Xanadu Mines Ltd (
ASX: XAM, TSX: XAM)
(
Xanadu, XAM or the
Company) is
pleased to report a substantial increase in the Mineral Resource
Estimate (
Resource, Mineral Resource Estimate or
MRE) for its flagship copper-gold project at Kharmagtai,
in the South Gobi region of Mongolia (
Table 1),
being developed with the Company’s joint venture partner Zijin
Mining Group Co., Ltd.
(Zijin). The updated
Resource materially increases both the
tonnes and
contained copper equivalent (CuEq) metal. This
includes a
25% increase in the higher-grade component to
>125Mt, which is expected to enhance project cashflows
in the early years
.
Kharmagtai’s upgraded Resource cements its position as one of the
largest undeveloped gold-rich copper assets globally and supports
its rapid advance towards development with a Pre-Feasibility Study
(PFS) and Maiden Ore Reserve, followed by and
decision to mine in Q3 CY2024.
Highlights
-
Significant increase in Kharmagtai Resource to 0.79Bt Indicated and
0.46Bt Inferred material, representing a 58% increase in indicated,
contained copper (Cu) and 51% increase in
indicated, contained gold metal (Au)1.
-
Material 25% increase in the higher-grade core from 100Mt @ 0.76%
CuEq2 to 125Mt @ 0.75% CuEq, at a 0.55% CuEq cut
off. This is an important driver of early payback in Kharmagtai
project economics.
-
Since 2021 Resource update3, the Company has completed 162 diamond
drill holes for 58,259 metres.
-
63% of the updated Resource is now classified in the higher
confidence “indicated” category, demonstrating the robust nature of
the deposit.
-
Strong exploration upside remains, with mineralisation open to the
east, west, south, and at depth.
_______________1 Average grades 0.27% Cu and
0.22g/t Au. Please refer to Table 1.2 ASX/TSX Announcement 28
February 2022 – Kharmagtai Technical Report3 ASX/TSX Announcement 8
December 2021 – Kharmagtai Resource Grows to 1.1 Billion Tonnes,
containing 3Mt Cu and 8Mozu
Table 1: Comparison 2023 vs
2021 Resource4
Resource |
Cutoff(% CuEq) |
Classification |
Tonnes (Mt) |
Grades |
Contained Metal |
CuEq (%) |
Cu (%) |
Au (g/t) |
CuEq (Mlbs) |
CuEq (kt) |
Cu (kt) |
Au (koz) |
2023 |
0.20 (OC)0.30 (UG) |
Indicated |
790 |
0.38 |
0.27 |
0.22 |
6,700 |
3,000 |
2,100 |
5,600 |
Inferred |
460 |
0.37 |
0.27 |
0.19 |
3,800 |
1,700 |
1,300 |
2,800 |
2021 |
0.20 (OC)0.30 (UG) |
Indicated |
450 |
0.40 |
0.28 |
0.25 |
4,100 |
1,900 |
1,300 |
3,700 |
Inferred |
660 |
0.35 |
0.25 |
0.19 |
5,100 |
2,300 |
1,700 |
4,100 |
Notes:
- Figures may not sum
due to rounding and significant figure do not imply an added level
of precision.
- No Ore Reserves are
included in this Mineral Resource
Xanadu’s Executive Chairman and Managing
Director, Mr Colin Moorhead, said “This upgraded Resource
is a major milestone for Xanadu and our joint venture partner Zijin
Mining and reinforces Kharmagtai as one of the largest undeveloped
copper and gold resources on ASX and globally. The result is in
line with our expectations for both the tonnes and the grade, and
it is materially better where it matters. The higher-grade zones
(0.75% CuEq) that drive our project economics and capital payback
are now 25% larger, and these well-defined, large, high value zones
really set Kharmagtai apart from similarly sized orebodies. With
63% of the Mineral Resource Estimate now classified as “indicated”
and holding together at rigorous cut-off grades, we have confidence
in its ability to underpin a long life, profitable mine operation
across a wide range of metals prices.
This completes the largest data acquisition step
in the Kharmagtai PFS, and we are now commencing trade-off studies
to select a single go-forward project design. Our next step is
enterprise optimisation, using the new resource model to maximise
value from the increase in higher-grade zone material and to build
in technology uplift in the form of electrification and advanced
haulage. The optimised scheduling will then inform design &
engineering works for both our mine and process plant, on track to
deliver a Maiden Ore Reserve and completed PFS in Q3 CY2024.
Importantly, the discovery journey is not over
at Kharmagtai. We see significant potential for both growth of the
existing Resource, which remains open to the east, west, south, and
at depth, and for large-scale, new discovery. Recent drilling has
already intercepted high-grade bornite outside the Resource, and
step-out drilling continues down-plunge.
Given the quality of Resource, scale of the
system, gold credits, infrastructure, logistics and social
advantages, Kharmagtai has a clear potential to become a leading
global supplier of copper and a part of the solution to the looming
global copper shortage, as the world electrifies and moves towards
a carbon neutral future.”
_______________4 ASX/TSX Announcement 28
February 2022 – Kharmagtai Technical Report
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE UPDATE
OVERVIEW
Xanadu engaged independent consultants, Spiers
Geological Consultants (SGC), to prepare an
updated Resource for Kharmagtai. The Resource has been reported in
accordance with the JORC Code 2012 and National Instrument 43-101
(NI 43-101)5, is effective as of 8 December 2021,
and is shown in full in Tables 2 and 3.
Drilling results from the past 24 months
(including 162 holes for 58k metres of drilling) have been
incorporated into an updated JORC 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate
(MRE) for the Kharmagtai Copper and Gold Deposit in Mongolia.
This Resource is the first update to the
Resource announced on the 8th December 20216, with 162 diamond
drill holes and 58,259 metres of drilling completed since 2021. The
open pit resources are reported above nominated meters Relative
Level (mRL), which is unique to each deposit area.
Levels are based on preliminary optimisation analysis and a 0.2%
CuEq cut-off grade. The underground Resource is reported below the
nominated mRL’s levels based on preliminary optimisation analysis
and a 0.3% CuEq cut-off grade, reported with inside a 0.1%CuEq
reporting wireframe.
SGC considers that data collection techniques
are consistent with industry best practice and are suitable for use
in the preparation of a Resource to be reported in accordance with
JORC Code 2012. Available quality assurance and quality control
(QA/QC) data supports the use of the input data
provided by Xanadu.
The Resource is considered to have reasonable
prospects for eventual economic extraction (RPEEE)
on the following basis:
- the
deposit is located in a favourable mining jurisdiction, with no
known impediments to land access or tenure status; and
- the
volume, orientation and grade of the Resource is amenable to mining
extraction via traditional open-pit and underground methods;
The Resource models are well understood and
there is substantial upside potential to be realised by better
understanding the economics of the deposit. As demonstrated in the
images below, significant volumes of mineralisation have been
modelled that fall outside of the constraining pit wireframe. These
parts of the model will be targeted for further investigation
through economic studies to assess if more of this material can be
brought into the Mineral Resource.
_______________5 Please refer to ASX/TSX
Announcement 20 June 2022 – NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic
Assessment Technical Report, for a discussion of risks to potential
development. No material changes to those risks have been
identified.6 ASX/TSX Announcement 08 December 2021 - Kharmagtai
Resource grows to 1.1 Billion Tonnes, containing 3Mt Cu and
8Mozu
Figure 1: Plan view of the
Kharmagtai district, displaying the Mineral Resource Estimate.
Figure 2: Long-section of the
Kharmagtai district, displaying the Mineral Resource Estimate
extents in relation to drilling, showing notional 720mRL split
between potential open pit and underground.
Figure 3: Kharmagtai CuEq
grade-tonnage curve for pit-constrained mineralisation on a CuEq
cut-off grade basis reported at a 0.55%CuEq Cut-off.
Figure 4: Kharmagtai CuEq
grade-tonnage curve for underground-constrained mineralisation on a
CuEq cut-off grade basis reported at a 0.55%CuEq Cut-off.
Table 2: Kharmagtai Project – Potential Open
Pit Mineral Resource Estimates 2023 – by resource
classification.
Deposit |
Classification |
Tonnes (Mt) |
Grades |
Contained Metal |
CuEqRec (%) |
Cu (%) |
Au (g/t) |
CuEqRec (Mlbs) |
CuEqRec (Kt) |
Cu (Kt) |
Au (Koz) |
SH |
Indicated |
190 |
0.43 |
0.28 |
0.28 |
1,800 |
810 |
540 |
1,700 |
WH |
340 |
0.33 |
0.25 |
0.17 |
2,600 |
1,100 |
850 |
1,900 |
CH |
28 |
0.42 |
0.29 |
0.25 |
260 |
120 |
80 |
200 |
ZA |
8.0 |
0.26 |
0.15 |
0.23 |
49 |
20 |
10 |
100 |
GE |
42 |
0.28 |
0.13 |
0.30 |
260 |
120 |
50 |
400 |
ZE |
21 |
0.31 |
0.18 |
0.26 |
140 |
60 |
40 |
200 |
PE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Indicated |
640 |
0.36 |
0.25 |
0.22 |
5,000 |
2,300 |
1,600 |
4,500 |
SH |
Inferred |
31 |
0.30 |
0.18 |
0.23 |
210 |
100 |
60 |
200 |
WH |
93 |
0.28 |
0.21 |
0.13 |
570 |
260 |
200 |
400 |
CH |
1.0 |
0.28 |
0.21 |
0.13 |
7.0 |
- |
- |
- |
ZA |
12 |
0.25 |
0.15 |
0.19 |
64 |
30 |
20 |
100 |
GE |
27 |
0.26 |
0.12 |
0.26 |
160 |
70 |
30 |
200 |
ZE |
19 |
0.26 |
0.14 |
0.24 |
110 |
50 |
30 |
100 |
PE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Inferred |
180 |
0.27 |
0.18 |
0.18 |
1,100 |
510 |
340 |
1,000 |
Notes:
-
Figure may not sum due to rounding.
-
Significant figures do not imply an added level of precision.
-
CuEq accounts for Au value and CuEqKt must not be totalled to Au
ounces.
-
Resource constrained by 0.1%CuEqRec reporting solid in-line with
geological analysis by XAM.
-
Resource constrained by open cut above nominated mRL level by
deposit as follows SH>=720mRL, WH>=915mRL, CH>=1100mRL,
ZA>=920mRL, ZE>=945mRL and GE>=845mRL.
-
CuEqRec equation (CuEqRec=Cu+Au*0.60049*0.86667) where Au at
USD$1400/oz and Cu at USD$3.4/lb was employed according to the
Clients' (XAM) direction.
-
Au recovery is relative with Cu rec=90% and Au rec=78% (rel Au
rec=78/90=86.667% with number according to the Clients' (XM)
direction.
-
The above reported estimates have taken into account all earlier
assumptions including but not limited to, updated long term metal
price, foreign exchange and cost assumptions, and mining and
metallurgy performance to inform cut-off grades and physical mining
parameters used in the estimates in-line with the Clients analysis
and direction to SGC.
- Reported at a 0.2% CuEq cut-off grade and inside reporting
solid 0.1%CuEq above nominated mRL by deposit area - Resources as
at 6 December 2023.
Table 3: Kharmagtai Project –
Potential Underground Mineral Resource Estimate 2023 – by resource
classification.
Deposit |
Classification |
Tonnes (Mt) |
Grades |
Contained Metal |
CuEqRec (%) |
Cu (%) |
Au (g/t) |
CuEqRec (Mlbs) |
CuEqRec (Kt) |
Cu (Kt) |
Au (Koz) |
SH |
Indicated |
31 |
0.58 |
0.35 |
0.44 |
390 |
180 |
110 |
400 |
WH |
93 |
0.46 |
0.37 |
0.16 |
940 |
430 |
350 |
500 |
CH |
3.0 |
0.37 |
0.28 |
0.18 |
26 |
10 |
10 |
- |
ZA |
27 |
0.46 |
0.32 |
0.28 |
270 |
120 |
80 |
200 |
GE |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
ZE |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
PE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Indicated |
150 |
0.48 |
0.36 |
0.24 |
1,600 |
740 |
550 |
1,100 |
SH |
Inferred |
28 |
0.42 |
0.32 |
0.20 |
260 |
120 |
90 |
200 |
WH |
120 |
0.44 |
0.36 |
0.15 |
1,200 |
540 |
440 |
600 |
CH |
- |
0.33 |
0.26 |
0.15 |
4.0 |
- |
- |
- |
ZA |
130 |
0.43 |
0.30 |
0.25 |
1,200 |
550 |
390 |
1,000 |
GE |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
ZE |
- |
0.40 |
0.06 |
0.67 |
1.0 |
- |
- |
- |
PE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Inferred |
280 |
0.43 |
0.33 |
0.20 |
2,700 |
1,200 |
920 |
1,800 |
Notes:
-
Figure may not sum due to rounding.
-
Significant figures do not imply an added level of precision.
-
CuEq accounts for Au value and CuEqKt must not be totalled to Au
ounces.
-
Resource constrained by 0.1%CuEqRec reporting solid in-line with
geological analysis by XAM.
-
Resource constrained by open cut above nominated mRL level by
deposit as follows SH>=720mRL, WH>=915mRL, CH>=1100mRL,
ZA>=920mRL, ZE>=945mRL and GE>=845mRL.
-
CuEqRec equation (CuEqRec=Cu+Au*0.60049*0.86667) where Au at
USD$1400/oz and Cu at USD$3.4/lb was employed according to the
Clients' (XAM) direction.
-
Au recovery is relative with Cu rec=90% and Au rec=78% (rel Au
rec=78/90=86.667% with number according to the Clients' (XM)
direction.
-
Reported at a 0.3% CuEq cut-off grade and inside reporting solid
0.1%CuEq area - Resources as at 6 December 2023.
GEOLOGY AND GEOLOGICAL
INTERPRETATION
A step change has occurred in the understanding
of the geological controls on mineralisation at Kharmagtai since
the 2021 Resource. Each deposit in the 2023 Resource has been based
on an updated detailed 3D geological model to constrain populations
of grade with hard or soft boundaries determined using statistical
analysis. This approach allows for a much more realistic and
accurate estimate.
The model is based on a complete re-logging of
the 272km of diamond drilling completed at Kharmagtai. This
relogging has standardised the geology across the deposits and many
phases of drilling/previous loggers, allowing a high-quality 3D
model to be generated. Detailed lithogeochemical analyses and
modelling were used to refine the intrusive phase categories and
separate out mineralised versus unmineralised phases, allowing for
more accurate resource domains to be generated. This model not only
forms a robust framework for the Mineral Resource update but allows
predictions as to extensions to the deposits to be identified and
drilled.
3D geological wireframes were developed for all
geological units within the deposits, including country rock, all
porphyry phases, andesite dykes and breccia bodies. These
wireframes were constrained to within a detailed 3D structural
model of each deposit. This structural model was built to define
the boundaries between the main populations of grade. Individual
lithology and mineralisation style wireframes were generated for
each fault block, and then each solid geology fault block combined
into a complete deposit model. The base of oxidation surface was
generated using a combination of geological logging and geochemical
data. Wireframes were generated for various cut-off grade shells
using statistical changes in the grade data. Separate wireframes
were generated for tourmaline breccia mineralisation, both
moderately mineralised and high-grade tourmaline breccia bodies. In
some areas of the deposit wireframes for high-density veining were
used to constrain very high-grade blocks of mineralisation, such as
the High-Grade Bornite Zone.
The additional drilling since the last Mineral
Resource and other exploration and evaluation programs such as -
relogging of historical core, detailed short wave infrared data
collection, geophysical review and geochemistry studies have
delivered superior understanding of the deposit geometry. This has
led to greater confidence in the geological and grade continuity
and has infilled several areas of the deposits. The programs have
collectively allowed us to deliver a more robust and larger Mineral
Resource.
The Mineral Resources have been estimated using
all available analytical data. This has included diamond core
drilling (NQ, PQ and HQ), reverse circulation percussion drilling.
Additional data on drilling and sampling procedures is provided in
Appendix 3, JORC Table 1, Section 3.
Significant drilling has taken place since the
last Resource in 2021 which has driven the increase in Resources.
Table 4 shows the drilling meter difference
between the 2021 and 2023 Resource.
Table 4: Drill Hole Summary
Timing |
Reverse Circulation (RC) Holes |
RC Metres |
Diamond Core Holes |
Diamond Core Meters |
RC & Diamond Holes |
RC and Diamond Core Metres |
Poly-crystalline Diamond (PCD) Holes |
PCD Metres |
Trenches |
Trench Metres |
Drilling before 2018 |
216 |
35,725 |
364 |
144,936 |
21 |
5,022 |
664 |
26,137 |
123 |
45,393 |
Drilling between 2018 and 2021 |
12 |
3,049 |
120 |
69,479 |
0 |
1,640 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Drilling After 2021 Resource |
0 |
0 |
162 |
58,250 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Total |
228 |
38,774 |
646 |
272,665 |
24 |
6,663 |
664 |
23,137 |
123 |
45,393 |
ESTIMATE METHODOLOGY
The Kharmagtai resource models have been
estimated by Ordinary Kriging (OK) using third
party software and are post processed in SGC’s preferred software.
An internal process review was conducted by SGC and no third-party
modelling was undertaken at this time.
Data searches were aligned consistent with the
strike, dip and plunge (where appropriate) of the mineralisation
consistent with the domain and geometry modelling as a result of
the detailed geological investigation put forth by Xanadu (the
Client).
According to the Client’s interpretation, the
mineralisation host exhibit geometries which are consistent with
those geometries defined by the spatial analysis of grade (in this
instance Copper, Gold, Molybdenum and Sulphur).
A nominal composite length of 4 metre down hole
was used for inputs which was settled upon during consultation with
the Client and the Client’s preferred Geological Consultant
team.
Where appropriate data was transformed and
geometry modelling and variograms of the variables were calculated
and modelled.
Several iterations of the modelling process were
undertaken to assess the sensitivity of estimates to estimation
parameters. Post processing, model validation and reporting were
undertaken in SGC’s preferred third party software in-line with the
Client’s end use.
Ordinary kriging of the variables was performed
in the UTM_47N grid. Block dimensions were selected in line with
data density and modelling methodology as well as taking into
account potential mining methodologies. Search and data criteria
were assessed and implemented, in-line with modelling strategy.
Models were constructed and iteration undertaken to assess
modelling sensitivities to data and search criteria.
The block estimates were validated against the
informing data to ensure that they were consistent with the
original informing data in a three-dimensional sense and within the
search neighbourhood via data analysis.
The block estimates were exported to SGC’s
preferred third party software and where appropriate, a topographic
surface was applied as were other surfaces and solids which may
have acted upon the estimates. Each model area was then compiled
into a global model where all fields underwent secondary validation
and data/s were assigned (where deemed appropriate by SGC in
consultation with the Client’s geological team) as well as coding
for primary domain and the calculation of Cu% and CuEq% were
completed.
Final densities were assigned where necessary
and model validation completed ahead of final report
preparation.
Individual blocks in the resource models (within
the Global Kharmagtai Resource Model) have been allocated a
resource classification of Indicated and Inferred confidence
category based on the consideration of the number and location of
data used to estimate the grade of each block in-line with the
modelling approach established during the week-long collaboration
between XAM staff, SGC and a third-party representative on behalf
of XAM. In addition, further consideration incorporated into the
resource classification discussion included (but not limited to)
the following aspects, quality control and assurances (both
internal to XAM and the associated laboratories employed as well as
third party laboratory analysis) relating to sampling, sample
handling, sample preparation and analysis, database administration
and validation. The resource classification also takes into account
structural complexity and the associated geological models and
constraining solids, as well as population distributions and
geometry.
Figures 5-6 illustrate the
resource classification within the 2022 Scoping Study pit
shells7.
Figure 5. 2023 Resource
Classification at Stockwork Hill
_______________7 ASX/TSX Announcement 6 April
2022 – Scoping Study Kharmagtai Copper-Gold Project
Figure 6. 2023 Resource
Classification at White Hill
NEXT STEPS - RESOURCE GROWTH
POTENTIAL
All six deposits within the updated Mineral
Resource Estimate for Kharmagtai are open and require additional
drilling to determine the boundaries of each deposit.
At Stockwork Hill the deposit comprises numerous
areas on the edges of the resource where high-grade blocks are not
closed off by drilling (Figure 7). These areas
represent significant expansion opportunities.
White Hill represents the deposit with the most
significant expansion potential. The resource is completely open to
the south and the west and at depth (Figure 8) and
the drilling to date in the lower portions of the deposit is broad
enough to allow numerous blocks of unknown high-grade material to
exist. Further drilling will significantly expand the White Hill
Deposit.
Figure 7: Long section of the
Stockwork Hill Deposit, displaying the Mineral
Resource Estimate extents in relation to drilling.
Figure 8: Cross section of the
White Hill Deposit, displaying the Mineral
Resource Estimate extents in relation to drilling and high-grade
potential extension.
NEXT STEPS - EXPLORATION
UPSIDE
Only a small portion of the potentially
mineralised Kharmagtai Intrusive Complex has been drill tested.
Most of the drilling since 2021 Resource has focused on expanding
existing deposits and high-grade targets within and around known
mineralisation. There are more than 5 porphyry clusters identified
across the lease, which have been ranked and will be tested by
drilling in the coming 12 months (Figure 9). These
targets have been identified from surface geochemistry, geophysics,
and the presence of the key features of porphyry deposits (veining,
alteration and mineralisation).
Figure 9: Kharmagtai
copper-gold district showing currently defined mineral deposits and
planned and completed shallow exploration drill holes in 2023. Grey
outlines are 2021 scoping study open pit designs and white dashed
outlines define porphyry cluster target areas.
NEXT STEPS – PRE-FEASIBILITY
STUDY
Xanadu and its JV partner Zijin are actively
progressing a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) at
Kharmagtai, which includes data acquisition, trade-off studies, and
engineering to +/-25% confidence, leading to a Maiden Ore Reserve
and full PFS report in Q3 CY2024, for a decision to mine and
commencing final engineering and construction in Q4 CY2024.
This PFS builds on the 2022 Scoping Study8,
which confirmed the project as a potential world class, low-cost,
long life mine with an estimated 20% IRR (range 16-25%), US$630
million NPV at 8% (range US$ 405-850 million) and 4-year payback
(range 4-7 years) over 30-year life of mine. This included first
quartile all in sustaining costs and projected production ranges
from 30-50ktpa copper and 50-110kozpa gold production during the
first five years, operating a 15Mtpa plant for 5 years and then
expanding to 30Mtpa from year 6.
Kharmagtai economics are driven by scale, gold
by-product credits, a low ~1:1 strip ratio, and early payback from
mining the higher-grade zone. The 25% increase in the
higher-grade zone from 100Mt to 125Mt will add early value to the
project in PFS stage.
This upgraded Resource, along with completion of
ongoing metallurgical test results, will complete most of the PFS
data acquisition stage. The next stage for the PFS will be to
progress trade-off studies to select a single go-forward option.
Some key trade-off studies include:
-
Enterprise Optimisation – utilises updated grade,
recovery, and material characteristics by domain to refine and
optimise the mine staging and stockpiling requirements. This will
maximise benefit from the increased higher-grade zones. Also builds
in technology uplift scenarios such as hybrid, electrification and
automated haulage systems.
-
Mine Design & Engineering – utilises
enterprise optimisation outcomes for detailed scale, sequencing,
equipment selection, engineering, and technology evaluation to
develop mine plan for PFS and Maiden Ore Reserve.
-
Process Design & Engineering – builds flow
sheet, technology, rates, scale and alternative streams based on
updated scheduling, grade, recovery and material characteristics by
domain.
Studies related to non-process infrastructure,
power, water, tailings, environmental and operations design are
also underway.
_______________8 ASX/TSX Announcement 6 April
2022 – Scoping Study Kharmagtai Copper-Gold Project
APPENDIX 1: COMPETENT PERSON’S
STATEMENT
Mr Robert Spiers is a full time Principal
Geologist employed by Spiers Geological Consultants (SGC), 4 Martin
Street, Mount Martha, Victoria, Australia. Mr Spiers is contracted
on a consulting basis by Xanadu Mines.
Mr Spiers graduated with a Bachelor of Science
(BSc) Honours and a double Major of Geology and Geophysics from
Latrobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and has been a
member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists for 26 years;
working as a Geologist for in-excess of 30 years since
graduating.
Mr Spiers has sufficient experience that is
relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under
consideration and to the activity being undertaking to qualify as a
Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the
‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves’ and as defined in National Instrument
43-101 (NI 43-101).Mr Spiers consents to the
inclusion in the report to which this statement is to be attached
of the matters based on his information in the form and context in
which it appears.
The information in the report to which this
statement is to be attached that relates to Mineral Resources is
based on information compiled by Mr Robert Spiers, a Competent
Person who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists
or a ‘Recognised Professional Organisation’ (RPO) included in a
list posted on the ASX website from time to time.
Mr Spiers consents to the disclosure of this
information on the page/s in the form and context in which it
appears.
To the best Mr Spiers knowledge, neither SGC,
himself and / or other related parties have any conflict of
interest with by XAM in accordance with the transparency principle
set out by the JORC code and supported by ASX rulings.
In relation to the above statement, Mr Spiers
holds 750,000 ordinary shares in the ASX listed XAM entity
purchased on market in accordance with the XAM trading policy
(guidance notes 27). The aforementioned shareholding does not
constitute a material holding in the company in question.
Mr Spiers has read the definition of “competent
person” set out in the JORC code and in NI 43-101 and guidelines
for the reporting of Mineral Resource Estimates and certifies that
by reason of his education, affiliation with a professional
association (MAIG) and past relevant work experience, that he
fulfils the requirements of a “Competent Person” for the purposes
of JORC 2012 and NI 43-101.
As of the date of this document, to the best of
Mr Spiers knowledge, information and belief, the Public Release /
Technical Report to which this statement is to be attached (in
relation to the Reporting of the Kharmagtai Mineral Resource
Estimation December 2023) contains all the scientific and technical
information that is required to be disclosed in relation to the
Mineral Resources to make the Public Release / Technical Report not
misleading with respect to the sections for which Mr Spiers is
responsible.
Dated the 2nd day of December
2023
__________________________
Robert Spiers, BSc Hons, MAIG
Our Customer
This report has been produced by or on behalf of
Spiers Geological Consultants (SGC) for the sole use by Xanadu
Mines (XAM or the Customer). The Customer’s use
and disclosure of this report is subject to the terms and
conditions under which SGC prepared the report. All items in the
report must if used in a third-party report be taken in context and
consent from SGC must be sought on each occasion.
Notice to Third Parties
SGC prepared this report for the Customer only. If you are not
the Customer:
-
SGC have prepared this report having regard to the particular needs
and interests of the Customer, and in accordance with the
Customer’s instructions. It did not draft this report having regard
to any other person’s particular needs or interests. Your needs and
interests may be distinctly different to the Customer’s needs and
interests, and the report may not be sufficient, fit or appropriate
for your purposes.
-
SGC does not make and expressly disclaims from making any
representation or warranty to you – express or implied regarding
this report or the conclusions or opinions set out in this report
(including without limitation any representation or warranty
regarding the standard of care used in preparing this report, or
that any forward-looking statements, forecasts, opinions or
projections contained in the report will be achieved, will prove to
be correct or are based on reasonable assumptions).
-
SGC expressly disclaim any liability to you and any duty of care to
you.
-
SGC does not authorise you to rely on this report. If you choose to
use or rely on all or part of this report, then any loss or damage
you may suffer in so doing is at your sole and exclusive risk.
Inputs, Subsequent Changes and No Duty to
Update
SGC have created this report using data and information provided
by or on behalf of the Customer [and Customer’s agents and
contractors]. Unless specifically stated otherwise, SGC has not
independently verified that data and information unless expressly
noted. SGC accepts no liability for the accuracy or completeness of
that data and information, even if that data and information has
been incorporated into or relied upon in creating this report (or
parts of it).
The conclusions and opinions contained in this report apply as
at the date of the report. Events (including changes to any of the
data and information that SGC used in preparing the report) may
have occurred since that date which may impact on those conclusions
and opinions and make them unreliable. SGC is under no duty to
update the report upon the occurrence of any such event, though it
reserves the right to do so.
Mining Unknown Factors
The ability of any person to achieve forward-looking production
and economic targets is dependent on numerous factors that are
beyond SGC’s control and that SGC cannot anticipate. These factors
include, but are not limited to, site-specific mining and
geological conditions, management and personnel capabilities,
availability of funding to properly operate and capitalize the
operation, variations in cost elements and market conditions,
developing and operating the mine in an efficient manner,
unforeseen changes in legislation and new industry developments.
Any of these factors may substantially alter the performance of any
mining operation.
APPENDIX 2: ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS AND
DISCLAIMERS
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves
Reporting Requirements
The 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for
Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore
Reserves (the JORC Code 2012) sets out minimum
standards, recommendations and guidelines for Public Reporting in
Australasia of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore
Reserves. The Information contained in this Announcement has been
presented in accordance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI 43-101.
The information in this Announcement relates to
the exploration results previously reported in ASX Announcements
which are available on the Xanadu website at:
https://www.xanadumines.com/site/investor-centre/asx-announcements
The Company is not aware of any new, material
information or data that is not included in those market
announcements.
Copper Equivalent
Calculations
The copper equivalent (CuEq or
eCu) calculation represents the total metal value
for each metal, multiplied by the conversion factor, summed and
expressed in equivalent copper percentage with a metallurgical
recovery factor applied.
Copper equivalent grade values were calculated
using the following formula:
CuEq or eCu = Cu + Au * 0.60049 * 0.86667,
Gold Equivalent (eAu) grade values were
calculated using the following formula:
eAu = Au + Cu / 0.60049 * 0.86667.
Where:
Cu - copper grade (%)
Au - gold grade (g/t)
0.60049 - conversion factor (gold to copper)
0.86667 - relative recovery of gold to copper (86.67%)
The copper equivalent formula was based on the following
parameters (prices are in USD):
- Copper price - 3.4 $/lb
- Gold price - 1400 $/oz
- Copper recovery - 90%
- Gold recovery - 78%
Relative recovery of gold to copper = 78% / 90%
= 86.67%.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this
Announcement, including information as to the future financial or
operating performance of Xanadu and its projects may also include
statements which are ‘forward‐looking statements’ that may include,
amongst other things, statements regarding targets, estimates and
assumptions in respect of mineral reserves and mineral resources
and anticipated grades and recovery rates, production and prices,
recovery costs and results, capital expenditures and are or may be
based on assumptions and estimates related to future technical,
economic, market, political, social and other conditions. These
‘forward-looking statements’ are necessarily based upon a number of
estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by
Xanadu, are inherently subject to significant technical, business,
economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and
contingencies and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from
estimated or anticipated events or results reflected in such
forward‐looking statements.
Xanadu disclaims any intent or obligation to
update publicly or release any revisions to any forward‐looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events,
circumstances or results or otherwise after the date of this
Announcement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events,
other than required by the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the
Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange
(ASX) and Toronto Stock Exchange
(TSX). The words ‘believe’, ‘expect’,
‘anticipate’, ‘indicate’, ‘contemplate’, ‘target’, ‘plan’,
‘intends’, ‘continue’, ‘budget’, ‘estimate’, ‘may’, ‘will’,
‘schedule’ and similar expressions identify forward‐looking
statements.
All ‘forward‐looking statements’ made in this
Announcement are qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.
Investors are cautioned that ‘forward‐looking statements’ are not
guarantee of future performance and accordingly investors are
cautioned not to put undue reliance on ‘forward‐looking statements’
due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
For further information please visit the Xanadu
Mines’ Website at www.xanadumines.com.
APPENDIX 3: KHARMAGTAI TABLE 1 (JORC
2012)
Set out below is Section 1 and Section 2 of
Table 1 under the JORC Code, 2012 Edition for the Kharmagtai
project. Data provided by Xanadu. This Table 1 updates the JORC
Table 1 disclosure dated 8 December 2021.
JORC TABLE 1 - SECTION 1 - SAMPLING
TECHNIQUES AND DATA
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections).
Criteria |
Commentary |
Sampling techniques |
- Representative ½
core samples were split from PQ, HQ & NQ diameter diamond drill
core on site using rock saws, on a routine 2m sample interval that
also honours lithological/intrusive contacts.
- The orientation
of the cut line is controlled using the core orientation line
ensuring uniformity of core splitting wherever the core has been
successfully oriented.
- Sample intervals
are defined and subsequently checked by geologists, and sample tags
are attached (stapled) to the plastic core trays for every sample
interval.
- Reverse
Circulation (RC) chip samples are ¼ splits from
one meter (1m) intervals using a 75%:25% riffle
splitter to obtain a 3kg sample
- RC samples are
uniform 2m samples formed from the combination of two ¼ split 1m
samples.
|
Drilling techniques |
- The Mineral
Resource Estimation has been based upon diamond drilling of PQ, HQ
and NQ diameters with both standard and triple tube core recovery
configurations, RC drilling and surface trenching with channel
sampling.
- All drill core
drilled by Xanadu has been oriented using the “Reflex Ace”
tool.
|
Drill sample recovery |
- Diamond drill
core recoveries were assessed using the standard industry (best)
practice which involves removing the core from core trays;
reassembling multiple core runs in a v-rail; measuring core lengths
with a tape measure, assessing recovery against core block depth
measurements and recording any measured core loss for each core
run.
- Diamond core
recoveries average 97% through mineralisation.
- Overall, core
quality is good, with minimal core loss. Where there is localised
faulting and or fracturing core recoveries decrease, however, this
is a very small percentage of the mineralised intersections.
- RC recoveries
are measured using whole weight of each 1m intercept measured
before splitting
- Analysis of
recovery results vs grade shows no significant trends that might
indicate sampling bias introduced by variable recovery in
fault/fracture zones.
|
Logging |
- All drill core
is geologically logged by well-trained geologists using a modified
“Anaconda-style” logging system methodology. The Anaconda method of
logging and mapping is specifically designed for porphyry Cu-Au
mineral systems and is entirely appropriate to support Mineral
Resource Estimation, mining and metallurgical studies.
- Logging of
lithology, alteration and mineralogy is intrinsically qualitative
in nature. However, the logging is subsequently supported by 4 Acid
ICP-MS (48 element) geochemistry and SWIR spectral mineralogy
(facilitating semi-quantitative/calculated mineralogical,
lithological and alteration classification) which is integrated
with the logging to improve cross section interpretation and 3D
geological model development.
- Drill core is
also systematically logged for both geotechnical features and
geological structures. Where drill core has been successfully
oriented, the orientation of structures and geotechnical features
are also routinely measured.
- Both wet and dry
core photos are taken after core has been logged and marked-up but
before drill core has been cut.
|
Sub-sampling techniques and sample
preparation |
- All drill core
samples are ½ core splits from either PQ, HQ or NQ diameter cores.
A routine 2m sample interval is used, but this is varied locally to
honour lithological/intrusive contacts. The minimum allowed sample
length is 30cm.
- Core is
appropriately split (onsite) using diamond core saws with the cut
line routinely located relative to the core orientation line (where
present) to provide consistency of sample split selection.
- The diamond saws
are regularly flushed with water to minimize potential
contamination.
- A field
duplicate ¼ core sample is collected every 30th sample to ensure
the “representivity of the in-situ material collected”. The
performance of these field duplicates is routinely analysed as part
of Xanadu’s sample QC process.
- Routine sample
preparation and analyses of DDH samples were carried out by ALS
Mongolia LLC (ALS Mongolia), who operates an
independent sample preparation and analytical laboratory in
Ulaanbaatar.
- All samples were
prepared to meet standard quality control procedures as follows:
Crushed to 75% passing 2mm, split to 1kg, pulverised to 85% passing
200 mesh (75 microns) and split to 150g sample pulp.
- ALS Mongolia
Geochemistry labs quality management system is certified to ISO
9001:2008.
- The sample
support (sub-sample mass and comminution) is appropriate for the
grainsize and Cu-Au distribution of the porphyry Cu-Au
mineralization and associated host rocks.
|
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests |
- All samples were
routinely assayed by ALS Mongolia for gold
- Au is determined
using a 25g fire assay fusion, cupelled to obtain a bead, and
digested with Aqua Regia, followed by an atomic absorption
spectroscopy (AAS) finish, with a lower detection
(LDL) of 0.01 ppm.
- All samples were
also submitted to ALS Mongolia for the 48-element package ME-ICP61
using a four-acid digest (considered to be an effective total
digest for the elements relevant to the Mineral Resource Estimate
(MRE)). Where copper is over-range (>1% Cu), it
is analysed by a second analytical technique (Cu-OG62), which has a
higher upper detection limit (UDL) of 5%
copper.
- Quality
assurance has been managed by insertion of appropriate Standards
(1:30 samples – suitable Ore Research Pty Ltd certified standards),
Blanks (1:30 samples), Duplicates (1:30 samples – ¼ core duplicate)
by XAM.
- Assay results
outside the optimal range for methods were re-analysed by
appropriate methods.
- Ore Research Pty
Ltd certified copper and gold standards have been implemented as a
part of QC procedures, as well as coarse and pulp blanks, and
certified matrix matched copper-gold standards.
- QC monitoring is
an active and ongoing processes on batch-by-batch basis by which
unacceptable results are re-assayed as soon as practicable.
- Prior to 2014:
Cu, Ag, Pb, Zn, As and Mo were routinely determined using a
three-acid-digestion of a 0.3g sub-sample followed by an AAS finish
(AAS21R) at SGS Mongolia. Samples were digested with nitric,
hydrochloric and perchloric acids to dryness before leaching with
hydrochloric acid to dissolve soluble salts and made to 15ml volume
with distilled water. The LDL for copper using this technique was
2ppm. Where copper was over-range (>1% Cu), it was analysed by a
second analytical technique (AAS22S), which has a higher upper
detection limit (UDL) of 5% copper. Gold analysis method was
essentially unchanged.
|
Verification of sampling and assaying |
- All assay data
QA/QC is checked prior to loading into XAM’s Geobank data
base.
- The data is
managed by XAM geologists.
- The data base
and geological interpretation is managed by XAM.
- Check assays are
submitted to an umpire lab (SGS Mongolia) for duplicate
analysis.
- No twinned drill
holes exist.
- There have been
no adjustments to any of the assay data.
|
Location of data points |
- Diamond drill
holes have been surveyed with a differential global positioning
system (DGPS) to within 10cm accuracy.
- The grid system
used for the project is UTM WGS-84 Zone 48N
- Historically,
Eastman Kodak and Flexit electronic multi-shot downhole survey
tools have been used at Kharmagtai to collect down hole azimuth and
inclination information for the majority of the diamond drill
holes. Single shots were typically taken every 30m to 50m during
the drilling process, and a multi-shot survey with readings every
3-5m are conducted at the completion of the drill hole. As these
tools rely on the earth’s magnetic field to measure azimuth, there
is some localised interference/inaccuracy introduced by the
presence of magnetite in some parts of the Kharmagtai mineral
system. The extent of this interference cannot be quantified on a
reading-by-reading basis.
- More recently
(since September 2017), a north-seeking gyro has been employed by
the drilling crews on site (rented and operated by the drilling
contractor), providing accurate downhole orientation measurements
unaffected by magnetic effects. Xanadu have a permanent calibration
station setup for the gyro tool, which is routinely calibrated
every 2 weeks (calibration records are maintained and were
sighted)
- The project
Digital Terrain Model (DTM) is based on 1m
contours from satellite imagery with an accuracy of ±0.1 m.
|
Data spacing and distribution |
- Holes spacings
range from <50m spacings within the core of mineralization to
+500m spacings for exploration drilling. Hole spacings can be
determined using the sections and drill plans provided.
- Holes range from
vertical to an inclination of -60 degrees depending on the attitude
of the target and the drilling method.
- The data spacing
and distribution is sufficient to establish anomalism and targeting
for porphyry Cu-Au, tourmaline breccia and epithermal target
types.
- Holes have been
drilled to a maximum of 1,400m vertical depth.
- The data spacing
and distribution is sufficient to establish geological and grade
continuity, and to support the Mineral Resource
classification.
|
Orientation of data in relation to geological
structure |
- Drilling is
conducted in a predominantly regular grid to allow unbiased
interpretation and targeting.
- Scissor
drilling, as well as some vertical and oblique drilling, has been
used in key mineralised zones to achieve unbiased sampling of
interpreted structures and mineralised zones, and in particular to
assist in constraining the geometry of the mineralised hydrothermal
tourmaline-sulphide breccia domains.
|
Sample security |
- Samples are
delivered from the drill rig to the core shed twice daily and are
never left unattended at the rig.
- Samples are
dispatched from site in locked boxes transported on XAM company
vehicles to ALS lab in Ulaanbaatar.
- Sample shipment
receipt is signed off at the Laboratory with additional email
confirmation of receipt.
- Samples are then
stored at the lab and returned to a locked storage site.
|
Audits or reviews |
- Internal audits
of sampling techniques and data management are undertaken on a
regular basis, to ensure industry best practice is employed at all
times.
- External reviews
and audits have been conducted by the following groups:
- 2012: AMC
Consultants Pty Ltd. was engaged to conduct an Independent
Technical Report which reviewed drilling and sampling procedures.
It was concluded that sampling and data record was to an
appropriate standard.
- 2013: Mining
Associates Ltd. was engaged to conduct an Independent Technical
Report to review drilling, sampling techniques and QAQC. Methods
were found to conform to international best practice.
- 2018: CSA Global
reviewed the entire drilling, logging, sampling, sample shipping
and laboratory processes during the competent persons site visit
for the 2018 MRE and found the systems and adherence to protocols
to be to an appropriate standard.
|
JORC TABLE 1 - SECTION 2 - REPORTING OF
EXPLORATION RESULTS
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections).
Criteria |
Commentary |
Mineraltenementand
landtenurestatus |
- The Project comprises 2 Mining
Licences (MV-17129A Oyut Ulaan and (MV-17387A Kharmagtai):
- Xanadu now owns 100% of Vantage
LLC, the 100% owner of the Oyut Ulaan mining licence.
- The Kharmagtai mining license
MV-17387A is 100% owned by Oyut Ulaan LLC. Xanadu has an 85%
interest in Mongol Metals LLC, which has 90% interest in Oyut Ulaan
LLC. The remaining 10% in Oyut Ulaan LLC is owned by Quincunx (BVI)
Ltd (“Quincunx”).
- The Mongolian Minerals Law (2006)
and Mongolian Land Law (2002) govern exploration, mining and land
use rights for the project.
|
Explorationdone
byotherparties |
- Previous exploration at Kharmagtai
was conducted by Quincunx Ltd, Ivanhoe Mines Ltd and Turquoise Hill
Resources Ltd including extensive drilling, surface geochemistry,
geophysics, mapping.
- Previous exploration at Red
Mountain (Oyut Ulaan) was conducted by Ivanhoe Mines.
|
Geology |
- The mineralisation is characterised
as porphyry copper-gold type.
- Porphyry copper-gold deposits are
formed from magmatic hydrothermal fluids typically associated with
felsic intrusive stocks that have deposited metals as sulphides
both within the intrusive and the intruded host rocks. Quartz
stockwork veining is typically associated with sulphides occurring
both within the quartz veinlets and disseminated thought out the
wall rock. Porphyry deposits are typically large tonnage deposits
ranging from low to high grade and are generally mined by large
scale open pit or underground bulk mining methods. The deposits at
Kharmagtai are atypical in that they are associated with
intermediate intrusions of diorite to quartz diorite composition;
however, the deposits are in terms of contained gold significant,
and similar gold-rich porphyry deposits.
|
Drill holeInformation |
- Diamond drill holes are the
principal source of geological and grade data for the Project.
- See figures in this ASX/TSX
Announcement.
|
DataAggregation methods |
- A nominal cut-off of 0.1% eCu is
used in copper dominant systems for identification of potentially
significant intercepts for reporting purposes. Higher grade
cut-offs are 0.3%, 0.6% and 1% eCu.
- A nominal cut-off of 0.1g/t eAu is
used in gold dominant systems like Golden Eagle for identification
of potentially significant intercepts for reporting purposes.
Higher grade cut-offs are 0.3g/t, 0.6g/t and 1g/t eAu.
- Maximum contiguous dilution within
each intercept is 9m for 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.6% and 1% eCu.
- Most of the reported intercepts are
shown in sufficient detail, including maxima and subintervals, to
allow the reader to make an assessment of the balance of high and
low grades in the intercept.
- Informing samples have been
composited to two metre lengths honouring the geological domains
and adjusted where necessary to ensure that no residual sample
lengths have been excluded (best fit).
The copper equivalent (CuEq or
eCu) calculation represents the total metal value
for each metal, multiplied by the conversion factor, summed and
expressed in equivalent copper percentage with a metallurgical
recovery factor applied. Copper equivalent (CuEq
or eCu) grade values were calculated using the
following formula:eCu or CuEq = Cu + Au * 0.60049 * 0.86667,Gold
Equivalent (eAu) grade values were calculated
using the following formula:eAu = Au + Cu / 0.60049 *
0.86667.Where:Cu - copper grade (%)Au - gold grade (g/t)0.60049 -
conversion factor (gold to copper)0.86667 - relative recovery of
gold to copper (86.67%)The copper equivalent formula was based on
the following parameters (prices are in USD):
- Copper price - 3.4 $/lb
- Gold
price - 1400
$/oz
- Copper recovery - 90%
- Gold recovery - 78%
- Relative recovery of gold to copper
= 78% / 90% = 86.67%.
|
Relationship between mineralisationon
widthsand
interceptlengths |
- Mineralised structures are variable
in orientation, and therefore drill orientations have been adjusted
from place to place in order to allow intersection angles as close
as possible to true widths.
- Exploration results have been
reported as an interval with 'from' and 'to' stated in tables of
significant economic intercepts. Tables clearly indicate that true
widths will generally be narrower than those reported.
|
Diagrams |
- See figures in the body of this
ASX/TSX Announcement.
|
Balancedreporting |
- Resources have been reported at a
range of cut-off grades, above a minimum suitable for open pit
mining, and above a minimum suitable for underground mining.
|
Othersubstantiveexplorationdata |
- Extensive work in this area has
been done and is reported separately.
|
FurtherWork |
- The mineralisation is open at depth
and along strike.
- Current estimates are restricted to
those expected to be reasonable for open pit mining. Limited
drilling below this depth (-300m RLl) shows widths and grades
potentially suitable for underground extraction.
- Exploration on going.
|
JORC TABLE 1 - SECTION 3 - ESTIMATION
AND REPORTING OF MINERAL RESOURCES
Criteria |
Commentary |
Database integrity |
The database is managed using Micromine Geobank software. Data is
logged directly into an Excel spread sheet logging system with drop
down field lists. Validation checks are written into the importing
program ensures all data is of high quality. Digital assay data is
obtained from the Laboratory, QA/QC checked and imported. Geobank
exported to CSV TEXT and imported directly to the Micromine
software used for the MRE.
- The combined database was provided
for the MRE.
- Validation of the data import
include checks for the following: o Duplicate drill hole or trench
names,
- One or more drill hole collar or
trench coordinates missing in the collar file,
- FROM or TO missing or absent in the
assay file,
- FROM > TO in the assay
file,
- Sample intervals overlap in the
assay file,
- First sample is not equal to 0 m in
the assay file,
- First depth is not equal to 0 m in
the survey file,
- Several downhole survey records
exist for the same depth,
- Azimuth is not between 0 and 360°
in the survey file,
- Dip is not between 0 and 90° in the
survey file,
- Azimuth or dip is missing in survey
file,
- Total depth of the holes is less
than the depth of the last sample,
- Total length of trenches is less
than the total length of all samples.
- Negative sample grades.
- No logical errors were identified
in the analytical data.
|
Site visits |
- Site visits was
conducted by SGC during the period 5th of September 2022 through to
the 16th of September 2022.
|
Geological interpretation |
Geological data has been collected in a consistent manner that has
allowed the development of geological models to support the Mineral
Resource estimate. Copper and gold mineralisation is controlled by
porphyry phases, oxidation zone, the level of veining, breccia,
country rocks and barren dykes.
- Solid geological
models were generated in Leapfrog for each of the deposits using
the following methodology
- Composite copper and gold grades to
10m intervals
- Define cut-offs using changes in
slope of histograms and cumulative log plots
- Create raw grade shells for these
using implicit numeric modelling (e.g. 800, 1500 and 4000ppm
Cu)
- Define the main dividing
features/structures between populations (clusters of grade)
- Build these structures in detail
using grade, lithology, and structural information
- For each compartment/fault
block
- Group the main lithologies into
“like units”
- Build geological shapes from these
units
- Re-build the grade shells within
each compartment using information from the geological shapes to
help constrain the grade shapes
- Once each compartment was built,
they were assessed in context with each other and refined so that
the models made geological sense.
- Geological
interpretation and wireframing were based on sampling results of
drill holes and trenches, which were logged at 2 m intervals
(average, tied to lithological boundaries during logging).
- SGC do not
believe that the effect of alternative interpretations
- SGC do not
believe that the effect of alternative interpretations will have a
material impact on the overall Mineral Resource Estimates.
- The geological
interpretation is considered robust & alternative
interpretations are not considered to have a material effect on the
Mineral Resource. No alternate interpretations are proposed as
geological confidence in the model is moderate to high. As
additional geological data is collected from additional drilling,
the geological interpretation will be continually updated.
- The factors
affecting continuity both of grade and geology are most likely to
be associated with structural controls and local complexity the
knowledge of which is considered at a moderate level with the
current spacing of information. The broad approach to the
mineralisation modelling is an attempt to model an unbiased
interpretation.
|
Dimensions |
- Stockwork Hill:
The strike length of the mineralised zone is about 1,350 m. Width
is up to 800 m, traced down dip to 1,250 m. Mineralisation outcrops
at the surface.
- White Hill: The
strike length of the mineralised zone is about 1,800 m. Width is up
to 830 m, traced down dip to 1,210 m. Mineralisation outcrops at
the surface.
- Copper Hill: The strike length of
the mineralised zone is about 630 m. Width is up to 150 m with
apparent plunging to SW at about 40 degrees. traced down dip to 420
m dipping 70 degrees to SE. Mineralisation is outcropped at the
surface.
- Zaraa: The strike length of the
mineralised zone is about 1,300m. Width is up to 600m with apparent
plunging to SW at about 60 degrees. traced down dip to 1,280m
dipping. Mineralisation outcrops at the basement surface, beneath
35m of Palaeozoic cover.
- Golden Eagle: The strike length of
the mineralised zone is about 400m. Width is up to 400m. traced
down dip to 450 m. Mineralisation outcrops at the basement surface,
beneath 35m of Palaeozoic cover.
- Zephyr: The strike length of the
mineralised zone is about 1,030 m. Width is up to 310 m. Traced
down dip to 350m. SE. Mineralisation outcrops at the basement
surface, beneath 30m of Palaeozoic cover.
|
Estimation and modelling techniques |
- Ordinary Kriging
technique was employed using third party software based on low
coefficient of variation between samples in the mineralised
domain.
- Grade
interpolation and search ellipses were based on variography and
geometry modelling outcomes.
- Modelling was
conducted in three passes with block sizes being 20.0 m E by 20.0 m
N by 10.0 m RL; discretisation was 5x5x2 for all project areas
- In the first
pass data and octant criteria used were, Minimum Data=12, maximum
Data=32, Minimum Octants=4. Search radii was 55 mE by 75 mN by 10
mRL.
- An expansion
factor of 1 was applied so in the second pass saw the same data and
octants criteria with an expanded search to 110mE by 150mN by
20mRL.
- The third pass
saw Minimum Data=6, maximum Data=32, Minimum Octants=2. Search
radii was 110mE by 150mN by 20mRL.
- Top cutting was
applied to domains and elements which displayed a very strongly
skewed nature as summarise in the report reference and in
accordance with the prevailing coefficients of variation.
- Secondary
attributes including the modelling of density which was also
modelled on three passes (as above) which included the same data
and octant criteria as above.
- No dilution was
expressly added to the SGC model however domain was largely driven
by geological and grade domains created by the Client (XM) and
provided to SGC which tends to incorporated the full population
range in the geological domains and a constrained population range
in the grade domains in=line with the grade domain
constraints.
- No assumptions
were made by SGC regarding the recovery of by-products
- Copper, gold,
molybdenum and sulphur were modelled as elements.
- Blocks in the
model were defined based on the likely mining bench heights and the
domaining took into account the SMU proposed at the outset of 4 m E
by 4 m N by 2 m RL.
- The
interpretation or domain model was largely driven by the lithology
/ geology, oxidation state, and structural intervention and
mineralised trends observed over the various project areas. Grade
was used as a secondary domain driver for the definition of
boundarieswhere deemed appropriate by the XAM resource team.
- The model was
validated in a third party software using section and plan
comparisons back to original informing data as well as with the use
of swath plots to assess local grade variability between the model
and informing data.
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Moisture |
- Tonnages are
estimated on a dry basis.
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Cut-off parameters |
- Mineralised
domain interpreted on grade ≥ 0.1% CuEqRec inside the local
interpretation solids by area with reference to local
variability.
- Assumed to be
reasonable cut-off for open pit and underground propositions given
probability plot curve inflexions and grade population
distributions.
- Resources
estimated at a range of cut-offs and reported at a 0.2% CuEqRec
cut-off grade for open pit and 0.3% CuEqRec for underground public
reporting.
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Mining factors or assumptions |
- This item is
beyond the scope of work for SGC as such this item details were not
addressed by SGC but will remain the responsibility of the Client
and Client’s representatives.
- Consideration
was given by SGC to SMU factors, blocks in the model were defined
based on the likely mining bench heights and the domaining took
into account the SMU proposed at the outset of 4 m E by 4 m N by 2
m RL.
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Metallurgical factors or assumptions |
- No metallurgical
factors or assumptions used to restrict or modify the resource
estimation were employed by SGC proceeding or during the
construction of the model. Metallurgical recovery was not modelled
as an attribute of the model. To date preliminary historical
metallurgical recovery analysis has indicated recovery of Cu% to be
90% and Aug/t to be 78% overall.
- To the best of
SGC’s knowledge no further work has been conducted in regard to
metallurgical recovery which would indicated anything to the
contrary of the recovery numbers put forth by the Client.
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Environmental factors or assumptions |
- No environmental
factors or assumptions were used to restrict or modify the resource
estimation.
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Bulk density |
- Bulk density was
estimated into block models and post processed on the basis of data
analysis by primary domain and oxidation to assign missing values
with average density values.
- In all 54,364
bulk density measurements were taken from non-specified drilling
samples by XAM site representatives during the period 2014 through
to 2023 drilling program. The remainder of the SG database is
historical in nature.
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Classification |
- The resource
classification was based on drilling density (and the availability
of data to present to the search neighbourhood, geological
modelling, oxidation and, density and recovery data as well as data
quality considerations
- The
classification criteria is deemed appropriate by SGC.
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Audits or reviews |
- Other than those
noted in this report, to the best of SGC knowledge, no additional
public and formalised audits or reviews have been undertaken to
date concerning the Mineral Resource Estimates for Kharmagtai.
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Discussion of relative accuracy/confidence |
- Outlines of
resource classifications were reviewed against drill-hole data
density and assays results and each block in the model has a
resource classification which indicates the relative (block to
block) confidence level.
- Mineral resource
estimate technique was deemed appropriate by an internal peer
review by SGC as were the estimates themselves.
- Total mineral
resource estimate based on global estimate.
- No production
data was available at the time the estimates were undertaken.
- The block model
was produced to represent global estimates, however the model
honours the local grade distributions appropriately given the
drilling data provided and the domaining strategy employed.
- The relative
accuracy of the Mineral Resource estimate is reflected in the
reporting of the Mineral Resource as per the guidelines of the 2012
JORC Code.
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JORC TABLE 1 - SECTION 4 - ESTIMATION
AND REPORTING OF ORE RESERVES
Ore Reserves are not reported so Section 4 is
not applicable to this Announcement.
AUSTRALIA c/o Company Matters Pty Limited Level
12, 680 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 T: +612 8280 7497 |
|
MONGOLIASuite 23, Building 9B Olympic St,
Sukhbaatar District Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia T: +967 7012 0211 |
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Xanadu Mines Ltd ACN 114 249
026www.xanadumines.com |
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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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