PERTH, Western Australia, Aug. 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perseus Mining Limited (ASX/TSX: PRU) wishes to update the estimates of the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves at each of its West African operations as outlined in Table 1 and Table 2 below. The report with JORC tables is available for download from www.perseusmining.com and www.asx.com.au.
Table 1: Perseus Mining Mineral Resources – 30 June 2021 1,2,4
Project | Measured Resources | Indicated Resources | Measured & Indicated Resources | Inferred Resources | ||||||||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | |
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | |
Edikan | 24.8 | 1.01 | 803 | 46.1 | 1.03 | 1,522 | 70.9 | 1.04 | 2,326 | 5.6 | 1.6 | 300 |
Sissingué 3 | 6.2 | 1.52 | 300 | 1.6 | 2.02 | 107 | 7.8 | 1.62 | 407 | 0.2 | 1.8 | 13 |
Yaouré | 0.5 | 0.95 | 14 | 50.9 | 1.34 | 2,196 | 51.3 | 1.34 | 2,209 | 47 | 1.1 | 1,730 |
TOTAL | 31.4 | 1.11 | 1,118 | 98.6 | 1.21 | 3,825 | 130.0 | 1.18 | 4,942 | 53.3 | 1.2 | 2,040 |
Table 2: Perseus Mining Ore Reserve – 30 June 20211,4
Project | Proved | Probable | Proved and Probable | |||||||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
Edikan | 14.1 | 1.06 | 480 | 22.3 | 1.17 | 837 | 36.4 | 1.13 | 1,318 | |
Sissingué 3 | 4.9 | 1.61 | 254 | 0.9 | 2.32 | 70 | 5.9 | 1.72 | 324 | |
Yaouré | 0.5 | 0.95 | 14 | 29.2 | 1.72 | 1,618 | 29.6 | 1.71 | 1,632 | |
TOTAL | 19.4 | 1.20 | 749 | 52.5 | 1.50 | 2,525 | 71.9 | 1.42 | 3,274 |
Notes for Tables 1 and 2:
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES
The Mineral Resource estimates are reported in accordance with the 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code). The classification categories of Measured, Indicated and Inferred under the JORC Code are equivalent to the CIM categories of the same names (CIM, 2014).
YAOURÉ GOLD MINE, CÔTE D’IVOIRE
The CMA open pit and Heap Leach Mineral Resources have been depleted to 30 June 2021 surveyed mining surfaces. The Company confirms that there have been no other material changes to estimates of Yaouré and CMA deposits open pit or Heap Leach Mineral Resources and readers are referred to ASX release “Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” dated 28 August 2019 and the notes contained therein.
In respect of the estimate of Mineral Resources that might be exploited by underground mining, readers are referred to ASX release “Perseus Mining Completes Scoping Study for Potential Underground Mine at Yaouré” dated 5 November 2018 and the notes contained therein. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any information that would result in a material change to that estimate. The underground Inferred Mineral Resource quoted in Table 4 is additional to the open pit Mineral Resources, being located below the US$1,800 pit shell that constrains the June 2019 estimate.
Estimates of Mineral Resources in satellite deposits at Yaouré are new and information provided in the following notes and in Appendix 1 applies.
Estimated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources total 51.3 Mt grading 1.34 g/t gold, containing 2,210 kozs of gold. A further 47 Mt of material grading 1.1 g/t gold and containing a further 1,730 kozs of gold are classified as Inferred Resources. Details of these estimates are shown below in Table 3 and Table 4.
Table 3: Yaouré Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources – 30 June 2021 7, 8, 9
Deposit | Deposit Type | Measured Resources | Indicated Resources | Measured & Indicated Resources | ||||||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
CMA 1, 2, 3, 5 | Open Pit | - | - | - | 26.6 | 1.80 | 1,536 | 26.6 | 1.80 | 1,536 |
Yaouré 1, 2, 3, 5 | Open Pit | - | - | - | 18.8 | 0.80 | 483 | 18.8 | 0.80 | 483 |
Satellite deposits 4, 5 | Open Pit | - | - | - | 5.1 | 1.03 | 168 | 5.1 | 1.03 | 168 |
Sub Total | - | - | - | 50.5 | 1.35 | 2,188 | 50.5 | 1.35 | 2,188 | |
Heap Leach2, 6 | Stockpile | 0.4 | 0.61 | 8 | 0.4 | 0.61 | 8 | |||
Stockpiles | Stockpile | 0.5 | 0.95 | 14 | - | - | - | 0.5 | 0.95 | 14 |
TOTAL | 0.5 | 0.95 | 14 | 50.9 | 1.34 | 2,196 | 51.3 | 1.34 | 2,210 |
Notes:
Table 4: Yaouré Inferred Mineral Resources – 30 June 2021 7, 8
Deposit | Deposit Type | Inferred Resources | ||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
CMA 1, 2, 3, 5 | Open Pit | 11 | 1.1 | 400 |
Yaouré 1, 2, 3, 5 | Open Pit | 33 | 0.9 | 900 |
Satellite deposits 4, 5 | Open Pit | 1 | 0.9 | 40 |
CMA 6 | Underground | 1.8 | 6.1 | 350 |
Total | 47 | 1.1 | 1,730 |
Notes:
GEOLOGY
Govisou and Angovia 2 deposits are hosted by Palaeoproterozoic Birimian Supergroup rocks of the Bouaflé Greenstone Belt.
Govisou gold deposit is hosted by a diorite intrusion surrounded by metabasalts. Mineralisation is thought to be associated with both NE and NW striking, subvertical structures but forms a diffuse volume that is almost circular in plan view, about 90m in diameter and plunging at about 60 degrees toward the NNW. Gold is associated with low concentrations of fine-grained disseminated pyrite and phengite alteration. Quartz veining is rare.
Angovia 2 deposit comprises gold mineralisation associated with pyrite disseminations and veinlets hosted in chlorite-carbonate-silica altered metabasalts. The deposit strikes E-W in an anastomosing shear zone and extends over about 550m strike, with mineralisation controlled by brittle-ductile shears that mainly dip south at 50-60 degrees. Subsidiary north-dipping structures also appear to occur.
DRILLING TECHNIQUES
The Govisou resource is delineated by regular drilling at 20m x 20m X-Y spacing in holes dipping at -45 degrees toward 135 degrees azimuth. Drill coverage generally extends to about 100m vertical depth and to a maximum of about 140m maximum depth.
Data available to inform the Govisou resource estimate include:
All RC drilling by Amara and Perseus used face-sampling hammers. Diamond core drilling used HQ diameter core and triple-tube equipment to maximise core recoveries in weathered materials. Seventeen per cent of core was HQ diameter; 83% was NQ diameter.
The Angovia 2 resource is delineated by drilling on 25m spaced traverses (X) with hole spacing generally at 20m on traverses (Y). Because of historic drill patterns, the central part of the deposit has partial infill drilling on 15m spaced traverses.
Data available to inform the Angovia 2 resource estimate include:
All RC drilling by Cluff, Amara and Perseus used face-sampling hammers. Diamond core drilled by Amara was HQ diameter in weathered material and NQ diameter in fresh rock. All diamond core drilled by Perseus was HQ diameter, with triple-tube equipment used to maximise core recoveries in weathered materials.
SAMPLING
RC drill samples were collected at drill sites over generally 1m intervals and manually split using multi-stage riffle splitters to produce assay sub-samples averaging around 3kg. RC holes drilled by Perseus at Govisou during 2020-2021 had riffle splits of 1m samples composited to 2m for assay. All RC holes by Cluff, Amara and Perseus have been assayed in entirety.
Diamond core was generally sawn in half using a diamond blade saw, with one half sent for assaying and the other half stored in core trays for reference. Samples were normally taken at 1 metre intervals. All diamond drill core was assayed.
Preparation of core and RC samples followed a standard path of drying at 105 degrees C for at least 12 hours, crushing the entire sample to 85% passing -2mm and grinding a 1.5kg split to 85% passing 75 microns. 200g subsamples collected by multiple scoop passes were despatched to the assay laboratory.
At Govisou, 36% of samples informing the resource estimate underwent sample preparation at the Yaouré facility operated by Perseus. The remaining samples underwent sample preparation at commercial laboratories.
At Angovia 2, all RC and core samples informing the resource estimate underwent sample preparation variously at the Yaouré facility operated at various times by Cluff, Amara and Perseus or at commercial assay laboratories.
SAMPLE ANALYTICAL METHODS
At Govisou, all RC and diamond core samples have been assayed by 50g fire assay with AAS determination by commercial laboratories.
At Angovia 2, samples from Cluff RC holes, comprising about 33% of samples available to inform the resource estimate, were assayed by 500g cyanide leach by Abilab, Ouagadougou, part of the ALS Laboratory Group. Samples from Amara’s 2012 RC drilling campaign, comprising 11% of samples informing the resource estimate, were assayed at Yaouré using cyanide leach. Remaining samples from RC drilling by Perseus and core drilling by both Amara and Perseus were assayed by 50g fire assay with AAS finish.
ESTIMATION METHODOLOGY – OPEN PIT MINERAL RESOURCES
Resources were estimated by Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) of two metre down-hole composited gold grades from RC and diamond drilling.
At Angovia 2, selected pre-production grade control RC holes were included in the estimation dataset in areas of limited resource sampling in the northern, near-surface portion of the deposit.
Mineralised domains used for resource estimation delineate zones within which the tenor and spatial trends of mineralisation are similar. Sample data were also separated into sub-domains representing weathering horizons using surfaces provided by Perseus. Grade continuity was characterised by indicator variograms modelled at 14 indicator thresholds.
At Govisou, class grades were derived from class mean grades with the exception of upper bin grades which we derived from class medians.
At Angovia 2, upper bin grades were generally derived from the class median or, less commonly, the lower of two values within the bin or bin threshold.
The above approaches to treatment of high grades reduces the impact of small numbers of extreme grades on estimates of resources.
At Govisou, resources were estimated into panels in a 45-degree rotated grid with dimensions 20m x 20m x 5m (X, Y, Z).
At Angovia 2, resources were estimated into panels with dimensions 25m x 25m x 5m (X, Y, Z), approximating the overall spacing of drill holes in the deposit.
The estimates include variance adjustments to provide estimates of recoverable resources expected to be recoverable by open pit mining on the scale presently practiced at Yaouré and given high quality grade control sampling.
CRITERIA FOR RESOURCE CLASSIFICATION
Govisou estimates were classified as Indicated and Inferred. Indicated resources are confined to areas 20m x 20m drill coverage, with Inferred estimates in more broadly sampled mineralisation. Inferred panels generally extend to a maximum of around 25m from drilling.
Angovia 2 estimates were classified as Indicated and Inferred. Indicated resources are thus confined to areas drilled at around 25m and closer, with Inferred estimates in more broadly sampled mineralisation. Inferred panels generally extend to a maximum of around 25m from drilling.
CUTOFF GRADE
The cut-off grade of 0.4g/t Au for the stated open pit Mineral Resource estimates reflects the average break-even cut-off grade that derives from cost and revenue parameters in the Yaouré Life-of-Mine plan and a gold price of US$1,800/oz.
REASONABLE PROSPECTS FOR EVENTUAL ECONOMIC EXTRACTION
Mineral resources are reported within optimal pit shells generated using cost and revenue parameters in the Yaouré Life-of-Mine plan and a gold price of US$1,800/oz.
STOCKPILES
Mineral Resources contained in stockpiles are based on volume estimates based on ground survey data, loose bulk densities derived over time by reconciliation of volumes mined (at in situ densities) to stockpile movements and volumes and estimates of stockpile grades based on predicted grades of mined material transferred onto stockpiles and material depleted by processing.
Closing Yaouré stockpiles at 30 June 2021 were estimated as shown in Table 5.
Table 5: Yaouré Closing Stockpiles – 30 June 2021 1
Material | Quantity tonnes | Grade g/t gold | Gold ounces |
Low grade oxide | 335,422 | 0.66 | 7,097 |
Low grade transition | 20,643 | 0.74 | 491 |
Medium grade oxide | 20,027 | 1.42 | 917 |
High grade fresh | 59,990 | 2.32 | 4,475 |
Crushed ore stockpile | 14,826 | 1.74 | 829 |
Total | 450,907 | 0.95 | 13,808 |
Notes:
SISSINGUÉ GOLD MINE, CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Sissingué Mineral Resources comprise three components:
The in situ Mineral Resources at each of the deposits listed is potentially exploitable by open pit mining methods.
Mineral Resources estimates at the Sissingué Gold Mine have updated using additional drilling undertaken in 2020-2021 and a new constraining pit shell generated using updated Sissingué mining and processing costs. The new model has been depleted to the 30 June 2021 surveyed mining surface. The information provided in Appendix 3 pertains.
Estimates of Mineral Resources for the Fimbiasso deposits were updated in March 2020 and the information provided in ASX release “Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” dated 26 August 2020 and the notes contained therein pertain. Those estimates have been updated by new constraining pit shells generated using updated estimates of mining costs and Sissingué processing costs. The Company confirms that there have been no other material changes to estimates of Fimbiasso Mineral Resources.
Estimates of Mineral Resources at Bagoé are new and information provided in the following notes and in Appendix 2 applies.
The combined global Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource for the SGM is estimated as 7.8 Mt grading 1.62 g/t gold, containing 407 kozs of gold. A further 0.2 Mt of material grading 1.8g/t gold, containing a further 13 kozs of gold are classified as Inferred Mineral Resources. Details of these estimates are shown below in Tables 6 and 7.
Table 6: Sissingué Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources – 30 June 2021 8, 9, 10
Deposit | Deposit Type | Measured Resources | Indicated Resources | Measured & Indicated Resources | ||||||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
Sissingué 1, 2, 3 | Open Pit | 2.6 | 1.23 | 102 | 0.2 | 1.36 | 11 | 2.8 | 1.24 | 113 |
Fimbiasso 4, 5 | Open Pit | 1.7 | 1.69 | 95 | 0.4 | 1.78 | 23 | 2.1 | 1.71 | 118 |
Bagoé 6, 7 | Open Pit | 0.7 | 2.24 | 53 | 1.0 | 2.28 | 73 | 1.7 | 2.26 | 126 |
Stockpiles | Open Pit | 1.1 | 1.44 | 51 | 1.1 | 1.44 | 51 | |||
TOTAL | 6.2 | 1.52 | 300 | 1.6 | 2.02 | 107 | 7.8 | 1.62 | 407 |
Notes:
Table 7: Sissingué Inferred Mineral Resources – 30 June 2021 8, 9
Deposit | Deposit Type | Inferred Resources | ||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
Sissingué 1, 2, 3 | Open Pit | 0.03 | 0.8 | 1 |
Fimbiasso 4, 5 | Open Pit | 0.1 | 1.8 | 6 |
Bagoé 6, 7 | Open Pit | 0.1 | 2.2 | 6 |
TOTAL | 0.2 | 1.8 | 13 |
Notes:
GEOLOGY
The Bagoé Gold Project is located in the West African Craton and covers Palaeoproterozoic (Birimian) rocks of the southern extension of the Syama Greenstone Belt and the western margin of the Senoufo Greenstone Belt. Gold deposits at Bagoé are of the orogenic, greenstone-hosted type. Exploration has located several gold occurrences, including the Antoinette and Juliette, probably located within the Syama Belt, and Veronique, located within the Senoufo Belt. Mineral Resources have been delineated at Antoinette, Juliette, and Veronique deposits.
Antoinette gold deposit is hosted by a fine-grained, siliceous and, in places, carbonaceous metasediment unit within a sequence of felsic volcaniclastic rocks and porphyritic dioritic dykes. Mineralisation is subvertical, extends over about 800m strike, with three principal mineralised zones that very from 5m to 45m in width. Weathering extends to 50-60m depth.
Juliette gold deposit is located 3.5km SW of Antoinette and is hosted by the extension of the Antoinette sequence/structure. Mineralisation is subvertical, extends over about 470m strike and generally comprises a single lens 5-15m wide. Weathering extends to 30-40m depth.
Veronique gold deposit is located 16km SSE of Antoinette. Mineralisation extends over 800m strike and generally comprises a single NW-striking quartz vein 1-2m thick that dips at 45 degrees to the SW. The vein is hosted by an extensive granodiorite stock. Alteration selvages extending 2-3m either side of the vein result, in places, in 6-8m true thickness of mineralisation. Weathering extends to 50-60m depth.
At Antoinette and Juliette, gold is associated with veinlets and disseminations of pyrite and arsenopyrite. Cyanide leach testwork indicates that gold is partially refractory in materials below the base of oxidation.
At Veronique, gold occurs as native gold and in association with small quantities of pyrite. Cyanide leach testwork indicates high gold recoveries from fresh rock material.
DRILLING TECHNIQUES
Antoinette, Juliette and Veronique deposits have been delineated by air core (AC), reverse circulation (RC) and diamond core drilling.
Antoinette deposit has been drilled on 25m spaced traverses with holes generally spaced at 20m. Most holes were drilled at -60 degrees toward 315 degrees azimuth, perpendicular to the strike of mineralisation.
Juliette deposit has been drilled on 25m spaced traverses with holes mostly spaced at 20m. Holes were drilled at -55 degrees toward 315 degrees azimuth, perpendicular to the strike of mineralisation.
Veronique has been drilled at nominal 20m x 20m X-Y spacing with holes drilled at -60 degrees toward 045 degrees azimuth, orthogonal to mineralisation.
The data type, spacing and distribution are considered sufficient to establish estimates of Mineral Resources.
SAMPLING
For all AC and RC holes informing the resource estimates, samples were collected at 1m intervals and split at drill sites using a multi-stage riffle splitter to produce sub-samples weighting 2-3kg. Exploration AC holes assayed in 4m composites were not used to inform the resource estimates.
Diamond core was sawn in half using a diamond blade saw, with the right half sent for assaying and the left half stored in core trays for reference. Core was sampled in 1m intervals or to geological contacts
AC, RC and core samples were securely transported to Perseus’s sample preparation facility at Yaouré Gold Mine where they were dried, crushed to 2mm and a 1kg riffle split portion pulverised to 90% passing 75 microns. Pulps were mixed on a rolling mat (“carpet roll”), and then 200 g of sub-sample was selected by multiple dips of a spatula and packaged in a kraft paper packet.
Sample condition (dry, damp, wet) and a qualitative description of sample quality (high, moderate, low) were logged for AC and RC holes. Eighty-eight samples logged as wet were culled from the data used to inform the resource estimate at Antoinette.
For RC samples and samples from AC holes drilled for resource definition, the weight of each entire recovered 1m sample was recorded. At Antoinette and Juliette, AC and RC sample recoveries averaged 90%. At Veronique, AC and RC sample recoveries averaged 80%. There is no apparent relationship between sample recovery and gold grades in AC and RC drill holes.
Recovered lengths of diamond core were measured for each drill run. Average core recoveries at Antoinette ranged from 85% in upper saprolite to 100% in fresh rock. At Veronique, core recoveries averaged 80% in upper saprolite to 99% in fresh rock. No diamond core holes have been drilled at Juliette. There is no apparent relationship between core recovery and gold grades in diamond drill holes.
Sampling precision was monitored by inclusion of 1:20 duplicate field splits for AC and RC samples. Additionally, duplicate pulps were created for 1:20 samples of all types.
The drill hole samples are considered appropriate and representative.
SAMPLE ANALYTICAL METHODS
Samples were assayed by Bureau Veritas in Abidjan using 50g fire assay with AAS finish for gold only. The technique is considered a measure of total gold.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
Assay accuracy and reliability were monitored by insertion of blanks at 1:20 samples and reference standards (CRMs) at 1:20 samples.
The performances of blanks and standards were monitored as assay results were received.
Intervals of significant gold grades were compared to logging of quartz veining, alteration and mineralisation and chip tray photographs.
Assays were plotted on cross-sections to check that significant intercepts conform to the expected locations of mineralisation and make geometric sense.
Five diamond core holes have been drilled at Veronique and six at Antoinette to twin RC holes previously drilled by Exore Resources. Intercept widths and grades compare to those in RC holes to within acceptable tolerances.
The QAQC data show acceptable precision and no significant bias. Overall assaying quality is considered adequate to support estimates of Mineral Resources.
ESTIMATION METHODOLOGY – OPEN PIT MINERAL RESOURCES
Recoverable resources were estimated using Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) with block support adjustment.
Sample intervals were composited to 2 m down-hole lengths and 3D wireframes developed that delineate mineralisation volumes at approximately 0.2g/t Au threshold. Interpretation of model domains was supported by geological interpretations and weathering interface surfaces provided by Perseus.
At each deposit, MIK estimates were performed into panels based on the approximate average spacings of drill holes available to inform the estimates and considering the proposed open pit mining method:
A local grid with grid north toward 045 degrees was applied at all deposits.
A three-pass search strategy was employed for estimation. At Antoinette and Juliette (in local grid orientation):
No rotation of search ellipsoid.
At Veronique:
Search ellipsoid rotated -50 degrees about the Y-axis to conform to the dip of mineralisation.
All indicator class grades used for estimation were derived from the class means with the exception of the upper bin grades for which the class medians were applied for most domains. The approach limits the impact of small numbers of very high-grade samples, similar to top cutting high grades.
Average densities were applied to each of five weathering sub-domains based on density measurements of drill core samples and density data from Sissingué mine where a similar weathering profile exists.
Block support adjustments were applied assuming a mining selectivity of 3m x 8m x 2.5m (across strike, along strike, vertical) and grade control sample spacing of 5m x 8m x 1m (along strike, across strike, downhole). The recoverable resource estimates can be reasonably be expected to provide reliable estimates of potential open pit mining outcomes at the assumed selectivity without application of additional mining dilution or recovery factors.
CRITERIA FOR RESOURCE CLASSIFICATION
The resource estimates have been classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources in accordance with the 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code) and the CIM Definition Standards (CIM, 2011) based on the drill hole spacing at each of the deposits and on satisfaction of the estimation search criteria described above. The approach reflects the reasonable view that Category 1 and 2 blocks are surrounded by data in close proximity and can properly be considered Measured and Indicated, respectively. Category 3 blocks may occur on the peripheries of drilling but are still related to drilling data within reasonable distances and are included in the Mineral Resource as Inferred.
The Veronique estimate does not include any Measured resource because although the mineralised structure is demonstrably continuous, gold grades within the lode are highly variable.
CUTOFF GRADE
Cut-off grades of 0.8 and 1g/t have been applied to oxide and transition materials respectively, based on estimates mining, ore transport and processing costs, the expected metallurgical performances of the various material types and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. A cut-off grade of 1.2g/t has been applied to fresh rock material at Veronique only.
Resource estimates for Antoinette and Juliette exclude sulphide material
REASONABLE PROSPECTS FOR EVENTUAL ECONOMIC EXTRACTION
Mineral resources are reported within optimal pit shells generated using estimates of mining, ore transport and processing costs, the expected metallurgical performances of the various material types and a gold price of US$1,800/oz.
STOCKPILES
Mineral Resources contained in stockpiles are based on volume estimates based on ground survey data, loose bulk densities derived over time by reconciliation of volumes mined (at in situ densities) to stockpile movements and volumes and estimates of stockpile grades based on predicted grades of mined material transferred onto stockpiles and material depleted by processing.
Closing Sissingué stockpiles at 30 June 2021 were estimated as shown in Table 8.
Table 8: Sissingué Closing Stockpiles – 30 June 2021
Material | Quantity tonnes | Grade g/t gold | Gold ounces |
Low grade oxide | 157,203 | 0.68 | 3,455 |
Low grade fresh | 373,302 | 1.31 | 15,689 |
High grade fresh | 554,838 | 1.72 | 30,629 |
Crushed ore stockpile | 15,811 | 2.36 | 1,200 |
TOTAL | 1,101,154 | 1.44 | 50,973 |
Notes:
EDIKAN GOLD MINE
Edikan’s Mineral Resources comprise four components:
The updated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource for the Edikan Gold Mine in Ghana (“Edikan”) is now estimated as 70.9 Mt grading 1.02 g/t gold, containing 2,326 kozs of gold, as at 30 June 2021. A further 5.6 Mt of material grading 1.6 g/t gold and containing a further 300 kozs of gold are classified as an Inferred Mineral Resource. Details of the estimates are shown below in Table 9 and Table 10.
Edikan open pit Mineral Resources were last updated in June 2020 and readers are referred to ASX release “Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves” dated 26 August 2020. Mineral Resources at AF Gap and at Fetish have been depleted to 30 June 2021 mining survey surfaces. The Mineral Resource previously quoted for Bokitsi South deposit has been written off entirely; the pit is being backfilled with mine waste. The Company confirms that in all other respects it is not aware of any other information that would result in a material change to the estimates of remaining resources.
The Mineral Resource estimate for the Esuajah South deposit has been updated after additional drilling completed in late 2020. The notes below and the information provided in Appendix 4 pertain to that estimate.
The Heap Leach Mineral Resource has been depleted to the 30 June 2021 mine survey surface. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any information that would, in any other respect, result in a material change to the estimate of the Mineral Resource previously released and readers are referred to ASX release “Perseus Mining Updates Edikan Gold Mine’s Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve dated 21 February 2017 and the notes contained therein.
Table 9: Edikan Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources – 30 June 2021 8, 9, 10
Deposit | Deposit Type | Measured Resources | Indicated Resources | Measured & Indicated Resources | ||||||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
AF Gap 1, 2, 3 | Open Pit | 9.7 | 0.99 | 310 | 21.6 | 0.90 | 628 | 31.3 | 0.93 | 938 |
Esuajah North 1, 2, 3,4 | Open Pit | 2.8 | 0.79 | 72 | 4.0 | 0.74 | 95 | 6.9 | 0.76 | 168 |
Fetish 2, 3,5 | Open Pit | 6.2 | 0.97 | 194 | 11.7 | 0.93 | 348 | 17.9 | 0.94 | 542 |
Sub Total | 18.8 | 0.95 | 577 | 37.3 | 0.89 | 1,071 | 56.1 | 0.91 | 1,648 | |
Esuajah South 6 | U’ground | 3.1 | 1.70 | 168 | 5.9 | 2.09 | 393 | 8.9 | 1.95 | 561 |
Heap Leach 2, 7 | Stockpile | - | - | - | 2.9 | 0.6 | 58 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 58 |
Stockpiles | Stockpile | 2.9 | 0.63 | 59 | - | - | - | 2.9 | 0.63 | 59 |
TOTAL | 24.8 | 1.01 | 803 | 46.1 | 1.03 | 1,522 | 70.9 | 1.02 | 2,326 |
Notes:
Table 10: Edikan Inferred Mineral Resources – 30 June 2021 7, 8
Deposit | Deposit Type | Inferred Resources | ||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
AF Gap 1, 2, 3 | Open Pit | 0.2 | 0.9 | 7 |
Esuajah North 2, 3, 4 | Open Pit | 0.03 | 1.0 | 1 |
Fetish 2, 3, 5 | Open Pit | 0.6 | 0.9 | 18 |
Esuajah South 6,7 | Underground | 4.8 | 1.8 | 270 |
Total | 5.6 | 1.6 | 300 |
Notes:
GEOLOGY
The Edikan gold deposits occur near the western flank of the Ashanti Greenstone Belt in south-western Ghana. Mineralisation is hosted by Palaeoproterozoic aged rocks of the Birimian Supergroup. Structurally controlled gold mineralisation occurs in two principal modes: disseminated pyrite-arsenopyrite mineralisation associated with quartz veining and sericite alteration hosted by granitoids and shear-zone hosted mineralisation associated with pyrite-arsenopyrite mineralisation in and adjacent to quartz veins in deformed, fine-grained metasedimentary rocks. The strike lengths of the individual deposits range from approximately 300 metres (Esuajah South) to more than 2 kilometres (Abnabna-AF Gap-Fobinso). Granite-hosted mineralisation is developed over widths of up to 150 metres; shear hosted mineralisation in metasedimentary rocks is typically 10-30 metres wide. Resource definition drilling has defined mineralisation to depths ranging from approximately 130 metres to more than 550 metres (AF Gap, Esuajah South).
DRILLING TECHNIQUES
Esuajah South deposit is delineated by diamond core drilling on a nominal 20m E x 20mN (local grid) spacing in plan view. Holes are generally angled at -50° toward grid west to provide optimal intersections of the mineralisation. Two diamond core holes totalling 268m were drilled by Ashanti Goldfields Corporation (AGC) prior to 2006. A total of 131 holes totalling 39,892m (including 3,248m in 27 RC pre-collars) were drilled by Perseus between 2006 and 2011. A further 61 diamond core holes totalling 5,886m were drilled in August to October 2020 to infill the top 125m of the deposit to approximately 20m x 10m spacing in plan view.
Samples from RC holes drilled by AGC prior to 2006 have been excluded from sample data that inform the resource estimate.
Mineralisation is represented by 5,339 2m composites from diamond core samples and 109 2m composites from RC samples.
SAMPLING
Core was cut in half using a core saw. All samples were collected from the same side of the core.
Half core and RC sub-samples were despatched to commercial assay laboratories for sample preparation and assaying.
Sample preparation comprised drying, crushing the entire received sample to 2mm, then pulverising to 90% passing -75um.
SAMPLE ANALYTICAL METHODS
Of the 7,837 2m sample composites representing mineralisation, 7,596 derive from 50g fire assays with aqua regia digest finish, 167 derive from 1kg cyanide leach bottle roll assays and the assay method for 74 sample composites from the two core holes drilled by AGC is unknown.
Perseus’s quality assurance and quality control “QAQC” procedures included submission of field duplicates (RC only) inserted at 1 in 25, certified blanks inserted at 1 in 20, certified standards at 1 in 20, internal laboratory standards, duplicates and repeats.
ESTIMATION METHODOLOGY – ESUAJAH SOUTH MINERAL RESOURCE
The boundaries of the mineralised granite body were digitised on 20m spaced drill cross-sections and a 3D wireframe of the granite developed using Micromine software. Based on drill hole data and experience at other granitoid-hosted gold deposits at Edikan, the entire granite body is considered to comprise the mineralised domain.
Drill hole sample intervals were composited to uniform 2m down-hole lengths and all composites lying within the granite wireframe were selected to inform estimates of gold grade, i.e. a hard boundary approach was applied.
Experimental variogram models were calculated and fitted with models using MP3® software.
A parent block dimension of 10mN x 10mE x 10mRL was selected on the basis of being approximately 50% of average drill hole spacing in the better drilled portion of the deposit.
Gold grades were interpolated into parent blocks by Ordinary Kriging using MP3® software.
A three-pass search strategy was applied. First pass search radii were 30mN x 30mE x 10mRL, being approximately 1.5 x hole spacing, and requiring a minimum of 16 data in 4 octants. Search pass 2 applied an ellipsoid expanded by 50% in each direction, i.e. 45m x 45m x 15m and the same data constraints. Search pass 3 applied an ellipsoid expanded by 100% in each direction, 60m x 60m x 20m, and halved the data constraint requirements to a minimum of 8 data in 2 octants.
Parent blocks were sub-blocked to minimum 2.5mN x 2.5mE x 2.5mRL against the granite wireframe and weathering surfaces to accurately represent the volume of mineralisation and material types.
Estimates were conducted using no top assay cut and 20 and 30g/t top cuts. After comparison to independent check models, the estimates using a 20g/t top cut were adopted. The 20g/t top cut represents approximately the 99.5th percentile of gold grades and affects 26 data.
Bulk densities of 1.8, 2.2 and 2.7 t/cu m were applied to weathered, partially weathered and fresh mineralisation respectively. The bulk densities of the mineralisation have been determined with a high degree of confidence from extensive sampling and mining of other deposits at Edikan. The stated Mineral Resource consists entirely of fresh rock (sulphide) mineralisation.
CRITERIA FOR RESOURCE CLASSIFICATION
Mineral Resources were classified in accordance with the Australasian Code for the Reporting of Identified Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC, 2012). Estimated Mineral Resources were classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources based on data quality, drill hole spacing, and continuity of mineralisation. The portion of the granite where the drill spacing is 20m by 20m or less and the majority of parent blocks received estimates in search pass 1 were classified as Measured. This was confined to approximately surface to 990mRL. The portion of the deposit between 990RL and 820RL, where the drill spacing is generally greater than 20m by 20m but less than 40m by 40m and blocks received estimates using search pass 2, was classified as Indicated Mineral Resource. Material below 820RL estimated using search pass 3 was classified as Inferred Mineral Resource. Inferred resources extend to 600RL, approximately 500m below surface.
The Mineral Resource estimate appropriately reflects the view of the Competent Person.
CUTOFF GRADE
The cut-off grade of 1g/t for the stated Esuajah South Mineral Resource estimate reflects the estimated shut-off grade for underground mass mining based on anticipated mining costs, processing costs and gold recoveries derived from the Feasibility Study and a gold price of US$1,800/oz.
STOCKPILES
Mineral Resources contained in stockpiles are based on volume estimates based on ground survey data, loose bulk densities derived over time by reconciliation of volumes mined (at in situ densities) to stockpile movements and volumes and estimates of stockpile grades based on predicted grades of mined material transferred onto stockpiles and material depleted by processing.
Closing stockpiles at 30 June 2021 were estimated as shown in Table 11.
Table 11: Edikan Closing Stockpiles – 30 June 2021
Material | Quantity tonnes | Grade g/t gold | Gold ounces |
Low grade oxide | 529,298 | 0.49 | 8,395 |
Low grade fresh | 2,045,244 | 0.61 | 39,974 |
High grade transition | 225,634 | 0.98 | 7,132 |
High grade fresh | 54,031 | 0.86 | 1,486 |
Crushed ore stockpile | 79,931 | 0.82 | 2,114 |
Total | 2,934,138 | 0.63 | 59,101 |
Notes:
ORE RESERVE ESTIMATE
YAOURÉ GOLD MINE, CÔTE D’IVOIRE
The Open Pit Ore Reserve estimate for the Yaouré Gold Mine includes depletion of the CMA and Yaouré deposits and addition of several Near-Mine Satellite deposits. The basis of the Ore Reserve Estimates for the CMA and Yaouré deposits remains unchanged from those reported at 30 June 2019. Readers are referred to ASX release “Perseus Updates Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimates” dated 28 August 2019 and the notes contained therein. Details on the additional Ore Reserves from the Near-Mine Satellite deposits are covered in the following section and Appendix 1 provides the JORC Table 1 criteria for the Near-Mine Satellite Open Pit Ore Reserves.
The Proved and Probable Ore Reserves for Yaouré are estimated as 29.6Mt, grading 1.71g/t gold and containing 1,632kozs of gold. Details of the estimate are shown in Table 12.
Table 12: Yaouré Proved and Probable Ore Reserves as at 30 June 20215,7
Deposit | Deposit Type | Proved | Probable | Proved + Probable | ||||||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
CMA1,2,4 | Open Pit | - | - | - | 19.9 | 2.04 | 1,305 | 19.9 | 2.04 | 1,305 |
Yaouré1,2,4 | Open Pit | - | - | - | 4.9 | 1.03 | 162 | 4.9 | 1.03 | 162 |
Near-Mine Satellites2,3,4,8 | Open Pit | - | - | - | 4.4 | 1.06 | 151 | 4.4 | 1.06 | 151 |
Sub-Total | Open Pit | - | - | - | 29.2 | 1.72 | 1,618 | 29.2 | 1.72 | 1,618 |
Stockpiles6 | Stockpile | 0.5 | 0.95 | 14 | - | - | - | 0.5 | 0.95 | 14 |
Total | 0.5 | 0.95 | 14 | 29.2 | 1.72 | 1,618 | 29.6 | 1.71 | 1,632 |
Notes:
In the ASX release “Perseus Updates Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimates” dated 28 August 2019 the Proved and Probable Ore Reserves were found within the economic limits of the CMA and Yaouré open pits and an old heap leach. Since then ore processing has commenced at Yaouré and the pit and heap leach Ore Reserves have been partially depleted. Additional Ore Reserves have been added at Angovia 2, Govisou and the Y2N/Y3 deposits following completion of feasibility studies and details are provided in Appendix 1. Figure 1 shows the changes in the Ore Reserve as at 30th June 2021.
Figure 1: Change in Yaouré Ore Reserves – June 2020 to June 2021 is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/646ba038-db19-4311-90e3-2c7d6b57d25e
ECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS
Table 13: Assumed average operating costs
Mining | Processing | G&A | Selling | Royalties |
US$2.83 /t mined | US$10.60 /t milled | US$5.99 /t milled | US$3.42 /oz sold | 4% |
OPEN PIT MINING PARAMETERS
Table 14: Open Pit Cut-Off Grades
Deposit | Cut-Off Grade by Ore Type (g/t gold) | |||
Oxide | Transition | Fresh Basalt | Fresh Granodiorite | |
CMA | 0.40 | 0.45 | 0.55 | - |
Yaouré | 0.40 | 0.45 | 0.65 | 0.70 |
Near-Mine Satellite | ||||
Y2N – Y3 | 0.40 | - | - | - |
Angovia 2 | 0.40 | 0.45 | 0.65 | - |
Govisou | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.50 | - |
PROCESSING PARAMETERS
Table 15: Metallurgical Recoveries by Material Type
Deposit | Recovery by Ore Type (%) | |||
Oxide | Transition | Fresh Basalt | Fresh Granodiorite | |
CMA | 93.4 | 94.5 | 89.5 | - |
Yaouré | 93.4 | 94.5 | 92.6 | 93.8 |
Near-Mine Satellite | ||||
Y2N – Y3 | 93.4 | - | - | - |
Angovia 2 | 92.9 | 92.0 | 91.1 | - |
Govisou | 93.4 | 94.5 | 89.5 | - |
STOCKPILE AND HEAP LEACH PARAMETERS
The stockpiles that existed on 30 June 2021 will be all fed to the processing plant over the mine life based on the blending strategy and associated rehandle costs for all material are allowed for.
CRITERIA FOR ORE RESERVE CLASSIFICATION
Ore Reserves have been classified based on the underlying Mineral Resource classifications and the level of detail in the mine planning. The Mineral Resources were classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred. The Ore Reserves, based only on the Measured and Indicated Resources, have been classified as Proved and Probable Ore Reserves, respectively. The Ore Reserves for Y2N and Y3 deposits are based on grade control models that replace portions of the Yaouré Mineral Resource volume but lie outside of the Yaouré pit design.
The Ore Reserve is classified as Proved and Probable in accordance with the JORC Code, corresponding to the Mineral Resource classifications of Measured and Indicated and considering other factors where relevant. The deposits’ geological models are well constrained. The Ore Reserve classification is considered appropriate given the nature of the deposits, the moderate grade variability, drilling density, structural complexity and mining history. Therefore, it was deemed appropriate to use Measured Mineral Resources as a basis for Proved Reserves and Indicated Mineral Resources as a basis for Probable Reserves.
No Inferred Mineral Resources were included in the Ore Reserve estimate.
SISSINGUÉ GOLD MINE, CÔTE D’IVOIRE
The updated Ore Reserve estimate for Sissingué Gold Mine is a depletion of the previous Sissingué deposit Ore Reserve with update of estimate based on $1,600/oz gold price assumption and the latest Mineral Resource estimate for the Sissingué deposit, plus the addition of Ore Reserves at the Bagoé deposit following completion of a feasibility study. All changes at Sissingué and Bagoé are included in the ASX release “Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimates” dated 24th August 2021 and the notes contained therein. Appendix 2 provides the JORC Table 1 criteria for the Bagoé deposit and Appendix 3 covers the update to the Sissingué Ore Reserves.
The Fimbiasso Ore Reserve is based on the Mineral Resource from March 2020 and readers are referred to ASX release “Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves” dated 26 August 2020 and the notes contained therein.
The combined Sissingué Gold Mine, Fimbiasso Project and Bagoé Project Ore Reserve is summarised below in Table 16 and is estimated at 5.9 Mt of ore, grading 1.72 g/t gold and containing 324k ounces of gold. Table 16 reports the Ore Reserves by category, project and type, above variable cut-off grades. The classification categories of Proved and Probable under the JORC Code are equivalent to the CIM categories of the same name (CIM, 2010).
Table 16: Sissingué Gold Mine Proved and Probable Ore Reserves as at 30 June 20215,7
Deposit | Deposit Type | Proved | Probable | Proved + Probable | ||||||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
Sissingué1,2,3,4 | Open Pit | 2.2 | 1.31 | 93 | 0.1 | 1.39 | 7 | 2.4 | 1.32 | 100 |
Fimbiasso2,4 | Open Pit | 1.1 | 1.95 | 70 | 0.2 | 2.15 | 13 | 1.3 | 1.98 | 82 |
Bagoé2,3,4 | Open Pit | 0.5 | 2.58 | 40 | 0.6 | 2.61 | 51 | 1.1 | 2.59 | 91 |
Sub-total | Open Pit | 3.8 | 1.66 | 203 | 0.9 | 2.32 | 70 | 4.7 | 1.79 | 273 |
Stockpiles6 | Stockpile | 1.1 | 1.40 | 51 | - | - | - | 1.1 | 1.40 | 51 |
Total | 4.9 | 1.61 | 254 | 0.9 | 2.32 | 70 | 5.9 | 1.72 | 324 |
Notes:
The changes in the Ore Reserve from that last quoted in June 2020 are associated with ore depletion from mining since 30 June 2020 along with revised Sissingué Ore Reserves driven by an updated resource model and change in gold price assumption from US$1,300/oz to US$1,600/oz. Also, Ore Reserves from the Bagoé deposit are included for the first time after completion of a feasibility study. The waterfall graph (Figure 2) below summarises the changes in the Sissingué Gold Mine reserves.
Figure 2: Change in Sissingué Ore Reserves – June 2020 to June 2021 is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25967d88-09c2-41c8-a95c-e8bb6d1d79e5
ECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS
Table 17: Assumed average operating costs
Mining (Open Pit) | Processing | G&A | Selling | Royalties |
US$4.85t/mined | US$15.30/milled | US$9.80t/milled | US$2.24/oz sold | 4.8% |
OPEN PIT MINING PARAMETERS
Table 18: Open Pit Cut-Off Grades
Deposit | Cut-Off Grade by Ore Type (g/t gold) | |||
Oxide | Transition | Fresh Granite | Fresh Sediment/Mafic | |
Sissingué | 0.40 | 0.60 | 0.85 | 1.05 |
Fimbiasso | 0.80 | 1.00 | 1.10 | 1.50 |
Bagoé | ||||
Antoinette | 1.00 – 1.20 | 1.20 – 2.70 | 1.60 – 3.00 | - |
Juliette | 1.10 | 1.40 | - | - |
Veronique | 1.10 – 1.20 | 1.40 | - | - |
PROCESSING PARAMETERS
Table 19: Metallurgical Recoveries by Material Type and Pit
Deposit | Recovery by Ore Type (%) | |||
Oxide | Transition | Fresh Granite | Fresh Sediment/Mafic | |
Sissingué | 97.0 | 95.0 | 92.0 | 83.3 * |
Fimbiasso | 94.0 | 93.0 | 91.0 | 91.0 |
Bagoé # | ||||
Antoinette | 93.0 | 82.8 | 87.5 | - |
Juliette | 85.4 | 85.4 | - | - |
Veronique | 92.8 | 89.7 | - | - |
Notes:
* Average value based on formula (7.63*In(Au_grade) +78.5)%
# Average value based on multiple recovery domains
STOCKPILE PARAMETERS
Ore mined from both Fimbiasso and Bagoé will be temporarily stockpiled on site then trucked to Sissingué for processing. Ore from Fimbiasso and Bagoé will be blended with remaining ore from the Sissingué deposit in order to keep the processing plant full, thereby minimising unit processing and G&A costs.
CRITERIA FOR ORE RESERVE CLASSIFICATION
Ore Reserves have been classified based on the underlying Mineral Resource classifications and the level of detail in the mine planning. The Mineral Resources were classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred. The Ore Reserves, based only on the Measured and Indicated Resources, have been classified as Proved and Probable Ore Reserves, respectively.
The Ore Reserve is classified as Proved and Probable in accordance with the JORC Code, corresponding to the Mineral Resource classifications of Measured and Indicated and considering other factors where relevant. The deposits’ geological models are well constrained. The Ore Reserve classification is considered appropriate given the nature of the deposits, the moderate grade variability, drilling density, structural complexity and mining history. Therefore, it was deemed appropriate to use Measured Mineral Resources as a basis for Proved Reserves and Indicated Mineral Resources as a basis for Probable Reserves.
No Inferred Mineral Resources were included in the Ore Reserve estimate.
EDIKAN GOLD MINE
The Ore Reserve is summarised below in Table 20 and is based on the Edikan Mineral Resources as at 30 June 2021. The Open Pit Ore Reserve is a depletion of the previous Ore Reserve and readers are referred to ASX release “Perseus Updates Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimates” dated 26 August 2020 and the notes contained therein. The Esuajah South Ore Reserve has been updated based on underground mining methods. All Ore Reserves are reported in accordance with the JORC Code and are reported by category, deposit and type, above variable cut-off grades. The classification categories of Proved and Probable under the JORC Code are equivalent to the CIM categories of the same name (CIM, 2010). Appendix 4 provides the JORC Table 1 criteria for the Edikan Underground Ore Reserves.
The updated Proved and Probable Ore Reserves for Edikan are now estimated as 36.4 Mt grading 1.13 g/t gold, containing 1,318 k ounces of gold including 14.1 Mt of ore grading 1.06 g/t gold and containing 480 k ounces of gold in the Proved category and a further 22.3 Mt of ore grading 1.17 g/t gold containing 837 k ounces of gold classified as Probable Ore Reserves. Mining of the Bokitsi South deposit was completed in November 2020 with the Ore Reserve being fully depleted.
Table 20: Edikan Gold Mine Proved and Probable Ore Reserves as at 30 June 20214,6
Deposit | Deposit Type | Proved | Probable | Proved + Probable | ||||||
Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | Quantity | Grade | Gold | ||
Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | Mt | g/t gold | ‘000 oz | ||
AF Gap1,2,3 | Open Pit | 6.1 | 1.14 | 222 | 11.5 | 1.03 | 381 | 17.6 | 1.06 | 603 |
Fetish1,2,3 | Open Pit | 3.1 | 1.14 | 113 | 5.1 | 1.11 | 183 | 8.2 | 1.12 | 296 |
Sub-total | 9.2 | 1.14 | 336 | 16.6 | 1.05 | 563 | 25.8 | 1.08 | 899 | |
Esuajah South2,4 | U/ground | 1.9 | 1.37 | 85 | 2.8 | 2.40 | 217 | 4.8 | 1.98 | 302 |
Heap Leach1,5 | Stockpile | - | - | - | 2.9 | 0.62 | 58 | 2.9 | 0.62 | 58 |
ROM Stockpiles5 | Stockpile | 2.9 | 0.63 | 59 | - | - | - | 2.9 | 0.63 | 59 |
Total | 14.1 | 1.06 | 480 | 22.3 | 1.17 | 837 | 36.4 | 1.13 | 1,318 |
Notes:
Proved and Probable Ore Reserves are found within the economic limits of two discrete open pits, an underground project and stockpiles that have been designed based on Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources that incorporated all available Resource in-fill drilling results, a gold price of US$1,300/oz and mining, processing and general and administration parameters derived from recent operating experience.
The Ore Reserves at Edikan were last reported in the ASX release “Perseus Mining Updates Edikan Gold Mine’s Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve” dated 26 August 2020 and the notes contained therein and comparisons made below are made to this last estimate. As shown below in Figure 3 below, the following changes have occurred:
Figure 3: Change in Edikan Ore Reserves – June 2020 to June 2021 is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e523949d-1d6f-4c87-8e1b-dfcf92af8fcd
ECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS
Table 21: Assumed average operating costs
Mining (Open Pit) | Mining (Underground) | Processing | G&A | Selling | Royalties | |
US$3.86 /t mined | US$42t/mined | US$8.94 /t milled | US$2.60 /t milled | US$2.24 /oz sold | 8.25 | % |
OPEN PIT MINING PARAMETERS
Table 22: Open Pit Cut-Off Grades
Deposit | Cut-Off Grade by Ore Type (g/t gold) | ||
Oxide | Transition | Fresh | |
AF Gap | 0.35 | 0.70 | 0.50 |
Fetish | 0.40 | 0.65 | 0.55 |
Heap Leach | 0.40 | - | - |
PROCESSING PARAMETERS
Table 23: Metallurgical Recoveries by Material Type and Pit
Deposit | Recovery by Ore Type (%) | ||
Oxide | Transition | Fresh | |
AF Gap | 61.0 | 73.0 | 88.0 |
Fetish | 61.0 | 73.0 | 90.0 |
Esuajah South | - | - | 90.0 |
Heap Leach | 67.0 | - | - |
UNDERGROUND MINING PARAMETERS
STOCKPILE AND HEAP LEACH PARAMETERS
It is assumed all the Heap Leach material is mined and fed to the processing plant during the mine life based on the material blending schedule and all the material is rehandle on the ROM stockpile. The ROM stockpiles that existed at 30 June 2021 are all fed to the processing plant over the mine life and associated rehandle costs for all material are allowed for.
CRITERIA FOR ORE RESERVE CLASSIFICATION
Ore Reserves have been classified based on the underlying Mineral Resource classifications and the level of detail in the mine planning. The Mineral Resources were classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred. The Ore Reserves, based only on the Measured and Indicated Resources, have been classified as Proved and Probable Ore Reserves, respectively.
The Ore Reserve is classified as Proved and Probable in accordance with the JORC Code, corresponding to the Mineral Resource classifications of Measured and Indicated and taking into account other factors where relevant. The deposits’ geological models are well constrained. The Ore Reserve classification is considered appropriate given the nature of the deposits, the moderate grade variability, drilling density, structural complexity and mining history. Therefore, it was deemed appropriate to use Measured Mineral Resources as a basis for Proved Reserves and Indicated Mineral Resources as a basis for Probable Reserves.
No Inferred Mineral Resources were included in the Ore Reserve estimate.
This announcement was authorised for release by the Board Technical Committee.
Competent Person Statements:
Edikan
The information in this report that relates to the Esuajah South Underground Mineral Resource is based on information compiled by Mr Gary Brabham, FAusIMM, MAIG, who is an employee of Perseus. The estimate of the Esuajah South Underground Ore Reserve was undertaken by Mr Andrew Gasmier, MAusIMM of Mining Plus Pty Ltd. Mr Gasmier has no economic, financial or pecuniary interest in the company. The information in this report that relates to Esuajah North Mineral Resources estimate was first reported by the Company in a market announcement released on 29 August 2018. The information in this report that relates to AF Gap Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve estimate was first reported by the Company in a market announcement released on 26 August 2020. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Fetish deposit and the Heap Leach was first reported by the Company in a market announcement released on 20 February 2020. This report includes an update for mining depletion at Edikan as at 30 June 2021.
Sissingué, Fimbiasso and Bagoé
The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for the Fimbiasso deposits was first reported by the Company in a market announcement released on 26 August 2020. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources for the Sissingué and Bagoé deposits is based on information compiled by Mr Nicolas Johnson MAIG, of MPR Geological Consultants Pty Ltd. Mr Johnson has no economic, financial or pecuniary interest in the company. The estimate of the Bagoé Ore Reserves was undertaken by Mr Paul Thompson, FAusIMM, who is an employee of Perseus. The estimate of the Sissingué Ore Reserves was undertaken by Mr Craig Fawcett, FAusIMM CP, who is an employee of Perseus.
Yaouré
The information in this report that relates to Open Pit and Heap Leach Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves at Yaouré was first reported by the Company in a market announcement released on 28 August 2019. This report includes an update for mining depletion at Yaouré as at 30 June 2021. The information in this report that relates to Underground Mineral Resources at Yaouré was first reported by the Company in a market announcement released on 5 November 2018 and adjusted to exclude material lying within the US$1,800/oz pit shell that constrains the Open Pit Mineral Resources in a market announcement released on 28 August 2019. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources for the Govisou and Angovia 2 deposits is based on information compiled by Mr Jonathon Abbott, MAIG, of MPR Geological Consultants Pty Ltd. Mr Abbott has no economic, financial or pecuniary interest in the company. The estimate of the Yaouré near mine satellite deposit Ore Reserves was undertaken by Mr Paul Thompson, FAusIMM who is an employee of Perseus.
All information stated above as reported earlier was reported in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 The Company confirms that it is not aware of any information that would, in any other respect than reported above, result in a material change to the estimates of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves previously released.
Every Competent Person referred to above has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he has undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012 and a Qualified Person as defined in NI43-101 and consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears and has approved the inclusion of technical and scientific information in this report.
Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information:
This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaouré Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingué Gold Mine without any major disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, , the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. The Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the Company’s ability to carry on its exploration and development activities, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
ASX/TSX: PRU REGISTERED OFFICE: Level 2 437 Roberts Road Subiaco WA 6008 Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700 Email: IR@perseusmining.com www.perseusmining.com | CONTACTS: Jeff Quartermaine Managing Director & CEO jeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.com Nathan Ryan Media Relations +61 4 20 582 887 nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au |