Exeter Completes Positive Preliminary Economic Assessment at
Caspiche
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 6, 2014) -
Exeter Resource Corporation (TSX:XRC)(NYSEMKT:XRA)(NYSE
Amex:XRA)(FRANKFURT:EXB) - ("Exeter" or the "Company") is pleased
to announce the completion of a new Preliminary Economic Assessment
("PEA") for its Caspiche gold-copper deposit in northern Chile (the
"Caspiche Project" or "Caspiche"). The new PEA reviews a low capex,
standalone open pit oxide gold operation, and other staged mine
plans that include expanded open pit mining and underground mining
of the central higher grade gold copper zone at Caspiche.
Santiago based engineering consultancies, NCL Ingeniería y
Construcción SpA ("NCL") and Alquimia Conceptos S.A. ("Alquimia")
conducted the new PEA studies to investigate lower capital cost,
scalable and flexible mining alternatives at Caspiche.
Summary of PEA options for Caspiche development:
Item |
|
Unit |
|
Oxide 30,000 tpd standalone mine |
|
Combined Oxide 60,000 tpd-Sulphide (open pit) 27,000 tpd |
|
Combined Oxide 60,000 tpd-Sulphide (underground) 27,000 tpd |
|
Mine life |
|
years |
|
10 |
|
18 |
|
42 |
|
Annual Average AuEq* Prod. |
|
oz |
|
122,000 |
|
289,000 |
|
344,000 |
|
LOM Production AuEq* |
|
M oz |
|
1.27 |
|
4.9 |
|
14.2 |
Pre-tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NPV @ 5% |
|
US$ M |
|
355 |
|
967 |
|
1,636 |
|
IRR |
|
% |
|
34.7% |
|
27.2% |
|
20.0% |
|
Payback Period |
|
years |
|
3.4 |
|
6.1 |
|
7.7 |
After-tax - 20% Tax rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NPV @ 5% |
|
US$ M |
|
279 |
|
737 |
|
1,271 |
|
IRR |
|
% |
|
30.2% |
|
22.7% |
|
17.6% |
|
Payback Period |
|
years |
|
3.5 |
|
6.6 |
|
8.0 |
Capex Summary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Initial Capex |
|
US$ M |
|
251 |
|
371 |
|
387 |
|
LOM Sustaining Capex |
|
US$ M |
|
93 |
|
926 |
|
1,580 |
|
Total Capex |
|
US$ M |
|
343 |
|
1,297 |
|
1,967 |
|
Capital Utilization per AuEq* oz |
|
US$ |
|
270 |
|
264 |
|
139 |
Opex Summary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unit Total Opex Processed |
|
US$ / t |
|
6.5 |
|
9.4 |
|
20.1 |
Cash Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Cost - AuEq* |
|
US$ / oz |
|
546 |
|
486 |
|
649 |
|
Total Cash Cost - AuEq* |
|
US$ / oz |
|
589 |
|
551 |
|
709 |
|
All in Sustaining Cash cost AuEq* |
|
US$ / oz |
|
676 |
|
752 |
|
828 |
|
C1 Cash Cost - CuEq** |
|
US$ / lb |
|
NA |
|
1.31 |
|
1.77 |
-metal price assumptions US$1,300/oz Au,
US$3.00/lb Cu, US$20/oz Ag, some rows and columns may not sum due
to rounding. |
-See Non-GAAP Measures and Notes for
definitions |
Exeter's President/CEO Wendell Zerb states "These new studies
confirm the development optionality at Caspiche and the economic
strength of the numerous lower capex mining options available. Our
standalone surface oxide gold zone with very little waste rock ("a
low strip ratio") and relatively rapid gold recovery
characteristics ("fast leach kinetics") is a logical first step in
each development option.
Other PEA options validate the expansion potential at Caspiche,
including a mining option that produces life of mine annual gold
equivalent production of 344,000 ounces over a 42 year mine life.
Operating cash flow and staged capital expenditures significantly
reduce the capital and financing risks associated with the new PEA
options for Caspiche. Finally, all PEA options require, what we
believe are, attainable, substantially reduced power and water
quantities from those outlined in previous studies."
The economic analysis contained in the PEA is considered
preliminary in nature. No inferred mineral resources form part of
the PEA studies and no mineral reserves for the PEA have been
established. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have no
demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that
economic forecasts outlined in the PEA will be realized. The PEA
and the April 2012 Mineral Resource (as defined herein) may be
materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title,
taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant factors.
Caspiche PEA
The Caspiche Project is located in the Atacama Region of Chile.
The property is located 120 km ESE of Copiapó and is situated at
the southern end of the Maricunga metallogenic belt, between the
undeveloped Cerro Casale gold-copper project 12 km to the south,
and the Maricunga Gold Mine (formerly Refugio), 15 km to the north.
Access to the project is by 183 km of paved and treated gravel road
from Copiapó. A power line servicing the Maricunga Mine (Kinross)
passes within 12 km of Caspiche.
The PEA evaluated a new lower capex approach to that considered
in the January 2012 pre-feasibility study on Caspiche (refer to the
Company's press release dated January 17, 2012) (the "January 2012
PFS") for the potential development of the Caspiche gold-copper
deposit and assessed options for open pit mining the near surface
gold oxide zone, expanded open pit mining into the gold copper
zone, and underground mining of the central, higher grade portion
of the gold copper sulphide deposit. The PEA studies reviewed
numerous mine plan options using measured and indicated mineral
resources only. Based on the PEA studies, Exeter believes the
Caspiche deposit could be developed using standalone or staged mine
plans depending on Company objectives and assumed economic
parameters. Three preferred options, based on variable development
assumptions, are outlined below:
Option 1: |
a standalone, 30,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") heap leach oxide gold
project, producing a projected average of 122,000 gold equivalent*
ounces ("oz") annually over a planned 10 year mine life, including
148,000 oz annually in the first five years. |
|
|
Option 2: |
a
60,000 tpd open pit, heap leach oxide gold operation followed by
expanded open pit mining (27,000 tpd) of the gold copper sulphide
zone. Planned mine life is 18 years with projected average annual
production of approximately 289,000 oz gold equivalent* per
year. |
|
|
Option 3: |
a
60,000 tpd open pit, heap leach oxide gold operation transitioning
to underground sub level open stope mining (27,000 tpd) of the
higher grade gold copper sulphide zone. This option is projected to
produce an average of 250,000 oz of gold in years 1-3 and 425,000
oz gold equivalent* per year in years 4-13. Over a planned 42 year
mine life projected production is 344,000 oz gold equivalent* per
year. |
Option 1 - 30,000 tpd
Standalone Heap Leach
Option 1 is a standalone, 30,000 tpd heap leach oxide gold
project, producing an estimated average of 122,000 gold equivalent*
oz annually over a projected 10 year mine life, including 148,000
oz in the first five years. This open pit mine plan benefits from
lower up front capital requirements and sequenced higher start up
grades in the initial part of the mine life. In addition, a very
low life-of-mine strip ratio (0.27:1) and favorable leach kinetics
are positive contributors to the project economics.
Highlights of Option 1
- Project strengths: low strip ratio (0.27:1), favourable leach
kinetics, higher start up grades.
- Projected average annual production in the first five years is
148,000 oz gold equivalent* and over the life of mine ("LOM") is
122,000 oz gold equivalent*.
- Mine life is 10 years producing 1.27 million oz gold
equivalent*.
- Projected average total cash operating costs are US$589/oz gold
equivalent*.
- At US$1,300/oz gold pre-tax net present value ("NPV"), is
US$355 million, generating an internal rate of return ("IRR") of
34.7%, and a payback period of 3.4 years from initial construction.
(After-tax NPV5% US$279 million, IRR 30.2%).
- Estimated initial capital costs are US$210 million plus an
additional US$41 million in contingencies.
- LOM operating costs are US$6.50 per tonne of material
processed.
- Average gold and silver recoveries are 80% and 40%,
respectively.
- Peak water requirement of 44 litres per second ("lps").
To view details relating to Option 1 click here.
Option 2 - 60,000 tpd
Open Pit Gold Heap Leach/27,000 tpd Open Pit Gold Copper
Operation
Option 2 is an accelerated open pit heap leach operation at
60,000 tpd producing approximately 240,000 ounces gold per year
over a 6 year mine life. Gold copper sulphide mineralization is
mined from an extension of the same open pit with the concentrator
operations beginning in year 6. Sulphide mineral will be mined from
the open pit for an additional 12 years at a rate of 27,000 tpd.
Mineralized gold copper, silver material will be treated in a
conventional copper flotation concentrator with a cyanide
leach-SART-carbon column plant to recover additional gold and
copper from one of the flotation circuit tailings streams.
Highlights of Option 2
- Projected average annual production is approximately 289,000 oz
gold equivalent* per year or 125 million pounds copper equivalent**
per year.
- Mine life is 18 years.
- Projected average total cash operating costs are US$551/oz gold
equivalent*, C1 cash cost are US$1.33/lb copper equivalent**.
- At US$1,300/oz gold, the pre-tax NPV 5% is US$967 million,
generating IRR of 27.2%, and a payback period of 6.1 years from
initial construction (After tax NPV 5% US$737 million, IRR
22.7%).
- Estimated initial capital costs are US$371 million including
contingencies. Additional staged capital including sustaining costs
and closure costs of US$926 million.
- Benefit of operating cash flow to reduce overall capital and
financing risk of operation.
- Maximum processing throughput is 60,000 tpd of mineralized
material through the oxide heap leach plant and 27,000 tpd through
the sulphide plant.
- 6 year open pit, heap leach operation, transition to open pit
sulphide material in year 6 at 27,000 tpd.
- Peak water requirement of 185 lps.
To view details relating to Option 2 click here.
Option 3 - 60,000 tpd
Open Pit Gold Heap Leach/27,000 tpd Underground Gold Copper
Operation
Option 3 includes an accelerated open pit heap leach operation
(60,000 tpd) producing approximately 250,000 ounces gold per year
over a 5 year mine life. Large sub level open stope underground
mining starting in year 3 targets the Caspiche gold copper sulphide
higher grade core. Initially a single ramp is advanced into the top
of the higher grade core. By year 7, underground mining operations
ramp up to full capacity (27,000 tpd) with the development of a
second ramp. That ramp provides for an underground crusher and
conveyor system. Thereafter the sulphide mineralized material is
crushed underground and transported to the concentrator by
conveyor. Mineralized material will be treated in a conventional
copper flotation concentrator with a cyanide leach-SART-carbon
column plant to recover additional gold and copper from one of the
flotation circuit tailings streams.
This option has numerous advantages including relatively low
power requirements, low water requirements, a small surface
footprint which is driven by reduced tailings, due to backfill
options, reduced dust exposure with its small open pit and
underground operation. A smaller concentrator and stacked dry
tailings all lead to lower environmental impact, which includes
substantially reduced water requirements.
Highlights of Option 3
- Projected average annual production is approximately 344,000 oz
gold equivalent* per year or 147 million pounds copper equivalent**
per year.
- Mine life is 42 years.
- Projected average total cash operating costs are US$709/oz gold
equivalent*, C1 cash cost are US$1.77/lb per CuEq*.
- At US$1,300/oz gold, the pre-tax NPV 5% is US$1.64 billion,
generating an IRR of 20% and a payback period of 7.7 years from
initial construction (After tax NPV5% US$1.27 billion, IRR
17.6%).
- Estimated initial capital costs are US$387 million including
contingencies. Additional staged capital (supplemented by operating
profit) including sustaining costs and closure costs is US$1.58
billion.
- Benefit of operating cash flow to reduce overall capital and
financing risk of operation.
- Maximum processing throughput is 60,000 tpd of mineralized
material through the oxide heap leach plant and 27,000 tpd through
the sulphide plant.
- 5 year open pit, heap leach operation, transition to
underground mining in year 3. Year 6-7 ramp up from 15,000 tpd to
27,000 tpd. Underground 40 year mine life producing 250,000 ounces
gold per year in years 1-3. Years 4-16: 422,000 ounces gold
equivalent* per year.
- Estimated head grades for first 10 years of underground gold
copper sulphide production -1.07 g/t Au, 0.42% Cu.
- Peak water requirement of 151 lps.
To view details relating to Option 3 click here.
The economic analysis contained in the PEA is considered
preliminary in nature. No inferred mineral resources form part of
the PEA studies and no mineral reserves for the PEA have been
established. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have no
demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that
economic forecasts outlined in the PEA will be realized. The PEA
and the April 2012 Mineral Resource (as defined herein) may be
materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title,
taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant factors.
Next Steps
Based on the findings of the PEA, the Caspiche Project, with a
near surface oxide only gold zone, a central higher grade
gold-copper core, and a surrounding larger gold-copper mineralized
zone, presents a range of mine development options. Given the
current industry dynamics, Exeter believes a staged development
approach is appropriate. The compelling preliminary economics and
modest capital requirements, demonstrate that advancing the
standalone surface oxide gold zone (Option 1) through to a
production decision, is the logical path forward for Exeter. To
develop Caspiche on any of the larger, more advanced mine plans is
an option that improves with the operating cash flows generated by
initial mining of the oxide gold zone.
Critical for any mine development in the Caspiche region is
securing adequate water resources. Exeter continues a program to
establish an independently owned water supply to minimise the cost
of water procurement to the project. Exeter is optimistic that its
current water program could provide quantities of water to meet all
of the mining options outlined in the PEA. By establishing secured
water resources, Exeter expects feasibility and environmental
impact studies for the Caspiche near surface oxide gold zone can be
finalized.
Co-Chairman of Exeter, Yale Simpson states, "Development options
at Caspiche, whether modest or large scale, deliver strong economic
returns at current metal prices. Our ability in today's market to
focus on advancing the 1.5 million ounce gold oxide open pit is
sensible and achievable. Importantly for shareholders, with future
elevated gold and copper markets, we believe the value of the very
large Caspiche gold-copper inventory will be a strong value driver
for Exeter. Caspiche is unique, representing one of only a few
scalable development projects that is not yet controlled by a major
company."
Reduced Water Requirements and Water Strategy
The previous January 2012 PFS for the large scale open pit
mining operation indicated water requirements of approximately
1,000 lps. Current expectations, based on the PEA, is that the
30,000 tpd standalone oxide operation requires peak water
requirements of 44 lps; Option 2, 60,000 tpd open pit and 27,000
tpd gold copper sulphide pit expansion requires peak water of 185
lps; and Option 3, 60,000 tpd open pit and 27,000 tpd underground
gold copper operation requires peak water consumption of 151 lps.
Under all of these new, potentially viable mine plans, water
requirements are significantly reduced. Exeter's current water
exploration activities are targeting to secure sufficient water to
meet the requirements outlined within the PEA studies.
Water drilling is currently underway at the Company's Laguna
Verde water exploration tenement (option to earn 90% interest).
Terraqua, a specialist Chilean water drilling contractor, is
contracted to complete a US$1.5 million exploration drilling
program, consisting of up to 3, 12 inch diameter production holes.
Based on historical water exploration and new geophysical studies
at Laguna Verde, we are optimistic this current drilling campaign
will identify new water resources that could, in due course, lead
to securing all of the water requirements at Caspiche. Exeter
anticipates providing an update on water exploration activities in
Q2/14.
Mineral Resources
Mineral resource estimates outlined below for the Caspiche
Project with an effective date of April 11, 2012 (the "April 2012
Mineral Resource") were prepared by Mr. Ted Coupland, MAusIMM(CP),
at the time, Director and Principal Geostatistician of Cube
Consulting Pty Ltd ("Cube"). The April 2012 Mineral Resource, which
was classified in accordance with the CIM guidelines (CIM 2011),
includes 12 additional drill holes (4,797 metres) carried out
between October 2011 to March 2012, out of a total of 166 holes
(79,960 metres) drilled at Caspiche. Mr. Patrick Adams MAusIMM(CP),
Director and Principal Geologist of Cube has reviewed and validated
the April 2012 Mineral Resource noted below.
A previous mineral resource estimate for Caspiche was prepared
by AMEC in 2012 (Marinho, 2011), see January 2012 PFS filed on
SEDAR on January 16, 2012 (the "January 2012 Mineral Reserve
Estimate").
The April 2012 Mineral Resource reported from within the
'reasonable prospects' resource shell are summarised in tables
below. Oxide material was reported above 0.18 g/t AuEq1 cut-off and
sulphide material was reported above 0.30 g/t AuEq1 cut-off. Note
that the PEA does not include inferred mineral resources.
Material |
|
Class |
|
Tonnes (Mt) |
|
Au g/t |
|
Cu % |
|
Ag g/t |
|
AuEq1g/t |
|
Au Eq3 (MOz) |
Oxide |
|
Measured |
|
65.9 |
|
0.46 |
|
0.01 |
|
1.55 |
|
0.46 |
|
1.0 |
Oxide |
|
Indicated |
|
55.6 |
|
0.39 |
|
0.01 |
|
1.63 |
|
0.40 |
|
0.7 |
Total Oxide |
|
Meas + Ind |
|
121.5 |
|
0.43 |
|
0.01 |
|
1.58 |
|
0.43 |
|
1.7 |
Sulphide |
|
Measured |
|
554.2 |
|
0.58 |
|
0.23 |
|
1.16 |
|
1.02 |
|
18.3 |
Sulphide |
|
Indicated |
|
727.9 |
|
0.48 |
|
0.18 |
|
1.17 |
|
0.84 |
|
19.6 |
Total Sulphide |
|
Meas + Ind |
|
1,282.1 |
|
0.52 |
|
0.20 |
|
1.17 |
|
0.92 |
|
37.9 |
Total Meas+Ind |
|
|
|
1,403.6 |
|
0.51 |
|
0.19 |
|
1.20 |
|
0.88 |
|
39.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Material |
|
Class |
|
Tonnes (Mt) |
|
Au g/t |
|
Cu % |
|
Ag g/t |
|
AuEq1g/t |
|
Au Eq3 (MOz) |
Oxide |
|
Inferred |
|
2.5 |
|
0.23 |
|
0.01 |
|
1.18 |
|
0.23 |
|
0.0 |
Sulphide |
|
Inferred |
|
195.6 |
|
0.29 |
|
0.12 |
|
0.91 |
|
0.52 |
|
3.3 |
Total Oxide |
|
Inferred |
|
198.1 |
|
0.29 |
|
0.12 |
|
0.91 |
|
0.52 |
|
3.3 |
3. AuEq = resource tonnes * AuEq1 |
1. The following formula was used in calculating AuEq values in
each block of the model:
To view the formula used in calculating AuEq values in each
block of the model, please visit the following link:
http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/943845_Formula_1.pdf.
A sub set of the April 2012 Mineral Resource, reflected in the
table below, using a cut off of 0.75 g/t AuEq2, was selected as
appropriate for the reporting of mineral resources intended for
underground exploitation based on preliminary economic cut off
studies commissioned by Exeter during October 2013.
Material |
|
Class |
|
Tonnes (Mt) |
|
Au g/t |
|
Cu % |
|
Ag g/t |
|
AuEq2g/t |
Sulphide |
|
Measured |
|
378.6 |
|
0.71 |
|
0.30 |
|
1.30 |
|
1.28 |
Sulphide |
|
Indicated |
|
431.6 |
|
0.64 |
|
0.27 |
|
1.40 |
|
1.16 |
Total Sulphide |
|
Meas + Ind |
|
810.2 |
|
0.67 |
|
0.29 |
|
1.35 |
|
1.22 |
2. The following formula was used to calculate AuEq values in
each estimated block of the model:
To view the formula was used to calculate AuEq values in each
estimated block of the model, please visit the following link:
http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/943845_Formula_2.pdf.
Caspiche Recovery Factors (NCL Nov 2013)
Oxides/Sulphides |
|
Stratigraphic Unit (Domain) |
|
S% Threshold |
|
RAu |
|
RCu |
|
RAg |
Oxide |
|
OB (100) |
|
No threshold |
|
0.75 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.34 |
Oxide |
|
All Others |
|
No threshold |
|
0.78 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.34 |
Sulphide |
|
DP (400) |
|
Less than or equal to 2.0 |
|
0.75 |
|
0.92 |
|
0.40 |
Sulphide |
|
DP (400) |
|
Greater than 2.0 & less than or equal to 2.5 |
|
0.725 |
|
0.90 |
|
0.40 |
Sulphide |
|
DP (400) |
|
Greater than 2.5 |
|
0.68 |
|
0.86 |
|
0.40 |
Sulphide |
|
Non-DP |
|
Less than or equal to 2.5 |
|
0.70 |
|
0.88 |
|
0.40 |
Sulphide |
|
Non-DP |
|
Greater than 2.5 |
|
0.68 |
|
0.86 |
|
0.40 |
DP=Diorite porphyry, principal host rock to
higher grade mineralization at Caspiche |
In the April 2012 Mineral Resource estimate Cube assessed
reasonable prospects of economic extraction by applying preliminary
economics for potential open pit and underground mining methods.
These assumptions were in-line with the January 2012 Mineral
Reserve Estimate. The assessment does not represent an economic
analysis of the deposit. Marginal cut-off parameters used in the
April 2012 Mineral Resource estimate are as follows:
Parameters |
Oxide |
Sulphide |
Processing (US$/t) Cost |
3.4 |
7.80 |
Recovery (%) |
78 |
72 |
Gold Price (US$/oz) |
1,150 |
1,400 |
Copper Price (US$/lb) |
NA |
2.5 |
Refining Cost (US$/oz) |
6 |
6 |
Cut-off AuEq (g/t) |
0.12 |
1.00 |
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have
demonstrated economic viability.
The potential development of the April 2012 Mineral Resource may
be materially affected by legal, political, environmental or other
risks.
Environmental, Corporate Social Responsibility
To date, Exeter has conducted various baseline environmental
studies at Caspiche which cover the area considered for each of the
options and which have included water and air quality monitoring,
fauna and flora and archeological studies. In order to collect
required year round weather data for potential development at
Caspiche, the Company has also installed a number of weather
monitoring facilities. The various base line studies are
ongoing.
Exeter has engaged and continues to engage the indigenous
communities in discussions and explain ongoing studies and
potential development activities in the project area. The Company
has secured an access agreement over certain indigenous community
areas where its exploration camp was located. In future the Company
expects to enter into negotiation with indigenous communities for
access to certain areas which may be required for potential
development and mining activity which are outside of the area
covered by the easement secured from the Chilean government
recently.
Caspiche January, 2012 Pre-feasibility Study
During the process of preparing the PEA, NCL and Alquimia
validated the January 2012 PFS (inputs and assumptions) such that
the January 2012 PFS remains current and a viable development
option.
To view details relating to the January, 2012 PFS click
here.
Notes
* |
Gold
equivalent oz (AuEq) value is based on gold, silver and copper
revenues (prices and recoveries involved). AuEq oz [troy oz] = [Au
g/t x Rec Au x tonnes]/31.1 + [Ag g/t x Rec Ag x tonnes]/31.1 x
silver price troy oz/ gold price troy oz + [[Cu% x Rec Cu x tonnes]
x 2204] x copper price lbs/gold price troy oz. Recoveries are
adjusted based on metallurgical characteristic of the
resource. |
** |
Copper equivalent lb (CuEq) value is based on gold, silver and
copper revenues (prices and recoveries involved). CuEq lb = Cu% x
Rec Cu x tonnes] x 2204 + [Au g/t x Rec Au x tonnes]/31.1 x gold
price/ copper price lbs + [Ag g/t x Rec Ag x tonnes]/31.1 x silver
price troy oz/ copper price lbs. Recoveries are adjusted based on
metallurgical characteristic of the resource. |
About NCL Ingeniería y Construcción (NCL)
NCL is a consulting company formed in Santiago, Chile, in 1985.
Its main objective is to provide focused advice and solutions for
mining companies requiring specialized services mainly in the
fields of resource estimation, mine design and planning (for open
pit and underground methods), mine equipment selection,
optimization of mine unit operations and mining cost
estimation.
NCL has successfully completed a wide range of studies and
projects within its field of expertise through the different stages
in mining project development and has completed conceptual studies
to bankable feasibility studies for clients on a global basis. It
has also a relevant experience in the area of project assessments
and valuations, due diligence and technical audits. The company's
office in Santiago employs 36 full time mining engineers and a
total permanent staff of 45.
About Alquimia Conceptos S.A. (Alquimia)
Alquimia was formed in 2002, in response to a growing industry
demand for specialized consultancy in mining-metallurgical
processes, which allow optimizing the operations of existing
plants, as well as designing and evaluating the feasibility of new
projects.
Since inception Alquimia has carried out over 250 projects in
both consulting and engineering studies, with nearly 500,000
man-hours sold to major mining projects in Chile with clients
including Anglo American, Codelco, Xstrata Copper and Minera
Esperanza amongst others.
Detailed Report
The Technical Report pertaining to the PEA and April 2012
Mineral Resource will be filed on the Company's web site
(www.exeterresource.com) and on SEDAR within 45 days.
The economic analysis contained in the PEA is considered
preliminary in nature. No inferred mineral resources form part of
the PEA studies and no mineral reserves for the PEA have been
established. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have no
demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that
economic forecasts outlined in the PEA will be realized.
Assessment Authors and Independent Qualified Persons
Statement
Maria Leticia Conca Benito, Mining Engineer, Universidad de
Chile, Registered Member of Chilean Mining Commission, was
responsible for the compilation of information and preparation of
the overall PEA.
Significant contributions were also received from Cube and
NCL.
- Carlos Guzmán, Mining Engineer (FAusIMM and Registered Member
of the Chilean Mining Commission), Principal and Project Director
of NCL Ingeniería y Construcción SpA. is a qualified person as
defined in NI 43-101 and was responsible for the mining related
studies;
- Maria Leticia Conca Benito, Mining Engineer, Universidad de
Chile, Registered Member of Chilean Mining Commission, CEO and
Project Director, Alquimia Conceptos S.A.is a qualified person as
defined in NI 43-101 and was responsible for the information
provided for the metallurgy and process plant design;
- Patrick Adams (MAusIMM(CP) Director and Principal Geologist,
Cube Consulting Pty Ltd, is a qualified person as defined in NI
43-101 and was responsible for resource estimation, exploration,
drilling and data verification;
Maria Leticia Conca Benito, Mining Engineer, Universidad de
Chile, Registered Member of Chilean Mining Commission, of Alquimia
Conceptos S.A is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101 and
independent of Exeter, is responsible for preparing the information
contained in this news release.
About Exeter
Exeter Resource Corporation is a Canadian mineral exploration
company focused on the exploration and development of the Caspiche
project in Chile. The project is situated in the Maricunga gold
district, between the Refugio mine (Kinross Gold Corp.) and the
Cerro Casale gold deposit (Barrick Gold Corp. and Kinross Gold
Corp.). The discovery represents one of the largest mineral
discoveries made in Chile in recent years Exeter initiated the
preliminary economic assessments with the aim of indicating the
development optionality of this world class discovery. The securing
of water required for potential project development is a priority
and exploration is ongoing.
The Company currently has cash reserves of C$36 million and no
debt.
You are invited to visit the Exeter web site at
www.exeterresource.com.
EXETER RESOURCE CORPORATION
Wendell Zerb, President and CEO
Non GAAP Measures
-Total cash costs include mine site operating costs (mining,
processing, G&A, royalties and production taxes).
-All-in sustaining costs - is the sum of total cash costs,
sustaining capital expenditures, corporate general &
administrative costs, capitalized and expensed exploration that is
sustaining in nature and environmental reclamation/closure costs.
There is no assumption for Corporate G&A accounted for at this
time.
-C1 Cash Cost represents the cash cost incurred at each
processing stage, from mining through to recoverable metal
delivered to market, less net by-product credits (sulphuric acid
only). By product gold and silver are calculated on an equivalent
basis*. C1 Cash Costs generally include: mining, ore freight and
milling costs, ore purchase and freight costs from third parties in
the case of custom smelters or mills, mine-site administration and
general expenses, concentrate freight, smelting and smelter general
and administrative costs, matte freight, refining and refinery
general and administrative costs, marketing costs (freight and
selling).
Risks
Exeter may be affected by numerous factors which are beyond the
control of the Company and which cannot be accurately predicted,
such as market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of milling
facilities, mineral markets and processing equipment, and such
other factors such as government regulations, including regulations
relating to royalties, changes to taxation rates, allowable
production, importing and exporting of minerals, and environment
protection including potential restrictions on water usage. Any one
or a combination of these factors may result in the Company not
receiving an adequate return on its investment capital. The
commercial viability of Caspiche is dependent on a number of
factors, some of which are the particular attributes of the
deposit, such as size, grade, amenability to metallurgical
processing, nature and content of deleterious minerals and
proximity to infrastructure, availability of power and water, as
well as metal prices. The PEA studies are based on measured and
indicated resources and there is no assurance that these resources
will be converted to mineral reserves. Mineral resources are not
mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.
There can be no assurance that minerals recovered in small scale
tests or the results of pilot plant operations and metallurgical
testwork will be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site
conditions or in production. The Company continues to pursue
opportunities which include exploration for new water sources as
well as the possibility of acquiring existing water rights from
third parties, to secure water for the Caspiche project. No
assurance can be given that any particular level of water reserves
will in fact be realized or that the identified water reserves will
ever qualify as commercially viable. The Company is required to
make advance royalty payments and perform certain other obligations
to maintain its interest in Caspiche. If the Company is unable to
fulfil the requirements of these agreements, including the
requirement to commence commercial production within a fixed
period, its interest in its Caspiche project could be lost. The
Company has only done a preliminary legal survey of the boundaries
of some of its properties, and therefore, in accordance with the
laws of Chile, their existence and area could be in doubt. If title
is disputed, the Company will have to defend its ownership through
the courts. In the event of an adverse judgment, the Company would
lose its property rights. Some of the land over which the Company
holds exploration concessions may be subject to claims of
indigenous populations which have not been resolved. In 2013 the
Company was granted an easement over certain surface rights (the
"Easement") required for the development of Caspiche by the Chilean
Government. The Easement specifically excludes certain land areas
owned by local indigenous communities. The Company is required to
make annual payments to the Chilean Government of approximately
US$600,000 to maintain the Easement. In addition, the Company may
be required to apply for additional surface rights for the
potential development of Caspiche and there is no guarantee that
the Company will be able to secure such surface rights. In early
2014, the Company's Chilean subsidiary, Eton Chile, was served with
a court claim challenging the Chilean Government's grant of the
Easement. The claim, filed before the Santiago Civil Court, was
filed by a private Chilean mineral exploration company, Cerro del
Medio. Under Chilean mining law there are provisions which provide
for securing necessary surface access for the development of
mineral deposits. Cerro del Medio's claim, cites "non-compliance by
the Chilean Government of certain legal formalities required to
approve the easement" and "that the easement granted overlaps Cerro
del Medio's Santa Cecilia project mining properties". A review of
the claim by Eton Chile's Chilean legal counsel has concluded that
Cerro del Medio's claim has no grounds under Chilean law and should
be rejected. Should the Company be unable to make the annual
payments or if the court challenge to granting of the Easement is
successful, the Company would lose the rights under the Easement
and be required to make a new application for surface rights
required for development. The Company's long-term viability and
future profitability depend, in large part, upon the market price
of gold, copper, silver and other metals and minerals. The market
price of gold, copper, silver and other metals is volatile and is
impacted by numerous factors beyond the Company's control. The
current and anticipated future operations of the Company require
permits from various governmental authorities and such operations
are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing various
elements of the mining industry. The Company's development
activities in Chile are subject to various federal and local laws
governing land use, the protection of the environment, prospecting,
development, production, exports, taxes, labour standards,
occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, and other
matters. Such operations and exploration activities are also
subject to substantial regulation under these laws by governmental
agencies and may require that the Company obtain permits from
various governmental agencies. There can be no assurance that all
permits which the Company may require for future exploration or
possible future development will be obtainable on reasonable terms.
In addition, future changes in applicable laws or regulations could
result in changes in legal requirements or in the terms of existing
permits applicable to the Company or its properties. The Company is
subject to environmental regulations, which require the Company to
minimize impacts upon air, water, soils, vegetation and wildlife,
as well as historical and cultural resources, if present. The
Company is required to comply with the provisions of ILO 169 which
sets out requirements for consultation with indigenous communities.
Compliance with ILO 169 requirements could result in delays and
significant additional expense in obtaining the necessary approvals
or agreement with indigenous communities to advance the Caspiche
project. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and
permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions,
including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities
causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include
corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of
additional equipment or other remedial actions. Exeter may be
affected in varying degrees by government regulation with respect
to restrictions on production, price controls, export controls,
income taxes, expropriation of property, maintenance of claims,
environmental legislation, land use, land claims of local people,
water use and mine safety.
Safe Harbour Statement - This news release contains
"forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements"
(together, the "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of
applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including in relation to the
Company's belief as to potential to establish new opportunities for
the advancement of Caspiche, results from preliminary economic
assessments including estimated annual production rates, capital
and production costs, water and power requirements and
metallurgical recoveries, expected taxation rates, timing of water
exploration and securing adequate water, potential to acquire new
projects and expected cash reserves. These forward-looking
statements are made as of the date of this news release. Readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements, as there can be no assurance that the future
circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by
such forward-looking statements will occur or that plans,
intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking
statements are based will occur. While the Company has based these
forward-looking statements on its expectations about future events
as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements
are not a guarantee that such future events will occur and are
subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors
which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from
those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such
factors and assumptions include, among others, the effects of
general economic conditions, the price of gold, silver and copper,
changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government
authorities, uncertainties associated with negotiations and
misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking
information. In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors
which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or
achievements to differ materially from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include risks
associated with project development; including risks associated
with the failure to satisfy the requirements of the Company's
agreement with Anglo American on its Caspiche project which could
result in loss of title; the need for additional financing;
operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing;
risks associated with metallurgical recoveries, water and power
availability and changes in legislation affecting the use of those
resources; fluctuations in metal prices; title matters; uncertainty
and risks associated with the legal challenge to the easement
secured from the Chilean government; uncertainties and risks
related to carrying on business in foreign countries; environmental
liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the
potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers,
directors or promoters of the Company with certain other projects;
the absence of dividends; currency fluctuations; competition;
dilution; the volatility of the Company's common share price and
volume; tax consequences to U.S. investors; and other risks and
uncertainties, including those described herein and in the
Company's Annual Information Form for the financial year ended
December 31, 2013 dated March 14, 2014 filed with the Canadian
Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Although
the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could
cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from
those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other
factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as
anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that
forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company is
under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking
statements except as required under applicable securities laws.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors - The information
contained herein and incorporated by reference herein has been
prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities
laws, which differ from the requirements of United States
securities laws. In particular, the term "resource" does not equate
to the term "reserve". The Securities Exchange Commission's (the
"SEC") disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of
information concerning "measured mineral resources", "indicated
mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources" or other
descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits
that do not constitute "reserves" by U.S. standards, unless such
information is required to be disclosed by the law of the Company's
jurisdiction of incorporation or of a jurisdiction in which its
securities are traded. U.S. investors should also understand that
"inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as
to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and
legal feasibility. Disclosure of "contained ounces" is permitted
disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally
only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not
constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and
grade without reference to unit measures.
NEITHER THE TSX NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT
TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY
FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE
Exeter Resource CorporationW. Zerb, President or Rob Grey, VP
Corporate Communications604.688.9592 or Toll-free:
1.888.688.9592604.688.9532Exeter Resource CorporationSuite 1660,
999 West Hastings St.Vancouver, BC CanadaV6C
2W2exeter@exeterresource.comwww.exeterresource.com
Grafico Azioni Exeter Resource Corp. Ordinary Shares (Canada) (AMEX:XRA)
Storico
Da Nov 2024 a Dic 2024
Grafico Azioni Exeter Resource Corp. Ordinary Shares (Canada) (AMEX:XRA)
Storico
Da Dic 2023 a Dic 2024