10 September 2018
Savannah Resources Plc
64% Resource Increase for the Grandao Deposit Pushes the Total Resource Estimate for the Mina do Barroso Lithium Project Past 20Mt with Significant Scope for Further Expansions
Highlights
· Continued resource expansion at Mina do Barroso, located in northern Portugal confirms it as Western Europe's largest spodumene lithium Mineral Resource
· ~64% increase in the total Mineral Resource Estimate at Grandao Deposit to 16.4Mt at 1.04% Li₂O for a total contained Li₂O of 171,400t
· ~44% increase in overall Mineral Resource Estimate for the Project, which now stands at 20.1Mt at 1.04% Li₂O for 209,000t of contained Li₂O
· ~90% of the mineralisation within the Stage 1 Grandao pit, defined as part of the recent Scoping Study, now converted to Measured and Indicated Resource Estimates, which represents the first 4-5 years of the mining inventory based on average annual production of ~175,000tpa of spodumene concentrate at 6% Li₂O
· At Grandao, significant volumes of new mineralisation has been identified below the Stage 1 and 2 pits, defined during the Scoping Study, supporting the excellent potential to further expand the current mining inventory
· Updated Exploration Target* for Mina do Barroso calculated at 9-15Mt at 1.0-1.2% Li₂O, giving a potential mineral inventory of over 30Mt for the Project
· Significant upside remains and further Mineral Resource Estimate updates are expected during 2018. Highlights include:
o Infill and expansion drilling underway at the Reservatorio Deposit to convert the Stage 1 pit defined as part of the Scoping Study into Measured and Indicated category Mineral Resource Estimates and test for potential extensions
o Excellent potential for new discoveries of additional lithium bearing pegmatite bodies
· Feasibility Study on track for completion late Q1 2019 to build upon results of the Scoping Study in June 2018, which demonstrated an excellent base case pre-tax NPV8 of US$356m and IRR of 63% based on the previous Resource Estimate of 14Mt at 1.1% Li₂O
*Cautionary Statement: The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Targets is conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration work to estimate a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in defining a mineral resource.
Savannah Resources plc (AIM: SAV, FWB: AFM and SWB: SAV) ('Savannah' or 'the Company'), the resource development company, is pleased to announce a significant increase in the JORC 2012-Compliant Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate, with supporting Exploration Target at the Mina do Barroso Lithium Project ('Mina do Barroso' or the 'Project'), located in northern Portugal (Figure 1-2 and Table 1-3).
To view the press release with the illustrative maps and diagrams please use the following link:
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/1974A_1-2018-9-8.pdf
Savannah's CEO, David Archer said: "Today's Mineral Resource Estimate increase, shows that Mina do Barroso is shaping up to be Europe's most strategically significant mineral discovery in recent years. The increasing Mineral Resource base of the Project means we have a long-life asset that can anchor the up-stream end of the European lithium value chain, with Europe being the second largest consumer of lithium in the world.
"Mina do Barroso has grown remarkably over the last 12 months with this being the third Mineral Resource Estimate upgrade in less than seven months; this is testament to both the quality of our Project and skill set of our team. There is considerable potential to expand the Mineral Resource Estimate even further, as highlighted by the 9Mt to 15Mt Exploration Target, and our intensive round of drilling continues with three drill rigs on site. Alongside this, at a commercialisation level we are making good progress with the Feasibility Study and continue to target making a mine development decision next year.
"Today's results highlight Mina do Barroso as what we believe to be an outstanding lithium project."
Figure 1. Mina do Barroso Project Summary Map showing key deposits and drilling completed to date - see PDF
Mineral Resource Summary
Table 1. Updated Mineral Resource Estimation Summary
Deposit |
Resource Class |
Tonnes |
Li2O |
Fe2O3 |
Li2O |
Mt |
% |
% |
Tonnes |
All Deposits |
Measured |
5.5 |
1.08 |
1.3 |
59,600 |
Indicated |
4.9 |
0.93 |
1.4 |
45,600 |
Inferred |
9.7 |
1.1 |
1.4 |
103,900 |
Total |
20.1 |
1.04 |
1.4 |
209,000 |
Table 2. Updated Exploration Target Summary
Deposit |
Tonnage Range (Mt) |
Li2O % |
Lower |
Upper |
|
Reservatorio |
5.0 |
7.0 |
1.0-1.2% |
Grandao |
4.0 |
8.0 |
1.0-1.2% |
Total Mina do Barroso Exploration Target |
9.0 |
15.0 |
1.0-1.2% |
*Cautionary Statement: The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Targets is conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration work to estimate a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in defining a mineral resource.
Importantly, this exploration target only includes Grandao and Reservatorio with further upside remaining from the many other high priority exploration targets within the Project area.
Table 3. Updated Grandao Mineral Resource Estimate
Deposit |
Resource Class |
Tonnes |
Li2O |
Fe2O3 |
Li2O |
Mt |
% |
% |
Tonnes |
Grandao |
Measured |
5.5 |
1.08 |
1.3 |
59,600 |
Indicated |
4.9 |
0.93 |
1.4 |
45,600 |
Inferred |
6.1 |
1.1 |
1.4 |
66,200 |
Total |
16.4 |
1.04 |
1.4 |
171,400 |
Figure 2. Grandao Main Pegmatite Resource Estimation Model coloured by classification - see PDF
Potential Extensions of Grandao Mining Inventory
RC and diamond drilling during the recent months has focused on both improving the Mineral Resource Estimate category of the existing Mining Inventory, as well as, targeting areas in and close to the potential open pit mining areas, defined as part of the Scoping Study. This work has led to some excellent results with approximately 90% of the Mining Inventory defined as part of the stage one Grandao pit in the recent Scoping Study now being converted to either Measured or Indicated category Resource Estimates. This is an important stepping stone for the Feasibility Study as all material needs to be either Measured or Indicated to be considered as part of a Reserve Estimate, which will be generated from the Feasibility Study (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Grandao Resource Estimate coloured by Category showing Scoping Study Stage 1 Pit - see PDF
Importantly the recent drill results have expanded the Mineral Resource Estimates inside and under the optimised pits generated as part of the Scoping Study pointing towards the excellent potential to further expand the Mining Inventory at the Grandao Deposit (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Grandao Scoping Study Stage One and Two pits showing newly defined mineralisation below (cross section 4,607,935mN) - see PDF
Mineral Resource Estimate
The Mineral Resource Estimate for the Grandao and Grandao Extended Lithium Deposit has been updated by Payne Geological Services Pty Ltd, an external and independent mining consultancy - http://www.paynegeo.com.au/paul-payne. The Deposit forms part of Savannah's Mina do Barroso Lithium Project, located in northern Portugal. The Mineral Resource Estimate has been classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource in accordance with the JORC Code, 2012 Edition and is summarised in Table 4 and Appendix 1.
Table 4. September 2018 Mineral Resource Summary (0.5% Li2O cut-off)
Deposit |
Resource Class |
Tonnes |
Li2O |
Fe2O3 |
Li2O |
Mt |
% |
% |
Tonnes |
Grandao |
Measured |
5.5 |
1.08 |
1.3 |
59,600 |
Indicated |
4.9 |
0.93 |
1.4 |
45,600 |
Inferred |
6.1 |
1.1 |
1.4 |
66,200 |
Total |
16.4 |
1.04 |
1.4 |
171,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposit |
Resource Class |
Tonnes |
Li2O |
Fe2O3 |
Li2O |
Mt |
% |
% |
Tonnes |
Reservatorio |
Measured |
|
|
|
|
Indicated |
|
|
|
|
Inferred |
3.2 |
1.0 |
1.4 |
32,000 |
Total |
3.2 |
1.0 |
1.4 |
32,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposit |
Resource Class |
Tonnes |
Li2O |
Fe2O3 |
Li2O |
Mt |
% |
% |
Tonnes |
NOA |
Measured |
|
|
|
|
Indicated |
|
|
|
|
Inferred |
0.5 |
1.2 |
1.3 |
5,600 |
Total |
0.5 |
1.2 |
1.3 |
5,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposit |
Resource Class |
Tonnes |
Li2O |
Fe2O3 |
Li2O |
Mt |
% |
% |
Tonnes |
All Deposits |
Measured |
5.5 |
1.08 |
1.3 |
59,600 |
Indicated |
4.9 |
0.93 |
1.4 |
45,600 |
Inferred |
9.7 |
1.1 |
1.4 |
103,900 |
Total |
20.1 |
1.04 |
1.4 |
209,000 |
(rounding discrepancies may occur)
The Grandao Deposit comprises two main pegmatite intrusions. The upper part of the deposit occurs within a broad, shallow dipping pegmatite body with a typical thickness of 20m-40m. The lower portion appears to be a steep dipping dyke, which is 15m-20m in true width. In addition, three minor lenses of pegmatite are also included in the Mineral Resource Estimate. Both main pegmatite zones remain open either along strike or down plunge (Figure 5-7).
The Grandao Mineral Resource Estimate is based on results from 110 drill holes all completed by Savannah in 2017 and 2018.
Figure 5. Grandao Resource Model (looking NE) - see PDF
Figure 6. Cross Section (4607980N) through Grandao Resource Model (looking north) - see PDF
Figure 7. Main Pegmatite Coloured by Classification (plan view) - see PDF
Potential Resource Expansion
The Grandao Deposit remains open both along strike in a number of directions, as well as, down dip. Given the consistency and predictability in which the drilling programme has been able to regularly intersect the main flat lying pegmatite it is reasonable to interpret that further drilling could lead to a expansion of the Grandao Deposit (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Grandao Resource Model and Exploration Potential - see PDF
Geology
At Mina do Barroso, lithium mineralisation occurs predominantly in the form of spodumene-bearing pegmatites, which are hosted in metapelitic and mica schists, and occasionally carbonate schists of upper Ordovician to lower Devonian age. The main Grandao pegmatite is a flat-lying, tabular zone defined over an area of 600m north-south and 700m east-west and varies in thickness from 10m-60m. It is very close to surface and is visible in outcrop over a significant area. A lower zone of mineralisation is also present at Grandao, hosted in a north-south trending steep-dipping, tabular pegmatite dyke 15m-20m in true width. The geometry of the lower pegmatite is not well defined due to the currently sparse drilling (Figure 9).
Figure 9. Grandao Geological Model - see PDF
At the Project, lithium is present in most pegmatite compositions and laboratory test work confirms that the lithium is almost exclusively within spodumene. Distinct lithium grade zonation occurs within the pegmatites, with weakly mineralised zones often evident at the margins of the dykes. Minor xenoliths and inliers of schist are observed within the main pegmatite. Where these have sufficient continuity, they have been separately modelled and excluded from the estimate.
The weathering profile comprises a shallow, surficial zone of weak to moderate oxidation, particularly of the schistose country rock. A zone of deeper weathering exists on the western side of the Grandao Deposit with moderate oxidation to a depth of up to 50m.
Drilling
A total of 88 RC holes, seven diamond holes and 15 RC holes with diamond tails define the Grandao Mineral Resource Estimate. The holes were drilled on an approximate grid spacing of 40m-60m with a number of closer spaced holes in the shallow part of the deposit. All holes were drilled by Savannah in 2017 and 2018.
Drill collar locations are recorded in Universal Traverse Mercator ("UTM") coordinates using differential GPS. All Savannah drilling has been down-hole surveyed using a gyroscopic tool.
Sampling and Sub-Sampling Techniques
For the Savannah RC drilling, a face-sampling hammer was used with samples collected at 1m intervals from pegmatite zones with composite sampling of typically 4m in the surrounding schists in early drilling. In recent drilling the schist 5m either side of the pegmatite was sampled at 1m intervals with the rest of schist remaining unsampled. The 1m samples were collected through a rig-mounted riffle splitter and were 4kg-6kg in weight. The 4m composites were collected by spear sampling of the 1m intervals. Samples were weighed to assess the sample recovery which was determined to be satisfactory.
Core was PQ and HQ in size and sampled to geological boundaries. Core was cut using a diamond saw, and for the majority of holes half core was collected for assay. A small number of diamond holes were sampled for metallurgical test work. For those holes, quarter core was submitted for assay.
Sample Analysis Method
For all Savannah drilling, whole samples were crushed then riffle split to produce a 250g split for pulverising and analysis.
The samples were analysed using ALS laboratories ME-MS89L Super Trace method which combines a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-MS analysis and a multi-element suite was analysed.
QAQC protocols were in place for the drilling programmes and included the used of blanks, standards and field duplicates. The data has confirmed the quality of the sampling and assaying for use in Mineral Resource estimation.
Estimation Methodology
For the Grandao Mineral Resource Estimate, a Surpac block model was constructed with block sizes of 10m (EW) by 20m (NS) by 5m (elevation) with sub-celling to 2.5m by 5m by 2.5m. The typical drill hole spacing is 40m-60m.
Interpretation of the pegmatite dykes was completed using detailed geological logging and Fe geochemistry. Wireframes of the pegmatites were prepared and within those the sample data was extracted and analysed. A clear break in the grade distribution occurs at 0.5% Li2O and this grade threshold was used to prepare the internal grade domains for estimation. In addition to the two main pegmatite bodies, several small pegmatites were also interpreted. Zones of unmineralised schist within the pegmatite body were selectively wireframed and excluded from the estimate.
Sample data was composited into 1m intervals then block model grades estimated using ordinary kriging ("OK") grade interpolation for the two main pegmatites and inverse distance squared ("ID2") grade interpolation for the three small pegmatite zones. A first pass search range of 60m was used and oriented to match the dip and strike of the mineralisation. A minimum of 10 samples and a maximum of 24 samples were used to estimate each block. The majority of the Mineral Resource Estimate (61%) was completed in the first pass with expanded search radii of 120m and 240m used for the blocks not estimated in the first pass. No high-grade cuts were applied to the estimate.
Iron within the pegmatites is uniformly low, with a mean Fe2O3 grade of 1.3% at Grandao. Preliminary test work by Savannah suggest that a large proportion of the assayed iron (approximately 40%) is due to contamination from the abrasion of steel sample preparation equipment. This will be further investigated as part of ongoing studies at the Project.
Bulk density determinations using the immersion method were carried out on 1,233 half core samples. Bulk density values applied to the estimates were 2.5t/m3 for oxide lithologies, 2.65t/m3 for unoxidised pegmatite and 2.7t/m3 for unoxidised schist.
Mineral Resource Classification
The Mineral Resource Estimate was classified in accordance with the Australasian Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC, 2012).
The main pegmatite dyke at Grandao has generally been drilled at 40m to 60m holes spacings with a portion of the deposit drilled at closer spacings. The majority of holes in the main pegmatite at Grandao have consistently intersected pegmatite, with the majority intersecting resource grade Li2O mineralisation and the continuity of lithium mineralisation is good.
Due to the consistent drill hole spacing defining excellent continuity of lithology and mineralisation and accurate location data, the well drilled portion of the upper pegmatite has been classified as Measured Mineral Resource. This includes mineralisation drilled at 20m to 40m spacings where the pegmatite geometry is consistent and mineralisation is uniform.
The portion of the deposit defined by 40m to 60m spaced drill holes has been classified as Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate. Where the main pegmatite showed good potential for further extensions, the Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate was extrapolated up to 60m past drill hole intersections and the Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate was extrapolated a further 60m.
All minor pegmatite bodies were classified as an Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate due to the lack of detailed drilling or the uncertainty of geometry of the mineralisation.
The main shallow pegmatite at Grandao lies entirely above 200m vertical depth. The deep pegmatite has been reported to a depth of 160m vertical.
Cut-off Grades
The shallow and flat lying nature of the main Grandao pegmatite suggests good potential for open pit mining if sufficient resources can be delineated to consider a mining operation. As such, the Mineral Resource Estimate has been reported at a 0.5% Li2O lower cut-off grade to reflect assumed exploitation by low-cost mining methods.
Metallurgy
Metallurgical test work has been conducted by Savannah on representative mineralisation at Mina do Barroso. The work was completed by Nagrom Metallurgical in Australia and confirmed that high-grade lithium, low-grade iron concentrate can be generated from the mineralisation using conventional processing technology. Microscopy confirmed that the concentrate was almost entirely spodumene. A substantial metallurgical test work programme has recently commenced.
Modifying Factors
No modifying factors were applied to the reported Mineral Resource Estimate. Parameters reflecting mining dilution, ore loss and metallurgical recoveries will be considered during the any future mining evaluation of the Project.
Exploration Target*
Savannah has defined a Mineral Resource Estimate from three deposits in the Mina do Barroso Project area (Table 5). All three deposits remain open and untested by drilling either down dip or along strike of the defined Mineral Resource Estimate and there is excellent potential to extend the deposits with further drilling. In addition, there are numerous other outcropping pegmatite dykes that require drill testing to determine if they are also lithium bearing.
Savannah has been drilling at Mina do Barroso since mid-2017 and ongoing programmes in 2018 are designed to test for extensions of the defined deposits and to test other outcropping pegmatite targets in the Project area. The drilling at the Grandao deposit has been very successful and has allowed a major increase to the reported Mineral Resource Estimate, as well as, increasing confidence in the estimate. Infill drilling to increase the confidence in the reported Inferred Mineral Resource Estimates at Reservatorio and NOA is also being planned.
*Cautionary Statement: The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Targets is conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration work to estimate a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in defining a mineral resource.
To quantify the potential of the Project beyond the currently defined Mineral Resource Estimates, an initial Exploration Target* for the Grandao and Reservatorio Deposits of 8-12Mt at 1.0% to 1.2% Li₂O has been defined. This gives a project target (including Mineral Resource Estimate) of 29-35Mt at 1.0-1.2% Li₂O. Importantly, this exploration target only includes Grandao and Reservatorio with further upside remaining from the many other high priority exploration prospects within the project area.
Table 5. Exploration Targets* for Mina do Barroso Project
Deposit |
Tonnage Range (Mt) |
Li2O5 % |
Lower |
Upper |
|
Reservatorio |
|
|
|
Bottom of Inferred to 200m Vertical Depth |
5.0 |
7.0 |
1.0-1.2% |
Grandao |
|
|
|
200m-400m Extension of Upper Pegmatite |
3.0 |
6.0 |
1.0-1.2% |
100% Expansion of Lower Pegmatite |
1.0 |
2.0 |
1.0-1.2% |
Total Mina do Barroso Exploration Target |
9.0 |
15.0 |
1.0-1.2% |
*Cautionary Statement: The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Targets is conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration work to estimate a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in defining a mineral resource.
Reservatorio Exploration Target*
A Mineral Resource Estimate was completed for the Reservatorio Deposit in December 2017. It was modelled and estimated for the full extent of the SAV drilling and the Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate was extended between 40m and 100m down dip from the deepest drill holes.
There is no information to suggest that the pegmatite and lithium mineralisation does not continue with the same characteristics and grade as the drilled portion. As a result, beneath the Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate boundary, a wireframe model was created, assuming continuation of the mineralisation down-dip to 200m below surface. Applying a density of 2.6t/m3 as used in the Reservatorio Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate, and assuming the same lithium grade observed in the drilled portion, the Exploration Target has been defined as 5 Mt to 7 Mt at a grade of 1.0% to 1.2% Li2O.
Grandao Exploration Target*
The current Mineral Resource Estimate was completed for the Grandao Deposit in September 2018. It was modelled and estimated for the area drilled in detail by SAV. The Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate was extended up to 120m down plunge from drilled area.
The shallow pegmatite appears to be closed off by drilling to the northeast and to the southeast. To the west and northwest and south, the mineralisation remains open and untested the limits of the mineralisation have not been found. There is no information to suggest that the pegmatite and lithium mineralisation does not continue to the west and northwest with the same characteristics and grade as the drilled portion and the strong results from the recent drilling has confirmed this.
The Exploration Target* for the shallow pegmatite is considered to be at least a 200m-400m down-plunge extension of the defined Mineral Resource Estimate for that portion of the deposit so the Exploration Target has been defined as 3 Mt to 6 Mt at a grade of 1.0% to 1.2% Li2O. This represents a 20%-40% increase on the currently defined Mineral Resource.
The deep pegmatite has been intersected in a small number of holes which have recorded thick, high grade mineralisation. The mineralisation is open in most directions and the Exploration Target has been defined as a 100% increase on the defined Mineral Resource Estimate which gives an Exploration Target of 1 Mt to 2 Mt at a grade of 1.0% to 1.2% Li2O.
*Cautionary Statement: The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Targets is conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration work to estimate a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in defining a mineral resource.
Competent Person and Regulatory Information
The information in this announcement that relates to exploration results is based upon information compiled by Mr Dale Ferguson, Technical Director of Savannah Resources Limited. Mr Ferguson is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the December 2012 edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" (JORC Code). Mr Ferguson consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based upon the information in the form and context in which it appears.
The Information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Mr Paul Payne, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Payne is a full-time employee of Payne Geological Services. Mr Payne has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken 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". Mr Payne consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 596/2014.
**ENDS**
For further information please visit www.savannahresources.com or contact:
David Archer |
Savannah Resources plc |
Tel: +44 20 7117 2489 |
David Hignell / Dugald J. Carlean (Nominated Adviser) |
Northland Capital Partners Ltd |
Tel: +44 20 3861 6625 |
Christopher Raggett / Camille Gochez (Broker) |
finnCap Ltd |
Tel: +44 20 7220 0500 |
Grant Barker (Equity Adviser) |
Whitman Howard |
Tel: +44 020 7659 1225 |
Charlotte Page / Lottie Wadham (Financial PR) |
St Brides Partners Ltd |
Tel: +44 20 7236 1177 |
About Savannah
Savannah is a diversified resources group (AIM: SAV) with a portfolio of energy metals projects - lithium in Portugal and copper in Oman - together with the world-class Mutamba Heavy Mineral Sands Project in Mozambique, which is being developed in a consortium with the global major Rio Tinto. The Board is committed to serving the interests of its shareholders and to delivering outcomes that will improve the lives of our staff and the communities we work with.
The Company is listed and regulated on AIM and the Company's ordinary shares are also available on the Quotation Board of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FWB) under the symbol FWB: AFM, and the Börse Stuttgart (SWB) under the ticker "SAV".