Century Mining Announces Updated NI 43-101
posted on
Jun 30, 2011 09:23AM
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 30, 2011) -Century Mining Corporation ("Century Mining" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:CMM) announces updated reserve and resource estimates for the Lamaque Project and San Juan Mine, that were last updated on June 24, 2009 and March 28, 2008, respectively. The National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Technical Reports describing the details of the updated reserve and resource estimates will be filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) within 45 days from the date of this press release. The Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") deferred its approval of the proposed plan of arrangement to combine White Tiger Gold Ltd. ("White Tiger Gold") and Century Mining (the "Business Combination"), as previously announced, pending receipt of "current" NI 43-101 Technical Reports for Century Mining's Lamaque and San Juan projects. Century Mining retained Micon International Inc. ("Micon") and Dr. Edmond van Hees ("Ed van Hees") to complete the respective Technical Reports. In addition, Ed van Hees was retained to review Micon's approach and philosophy with regard to Micon's audit of the polygon resource estimation. Century Mining has been cognisant of the fact that until these Technical Reports are completed, the Company is constrained in its disclosures and in proceeding with the Business Combination. A more extensive technical review would require a further five to six months, resulting in an unacceptable delay, but is expected to recover some of the reductions and reclassifications indicated in the current reserve and resource update or to add new mineral resources. Century Mining views this update on the reserves and resources as an interim update released at this time to meet the current requirements of the Company. Lamaque Project Micon was contracted to complete the Lamaque Project mineral reserve and resource update. This included reviewing historic information from approximately 40,000-diamond drill holes, abundant paper technical data (Placer Dome and Teck data) and a number of digital formats, which cover multiple mineralized structures. As a component of the update process, more rigorous and technically advanced processes were applied to reflect the geology of the project. In particular, these more rigorous and technically advanced processes were applied with regard to the computer block modelling to allow the development of a full resource model to facilitate better engineering designs, including in those areas still assessed using polygons. These processes better reflect the needs and requirements of the current operating and regulatory environment. The mineral resource statement using these more rigorous technical standards has resulted in a significant reduction in total resources and reserves from those indicated in the most recent Technical Report of June 2009. While there is a reduction and reclassification in reported resources and reserves, the impact on the short- to medium-term mine plan is limited. The Company expects that further planned work, additional modelling, improved access to deeper areas, and new drilling will result in a reasonable amount of the resource reduction being recovered or reclassified particularly in areas targeted by the Company's mining plans. The current work has helped to highlight a large number of new exploration targets not previously recognised by the previous modelling technique that have the potential to add resources. The key reasons for the reductions are: Century Mining forecasts that there will be a partial resource recovery or reclassification of resources to reserves in the next 6 to 12 months. Century Mining views this update on the reserves and resources as an interim update released at this time to meet the current requirements of the Company and given that a more extensive analysis of the resources will require at least 5 to 6 additional months to complete. Based on work with the historical data and additional exploration, the Company expects to recover some of the reductions and reclassifications indicated in the current reserve and resource update or to add new mineral resources. The key areas for these additions are the: The table below summarizes the current resources and reserves as audited by Micon: To view the table and related footnotes, please click the following link:http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/cmm0630.pdf. The following table prepared by the Company summarizes the comparison of the updated reserve and resource estimates to the June 2009 reserve and resource estimates for Lamaque.Century Mining Announces Updated NI 43-101 Reserve and Resource Estimates for the Lamaque Project and San Juan Mine
Table 2: Comparison of the updated Resources and Reserves for Lamaque to previously reported Resources and Reserves | |||
Tonnes | Grade (g/t | ) | Ounces |
Total Proven and Probable Reserves | |||
Current | 3,170,000 | 4.43 | 451,000 |
June 24, 2009 | 7,736,181 | 4.56 | 1,134,971 |
Variance | -4,566,181 | -0.13 | -683,971 |
Total Measured and Indicated Resources | |||
Current | 3,674,000 | 5.04 | 587,000 |
June 24, 2009 | 16,046,255 | 4.69 | 2,420,876 |
Variance | -12,372,255 | 0.35 | -1,833,876 |
Total Inferred Resources | |||
Current | 8,889,000 | 6.50 | 1,859,000 |
June 24, 2009 | 19,633,148 | 4.96 | 3,130,779 |
Variance | -10,744,148 | 1.54 | -1,271,779 |
Resource Assumptions Lamaque II mineral resources are based on block modelling of the flat veins using drill hole and moil channel sampling data. Mineralised zones were outlined with a minimum height of 7 feet and a cut-off grade of 2.1 g/t Au was applied to mineral resource blocks. The cut-off grades developed were based on a long term gold price of US$1,250 per ounce and treatment plant gold recovery of 96%. Lamaque II Probable mineral reserves were developed from Indicated mineral resources and are adjusted for mining dilution and ore losses. Mineral reserve blocks are fully engineered for development and trackless room and pillar mining. A cut-off grade of 2.3 g/t Au has been applied to the block model to outline stoping blocks. North Wall Shear mineral resources to a depth of 1,200 feet below surface were defined by block modelling using moil samples derived from development drives on levels at 120 foot vertical intervals. Mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 1.0 g/t Au. A bulk density of 2.67 t/m3was used to convert volume to tonnage. Model blocks located within 30 feet of a sampled development drive were assigned to the Measured category. Resource blocks located between 30 feet and 70 feet of a sampled development drive were assigned to the Indicated category. Shear blocks situated further than 70 feet of a sampled development drive were assigned to the Inferred category. North Wall Shear Proven and Probable mineral reserves were developed from Measured and Indicated Mineral resources and are adjusted for mining dilution and ore losses. The steeply dipping shear structures are fully engineered for longhole mining methods and a cut-off grade of 2.03 g/t Au. North Wall Dyke mineral resources are based on block modelling of the mineralized dykes defined by diamond drilling. Mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 1.0 g/t Au. A bulk density of 2.67 t/m3was used to convert volume to tonnage. Dyke resource targets defined by a minimum of 3 drill holes were assigned to the Indicated category. Dyke resource targets defined by less than 3 drill holes were assigned to the Inferred category. North Wall Dyke Probable mineral reserves were developed from Indicated mineral resources and are adjusted for mining dilution and ore losses. The steeply dipping dykes are fully engineered for longhole mining methods and a cut-off grade of 2.03 g/t Au. The polygonal mineral resources were estimated by the previous operators Teck and, subsequently McWatters at Lamaque, and by Placer Dome at Sigma. The polygonal method used to estimate Measured and Indicated mineral resources, which are the basis of the proven and probable mineral reserves respectively, was developed over a long period of time and has been used historically at both the Sigma and Lamaque properties. A mineralized section of each shear zone or dyke was blocked out on a longitudinal section between levels at 125 ft (38.1 m) vertical intervals. Volume was determined using the longitudinal area and the average thickness. The number of tons was estimated by dividing the volume by the appropriate tonnage factor (12 ft3/st), equal to 2.67 t/m3. The grade of the block was determined using the length-weighted average of all assays within the block (reported in pennyweights (dwt)). Areas with assays below 2 dwt/st or 0.10 oz/st gold (3.4 g/t gold) were discarded and assays greater than 20 dwt/st or 1.0 oz/st gold (34.28 g/t gold) were cut to 1.0 oz/st gold. Mineral resources that were projected 35 ft (10.7 m) above or 35 ft (10.7 m) below a level were assigned to the Measured category. The remaining mineralization between the levels, at a distance greater than 35 ft or below a level, was categorized as Indicated mineral resources. Measured and Indicated resources that met the defined economic criteria were converted into proven and probable reserves. During Micon's audit it converted the imperial figures in the original estimates to metric. A majority of the polygonal resource blocks appear to be remnants from previous mining, rather than new resources which potentially could be expanded as further work is conducted. These remnants have limited potential to be expanded. During its audit, Micon has corrected, to the extent possible, the polygonal estimates contained in the previous technical reports. All of the polygonal blocks for which supporting data was available were checked and corrections applied where necessary. In most cases, where reasonable supporting data were available, Micon accepted Century's previous resource classification. Where insufficient supporting data were available for review, Micon down-graded the resources to the Inferred category to reflect the uncertainty associated with converting the historical resource estimate into a current resource estimate. The down-grading also removed some of this material from the mineral reserve inventory of the project. Century believes that no environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing or political issues exist that would adversely affect the audited mineral resource and reserve estimates at the Lamaque Project. Reserve Assumptions An economic cut-off grade of 3.18 g/t Au was used in calculating the Mineral Reserves for the Sigma Polygons. An economic cut-off grade of 2.3 g/t Au was used to calculate Mineral Reserves for the Lamaque II Flat veins and a cut-off grade of 2.03 g/t Au was applied to develop the Mineral Reserves of the North Wall Shears and North Wall Dykes. Measured and Indicated Resources include Proven and Probable Reserves. The long term metal price used was US$1,250 per ounce for gold. The estimated Reserves include intrinsic planned dilution and mining losses. Unplanned mining losses of 5% and unplanned mining dilution of 15% using nil grade were applied to the Flat veins. The block model for the Flat veins was run at 7ft high, and 6 inches or 7% external dilution was added at nil grade. The total dilution on a 6.5' heading equates to 15% using nil grade.Steeply dipping North Wall Shears and North Wall Dykes, including Polygons, were adjusted for 5% mining losses and 5% dilution at nil grade. Numbers have been rounded in all categories to reflect the precision of the estimates. The mineral reserves were estimated from the life-of-mine plan, which defined sustaining capital requirements and mine operating costs, to demonstrate that the these reserves can be economically extracted and processed. Mining losses and dilution were determined based on experience of the operating environment and the specific mining technique and equipment limitations for each area of the mine. Contained metal in estimated reserves remains subject to metallurgical recovery losses. The resource and reserve estimates reflect the deposit at Lamaque as of June 20, 2011. Reserves were based on vertical stopes designed to a minimum mining width of 1.8 m (6ft) and horizontal (Flat) stopes with a minimum height of 2.13 m (7 ft). Dr. Ed Van Hees commented after his review: "Micon has followed all the CIMM Resource estimation rules and applied the appropriate mining parameters to establishing their NI 43-101 compliant Resource estimate for the Lamaque mine." Century Mining retained Micon to independently audit the reserves and resources for the Lamaque mine. The Qualified Persons for Micon are Geraint Harris, C.Eng., MAusIMM (CP), William J. Lewis, B.Sc., P.Geo., Dibya Kanti Mukhopadhyay, MAusIMM (CP) and Gary Patrick MAusIMM. Micon's Qualified Persons have reviewed the Lamaque portion of this press release. San Juan Dr. Ed van Hees has completed an update of the San Juan Project. The summary of the positive impact of the review is provided in the table below. The key reason for the increase in resources is that Century Mining increased development in 2010 and 2011 in order to increase the available resources and improve flexibility in the mining operations. Ed van Hees has provided a number of constructive suggestions that the Company will seek to implement as appropriate.
Table 3: Summary of Current 43-101 Reserves and Resources | ||||
Reserve | Tonnes | Grade (g/t Au | ) | Ounces Gold |
Proven Reserves | 316,465 | 6.98 | 70,979 | |
Probable Reserve | 558,865 | 8.51 | 152,962 | |
Total Proven & Probable Reserve | 875,330 | 7.96 | 223,941 | |
Resource | ||||
Measured Resource | 395,034 | 6.37 | 80,965 | |
Indicated Resource | 645,382 | 7.86 | 163,121 | |
Total Measured & Indicated | 1,040,416 | 7.30 | 244,086 | |
Inferred Resource | 744,486 | 8.59 | 205,509 |
Table 4: Comparison of Current Resources and Reserves for San Juan to previously reported Resources and Reserves | ||||
Tonnes | Grade (g/t Au | ) | Ounces | |
Total Proven and Probable Reserves | ||||
Current | 875,330 | 7.96 | 223,941 | |
March 28, 2008 | 653,445 | 8.87 | 186,316 | |
Variance | 221,885 | -0.91 | 37,625 | |
Total Measured and Indicated Resources | ||||
Current | 1,040,416 | 7.30 | 244,086 | |
March 28, 2008 | 855,600 | 4.22 | 202,791 | |
Variance | 184,816 | 3.08 | 41,295 | |
Total Inferred Resources | ||||
Current | 744,486 | 8.59 | 205,509 | |
March 28, 2008 | 589,025 | 9.25 | 175,125 | |
Variance | 155,461 | -0.66 | 30,384 | |
Century Mining retained Dr. Edmond van Hees to independently audit the reserves and resources for the San Juan mine. The Qualified Persons are Dr. Edmond van Hees, P Geo., and Robert Younker, P.Eng, CFA, who have reviewed the San Juan portion of this press release. Conclusion In conclusion, the TSX requested that a current technical report on the Lamaque Project and the San Juan Mine be completed for disclosure purposes with regard to the proposed Business Combination with White Tiger Gold. This requirement has significantly delayed the timing of this transaction including the mailing of the management information circular to shareholders in respect thereof. The interim update on the reserves and resources on Lamaque has resulted in a reduction in the reported resource and reserve estimates because of a number of technical reasons, and, with respect to the Lamaque Project, the Company re-iterates that: Finally, on the basis of the information provided by Century Mining to White Tiger Gold and White Tiger Gold's special committee's review and analysis thereof to date, it continues to unanimously support the proposed Business Combination. Conference Call Notice A conference call will be held for investors and analysts on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 11a.m. Eastern Time to review the Interim reserve and resource estimates on the Lamaque Mine and the San Juan Mine. Daniel Major, President and Chief Executive Officer of Century Mining, will host the call. Interested participants may access the conference call by dialing 866-696-5910 North America or 416-340-2217. The participant passcode is 3365374. If you are unable to participate, a digital replay of the conference call will be available for playback two hours after the end of the conference call. The digital replay will be accessible until July 14, 2011 and may be accessed by dialing 800-408-3053 (alternate 905-694-9451) and using pass code 7085786. About Century Mining Corporation Century Mining Corporation is a Canadian gold producer and holds strategic land positions in Canada, the United States and Peru. The Company's strategy is to grow to its gold production through existing mine expansions and acquisitions of other strategic and synergistic gold opportunities.