New exploration territory covers the largest known gravity anomaly on the Bushveld, to be known as the ‘Mokopane Feeder’
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Exploration rights are adjacent to the tier-one Platreef palladium, rhodium, nickel, platinum, copper and gold discovery
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Ivanhoe to commence exploration activities on the highly-prospective area
MOKOPANE, SOUTH AFRICA – Ivanhoe Mines’ (TSX: IVN; OTCQX: IVPAF) Executive Co-Chair Robert Friedland and President Marna Cloete announce today that the company has been granted three new highly prospective exploration rights adjacent to the company’s Platreef palladium, rhodium, nickel, platinum, copper, and gold development project in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Ivanhoe Mines has received notification from the South Africa Department of Minerals and Energy (DMRE) that it has obtained three new significant exploration rights, covering a total surface area of 80 square kilometres. Ivanhoe Mines owns 100% of the exploration rights.
The exploration rights overlap a significant geophysical gravity anomaly, known as the “Mokopane Feeder”, the centre of which is located approximately 10 kilometres from Platreef’s Shaft 1 (see Figure 1).
The new rights form a continuous block situated on the southwest border of the existing Platreef Projects’ mining rights, called Turfspruit and Macalacaskop that cover in total 78 square kilometres. The Platreef Project contains approximately 58.8 million ounces of precious metals (3PE+Au) as well as 6.2 billion pounds of copper and nickel in indicated resources, and 94.3 million ounces as well as 11.9 billion pounds of copper and nickel in inferred resources, at a cut-off grade of 1.0 g/t 3PE+Au.
Ivanhoe Mines’ Executive Co-Chairman, Robert Friedland commented:
“The Bushveld Complex sits among the most unique and valuable mineral endowments on our planet. These exploration rights are postulated to be geologically significant by our leading geoscientists. The new exploration rights are located at the intersection of a highly significant gravity geophysical anomaly and major regional geological structures. Therefore, the ‘Mokopane Feeder’ may be related to the actual source of the giant mineralizing system feeding the entire Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex.
Our team has worked tirelessly to secure this important area, which could be of vital significance to the world's future supply of nickel, copper and platinum-group metals. We see increasing prospects of supply disruption in these particular metals due to the potential international sanctions on Russia.
Ivanhoe Mines has been and always will be built upon world-scale discovery. We continue to actively assess opportunities to add exploration projects to our portfolio to leverage our industry leading geological team.”
Figure 1. Location of newly acquired exploration permits adjacent to Ivanplat’s existing permits and the Platreef palladium, rhodium, nickel, platinum, copper and gold project.
New exploration ground covers the “Mokopane Feeder”, a regionally significant gravity anomaly on South Africa’s Bushveld Complex
The Bushveld Complex is the largest-known, layered igneous complex in the world and is host to the largest known reserves of platinum-group metals, chromium and vanadium, as well as gold and base metals, including nickel and copper. In the opinion of the geological team at Ivanhoe Mines, the “Mokopane Feeder” anomaly is the most significant gravity feature in the entire Bushveld Complex (See Figure 2 and Figure 4).
The three new exploration rights (Blinkwater 244KR, Moordrift 289KR and Lisbon 288KR), together with the southern sections of Ivanplats’ Turfspruit and Macalacaskop mining permits, cover this spectacular geophysical gravity anomaly that was previously identified from a widely spaced regional ground gravity survey.
Figure 2. Regional gravity survey showing the location of the “Mokopane Feeder” anomaly.
The mafic-ultramafic phase, called the Rustenburg Layered Suite, is a well-defined stratigraphy that extends across the entire Bushveld Complex. Within the Rustenburg Layered Suite, rock density typically increases towards the base of the stratigraphy. This is due to the increase in abundance of mafic minerals that contain higher iron and magnesium content. The Rustenburg Layered Suite can be vertically subdivided into an Upper Zone, a Main Zone, a Critical Zone and a Lower Zone. The upper portion of the Critical Zone hosts the majority of the economic mineralization, and hosts Ivanplats’ world-scale Flatreef platinum-group metals deposit.
Figure 3. The location of the three new exploration rights overlaid with surface regional geology of the Upper Zone of the Rustenburg Layered Suite and the Lebowa Granites.
Academic studies1 based on historical data hypothesize that the anomaly represents a primary feeder zone to the Rustenburg Layered Suite of the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. A significant thickening of the Rustenburg Layered Suite, in particular of the more-dense Lower Zone units, is necessary to explain the anomaly.
Feeder zones, or conduits, are generally considered more prospective in ultramafic magmatic systems, due to the increased volume of magma flow through the conduit. These zones typically allow increased interaction between the magma and host rock, which can contribute additional sulphur and base metals into the melt. Although the inferred “Mokopane Feeder” zone itself is modelled to be deep, the proximity of the new permits to the feeder provide significant potential for mineralization higher up in the Rustenburg Layered Suite above the feeder zone.
The proximity of the proposed feeder to the regional-scale crustal faults (the Ysterberg-Planknek and the Zebediela faults, as shown in Figure 3), as well as the anomalously thick zones of platinum-group metals mineralization at the Flatreef Deposit, leads Ivanhoe to believe there is significant potential for mineralization to be associated with this feature.
Geophysics and exploration program to commence
To better understand the conceptual “Mokopane Feeder” target, Ivanhoe Mines will commence a detailed high-resolution, airborne-magnetic and gradiometer-gravity survey over the project area. The surveys will be conducted by Xcalibur Airborne Geophysics (PTY) Ltd. of Pretoria, South Africa, and are expected to be completed in early 2023. Modelling of this new geophysical data is intended to determine the potential thicknesses of the Rustenburg Layered Suite units and generate follow-up targets for drilling later in the year.
Ivanplats first conducted a gradiometer gravity survey over a portion of the Turfspruit license in 2012. Gradiometer surveys produce much higher resolution data than conventional gravity surveys. Three-dimensional constrained inversion modelling of this data proved to be invaluable in understanding the geometry of the primary host units within the Platreef Project area, and aided in the construction of a detailed structural and stratigraphic model of the area that contributed to the initial discovery of the Flatreef deposit.
The data will be combined with historical geophysical data to accurately model the gravity anomaly in terms of size and depth below surface. Surface mapping and modelling of previous geophysical data suggests the top of the Rustenburg Layered Suite on the exploration rights could be approximately 900 metres below surface.
- (Cole, Webb, & Finn, Gravity models of the Bushveld Complex - Have we come full circle?, 2014),(Cole, Three dimensional geometry of the Bushveld Complex derived from potential field modelling, 2018) &(Finn., Bedrosian, Cole, Khoza, & Webb, 2015)
Figure 4. Regional geophysical gravity survey, showing the signatures of the Western Limb, Eastern Limb and the southern section of the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex.
Image sourced from thesis titled ‘Three-dimensional geometry of the Bushveld Complex derived from potential field odelling’, submitted by Janine Cole in 2018 to the Faculty of Science at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
About Platreef
The Platreef Project is owned by Ivanplats (Pty) Ltd (Ivanplats), which is 64%-owned by Ivanhoe Mines. A 26% interest is held by Ivanplats' historically-disadvantaged, broad-based, black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) partners, which include 20 local host communities with approximately 150,000 people, project employees and local entrepreneurs. A Japanese consortium of ITOCHU Corporation, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, and Japan Gas Corporation, owns a 10% interest in Ivanplats, which it acquired in two tranches for a total investment of $290 million.
Aerial view of the Platreef project showcasing latest construction activities, with Shaft 1 on the right and Shaft 2 hitch-to-collar construction in the center.
The Platreef Project hosts a thick, underground deposit, known as the Flatreef Deposit, that consists of platinum-group metals, nickel, copper and gold mineralization. It is located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex in Limpopo Province – approximately 280 kilometres northeast of Johannesburg and eight kilometres from the town of Mokopane.
On the Northern Limb, platinum-group metals mineralization is primarily hosted within the Platreef, a mineralized sequence that is traced more than 30 kilometres along strike. Ivanhoe's Platreef Project, within the Platreef's southern sector, is comprised of two contiguous properties: Turfspruit and Macalacaskop. Turfspruit, the northernmost property, is contiguous with, and along strike from, Anglo Platinum's Mogalakwena group of mining operations and properties. The Flatreef Deposit, which is amenable to highly-mechanized, underground mining methods, lies entirely on the Turfspruit and Macalacaskop properties that form part of the company's mining right.
First concentrate production from Phase 1 is planned for Q3 2024, with the Phase 2 expansion expected following the commissioning of Shaft 2 in 2027. Phase 1 average annual production is expected to be 113,000 ounces (oz.) of palladium, rhodium, platinum, and gold (3PE+Au), plus 5 million pounds of nickel and 3 million pounds of copper. The average annual production of the Phase 2 expansion is expected to increase to 591,000 oz. of 3PE+Au, plus 26 million pounds of nickel and 16 million pounds of copper. The Platreef Project is projected to become one of the world’s largest and lowest-cost producers of palladium, platinum, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold
Figure 5. World’s largest precious metal deposits under development ranked by contained metal in Measured and Indicated Resources.
Source: company filings, S&P Global Market Intelligence. Notes: Chart ranks the largest undeveloped primary palladium, platinum, gold, silver and rhodium projects from the S&P Global Market Intelligence database based on measured and indicated palladium equivalent resource. Palladium equivalent calculation includes palladium, platinum, gold, silver and rhodium ounces and has been calculated using spot price metal price assumptions (February 23, 2022) of US$1,095/oz. platinum, US$2,480/oz. palladium, US$18,750/oz. rhodium, US$1,909/oz. gold and US$24.55/oz. silver. Measured and Indicated resources for Platreef correspond to palladium, platinum, gold and rhodium ounces at a 1 g/t cut-off grade.
The Mineral Resources were estimated and finalized April 22, 2016. On 28 January 2022, updated criteria for assessing reasonable prospects of eventual extraction were reviewed to ensure the estimate remained current. The updated effective date is 28 January 2022. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Timothy Kuhl, RM SME.
Qualified persons
In March 2022, Ivanhoe Mines filed a new National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) technical report covering the Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study. The updated NI 43-101 technical report includes an independent feasibility study for the initial two phases of development for the Platreef Mine to a steady state production rate of 5.2 million tonnes of ore per annum.
The Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study Technical Report was independently prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd. of Adelaide, Australia; Mine Technical Services of Reno, USA; SRK Consulting Inc. of Johannesburg, South Africa; DRA Global of Johannesburg, South Africa; and Golder Associates Africa of Midrand, South Africa.
The technical report titled “Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study” has been filed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.
Other scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, P.Geo., Ivanhoe Mines’ Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Torr is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is the Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation of Ivanhoe Mines. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.
About Ivanhoe Mines
Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa: the major new, mechanized, underground mines at the Kamoa-Kakula Mining Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the development of the Platreef palladium-rhodium-platinum-nickel-copper-gold discovery in South Africa; and the restart of the historic Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kamoa-Kakula Mining Complex is one of the highest-grade and fastest growing major copper mining operations in the world. Copper concentrates were first produced in May 2021 and, through on-going phased expansions, it is positioned to become one of the world's largest copper producing operations. Kamoa-Kakula’s 2022 production guidance is between 310,000 to 340,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate
Ivanhoe Mines is also exploring for new copper discoveries across its circa 2,400km2 of wholly-owned exploration licences in the Western Foreland, which are located adjacent to the Kamoa-Kakula Mining Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Information contact
Investors
Vancouver: Matthew Keevil +1.604.558.1034
London: Tommy Horton +44 7866 913 207
Media
Vancouver: Tanya Todd +1.604.331.9834
Website www.ivanhoemines.com
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company, the Platreef Project, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “predict” and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company’s current expectations regarding future events, performance and results, and speak only as of the date of this news release.
The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this news release include without limitation, statements that (i) the Platreef Phase 1 mine is advancing towards first production in Q3 2024; (ii) Platreef Shaft 2 commissioning is planned in 2027; (iii) Platreef Phase 1 annual forecast production is 113,000 ounces (oz.) of palladium, rhodium, platinum, and gold (3PE+Au), plus 5 million pounds of nickel and 3 million pounds of copper; (iv) Platreef Phase 2 annual forecast production is 591,000 ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold, plus more than 40 million pounds of nickel and copper; (v) Flatreef Deposit is amenable to highly-mechanized, underground mining methods; (vi) Platreef is projected to become one of the world’s largest and lowest-cost producers of palladium, platinum, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold; (vii) the Mokopane Feeder may be related to the actual source of the giant mineralizing system feeding the entire Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex; (viii) the Mokopane Feeder anomaly is the most significant gravity feature in the entire Bushveld Complex; (ix) the proximity of the new permits to the feeder provide significant potential for mineralization higher up in the Rustenburg Layered Suite above the feeder zone; (x) There is significant potential for mineralization to be associated with the Mokopane Feeder; (xi) high-resolution, airborne-magnetic and gradiometer-gravity survey over the project area are expected to be completed in early 2023; (xii) the Rustenburg Layered Suite on the exploration rights could be approximately 900 metres below surface.
In addition, all of the results of the Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements include metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, projected capital and operating costs, metal recoveries, mine life and production rates, and the financial results of the Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study. These include estimates of internal rates of return after-tax of 18.5% at long term consensus metal prices and 29.3% at spot metal prices with payback periods of 7.9 years and 6.6 years respectively; net present values at an 8% discount rate of US$1.7 billion at long term consensus metal prices and US$4.1 billion at spot metal prices; future production forecasts and projects, including average annual production of 590koz 3PE+Au; estimates of net total cash cost, net of copper and nickel by-product credits and including sustaining capital costs of US$514/oz; mine life estimates, including a 28.3 year mine life; initial capital costs of US$448 million and US$1.5 billion for expansion capital costs; Phase 1 average annual production of 113,000 ounces of 3PE + Au; cash flow forecasts; estimates of 3PE+Au recoveries of 86%. Readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from those presented.
All such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Ivanhoe Mines’ management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information or statements including, but not limited to, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, industrial accidents or machinery failure (including of shaft sinking equipment), or delays in the development of infrastructure, and the failure of exploration programs or other studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements also include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the company’s most recently filed MD&A as well as in the most recent Annual Information Form filed by Ivanhoe Mines. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Certain of the factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and statements, and certain of the risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially are presented in technical reports available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.
This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in platinum, palladium, gold, rhodium, copper, nickel or other mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) changes to proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licences.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.
新探矿权范围覆盖布什维尔德杂岩带内已知的 最大型重力异常部分 " 波特希特斯供矿构造 "
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探矿权毗邻世界级普拉特瑞夫钯 - 铑 - 镍 - 铂 - 铜 - 金多金属矿山
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艾芬豪将在地质环境优越的区域开展勘查活动
南非波特希特斯 — 艾芬豪矿业 (TSX: IVN; OTCQX: IVPAF) 执行联席董事长罗伯特 · 弗里兰德 (Robert Friedland) 、联席董事长孙玉峰（ Miles Yufeng Sun ）和总裁玛娜 · 克洛特 (Marna Cloete) 今天宣布，公司取得三宗勘查前景极为乐观的新探矿权，均毗邻公司旗下位于南非林波波省的普拉特瑞夫 (Platreef) 钯 - 铑 - 镍 - 铂 - 铜 - 金矿项目。
艾芬豪矿业已收到南非矿产能源部的批复，获发三项新的大型探矿权，由艾芬豪矿业全资拥有，涵盖总面积 80 平方公里。
探矿权与物探重力异常显著的 " 波特希特斯供矿构造 " (Mokopane Feeder) 叠合，其中心距普拉特瑞夫 1 号竖井约 10 公里 ( 见图 1) 。
现有的 Turfspruit 及 Macalacaskop 采矿权面积共 28 平方公里，新的探矿权是现有矿权向西南的扩界。以 1 克 / 吨边界品位估算，普拉特瑞夫项目的探明矿产资源含有 5,880 万盎司贵金属 (3PE+Au) 及 62 亿磅铜和镍，推断矿产资源则含有 9,430 万盎司贵金属及 119 亿磅铜和镍金属。
艾芬豪矿业执行联席董事长罗伯特 · 弗里兰德先生评论说﹕ " 布什维尔德杂岩带坐拥全球最独特和高价值的矿产资源之一。我们的地质专家认为这些探矿权意义重大。新探矿权位于一个显著物探重力异常和主要区域构造的交汇处。因此，波特希特斯供矿构造可能与整个布什维尔德杂岩带北部的巨型成矿系统的矿物质来源有关。 "
"我们的团队日夜奋进、全力以赴申请这宗重要的探权矿，将对全球镍、铜和铂族金属的未来供应有着关键的意义。由于国际社会对俄罗斯的制裁，我们预期这些金属的未来供应将更加窘迫。 "
"艾芬豪矿业过去一直并将继续基于世界级找矿发现阔步前行，我们领先行业的地质团队将坚持积极主动寻找机会，为公司扩展新的勘查项目。 "
图 1 ﹕新探矿权位置，靠近 Ivanplat 现有矿权以及普拉特瑞夫钯 - 铑 - 镍 - 铂 - 铜 - 金矿项目。
新探矿权涵盖波特希特斯供矿构造，是南非布什维尔德杂岩带区域上的重要重力异常
布什维尔德杂岩带是全球已知规模最大的层状岩浆杂岩带，蕴藏着全球已知储量最大的铂族金属、铬、钒、黄金和镍铜等基础金属。艾芬豪矿业的地质团队认为， " 波特希特斯供矿构造 " 是整个布什维尔德杂岩带中重力异常最显著的地区 ( 见图 2 和图 4) 。
Blinkwater 244KR 、 Moordrift 289KR 和 Lisbon 288KR 三个新的探矿权与 Ivanplats 的 Turfspruit 和 Macalacaskop 采矿权南部，覆盖了这个特征鲜明的物探重力异常，是早前进行的大线距大地重力测量时发现的。
图 2 ﹕区域性重力测量显示波特希特斯供矿构造重力异常的位置。
镁铁 - 超镁铁质岩体，也即所谓的 Rustenburg 层状岩套，横跨整个布什维尔德杂岩带。在 Rustenburg 层状岩套内，岩石的密度一般随着地层深度而逐渐升高，主要由于深部的镁铁质矿物更加富集，铁和镁的含量较高。 Rustenburg 层状岩套自上而下可分为上带、主带、关键带和下带，具有经济意义的矿化主要位于关键带的上部层位，赋存 Ivanplats 的世界级 Flatreef 铂族金属矿床。
图 3 ﹕三个新探矿权的位置，与 Rustenburg 层状岩套上部带和 Lebowa 花岗岩套的地表区域地质重叠关系。
基于历史数据分析，学术研究 1 假设该异常代表了布什维尔德杂岩带北部 Rustenburg 层状岩套的主要供矿构造带 (feeder zone) 。 Rustenburg 层状岩套的厚度显着增加，特别是在高密度的下部带，这可以很好的解释异常的原因。
通常认为在超镁铁质岩浆系统中，由于大量的岩浆贯穿涌入，供矿构造带或供矿通道更具勘查前景。在这里，岩浆和主岩之间的相互作用加强，有利于硫和基础金属进一步的沉淀富集。虽然地质学家建模解译的 " 波特希特斯供矿构造 " 位于地下深处，但新探矿权靠近供矿构造，其上方的 Rustenburg 层状岩套具有巨大的矿化潜力。
解译的供矿构造靠近区域断裂 (Ysterberg-Planknek 及 Zebedelia 断层，见图 3) ，同时考虑到在 Flatreef 矿床与厚大异常耦合的铂族金属矿化，艾芬豪据此认为与这些特征相关的矿化前景非常乐观。
物探与勘查工作即将开展
艾芬豪矿业将在新探矿权内开展高分辨率、高精度航磁和重力梯度测量，以进一步理解概念性的 " 波特希特斯供矿构造 " 靶区。物探工作将由南非比勒陀利亚的 Xcalibur Airborne Geophysics (PTY) Ltd 承担，预计于 2023 年初完成。新的物探数据将有助于确定 Rustenburg 层状岩套的潜在厚度，并为今年晚些时候进行的钻探工作选定靶区。
Ivanplats 于 2012 年首次在 Turfspruit 矿权开展了重力梯度测量，数据分辨率远高于传统的重力测量。该数据的三维模型约束反演对于普拉特瑞夫项目范围内主岩体空间产状的理解发挥了重要的作用，有助于建立该范围的详细构造和地层模型，从而促成了 Flatreef 矿床的发现。
艾芬豪矿业将整合新的测量数据和历史数据，对重力异常的规模和深度进行准确建模。地表填图和过往物探数据模拟显示，探矿权内的 Rustenburg 层状岩套的顶部可能位于地下约 900 米处。
1. (布什维尔德杂岩带的重力模型 — 我们回到起点了吗？作者﹕Cole、Webb 和 Finn，2014 年)、(布什维尔德杂岩带的三维形态模拟，作者﹕Cole，2018 年) 以及 (Finn.、Bedrosian、Cole、Khoza和Webb， 2015年)
图 4 ﹕区域物探重力测量，显示了布什维尔德杂岩体西翼、东翼和北翼南部的特征。
关于普拉特瑞夫
普拉特瑞夫项目由 Ivanplats (Pty) Ltd. ( 以下简称 "Ivanplats") 持有，艾芬豪矿业持有 Ivanplats 公司 64% 的权益。《全面提高黑人经济实力法案》 (B-BBEE) 的南非受益人持有项目 26% 的权益，这些受益人包括 20 个当地社区，约 150,000 位居民、项目雇员和当地企业主。伊藤忠商事株式会社、日本石油天然气和金属国家公司和日本天然气公司组成的日本财团通过 2 轮投资 ( 共 2.9 亿美元 ) 持有 Ivanplats10% 的权益。
普拉特瑞夫矿山鸟瞰图，显示投入运营的 1 号竖井 ( 右 ) 和在建的 2 号竖井 ( 中 ) 。
普拉特瑞夫的 Flatreef 矿床是一个地下开采矿山，铂族金属、镍、铜和金矿体厚大，位于林波波省的布什维尔德岩浆杂岩带北部，距离约翰内斯堡东北约 280 公里，距离波特希特斯镇约 8 公里。
在布什维尔德北翼，铂族金属矿化主要赋存在普拉特瑞夫层位，是一套走向延伸 30 多公里的矿化序列。艾芬豪的普拉特瑞夫项目位于普拉特瑞夫层位的南部，由 Turfspruit 及 Macalacaskop 两个相连的矿权组成。最北部的 Turfspruit 矿权，邻近且位于英美铂金 (Anglo Platinum) Mogalakwena 矿山的走向延伸上。 Flatreef 矿床适合高度机械化的地下开采作业，整个 Flatreef 矿区位于 Turfspruit 和 Macalacaskop 矿权范围内，属于公司采矿许可范围的一部分。
I 期计划于 2024 年第三季度实现首批精矿的生产， II 期扩建计划于 2027 年 2 号竖井投产后展开。预计 I 期平均年产 11.3 万盎司的钯、铑、铂金和黄金 ( 以下简称 "3PE+Au") 以及 500 万磅镍和 300 万磅铜。预计 II 期平均年产 59.1 万盎司的 3PE+Au 金属以及 2,600 万磅镍和 1,600 万磅铜。普拉特瑞夫项目将会成为全球规模最大和成本最低的钯 - 铂 - 铑 - 镍 - 铜 - 金矿山之一。
图 4 ﹕全球规模最大的在建贵金属矿山 ( 按探明和控制资源的金属量排名 )
信息来源﹕公司文件、标准普尔全球市场情报。注﹕根据标准普尔全球市场情报数据库中最大规模的未被开发钯、铂、黄金、银和铑金属项目进行排名 (以探明和控制的钯当量金属为标准)。钯当量计算包括钯、铂、黄金、银和铑盎司，并根据以下现货金属价格 (2022年2月23日) 假设计算﹕铂1,095美元/盎司、钯2,480美元/盎司、铑18,750美元/盎司、黄金1,909美元/盎司和银24.55美元/盎司。普拉特瑞夫的探明和控制资源量，以1克/吨边界品位估算。
矿产资源量估算于2016年4月22日完成。2022年1月28日，更新参数对最终经济开采的合理预期进行了评估，以确保估算仍然有效。更新版的基准日为2022年1月28日。估算报告的合资格人Timothy Kuhl 先生是采矿、冶金与勘探学会 (SME) 的会员。
合资格人
艾芬豪矿业于 2022 年 3 月提交了普拉特瑞夫 2022 可行性研究，符合加拿大矿产项目披露标准 43 ‐ 101 ( 以下简称 "NI 43-101") 的最新技术报告。更新后的 NI 43-101 技术报告包括对普拉特瑞夫 I 期和 II 期的独立可行性研究，稳态产能扩大至 520 万吨 / 年。
普拉特瑞夫 2022 可行性研究技术报告由澳大利亚阿德莱德的 OreWin Pty Ltd. 、美国里诺的 Mine Technical Services 、南非约翰内斯堡的 SRK Consulting Inc. 、南非约翰内斯堡的 DRA Global 以及南非米德兰的 Golder Associates Africa 独立编撰。
标题为 " 普拉特瑞夫 2022 可行性研究 " 的技术报告已提交至 SEDAR 网站www.sedar.com和艾芬豪矿业公司网站www.ivanhoemines.com。
本新闻稿载有的其他科学和技术信息，已经由艾芬豪矿业项目地质及评估副总裁斯蒂芬 · 托尔 (Stephen Torr) 审阅和批核。托尔先生是符合 NI 43-101 条款下的合资格人。由于托尔先生是艾芬豪矿业项目地质及评估副总裁，因此他并不符合 NI 43-101 对独立人士的界定。托尔先生已核实本新闻稿所披露的技术数据。
关于艾芬豪矿业
艾芬豪矿业是一家加拿大的矿业公司，正在推进旗下位于南部非洲的三大主要项目：位于刚果民主共和国的卡莫阿 - 卡库拉 (Kamoa-Kakula) 铜矿项目新扩建的机械化井下矿山开发工程、位于南非的普拉特瑞夫钯 - 铑 - 铂 - 镍 - 铜 - 金矿的开拓工程；以及同样位于刚果民主共和国、久负盛名的基普什 (Kipushi) 锌 - 铜 - 锗 - 银矿的重建工程。
卡莫阿 - 卡库拉是全球品位最高和增长最快的大型铜矿之一。卡莫阿 - 卡库拉于 2021 年 5 月实现铜精矿生产，未来将分阶段进行扩建，预计将会成为全球最大规模的铜生产商之一。卡莫阿 - 卡库拉铜矿 2022 年生产精矿含铜金属的指导目标为 31 至 34 万吨。
同时，艾芬豪矿业正在刚果民主共和国境内、毗邻卡莫阿 - 卡库拉铜矿项目的西部前沿 (Western Foreland) 探矿权内寻找新的铜矿资源。西部前沿探矿权占地 2,400 平方公里，由艾芬豪矿业全资拥有。
联系方式
投资者
温哥华﹕马修·基维尔 (Matthew Keevil)，电话﹕+1.604.558.1034
伦敦﹕托米·霍顿 (Tommy Horton) ，电话﹕+44 7866 913 207
媒体
温哥华﹕坦尼娅·托德 (Tanya Todd) ，电话﹕+1.604.331.9834
前瞻性陈述
本新闻稿载有的某些陈述可能构成适用证券法所订议的"前瞻性陈述"或"前瞻性信息"。这些陈述及信息涉及已知和未知的风险、不确定性和其他因素，可能导致本公司的实际业绩、表现或成就、普拉特瑞夫项目或行业的业绩，与前瞻性陈述或信息所表达或暗示的任何未来业绩、表现或成就产生重大差异。这些陈述可通过文中使用"可能"、"将会"、"会"、"将要"、"打算"、"预期"、"相信"、"计划"、"预计"、"估计"、 "安排" 、"预测"、"预言"及其他类似用语，或者声明"可能"、"会"、"将会"、"可能会"或"将要"采取、发生或实现某些行动、事件或结果进行识别。这些陈述仅反映本公司于本新闻稿发布当日对于未来事件、表现和业绩的当前预期。
本新闻稿载有的前瞻性陈述及前瞻性信息包括但不限于以下的陈述﹕(i) I 期计划于2024年第三季度实现投产； (ii) 2号竖井将于2027年投产；(iii) 预计 I 期平均年产11.3万盎司的钯、铑、铂金和黄金 (3PE+Au) 以及500万磅镍和300万磅铜；(iv) 预计 II 期平均年产59.1万盎司的万盎司的钯、铂、铑和黄金以及超过4,000万磅镍和铜金属；(v) Flatreef 矿床适合高度机械化的地下开采作业；以及 (vi) 普拉特瑞夫项目将会成为全球规模最大和成本最低的钯-铂-铑-镍-铜-金矿山之一。
另外，普拉特瑞夫2022 可行性研究的所有结果均构成前瞻性陈述及前瞻性信息。前瞻性陈述包括金属价格假设、现金流预测、资本和运营成本估算、金属回收率、矿山服务年限和开采率，以及普拉特瑞夫2022 可行性研究的财务业绩。这些包括税后内部收益率18.5% (以长期共识金属价格计算) 和29.3% (以现货金属价格计算) 以及项目回报期分别为7.9年和6.6年的估算；净现值 (折现率8%) 17亿美元 (以长期共识金属价格计算) 和41亿美元(以现货金属价格计算)的估算；未来产量的预测及项目(包括预测平均年产量为59.0万盎司3PE+Au)；估计总现金成本净值 (扣除铜及镍副产品收入，并已计入维持资本开支) 为514美元/盎司；估计矿山服务年限 (包括矿山服务年限为28.3年)；初步资本开支4.48亿美元及扩建资本开支15亿美元；I期平均年产量为11.3万盎司 3PE+Au的估算；现金流量预测；估计3PE+Au回收率86%。读者请注意实际业绩与本新闻稿所述的可能会有所差异。
所有该等前瞻性信息和陈述乃基于艾芬豪矿业管理层就他们的经验和对于过往趋势、目前条件和预期未来发展的看法，以及管理层在此情况下认为恰当的其他因素而作出的某些假设和分析。然而，这些陈述涉及不同风险和不确定性以及其他因素，可能导致实际事件或业绩与前瞻性信息或陈述所预测的有重大差异，包括但不限于有关部门实施的法例、法规或规章或其无法预计的修订、合约各方未能根据协议履行合约、社会或劳资纠纷、商品价格的变动、基础设施出现无法预计的故障或设施不足、工业事故或机械故障(包括竖井凿井设备)、或延迟开发基础设施；以及勘探计划或其他研究未能达到预期结果或用作证明和支持继续研究、开发或运营的结果。可能导致实际业绩与前瞻性陈述有差异的其他重要因素包括本公司最近提交的管理层讨论与分析报告内以及艾芬豪矿业最近提交的周年信息报告内"风险因素"部分所指的因素。读者请注意不应过度依赖前瞻性信息或陈述。用作编撰前瞻性信息和陈述的某些因素和假设，以及可能导致实际业绩产生重大差异的某些风险均载于SEDAR (www.sedar.com) 及艾芬豪矿业网站(www.ivanhoemines.com) 内的技术报告。
本新闻稿还载有矿产资源和矿产储量估算的参考信息。矿产资源和矿产储量估算未能确定，并涉及对许多有关因素的主观判断。矿产资源不是矿产储量，不具有論証的经济潜力。任何该等估算的准确性是可用数据的数量和质量函数，并根据工程和地质诠释的假设和判断而作出，可能被证明是不可靠，在一定程度上取决于钻探结果和统计推论的分析，而最终可能证明是不准确的。矿产资源或矿产储量估算可能需要根据下列因素作出重新估算﹕(i) 铂金、钯、黄金、铑、铜、镍或其他矿产价格的波动；(ii) 钻探结果；(iii) 选冶试验和其他研究的结果；(iv) 更改建议采矿作业，包括贫化；(v) 在任何估算日期后作出的采矿计划评估；以及 (vi) 未能取得所需准许、批准和许可证的可能性。
虽然本新闻稿载有的前瞻性陈述是基于公司管理层认为合理的假设而作出，但公司不能向投资者保证实际业绩会与前瞻性陈述的预期一致。这些前瞻性陈述仅是截至本新闻稿发布当日作出，而且受本警示声明明确限制。根据相应的证券法，公司并无义务更新或修改任何前瞻性陈述以反映本新闻稿发布当日后所发生的事件或情况。