RE:Looking for High GradeSince we are developing the deposits as separate mines, it makes more sense to assess the exploration and mineral resource success of each deposit separately as well. That will give a more accurate picture of changes in the value of each deposit over time.
Therefore, note that at a 3% cut-off grade, Kakula's mineral resource tonnage actually increased by 75% (Indicated) through just 5 months and 5 days of additional drill data (Sept 30, 2016 to May 5, 2017). I concur that this can be classified as amazing. However, a reduction in inferred resources means that Kakula combined Indicated and Inferred Resources only increased by 33%, which is still very positive.
From May 17, 2017 NR:
The new Mineral Resource estimate covers a strike length of approximately 7.7 kilometres along the eastern section of the Kakula Discovery. It boosts the tonnage of Kakula’s estimated Indicated Resources by 75% compared to the October 2016 resource estimate – which covered a strike length of 4.1 kilometres.
Kakula’s Indicated Resources increased by 50 million tonnes, to the current total of 116 million tonnes at 6.09% copper, at a 3% cut-off grade. This compares to 66 million tonnes at 6.59% copper estimated in October 2016, also at a 3% cut-off grade.
Kakula’s new estimated Inferred Resources are an additional 12 million tonnes at 4.45% copper, at a 3% cut-off Note that Kamoa's mineral tonnages remained the same in the PEAs. There has been no additional drillhole data added to that model since the May 5 2014 effective cutoff date. It shouldn't be lumped in with Kakula otherwise it masks the huge gains at that deposit.
bloomfield18 wrote: The 3% cutoff increased by 14% between the Nov 2016 PEA and the June update. Anything in excess of a 30% improvement over a year would be very positive. A 50% increase at the 3% cutoff would be amazing. These 4+4, 6+6, and 6+6+6 plans are mathematical constructs which can be scaled up or down depending on circumstances. Additional high grade resource can't be so easily manufactured. It's the real thing. Hopefully, they'll also include a separate grade tabulation for Kakula West. That would provide a useful comparison with Kakula and Kamoa. Is it on the same scale, or just a rump to Kakula? The Nov update should make for some very interesting reading. Perhaps even more so than the Kakula PFS, which will provide greater accuracy, not necessarily more excitement.