Greatland
Gold plc (AIM: GGP)
E: info@greatlandgold.com
W: https://greatlandgold.com
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twitter.com/greatlandgold
NEWS RELEASE
| 18 March
2025
2024 Group Mineral Resource
Statement
Inaugural Greatland Telfer Mineral Resource
delivers 3.2 million ounces gold and 117,000 tonnes copper,
confirming Telfer mine life extension potential
Total Group Mineral Resources of 10.2 million
ounces gold and 387,000 tonnes copper
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS
INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE UK MARKET ABUSE
REGULATIONS. ON PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A
REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED TO
BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
Greatland Gold plc (AIM:GGP) (Greatland or the Company), is pleased to provide this
2024 Group Mineral Resource Estimate, which includes
Greatland's inaugural mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Telfer gold-copper mine
(Telfer).
Highlights
§ Inaugural Greatland Telfer
MRE as at 31 December 2024:
‒ 154Mt @
0.64g/t Au and 0.08% Cu for 3.2Moz
Au and 117kt Cu, comprising:
§ West Dome Open Pit: 115.6Mt @ 0.55g/t
Au and 0.05% Cu for 2.1Moz
Au and 61kt Cu
§ Main Dome Underground: 7.9Mt @ 2.62g/t
Au and 0.51% Cu for 0.7Moz
Au and 40kt Cu
§ Stockpiles: 30.6Mt @ 0.45g/t Au and
0.05% Cu for 0.4Moz Au and
16kt Cu
‒
46% of contained gold
comprises Measured or Indicated; 1.4Moz Au and 62kt Cu
§ Group Mineral Resources
(including Havieron) increases by >40%, with
285Mt @ 1.11g/t Au and 0.14% Cu for 10.2Moz Au and 387kt Cu, including:
‒
Measured: 10.3Mt @ 0.68g/t
Au and 0.07% Cu for 0.2Moz
Au and 7kt Cu
‒
Indicated: 104.7Mt @
1.60g/t Au and 0.21% Cu for 5.4Moz
Au and 221kt Cu
‒
Inferred: 170.0Mt @ 0.84g/t
Au and 0.09% Cu for 4.6Moz
Au and 159kt Cu
55% of
contained gold comprises Measured or Indicated; 5.6Moz
Au and 227kt Cu
§ Inaugural Greatland Telfer
MRE delivered within just 15 weeks from completion of Greatland's
acquisition of Telfer.
§ Telfer MRE based on a gold
price of A$3,450/oz (West Dome Open Pit and Stockpiles) and
A$3,150/oz (Main Dome Underground), relative to current spot gold
price of approximately A$4,700/oz.
§ Key activities and
priorities at Telfer going forward:
‒ The 2024
Telfer MRE will form the basis of Greatland's inaugural Telfer Ore
Reserve, targeted for the June 2025 quarter.
‒
Additional drill capacity has been mobilised to site, targeting
high priority infill targets (conversion of Inferred Resources to
Indicated) and extension targets (Resource growth) identified
during this Telfer MRE process. There are currently four drill rigs
operating at site (two each within the open pit and underground
respectively) with a further two drill rigs mobilising in the June
2025 quarter.
‒
Progressing the exciting new West Dome Underground Project, which
recently delivered exceptional drilling results including
14.3m @ 9.6g/t and 8.57% Cu and
59.0m @ 2.83g/t Au and 0.71% Cu (refer to Greatland's
announcement on 20 February 2025 titled 'West Dome Underground
Project').
‒ Due to
the scale of the Telfer deposit and the number of areas to review,
this 2024 Telfer MRE focused on the active mining areas, namely the
West Dome Open Pit and the Main Dome Underground areas. Greatland
will continue to evaluate the currently unclassified mineralisation
including the Main Dome Open Pit, the Main Dome Underground's
Vertical Stockwork Corridor (VSC) and Eastern Stockwork Corridor
(ESC), as well as several satellite deposits near Telfer, for
potential to incorporate into future Telfer Mineral Resource
updates.
Table 1: 2024 Group Mineral Resource
Statement
Area
|
Measured
|
Indicated
|
Inferred
|
Combined
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
|
Cu%
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Au
(Moz)
|
Cu
(kt)
|
Havieron
Deposit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50
|
2.60
|
0.33
|
81
|
1.10
|
0.13
|
131.0
|
1.67
|
0.21
|
7.0
|
270
|
Telfer: West Dome Open Pit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
28.8
|
0.57
|
0.05
|
86.8
|
0.55
|
0.05
|
115.6
|
0.55
|
0.05
|
2.1
|
61
|
Telfer Main Dome Underground
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5.6
|
2.65
|
0.56
|
2.3
|
2.55
|
0.39
|
7.9
|
2.62
|
0.51
|
0.7
|
40
|
Telfer Stockpiles
|
10.3
|
0.68
|
0.07
|
20.3
|
0.33
|
0.04
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
30.6
|
0.45
|
0.05
|
0.4
|
16
|
Combined
|
10.3
|
0.68
|
0.07
|
104.7
|
1.60
|
0.21
|
170
|
0.84
|
0.09
|
285
|
1.11
|
0.14
|
10.2
|
387
|
Notes:
Mineral Resources are reported as at
31 December 2024, grades are reported to
two decimal places to reflect appropriate precision in the
estimate, and this may cause apparent discrepancies in totals.
Cutoffs for the Telfer MRE are applied based on a NSR using
metal prices of A$3,450/oz Au and A$5.30/lb Cu for
the West Dome cutback & stockpiles and A$3,150/oz and A$5.30/lb
for the Main Dome underground. Cutoffs for the Havieron Deposit Mineral Resources were also based on a NSR
using metal prices of A$2,360/oz Au and A$5.20/lb Cu.
Greatland Managing Director, Shaun Day,
commented:
"This inaugural Greatland Telfer Mineral Resource estimate is
an outstanding result, delineating 3.2 million ounces of contained
gold. This exceptional outcome is a testament to the
significant opportunities we saw at Telfer during our acquisition
due diligence, and the excellent work of our team to progress and
validate those opportunities in short order.
"Total group Mineral Resources now stand at more than 10.2
million ounces of gold and 387,000 tonnes of copper, an exceptional
foundation for Greatland as a leading new Australian gold and
copper producer.
"When we announced the acquisition, we described an initial
15-month mine plan at Telfer to produce 374,000 ounces of gold and
13,000 tonnes of copper. Our two key focuses at Telfer now are
continuing safe and profitable operations and demonstration of mine
life extension.
"This Telfer MRE confirms the very significant extension
opportunities we see at Telfer and gives us confidence in the
opportunity to extend Telfer's mine life. This result is an
important step towards a long life integrated Havieron and Telfer
mining operation.
"The upcoming June 2025 quarter is a very exciting one for
Greatland, in which we will report our first full quarter operating
results for the March 2025 quarter, give production and costs
guidance for FY2025, deliver our inaugural Telfer Ore Reserve
estimate, and list on the ASX."
2024 Telfer Mineral Resource Statement
The 2024 Telfer Mineral Resource consists of two main
areas: the West Dome Open Pit and the Main Dome Underground (Figure
1). Both areas are active mining operations.
Table 2: 2024 Telfer Mineral
Resource Statement
Area
|
Measured
|
Indicated
|
Inferred
|
Combined
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Au
(Moz)
|
Cu
(kt)
|
Telfer West Dome Open
Pit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
28.8
|
0.57
|
0.05
|
86.8
|
0.55
|
0.05
|
115.6
|
0.55
|
0.05
|
2.1
|
61
|
Telfer Main Dome
Underground
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5.6
|
2.65
|
0.56
|
2.3
|
2.55
|
0.39
|
7.9
|
2.62
|
0.51
|
0.7
|
40
|
Telfer
Stockpiles
|
10.3
|
0.68
|
0.07
|
20.3
|
0.33
|
0.04
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
30.6
|
0.45
|
0.05
|
0.4
|
16
|
Total
|
10.3
|
0.68
|
0.07
|
54.7
|
0.69
|
0.10
|
89
|
0.60
|
0.06
|
154.1
|
0.64
|
0.08
|
3.2
|
117
|
Notes:
Mineral Resources are reported as at
31 December 2024, grades are reported to
two decimal places to reflect appropriate precision in the
estimate, and this may cause apparent discrepancies in totals.
Cutoffs are applied based on a NSR using metal prices of A$3,450/oz Au and A$5.30/lb Cu for the West
Dome cutback & stockpiles and A$3,150/oz and A$5.30/lb for the
Main Dome underground.
Figure 1: 2024 Telfer
Mineral Resources Schematic

The West Dome Open Pit is currently the primary source
of ore mined at Telfer. The 2024 Telfer MRE includes a
Mineral Resource at the West Dome Open Pit of 115.6Mt @ 0.55g/t Au
and 0.05% Cu, for 2.1Moz Au and 61kt Cu.
Figure 2: West Dome Open Pit Mineral
Resources (Plan View, Resource by Classification)

Note: Stage 2 Extension was
previously described as Stage 8 Extension.
The Stage 7 Cutback and Stage 2
Extension (Figures 2 & 3) were previously classified as
Exploration Targets in Greatland's Admission Document dated 10
September 2024. These areas have now been incorporated into the
2024 Telfer MRE. Drilling of the additional Resources outside of
these previously identified extension (blue text in Figure 2 above
and Figure 3 below) began in February 2025 and will continue to be
a focus throughout 2025 with a second
reverse circulation (RC) drill rig recently arriving on
site.
Figure 3: West Dome Open Pit Mineral
Resources (Plan View, Resource by Au grade)

Note: The 'A' / 'B' points and
line between them correspond to the long section in Figure
4.
Figure 4: West Dome Open Pit Mineral
Resources (Long Section, Resource by Au grade)

The Telfer Main Dome Underground MRE (Figure 5 below)
comprises two main areas, the Upper Mine (M Reefs) from which ore
is trucked to surface and the Lower Mine (A Reef, Rey, LLU, B30)
which utilises the underground haulage shaft to transport ore to
surface. The M Reefs are narrow high-grade reefs, while much
of the Lower Mine Resources consist of reef and stockwork
corridors, resulting in relatively broad (3 - 8m) and continuous
packages of mineralisation.
Two underground diamond rigs are currently onsite,
focused on upgrading high priority areas of the MRE, along with
testing several new near-mine targets such as the Eastern Stockwork
Corridor ('ESC') located in the Upper Mine to the east of the M
Reefs.
Figure 5:
Telfer Main Dome Underground Mineral
Resources (Resource by Au grade)

Additional Information on the Telfer Mineral Resource
Update
Telfer gold-copper
mine
The Telfer gold-copper mine is 100% owned by Greatland
and is located in the Paterson Province of the East Pilbara region
in Western Australia, approximately 485 km by road south-east of
Port Hedland (Figure 6). Telfer first produced gold in 1977
and has produced more than 15Moz of gold to date.
Telfer is a fly-in fly-out mine with both open pit and
underground mining operations, an established workforce and
significant infrastructure. Gold and copper are produced by a large
processing facility comprising two 10Mtpa capacity trains, totaling
20Mtpa in nominal capacity, that produces gold doré and a
copper-gold concentrate.
Ore from Telfer is currently being mined from the West
Dome Open Pit and the Main Dome Underground mine. The Telfer
Mineral Resources are located across mining lease M45/6, M45/7,
M45/8 and M45/33.
Figure 6: Telfer mine
location map

Drilling
Overview
The Telfer 2024 Mineral Resource
estimate (Table 2) incorporates all drilling available as at
31 December 2024 and comprises of Mineral Resources estimates
from the West Dome Open Pit mine, the Main Dome Underground mine,
and already mined stockpiles.
Drill hole data available for the
current Mineral Resource estimates areas is largely based on
drilling completed from 1998 to 2024. Drilling procedures have
changed over the history of the Telfer deposit. Historical drilling
adopted protocols and standards consistent with industry practice
at the time of the program. Early diamond drilling was
predominantly NQ diameter but more recently has been of HQ diameter
unless reduction was necessary to complete a drill hole. Early RC
drilling used crossover subs with face sampling hammers used for
later drilling programs.
Several different down hole survey
methods were utilised at Telfer at different times of data
collection. These included down hole electronic multi-shot camera,
single shot camera, gyroscopic and Miniature Multi-shot Tool
(MMT).
Multiple checks and validations are
conducted on the drilling and sample data, with holes not meeting
the set criteria excluded from the mineral resource estimation. The
Competent Person is of the opinion that the data used to inform
these Mineral Resource estimates is considered suitable and fit for
purpose.
Mineralisation
Mineralisation within the Telfer deposit is controlled
by structure and lithology. Several styles of mineralisation are
present including narrow high-grade reefs, pod-like mineralised
bodies, sheeted vein-sets and large areas of low grade stockwork
mineralisation.
The highest concentration of gold
and copper grades occurs within bedding sub-parallel reef systems,
with reef systems being concordant to lithology, laterally
extensive (>1km) both along strike and at depth. The thickness
of these reefs varies from 0.1 to 1.2m while grade can also vary
from 5g/t to 50g/t Au and 0.2% Cu and 1.5% Cu.
Stockwork mineralisation is
characterised by narrow, often discontinuous veins that crosscut
stratigraphy. Large domains of stockwork mineralisation were
defined in the open pits and within the axial zones within both the
West Dome and Main Dome deposits. Stockworks are laterally
extensive, between 0.1km to 1.5km scale and the geometry of the
stockwork zones is related to structure and
stratigraphy.
Sampling
Practices
Geologists define sample intervals
to avoid crossing key geological boundaries and determine assay
methods. Most Mineral Resource drilling used HQ3 core for surface,
while NQ is more common in underground drilling programs. Samples,
typically half-core, ranged from 20 cm to 1m while RC drilling
collected 1m samples, with 2-5kg sub-samples for fire assay. Recent
West Dome drilling used 1m intervals for Resource drilling and 2m
for Grade Control, with 3kg splits from a cone-splitter.
The geologist logging the core
defines all sample intervals. Sample intervals do not extend across
mineralised and important lithological contacts. The geologist also
nominates the assay methodology. Resource development diamond drill
core is sampled as half-core, while grade control are samples as
whole core. Samples are crushed, pulverised, and assayed for gold
by Fire Assay and base metals by ICP. Cyanide-soluble copper was
tested via bottle roll leach with AAS analysis. Samples are
processed at either the Telfer site lab or certified external
labs.
Assay quality control protocols have
followed evolving industry standards, with rigorous procedures
including standard material submission, coarse blanks, umpire lab
checks, duplicate comparisons, and unannounced lab inspections.
Regular monitoring and reporting ensure assay reliability, with
only a small percentage of samples requiring re-assay due to
potential bias or imprecision. While occasional batch-specific
issues arise, corrective actions are taken, and overall data
confirms confidence in assay results.
Telfer Mineral Resource
Estimation
Both West Dome Open Pit and the Main
Dome Underground Mineral Resources have been estimated through a
combination of ordinary kriging (OK) or multiple indicator kriging
(MIK) techniques depending on the mineralisation style. The
stockwork mineralisation is estimated by MIK while reef and vein
style mineralisation is estimated through OK. Further details on
the estimation methodology are provided in Appendix 1.
The Mineral Resource estimates have
been constrained using appropriate drill hole data spacing
parameters and geological control. Resource classification is
based on a combination of geological confidence, average weighted
distance and slope of regression statistics for estimated gold
grades, and economic constraints (NSR).
The NSR cutoff for the 2024 Telfer
MRE uses:
§ Open Pit & Stockpile
Metal prices of A$3,450/oz Au and A$5.30/lb Cu, costs are reviewed
annually and include mining, treatment and refining costs,
payables, royalties and uses metallurgical recoveries that are well
understood and vary based on ore type, oxidisation state and
geochemical characteristics, with average recoveries assumption of
80% for Au and 50% for Cu.
§ Underground: Metal prices
of $3,150/oz and A$5.30/lb, with the MRE reported representing
multiple mineralised lodes that have different cost profiles base
on the selected mining approach. For the December 2024 MRE update
the NSR cutoffs applied to the underground ranged from
$46-150/tonne. The inputs to this cutoff are reviewing annually and
include mining, treatment and refining costs, payables, royalties
and uses metallurgical recoveries that are well understood and vary
based on ore type with recoveries assumption ranging from 75-97%
for Au and 68-98% for Cu.
Reasonable prospects for eventual
economic extraction have been assessed through evaluating active
mining and processing practices and costs that support the
assumptions used in defining economic constraints for the Mineral
Resources. There are no known environmental, social, governmental /
regulatory or legal barriers to declaring this Mineral
Resource.
Comparison to previous
Mineral Resource estimates
The previous Mineral Resource
estimate for Telfer was reported by Newmont Mining Corporation as
at December 2023.
Newmont reports Reserves and
Resources in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission's SK 1300 guidelines (SK 1300), which is different to
the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves, 2012 Edition (JORC). At 31 December
2023, Newmont reported a Mineral Resource estimate for Telfer of
27.6Mt @ 0.67g/t Au and 0.09% Cu for 600koz of gold and 24.8kt of
copper (refer to Newmont's 2023 Reserves & Resources Statement,
available
here).
Greatland reports its Mineral Resources and Ore
Reserves in accordance with the JORC Code, which is an
internationally recognised reporting standard for the purposes of
the AIM Rules.
Following completion of its acquisition in December
2024, Greatland has reviewed previously reported Mineral Resources,
identifying significant expansion to Newmont's previous December
2023 MRE at both the West Dome Open Pit and Main Dome Underground.
This review involved the application of updated
economic factors, based on current operating costs and updated
metal price cut-offs of A$3,450/oz gold and A$5.30/lb copper for
the West Dome Open Pit and A$3,150/oz and A$5.30/lb copper for the
Main Dome Underground, relative to current spot prices of
approximately A$4,700/oz gold and A$7.00/lb copper.
In the West Dome Open Pit, the Mineral Resource was
previously spatially constrained by the initial 15-month Telfer
mine plan that Greatland has described in connection with the
acquisition of Telfer. For the 2024 Telfer MRE, Greatland has
aligned with a more typical industry approach of reporting open pit
Mineral Resources above a pit optimisation shell, a process which
incorporates all cost and revenue assumptions to identify
potentially economic material.
In the Main Dome Underground, the Mineral Resource
was also previously spatially constrained by the initial 15-month
Telfer mine plan. For the 2024 Telfer MRE, Greatland has conducted
detailed economic evaluations (using MSO "mineable stope
optimisers") to spatially define potentially economic material,
which subsequently underwent detailed geological evaluation to
identify suitable material to incorporate into the MRE.
The stockpiles reported by Greatland in this 2024
Telfer MRE consist of both high grade and low-grade stockpiles,
with 10.3Mt @ 0.68g/t Au and 0.07% Cu of high-grade stockpiles, and
20.3Mt @ 0.33g/t Au and 0.04% Cu of low-grade stockpiles. Telfer
low grade stockpiles have been classified by Newcrest Mining
Limited as Mineral Resources historically, while only a portion
were classified in Newmont's December 2023 MRE. Based on the
current site costs and the evaluation of the historical processing
of low-grade ore, recoveries of 78.5% for Au and 45% for Cu have
been assumed for the low-grade stockpiles. The Competent Person is
of the opinion that the low-grade stockpile meet the requirements
to be defined as a Mineral Resource under the JORC code.
Figure 7: Telfer MRE waterfall
chart showing Telfer tonnage reconciliation between Newmont's 2023
Telfer MRE and the Greatland's 2024 Telfer MRE
Figure 8: Telfer MRE waterfall chart showing Telfer contained gold
ounces reconciliation between Newmont's 2023 Telfer MRE and
Greatland's 2024 Telfer MRE
Group Mineral Resources Statement
Greatland's combined group total
2024 Mineral Resource has increased to 285Mt @ 1.1g/t Au and
0.14% Cu, for 10.2Moz gold and 387kt copper, consisting of the 2024
Telfer MRE and the previously reported December 2023 Havieron MRE
for the 100% owned Havieron development project.
There has been no material change to
the Havieron MRE since its release in December 2023, please refer
to Greatland's announcement on 21 December 2023 titled 'Havieron
Mineral Resource Estimate Update' for further details.
Table 3: 2024 Group Mineral Resource
Statement
Area
|
Measured
|
Indicated
|
Inferred
|
Combined
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu%
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Tonnes
(Mt)
|
Au
g/t
|
Cu
%
|
Au
(Moz)
|
Cu
(kt)
|
Havieron
Deposit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
50
|
2.60
|
0.33
|
81
|
1.10
|
0.13
|
131.0
|
1.67
|
0.21
|
7.0
|
270
|
Telfer West Dome Open
Pit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
28.8
|
0.57
|
0.05
|
86.8
|
0.55
|
0.05
|
115.6
|
0.55
|
0.05
|
2.1
|
61
|
Telfer Main Dome
Underground
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5.6
|
2.65
|
0.56
|
2.3
|
2.55
|
0.39
|
7.9
|
2.62
|
0.51
|
0.7
|
40
|
Telfer
Stockpiles
|
10.3
|
0.68
|
0.07
|
20.3
|
0.33
|
0.04
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
30.6
|
0.45
|
0.05
|
0.4
|
16
|
Combined
|
10.3
|
0.68
|
0.07
|
104.7
|
1.60
|
0.21
|
170
|
0.84
|
0.09
|
285
|
1.11
|
0.14
|
10.2
|
387
|
Notes:
Mineral Resources are reported as at
31 December 2024, grades are reported to
two decimal places to reflect appropriate precision in the
estimate, and this may cause apparent discrepancies in totals.
Cutoffs for the Telfer MRE are applied based on a NSR using
metal prices of A$3,450/oz Au and A$5.30/lb Cu for
the West Dome cutback & stockpiles and A$3,150/oz and A$5.30/lb
for the Main Dome underground. Cutoffs for the Havieron Deposit Mineral Resources were also based on a NSR
using metal prices of A$2,360/oz Au and A$5.20/lb Cu.
Contact
For further information, please
contact:
Greatland Gold plc
Shaun Day, Managing Director | Rowan
Krasnoff, Head of Business Development
info@greatlandgold.com
Nominated Advisor
SPARK Advisory Partners
Andrew Emmott / James Keeshan / Neil
Baldwin | +44 203 368 3550
Corporate Brokers
Canaccord Genuity |
James Asensio / George Grainger | +44 207 523
8000
SI Capital Limited |
Nick Emerson / Sam Lomanto | +44 148 341
3500
Media Relations
Australia - Fivemark Partners
| Michael Vaughan | +61 422 602 720
UK - Gracechurch Group | Harry
Chathli / Alexis Gore / Henry Gamble | +44 204 582
3500
About Greatland
Greatland is a gold and copper mining company
listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM Market (LSE:GGP) and
operates its business from Western Australia.
The Greatland portfolio includes the 100% owned
Telfer gold-copper mine, the adjacent 100% owned world class
Havieron gold-copper project (under development), and a significant
exploration portfolio within the surrounding region. The
combination of Telfer and Havieron provides for a substantial and
long life gold-copper operation in the Paterson Province of Western
Australia.
Greatland is targeting a cross listing on the
ASX in the June quarter 2025.
Forward Looking Statements
This document includes forward looking statements and
forward looking information within the meaning of securities laws
of applicable jurisdictions. Forward looking statements can
generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will",
"expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe",
"continue", "objectives", "targets", "outlook" and "guidance", or
other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements
regarding estimated reserves and resources, certain plans,
strategies, aspirations and objectives of management, anticipated
production, study or construction dates, expected costs, cash flow
or production outputs and anticipated productive lives of projects
and mines.
These forward looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause
actual results, performance and achievements or industry results to
differ materially from any future results, performance or
achievements, or industry results, expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements. Relevant factors may include, but are
not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange
fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and
demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration
and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary
licences and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of
reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory
framework within which Greatland operates or may in the future
operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather
conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial
relations issues and litigation.
Forward looking statements are based on assumptions as
to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant
environments that will exist and affect Greatland's business and
operations in the future. Greatland does not give any assurance
that the assumptions will prove to be correct. There may be other
factors that could cause actual results or events not to be as
anticipated, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of
Greatland. Forward looking statements in this document speak only
at the date of issue. Greatland does not undertake any obligation
to update or revise any of the forward looking statements or to
advise of any change in assumptions on which any such statement is
based.
Competent Persons Statement
Information in this announcement has been reviewed and
approved by Mr Michael Thomson, a Member of
the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG),
who has more than 20 years relevant industry experience. Mr
Thomson, an employee of the Company, has sufficient experience
relevant to the style of mineralisation, type of deposit under
consideration, and to the activity which he is undertaking to
qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2012
Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code) and
under the AIM Rules - Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies,
which outline standards of disclosure for mineral projects.
Mr Thomson consents to the inclusion in this announcement of
the matters based on this information in the form and context in
which it appears.
JORC Tables
JORC 2012 Table 1:
Section 1 - Sampling Techniques and Data (Telfer)
Criteria
|
Commentary
|
Sampling
techniques
|
Resource definition drilling at
Telfer involves a combination of reverse circulation (RC) and
diamond drilling throughout the mining period. For diamond
drilling, samples are taken according to lithological boundaries,
with geologists defining sample intervals and selecting the assay
methodology. Historically, high-grade reef samples were sent for
screen fire assay, while other samples underwent fire assay for
gold and additional elements.
Core sizes for resource drilling
usually range from NQ to PQ, while smaller sizes (NQ or LTK60) are
used for grade control. Diamond drilling typically samples
lithological units with lengths between 0.2 to 1.2 meters, with
1-meter intervals being most common and they are barcoded and
submitted for laboratory analysis.
Historically, RC drilling typically
produces 1-meter samples, from which a 2-5 kg sub-sample is taken
using a riffle splitter, then pulverised for gold assay. Earlier RC
drilling involved samples from 0.5-meter to 2-meter intervals, with
the small intervals were used to target reefs. Recent RC drilling
for resource definition uses 1-meter intervals and split using cone
splitter from which a 2-5 kg sub-sample is taken with bulk reject
material stored temporarily. While grade control uses 2-meter
intervals and split using cone splitter. All RC drilling has field
duplicates conducted at a 1:20 ratio.
Rock chip samples, collected
manually from exposed development faces, are typically 2-3 kg,
collected perpendicular to bedding, and include all relevant
domains (reef, hanging wall, footwall). These samples are stored in
pre-numbered bags for analysis.
|
Drilling
techniques
|
Drilling at the Telfer has evolved
over time, following industry-standard protocols. Before 1998,
drilling targeted mainly previously mined areas, while from 1998 to
2002, diamond drilling formed the primary data source for current
Mineral Resource estimates, supplemented by RC drilling. Currently,
RC drilling is the primary data source for the open pit resources
and diamond drilling for underground resources. Currently,
NQ2 is the dominant drill size for diamond drilling and RC Drilling
is drilled with a pre-collar of 143mm then reduced to 134mm
diameter.
Additional core sizes, including NQ,
HQ, HQ3, LTK60, and limited PQ and BQ, have also been used at
Telfer. LTK60 and BQ have mainly been used for grade control.
The Reflex orientation tool is used by drillers, with all core
being oriented using Ezy-Mark to mark the bottom of the hole. The
core is then re-constructed in V-Rail, where the orientation line
is drawn along the core.
|
Drill sample
recovery
|
Core recovery data from diamond
drilling is systematically recorded by comparing drillers' depth
blocks with database records and is stored in the geological
database. If excessive core loss occurs, a wedge hole is often
drilled to recover the lost interval. A review in 2019 confirmed no
significant relationship between sample recovery and grade for
either core or RC samples, with high core recovery minimising
potential loss effects. Following the
review, weighing each RC sample at the rig was implemented to
ensure consistent sample support in resource estimation.
|
Logging
|
Geological logging is conducted for
all diamond and reverse circulation (RC) drill holes, capturing
lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for
diamond core). Diamond drill holes are also quantitatively logged
for veining, vein percentage, and structure. All drill core is
photographed before sampling, using either slide film or digital
cameras. Logged data is validated before merging into the database,
which contains over 1,000 km of logged geology, covering
approximately 80% of total drilling. Rock Quality Designation (RQD)
is routinely recorded, with around 900 diamond holes geotechnically
assessed. The level of logging detail is appropriate for resource
estimation and related studies.
|
Sub-sampling techniques and
sample preparation
|
Sampling and quality control
procedures are designed for the material being tested. Geologists
define sample intervals to avoid crossing key lithological contacts
and select appropriate assay methods. Diamond core is typically
sampled as half-core, while RC samples are collected dry, with
conditions recorded. Since 2015, cone splitters have replaced
riffle splitters for RC sampling, with field duplicates taken at a
1:20 ratio.
Core samples are processed through
drying, crushing, and pulverising, with historical standards
requiring 90% passing 75 µm. Older RC drilling used 0.5-2 m
intervals, while recent resource definition drilling follows 1 m
intervals (2 m for grade control), with a 5 kg primary split
collected.
Samples are prepared at the Telfer
lab, where they are crushed, sub-split, and pulverised to 95%
passing 106 µm. Gold is analysed via 30 g fire assay, while base
metals, sulphur, and arsenic are tested by ICP. Cyanide-soluble
copper is determined by bottle roll leach with AAS analysis. To
ensure accuracy, 1 in 20 samples undergo external lab
verification.
|
Quality of assay data and
laboratory tests
|
Assay and quality control protocols
at the Telfer deposit have evolved to align with industry
standards. Before 1998, quality control procedures followed
industry norms of the time, with no major concerns identified. From
1998 onwards, protocols were enhanced, particularly during
prefeasibility and feasibility studies conducted between 1998 and
2002.
Samples are primarily prepared at
the Telfer laboratory and then sent to external commercial labs for
analysis. Currently, all resource
definition samples have been assayed through a combination of the
Telfer Laboratory and the Bureau Veritas (BV) Commercial Lab in
Perth and all grade control samples have been sent through Telfer
Laboratory. Gold is analysed using fire
assay, while multi-element analyses-including silver, arsenic,
bismuth, copper, iron, nickel, lead, sulphur, and zinc-are
conducted using ICP techniques. Cyanide-soluble copper is assessed
via bottle roll leach with AAS analysis. Since 1998, comprehensive
quality control measures have been in place, including the use of
Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), blanks, duplicate assays,
blind pulp re-submissions and checks at independent laboratories.
Matrix-matched CRMs were introduced in 1999, and transition to
multi client CRMs in 2018. Since 2000, Telfer's laboratory
was managed by commercial organisations until Telfer re-opening in
2002 has been managed by Newcrest and now, Greatland.
Regular reviews of Quality Assurance
and Quality Control (QAQC) procedures, including sample
resubmissions and bias assessments, help ensure data accuracy and
reliability. Monthly reports document any anomalies, with
corrective actions taken as needed. Comparison studies, including
analyses of duplicate pulp samples sent to external laboratories,
confirm data precision, with a 90% repeatability rate. The QAQC
protocols and assay techniques used are considered reliable for
Mineral Resource estimation.
During the 2002 feasibility study,
13,570 pulp duplicate samples were dispatched from the Telfer
preparation laboratory for analysis at a check laboratory.
Insignificant bias was identified between the original and check
laboratories for gold (-0.8%) and copper (0.5%).
|
Verification of sampling and
assaying
|
Drill hole data is securely stored
in an acQuire database, with stringent controls to ensure data
integrity and prevent errors or duplication. Data collection,
including collar coordinates, drill hole designation, logging, and
assaying, follows strict protocols to maintain accuracy. Validation
involves multiple stages, with input from geologists, surveyors,
assay laboratories, and down-hole surveyors where
applicable.
Data entry has evolved from manual
methods to direct digital input, incorporating automated validation
checks. Internal and external reviews further enhance data quality
before resource estimation. Resource data is managed daily by site
geologists, with additional verification by a centralised resource
team.
Sampling details are recorded
digitally, utilising barcode and tracking systems to monitor sample
integrity throughout the process. Recent drilling programs employ
numbered bags for tracking consistency. Regular audits of both
internal and commercial laboratories ensure compliance with quality
standards. No assay data adjustments have been made in the Mineral
Resource estimate.
|
Location of data
points
|
Mining operations at Telfer Gold
Mine adhere to periodic reporting requirements for the WA
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), using
the MGA94/AHD coordinate system for official submissions. However,
site operations utilise the Telfer Mine Grid (TMG) and Telfer
Height Datum (THD), requiring coordinate transformations between
the national and operational coordinate systems.
This has been supplied by AAM
Surveys in 1995 (AMG84 to Telfer Mine Grid) and AAMHATCH in
February 2007 (Telfer Mine Grid to MGA Transformation). Both
reports also addressed the height datum and in 2007 established the
THD=AHD + 5193.7m.
A local grid covers the whole of the
Telfer mine area (Telfer Mine Grid 2002). It is oriented with grid
north at 44o03'12' west of magnetic north.
Topographic control is maintained
through a combination of surface and aerial surveys, with routine
updates for pits and underground voids. Drill hole collars are
surveyed upon completion by mine surveyors. The natural surface
topography, along with current pit surveys and underground voids
(development, stopes and vertical openings) are used to deplete the
resources and account for changes in mining areas at
Telfer.
Downhole survey methods have evolved
over time, progressing from early single-shot cameras to modern
electronic tools. Currently, drilling programs include multi-shot
surveys at regular intervals, with post-completion surveys
conducted at finer resolutions. Specific drilling campaigns may
incorporate gyroscopic surveys where required. Routine in-pit
drilling, particularly for pre-production and grade control,
typically excludes downhole surveys, relying on collar surveys for
accuracy.
|
Data spacing and
distribution
|
The drill hole spacing is sufficient
to demonstrate geological continuity appropriate for the Mineral
Resource and the classifications applied under the 2012 JORC
Code.
The drill spacing applied to
specific domains within the overall resource is variable and is
considered suitable for the style of mineralisation and mineral
resource estimation requirements.
|
Orientation of data in
relation to geological structure
|
The Telfer mine site topography is
dominated by two large scale asymmetric dome structures with steep
west dipping axial planes. Main Dome is in the southeast
portion of the mine and is exposed over a strike distance of 3 km
north-south and 2 km east-west before plunging under transported
cover. West Dome forms the topographical high in the northwest
quadrant of the mine and has similar dimensions to Main Dome. Both
fold structures have shallow to moderately dipping western limbs
and moderate to steep dipping eastern limbs.
Surface drilling is orientated to
ensure optimal intersection angle for the reefs. Underground
drilling orientation may be limited by available collar locations,
but acceptable intersection angles are considered during the drill
hole planning process. No orientation bias has been indicated
in the drilling data..
|
Sample
security
|
Sample security is maintained
through a tracking system from drilling to database entry. While
barcoding was previously used, it has been replaced with
pre-numbered calico bags for resource development and underground
drilling samples.
All sample movements, including
dispatch details, drill hole identification, sample ranges, and
analytical requests, are recorded in a database. Any discrepancies
identified upon receipt by the laboratory are validated to ensure
data integrity.
|
Audits or
reviews
|
In-house reviews of data, QAQC
results, sampling protocols and compliance with corporate and site
protocols are carried out at various frequencies by company
employees not closely associated with the Telfer projects.
Procedure audits and reviews are carried out by corporate employees
during site visits.
|
JORC 2012 Table 1:
Section 2- Reporting of Exploration Results (Telfer)
Criteria
|
Commentary
|
Mineral tenement and land tenure status
|
Mining and ore processing at Telfer
operate under granted leases and licenses covering all key
infrastructure, including open pits, underground resources,
processing facilities, waste storage, and support services. The
Telfer Main Dome Underground Mineral Resource is within mining
leases M45/6 and M45/8, while the West Dome Mineral Resource,
approximately 3km northwest of the Main Dome open pit, lies within
leases M45/7 and M45/33. These leases are currently under
renewal.
An Indigenous Land Use Agreement
(ILUA) has been in place since December 2015, covering all
operational aspects of the site. Telfer operations also remain
compliant with the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF)
levy.
|
Exploration done by other parties
|
The Telfer district was first
geologically mapped by the Bureau of Mineral Resources in 1959,
though no gold or copper mineralization was identified. In 1971,
regional sampling by Day Dawn Minerals NL detected anomalous copper
and gold at Main Dome. From 1972 to 1975, Newmont Pty Ltd conducted
extensive exploration and drilling, defining an open pit reserve
primarily in the Middle Vale Reef.
In 1975, BHP Gold acquired a 30%
stake in the project, and in 1990, Newmont and BHP Gold merged
their Australian assets to form Newcrest Mining Limited. Newcrest
managed exploration and resource drilling from 1990 until its
acquisition by Newmont Corp on November 6, 2023. Newmont later
divested Telfer, selling it to Greatland Gold on December 4, 2024,
which now oversees exploration and drilling activities.
|
Geology
|
Telfer is located within the
northwestern Paterson Orogen and is hosted by the Yeneena
Supergroup, a 9 km thick sequence of marine sedimentary rocks. Gold
and copper mineralization occurs in stratiform reefs and stockworks
within the Malu Formation of the Lamil Group, controlled by both
structure and lithology.
Mineralisation styles include
high-grade narrow reefs, reef stockwork corridors, sheeted vein
sets, and extensive low-grade stockwork, which forms most of the
sulphide resource. Sulphide mineralisation consists mainly of
pyrite and chalcopyrite, with copper minerals including
chalcopyrite, chalcocite, and bornite. Gold is primarily
free-grained or associated with sulphides and quartz/dolomite
gangue, with a correlation between vein density and gold
grade.
The highest gold and copper grades
occur within bedding sub-parallel reef systems, including multiple
reef structures in Main Dome, such as E-Reefs, MVR, M10-M70 reefs,
A-Reef, and B-Reefs (notably B30). Additional mineralisation occurs
in northwest-trending and north-dipping veins. Stockwork
mineralisation, found in open pits, Telfer Deeps, and the Vertical
Stockwork Corridor (VSC), is best developed in the axial zones of
Main Dome and West Dome, often extending over large areas (0.1 km
to 1.5 km). It can include brecciated zones filled with quartz,
carbonate, and sulphides
|
Drill hole Information
|
Not applicable to the mineral
resource estimate.
|
Data
aggregation methods
|
Significant assay intercepts are
reported using length-weighted averages based on predefined
thresholds, with a maximum allowable internal dilution. For Mineral
Resource estimates, data aggregation methods are aligned with
sampling, drilling, and recovery techniques. No exploration results
are included in this report, as it focuses on Ore Reserves and
Mineral Resources.
|
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept
lengths
|
No exploration has been reported in
this release, therefore there are no relationships between
mineralisation widths and intercept lengths to report. This section
is not relevant to this report on Ore Reserves and Mineral
Resources.
|
Diagrams
|
As provided
|
Balanced reporting
|
Significant assay intervals
represent apparent widths, as drilling is not always perpendicular
to the dip of mineralisation. True widths are typically less than
downhole widths and can only be estimated once all results are
received and final geological interpretations are completed. No
exploration results are included in this report, so relationships
between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths are not
applicable to the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources
report.
|
Other substantive exploration data
|
Not applicable to the mineral
resource estimate.
|
Further work
|
Further work is planned to evaluate
exploration opportunities that extend the known mineralisation and
to improve confidence of the model.
|
JORC 2012 Table
1: Section 3 - Estimation
and Reporting of Mineral Resources (Telfer)
Criteria
|
Commentary
|
Database integrity
|
Data is stored in a SQL Server
database known as acQuire. Assay data and geological data are
electronically loaded into acQuire and the database is replicated
in Greatlands centralised database system. Regular reviews of data
quality are conducted by site and corporate teams prior to resource
estimation.
Validation checks include but are
not limited to:
· Duplicate drill hole identifier.
· Overlapping FROM and TO intervals values in the geology,
oxidation state, assay, density, core size, and recovery
tables.
· Duplicate records.
· Other
checks made outside the SQL environment include but are not limited
to:
· Down
hole survey dip and bearing angles appear reasonable.
· All
collar co-ordinates were within the permit area.
· Any
anomalous assay, density or sample recovery values.
|
Site
visits
|
The Competent Person for Telfer
Mineral Resources regularly visits the site.
|
Geological interpretation
|
All interpretations were undertaken
by site-based geologists.
MDU
Block Model
The MDU Block Model wireframe
interpretations were constructed in Leapfrog software using
implicit modelling interpolations from primary logging codes
extracted from the Acquire database. The Main Dome Underground
model includes the Lower M-Reef horizons (from M52 downward), the A
Reefs horizons,, Kylo, B30 Reef, LLU, Rey LLU and Rey AR, Oakover
Vein, Wedge, North Finn and intervening Stockwork
mineralisation.
The Lower M Reefs comprise both
intermittent reef but more significantly zones of stockwork
mineralisation, as such each of these are modelled as mineralised
corridors. The same approach has been applied to the A Reef
interpretation with multiple corridors of reef and stockwork
mineralisation defined.
Kylo also comprise high-grade
mineralised brecciastockwork and is stratabound.
The LLU is a mineralised
stratigraphic layer that is guided by the well know dome-shaped
stratigraphy in Main Dome and monocline structure. The
western limb of the LLU has been the target of bulk stoping in
mining areas called Western Flanks.
In the south-eastern of the lower
mine, thrust structures have been identified that offset and dilate
the eastern limb stratigraphy. High-grade veining has formed in the
dilation zone and two domains have been interpreted to capture this
mineralisation Rey LLU and Rey A-Reefs.
M-Reef Block Model
The Upper M Reefs (M20 to M50) are
largely strataform, interpretation is guided by the well-known dome
shape stratigraphy. The Upper M-Reef mineral resource consists of
discrete reef wireframes constructed in Vulcan using Sirovision
mapping, wall mapping and sampling data from development drives,
and from drill hole intercepts. The thickness of the reef is
honoured as far as practicable in the interpretation
process.
West Dome Block Model
The Telfer West Dome Deposit
consists of a repeat of the Main Dome geological units.
Mineralisation styles include high-grade narrow
reefs, reef stockwork corridors, sheeted vein sets, and extensive
low-grade stockwork, which forms most of the sulphide
resource.
The primary estimation domains are
based on stratigraphy. The estimates refrained from detailed
interpretations of E-Reefs as they are discontinuous and complex to
interpret. The estimate relies on an E-Reef corridor within the
appropriate stratigraphy to constrain grade estimation.
The M-Reefs domains in West Dome
they have been interpreted as reef/stockwork corridors from drill
hole intercepts. The thickness of the reef is honoured as far
as practicable in the interpretation process and within the
database, defined by intercept domains. The M-Reefs are largely
strataform, interpretation is guided by the well-known dome shape
stratigraphy.
The Leeder Hill Veins are
sub-vertical veins sets that run west to east across the West Dome
Resource. They vary in thickness from 1 -10cm in thickness
and can appear as individual veins or vein sets.
Stockwork mineralisation is best
developed in the axial zones of West Dome, often extending over
large areas (0.1 km to 1.5 km). It can include brecciated zones
filled with quartz, carbonate, and sulphides
|
Dimensions
|
The maximum extent of the Telfer
Mineral Resource is approximately 5 km x 1.5 km x 1.8km over the
two dome complexes.
|
Estimation and modelling techniques
|
Main Dome Underground Block Model:
Drill data used for the MDU Resource
estimate include underground diamond drilling and resource
definition reverse circulation drilling.
Three composite databases were
compiled for each element from the raw assay database using 4 m
composite lengths for bulk domains and 2m composite length for more
discrete domains like Lower M-Reefs, A-Reefs, Kylo and Rey Domains
and copper specific 4m composite that's coded for copper. The
databases use all available resource definition drill data and the
3-D wireframes from the interpreted geological model. The majority
of the raw assay file contains 1 or 2 m assay intervals.
Boundary contact analyses were
undertaken on all stratigraphic and mineralised domains. The result
of this analysis forms the basis for the majority of the stockwork
sub-domaining decisions for the project. The analyses were
conducted using both the 4 m and 2m downhole composites for gold
and copper. The boundary analyses for both elements (Au and Cu)
reveal that most of the domain boundaries are hard and are
accordingly estimated independently.
Exploratory data analysis was
undertaken on the bulk and discrete domains with 4m and 2m
composite data for gold, copper, sulphur, arsenic, and cobalt
assessed. Statistical reviews indicate that Stockwork domains have
highly variable distributions. The other domains contain lower
variable distributions due to their more homogeneous mineralisation
style.
Due to the generally lower
variability, it was decided to use OK for all other domains except
for stockwork
Ordinary Kriging is considered to be
sub-optimal for estimating in highly variable material without the
need for aggressive top-cuts, due to the potential
over-representation of the extreme end of the data
distribution. A non-linear method such as Multiple Indicator
Kriging (MIK) is considered to be better suited for dealing with
these highly variable data sets. MIK was used to estimate gold and
copper grade in the majority of stockwork domains. The MIK estimate
is e-type that directly estimates the model blocks with the average
grade of the cumulative distribution.
Top cutting (capping) was applied
where appropriate for the OK estimations. Metal at risk analysis
was completed to inform the capping grades.
The non-economic elements are all
estimated by ordinary kriging in all domains. Cyanide soluble
copper, sulphur, arsenic and cobalt variogram models were generated
by transforming the data to Gaussian space and back transforming
the resulting variogram model to raw space, as no robust
experimental variography could be obtained in raw space
alone. All sills have been normalised to 1.
The local varying anisotropy (LVA)
rotation functionality provided by Vulcan was used during OK and
MIK estimation for the A-Reefs, LLU and B30 domains. For each
target block, a unique rotation can be set and used to control both
the variogram model and search neighbourhood rotation. These
orientations are derived from smoothed interpretations of the main
stratigraphic surfaces that define the overall geometry of the Main
Dome anticline as applied to the stratigraphically aligned
mineralisation.
Upper M-Reef Block Models
Modelling of the reef volume /
thickness for all reefs was determined using a calculated hanging
wall surface from reef domain intercepts. The vertical and true
width were determined using a dynamic anisotropy model of the
footwall and determining the reef dip and azimuth and calculating a
vertical width and true width.
Drill data used for the estimate
included underground diamond drilling, resource definition reverse
circulation drilling and underground production face samples with
interpreted resource definition mineralisation surfaces.
Grade composites were determined by
vertical reef grade accumulates as the reef thickness varies
between 0.01 m to approximately 2.0 m therefore a single composite
was generated for each reef intercept. Grade accumulates were
generated for gold, copper, cyanide soluble copper and sulphur,
silver, arsenic, cobalt and lead and determined by grade x width.
The data was then transformed into 2 dimensions and projected to a
planar surface.
Exploratory data analysis (EDA) and
variography analysis was conducted
Grade sensitivity tests were
completed for each metal accumulate for each reef and a high- and
low-grade indicator was determined for the majority of the reefs
and elements. The composite files were then flagged for the
indicators and indicator variograms compiled. An Ordinary Kriged
indicator model was estimated and for each reef estimation block, a
high grade and low-grade proportion determined.
Variogram analysis for the metal
accumulates was completed at the indicator thresholds along with a
review of the metal at risk for each reef and element. Gold
mineralisation anisotropy is consistent for all the reefs aligned
northeast, whereas copper, cyanide soluble copper and sulphur is
less consistent between reefs and can lie along either the
northeast trend similar to the gold trend or to the northwest along
the dome hinge axis.
Ordinary Kriging was used for
estimation of the metal accumulates in 2D space for both the high-
and low-grade indicator domains for each reef. Then using the high
grade and low-grade block proportions, an overall grade was
determined for each block estimate for each element.
Block grade estimates were then
translated back into 3-dimensional resource block models defined by
the footwall and hanging wall surfaces of the reef. The 2022
resource block dimensions and M20 Jan 25 resource block dimensions
are 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.2 m to eliminate volume variances that can exist
when reporting a narrow reef at larger block
sizes.
West Dome Open Pit Block Model
The West Dome Open Pit Resource
model includes estimates for gold, copper and density along with
attributes required for modelling metallurgical recovery including
cyanide soluble copper, sulphur, cobalt and arsenic.
A composite database was compiled
for each element from the raw assay database using 4 m composite
lengths using the available resource definition drill data and the
3-D wireframes from the geological model. Many of the wireframe
volumes overlap, reflecting the overprinting nature of various
mineralising events at Telfer. A priority sequence was developed
whereby the main mineralised reef structures were prioritised over
bulk domains and background stockwork mineralisation. The majority
of the raw assay file contains 1 or 2 m assay intervals. The
composite length of 4 m was chosen to standardise sample support
and reflects the minimum Z sub-cell size (mining selectivity in the
reef corridor areas).
Boundary contact analyses were
undertaken on all stratigraphic, oxidation and mineralised reef
domains. The results of this analysis forms the basis for the
majority of the stockwork sub-domaining decisions for the project.
The analyses were conducted using the 4 m downhole composites for
gold, copper and sulphur grade.
The West Dome Mineral Resource grade
model is constructed with two components: Stockwork domains
(bounded by key stratigraphy contacts) and ReefStockwork Corridor
domains. The Telfer Reefs (M-Reefs) are stratabound and have
relatively uniform thickness over short range intervals. Grade
distribution within the reefs is also relatively consistent with
regionally separated areas of on average high or low grades. Grade
partitions are used to domain the reefs into high-grade and
low-grade domains using an indicator estimation
methodology.
The West Dome M-Reef Stockwork
Corridors use ordinary kriging into the 3D solid utilising local
rotation functionality (LVA) in Vulcan. Variography and estimation
parameters were updated based on the revised interpretation of the
mineralisation style.
The stockwork gold mineralisation
outside the reefs is highly positively skewed with high Coefficient
of Variation of between ~ 2 and 4. Ordinary Kriging (OK) has been
demonstrated to be sub-optimal for estimating such highly variable
material. Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) is considered best
suited for this type of mineralisation. Gold and copper were
estimated using MIK. The type of MIK is the e-type estimate; that
is directly estimating the model blocks with the average grade of
the cumulative indicator distribution. Indicator variograms for
gold and copper were modelled for all Stockwork domains.
The indicator thresholds were
selected such that each bin has a reducing balance of number of
samples. Indicator variography was then undertaken on gold and
copper ensuring that nuggets increased and ranges decreased
consistently in modelling progressively higher cut-offs; this
minimises order relational problems in the MIK
estimates.
Stockwork cyanide soluble copper,
sulphur, arsenic and cobalt stockwork estimates were estimated
using Ordinary Kriging. Cyanide soluble copper, sulphur, arsenic
and cobalt variogram models were generated by transforming the data
to Gaussian space and back-transforming the resulting variogram
model to raw space.
The local rotation (LVA)
functionality provided by Vulcan was used during stockwork OK and
MIK estimation. For each target block, a unique rotation can
be set and used to control both the variogram model and search
neighbourhood rotation. These orientations are derived from
smoothed interpretations of the main stratigraphic surfaces that
define the overall geometry of the West Dome anticline as applied
to the stratigraphically aligned mineralisation.
The block sizes in the resource
models are 3.125 m x 3.125 m x 1 m for the selective reef areas and
12.5 m x 12.5 m x 12 m for the bulk stockwork. All modelling and
estimation are done in commercially available software supplemented
with specialised algorithms coded within the package as
required.
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Moisture
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All tonnages are calculated and
reported on a dry tonne basis.
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Cut-off parameters
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In both the open pit and
underground, a specific cut-off grade was not used. Each block
within the resource model is assigned a value based on an estimate
of its net smelter return. Net smelter return is calculated on a
payable metal basis taking into account metal prices, metallurgical
recoveries, processing costs and realisation costs. Value / profit
cut-off includes mining costs, processing costs with assigned
sustaining capital and G&A components.
Consequently for stockpiled
material, the material is estimated based on the Grade Control
criteria at the time of production.
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Mining factors or assumptions
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The LLU, B30, Kylo, and Rey resource
areas will be mined using bulk stope mining, while the M20-M50 and
A50-A80 areas will be mined using selective narrow vein techniques.
Resource estimates have been constrained by MSO outlines to enhance
mining feasibility. Fit-for-purpose models have been developed for
these methods, though future technological advancements may enable
alternative mining approaches.
Open-pit operations at Telfer use an
excavator-loader fleet for selective ore extraction, employing a 12
m bench height mined in 4 m flitches to minimise ore dilution and
loss. Bulk waste is removed in either a single 12 m pass or three 4
m flitches. The Selective Mining Unit (SMU) is defined as 6.25 m x
6.25 m x 4.00 m, ensuring dilution control without additional
mining dilution or recovery factors applied to the resource
estimate. The West Dome Mineral Resource shells are constrained
based on contract mining costs and value NSR assessments
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Metallurgical factors or assumptions
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The current Telfer plant has been
operating since 2003.
The feed ore for the Telfer
treatment plant is sourced from both open pit and underground
mining operations. Owing to the range of ore types with differing
mineralisation of both gold and copper, together with variation in
ore hardness, the treatment flowsheet is complex. Two parallel
process trains have been incorporated through the grinding and
flotation circuits in the treatment plant which has a nominal
throughput capacity of 20 Mtpa but the throughput rate varies
between 17 Mtpa and 23 Mtpa dependent upon the ore characteristics.
The typical operating strategy is to blend ore to control ore grade
and hardness.
The circuit was designed to maximise
the recovery of the valuable minerals, with a flash flotation and
gravity recovery section within the grinding circuit to capture
coarse gold. The milled product passes to the copper flotation
circuit where copper sulphides are recovered together with attached
gold and independently liberated gold particles. Tailings from the
copper circuit are processed through the pyrite flotation circuit
with recovered pyrite processed through a cyanidation leach circuit
for final gold extraction.
The gold is extracted from the leach
liquor by means of adsorption onto activated carbon followed by
stripping and electrowinning. Two products are generated -
gold dore (gravity and pyrite float leach) and gold-bearing copper
concentrate. Minor amounts of oxide ore are processed in a
dump leach operation as an adjunct to the main treatment route,
with the dump leach output being incorporated within the overall
gold dore production total.
Metallurgical recovery formulae are
applied in the value estimations developed from production history
and reconciliations for each deposit. Typically, gold and copper
recoveries are a function of absolute gold grade, copper grade and
copper/sulphur and cyanide soluble/copper ratios to estimate either
recovered grade or estimated tails grades. Transport costs and
realisation costs (TCRC) of recovered metals plus smelting and
royalty costs contribute to the estimated block value.
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Environmental factors or assumptions
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Telfer has a long history of mining
and processing ore with the waste dump and residue disposal
facilities all currently in place in accordance with the required
statutory approvals. Statutory approvals under the Western
Australian Environmental Protection Act (EP Act) provide the
umbrella approval for the project. These approvals are reflected in
Ministerial Approvals (issued by the Minister for the Environment -
Nos. 605 and 606). The approvals include both environmental
commitments made by Newcrest and conditions applied by the Minister
acting primarily on the recommendations of the Environmental
Protection Authority (EPA), which coordinated detailed assessment
by government agencies of potential environmental impacts and
proponent-proposed management plans to manage those
impacts.
Performance against Ministerial
Approval conditions is reported on a regular basis and reviewed by
the government.
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Bulk
density
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Bulk density measurements at Telfer
are taken from 20 cm samples of DDH whole core using the air-water
method, with results stored in the acQuire database. These
measurements are conducted at nominal 20 m intervals and are
assigned to stratigraphic units and there oxidation/weathering
profiles. Bulk densities were extensively evaluated in the 2002
feasibility study and continue to be re-evaluated and updated based
on new data.
Certain domains, such as the reef
domains, MVR, LLU, and Oakover, show greater density variability
due to high sulphide content, leading to bimodal distributions in
some areas and sulphur regression are used for these
domains.
Density estimation follows a
three-step process:
1. Global
mean densities are assigned to bulk domains with low
variability.
2. Sulphur
regression is used to estimate density in the LLU, where density
variability is high due to sulphide content.
3. M-Reef densities are assigned based on previous resource
estimates from 2011 and 2013.
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Classification
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MDU:
Resource classification is based on
geological interpretation confidence combined with Ordinary Kriging
derived Slope of Regression (SoR) and/or Average weighted distance
(AWD) of informing composites.
Typical Indicated classification
(SoR) >0.65 and Inferred classification is based on SoR >0.5
on a block-by-block basis. However final classification is based on
manually interpreted aggregated volumes, not individual
blocks.
There are no Measured Mineral
Resources.
M-Reef
Maximum drill spacing up to 40 m by
40 m with development sampling was classified as Indicated Mineral
Resources. Indicated Mineral Resources must also have a sound
geological understanding and grade continuity.
Where drill density and development
sampling are satisfied but unsolved geological complexity exists,
for example, the steeper zones of M30, M40 and M50, these were
classified as Inferred.
Where drill spacing is greater than
40 m X by 40 m Y and up to100 m X by 100 m Y where unresolved
geological complexity exists have been classified as Inferred
Mineral Resources.
Mineralisation with drill spacing
wider than 100 m X by 100 m Y is unclassified.
The primary reef M30 and M40
resource classification was used for the two double reefs M28/M30
and M38/M40.
There are no Measured Mineral
Resources in the M-Reefs.
West Dome
The December 2024 West Dome Mineral
Resource reported figures were classified using a combination of
geostatistical confidence parameters including average weighted
distance for informing samples and slope of regression resulting
from the Ordinary Kriging estimation for each block. Contiguous
volumes were flagged with either Indicated or Inferred
classification, no in-situ material is classified as
Measured.
Measured Resources at Telfer open
pits are stockpiled material which has been grade controlled by
very closed spaced production blast hole and/or RC sample
data.
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Audits or reviews.
|
All mineral resources at Telfer are
regularly independently reviewed by resource estimation specialist
consultants. The results and recommendations are tabulated
and actioned by Telfer Resource Geologists.
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Discussion of relative accuracy/ confidence
|
Telfer Gold Mine is an established
operation with a long history to support development of plans to
exploit the available Mineral Resources. As such, in the
Competent Persons opinion, there are no known factors related to
the environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation,
socio-economic, marketing or political changes that could
materially affect the Mineral Resource estimates. The Mineral
Resource estimates are based on long term capital and operating
costs assumptions based on the current operating cost base modified
for changing activity levels and reasonable cost base reductions
over the life of the mine.
Any material change in long term
cost base or metal price assumptions would impact the Mineral
Resource estimate.
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