Cora Gold Limited / EPIC:
CORA.L / Market: AIM / Sector: Mining
15 January 2025
Cora Gold Limited
('Cora' or 'the Company')
+1 Million Ounce Mineral Resource Estimate
Delineated at Sanankoro Gold Project
Cora Gold Limited, the West African focused gold
company, is pleased to announce an updated Mineral Resource
Estimate ('MRE') at its flagship Sanankoro Gold Project
('Sanankoro' or 'the Project') in southern Mali. This follows the
addition of 2,669m of drilling (50 Reverse Circulation ('RC')
drillholes) to the Sanankoro MRE dataset; this drilling was
primarily to de-risk the MRE and convert near surface Inferred
Mineral Resource material to higher-confidence Indicated, allowing
the Company to extend the life of mine ('LOM') of the Project once
new Ore Reserves ('OR') studies have been completed.
2024 MRE Update
Highlights
· 2024 MRE
achieved:
o total resources 31.4
Mt at 1.04 g/t Au for 1,044 koz, comprising Indicated 19.0 Mt at
1.13 g/t Au for 689 koz plus Inferred 12.4 Mt at 0.89 g/t Au for
354 koz
o 26% increase in
tonnage to 31.4Mt (2022 MRE: 24.9Mt)
o 13% increase in
contained metal to 1,044koz Au (2022 MRE: 920koz Au)
· MRE
update follows a successful 2023 mineral resource conversion drill
programme, the data from which led to a remodelling at Zone A and
Selin.
· Other
contributing factors to the 2024 MRE increase include:
o a decrease in the
cut-off grade to 0.3 g/t Au (2022 MRE: 0.4 g/t Au).
o an increase in the
gold price used for the pit shell of US$2,400/oz (2022 MRE:
US$1,900/oz), which has increased the volume of material inside the
reporting pit.
·
Potential further mineral growth that may be
achievable:
o Results from the optimised pits imply more resources may be
reported if additional work is completed to delineate MRE model
extensions; further deeper drilling is now required to expand the
MRE at Zone A, Zone B, Zone B North and Zone C.
o The
single exploration hole drilled at Zone B discovered new
mineralisation, which is not part of the current MRE, with
three mineralised zones intersected (19m at 0.66 g/t Au from 27m to
36m, 11m at 0.34 g/t Au from 70m to 81m) and with the hole ending
in mineralisation (1m at 2.87 g/t Au) at 120m.
o A further pipeline of
oxide drill targets (brownfield and greenfield) are being reviewed
by the Company's exploration team to potentially further grow the
Mineral Resource; the MRE potential of these targets has been
highlighted in the 2024 MRE Report.
o Subsequent to the
announcement of the 2022 MRE for a total of 24.9 Mt at 1.15 g/t Au
for 920 koz, Cora published an Exploration Target, which in
addition to the 2022 MRE, is estimated to contain between 26.0Mt
and 35.2Mt with a grade range of 0.58 - 1.21 g/t Au for a potential
content of 490koz Au-1.37Moz Au.
Note: The potential
quantity and grade of this Exploration Target is conceptual in
nature, there has been insufficient exploration to estimate a
Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will
result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.
· 2024 MRE
and ongoing optimisation studies to support an updated Definitive Feasibility Study ('DFS') in 2025, with enhanced
project metrics expected given significantly higher gold price
since the 2022 DFS (previously completed on a US$1,750/oz gold
price).
Bert Monro, Chief
Executive Officer of Cora, commented, "The Company is
continuing to positively build the economic and exploration
potential of the Sanankoro Gold Project. It's been well established
that the more we drill, the more we find, and as a project it is
far from a finished product. We are constantly seeking ways
to enhance the value of the prospects and extend the life of mine
in a way that best maximises shareholder funds. This MRE
update is another step in delivering on our development strategy,
which in light of a continued strong gold price, is proving to be a
very opportune time to be bringing a high value, low cost, oxide
gold project such as Sanankoro into production.
"During the last quarter, following a thorough review
of the 2022 DFS, Cora commissioned a processing optimisation study
to look at ways to further enhance the process plant flow sheet,
aimed at delivering further economic benefits to the Project.
Following this study's completion, it's our intention to update the
Project's Ore Reserves and publish an updated DFS during 2025. With
the gold price currently at near record highs, and the previously
completed DFS based on a US$1,750/oz gold price, we are hoping for
significant improvements in the Project's economics. I look forward
to being able to share the results of these studies once
completed.
"The Company is proactively engaging with the Malian
government regarding its application for a mining licence, which,
once granted, will allow mine construction to commence. We
are looking forward to 2025 and working hard to deliver an enhanced
project."
Further
Information
ERM Australia Consultants Pty Ltd ('ERM'; formerly
CSA Global), was commissioned by Cora to provide an updated MRE for
Sanankoro. The Project is located in southwestern Mali,
approximately 25km northeast of the border with Guinea, on the
leading western edge of the Yanfolila-Kalana Volcanic Belt. On a
local scale, there are five main mineralised areas which currently
define the Project, which in order of significance are Selin, Zone
A, Zone B, Zone B North, and Zone C. Additionally, Fode 1 and
Target 6 represent areas of interest that were explored and drilled
in the 2022 campaign. The subsequent small MRE resource conversion
and de-risking drill campaign focussed on infill drilling at Selin
and Zone A, with a single exploration hole drilled at Zone B
West.
Figure 1. Location
of the Sanankoro Gold Project
The previous MRE was reported in 2022 by CSA Global
(see announcement dated 19 July 2022). The 2024 MRE update is part
of the Company's project improvement efforts, which will result in
an updated DFS for the Sanankoro Gold Project. The 2024 MRE has
been classified and reported as Indicated and Inferred in
accordance with the guidelines of the JORC Code
2012[1]. Pit optimisation
studies demonstrate that the Mineral Resource can be extracted by
means of open pit mining and therefore meets the criteria required
for Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction
('RPEEE').
The 2024 MRE is reported above a cut-off grade of 0.3
g/t Au and comprises 31.4Mt at 1.04 g/t Au. The previous Mineral
Resource was reported in June 2022 by CSA Global at a cut-off grade
of 0.4 g/t Au and comprised 24.9Mt at 1.15g/t Au. The 2024 MRE
represents a 26% increase in tonnage and a 13% increase in
contained metal compared to the 2022 MRE. Contributing factors to
this increase are:
•
remodelling at Zone A and Selin due to additional data.
•
a decrease in the cut-off grade from 0.4 g/t Au to 0.3 g/t Au.
•
an increase in the gold price used for the RPEEE pit shell of
US$2,400/oz (2022 MRE: US$1,900/oz) has increased the volume of
material inside the reporting pit, at depth.
•
an increased proportion of Inferred material reported within the
RPEEE pits is largely attributable to the metal price increase.
The 2024 Mineral Resource is stated in Table 1 and a
breakdown of the 2024 Mineral Resource by zone is presented in
Table 2. A comparison of the 2022 MRE vs the 2024 MRE by
classification and zone is shown in Table 3.
Table 1 Sanankoro
Mineral Resource
Classification
|
Oxidation
Zone
|
Tonnage
(Mt)
|
Grade (g/t
Au)
|
Contained metal (koz
Au)
|
Indicated
|
Oxide
|
15
|
1.12
|
520
|
|
Transitional
|
4.3
|
1.17
|
160
|
|
Fresh
|
0.2
|
1.24
|
7
|
|
All Zones
|
19.0
|
1.13
|
689
|
Inferred
|
Oxide
|
7.8
|
0.75
|
190
|
|
Transitional
|
2.8
|
1.16
|
100
|
|
Fresh
|
1.7
|
1.09
|
60
|
|
All Zones
|
12.4
|
0.89
|
354
|
Total
|
|
31.4
|
1.04
|
1,044
|
Notes:
Reported at a gold only cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au inside an
optimised pit shell constructed using a gold price of US$2,400/oz
and dated at 30 November 2024. The topographic surface used for
reporting accounts for artisanal mining up to December
2020.
The Mineral Resource is reported on a 100% ownership basis and
is stated as in situ dry tonnes; figures are reported in metric
tonnes. Figures have been rounded to the appropriate level of
precision for the reporting of Mineral Resources.
Table 2. Sanankoro
Mineral Resource by Zone
Zone
|
Classification
|
Tonnage
(Mt)
|
Grade (g/t
Au)
|
Contained metal (koz
Au)
|
A
|
Indicated
|
4.5
|
1.18
|
171
|
Inferred
|
1.4
|
0.91
|
41
|
Total
|
6.0
|
1.11
|
210
|
B
|
Indicated
|
3.4
|
1.12
|
122
|
Inferred
|
5.7
|
0.73
|
132
|
Total
|
9.0
|
0.85
|
250
|
B North
|
Indicated
|
1.9
|
0.93
|
56
|
Inferred
|
0.7
|
0.95
|
22
|
Total
|
2.6
|
0.93
|
78
|
C
|
Indicated
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Inferred
|
1.8
|
1.13
|
65
|
Total
|
1.8
|
1.13
|
65
|
Selin
|
Indicated
|
9.2
|
1.15
|
340
|
Inferred
|
2.8
|
1.04
|
94
|
Total
|
12
|
1.11
|
430
|
Total
|
Indicated
|
19.0
|
1.13
|
689
|
Inferred
|
12.4
|
0.89
|
354
|
Total
|
31.4
|
1.04
|
1,044
|
Notes:
Reported at a gold only cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au inside an
optimised pit shell constructed using a gold price of US$2,400/oz
and dated at 30 November 2024. The topographic surface used
for reporting accounts for artisanal mining up to December
2020.
The Mineral Resource is reported on a 100% ownership basis and
is stated as in situ dry tonnes; figures are reported in metric
tonnes. Figures have been rounded to the appropriate level of
precision for the reporting of Mineral Resources.
Table 3. Comparison 2022 MRE vs 2024 MRE by Classification and
Zone
Classifi-cation
|
Zone
|
2022 MRE
|
2024 MRE
|
Difference
|
%
difference
|
Tonnage
(Mt)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Au
(koz)
|
Tonnage
(Mt)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Au
(koz)
|
Tonnage
(Mt)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Au
(koz)
|
Tonnage
(Mt)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Au
(koz)
|
Indicated
|
A
|
4.0
|
1.31
|
168
|
4.5
|
1.18
|
171
|
0.56
|
-0.13
|
4
|
14%
|
-10%
|
2%
|
B
|
3.0
|
1.20
|
117
|
3.4
|
1.12
|
122
|
0.36
|
-0.08
|
5
|
12%
|
-7%
|
4%
|
B
Nth
|
1.7
|
0.97
|
52
|
1.9
|
0.93
|
56
|
0.21
|
-0.04
|
4
|
12%
|
-4%
|
8%
|
Selin
|
7.5
|
1.33
|
320
|
9.2
|
1.15
|
340
|
1.73
|
-0.18
|
20
|
23%
|
-14%
|
6%
|
Total
|
16.1
|
1.27
|
657
|
19.0
|
1.13
|
689
|
2.85
|
-0.14
|
33
|
18%
|
-11%
|
5%
|
Inferred
|
A
|
1.5
|
0.80
|
37
|
1.4
|
0.91
|
41
|
-0.03
|
0.11
|
4
|
-2%
|
14%
|
12%
|
B
|
4.0
|
0.75
|
96
|
5.7
|
0.73
|
132
|
1.69
|
-0.02
|
36
|
43%
|
-3%
|
38%
|
B
Nth
|
0.5
|
1.10
|
18
|
0.7
|
0.95
|
22
|
0.21
|
-0.15
|
4
|
41%
|
-13%
|
22%
|
C
|
1.3
|
1.11
|
48
|
1.8
|
1.13
|
65
|
0.46
|
0.02
|
18
|
34%
|
2%
|
37%
|
Selin
|
1.5
|
1.38
|
65
|
2.8
|
1.04
|
94
|
1.32
|
-0.33
|
29
|
90%
|
-24%
|
44%
|
Total
|
8.7
|
0.94
|
263
|
12.4
|
0.89
|
354
|
3.64
|
-0.05
|
91
|
42%
|
-5%
|
35%
|
Total
|
24.9
|
1.15
|
920
|
31.4
|
1.04
|
1,044
|
6.49
|
-0.12
|
124
|
26%
|
-10%
|
13%
|
Notes:
Reporting in this table is unrounded. Reported at a gold only
cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au inside an optimised pit shell
constructed using a gold price of US$2,400/oz for the 2024 MRE and
0.4 g/t Au inside an optimised pit shell constructed using a gold
price of US$1,900/oz for the 2022 MRE. The topographic
surface used for reporting accounts for artisanal mining up to
December 2020.
The Mineral Resource is reported on a 100% ownership basis and
is stated as in situ dry tonnes; figures are reported in metric
tonnes.
Zone B West
Discovery
A single hole SC0708, was drilled to test the
interpretation (made from recent field observations) that multiple
mineralised zones could exist between the eastern Sanankoro
structure (hanging wall) and the western Bokoro structure
(footwall) of the Sanankoro Main Shear Zone ('SMSZ'). The zone's
approximate width is 450m. Within hole SC0708, two mineralised
zones (from 27m, 19m at 0.66 g/t Au; and from 70m, 11m at 0.34 g/t
Au) were intersected in a Tuffaceous unit, with a potential third
zone commencing at the end of the hole (120m). The last metre
interval intersected sulphide rich quartz veins, assaying, 1m at
2.87 g/t Au.
This hole highlighted and proved the exploration
concept that multiple other mineralised zones exist within the SMSZ
and not just along the hanging wall and footwall structures (i.e.
Sanankoro and Bokoro structures respectively) where the Mineral
Resources are currently defined. Importantly, none of these
new mineralised zones are included in the 2022 MRE nor the 2024 MRE
update. As evidenced by the artisanal workings, these new Zone B
West zones of mineralisation are open to the north for over 500m,
towards Zone B North (see Figure 2 below) and can be seen to extend
for another 500m to the south, towards Zone A. Additionally, there
remains another 300m of width across the SMSZ to be drilled tested
as more mineralised zones are interpreted to exist as part of this
large, mineralised shear zone, which if proved correct through
further drilling could result in further Mineral Resources being
delineated.
|
| |
Figure 2: Plan view of Zone B showing $1,650/oz Mineral
Reserve pit (in white), CSA (now ERM) 2022 MRE Grade shell (in red)
and 2023 drill hole location (SC0708) with best
intercept.
Optimisation
Studies
The focus of further exploration is to expand
Sanankoro's Oxide Reserve inventory to reduce the strip ratio below
the existing 4.6:1, to further enhance the mine's attractiveness as
highlighted in the 2022 DFS and Optimised Economics based on
a US$1,750/oz gold price:
· 52.3%
IRR
· 1.2 year
payback period
· 6.8 years
Reserve life
· 56koz
average production
· US$997/oz
AISC
Based on the results of the updated 2024 MRE, and
following conclusion of an ongoing optimisation study designed to
enhance the 2022 DFS process design, Cora intends to update the
Project's Ore Reserves and DFS, which given the now burgeoning gold
price is expected to deliver material differences to the Project's
key metrics.
Competent Person's
Statement
The information in the MRE report that relates to
Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Sonia Konopa.
Ms. Konopa is a full-time employee of ERM and is a Fellow of the
Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and has
sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and
type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which they
are undertaking to qualify as Competent Persons as defined in the
2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for the Reporting of
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC
Code). Ms. Konopa consents to the disclosure of the information in
the MRE report in the form and context in which it appears. Ms.
Konopa assumes responsibility for matters related to Section 1, 2
and 3 of JORC Table 1 within the MRE report.
The technical information in this release that
relates to Exploration Results and Exploration Target was reviewed
and approved by Murray Paterson, in his capacity as a Competent
Person, as required under the AIM Rules for Companies. Mr. Paterson
is the Chief Geologist for the Company and is a member of good
standing with the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
(MAusIMM). Mr Paterson has sufficient experience that 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 2012 Edition of the
'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mr. Paterson consents to the inclusion
in this release of the Exploration Results and Exploration Target
in the form and context in which it appears.
Market Abuse
Regulation ('MAR') Disclosure
Certain information contained in this announcement
would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of
Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 ('MAR'),
which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union
(Withdrawal) Act 2018, until the release of this announcement.
**ENDS**
For further information, please visit
http://www.coragold.com, follow us on social media (LinkedIn
and X: @cora_gold) or contact:
Bert Monro
Craig Banfield
|
Cora Gold Limited
|
info@coragold.com
|
Derrick Lee
Pearl Kellie
|
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited
(Nomad & Broker)
|
+44 (0)20 7220 0500
|
Susie Geliher
Charlotte Page
|
St Brides Partners
(Financial PR)
|
cora@stbridespartners.co.uk
|
Notes
Cora is a West African gold developer with de-risked
project areas within two known gold belts in Mali and Senegal. Led
by a team with a proven track-record in making multi-million-ounce
gold discoveries that have been developed into operating mines, its
primary focus is on developing the Sanankoro Gold Project in the
Yanfolila Gold Belt, south Mali, into an open pit oxide mine. Based
on a gold price of US$1,750/oz and a Maiden Probable Oxide Reserve
of 422koz at 1.3 g/t Au, the Project has strong economic
fundamentals, including 52% IRR, US$234 million Free Cash Flow over
life of mine and all-in sustaining costs of US$997/oz. Alongside
this, the Company continues to seek value opportunities across its
portfolio and has identified large scale gold mineralisation
potential at the Madina Foulbé exploration permit within the
Kenieba Project Area of east Senegal.
APPENDIX JORC CODE TABLE 1
Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data
Criteria
|
JORC Code explanation
|
Commentary
|
Sampling
techniques
|
Nature and quality
of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific
specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the
minerals under investigation, such as downhole gamma sondes, or
handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken
as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.
Include reference
to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the
appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems
used.
Aspects of the
determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public
Report.
In cases where
'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively
simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain
1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g
charge for fire assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be
required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent
sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types
(e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed
information.
|
The Mineral Resource estimate (MRE) is based on
reverse circulation (RC) chip and diamond drill core (DD) sampling.
The 2023 program was composed of 2,669 m of RC drilling, taking the
total MRE dataset to 2,027 drillholes for 128,503 m. This total
does not include Rotary Air Blast (RAB) or auger drilling as they
are not used for the MRE. Trench and shallow pit data are also not
used.
All RC drilling was sampled on 1 m intervals. Each
rod string is 6 m in length and is checked and marked with grease
every 1 m to allow personnel to observe sampling and drill
progress. The driller will sound a horn at the end of each 1 m
interval, warning the samplers to switch bags at the cyclone.
All industry standard RC sample quality procedures
were applied, and each shift a geologist was present to ensure
sample quality was maintained, holes were not stopped in
mineralisation and activity reporting monitored cost control. No
detailed logging or sampling was conducted at the rigs.
All bulk 1 m samples were transported immediately
upon hole completion to a central bag farm next to the Sanankoro
camp. No samples were left in the field. All samples drilled were
shipped to the bag farm for splitting and logging under controlled
and secured conditions.
The 1 m bulk samples are riffle split down to 5-6 kg
using a three-tier 75:25 riffle splitter and a duplicate pair of
2-3 kg samples are then generated using a two-tier 50:50 riffle
splitter. One sample is sent to the lab and the duplicate is stored
for any future re-assay or reference.
All RC holes are photographed on chip tables and chip
trayed after sampling and logging.
All RC holes are geologically logged and panned for
visible gold on 1 m intervals concurrently with sampling.
The logging and panning results dictate whether the
logging or senior geologist will instruct compositing in less
favourable intersections of a hole. Composites of 4 m are possible
in barren intersections.
Sampling of DD core aims to maintain a standard 1 m
interval but can be sampled from 0.5 m to 1.5 m in length,
depending upon the interval required to reach the mineralised
contact or select the vein width.
All core is saw cut. Sample interval ends are saw cut
pre-sampling to ensure sampling intervals are adhered to.
All core boxes are metal.
All core boxes are photographed wet and dry upon
receipt at the core shed from the rig.
The RC samples were sent to an accredited laboratory
where they were pulverised to 85% passing 75 micron in a
Labtechnics LM2 puck pulveriser and sub-sampled to provide 2 kg for
cyanide (CN) Bottle Roll (BR) and/or a 50 g aliquot for fire assay
(FA). BR is the preferred assaying method for oxide materials and
FA for fresh or sulphide-rich material.
Rotary air blast (RAB), aircore (AC) and AC hammer
were sampled and analysed as per the RC procedure.
The DD samples are sent to an accredited laboratory
where they were jaw-crushed 95% passing 2 mm, then pulverised down
to 85% passing 75 micron in an Labtechnics LM2 puck pulveriser and
subsampled to provide 2 kg for CN BR and/or a 50 g aliquot for FA.
BR is the preferred assaying method for oxide materials and FA for
fresh or sulphide-rich materials.
Vertical auger drilling was conducted to gain a
sample of the interface material below transported surface gravels.
Auger holes ranged from 0.5 m to 5.0 m and were sent to an
accredited laboratory where they were pulverised to 85% passing 75
micron in a Labtechnics LM2 puck pulveriser and subsampled to
provide 2 kg for CN BR and or a 50 g aliquot for FA. BR is the
preferred assaying method for oxide materials and FA for fresh or
sulphide-rich material.
|
Drilling
techniques
|
Drill type (e.g.
core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast,
auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple
or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or
other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method,
etc.).
|
Various drilling techniques have been used at
Sanankoro - auger, RAB, AC, AC hammer, RC and DD.
The database was flagged as two parts, an exploration
database consisting of auger, RAB, AC and AC hammer; and a MRE
database consisting of RC and DD.
All 2021 core intervals are orientated using a
Wellforce DV8 iCORE ORI instrument when geologically possible.
DD core was drilled on an average of 3 m rod pulls
but depending upon ground conditions 1.5 m or 6 m rod pulls could
have been applied. PQ was used through the soft, friable oxide from
surface normally to between 40 m and 80 m. The drill string was
reduced subsequently to HQ. NQ was not drilled in 2021.
RC was drilled using a 53/8" face-sampling
hammer.
All drilling details and dates are recorded on hole
logs and are stored in the COLLAR file on DATASHED™.
|
Drill sample
recovery
|
Method of recording
and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results
assessed.
Measures taken to
maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the
samples.
Whether a
relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether
sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of
fine/coarse material.
|
DD core was drilled on an average of 3 m rod pulls
but depending upon ground conditions 1.5 m or 6 m rod pulls could
have been applied. PQ was used through the soft, friable oxide from
surface normally to between 40 m and 80 m. The drill string was
reduced subsequently to HQ. NQ was not drilled in 2021.
DD core recoveries were estimated on industry
standard methods of direct tape measure on core reconstructed on a
triple-length angle-iron cradle, locked where possible and
corrected for stick-up errors.
RC was drilled using a 5 3/8"
face-sampling hammer leading a 4 ½" standard rod string. Auxiliary
booster-compressor air packs were used on deeper holes, normally
> 110m, to ensure dry sample quality and recovery.
The RC drilling was sampled on a standard 1 m
interval and recoveries assessed quantitively by weighing each
sampled metre. The practice of weighing drill chip samples
immediately from recovery at the rig is Cora standard practice for
all RAB, AC and RC drilling.
Sample quality and recovery are monitored at the rig
during drilling shift both observationally by the geologist
checking the moisture content, possible contamination and relative
recovery along the bag line and quantitively by weighing each of
the bulk 1 m samples direct from the cyclone before layout.
DD and RC recoveries are logged and recorded in the
database. Overall recoveries are >90% for the DD and >70% for
the RC; there are no core loss issues or significant sample
recovery problems. A geologist is always present at the rig to
monitor and record sample quality.
The Mineral Resource is defined by DD and RC
drilling, which have high sample recoveries. No relationship
between sample recovery and grade have been identified at the
project. The consistency of the mineralised intervals and density
of drilling is considered to preclude any issue of sample bias due
to material loss or gain.
|
Logging
|
Whether core and
chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a
level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation,
mining studies and metallurgical studies.
Whether logging is
qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel,
etc.) photography.
The total length
and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.
|
All RC holes are logged, panned and sampled on a
standard 1 m resolution. Every 1 m drilled is logged and panned
before being sampled.
4 m compositing may be instructed in barren sections
of drilled hole based on the results of the detailed logging.
All RC holes are photographed on chip tables and chip
trayed after sampling and logging.
All DD core is transported to the core shed located
at the main Sanankoro Camp for full rock quality designation (RQD),
geotechnical logging and density/point load testing determinations
prior to being released for geological logging and sampling from
top to bottom of hole.
All core boxes are photographed wet and dry upon
receipt at the core shed from the rig.
The level of detail in the logging is deemed
appropriate for Mineral Resource estimation and reporting.
|
Subsampling
techniques and sample preparation
|
If core, whether
cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.
If non-core,
whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether
sampled wet or dry.
For all sample
types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample
preparation technique.
Quality control
procedures adopted for all subsampling stages to maximise
representivity of samples.
Measures taken to
ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material
collected, including for instance results for field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
Whether sample
sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being
sampled.
|
All RC chip samples were weighed and riffle split to
2-3 kg for submission to the lab. All RC holes are sampled in bulk,
logged and panned on a standard 1 m interval. Compositing to 4 m
may occur in barren geology.
All DD core is saw cut and half core sampled. DD
sample intervals can range from 0.5 m to 1.5 m, depending on
geology.
A standard 5:25 sample QAQC was used throughout 2021,
2022 and 2023, composed of one standard, one blank, two duplicates,
and one triplicate. The 2021-2023 assay stream had a routine 20%
QAQC component.
The database manager monitors all sampling and QAQC
vetting of the assay stream.
Field duplicates assist in determining the
representivity of subsamples.
Subsamples are deemed appropriate for Mineral
Resource estimation and reporting.
|
Quality of assay
data and laboratory tests
|
The nature, quality
and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used
and whether the technique is considered partial or
total.
For geophysical
tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters
used in determining the analysis including instrument make and
model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their
derivation, etc.
Nature of quality
control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates,
external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of
accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been
established.
|
Sample preparation involved oven drying, jaw crushing
core P70 passing 2 mm, followed by total pulverisation through an
LM2 puck pulveriser to a nominal 85% passing 75 microns.
Historically it has been proven that the nuggety,
highly weathered nature of the Sanankoro oxide mineralisation is
best head assayed by 2 kg BR/atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)
with a 50 g FA/AAS on the BR tail residue. The bulk of the MRE
assay database is completed by this method.
The fresh sulphide mineralisation is assayed by
standard total fusion 50 g FA/AAS.
A standard 5:25 sample QAQC was used throughout 2021
and 2022, composed of one standard, one blank, two duplicates, and
one triplicate. The 2021 and 2022 assay stream had a routine 20%
QAQC component.
Certified reference material (CRM) standards were
sourced from accredited suppliers Geostats Pty Ltd and Rocklabs.
CRM standards were used ranging from 0.1 ppm to 78.81 ppm.
Following review of the QAQC, the data are deemed
appropriate for Mineral Resource estimation and reporting.
|
Verification of
sampling and assaying
|
The verification of
significant intersections by either independent or alternative
company personnel.
The use of twinned
holes.
Documentation of
primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data
storage (physical and electronic) protocols.
Discuss any
adjustment to assay data.
|
The 2022 Competent Person has visually verified
significant intersections in DC and RC drilling during the site
visit.
Geology and sampling data were logged into Microsoft
Excel format templates and sent via email to the database manager.
Files were imported into Datashed via configured importers and
passed through stringent validation.
Validation included:
· Logging
codes checked against approved code lists
· Interval
overlaps and gaps
· Records
beyond end-of-hole.
All digital files received were archived on the
workstation hosting the database. This was located on site with the
database manager. Scheduled daily backups of the database and file
archive were made to a NAS solution located at the same site.
Nightly scheduled offsite backups were conducted to a verified
backup service provider. All offsite backups are encrypted.
During the 2021 MRE drill program, historical Gold
Fields Ltd (Gold Fields) RC and DD intercepts were twinned, along
with previous Cora AC and RAB intercepts and previous important DD
intercepts which correlated with sections of poor DD core
recoveries.
The Gold Fields twin holes correlated closely,
underwriting the use of the Gold Fields Mineral Resource data in
the MRE where it is required.
Overall, the drilling, logging, sampling, assaying
and QAQC procedures are considered to be consistent with industry
standard practice.
No adjustments or calibrations were made to any assay
data used in this estimate.
|
Location of data
points
|
Accuracy and
quality of surveys used to locate drillholes (collar and downhole
surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in
Mineral Resource estimation.
Specification of
the grid system used.
Quality and
adequacy of topographic control.
|
Grid System: WGS84 UTM zone 29N (EPSG: 32629).
All surface survey features were surveyed with a
Leica GS18-T RTK differential global positioning system (GPS) to
within a proven accuracy of 30 cm; Cora conducted the differential
GPS work. All new and historical Mineral Resource drill collars
were located and resurveyed by CG-Leica in 2021.
A large number of well distributed ground control
points and features were used for the Terrabotics satellite survey.
All points were set-out or picked-up using CG-Leica.
Terrabotics UK produced a site specific 139
km2 digital terrain model (DTM) with 0.3 m RL accuracy
using tasked Maxar orthorectified Worldview-3 (WV3) imagery flown
in November to December 2020. The DTM was provided in February 2021
and utilised throughout the 2021 and 2022 drilling campaigns.
The Terrabotics DTM proved accurate from ongoing
survey work to be within 30-50 cm RL. Differential GPS easting and
northing showed better resolution.
The Terrabotics DTM is an acceptable topographic
model for Sanankoro which defines the surface relief and maps the
artisanal pits across the 139 km2 area of interest
accurately. The WV3 imagery maps the full cadastral and natural
features across the project area.
The 2021-2023 drilling utilised a Wellforce CHAMP
north-seeking gyro throughout and every drilled RC and DD hole has
a detailed gyro DTH survey file. Historically, DTH surveys where
conducted, used a REFLEX EZ-TRAC.
The 2021 DD utilised a Wellforce DV8 iCORE ORI
orientation tool.
|
Data spacing and
distribution
|
Data spacing for
reporting of Exploration Results.
Whether the data
spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of
geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral
Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and
classifications applied.
Whether sample
compositing has been applied.
|
The nominal drillhole collar spacing is 50 m x 25 m
and 50 m x 50 m.
Due to the orientation of drill traces on section,
data between drillholes can be spaced as close as 10 m in
places.
The mineralised domains have demonstrated sufficient
continuity in both geology and grade to support the definition of
Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources as per JORC 2012
guidelines.
All RC intersections are sampled and assayed on 1 m
intervals but could be composited up to 4 m in areas interpreted to
be barren.
|
Orientation of data
in relation to geological structure
|
Whether the
orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible
structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the
deposit type.
If the relationship
between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key
mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling
bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
|
The bulk of the drilling is orientated 090° or 270°
orthogonal to the strike of the mineralised domains. Structural
logging based on oriented core indicates that the main
mineralisation controls are ±20° from 000° north and largely
perpendicular to drill direction.
No orientation-based sampling bias has been
identified in the dataset.
|
Sample
security
|
The measures taken
to ensure sample security.
|
The full chain of custody is managed by Cora Gold.
Samples collected daily from the rigs and transported to the
central bag farm and sample processing area next to the main
Sanankoro camp where the bulk samples are logged, split and
prepared for onward transport to the various labs.
The samples are stored on site and a truck collects
available samples weekly and transports them to Cora Gold office in
Bamako for registration and verification prior to onward delivery
to either SGS Ouagadougou or ALS Ouagadougou.
The labs sign sample submissions as evidence of
receipt.
Completed assay files and pdf certificates were
distributed to the approved recipients by Lab LIMS. Assay files
were imported as received to Datashed and then archived on the
workstation hosting the database.
Database management software used is DATASHED version
4.6.4.2 with DB version 4.6.5 with MSSQL Server SQL2017
backend.
|
Audits or
reviews
|
The results of any
audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.
|
Cora's Head of Exploration (at the time) visited each
of the labs in November and December 2020 before signing contracts.
No issues were identified during the visit.
|
Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in
the preceding section also apply to this section)
Criteria
|
JORC Code explanation
|
Commentary
|
Mineral tenement and
land tenure status
|
Type, reference
name/number, location and ownership including agreements or
material issues with third parties such as joint ventures,
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests,
historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental
settings.
The security of the
tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known
impediments to obtaining a license to operate in the
area.
|
The Sanankoro Gold Project Area is located in the
Yanfolila Gold Belt of southern Mali. Sanankoro comprises five
contiguous gold exploration permits, being:
Bokoro II (expired August 2023; see Note A below)
Bokoro Est (area 100 km2; expiry date 18
September 2028)
Dako II (area 44.66 km2; expiry date 31
December 2027)
Kodiou (expired May 2023; see Note B below)
Sanankoro II (84.11 km2; expiry date 2
March 2030)
In accordance with the 2019 Mining Code of the
Republic of Mali, the 84.11 km2 Sanankoro II gold
exploration permit was awarded to Cora Resources Mali SARL on 2
March 2021. Cora Resources Mali SARL is registered in the Republic
of Mali. The duration of the permit is three years, renewable twice
at the holder's request. The duration of each renewal period is
extended to three years and, as such, the full-term expiry date of
the Sanankoro II gold exploration permit is 2 March 2030.
A gold exploration permit over the same area as that
covered by the Sanankoro II gold exploration permit was previously
held by Sankarani Ressources SARL. This permit expired on 1
February 2020, having been initially awarded on 1 February
2013.
Cora Resources Mali SARL is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Sankarani Ressources SARL which in turn is a 95% subsidiary of
Cora Gold Limited. Sankarani Ressources SARL is registered in the
Republic of Mali. Cora Gold Limited is registered in the British
Virgin Islands. The residual 5% interest in Sankarani Ressources
SARL may be acquired from a third party for the sum of US$1
million. In addition, the Sanankoro II permit is subject to a third
party 1% net smelter return (NSR) royalty. All fees due to the
government in respect of the Sanankoro II gold exploration permit
have been paid and the permit is in good standing.
|
Exploration done by
other parties
|
Acknowledgment and
appraisal of exploration by other parties.
|
Exploration activities on the original Sanankoro
permit by previous workers have included geological mapping, rock
chip sampling, termite sampling, trench sampling geophysical
surveys and surface drilling - auger, RAB, AC, RC, and DD.
There were two previous companies who conducted work
at Sanankoro, i.e. Randgold Resources Ltd (Randgold) between 2004
and 2008 and Gold Fields between 2008 and 2012.
During 2004 to 2008, Randgold conducted successive
programs of soils and termites geochemical sampling on iterative
500 m, 200 m and 100 m grids. Broad blocks of gradient array
induced polarisation (IP) were completed to assist drill targeting
on the broad regional-scale surface anomalies. They drilled broad
spaced 400 m x 100 m auger and RAB fences in search for
bedrock targets.
During 2008 to 2012, Gold Fields conducted infill
soils and termite sampling down to 100 m x 25 m resolution. They
conducted large blocks of regional gradient array IP and three main
phases of drilling ranging from 400 m x 100 m RAB with follow-up AC
down to
50 m x 25 m RC and RC with DD tails, dependent upon results
discovered.
Cora acquired the Sanankoro Permit in April 2017 and
started exploration termite sampling in May 2017.
|
Geology
|
Deposit type,
geological setting, and style of mineralisation.
|
Sanankoro is located on the leading western edge of
the Yanfolila-Kalana Volcanic Belt, which is the western-most
expression of the cratonic Baoulé-Mossi domain, on the major
transcrustal margin with the Siguiri Basin. There is major
deep-seated architecture across the district which links the major
gold mines at Siguiri, Lero, Tri-K, Kalana and Yanfolila.
On a project scale, Sanankoro is characterised by the
2 km wide Sanankoro Shear Zone, which can be traced over 30 km from
Kabaya South in the western Yanfolila Mine to north of the Niger
River beyond Selin and onto Karan. Within the project area, each of
the prospects are underpinned by a strong linear parallel, and
where strong mineralisation is developed, a pronounced localised
northeast-southwest focused zone of en-echelon veining and
associated sulphide development.
There are five main areas which currently define the
Sanankoro Gold project, which in order of significance are Selin,
Zone A, Zone B, Zone B North, and Zone C.
Selin is hosted on the eastern margin of the
Sanankoro Shear Zone in the north-eastern corner of the Sanankoro
permit. The Selin deposit has a typical interference node control
but with the additional positive impact of a strong, rheological
diorite intrusive host. The gold geology at Selin is anchored along
this linear, en-echelon or possibly folded, diorite igneous
intrusive which cores the volcaniclastic thrust assemblage and
focuses the gold deposition.
Recent core drilling into Selin has enlightened the
genetic model for the deposit by discovering four to six multiple
early/pre-D3 dykes of diorite intruding the 65-80° west dipping
axial trace of a western hangingwall F3 anti-form on this major
reactivated D2 east-verging thrust. The >100 m wide Selin Shear
Zone may be a regional back-thrust and the dominant eastern margin
of the regional west-verging Sanankoro Thrust. The largest diorite
unit is demonstrably discordant and sits immediately west and
adjacent to a major early ductile, 10-30 m wide footwall
carbonaceous shear. Progressive deformation has folded, warped and
possibly cross-faulted the diorite units prior to gold deposition.
The early footwall shear fabrics are overprinted by later
semi-brittle to brittle graphitic faults which locally convert all
protolith to graphitic schist on sub-metre scale. The diorite units
exhibit multi-phase veining interference and sulphide development.
The dominant sulphide is pyrite with occasional arsenopyrite and a
scattering of chalcopyrite. Alteration minerals are predominantly
sericite, silica, fuchsite, ankerite, graphite and calcite.
Zone A is located at the southern limit of the 11.5
km mineralised corridor, which forms the Sanankoro Project. Zone A
is the southern-most expression of the 010° trending central axis
of the Sanankoro Shear Zone, which sits 900 m west of the Selin
Boundary Shear and hosts the 5.8 km chain of open pit resources
from Zone A through Zone B1, B2, B3 to Target 3. The deposits of
this central trend verge westward mimicking the regional sense of
thrusting.
Zone B is the strike extension of Zone A, located 800
m to the north. The Sanankoro Main Trend runs for 6 km from south
end of Zone A to the north end of Target 3. Detailed sectional
drilling is required along the length of this major generative gold
system. The local structural facing and stratigraphy of Zone B is
very similar to Zone A with the western footwall sequences hosting
more crystalline volcanic tuffaceous units and the eastern,
hangingwall assemblages being more basinal sediments. Zone B hosts
an impressive scale of hydrothermal activity and the broad
horizontal widths of mineralisation observed in the recent drilling
bodes well for future discovery potential along the central and
southern sections of the Sanankoro Main Shear Zone.
Zone C is located 650 m southwest of Zone A on the
parallel, >7 km long Sanankoro West Shear Zone (SWSZ) which can
be traced along a chain of surface workings to the Excavator
Prospect, 1.5 km north-northwest of Target 3. The SWSZ is high in
the priority list for drilling in the 2022 program and a number of
SWSZ targets, beyond Zone C, will be tested for surface
potential.
Zones A, B and C deposits are identical in style and
typical of Siguiri Basin deposits, fold-thrust controlled within
pelitic and psammitic sediments and very deeply weathered (>120
m from surface). There is a highly evolved weathering profile with
a pronounced 8-10 m thick duricrust-laterite ferro-cap, grading
downward into a well-developed mottled zone to 20-25 m depth and
remains highly weathered until beyond 140 m vertically within the
central mineralised fault zone. Zone B1 has extremely deep
weathering with shallow oxide densities measured to depths of 190 m
down-dip within the ore zone trough.
All the host oxide lithologies are weathered to
kaolin with only highly corroded quartz vein material remaining
in-situ to mark the main gold faults. Diamond core shows the host
lithologies to be predominantly variably grained basinal pelites
and sandstones with minor horizons of small quartz clast,
matrix-supported greywacke inter-bedded within the sequence. A
minor intercept of diorite has been identified but does not form an
important control to the mineralisation currently drill tested at
Zone A or C. The primary sulphide is pyrite disseminated around
central vein networks and enveloped by a broader hydrothermal halo
of silica flooding, sericite and ankerite.
|
Drillhole
information
|
A summary of all
information material to the understanding of the exploration
results including a tabulation of the following information for all
Material drillholes:
·
easting and northing of the
drillhole collar
·
elevation or RL (Reduced Level -
elevation above sea level in metres) of the drillhole
collar
·
dip and azimuth of the
hole
·
downhole length and interception
depth
·
hole length.
If the exclusion of
this information is justified on the basis that the information is
not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the
understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly
explain why this is the case.
|
Significant intercepts that form the basis of the MRE
have been released in previous announcements (available on the Cora
website) with appropriate tables incorporating Hole ID, Easting,
Northing, From, Depth and Intercept Assay Data. Appropriate maps
and plans accompany this MRE.
Previous drilling completed by Cora, Gold Fields and
Randgold is documented herein.
A complete listing of all drillhole details is not
necessary for this report which describes the Sanankoro Gold
Project Mineral Resources and in the Competent Person's opinion the
exclusion of this data does not detract from the understanding of
this report.
The 2021 program twinned important historical
Goldfields and early Cora, smaller diameter, air core and RC
intercepts. Historical Energold DD NQ core holes exhibited sections
of unacceptably poor recoveries, especially in the deeply oxidised
deposits of Zone A and Zone B1, which were twinned using the deep
RC rig.
The 2022 program focussed on infill drilling at Zone
B North and Selin, and targeted Fode 1 and Target 6 as potential
sites of interest.
The 2023 program focussed on infill drilling at Zone
A and Selin, with a single drillhole into Zone B.
|
Data aggregation
methods
|
In reporting
Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or
minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off
grades are usually Material and should be stated.
Where aggregate
intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and
longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such
aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such
aggregations should be shown in detail.
The assumptions
used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly
stated.
|
All RC intersections are sampled and assayed on 1 m
intervals but could be composited up to 4 m in areas interpreted to
be barren.
DD core sampling can be 0.5-1.5 m in length depending
on geological contacts.
Significant intercepts have previously been reported
using a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t, without top cuts.
Mineralised intervals are reported with a maximum of
3 m of consecutive internal dilution of less than 0.5 g/t Au.
Mineralised intervals are reported on a length-weighted average
basis.
No metal equivalents are reported.
|
Relationship between
mineralisation widths and intercept lengths
|
These relationships
are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration
Results.
If the geometry of
the mineralisation with respect to the drillhole angle is known,
its nature should be reported.
If it is not known
and only the downhole lengths are reported, there should be a clear
statement to this effect (e.g. 'downhole length, true width not
known').
|
The orientation of the mineralised zone has been
established and majority of the drilling was planned to intersect
the mineralised structures orthogonally or as close as
practicable.
Existing artisanal workings, buildings, sacred sites
and drainage sometimes created obstacles which prevented perfect
intersection and some holes were required to be drilled at
less-than-ideal orientations.
For the bulk of drillholes, site preparations were
carried out and 50 m by 25 m drill spacing applied and
acceptable intersection orientations were achieved.
|
Diagrams
|
Appropriate maps
and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be
included for any significant discovery being reported These should
include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar
locations and appropriate sectional views.
|
The appropriate plans and sections are included in
this document.
|
Balanced
reporting
|
Where comprehensive
reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable,
representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths
should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration
Results.
|
Not applicable as no Exploration Results are being
reported in this document.
|
Other substantive
exploration data
|
Other exploration
data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but
not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey
results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method
of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density,
groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential
deleterious or contaminating substances.
|
Detailed metallurgical test work has been carried out
as part of a previous scoping study. Testwork shows that the ore is
amenable to conventional crushing, grinding, gravity and
carbon-in-leach processing. Oxide recoveries have been determined
to be >95%.
1,068 detailed dry bulk density determinations were
conducted on all 2021 drilled core.
589 detailed UCS point load determinations were
conducted on all drilled fresh core.
Detailed geotechnical logging and analysis was
conducted on all drill core.
Detailed regional exploration programs continue to
generate new drill targets which will feed into potential Mineral
Resource growth.
|
Further
work
|
The nature and
scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or
depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).
Diagrams clearly
highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main
geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this
information is not commercially sensitive.
|
Detailed ESIA studies commenced in Q2 2020 and
stakeholder engagement meetings conducted throughout the period to
date.
A program of detailed hydrology and civil
geotechnical drilling is planned for water management, tailings
storage facility and plant sites.
Detailed variability metallurgical testwork is
planned at ALS Perth to support a feasibility study.
Detailed open pit and civils geotechnical studies are
planned to support a feasibility study.
Detailed hydrology studies are planned to support a
feasibility study.
Additional Mineral Resource, Ore Reserve and grade
control pattern drilling is planned to update Ore Reserve designs
prior to commencement of mining.
|
Section 3: Estimation and Reporting of Mineral
Resources
(Criteria listed in
section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this
section)
Criteria
|
JORC Code explanation
|
Commentary
|
Database
integrity
|
Measures taken to
ensure that data has not been corrupted by, for example,
transcription or keying errors, between its initial collection and
its use for Mineral Resource estimation purposes.
Data validation
procedures used.
|
Cora has a dedicated, 30-year experienced Data
Manager consultant (Mr Tim Kelemen) who devised and built the
central Datashed™ database with standardised data collection
templates, lookup tables and validation routines for all
exploration logging, spatial and sampling data.
Data collection is updated nightly by the Senior
Project Geologist and emailed as a quick-log to Tim in Brisbane for
upload, validation and reporting. The quick-log Microsoft Excel
file contains DRILL ACTUAL VS PLAN, COLLAR, DTH SURVEY, SAMPLING,
GEOLOGY, VG LOGGING, WATER TABLE, INTERCEPTS and LAB SUBMISSION
sheets.
Sample numbers are unique and pre-numbered bags are
used.
Cora project geologists validate assays returned back
to the drill logged geology in chips and core, previous section
intercepts and on-going 3D interpretation within MICROMINE™.
The MRE data was further validated on import into
MICROMINE™ mining software.
Cora employed routine 20% QAQC throughout all the
2021 - 2023 assaying stream, involving one standard, one blank, two
duplicates and one triplicate which were inserted for every 25
samples submitted (5:25).
Detailed re-splits of important positive and negative
intercepts were taken as directed by the Head of Exploration,
re-assayed at various labs and cross-checked against original
assays as selective QAQC.
A full record of access and database keystrokes is
maintained within Datashed.
Tim Kelemen is the sole person with access to the
Master DATASHED™ database, which consequently is held remotely in
Brisbane and backed-up to the cloud nightly.
|
Site
visits
|
Comment on any site
visits undertaken by the Competent Person and the outcome of those
visits.
If no site visits
have been undertaken indicate why this is the case.
|
The 2022 Competent Person for the MRE, Mr Anton
Geldenhuys, visited the Sanankoro Project in October 2021. The
visit included inspection of geology offices, RC Chip Library, DD
Core Shed and Library, geotech rock lab and viewing sample/pulp
stores, central bag farm, sampling sheds, drill sites, artisanal
workings, and local surface geology.
DD coring was ongoing at Zone A and Zone B at the
time of visit and the Competent Person observed
geological/geotechnical logging and density determinations. A
number of RC chip trays and DC holes were reviewed which form part
of this MRE.
Ongoing civil unrest in Mali precludes further site
visits at this point in time.
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Geological
interpretation
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Confidence in (or
conversely, the uncertainty of) the geological interpretation of
the mineral deposit.
Nature of the data
used and of any assumptions made.
The effect, if any,
of alternative interpretations on Mineral Resource
estimation.
The use of geology
in guiding and controlling Mineral Resource estimation.
The factors
affecting continuity both of grade and geology.
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The diorite intrusive at Selin plays a significant
role in controlling the distribution and tenor of the
mineralisation and consequently has been modelled as solid units
within the enveloping gold mineralisation wireframe. The diorite
intrusion precedes the gold mineralisation event and dips 70-85° to
the west.
The main host protolith at Zones A, B, B North and C,
and surrounding the diorite at Selin, are predominantly pelitic
sediments and graphitic shears which similarly dip at moderate to
high angles to the east.
Overprinting the strong linear north-south
lithological architecture is a flat weathering stratigraphy which
is characterised from surface with an iron indurated cap of
laterite ± duricrust down to 12-17 m, with an underlying mottled
zone of soft plastic clay and highly kaolinized laterite for a
further 6-12 m. Below the mottled zone is the saprolite, a highly
weathered discernible rock which is present, but down to highly
variable depths, across the deposits, reaching depths of >170 m
at Zone B. The saprolite can be observed to freshen into transition
material relatively rapidly but extends to depths normally between
170 m and 200 m at Zone A and Zone B, in the highlands, before
becoming true fresh rock.
At Selin, the weathering profile is suppressed,
probably by the massive siliceous nature of the diorite, with the
transition material occurring from 60 m in certain highly
siliceous, veined mineralisation locations. The transition diorite
mineralisation tends to maintain good CN recoveries.
Zone A and Zone B/North exhibit a very pronounced
deep trough weathering profile whereas Zone C and Selin seem to
host less pronounced weathering, likely due to host rock types and
topographically low relief positions.
Mineralisation was modelled using a 0.2 g/t Au
threshold value for all areas. The threshold is deemed to be an
indicator of mineralised material.
Higher grade zones were investigated, but these
proved to not be sufficiently continuous for modelling and
estimation purposes.
The mineralisation model was guided by local dip and
strike trends.
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Dimensions
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The extent and
variability of the Mineral Resource expressed as length (along
strike or otherwise), plan width, and depth below surface to the
upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource.
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The Selin mineralisation model is 2.8 km in length
along strike, a maximum of 270 m in depth, and is anything from a
few to 50 m wide. Selin is reported to a maximum depth of 220 m
below surface.
The Zone A mineralisation model is 1.2 km in length
along strike, a maximum of 245 m in depth, and is anything from a
few to 50 m wide. Zone A is reported to a maximum depth of 190 m
below surface.
The Zone B mineralisation model is 1.7 km in length
along strike, a maximum of 215 m in depth, and is anything from a
few to 50 m wide. Zone B is reported to a maximum depth of 180 m
below surface.
The Zone C mineralisation model is 750 m in length
along strike, a maximum of 160 m in depth, and is anything from a
few to 50 m wide. Zone C is reported to a maximum depth of 120 m
below surface.
The Zone B North mineralisation model is 1 km in
length along strike, a maximum of 130 m in depth, and is anything
from a few to 50 m wide. Zone B North is reported to a maximum
depth of 110 m below surface.
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Estimation and
modelling techniques
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The nature and
appropriateness of the estimation technique(s) applied and key
assumptions, including treatment of extreme grade values,
domaining, interpolation parameters and maximum distance of
extrapolation from data points. If a computer assisted estimation
method was chosen include a description of computer software and
parameters used.
The availability of
check estimates, previous estimates and/or mine production records
and whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate account
of such data.
The assumptions
made regarding recovery of by-products.
Estimation of
deleterious elements or other non-grade variables of economic
significance (e.g. sulphur for acid mine drainage
characterisation).
In the case of
block model interpolation, the block size in relation to the
average sample spacing and the search employed.
Any assumptions
behind modelling of selective mining units.
Any assumptions
about correlation between variables.
Description of how
the geological interpretation was used to control the resource
estimates.
Discussion of basis
for using or not using grade cutting or capping.
The process of
validation, the checking process used, the comparison of model data
to drillhole data, and use of reconciliation data if
available.
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Samples were composited to 2 m for all MRE
processes.
Experimental semi-variograms were calculated for gold
from composites in Zones A and B combined, and Selin. Zones B North
and C were deemed to contain too few data for variography.
The modelled semi-variogram for Zone A + B combined
was applied to Zones A, B, B North and C for grade estimation. The
modelled semi-variogram for Selin was only used to estimate grade
at Selin.
Estimation was carried out within the modelled 0.2
g/t Au mineralised volumes using ordinary kriging on 2 m composites
for gold. The entire volume was estimated such that estimates were
extrapolated no more than 100 m away from data. This was often
downdip, however, reporting pit shells ensure that deep
extrapolated grades were not included in the Mineral Resource.
Mineralisation boundaries were treated as hard
contacts for estimation.
Ordinary kriging was optimised based on the kriging
neighbourhood which ensured minimal negative kriging weights and
representative local estimates.
Seequent Leapfrog Geo was used to model the
mineralisation and Datamine RM was used to estimate grade and
tabulate the Mineral Resource tonnages, grade, and content.
An Inverse distance weighting estimate was carried
out as a check of the ordinary kriged estimates. These correlate
well and the ordinary kriged estimate is deemed to be an acceptable
representation of the in-situ gold grade.
No by-products or deleterious elements were
considered in the MRE.
The parent cell size is 5 m x 20 m x 20 m (XYZ).
Collars were drilled at 50 m x 50 m or 50 m x 25 m spacing.
The block is deemed to be appropriate relative to the data
configuration.
Search distance was roughly aligned to the variogram
range (30 m) for all zones.
Selective mining units were not considered in the
estimation.
Composite gold grades were capped for estimation
according to Zone, based on statistics and outliers. Selin
composites were capped to 35 g/t Au, Zone A composites were capped
to 25 g/t Au, Zone B composites were capped to 21 g/t Au, Zone B
North composites were capped to 8.5 g/t Au and Zone C composites
were capped to 6 g/t Au.
Gold grade estimates were validated by means of
global statistics, swath plots and visual sectional checks of grade
in the model vs grade of the composites.
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Moisture
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Whether the
tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with natural moisture, and
the method of determination of the moisture content.
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The tonnages in the estimate are for dry tonnage with
no factoring for moisture.
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Cut-off
parameters
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The basis of the
adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality parameters applied.
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The Mineral Resource is reported at a cut-off grade
of 0.3 g/t Au, which is a reduction from the previously used 0.4
g/t Au cutoff grade.
The cut-off grade is in line with other similar
reported styles of gold mineralisation.
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Mining factors or
assumptions
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Assumptions made
regarding possible mining methods, minimum mining dimensions and
internal (or, if applicable, external) mining dilution. It is
always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable
prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential
mining methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining methods
and parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not always be
rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an
explanation of the basis of the mining assumptions made.
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The Mineral Resource is deemed to be amenable to open
pit extraction.
Reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction
were determined using conceptual mining parameters and a long-term
gold price of US$2,400/oz.
The parameters and long-term gold price were used to
determine an optimised pit shell for reporting the Mineral
Resource.
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Metallurgical
factors or assumptions
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The basis for
assumptions or predictions regarding metallurgical amenability. It
is always necessary as part of the process of determining
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider
potential metallurgical methods, but the assumptions regarding
metallurgical treatment processes and parameters made when
reporting Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this
is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the
basis of the metallurgical assumptions made.
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Metallurgical testwork conducted upon Selin, Zones A
and B gold ore composites - ALS Perth Report No. A21106, March
2021.
Results indicated +95% recoveries from grinding P80
passing 75 micron, gravity and direct CIL.
As significant program of metallurgical variability
test work is ongoing at ALS Perth and will be incorporated into the
forthcoming Definitive Feasibility Study.
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Environmental
factors or assumptions
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Assumptions made
regarding possible waste and process residue disposal options. It
is always necessary as part of the process of determining
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider
the potential environmental impacts of the mining and processing
operation.
While at this stage
the determination of potential environmental impacts, particularly
for a greenfields project, may not always be well advanced, the
status of early consideration of these potential environmental
impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have not been
considered this should be reported with an explanation of the
environmental assumptions made.
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Metallurgical testwork conducted upon Selin, Zones A
and B Gold Ore Composites - ALS Perth Report No. A21106, March
2021. The acid mine drainage prediction analysis for all four
composite samples indicated that none would be net
acid-producers.
A significant program of AMS testwork is ongoing at
ALS Perth and will be incorporated into the forthcoming Definitive
Feasibility Study.
A full Definitive Feasibility Study-level ESIA study
commenced in June 2020 by Digby Wells and will be incorporated into
the forthcoming Definitive Feasibility Study.
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Bulk
density
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Whether assumed or
determined. If assumed, the basis for the assumptions. If
determined, the method used, whether wet or dry, the frequency of
the measurements, the nature, size and representativeness of the
samples.
The bulk density
for bulk material must have been measured by methods that
adequately account for void spaces (vugs, porosity, etc.), moisture
and differences between rock and alteration zones within the
deposit.
Discuss assumptions
for bulk density estimates used in the evaluation process of the
different materials.
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Dry bulk density determinations were made using the
'water displacement method 6' as outlined in 'AusIMM Monograph 30 -
Measurement of Bulk Density for Resource Estimation' (Lipton and
Horton). The method utilises the water immersion technique on
samples before and after coating with wax.
Samples are dried for 24 hours at 110°C, weighed,
then waxed and re-weighed dry and immersed using LTB 6002e
0.1 g electronic balance.
A total of 1,068 dry bulk density determinations were
made on full PQ and HQ core samples from Selin, Zone A and Zone
B.
Bulk density was analysed according to weathering
domain by removing outlier values and determining mean values from
representative data.
Mean values were applied to the weathering domains as
follows: duricrust cap 2.23 t/m3; mottled zone 1.95
t/m3; oxide 1.86 t/m3; transition 2.58
t/m3 and fresh 2.74 t/m3.
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Classification
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The basis for the
classification of the Mineral Resources into varying confidence
categories.
Whether appropriate
account has been taken of all relevant factors (i.e. relative
confidence in tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data,
confidence in continuity of geology and metal values, quality,
quantity and distribution of the data).
Whether the result
appropriately reflects the Competent Person's view of the
deposit.
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The Mineral Resource was classified into Indicated
and Inferred categories as defined by The Australasian Code for
Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore
Reserves ("the JORC Code").
Mineral Resource classification considered the
quality and quantity of available data, geological continuity,
grade continuity and confidence in the grade estimates.
Indicated Mineral Resources were classified from data
that was deemed acceptable for Mineral Resource estimation and
reporting, and where data were sufficient to model mineralisation
and estimate grade with a reasonable level of confidence for
Indicated Mineral Resources. For Indicated, data was generally
spaced at 35 m x 35 m in Zones A, B, B North and C, and at 40 m x
40 m at Selin. The mineralisation at Selin is deemed to be more
continuous, hence the wider spacing allowed for Indicated.
Indicated Mineral Resources have slope of regression values ≥0.75,
demonstrating an acceptable level of confidence in the
estimate.
Inferred Mineral Resources were classified beyond the
35 m x 35 m (Zones A, B, B North and C) and 40 m x 40 m (Selin)
data spacing.
Mineral Resources were constrained by the reasonable
prospects for eventual economic extraction pits, below which any
mineralisation was not classified and therefore not reported.
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Audits or
reviews
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The results of any
audits or reviews of Mineral Resource estimates.
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No Mineral Resource audit or review by the Competent
Person for Mineral Resources, however, a site visit was carried out
in 2022 to review the data acquisition and processing
practices.
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Discussion of
relative accuracy/ confidence
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Where appropriate a
statement of the relative accuracy and confidence level in the
Mineral Resource estimate using an approach or procedure deemed
appropriate by the Competent Person. For example, the application
of statistical or geostatistical procedures to quantify the
relative accuracy of the resource within stated confidence limits,
or, if such an approach is not deemed appropriate, a qualitative
discussion of the factors that could affect the relative accuracy
and confidence of the estimate.
The statement
should specify whether it relates to global or local estimates,
and, if local, state the relevant tonnages, which should be
relevant to technical and economic evaluation. Documentation should
include assumptions made and the procedures used.
These statements of
relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate should be compared
with production data, where available.
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The level of accuracy in the Mineral Resource is
represented by the classification categories assigned to block
model.
Indicated Mineral Resources can be considered as
reasonable local estimates.
Inferred Mineral Resources are deemed to be global in
nature.
No commercial production has taken place and
therefore no production data is available for Mineral Resource
reconciliation.
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