservation is mainly due to the

extensive presence of iron- bearing laterite or ferruginous laterite having iron as the

commodity of interest then. The district as such prompted the Commonwealth

Government then to conduct the initial studies on the potentials of the laterite. Thus,

from 1953 to 1958 the Philippine Bureau of Mines (PBM), the precursor of Mines and

Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR, took the initiative of conducting series of test-

pitting and sent the initial set of samples for analysis and metallurgical testing. Adding

further to the enthusiasm of exploration then, metallurgical extraction of nickel from

laterite is beginning to be developed by 1953 in the Americas.

All geostatistical runs were done using the GEMCOM GEMS on a contracted basis

along with the statistician operating the software. Initial runs were done using the

MapInfo for raw data plot of nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe) grade. The principle is based

mainly on simple Krigging of spatial data.

12.2 Data Base for Estimation: Validation and Integrity

The data based used are all historical data compiled by Minproc in 1998 for its resource

assessment of the PNPI properties to include the islands of Nonoc, Hanigad, Awasan,

and the South Dinagat Peninsula. The compilation is the combined results of the assays

of samples collected from test pitting and drilling conducted from 1953 to 1958 by PBM;

the succeeding test pitting and auger drilling of MMIC from 1967, and the confirmatory

drilling of Hinatuan Mining Corporation for their intended operation of Mining Area 5. A

total of 35,214 test pit and drill hole location producing 256,950 sample analysis were

considered for statistical evaluation of the resources (Table 12.2.1)

Data integrity was verified by Vantage Mining Group (1996) where they conducted a

program for pit resampling, hand auger, and Vibracore drilling mainly in Nonoc Island

and in South Dinagat Peninsula. Standard deviation and mean difference (in%) were




computed for the resulting duplicates. The tabulated results are presented in Appendix

I.

Part of the assessment by Vantage (1996) is on the review of the topographic survey

done which unfortunately produced discrepancies since PBM data is lost and they only

have to rely on the old map for test pit distribution. For this work topography is based on

the collar elevation of all the test pits and drill holes in consideration. The high

density/frequency of hole locations serves as shot points for contour build-up.

12.3 Resource Estimation Parameters: Matrix Classification and Bulk Density

For bulk density consideration, this work adopted the values produced by the MMIC

survey and correlated the matrix classification and description based on the ranges of

the iron contents being used as determining parameter by the undersigned CP. Although

the PBM procedure made use of samples of relatively low moisture (Table 12.2.2)

SUMMARY OF DATA

Nonoc

Location Assays Ave. Depth/Hole

Drill holes 17,304 170,845 9.87

Test Pits 15,660 70,467 4.50

Total 32,964 241,312 7.32

South Dinagat Location Assays Ave. Depth/Hole

Drillhole/Test Pit 1,634 12,169 7.45

Hanigad Location Assays Ave. Depth/Hole

Drillhole/Test Pit 110 890 8.09

Awasan Location Assays Ave. Depth/Hole

Drillhole/Test Pit 415 1,023 2.47

HMC Location Assays Ave. Depth/Hole

Drillhole 91 1,556 17.10

TOTAL 35,214 256,950

Table 12.2.1. Summary of test pit and drill holes with corresponding accumulated number of analysis and the corresponding average depth per hole as compiled by Minproc (1998).




contents which usually have bearing on the resulting density, the MMIC data is the more

recent acceptable values and the trend and values are similar with that of PBM.

NONOC DEPOSIT – COMPARATIVE BULK DENSITY AND MOISTURE CONTENT

PBM MMIC

Matrix Bulk Density (t/m3) Moisture % Bulk Density (t/m

3) Moisture %

Limonite 1 1.29 29.30 1.37 31.10

Limonite 2 1.16 29.25 1.19 36.30

Limonite 3 0.96 46.71 0.88 39.60

Serpentinite 4 1.20 30.40 0.97 35.20

The whole data base is divided into eight (8) clusters based on the area or spatial

distribution of hole (drill hole and test pit) location. Nonoc Island is divided into five (5)

clusters which correspond to the five (5) mining areas that used to be the loci of Ni

anomalies throughout the island. The islands of Hanigad and Awasan and the South

Dinagat Peninsula are each regarded as separate clusters being physically

discontinuous having bodies of water in between.

The iron (Fe) contents are considered as the discriminant parameters to separate the

laterite matrix into limonite, earthy saprolite, rocky saprolite, and the serpentinized

bedrock. Besides the fact that it is the most commonly analyzed element along with Ni

and Co. Iron (Fe) contents also have linear trend which are very predictable and

behaves in contrast (almost mirror-image trend depthwise) to that of silica (SiO2) and

magnesium (MgO). The amount of Fe also greatly affects the color of the laterite matrix,

thus, the changes in Fe contents mark the variance in color of the laterite profile. A

study by the undersigned CP on the laterites of Palawan led to establishing the range of

Table 12.2.2. Comparative bulk density determination conducted in-situ by PBM and MMIC (after Vantage Mining Group, 1996). This work adopted the MMIC values having been used during production years of PNPI, thus, proven for its integrity. For purposes of this report, Limonite 1 value of MMIC is used to correspond for “Limonite” in the succeeding discussion. Limonite 2 corresponds to the earthy “Saprolite” of this report while Limonite 3 is meant to correspond to “Rocky Saprolite”. The bulk density values are of similar trend (surface heavy and lighter downwards) with that of southern Palawan laterites: Limonite – 1.23; Earthy Saprolite – 1.06; Rocky Saprolite – 0.98.




Fe contents per matrix of a nickeliferrous laterite deposit (Table 12.2.1) which is applied

in this report.

Based on MMIC Values This Report

Matrix Bulk Density

(t/m3) Moisture %

Iron Range (MMC Fe range - Palawan)

Limonite 1.37 31.10 Above 43 wt% Fe

Earthy Saprolite 1.19 36.30 35 to 42 wt% Fe

Rocky Saprolite 0.88 39.60 8 to 34 wt% Fe

Bed rock (serp) 0.97 35.20 Below 8 wt % Fe

12.3.1 Nonoc Island Resource Estimate and Model

AREA1

The most extensively explored among the islands covered by this report in terms of test

pitting and drilling is Nonoc Island. It covers almost 95% of both the number of holes

and the number of samples analyzed. Nonoc Island data treatment is divided into 5

parcels corresponding to the five (5) mining areas that used to be the plan for mine

operation. On per matrix and deposit category, the resource is as follows:

Matrix Resource Category

Volume Tonnes (MMIC)

Tonnes (PBM)

Wtd. Ave. Grade

Ni Fe

Limonite Measured 8,551,700 11,715,829 11,031,693 0.90 47.38

Indicated 3,530,800 4,837,196 4,554,732 0.81 47.33

Inferred 4,256,200 5,830,994 5,490,498 0.78 46.99

Sub-Total 16,338,700 22,384,019 21,076,923 0.85 47.27

Sub-Total Meas + Ind 12,082,500 16,553,025 15,586,425

Earthy Saprolite

Measured 788,000 937,720 914,080 1.14 39.20

Indicated 493,000 586,670 571,880 1.06 34.59

Inferred 462,100 549,899 536,036 1.01 18.63

Sub-Total 1,743,100 2,074,289 2,021,996 1.08 32.44

Table 12.2.3. Parameters used in the computation of resources: bulk density values (MMIC) and iron (Fe) ranges (MacroAsia Mining Corporation-MMC) for matrices, e.g., limonite, earthy saprolite, and rocky saprolite.





Rocky Saprolite

Measured 4,575,600 4,026,528 4,392,576 0.97 16.31

Indicated 1,550,700 1,364,616 1,488,672 0.80 15.87

Inferred 1,541,700 1,356,696 1,480,032 0.81 15.51

Sub-Total 7,668,000 6,747,840 7,361,280 0.90 16.06


Grand Total Meas + Ind 19,489,800 23,468,559 22,953,633

Overall TOTAL 25,749,800 31,206,148 30,460,199 0.88 39.53

The Grade-Tonnage curve shows the various tonnages and the resulting Ni grade at any

desired cut-off grade (Fig. 12.3.1.1). An example of which is in Table 12.3.2 on the

assumption of producing Ni ores at grade ranges of 1.0%, 1.2%, and 1.80%.

Table 12.3.2. Nonoc Island Mining Area1 showing tonnages for various cut-off grades of Ni (in Ni %) to produce Ni ore grades which may correspond to 1.0%, 1.2%, and 1.8%. To compare with previous resource assessment by Minproc(1998) the 0.7%Ni cut-off is also considered.

Nonoc Mining Area 1

Cut-Off: % Ni Tonnes Ave. Grade: %Ni

0.7 24,291,322 0.93

0.8 19,518,813 1.01

1.1 4,826,068 1.27

1.7 120,021 1.81

Table 12.3.1.1. The global resource (0 % Ni cut-off) for mining Area 1 of Nonoc Island. Note

that comparative resource are considered using the bulk density values by MMIC and PBM.

Ni and Fe weighted average grades are based on MMIC values. “Measured” and “Indicated”

categories are computed separately since these are the only categories acceptable to

PMRC for economic consideration




Figure 12.3.1.1. The grade- tonnage curve for Mining Area 1 of Nonoc Island. Various combinations of grade-tonnage vs. the cut-off grades for nickel can be projected in this figure.

Fig. 12.3.1.2. Drill hole and test pit distribution map for the whole study area . Enclosed is Mining Area 1 discussed in this section. Note the density/frequency of drill hole/test pit locations within the pemeters of the mining areas.

Mining Area 1




Fig. 12.3.1.3. Series of GEMCOM-GEMS generated figures showing the distribution of Ni grades (in %Ni) and categories (measured -RED, indicated-GREEN, and inferred-LT. BLUE) per matrix of the laterite profile (limonite (LIM), earthy saprolite (ES), and rocky saprolite(RS)) in Mining Area 1. See inset legend for the color attributes of corresponding Ni grades. For Fe grade and resource category distribution please refer to Appendix I.

Terrain

Model

based on

collar

elevation

Resource Categories

Ni grade on

all resource

categories

LIMONITE

LIMONITE

Resource Categories

Resource Categories

Ni grade on all

resource

categories

Ni grade on all

resource

categories

EARTHY SAP EARTHY SAP

ROCKY SAP ROCKY SAP




AREA 2

Area 2 (combining mining parcels 2 and 3) is the biggest of the five (5) areas (Fig. 12.3.1.4)

considered in the resource assessment and has been the most active in terms of contractual

exploration and production in the recent past. Shuly Mines Incorporated (SMI) sourced its

ore shipment from this area and the adjacent Mining Area 4 until end of July 2014. Besides

the large area coverage and, thus, the Ni resource, Area 2 is also nearest to the loading

facilities of the island which makes the production operation to have economic advantage.

Resource assessment of the area yields the following (Table 12.3.1.4):



Tonnes (PBM)

Wtd. Ave. Grade

%Ni %Fe


Indicated 11,040,489 15,125,470 11,592,513 0.77 46.80

Inferred 7,738,355 10,601,546 7,428,821 0.74 44.35

Sub-total Overall 52,340,566 71,706,575 62,315,956 0.85 46.31

Sub-total Meas + Ind 44,602,211 61,105,029 54,887,135

Earthy

Saprolite Indicated 11,770,467 14,006,856 13,653,742 0.89 35.95

Rocky

Saprolite Indicated 17,304,092 15,227,601 20,072,747 0.92 16.89

Grand Total Meas + Ind 73,676,770 90,339,486 88,613,623

Overall Total Overall 81,415,125 100,941,032 96,042,444 0.87 40.43

Mining Area2

Cut-off: %Ni Tonnes Grade: %Ni

0.7 74,677,972 0.96

0.8 57,373,555 1.04

1.1 17,109,858 1.28

1.8 154,069 1.85

Table 12.3.1.5. Nonoc Island Mining Area2 showing tonnages for various cut-off grades of Ni (in Ni %) to produce Ni ore grades which may correspond to 1.0%, 1.2%, and 1.8%. To compare with previous resource assessment by Minproc (1998) the 0.7%Ni cut-off is also considered.

Table 12.3.1.4. The global resource (0 % Ni cut-off) for Mining Area 2 of Nonoc Island. Note that comparative resource are considered using the bulk densities done by MMIC and the one by PBM. Ni and Fe weighted average grades are based on MMIC values. Note that “Measured” and “Indicated” categories are computed separately since these are the only categories acceptable to PMRC for economic consideration.




Fig. 12.3.1.4. Drill hole and test pit distribution in Mining Area 2 & 3 (enclosed in red polygon). Note the frequency/density of drill hole location within bounds of the Mining Area 2. Proximal holes to the perimeter of the mining area is included in the resource assessment in this section.

Mining Area 2

Table 12.3.1.5. The grade-tonnage curve for Mining Area 2 & 3 of Nonoc Island. Various

combinations of grade-tonnage vs. the cut-off grades for nickel can be projected in this figure.




GABOC AREA

Gaboc area covers the northern parcel of Mining Area 2 (Fig. 12.3.1.9). For the purpose of

resource assessment Gaboc was separated from the nearest parcel which is Mining Area 2

having been pristine in terms of mining operation and the drill hole and test pit frequency is

not as much as Area 2. Noticeable in the series of figures on resource categories and grades

the built up of polygons in the terrain model based on collar elevation due to scarcity of

interpolation points and the resource category is very patchy which implies distant and

relatively shallow holes. Through ordinary Krigging the resource evaluation yields as follows:

Fig. 12.3.1.6. Series of GEMCOM-GEMS generated figures showing the distribution of Ni grades (in %Ni) and categories (measured -RED, indicated-GREEN, and inferred-LT. BLUE) per matrix of the laterite profile (limonite (LIM), earthy saprolite (ES), and rocky saprolite (RS)) in Mining Area 2. See inset legend in Fig. 12.3.1.4 for the color attributes of corresponding Ni grades. For Fe grade and resource category

distribution please refer to Appendix I.

Terrain model

based on collar

elevation

Overall

Resource

Category

Ni Grade in

LIMONITE

Resource

Category in

LIMONITE

Ni Grade in EARTHY

SAPROLITE

Resource

Category in

EARTHY

SAPROLITE

Ni Grade in ROCKY

SAPROLITE

Resource Category

in EARTHY

SAPROLITE






Tonnes (PBM)

Wgd. Ave. Grade

Ni Fe

Limonite Measured 574,700 787,339 741,363 0.86 43.43

Indicated 1,404,200 1,923,754 1,628,872 0.81 42.98

Inferred 2,447,600 3,353,212 2,349,696 0.76 41.90


Sub-total Meas+Ind 1,978,900 2,711,093 2,370,235

Earthy

Saprolite Measured 1,010,900 1,202,971 1,304,061 0.77 22.15

Indicated 1,620,500 1,928,395 1,879,780 0.76 11.21

Inferred 1,376,300 1,637,797 1,321,248 0.69 1.73



Rocky


Indicated 4,934,000 4,341,920 5,723,440 0.59 17.12

Inferred 4,136,600 3,640,208 3,971,136 0.58 12.46



Grand -Total Meas+Ind 13,215,700 13,415,211 16,013,622

Overall total

21,176,200 22,046,428 23,655,702 0.68 21.93

Table 12.3.1.6. The global resource (0 % Ni cut-off) for the Gaboc Area of Nonoc Island. Comparative resource are considered using the bulk densities done by MMIC and the one by PBM. Ni and Fe weighted average grades are based on MMIC values. “Measured” and “Indicated” categories are computed separately since these are the only categories acceptable to PMRC for economic consideration.

GABOC AREA

Cut-Off: Ni% Tonnes Grade: Ni%

0.7 9,300,170 0.90

0.9 3,533,660 1.09

1.1 1,418,327 1.24

1.5 30,583 1.50

Table 12.3.1.7. Gaboc Area in northern Nonoc Island showing the tonnages for various cut-off grades of Ni (in Ni %) to produce Ni ore grades which may correspond to 1.0%, 1.2%, and 1.5%. To compare with previous resource assessment by Minproc (1998) the 0.7%Ni

cut-off is also considered. To compare with previous resource assessment by Minproc (1998) the 0.7%Ni cut-off is also considered.




Fig. 12.3.1.7. The grade tonnage curve for Gaboc Area of Nonoc Island. Various combinations of grade-tonnage vs. the cut-off grades for nickel can be projected in this figure.




Figure 12.3.1.8. Series of GEMCOM-GEMS generated figures showing the distribution of Ni grades

(in %Ni) and categories (measured -RED, indicated-GREEN, and inferred-LT. BLUE) per matrix of

the laterite profile (LIMONITE, EARTHY SAPROLITE, and ROCKY SAPROLITE) in GABOC Area.

See inset legend in Fig. 12.3.1.4 for the color attributes of corresponding Ni grades. For Fe grade

and resource category distribution please refer to Appendix I.

Terrain model based

on collar elevation

Overall Resource

Category

Ni Grade in LIMONITE

Resource

Category in

LIMONITE

Ni Grade in

EARTHY

SAPROLITE

Resource

Category in

EARTHY

SAPROLITE

Ni Grade in

ROCKY

SAPROLITE

Resource

Category in

ROCKY

SAPROLITE




Fig. 12.3.1.9. Drill hole and test pit distribution map of Gaboc Area (enclosed in red polygon).

AREA 4

Area 4 were combined having contiguous distribution of drill holes and test pits. Mining

Area 5 was excluded to limit the number of analyses on per run basis of the statistical

software GEMCOM-GEMS. As such processing time for the analysis was lessened and

errors are relatively easier to detect. The hole distribution in the north, Lutawon Area, is

much less dense relative to the southern portion (Fig. 12.3.1.8). The difference in the

frequency/density of holes has marked impression in the terrain mode wherein the

mottling in relief is marked by areas with relatively less holes. The resource assessment

of the area yields the following results:



Tonnes (PBM)

Wtd. Ave. Grade

Ni Fe

LIMONITE Measured 13,246,300 18,147,431 17,087,727 0.79 45.92

Indicated 3,828,700 5,245,319 4,441,292 0.72 45.53

Inferred 2,180,200 2,986,874 2,092,992 0.69 41.92

Sub Total 19,255,200 26,379,624 23,622,011 0.76 45.39

Gaboc Area




Sub total Meas+Ind 17,075,000 23,392,750 21,529,019

EARTHY

SAPROLITE Measured 6,212,200 7,392,518 8,013,738 0.91 38.69

Indicated 2,256,600 2,685,354 2,617,656 0.88 37.28

Inferred 1,516,900 1,805,111 1,456,224 0.84 37.95

Sub Total 9,985,700 11,882,983 12,087,618 0.89 38.26

Meas+Ind 8,468,800 10,077,872 10,631,394

ROCKY


Indicated 3,418,900 3,008,632 3,965,924 0.79 21.63

Inferred 2,624,600 2,309,648 2,519,616 0.74 22.50

Sub Total 14,391,800 12,664,784 17,254,847 0.86 22.27

Meas+Ind 11,767,200 10,355,136 14,735,231

Total Meas+Ind 37,311,000 43,825,758 46,895,644

Overall Total

43,632,700 50,927,391 52,964,476 0.82 37.98

Table 12.3.1.8. The global resource (0 % Ni cut-off) for Mining Area 4 of Nonoc Island. In the table the comparative resources are considered using the bulk densities done by MMIC and by PBM. Ni and Fe weighted average grades are based on MMIC values. The “Measured” and “Indicated” categories are computed separately since these are the only categories acceptable to PMRC for economic consideration.

. Table 12.3.1.9. Ni resources of Area 4 using various cut-off grades to produce target grades of 0.8 %Ni, 1.0 %Ni, and 1.5 %Ni. The values were based on the grade vs. tonnage curve below (Fig. 12.3.1.8). To compare with previous resource assessment by Minproc (1998) the 0.7%Ni cut-off is also considered.

Mining Area 4

Cut-Off: %Ni Tonnes Grade: %Ni

0.7 34,933,110 0.93

0.6 43,108,576 0.88

0.9 16,856,856 1.07

1.5 291,038 1.57




Figure 12.3.1.10. . The grade - tonnage curve for Mining Area 4 of Nonoc Island. Various combinations of grade-tonnage vs. the cut-off grades for nickel can be projected using this figure.

Figure 12.3.1.11. Drill hole and test pit distribution in Mining Area 4 (in red polygon). Note the continuity with Mining Area 5 in extreme east of Nonoc Island.

Mining Area 4




Figure 12.3.1.12. Map series of Mining Area 4 showing grade distribution of Ni per matrix (limonite, earthy saprolite, and rocky saprolite) and the resource category per matrix (measured-red, indicated-green, and inferred-blue). The figures are GEMCOM-GEMS generated. Refer to Fig. 12.3.1.4 for the Ni grade attributes.

Terrain Model

based on Collar

Elevation

Resource

Category in

LIMONITE

Ni-grade

Distribution in

LIMONITE

Ni-grade

Distribution in

EARTHY

SAPROLITE

Overall

Resource

Category

AREA 4

Resource

Category in

EARTHY

SAPROLITE

Ni-grade

Distribution in

ROCKY

SAPROLITE

Resource

Category in

ROCKY

SAPROLITE




AREA 5

Area 5 covers the easternmost parcel of the island. It is adjacent to Area 4 and the drill

holes and test pit distribution appear contiguous. The area used to contain the highest

grade ores and, thus, became the target for mining by Hinatuan Mining Corporation

(HMC) in the recent past. At present the area is under rehabilitation by the latter mining

operator. From historical data, Area 5 hosts the following resource:

Table 12.3.1.10. The global resource (0 % Ni cut-off) for Mining Area 5 of Nonoc Island. The “Measured” and “Indicated” categories are computed separately since these are the only categories acceptable to PMRC for economic consideration.

AREA 5


0.70 50,278,550 1.03

0.80 42,294,865 1.08

1.60 2,010,606 1.84

1.90 593,663 2.08



Tonnes (PBM)

Wtd. Ave. Grade

Ni Fe

LIMONITE Measured 20,154,700 27,611,939 25,999,563 0.91 47.41

Indicated 6,986,400 9,571,368 8,104,224 0.88 47.38

Inferred 4,104,600 5,623,302 3,940,416 0.86 45.92

Sub-total 31,245,700 42,806,609 38,044,203 0.90 47.21


EARTHY


Indicated 1,435,300 1,708,007 1,664,948 1.06 39.88

Inferred 785,600 934,864 754,176 1.09 26.85

Sub-total 5,528,400 6,578,796 6,685,799 1.06 38.12


ROCKY


Indicated 2,289,900 2,015,112 2,656,284 1.18 19.77

Inferred 1,458,200 1,283,216 1,399,872 1.04 18.31

Sub-total 9,982,800 8,784,864 12,098,919 1.26 18.08


Total Meas + Ind 40,408,500 50,328,887 50,734,457

Grand total Overall 46,756,900 58,170,269 56,828,921 0.97 41.78

Table 12.3.1.11. Nickel resources at selected cut-off grades with due consideration on 0.7%Ni for

comparison with Minproc (1998).




Figure 12.3.1.13. Drill hole and test pit distribution map with Mining Area 5 enclosed in polygon.

Area 5

Figure 12.3.1.14. Grade-tonnage curve for Mining Area 5. Note the flat- linear values

of the Ni ore grade once it gets the 0.8 %Ni cut-off




12.3.1.15. Map series of Mining Area 5 showing grade distribution of Ni per matrix (limonite, earthy saprolite, and rocky saprolite) and the resource category per matrix (measured-red, indicated-green, and inferred-blue). The figures are GEMCOM-GEMS generated. Refer to Fig. 12.3.1.4 for the Ni grade attributes.

Ni grade Distribution

in Earthy Saprolite

Resource Category

for Earthy Saprolite

Resource Category

for Rocky Saprolite

Ni grade Distribution

in Rocky Saprolite

Terrain Model

Based on Collar

Elevation

Overall Resource

Category for Area5

Resource Category

for Limonite Ni grade Distribution

in Limonite




12.3.2 South Dinagat Peninsula

South Dinagat Peninsula is comparative in lateral extent to Nonoc Island but of higher

relief and elevation. Throughout the peninsula pockets of rolling terrain abound on the

flanks of Mt. Gaboc and with its proximity to Nonoc Island makes the peninsula lucrative

for exploration and mining operation. Majority of the exploration activities done in the

area is test pitting with minor auger drilling. Results of such activities yield the following

resources:

Table 12.3.2.1. Tonnages based on Ni cut-off grades to produce ores with Ni grades of 1.0%, 1.2%, 1.8%, and 2.0%. Tonnage at a cut-off of 0.70%Ni is also considered for purposes of comparison with earlier assessment conducted.

Figure 12.3.2.1. The Grade-Tonnage curve for South Dinagat peninsula. Note the resource is almost zero at cut-off grade of 1.5 %Ni.

South Dinagat


0.7 94,561,908 0.91

0.9 41,038,461 1.06

1.6 734,877 1.83

1.8 305,969 2.03




Table 12.3.2.2. The global or overall Ni resource (i.e., at 0 % Ni cut-off) of South Dinagat

Peninsula.



Tonnes (PBM)

Wtd. Ave. Grade

Ni Fe


Indicated 20,703,600 28,363,932 24,016,176 0.83 46.39

Inferred 22,367,800 30,643,886 21,473,088 0.82 43.70

Sub total 63,871,400 87,503,818 72,321,264 0.82 45.40


Earthy


Indicated 4,147,700 4,935,763 4,811,332 0.89 39.65

Inferred 5,748,300 6,840,477 5,518,368 0.81 29.63

Sub total 13,437,400 15,990,506 14,898,106 0.87 35.40


Rocky


Indicated 11,432,600 10,060,688 13,261,816 0.76 19.81

Inferred 13,605,500 11,972,840 13,061,280 0.72 11.74

Sub total 33,712,800 29,667,264 37,513,459 0.76 16.55


Total Meas+Ind 69,300,000 83,704,385 84,680,093

Grand Total Overall 111,021,600 133,161,588 124,732,829 0.82 37.77

South Dinagat Area

Figure 12.3.2.2. Drill hole and test pit distribution map in South Dinagat peninsula (enclosed in red

polygon). Note the hole density on the northeast and southwestern extreme of the area.




Ni grade Dsitribution

for Rocky Saprolite

Fig. 12.3.2.3. Series of GEMS generated maps showing the Ni grade distribution per matrix

with resource categorization.

Terrain Model Based

on Collar Elevation

Overall Resource

Category for South

Dinagat

Ni grade Distribution in

Limonite

Resource Category

for Limonite

Ni grade Distribution in

Earthy Saprolite

Resource Category for

Earthy Saprolite

Ni grade Distribution for

Rocky Saprolite

Resource Category

for Rocky Saprolite




Due to the relative scarcity of drill holes and test pits in South Dinagat the holes were

“snapped” to a digitized base map from a commercially printed map. It is meant to

reduce the effects of interpolation of collar elevation which may increase the volume of

the resource. The preceding series of maps shows the grade distribution per matrix

(limonite,earthy saprolite, rocky saprolite) on per resource category (measured,

indicated, inferred) (Fig. 12.3.2.3).

12.3.3 Hanigad Island

Hanigad is situated in the westernmost end of Nonoc Island. Though explored the drill

hole and test pitting density is not as high as South Dinagat and Nonoc Island.

Geostatistical analysis of the historical data in this island yields the following resources:

Hanigad Island


0.7 5,825,977 0.90

0.9 2,276,802 1.04

1.1 533,314 1.25

1.5 4,634 1.53

Table 12.3.3.1. Tonnages based on Ni cut-off grades to produce ores with Ni grades of 1.0%, 1.2%, 1.8%, and 2.0%. The cut-off grade of 0.7% Ni is hereby considered for comparative purposes on previous resource estimates.

Figure 12.3.3.1. The Grade-Tonnage curve for Hanigad Island.




Table 12.3.3.2. The overall Ni resource (i.e., at 0 % Ni cut-off) of Hanigad Island.



Tonnes (PBM)

Wtd. Ave. Grade

Ni Fe

Limonite Measured 424,600 89,216 547,734 0.84 49.25

Indicated 1,938,700 650,605 2,248,892 0.67 5.47

Inferred 658,500 902,145 632,160 0.70 9.63

Sub total 3,021,800 340,756 3,428,786 0.78 27.95

Sub-total Meas+Ind 2,363,300 739,821 2,796,626

Earthy

Saprolite Measured 553,800 659,022 714,402 0.79 38.69

Indicated 1,179,900 1,404,081 1,368,684 0.77 29.62

Inferred 1,273,600 1,515,584 1,222,656 0.76 17.54

Sub total 3,007,300 3,578,687 3,305,742 0.77 26.18


Rocky


Indicated 3,142,500 2,765,400 3,645,300 0.64 15.80

Inferred 6,308,000 5,551,040 6,055,680 0.56 12.31

Sub total 10,631,100 9,355,368 11,223,954 0.60 13.74


Total Meas+Ind 8,420,100 6,607,252 10,047,986


Hanigad Island

Figure 12.3.3.2. . Drill hole and test pit distribution map of Hanigad Island (enclosed in

red polygon).




Figure 12.3.3.3. Series of maps showing the Ni grade distribution and resource category in

Hanigad Island. Top left map is the digital terrain model based on collar elevation.

Resource Category in

Limonite

Topography

Based on Collar

Elevation

Ni grade distribution in

Limonite


Earthy Saprolite


Rocky Saprolite


Limonite


Earthy Saprolite


Rocky Saprolite

Overall Resource

Category




12.3.4 Awasan Island

The Island of Awasan is apparently contiguous with Nonoc Island and South Dinagat

Peninsula but with Gaboc Channel in between them. Drill holes and test pits are largely

spaced that the resulting resource is mainly categorized as Indicated or Inferred with

barely a few points as Measured. Resource assessment yields the following results:

Awasan Island


0.7 20,647,930 0.95

0.8 13,830,501 1.05

1.1 5,617,965 1.25

1.6 199,232 1.84

Table 12.3.4.1. Cut-off grades for nickel and the corresponding tonnages to produce grades of 1.0%, 1.2%, and 1.8%Ni.

Figure 12.3.4.1. Grade – Tonnage curve for Awasan Island. Note that at Ni cut-off grade of 1.5% the laterite material is almost none.






Tonnes (PBM)

Wtd. Ave.Grade

Ni Fe


Indicated 13,716,500 18,791,605 15,911,140 0.64 48.78

Inferred 19,904,200 27,268,754 19,108,032 0.66 40.27

Sub total 39,215,500 53,725,235 42,236,464


Earthy

Saprolite Measured 419,400 499,086 541,026 0.55 39.01

Indicated 944,500 1,123,955 1,095,620 0.57 27.28

Inferred 2,160,000 2,570,400 2,073,600 0.72 9.89

Sub total 3,523,900 4,193,441 3,710,246


Rocky

Saprolite Measured 873,900 769,032 1,127,331 0.56 20.71

Indicated 2,064,900 1,817,112 2,395,284 0.59 17.82

Inferred 4,120,800 3,626,304 3,955,968 0.65 8.42

Sub total 7,059,600 6,212,448 7,478,583


Total Meas+Ind 23,614,000 30,665,666 28,287,693


Table 12.3.4.2. The computed tonnages for every resource category of the entirety (0 % cut-off)

of the laterite materials in Awasan Island.

Awasan Island

Figure 12.3.4.2.. Drill holes and test pits distribution map of Awasan Island.




Ni grade distribution

in Limonite


Limonite

Overall Resource

Category in Awasan

Island

Terrain Model Based

on Collar Elevation


Earthy Saprolite

Ni grade distribution

in Earthy Saprolite

Ni grade

distribution in

Rocky Saprolite

Resource Category

in Rocky Saprolite

Figure 12.3.4.3. Series of GEMCOM-GEMS generated maps showing the Ni grade per

matrix and the resource category for each matrix for Awasan Island nickel resources.




13.0 INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION

The islands of Nonoc, Hanigad, and Awasan and South Dinagat peninsula are almost in its

entirety underlain by the ultramafic rock fraction of the Dinagat Ophiolite Complex (DOC).

Patches of younger sedimentary formation (Loreto Formation) made up mainly of fine clastics

were delineated in Nonoc Island wherein the largest of which occurs west of the island. This

patch of non-nickeliferrous laterite area was chosen to become the nickel processing plant

site and support facilities such as power generation housing, coal pad and stockyard, offices,

and most of the housing units for the company personnel then. Uplifted coastlines in the

west of Nonoc and some high-angle faults transecting most of the rivers expose the

metamorphic sole composed mainly of metasediments to include chert and schists and

metavolcanic outcrops in form of amphibolites (Nueva Estrella Schist). The latter formation

defines the bottom of the ophiolitic complex and thus the maximum extent of the source

bedrock for nickel and related deposit

Resource assessment utilizing the historical data accumulated throughout the exploration

and eventual operation of Pacific Nickel Philippine Inc. (PNPI) yields 195M Mt at a cut-off

grade of 0.70%Ni with a resulting grade of 0.97%Ni for the whole island of Nonoc. The

combined resources of South Dinagat peninsula and the islands of Hanigad and Awasan

accumulate to 121M Mt at similar cut-off grade of 0.70 %Ni and resulted in a grade of

0.92%Ni (Table 12.1). Thus, at 0.70%Ni cut-off grade the combined resources of the four (4)

areas in consideration yield 315M Mt at a weighted average grade of 0.95%Ni.

AREA Cut-Off: %Ni Tonnes Grade: %Ni

Nonoc Island Mining Area 1 0.70 24,291,322 0.96

Mining Area 2 0.70 74,677,972 0.97

Gaboc Area 0.70 9,300,170 0.90

Mining Area 3 & 4 0.70 34,933,110 0.93

Mining Area 5 0.70 50,278,550 1.03

Sub-Total 0.70 193,481,124 0.97

South Dinagat 0.70 94,561,908 0.91

Hanigad 0.70 5,825,977 0.90

Awasan 0.70 20,647,930 0.95

Sub-Total 0.70 121,035,815 0.92

Total Resource 0.70 314,516,939 0.95

Table 13.1.1. Total nickel resource of Nonoc, Hanigad, and Awasan islands and the South

Dinagat Penisula at a cut-off grade of 0.7% Ni.




Taking into consideration the matrices (limonite, earthy saprolite, rocky saprolite) and the

resource categories (measured, indicated) which in effect removes the contribution of

inferred category, the resulting resource for the whole island of Nonoc is at 165M Mt and an

improved average grade of 1.24 %Ni for the same cut-off grade of 0.70%Ni. The adjacent

islands of Hanigad and Awasan and that of South Dinagat peninsula meanwhile yield a total

resource of 72M Mt with an average grade of 1.25%Ni. It is curious to note that improving

average nickel grade towards depth, limonite to earthy saprolite to rocky saprolite, were

observed in all the assessed areas. The South Dinagat peninsula laterite manifests similar

geochemical signature with that of Mining Area 5 of Nonoc Island having an average nickel

grade of 1.40 % with highest average Ni grade at rocky saprolite section of 1.70% to 1.80%

Ni and the Fe contents average at 35% (Table 12.1.2 and 12.1.3). These characteristics

define the high potential of South Dinagat peninsula for its nickel resources. The combined

resources of all the areas in consideration are at 235M Mt at an average of 1.25%Ni and the

Fe average at 35%.

It has to be noted that the resource assessment done can be considered as a first

approximation having to rely on some external parameters such as topographic survey based

on digitized commercial map and the resulting topography based on collar elevation. A more

precise topographic survey being the basis for volume calculation of the lateritic material will

definitely change the resulting resources by a certain percentile. Density values which are

critical factors in the resource calculation were adopted from the works of Philippine Bureau

of Mines in the 1950‟s and that of the former mine and nickel processing plant operator,

Marinduque Mining and Industrial Corporation (MMIC) and requires further verification as to

integrity and accuracy.

The present contracted exploration services being conducted by MacroAsia Mining

Corporation will confirm the present remaining resource of the areas in consideration and the

adjoining parameters used such as density and topographic survey data. This work will also

update the remaining resource after several contracted mining activities have been done

after the cessation of nickel processing plant activity by mid-1980‟s. Initial results of the

project yield limonite: saprolite (earthy and rocky saprolite) ratio of 1:2 on thick (approx. 25-to

35-meter drill holes) laterite section in an undisturbed area. Such ratio implies that

improvement in nickel grades is to be expected having the dominance of saprolite material

which is the usual high-grade nickel carrier.




AREA Matrix CATEGORY Cut-off

%Ni Volume Resource

Ni Wt%

Fe wt %

Nonoc Area 1

Limonite Measured 0.7 7,344,600 10,062,102 1.09 47.20

Indicated 0.7 2,611,000 3,577,070 1.05 47.26

Earthy Saprolite Measured 0.7 740,600 881,314 1.30 39.23

Indicated 0.7 428,600 21,658 1.15 32.87

Rocky Saprolite Measured 0.7 3,427,400 431,112 1.40 32.77

Indicated 0.7 947,600 833,888 1.29 17.92

Sub-total

0.7 15,499,800 15,807,144 1.21 36.21

Nonoc Area 2


Indicated 0.7 7,261,992 9,948,929 1.14 47.05

Earthy Saprolite Measured 0.7

Indicated 0.7 8,264,238 9,834,442 1.39 37.47

Rocky Saprolite Measured 0.7

Indicated 0.7 12,059,668 10,612,509 1.39 17.44

Sub-Total

0.7 55,221,992 68,257,328 1.29 37.10

Gaboc Area

Limonite Measured 0.7 414,900 568,413 1.10 43.25

Indicated 0.7 984,600 1,348,902 1.09 43.27

Earthy Saprolite Measured 0.7 534,000 635,460 1.16 21.37

Indicated 0.7 929,700 1,106,343 1.15 14.27

Rocky Saprolite Measured 0.7 858,300 755,304 1.05 21.47

Indicated 0.7 1,109,400 313,896 1.05 22.66

Sub-total

0.7 4,830,900 4,728,318 1.10 27.71

Nonoc Area 3


Indicated 0.7 1,841,300 2,522,581 1.04 43.22

Earthy Saprolite Measured 0.7 5,300,600 6,307,714 1.51 38.63

Indicated 0.7 1,713,100 2,038,589 1.14 38.45

Rocky Saprolite Measured 0.7 6,831,100 6,011,368 1.24 22.00

Indicated 0.7 2,231,800 1,963,984 1.20 22.24

Sub-total

0.7 26,642,200 30,796,527 1.21 34.64

Nonoc Area 5


Indicated 0.7 5,683,900 7,786,943 1.19 47.74

Earthy Saprolite Measured 0.7 2,940,200 3,498,838 1.40 39.13

Indicated 0.7 1,238,000 1,473,220 1.35 39.15

Rocky Saprolite Measured 0.7 5,932,500 5,220,600 1.70 16.51

Indicated 0.7 2,088,700 1,838,056 1.60 20.16

Sub-total

0.7 35,591,700 44,078,165 1.40 35.02

Nonoc Sub-TOTAL

0.7 137,786,592 163,667,482 1.24 34.14

Table 13.1.2. Total nickel resource of Nonoc Island at a cut-off grade of 0.7% Ni on per matrix and resource

category.




AREA Matrix CATEGORY Cut-off

%Ni Volume Resource

Ni Wt%

Fe wt %

South Dinagat


Indicated 0.7 16,418,100 22,492,797 1.24 46.63

Earthy

Saprolite Measured 0.7 2,985,300 3,552,507 1.25 39.54

Indicated 0.7 3,281,200 799,561 1.30 39.13

Rocky

Saprolite Measured 0.7 5,472,000 4,815,360 1.80 18.18

Indicated 0.7 5,597,800 4,926,064 1.70 19.87

Sub-total

0.7 49,899,800 58,705,487 1.43 34.96

Hanigad Island

Limonite Measured 0.7 196,100 61,756 0.99 36.65

Indicated 0.7 923,300 296,672 1.16 19.35

Earthy

Saprolite Measured 0.7 320,000 380,800 1.15 39.92

Indicated 0.7 652,200 349,384 1.14 37.19

Rocky


Indicated 0.7 1,501,500 1,321,320 1.15 23.41

Sub-total

0.7 4,214,500 3,186,050 1.12 29.80

Awasan Island


Indicated 0.7 4,347,700 5,956,349 1.09 47.44

Earthy


Indicated 0.7 234,900 279,531 1.15 33.28

Rocky


Indicated 0.7 537,300 472,824 1.37 15.94

Sub-total

0.7 7,431,400 9,766,909 1.19 34.04

TOTAL

Resource 3 Areas 0.7 61,545,700 71,658,446 1.25 32.93

Table 13.1.3. Total nickel resource of Hanigad and Awasan Island and that of South Dinagat peninsula at a

cut-off grade of 0.7% Ni on per matrix and resource category.




14.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

Confirmatory works are being done throughout Nonoc Island and soon similar contracted

exploration activities will be conducted in South Dinagat and the adjacent islands of Hanigad

and Awasan. These exploration activities will address the recommendations to be done in

relation to this resource assessment and confirm at the same time the data generated

through time from the series of exploration works conducted by several workers. The

activities include the following:

Drilling using NQ-size rods (64mm diameter) up to bedrock to optimize the laterite

resource potential;

In-fill drilling in order to upgrade to measured and indicated categories of selected

drilling areas with delineated anomalies;

Density determination using sand-replacement method (“sand cone” method) at

intervals of about 250 to 300 meters in grid for each matrix (limonite, earthy saprolite,

rocky saprolite) for verification of old density values and to build a robust density

database;

Geochemical interpretation of the mineralization signature and confirm further the

mineralization controls in a nickeliferous laterite;

Geochemical analyses of value-adding metals such as rare-earth elements to include

scandium (Sc);

Establish NAMRIA certified monuments and build-up of more monuments (every nine

(9) hectares) as controls for future mining and exploration activities;

Extensive geostatistical runs to optimize resource calculation;




ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The author would like to thank the invaluable support of the management and technical personnel of PNPI and Clariden Holdings Inc particularly to Secretary Horacio C. Ramos, President and General Manager of PNPI, for the unconditional trust he provided to the author; to Mr. Edwin A. Rillon, Geology and Field Exploration Manager of Clariden Holdings Inc., for providing the much needed data and supplemental information and review of this earlier draft; Engineer Manny Banaag, for scrutinizing further the this technical report for an unprecedented accuracy of the information within;.to Engineer Wendell Gador of PNPI who did led the author to a series of extensive tours within the project areas; and to Ms. Nilda Magtoto, Chief Finance Officer of Clariden Holdings Inc., for prompt facilitation of fees and administrative support. Map preparation and drafts of images and sections were carefully drawn by Mr. JayR F. Gabinete, the GIS Specialist of MacroAsia Mining Corporation. Mr. Ramon N. Santos, VP for Mine Operation, has been very supportive of this endeavor who even provided advices in the preparation of the draft. This report has benefited much from the peer review by a Fellow Competent Person in Reporting Exploration Results and Mineral Resource Estimates, accredited by the Geological Society of the Philippines in conformity with the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code. The bulk of the resource assessment proper has gone handy despite the enormous volume of data due to the expertise of our geostatistician through GEMCOM GEMS use. My son Keith and my wife Lori serve as my technical assistants in printing and archiving of data and the series of drafts done.

RAS




REFERENCES

Mines and Geosciences Bureau. 2010. Geology of the Philippines. Aurelio, M. A. and Pena, R. (eds.), Manila. 406 p.

MMAJ-JICA. 1992. Report on the cooperative mineral exploration: geological assessment of

chromite, base metals, platinum and related precious metal occurrences in south central Palawan, the Republic of the Philippines, phase II. JICA-MMAJ, 75p.

MMAJ-JICA. 1993. Report on the cooperative mineral exploration: geological assessment of

chromite, base metals, platinum and related precious metal occurrences in south central Palawan, the Republic of the Philippines, consolidated report. JICA-MMAJ, 127p.

Santos, R.A. 1993. Characterization of solid inclusions in chromites of Palawan Ophiolite,

Philippines and its genetic significance. unpub. M.Sc. Thesis, Univ. Tokyo. 90p. Santos R.A. 1997. Chromite and platinum-group elements in arc-related ophiolites:

constraints from Palawan and Dinagat Ophiolite Complexes, Philippines. Unpub. Ph.D. dissertation, Univ. Tokyo, 209p.

Santos-Ynigo, L. and Esguerra, F.B. 1961. Geology and geochemistry of nickeliferous

laterites of Nonoc and adjacent islands, Surigao Province, Philippines. Special project series No. 18, Philippine Bureau of Mines, Manila. 208p.

UNRFNRE. 1993. Chromite exploration in the Philippines. (exploration Area I, Palawan

Island). unpub. Final Report vol.II, 1-37p. UNRFNRE. 1993. Chromite exploration in the Philippines. (exploration Area II, Dinagat

Island). unpub. Final Report vol.III, 1-163p. Vantage Mining Group. 1998/1999. Nonoc Nickel Project for Pacific Nickel Holdings Limited.

Internal report. Surigao, 23p.

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