International Mining’s Post

Pre-concentration: it’s worth asking the question SRK Consulting’s Adrian Dance and Bob McCarthy have devoted years to ensuring the mining industry can make informed decisions about pre-concentration within their flowsheets and are now able to screen the opportunities quickly, cost-effectively and without vendor prejudice. “We have been carrying out the different parts of the five-step evaluation process over the years, refining them independently and sometimes together,” McCarthy tells IM. “It is only now that we can present them all in a holistic way.” This five-step process – which includes heterogeneity analyses; “size the prize” economics; laboratory test work that involves X-ray Transmission (XRT) based sensor technology; mine planning; and mine economics – has been deliberately designed to allow mining companies to pause at the end of each phase to re-evaluate if there is a strong enough case to continue with a preconcentration investigation. The importance of such an approach has grown in recent years as more projects that are “grade-challenged” or metallurgically complex are being considered for exploitation by mining companies as the demand for metal increases worldwide. SRK, in this environment, is looking to provide both mining companies and technology providers with a platform to assess the options and carry out informed decision making on which routes to pursue - or not pursue. Find out all about this approach in the piece below... #preconcentration #oresorting #mineralprocessing

It's cold and snowy in Winnipeg so there's no better time to share our latest cover, which makes me think of spring! I didn't plan for this edition of the magazine to be solely focused on energy transition, ESG, and Canada leading the way, but every article came in with these themes running distinctly through. The result is an incredibly compelling issue! If you'd like to advertise in a future edition or sign up to receive future issues as they come out (free for Canadian mining professionals) visit our website. The latest digital issue is posted now too - also for free! https://lnkd.in/eWu7Ai3D Thank you to this issue's expert contributors: Pierre Gratton from the Mining Association of Canada, who wrote this issue's opening message; Theo Yameogo from EY, whose article inspired our cover and set the tone for the issue; Ward Metzler from dss+ who talked about establishing risk management plans to help successfully implement ESG technologies; Andrew Ing from Northcliff Resources Ltd (TSX: NCF) who shared details about a Northcliff project in New Brunswick that has tremendous critical-minerals potential; Suzanne Davis-Hall ISSP-CSP MBA from Genesg and Mona M. Forster, MBA, ICD.D, Strategic Advisor, who discussed opportunities and challenges - particularly for juniors - related to the global shift to net zero; Lana Eagle, Industry Consultant, and Diane Garrett, from Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation, who shared their insight into ensuring women find success in the mining industry; Randy Smallwood from Wheaton Precious Metals and Catherine Adair from Teck Resources Limited who talk about the benefits and rewards of corporate philanthropy; Al Shpyth from the International Minerals Innovation Institute, who described how geological reservoirs deep underground in Saskatchewan could be a viable carbon capture option; and Henk van Alphen from World Copper, who talked about how Canadian copper will play a starring role in the clean energy revolution. This issue also featured reprints from our online blog collection - articles too good not to share! Thank you Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR); Exyn Technologies; and CIM | Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum / Science North & Dynamic Earth. Look for copies of this issue at two major upcoming shows - AME Roundup and Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC). If you're a subscriber, your copy is in the mail!

Pre-concentration: it’s worth asking the question ICYMI, the final part in a three-part series with SRK Consulting on pre-concentration is available to all to read. SRK’s Adrian Dance, Bob McCarthy and the team have devoted years to ensuring the mining industry can make informed decisions about pre-concentration within their flowsheets and are now able to screen the opportunities quickly, cost-effectively and without vendor prejudice. “We have been carrying out the different parts of the five-step evaluation process over the years, refining them independently and sometimes together,” McCarthy tells IM. “It is only now that we can present them all in a holistic way.” This five-step process – which includes heterogeneity analyses; “size the prize” economics; laboratory test work that involves X-ray Transmission (XRT) based sensor technology; mine planning; and mine economics – has been deliberately designed to allow mining companies to pause at the end of each phase to re-evaluate if there is a strong enough case to continue with a preconcentration investigation. The importance of such an approach has grown in recent years as more projects that are “grade-challenged” or metallurgically complex are being considered for exploitation by mining companies as the demand for metal increases worldwide. SRK, in this environment, is looking to provide both mining companies and technology providers with a platform to assess the options and carry out informed decision making on which routes to pursue - or not pursue. Find out all about this approach in the piece below... #preconcentration #oresorting #mineralprocessing

OK, mineral reporting standards... if you're thinking "been there, know the matrix, all handled thanks" please consider: 📶 Critical minerals often come in smaller, more complex deposits than those we've focused on for decades, and will be exploited by a wider variety of companies in size and funding approaches - building confidence in how these deposits are assessed, valued and structured will continue to require strong consensus on the rules of the game ✳ Reporting standards evolved to (re)create trust between promoters and their investors - we now have many, many other stakeholders participating in the conversation: these rules are an important tool to build a shared vocabulary, foster understanding and facilitate agreement on prioritisation (yes, I'm thinking of policy papers that refer to "reserves" as if numbers magically appeared on a spreadsheet 😥) 📈 At a time when policy shapers want to believe that their interest creates a market and directs investment, noise is increasing but feasibility is more complex than ever - the rush on Strategic Projects as the CRM Act is implemented, rising expectations in resource-rich countries and the push for public funding of upstream growth create a perfect nexus for expensive mistakes: now more than ever we need to ensure that market expectations and investment requirements are clear and drive decision-making, including policy choices Then have a quick refresh ... and send it to 3 contacts who need a decoder! Thanks to Ed Sides and Ruth Allington for reminding us that the basics still hold - and are more relevant than ever ! #responsibleinvestment #responsiblemining

Yesterday, 10th of May, 2024. I had the opportunity to attend a seminar at GOLD FIELDS, Tarkwa that delved into the topic of tailings management. The seminar brought together a panel of esteemed experts who shared their wealth of knowledge and experiences, providing attendees like myself with a deeper understanding of the importance of this topic and the role of independent review boards in ensuring safe and sustainable mining practices. The keynote speakers at the event included Andy Fourie, a Professor from the University of Western Australia, Adriaan Meintjes of SRK Consulting, and Peter Chapman from WSP Mining Each of these industry leaders brought a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from their extensive work on tailings management projects around the world. The central focus of the seminar was to highlight the significance of effective tailings management in the mining industry. The speakers emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies and robust oversight to mitigate the environmental and safety risks associated with the storage and disposal of mining waste. They shared best practices and lessons learned from their respective experiences, offering valuable insights that challenged the participants to think critically about the challenges and opportunities in this domain. Beyond the informative presentations, the seminar also featured interactive sessions that encouraged attendees to engage in discussions and explore potential solutions. This collaborative approach allowed us to delve deeper into the complexities of tailings management, considering the diverse stakeholder interests and the evolving regulatory landscape. As a student aspiring to contribute to the mining industry, I found this seminar to be an invaluable learning experience. It not only broadened my understanding of the technical aspects of tailings management but also underscored the importance of independent review boards in ensuring the safety and sustainability of mining operations. The insights gained from the seminar will undoubtedly inform my future endeavors and help me navigate the nuances of this critical field.

Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN, OTCQB:ANSNF) is encouraged by high-grade #zinc and #lead returned in its maiden drilling program at the Ajana Base and Precious Metals Project in the Mid-West region of Western Australia with #silver to boot. The 30-hole, 1,105-metre reverse circulation (RC) program took place at two priority prospects - Surprise and Ethel Maude - and intersected high-grade mineralisation at both, validating Anson’s exploration approach at the project. This program targeted highly prospective lead-zinc-copper-silver mineralised areas at the priority prospects. Ajana covers 222 square kilometres within the prospective Northampton metamorphic complex in an established zinc, lead and silver mining province. around 130 kilometres north of the regional hub and port of Geraldton. More at #Proactive #ProactiveInvestors #ASX #OTCQB #ASN #ANSNF #MiningAustralia #BatteryMetals #CriticalMinerals http://ow.ly/7zku105ikJf

#ASXNews Colosseum Scoping Study Delivers Positive Outcomes Dateline Resources Limited is pleased to announce the release of the Scoping Study for its flagship, 100% owned Colosseum Gold Project, based on the June 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate, located in San Bernardino County, California, US. The Dateline Board has endorsed this Study and has approved progression to the Project Selection Stage ahead of a Bankable Feasibility Study. The Study confirms Colosseum as a robust #gold mine development that delivers value for shareholders. Recent #drilling at the North Pipe and depth extensions outside the MRE at the South Pipe offer opportunities for potential extensions to the mine life, based on infill and extensional drilling to convert into mineral resources. • Two development and production cases were assessed: o Case 1 assessed an underground and open pit operation, with sub level caving followed by open pit mining at a rate of 1Mtpa o Case 2 focused only on open pit mining methods, with a processing rate of 2Mtpa • Development of an open pit only mining operation is preferred (Case 2) • Measured and Indicated mineral resources account for 81% of plant feed in Case 2 • Scoping Study indicates Case 2 production at 75koz per annum for 8.4 years #DTR’s Managing Director, Stephen Baghdadi, commented: “The Scoping Study indicates robust project outcomes using a US$2,200 per ounce gold price. The production and development cases assessed were benchmarked against 16 projects with sufficient published information on capital costs and 38 projects for operating costs. “Although two cases were assessed, the Company is most likely to progress Case 2 to BFS and has commenced discussions with suitable groups in the USA that are capable of completing the BFS. “The Company will explore ways to further enhance the project economics and capital expenditure during the BFS stage.” View the Scoping Study: https://loom.ly/Bk3p0mI #DatelineResources #MiningNews #ASX #ScopingStudy

I am pleased to announce the publication by Earth Science, Systems and Society of an online article written by myself and Ruth Allington (PERC Trustee and GSL President).  Title: Mineral Reporting Standards: PERC’s Role in CRIRSCO and Its Relevance to the European Mining Sector Authors: Edmund Sides and Ruth Allington Contents: This article provides an overview of the CRIRSCO family of reporting codes and standards.  An introduction to the different types of reporting standards used in the minerals sector is provided along with a history of the development of CRIRSCO. The contents and purpose of the CRIRSCO International Reporting Template are illustrated using examples based on the PERC Reporting Standard 2021. Current concerns and developments related to minerals reporting are also discussed, including competency, the reporting of environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects and the relationship between the CRIRSCO Template aligned codes and standards and the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC). The article is based on an online presentation which was presented on 19th October 2020 to a virtual conference entitled: “Mineral resource estimation: recent advances and current best practice” which was organised by the Geological Society of London, but the scope of the article has been expanded and broadened considerably.  The article can be accessed using the following link: https://lnkd.in/dv3exQEF

🔎 📰 Exciting News! 🎯🛠️ After two years of research, I’m thrilled to announce that my first article on the digital transformation in the mining industry has been published! In this article, I clarify the Smart Mine concept, with a particular focus on underground extraction operations. Based on an industry-focus literature review, this paper categorizes the vision of the Smart Mine in terms of objectives, solutions, and business management processes. Key findings : Alignment between practitioners and academics on financial, operational, business, safety, and ESG objectives. A focus on equipment and technology, but people and culture are often overlooked. Gaps in business management processes like change, risk and safety, and asset management need more attention. A huge thank you to everyone who supported this journey! 🙏 You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g5ryMkcb #SmartMine #DigitalTransformation #MiningIndustry

This is a great idea. What is being proposed is benchmarking the operating and capital cost estimates with similar projects when preparing a study and technical report. Using reference costs and comparing those with first principles cost estimates generated as part of any level of study is also sensible. I suggest that benchmarking the construction, commissioning, and production ramp-up be included in the exercise. A sub-heading in one of sections 21 (Capital and Operating Costs or 22 (Economic Analysis) is in order versus a new heading. These sections tend to lack QP commentary on the outcomes and focus on being information only. Some narrative on the costs and schedules versus a couple of peer operations (not projects or other studies). Obtaining reasonably accurate AISC values and operating costs from comparable mining operations is not a monumental task. There are online databases that can be subscribed to and searching company websites for recent financial disclosures will provide the information. #NI43101 #Mining #CostEstimating #SmartMining #FeasibilityStudies #MiningEngineering