Aura Minerals Inc. (TSX: ORA) (B3: AURA33) (OTCQX:
ORAAF) (“
Aura” or the
“
Company”) is pleased to report updated Mineral
Reserves and Mineral Resources (“
MRMR”) for its
four operating mines: Aranzazu Mine, Apoena Mines (formerly known
as EPP), Minosa Mine (also known as San Andres) and Almas Mine, as
well as its development projects including Borborema, Matupá as
reported in the Annual Information Form for the year ended December
31, 2023 (“
2023 AIF”). Readers are encouraged to
read the 2023 AIF and Technical Reports (as defined herein), which
have been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Consolidated MRMR
tables are noted below.
Rodrigo Barbosa, President and CEO of Aura
commented, “We are excited to announce our latest Mineral Resources
and Reserves (MRMR) update across our operations, marking an
impressive increase across all categories, adding 2.4moz in M&I
Resources and 856koz in P&P Reserves. This achievement is a
result of our clear strategy to increase production while we
increase our Resources and Reserves. In 2023, we published a new
Feasibility Study on Borborema, which adds, for the moment, 83koz
per annum in production during the first 4 years while it increases
our Reserves by 814koz and 2.1mkoz on Resources. In addition, the
probable relocation of the Federal Road at Borborema will unlock
another significant amount of reserves. Furthermore, our efforts at
Apoena have led to the largest reserves increase since 2017, when
Apoena had 3 years of LOM; we operated for 7 years and now have a
5-year LOM. As an example, our efforts at Apoena have led to the
largest reserves increase since 2017, when Apoena had 3 years of
LOM; since then we operated for 7 years and now have a 5-year LOM.
Another important example of our exploration success is Aranzazu,
where we started production in the end 2018 with a 5-year LOM,
operated for more than 5 years, increased capacity by 30%, and now
have an 8-year LOM. With these successes and the significant
expansion potential remaining at all our assets, we remain
committed to prioritizing increasing exploration to create value
for shareholders in the years to come.”
2023 AIF Highlights:
- Aura completed another robust
exploration program totaling 114,074.37 meters of drilling with
over US$24 million invested to increase MRMR and replace depleted
ounces. Exploration efforts were conducted across all properties
with the exception of Minosa, due to increased efforts on operating
performance. Exploration is expected to resume at Minosa in
2024.
- Important contributions toward
increased MRMR included the addition of the Borborema Project,
following the completion of the previously announced feasibility
study in August 2023 and significant growth at Apoena Mines, which
saw its largest increase in Mineral Reserves in its operating
history since 2017.
- Proven & Probable
(“P&P”) Mineral Reserves increased 32% with 1.2M GEO
added (before depletion). At the four operating mines, an increase
of approximately 856k GEO (before depletion) exceeded 2022
depletion on a consolidated basis, with a net increase in P&P
Reserves at Apoena, Aranzazu and Almas. Approximately 812k GEO was
attributed to the Borborema Project.
- Measured & Indicated
Mineral Resources increased 49% with 2.4M GEO added
(before depletion/conversion). More than 100% of depleted metals
were replaced at each of the sites with the exception of
Minosa.
- Inferred Mineral Resources
increased 27% with 221 kGEO added (after conversion),
result of the addition of approximately 400k GEO attributed to the
Borborema Project. The net reduction in Inferred Mineral Resources
for the mines in production between 2022 and 2023 was primarily due
to the successful conversion of Inferred Mineral Resources to
M&I Mineral Resources at each of the sites with the exception
of Minosa.
Additional Projects
Updates:
- At the Serrinhas deposit, which is
an exploration target at the Matupa project, a total of 12,026
meters were drilled in 43 holes, with exploration actively
continuing in key targets in 2024. An updated Technical Report is
anticipated before the end of 2024.
- At Serra da Estrela exploration
Project (Aura Carajas), a total of 7,822.40 meters were drilled in
18 holes along a 5km strike to test mineralization continuity
identified in previous exploration by Anglo Gold. The Company
expects to release drill results during 2024 with a potential
Technical Report in 2025.
Aranzazu, Mexico
At Aranzazu, the primary focus for infill
drilling has been at the Glory Hole Zone (“GHZ”). The Company also
focused on the new BW connection (“BWZ”), Cabrestante and Ezperanza
zones. In 2023, a total of 24,840.65 meters of drilling were
completed with the goal of converting known inferred resources to
indicated.
Changes in P&P Mineral Reserves included an
increase of 0.6 million tonnes (6%), 62,975 GEO1 (7%) and 7%
increase on the Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) due to higher copper and
gold prices, compensating for 40% of 2023 depleted tonnes. The
volume of the main ore body of Aranzazu was reduced by 6% due to
depletion, after infill drilling and converting mineral resources
to mineral reserves by the end of 2023. GHHW Zone had expanded
after infill drilling by 36% and accounted for about 32% of the
2023 mineral reserve.
Changes in Mineral Resources include the
conversion of 692,000 tonnes and 656,000 tonnes from Inferred to
M&I Mineral Resources in the GHFW2 and GHHW3 zones,
respectively. Approximately 481,000 tonnes were added to GHZ in the
Inferred Resource category. Infill drilling in Cabrestante zone
depleted 464,000 tonnes from Inferred Mineral Resources and
converted approximately 76,000 tonnes to M&I Mineral Resources
with grades increasing 5% for copper, 2% for silver and decreasing
6% for gold.
The charts below show changes in P&P
Mineral Reserves, M&I Mineral Resources and Inferred Mineral
Resources for the Aranzazu Mine as of December 31, 2023 compared to
December 31, 2022.
Apoena, Brazil
In a press release dated February 23, 2024, Aura
announced updated MRMR for Apoena Mines, noting a significant
increase in gold reserves, the largest since 2017. This growth
supports an extension of the mine’s life for over five years based
solely on current reserves.
The update follows extensive drilling in
previous years, particularly at the Nosde and Lavrinha mines. Aura
aims to further expand its exploration to enhance Inferred Mineral
Resources and explore potential pit connections. The decrease in
Inferred Mineral Resources resulted from infill drilling and
conversion to Indicated category.
The charts below show changes in P&P
Mineral Reserves Estimates, M&I Mineral Resources Estimates and
Inferred Mineral Resources Estimates for Apoena as of December 31,
2023, compared to December 31, 2022.
Minosa (San Andres), Honduras
Exploration activities during 2023 focused on
exploration drilling to test continuity of historical sulfide high
grade veins zone. A total of 1,987 meters of drilling was completed
and more work is needed to better evaluate the potential of this
area.
Mineral Reserves estimated by Aura total
approximately 34.5 Mt in P&P Mineral Reserves at an average
grade of 0.50 g/t Au. Mineral Resources estimated by Aura total
59.4 Mt of M&I Mineral Resources at an average grade of
approximately 0.51 g/t Au and Inferred Mineral Resource of 5.69 Mt
at an average grade of 0.74 g/t gold grade. The Mineral Resources
pit shell optimization did not consider any sulphide material.
Exploration activities during 2023 focused on
exploration drilling to test continuity of historical sulfide high
grade veins zone in San Andres mine. A total of 1,987.50 meters
were drilled in 7 holes and more work is needed to better evaluate
the potential of this area. As we move forward, the coming years
are poised for further exploration developments at Minosa.
Exploration effort at Minosa is integral to our broader strategy
for growth and value creation across our portfolio.
The charts below show changes in P&P
Mineral Reserves Estimates, M&I Mineral Resources Estimates and
Inferred Mineral Resources Estimates for Minosa as of December 31,
2023, compared to December 31, 2022.
Almas, Brazil
Almas is the first greenfield project
constructed by Aura and commenced commercial production in
September 2023. Average annualized gold production is estimated at
51,000 ounces during the first four years, not including
investments in expansion, which are currently under way. There is
an estimated life of mine of 17 years, based on Mineral Reserves
estimated in accordance with NI 43-101.
In 2023, exploration drilling activities at the
Paiol deposit was focused on converting Inferred Mineral Resources
to the Indicated category. A total of 15,482.55 meters were
drilled. Infill drilling was executed at the Vira-Saia deposit, in
the NW portion of the inferred body to convert Inferred Mineral
Resources to the Indicated category.
The charts below show changes in P&P
Mineral Reserves Estimates, M&I Mineral Resources Estimates and
Inferred Mineral Resources Estimates for Almas as of December 31,
2023, compared to December 31, 2022.
Borborema, Brazil
Aura completed a Feasibility Study in August
2023 which indicated anticipated production of 748,000 ounces of
gold over an 11.3-year mine life, with possibilities for even
greater output. Borborema also showcases a strong Mineral Reserve
base, with Probable Mineral Reserves of 812,000 oz gold, and an
extensive Mineral Resource profile with strong growth potential
that consists of 2,077 koz of indicated Mineral Resources and 393
koz of Inferred Mineral Resources. Initial measures have already
been undertaken to start obtaining permits to move the road, and
upon its successful relocation, there exists the potential to
convert in Mineral Reserves 1,265 koz of Indicated Mineral
Resources into Mineral Reserves (exclusive of the current mineral
reserves), depending on future set of modifying factors, such as
gold price, exchange rate and others.
Matupá, Brazil
Since the Feasibility Study in 2022, regional
exploration activities have been conducted by Aura at the Matupá
Project, including surface activities such as soil and rock
sampling, geological mapping and reconnaissance, drill core
re-logging, geophysical survey, and exploration and extension
drilling programs to develop a significant amount of gold
occurrences and anomalies identified within a 50 km radius from the
X1 Deposit inside Aura’s mineral rights.
In the Serrinhas Target, exploration activities
continued with full core re-logging and a 1,200km of detailed drone
magnetometer survey covering the entire prospect, which was used to
guide the continuity of scout and extension drilling programs at
MP2 West Zone and MP2 East Zone ore bodies both with conventional
diamond core drilling and with directional diamond core
drilling.
The complete 2023 MRMR estimates for all
tonnage, metal grades, and metal content are shown below in the
following tables:
Table 1: Proven & Probable Mineral Reserve
Estimates
Notes:
- The Mineral Reserve estimates were
prepared in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards for
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council
on May 10, 2014, and the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and
Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines, adopted by CIM Council
on November 29, 2019, using geostatistical and/or classical
methods, plus economic and mining parameters appropriate to the
deposit.
- Mineral Reserves are the economic
portion of the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. Mineral
Reserve estimates include mining dilution and mining recovery.
Mining dilution and recovery factors vary with specific reserve
sources and are influenced by several factors including deposit
type, deposit shape and mining methods.
- The estimate of Mineral Reserves
may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal,
marketing, or other relevant issues.
- The disclosure of the Mineral
Reserve estimates and related scientific and technical information
has been prepared under the supervision or is approved by Bob
Dowdell C.Eng. (Dowdell Mining Limited) as a Qualified Person for
Aranzazu and Farshid Ghazanfari, P.Geo as a Qualified Person for
San Andres, Almas Mine and EPP(excluding Nosde and Lavrinha
Mines).
- Mineral Reserve estimate for Nosde
and Lavrinha Mines and Matupá Gold Project was prepared under the
supervision of Luiz Pignatari, P.Eng. as a Qualified Person,
competent to sign as defined by NI 43-101.
- The Qualified Person for the
Borborema Reserve Estimate is Bruno Yoshida Tomaselli, B.Sc.,
FAusIMM, an employee of Deswik.
- The NSR cut-off US$63/t is based on
the total predicted operating cost in Aranzazu.
- Ore NSR values have been calculated
using 4.00 US$/lb for copper, 1,800 US$/oz for gold and 22 US$/oz
for silver and 2023 operation performance for metallurgical
recoveries of 91.3% for copper, 79.5% for gold, 62.8% for silver
and 64.7% for arsenic. Dilution was applied in the in the form of
planned and unplanned dilution from hanging wall and footwall
end-wall. Dilution from backfill (for secondary stopes) was also
included. All dilution material was assumed at zero grades. Total
dilution is approximately 21%. Mining recoveries of 90% were
applied to the stopes and ore development sill cuts respectively.
All Aranzazu information.
- Ore NSR values have been calculated
using following formula: NSR ($/t) = (Cu% x US$65.866) + (Au g/t x
US$41.292) + (Ag g/t x US$0.379).
- Mineral Reserves are calculated
using pit designs, which have been optimized using only Measured
and Indicated Resources at US$1,700/oz. gold price in San
Andres.
- Mineral Reserves have been
estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.23 g/t for oxide material and
0.30 g/t for mixed material, with dilution of 5% and mining
recovery of 95% in San Andres.
- Mineral Reserves were estimated at
a cut-off grade of 0.45 g/t Au and applying 10% dilution factor
with 98% mining recovery in Nosde & Lavrinha Mines (EPP).
- Mineral Reserves were estimated at
a cut-off grade of 0.47 g/t Au and applying 10 % dilution factor
with 98% mining recovery in Ernesto mine (EPP).
- Mineral Reserve were estimated at
cut-off grade of 0.47 g/t Au and applying 40% dilution factor and
98% mining recovery, in Japonês mine (EPP).
- Mineral Reserves were estimated at
cut-off grade of 0.47 g/t Au and applying 40% dilution factor and
98% mining recovery in Ernesto-Lavrinha Connection mine (EPP).
- The Minerl Reserve estimate is
based on an updated optimized shell using 1,500 US$/oz gold price,
average dilution of 20%, mining recovery of 100% and break-even cut
off grades of 0.31 g/t Au for Vira Saia and 0.34 g/t Au for Cata
Funda in Almas.
- The Mineral Reserves estimate for
Paiol Mine is based on a designed pit using only Measured and
Indicated resources, which has been optimized using $1,800/oz. gold
price. Mineral Reserve were estimated at cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t
Au, 20% dilution factor and 100% mining recovery.
- Mineral Reserves for Borborema are
confined within an optimized pit shell that uses the following
parameters: gold price including refining costs US$1,472/oz; mining
costs US$2.40/t weathered material, US$2.80/t waste fresh rock,
US$3.20/t ore fresh rock; processing costs US$14.82/t processed;
general and administrative costs US$2.8 M/a; sustaining costs
US$0.62/t processed; process recovery of 92.1%; mining dilution of
5%; ore recovery of 95%; and pit inter-ramp angles that range from
36–64°.
- The Mineral Reserve Estimate is
based on an updated optimized shell using US$1,500/oz gold price,
average dilution of 3%, mining recovery of 100% and break-even cut
off grades of 0.35 g/t Au for X1 pit in Matupá.
- Surface topography as of December
31, 2023, and a 200m river offset restrictions have been imposed,
in San Andres.
- Surface topography based on
December 31, 2023 in EPP.
- Surface topography based on
December 31, 2023 in Almas.
- Surface topography as of July 31,
2021, in Matupá.
Table 2: Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource
Estimates
Notes:
- The Mineral
Resource estimates were prepared in accordance with the CIM
Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves,
adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014, and the CIM Estimation
of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines,
adopted by CIM Council on November 29, 2019, using geostatistical
and/or classical methods, plus economic and mining parameters
appropriate to the deposit.
- Mineral
Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that
are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic
viability.
- The estimate of
Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental,
permitting, legal, marketing, or other relevant issues.
- The disclosure
of the Mineral Resource estimates and related scientific and
technical information has been prepared under the supervision or is
approved by Farshid Ghazanfari, P.Geo. as a Qualified Person for
Aranzazu, San Andres, EPP, Matupá and for the Paiol and Vira Saia
deposits and HLP of Almas.
- The Mineral
Resource estimate for the Cata Funda deposit of Almas was prepared
by Adam Wheeler, C.Eng., a Qualified Person as that term is defined
in NI 43-101.
- The Qualified Person for Borborema
Mineral Resources is Erik Ronald, P. Geo (PGO #3050), Principal
Consultant with SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. based in Denver,
USA.
- Contained metal
figures may not add due to rounding.
- Mineral
Resources stated at a cut-off of US$50/t NSR for Aranzazu. NSR
values have been calculated using a long-term price forecast for
copper (US$4.00/lb), gold (US$1,800/oz) and silver (US$22/oz),
resulting in the following formula: NSR ($/t) = (Cu% x US$65.866) +
(Au g/t x US$41.292) + (Ag g/t x US$0.379).
- A density model
based on rock types hosting mineralization was used for volume to
tonnes conversion with averaging 3.04 tonnes/m3 for Aranzazu.
- The figures only
consider material classified as sulphide mineralization for
Aranzazu.
- The Mineral
Resources estimate is based on optimized shell using US$1,900/oz
gold for San Andres.
- The cut-off
grade used was 0.21 g/t for oxide material and 0.27 g/t for mixed
material in San Andres.
- A density model
based on rock type was used for volume to tonnes conversion with
averaging 2.34 tonnes/m3 in San Andres.
- Surface
topography as of December 31, 2023, and a 200m river offset
restrictions have been imposed in San Andres.
- The Mineral
Resources are based on an optimized pit shell using US$1,900/oz
gold and at a cut-off grade of 0.40 g/t Au in EPP, except
Pau-A-Pique mine and Nosde and Lavrinha Mines.
- The Mineral
Resources are based on an optimized pit shell using US$1,900/oz
gold and at a cut-off grade of 0.39 g/t Au in Nosde and Lavrinha
Mines.
- The Mineral
Resource is based on a cut-off grade of 1.34 g/t Au and minimum
width of 2m in Pau-A-Pique mine (EPP).
- Mineral
Resources are estimated from the 410m EL to the 65m EL, or from
approximately 30m depth to 500m depth from surface in Pau-A-Pique
mine (EPP).
- Surface
topography based on December 31, 2022, in EPP, except Pau-A-Pique
mine.
- Density models
based on rock types were used for volume to tonnes conversion with
resources averaging 2.78 tonnes/m3 in Lavrinhas mine, 2.77
tonnes/m3 in Pau-A-Pique mine, 2.62 tonnes/m3 in Ernesto mine, 2.76
tonnes/m3 in Japonês mine, 2.73 tonnes/m3 in Nosde and
Ernesto-Lavrinha Connection mines, all mines from EPP.
- The Mineral
Resource estimates are based on an updated optimized shell using
1800 US$/oz gold price and cut-off grades of 0.34 g/t and 0.31 g/t
for Cata Funda and Vira Saia respectively, in Almas.
- The Mineral Resources are based on
an optimized pit shell using US$1,900/oz gold and at a cut-off
grade of 0.36 g/t Au in Paiol Mine.
- A density model based on rock type
was used for volume to tonnes conversion with averaging 2.74
tonnes/m3 in Almas (Paiol Mine).
- Surface
topography based on December 31, 2023, in Almas.
- The Measured and Indicated Mineral
Resources are contained within a limiting pit shell (using a gold
price of US$ 1,800 per ounce Au) and comprise a coherent body in
Matupá.
- The base case cut-off grade for the
estimate of Mineral Resources is 0.35 g/t Au in Matupá.
- Surface topography used in the
models was surveyed July 31, 2021 in Matupá.
- The economic cut-off grade for
Borborema Mineral Resources is based on the long-term outlook sale
price of US$1,800/troy ounce of gold, 92.1% recovery, average
mining costs of US$2.00/t, processing costs of US$14.82/t, G&A
of US$1.38, and sustaining capital costs of US$0.62/t.
Table 3: Inferred Mineral Resource
Estimates
Notes:
- The Mineral
Resource estimates were prepared in accordance with the CIM
Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves,
adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014, and the CIM Estimation
of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines,
adopted by CIM Council on November 29, 2019, using geostatistical
and/or classical methods, plus economic and mining parameters
appropriate to the deposit.
- Mineral
Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that
are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic
viability.
- The estimate of
Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental,
permitting, legal, marketing, or other relevant issues.
- The disclosure
of the Mineral Resource estimates and related scientific and
technical information has been prepared under the supervision or is
approved by Farshid Ghazanfari, P.Geo. as a Qualified Person for
Aranzazu, San Andres, EPP, Matupá and for the Paiol and Vira Saia
deposits and HLP of Almas.
- The Mineral
Resource estimate for the Cata Funda deposit of Almas was prepared
by Adam Wheeler, C.Eng., a Qualified Person as that term is defined
in NI 43-101.
- The Qualified Person for Borborema
Mineral Resources is Erik Ronald, P. Geo (PGO #3050), Principal
Consultant with SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. based in Denver,
USA.
- Contained metal
figures may not add due to rounding.
- Mineral
Resources stated at a cut-off of US$50/t NSR for Aranzazu. NSR
values have been calculated using a long-term price forecast for
copper (US$4.00/lb), gold (US$1,800/oz) and silver (US$22/oz),
resulting in the following formula: NSR ($/t) = (Cu% x US$65.866) +
(Au g/t x US$41.292) + (Ag g/t x US$0.379).A density model based on
rock types hosting mineralization was used for volume to tonnes
conversion with averaging 3.04 tonnes/m3 for Aranzazu.
- The figures only
consider material classified as sulphide mineralization for
Aranzazu.
- The Mineral
Resources estimate is based on optimized shell using US$1,900/oz
gold for San Andres.
- The cut-off
grade used was 0.21 g/t for oxide material and 0.27 g/t for mixed
material in San Andres.
- A density model
based on rock type was used for volume to tonnes conversion with
averaging 2.34 tonnes/m3 in San Andres.
- Surface
topography as of December 31, 2022, and a 200m river offset
restrictions have been imposed in San Andres.
- The Mineral Resources are based on
an optimized pit shell using US$1,900/oz gold and at a cut-off
grade of 0.40 g/t Au in EPP, except Pau-A-Pique mine and Nosde and
Lavrinha Mines.
- Based on a
cut-off grade of 1.34 g/t Au and minimum width of 2m in Pau-A-Pique
mine (EPP).
- Mineral
Resources are estimated from the 410m EL to the 65m EL, or from
approximately 30m depth to 500m depth from surface in Pau-A-Pique
mine (EPP).
- Surface
topography based on December 31, 2022, in EPP, except Pau-A-Pique
mine.
- Density models
based on rock types were used for volume to tonnes conversion with
resources averaging 2.78 tonnes/m3 in Lavrinhas mine, 2.77
tonnes/m3 in Pau-A-Pique mine, 2.62 tonnes/m3 in Ernesto mine, 2.76
tonnes/m3 in Japonês mine, 2.73 tonnes/m3 in Nosde and
Ernesto-Lavrinha Connection mines, all mines from EPP.
- The Mineral
Resource estimate is based on an updated optimized shell using 1800
US$/oz gold price and cut-off grades of 0.34 g/t and 0.31 g/t for
Cata Funda and Vira Saia respectively, in Almas.
- The Mineral
Resources are based on an optimized pit shell using US$1,900/oz
gold and at a cut-off grade of 0.36 g/t Au in Paiol Mine.
- A density model
based on rock type was used for volume to tonnes conversion with
averaging 2.74 tonnes/m3 in Almas (Paiol Mine).
- Surface
topography based on December 31, 2023, in Almas.
- The Measured and Indicated Mineral
Resources are contained within a limiting pit shell (using a gold
price of US$ 1,800 per ounce Au) and comprise a coherent body in
Matupá (X1 Deposit).
- The base case cut-off grade for the
estimate of Mineral Resources is 0.35 g/t Au in Matupá (X1
Deposit).
- Surface topography used in the
models was surveyed July 31, 2021 in Matupá (X1 Deposit).
- Inferred
Resources are reported in two parts for Ernesto mine (EPP),
inferred (OP) which is mineable by an open pit operation and
Inferred (UG) which only can be mined by an underground operation.
Inferred (UG) Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of
1.5 g/t.
- The economic cut-off grade for
Borborema Mineral Resources is based on the long-term outlook sale
price of US$1,800/troy ounce of gold, 92.1% recovery, average
mining costs of US$2.00/t, processing costs of US$14.82/t, G&A
of US$1.38, and sustaining capital costs of US$0.62/t.
Quality Assurance and Quality
Control
Aura incorporates a rigorous Quality Assurance
and Quality Control (“QA/QC”) program for all of its three mines
and exploration projects which conforms to industry best practices
as outlined by NI 43-101.
For a complete description of Aura’s sample
preparation, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures, please refer
to 2024 AIF and the applicable Technical Report, a copy of which is
available on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Qualified Persons
The scientific and technical information
contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by
Farshid Ghazanfari, P.Geo., Geology and Mineral Resources Manager
who is an employee of Aura and a “qualified person” within the
meaning of NI 43-101.
Technical Reports
All information of scientific and technical
nature has been derived from the Technical Reports and any
information arising since the date of the Technical Reports has
been prepared under the supervision of Farshid Ghazanfari, P. Geo.
Readers are encouraged to read the following technical reports for
the following mineral properties of the Company:
- Aranzazu: The
technical report with an effective date of January 31, 2018, and
entitled “Feasibility Study of the Re-Opening of the Aranzazu Mine,
Zacatecas, Mexico” prepared for Aura Minerals by F. Ghazanfari,
P.Geo. (Farshid Ghazanfari Consulting), A. Wheeler, C.Eng.
(Independent Mining Consultant), C. Connors, RM-SME (Aura Minerals
Inc.), B. Dowdell, C.Eng. (Dowdell Mining Limited), P. Cicchini
P.E. (Call & Nicholas, Inc.), G. Holmes, P.Eng. (Jacobs
Engineering), B. Byler, P.E. (Wood Environment and Infrastructure
Solutions), C. Scott, P.Eng. (SRK Canada), D. Lister, P.Eng.
(Altura Environmental Consulting), F. Cornejo, P.Eng. (Aura
Minerals Inc.) (the “Aranzazu Technical Report”);
- EPP: The
technical report dated March 31, 2024, with an effective date of
October 31, 2023, and entitled “Apoena Mines (EPP Complex) Mineral
Resource and Reserve”, prepared for Aura Minerals Inc. by Porfirio
Cabaleiro Rodriguez, Luiz Eduardo Campos Pignatari, Farshid
Ghazanfari, Homero Delboni Junior, and Branca Horta de Almeida
Abrantes, which was prepared in order to provide an NI 43-101
Technical Report on the Nosde, Lavrinha, Ernesto and Pau-a-Pique
Deposits;
- San Andres: The
technical report dated July 2, 2014, with an effective date of
December 31, 2013, and entitled “Mineral Resource and Mineral
Reserve Estimates on the San Andres Mine in the Municipality of La
Union, in the Department of Copan, Honduras” prepared for Aura
Minerals by Bruce Butcher, P.Eng., former Vice President, Technical
Services, Ben Bartlett, FAusIMM, former Manager Mineral Resources
and Persio Rosario, P. Eng., former Principal Metallurgist (the
“San Andres Technical Report”);
- Almas: The
technical report dated March 10, 2021, authored by F. Ghazanfari.
P.Geo. (Aura Minerals), B. T. Hennessey (Micon International,
Canada), L. Pignatari, P.Eng. (EDEM, Consultants, Brazil), T. R.
Raponi, P.Eng. (Ausenco, Canada), I. Dymov, P.Eng., (Independent
Consultant, Canada), P. C. Rodriguez, FAIG, (GE21 Consultants,
Brazil) and A. Wheeler, C.Eng. (Independent Mining Consultant, UK)
,and titled “Updated Feasibility Study Technical Report (NI 43-101)
for the Almas Gold Project, Almas Municipality, Tocantins, Brazil”
(the “Almas Technical Report”;
- Borborema: The
technical report dated October 5, 2023 with an effective date of
July 12, 2023, titled “Feasibility Study Technical Report (NI
43-101) for the Borborema Gold Project, Currais Novos Municipality,
Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil” authored by B. Tomaselli B.Sc.,
FAusIMM (Deswik, Belo Horizonte, Brazil), E. Ronald P.Geo,
Principal Consultant with SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. Denver, USA.,
F. Ghazanfari. P.Geo. (Aura Minerals), and H. Delboni Jr. P.Eng.
(Independent Mining Consultant, Brazil), and
- Matupá: The Technical Report
“Feasibility Study Technical Report (NI 43-101) for the Matupá Gold
Project, Matupá Municipality, Mato Grosso, Brazil” dated November
18, 2022, with an effective date of August 31, 2022 by F.
Ghazanfari. P.Geo. (Aura Minerals), L. Pignatari, P.Eng. (EDEM
Consultants, Brazil), and H. Delboni P.Eng. (HDA-Independent Mining
Consultant, Brazil), (the “Matupá Technical Report”) and together
with the Aranzazu Technical Report, San Andres Technical Report,
EPP Technical Report, and Almas Technical Report, the “Technical
Reports”).
About Aura Minerals
Aura is focused on mining in complete terms –
thinking holistically about how its business impacts and benefits
every one of our stakeholders: our company, our shareholders, our
employees, and the countries and communities we serve. We call this
360° Mining.
Aura is a mid-tier gold and copper production
company focused on operating and developing gold and base metal
projects in the Americas. The Company has 4 operating mines
including the Aranzazu copper-gold-silver mine in Mexico, the EPP
and Almas gold mines in Brazil, and the San Andres gold mine in
Honduras. The Company’s development projects include Borborema and
Matupá both in Brazil. Aura has unmatched exploration potential
owning over 650,000 hectares of mineral rights and is currently
advancing multiple near-mine and regional targets along with the
Serra da Estrela copper project in the prolific Carajás region of
Brazil.
www.auraminerals.com
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking
Information and Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking
information” and “forward-looking statements”, as defined in
applicable securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking
statements”) which include, without limitation, expected production
from, and the further potential of the Company’s properties; the
ability of the Company to achieve its longer-term outlook and the
anticipated timing and results thereof; the ability to lower costs
and increase production; the economic viability of a project;
strategic plans, including the Company’s plans with respect to its
properties; amounts of mineral reserves and mineral resources; the
amount of future production over any period; and capital
expenditure and mine production costs.
Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s ability to predict
or control, could cause actual results to differ materially from
those contained in the forward-looking statements if such risks,
uncertainties or factors materialize. The Company has made numerous
assumptions with respect to forward-looking information contain
herein, including among other things, assumptions from the
Technical Reports, which may include assumptions on indicated
mineral resources, measured mineral resources, probable mineral
reserves and/or proven mineral reserves, which could also cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in the
forward-looking statements if such assumptions prove wrong.
Specific reference is made to the most recent 2022 AIF on file with
certain Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities and
the Technical Reports for a discussion of some of the risk factors
underlying forward-looking statements, which include, without
limitation the ability of the Company to achieve its longer-term
outlook and the anticipated timing and results thereof, the ability
to lower costs and increase production, the ability of the Company
to successfully achieve business objectives, copper and gold or
certain other commodity price volatility, changes in debt and
equity markets, the uncertainties involved in interpreting
geological data, increases in costs, environmental compliance and
changes in environmental legislation and regulation, interest rate
and exchange rate fluctuations, general economic conditions and
other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development
industry. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors
is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the
forward-looking statements.
Caution Regarding Mineral
Resource and Mineral Reserve
Estimates
The figures for mineral resources and reserves
contained herein are estimates only and no assurance can be given
that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved, that the
indicated level of recovery will be realized or that the mineral
resources and reserves could be mined or processed profitably.
Actual reserves, if any, may not conform to geological,
metallurgical or other expectations, and the volume and grade of
ore recovered may be below the estimated levels. There are numerous
uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral resources and
reserves, including many factors beyond the Company’s control. Such
estimation is a subjective process, and the accuracy of any reserve
or resource estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of
available data and of the assumptions made and judgments used in
engineering and geological interpretation. Short-term operating
factors relating to the mineral resources and reserves, such as the
need for orderly development of the ore bodies or the processing of
new or different ore grades, may cause the mining operation to be
unprofitable in any particular accounting period. In addition,
there can be no assurance that metal recoveries in small scale
laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under
on-site conditions or during production. Lower market prices,
increased production costs, the presence of deleterious elements,
reduced recovery rates and other factors may result in revision of
its resource and reserve estimates from time to time or may render
the Company’s resources and reserves uneconomic to exploit.
Resource and reserve data is not indicative of future results of
operations. If the Company’s actual mineral resources and reserves
are less than current estimates or if the Company fails to develop
its resource base through the realization of identified mineralized
potential, its results of operations or financial condition may be
materially and adversely affected.
All forward-looking statements herein are
qualified by this cautionary statement. Accordingly, readers should
not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company
undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any
forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information
or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. If
the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no
inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with
respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
1 Gold equivalent ounces (“GEO”) is calculated
by converting the production of silver and copper into gold using a
ratio of the prices of these metals to that of gold. The prices
used to determine the gold equivalent ounces are based on the
weighted average price of silver and copper realized from sales at
the Aranzazu Complex during the relevant period. The following
prices were used to calculate the GEO presented in this Press
Release: 2023 figures - Gold: US$ 1,800.00 / ounce; Silver: US$
22.00 / ounce; Copper: US$ 4.00 / pound2 GHFW: Glory Hole Footwall
3 GHHW - Glory Hole Hanging Wall
Infographics accompanying this announcement are available
at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03b70e77-c013-40c8-b3b4-f911f8d25b53
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5afdcbd0-aa15-4ad8-b730-2c492cbc13f3
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fd59d90-0de3-49ee-92e9-70ce75016d83
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7845cc1-47ee-450e-ba1b-e13aa3d6c884
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b951ae5a-1e26-4046-bd6a-13ae75f91dc8
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/22531846-5884-4c2e-9214-d871ca09a79b
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0dfc9d99-ff4e-46b5-ad5c-31c47ee5c81e
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/63e492fb-bb0a-45a7-b8f2-288366a83cda
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4af56309-8b17-4794-a596-f4d5b4fbd4e4
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/616f120d-3c78-4c9f-ae3c-6310752513cf
For more information, please contact:
Investor Relations
ir@auraminerals.com
Grafico Azioni Aura Minerals (TSX:ORA)
Storico
Da Dic 2024 a Gen 2025
Grafico Azioni Aura Minerals (TSX:ORA)
Storico
Da Gen 2024 a Gen 2025