The report confirms the profitability of the Beaufor mine
MONTREAL, Dec. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - MONARQUES GOLD
CORPORATION ("Monarques" or the "Corporation") (TSX.V:MQR) (OTCMKTS:MRQRF) (FRANKFURT:MR7) is pleased to report the
results of the updated mineral resource and reserve estimates for its wholly-owned Beaufor mine. The mineral resource and reserve
estimates were prepared by InnovExplo inc., in collaboration with Beaufor mine personnel and the Corporation in accordance with
NI 43-101. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts in this press release are presented in Canadian dollars.
The Beaufor mine is located approximately 20 km northeast of Val-d'Or, in the province
of Quebec. The mine has been in operation since 1930. The ore from the Beaufor mine is processed
at the Camflo mill, which has a 1,600 tonne-per-day milling capacity. The mill is operated by Usine Camflo inc., also
wholly-owned by Monarques.
"The outcome of the technical report is positive for Monarques, as it confirms the profitability of the Beaufor mine," said
Jean-Marc Lacoste, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monarques. "Furthermore, the report
does not consider the Camflo mill's current custom milling activities, which could enhance the mine's profitability. We are also
continuing to assess our options for extending the mine life through targeted drilling programs on the most promising identified
zones."
Key economic parameters
Based on a gold price of $1,638/oz, reflecting a gold price of US $1,280/oz and an exchange
rate of 1.28 CAD/1 USD, the study demonstrates that the Beaufor mine
could generate an after-tax net present value of $4.41 million at a 5% discount rate with a total
production of 30,018 ounces over the mine life. Operating costs would total $41.5 million and the
total project cost would be $43.0 million. The average production cost would be $1,433/oz.
Table of economic parameters
Parameter
|
Value
|
Proven and probable reserves
|
139,522 tonnes mined
|
Grade of proven and probable reserves
|
6.83 g/t mined
|
Total gold production
|
30,018 ounces (oz)
|
Gold metallurgical recovery
|
98.0 %
|
Minimum daily production
|
114 tpd
|
Maximum daily production
|
341 tpd
|
Minimum monthly gold production
|
1,200 oz
|
Maximum monthly gold production
|
2,689 oz
|
Total gold production
|
30,018 oz
|
Average operating cost
|
$297 /t
|
Average operating cost
|
$1,383 /oz
|
Total cost per ounce
|
$1,433 /oz
|
Total gross revenue
|
$49.18 million
|
Capital costs
|
$1.50 million
|
Total operating costs
|
$41.50 million
|
Total project cost
|
$43.00 million
|
Net cash flow (before taxes and royalties)
|
$5.68 million
|
Estimated taxes
|
$0.82 million
|
Net cash flow
|
$4.86 million
|
Pre-tax NPV (5% discount rate)
|
$5.16 million
|
Pre-tax IRR
|
N/A
|
After-tax NPV (5% discount rate)
|
$4.41 million
|
After-tax IRR
|
N/A
|
Mine life
|
17 months
|
Reserves
Table of estimated mineral reserves
Beaufor mine
|
Tonnes
(t)
|
Grade
(g/t Au)
|
Ounces
(oz)
|
Proven reserve
|
28,100
|
5.95
|
5,400
|
Probable reserve
|
111,500
|
7.05
|
25,200
|
Total Proven and Probable reserve
|
139,500
|
6.83
|
30,600
|
Notes:
- The independent and qualified person for the mineral reserve estimate, as defined by NI 43-101 is Laurent Roy, Eng. (OIQ
No. 109779), of InnovExplo Inc. The effective date of the estimate is September 30, 2017.
- The economic viability of the mineral reserve is proven.
- Results are presented including dilution. Dilution varies from 10% to 15% for the long-hole stopes based on the position of
the dyke, and is 0% for the room-and-pillar stopes as the stope width is less than 2.40m.
- Results are presented including mining recovery rates. Mining recovery varies from 85% to 90% for long-hole stopes based on
the position of the dyke and is 90% for room-and-pillar stopes.
- The metallurgical gold recovery at the Camflo mill is 98%.
- The mineral reserve was compiled using cut-off grades of 3.95 g/t Au (long-hole) to 4.66 g/t Au (room-and-pillar). Cut-off
grades must be re-evaluated in light of prevailing market conditions (gold price, exchange rate and mining cost).
- A constant specific gravity value of 2.75 t/m3 was used.
- A minimum true thickness of 2.40 m was applied.
- Ounce (troy) = metric tons x grade / 31.1035. Calculations used metric units (metres, tonnes, and g/t).
- The mineral reserve was estimated using a long-term gold price of CAD 1,638.40 per ounce
(metal price of USD 1,280 per ounce and an exchange rate 1.28
CAD/1 USD).
- Tonnage and ounces estimates were rounded to the nearest hundred. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding
effects; rounding followed the recommendations in Form 43-101F1.
- The mineral reserve estimate is compliant with CIM standards and guidelines.
- InnovExplo is not aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political, marketing,
or other relevant issue that could materially affect the mineral reserve estimate.
Resources
Estimated mineral resource table, exclusive of mineral reserve
Beaufor mine
|
Tonnes
(t)
|
Grade
(g/t Au)
|
Ounces
(oz)
|
Measured resource
|
74,400
|
6.71
|
16,100
|
Indicated resource
|
271,700
|
7.93
|
69,300
|
Total Measured and Indicated resource
|
346,200
|
7.67
|
85,400
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred resource
|
46,100
|
8.34
|
12,400
|
Notes:
- The independent and qualified person ("QP") for the Mineral Resource Estimate as required by NI 43‑101 is Carl Pelletier, P.Geo. (OGQ 384), employee of InnovExplo Inc. The effective date of the estimate is
September 30, 2017.
- Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
- Mineral reserves have been subtracted from mineral resources.
- Results are presented in-situ and undiluted. The reported mineral resource is considered by the QP to have reasonable
prospects for underground economic extraction.
- The estimate includes 63 mineralized zones in the Beaufor mine.
- Mineral Resources are estimated at variable cut-off grades ranging from 3.95 g/t Au (long-hole) to 4.66 g/t Au
(room-and-pillar). Cut-off grades must be re-evaluated in light of prevailing market conditions (gold price, exchange rate and
mining cost).
- A specific gravity value of 2.75 t/m3 was used.
- A minimum true vein width of 2.40 m was used.
- Capping of high-grade values was done at 68.5 g/t Au for zones 8, B, M, M1 and Q, while all other zones were capped at
34.25 g/t Au and drill hole intersections were capped at 16.5 g/t over 2.40 m. Capping was done
on raw assays.
- The estimation method was polygonal on cross section.
- Polygons for measured resources extend 8 m above and below development and up to 10 m laterally. Polygons for indicated resources do not extend more than 20 m
from drill hole intercepts, along dip and along strike. Polygons for inferred resources do not extend more than 40 m from drill hole intercepts, along dip and along strike; they are generated where the drill spacing
generally ranges from 20 m to 40 m and/or in areas of isolated
drill holes where mineralization is interpreted to be the extension of known mineralized zones.
- Ounce (troy) = metric tons x grade / 31.1035. Calculations used metric units (metres, tonnes, g/t)
- Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of CAD 1,638.40 per ounce (metal
price of USD 1,280 per ounce and an exchange rate of 1.28
CAD/1 USD).
- Tonnage and ounce estimates were rounded to the nearest hundred. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding
effects; rounding followed the recommendations in Form 43-101F1.
- CIM definitions and guidelines were followed in estimating mineral resources.
- InnovExplo is not aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political, marketing
or other relevant issue that could materially affect the mineral resource estimate.
A technical report on the Beaufor mine's mineral resource and reserve estimates, as presented above, will be filed today,
Thursday, December 28, 2017, on SEDAR following the publication of this press release.
Qualified person
The technical content of this press release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Marc-André Lavergne, Eng., a qualified person
according to NI 43-101.
The mineral resource estimate of the Beaufor mine was prepared under the supervision of Mr. Carl
Pelletier, B.Sc. Geo., an employee of InnovExplo Inc. Mr. Pelletier is an independent qualified person according to NI
43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release, which corresponds to the mineral resource estimate of
the technical report. The mineral reserve estimate of the Beaufor mine was prepared by Mr. Laurent Roy, Eng., an employee of
InnovExplo Inc. Mr. Roy is an independent qualified person according to NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical
content of this release, which corresponds to the mineral reserve estimate of the technical report.
ABOUT MONARQUES GOLD CORPORATION
Monarques Gold Corp (TSX-V:MQR) is an emerging gold producer focused on pursuing growth through its large portfolio of
high-quality projects in the Abitibi mining camp in Quebec, Canada. The Corporation currently
owns close to 300 km² of gold properties (see map), including
the Beaufor mine, the Croinor Gold (see video), Wasamac, McKenzie Break and Swanson advanced projects, and the Camflo and
Beacon mills, as well as six promising exploration projects. It also offers custom milling services out of its 1,600
tonne-per-day Camflo mill. Monarques enjoys a strong financial position and has more than 150 skilled employees who oversee its
operating, development and exploration activities.
Forward-Looking Statements
The forward-looking statements in this press release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may
cause Monarques' actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied therein. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is
defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press
release.
SOURCE Monarques Gold Corporation
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