REG - Cadence Minerals PLC - Completion of PFS on Amapá Iron Ore Project
03/01/2023 07:00
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RNS Number : 4059L Cadence Minerals PLC 03 January 2023
Cadence Minerals Plc
("Cadence Minerals", "Cadence", or "the Company")
Pre-Feasibility Study Delivers Robust Economics for the Amapá Iron Ore
Project, Brazil
Post-Tax Project NPV US$949 million, Internal Rate of Return of 34% and a
Project Maiden Ore Reserve Estimate of 195.8 Mt (Cadence attributable of 58.74
Mt) at 39.34% Fe Declared
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to announce the
completion of the Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") on the Amapá Iron Ore
Project, Brazil ("Amapá" or the "Project").
The PFS confirms the potential for the Amapá Iron Ore Project to produce a
high-grade iron ore concentrate and generate strong returns over its life of
mine. Completing the PFS is a significant milestone in the Project's
development, laying the foundations to advance Amapá to eventual production.
Cadence holds a 30% interest in Pedra Branca and, consequently, a 30% interest
in the Amapá Project and has a first right of refusal to increase its
interest to 49%.
The PFS was managed by Pedra Branca Alliance Pte. Ltd. ("PBA"), Cadence and
Indo Sino Pte. Ltd. ("Indo Sino") and has been compiled by Wardell Armstrong
International ("WAI"). WAI is a leading, globally recognised mining
consultancy with a track record of conducting all levels of technical study
required on projects that have successfully been financed and developed into
mining operations.
PFS Highlights:
Ø Annual average production after ramp-up of 5.28 million dry metric tonnes
per annum ("Mtpa") of Fe concentrate, consisting of 4.36 Mtpa at 65.4% Fe and
0.92 Mtpa at 62% Fe concentrate.
Ø Post-tax Net Present Value ("NPV") of US$949 million ("M") at a discount
rate of 10%, with profit after tax of US$2.96 billion ("B") over Life of Mine
("LOM") gross revenues of US$9.39 B over LOM.
Ø Post-tax Internal Rate of Return of 34%, with an average annual LOM EBITDA
of US$235 M per annum.
Ø Maiden Ore Reserve of 195.8 million tonnes ("Mt") at 39.34% Fe,
demonstrating an 85% mineral resource conversion.
Ø Free on Board ("FOB") C1 Cash Costs of US$35.53/dmt at the port of Santana.
Cost and Freight ("CFR") C1 Cash Costs US$64.23/dmt in China.
Ø After applying tax rebates, a pre-production capital cost estimate of
US$399 M, including the improvement and rehabilitation of the processing
facility and the restoration of the railway and the wholly owned port export
facility, cost estimations have a PFS level of accuracy at +/- 25%.
Ø Key assumptions: Long-term average price for 62% iron ore concentrate of
US$95/dmt and US$23.8/dmt premium for 65.4% iron ore concentrate, both quoted
on a Cost and Freight ("CFR") basis.
Ø Opportunities: exploration target at the Tucano Mine to further extend
initial mine life and potential capital savings at port loading facilities.
Based on the positive outcome of the PFS, the owner of the Project DEV
Mineração S/A ("DEV") intends to advance the Project. The initial works will
include optimising the capital expenditure, optimising processing plant
availability and efficiency and developing the adjacent exploration targets to
increase the mine life, after which work on a Feasibility Study can begin.
Cadence CEO Kiran Morzaria commented: "On behalf of the Cadence Board, we are
pleased and proud to release the Pre-Feasibility Study for the Amapá Iron Ore
Project in Brazil. This study, which we consider to be a definitive moment for
our company, re-enforces Cadence's analysis that the Amapá Project can be
regenerated and restarted on a profitable basis over an initial 16-year mine
life."
"The Study outlines a robust 5.28 Mtpa operation which can deliver excellent
cash flows, and a post-tax NPV of US$949 million producing 4.36 Mtpa of 65.4%
iron ore concentrate and 0.92 Mtpa of 62% iron ore concentrate."
"We are also pleased to declare a maiden Ore Reserve of 195.8Mt at 39.34%,
representing 85% resource to reserve conversion and confirming the robust
project fundamentals."
"The Project benefits from integrated infrastructure under the owner's
control, a well-established processing route, low capital intensity and a
quality product with an international reputation. Along with a skilled
workforce, proximity to operational infrastructure and the potential to
increase the mineral resource means that Amapá remains an incredibly
attractive investment opportunity."
"The opportunity for DEV is to advance the Amapá Iron Ore Project to a
Financial Investment Decision. This could be completed along with securing a
strategic investor, offtake partner, separate listing, or a combination of
these options. However, we recognise that there is still much work to complete
at Amapá, which will ultimately deliver a Feasibility Study."
"I look forward to reporting further progress across all our projects in the
coming months."
Table 1.1 Key Project Metrics (100% project basis)
Metric Unit 2022 PFS Data
Total ore feed to the plant Mt (dry) 176.88
Life of Mine Years 16
Fe grade of ore feed to the plant % 39.34
Recovery % 76.27
62.0% iron ore concentrate production Mtpa 0.89
65.4% iron ore concentrate production Mtpa 4.23
C1 Cash Costs FOB * US$/dmt 35.53
C1 Cash Costs CFR ** US$/dmt 64.23
Pre-Production capital investment*** US$M 399
Sustaining capital investment over LOM**** US$M 245
Post-tax NPV (10%) US$M 949
Post-tax IRR % 34
Project payback Years 4
Total profit after tax (net operating profit) US$B 2.96
* Means operating cash costs, including mining, processing, geology, OHSE, rail,
port and site G&A, divided by the tonnes of iron ore concentrate produced.
It excludes royalties and is quoted on a FOB basis (excluding shipping to the
customer).
** Means the same as C1 Cash Costs FOB; however, it includes shipping to the
customer in China (CFR).
*** Includes direct tax credit rebate over 48 months
**** Includes both sustaining CAPEX and deferred capital expenditure, specifically,
improvements to the railway and the installation of conveyor belt and mine
site to rail load out
Summary of Amapá Iron Ore Project PFS Results
The information in the press release contains a summary of the PFS and its
results
Introduction
The Project consists of an open-pit iron ore mine, a processing and
beneficiation plant, a railway line, and an export port terminal. DEV and its
subsidiaries own the Amapá Project. DEV is owned by PBA, a joint venture
between Cadence Minerals Plc ("Cadence") and Indo Sino Trade Pte Ltd ("Indo
Sino").
The Project ceased operations in 2014 after the port facility suffered a
geotechnical failure, which limited the export of iron ore. Before the
cessation of operations, the Project generated an underlying profit of US$54
million in 2012 and US$120 million in 2011(( 1 )). Operations commenced in
December 2007, and in 2008, the Project produced 712 thousand tonnes of iron
ore concentrate. Production steadily increased, producing 4.8 Mt and 6.1 Mt of
iron ore concentrate products in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
DEV continued to operate the Project and rehabilitate the port up until 2014.
However, due to the restricted iron ore exports, and cash flow constraints, in
August 2015, DEV filed for judicial protection in Brazil, and operations at
the Project ceased.
In 2019 Cadence and Indo Sino, alongside DEV, submitted a judicial
restructuring plan ("JRP") for approval by the unsecured creditors. As part of
the JRP, DEV sought to redevelop the Amapá Project. This strategy includes a
plan to resume operations after plant revitalisation and modifications, aimed
at improving product quality and increasing recovery, along with recovery of
the port, railway, and support areas.
It should be noted that the Amapá Project, and Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS"),
has been managed by Indo Sino and Cadence in co-operation with Wardell
Armstrong International ("WAI"); the latter has reviewed the work completed
and compiled the PFS. The PFS and supporting reports, engineering designs and
data are the sole property of PBA.
The Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve statements have been prepared in
accordance with the Guidelines of the Australasian Code for Reporting of
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Ore Reserves, the JORC Code, 2012
Edition (JORC Code (2012)). Cost estimations were prepared by DEV, with input
from third-party independent engineers and subsequently reviewed by WAI using
the internationally accepted practice for PFS-level studies.
Location
The Amapá Project is in Amapá state, northeast Brazil. Amapá is the second
least populous state and the eighteenth largest by area. Most of the Amapá
state territory is covered with rainforest, while the remaining areas are
covered with savannah and plains. The State capital and largest city is
Macapá (pop. circa 500,000), with the similarly sized municipality of Santana
(pop. circa 120,000) located just 14 km to the southwest.
The Amapá mine is some 125 km northeast of the state capital Macapá, and the
port facility is located on the Amazon River in the municipality of Santana,
close to Macapá, as shown in the figure here.
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-1.1.png)
The port site in the municipality of Santana is located 90 km from the mouth
of the Amazon River. The nearest populace centre to the Amapá mine is Pedra
Branca Do Amapari, some 10 km west, with the larger conurbation of Serra do
Navio 18 km to the northwest.
Amapá Project Components
The Amapá Project PFS encompasses four distinct but completely integrated
operational components that form part of the study, as illustrated in the
figure here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-1.2..png) .
Amapá Mining Complex
An open-pit iron ore mine with various open pits, an iron ore concentration
and beneficiation plant, associated waste rock dumps, and a tailings
management facility.
Railway Line
Integrated 194 km railway line connecting Serra do Navio to the port terminal
at Santana. The rail passes via Pedra Branca do Amapari (180 km from the
port), located 13 km away from the Amapá mine and plant complex by graded
road.
Export Port Terminal
An integrated industrial port site, privately-owned and controlled by DEV, is
located in Santana. The terminal had the capacity for loading Supramax and
Handymax vessels.
Transhipment Solution
A Capesize vessel is partially loaded at the berth in Santana port and topped
off in the open ocean, 200 nautical
miles from the berth.
Pre-Feasibility Study
The PFS scope covers the existing mine, plant, rail, and port. Capital and
operational estimates were developed for refurbishing the facilities to a safe
working level. The study investigates all the design and business parameters
necessary to operate the Amapá Project, including the railway system and
privately owned port for loading vessels with iron ore concentrate. It has
also included an upgrade to the existing plant with new equipment and improved
efficiency to produce 4.36 Mtpa of Blast Furnace Pellet Feed ("BFPF") and 0.92
Mtpa of spiral concentrate, a total of 5.28 Mtpa (on a dry basis).
Cost Estimates
The capital costs ("CAPEX") estimate is based on the layout for all areas of
the Project and is supported by mechanical equipment lists and engineering
drawings. The costs for these items have been derived from vendor quotes for
the equipment and materials or consultant engineering databases. The CAPEX
estimate is after tax (any duties and taxes deemed to be recoverable are
calculated separately), includes contingency, and excludes escalation. The
CAPEX estimate includes all the direct and indirect costs, local taxes and
duties and appropriate contingencies for the facilities required to bring the
Project into production, as defined by a Pre-Feasibility level engineering
study.
As this is a PFS, the cost accuracy is estimated at ± 25% and has a base date
of June 2022. Pre-Production capital cost estimates are provided below.
Table 1.2 Pre-Production capital cost estimates
Description (US$M)
Direct Capex Mining 2.8
Direct Capex Beneficiation Plant and Mining 155.1
Direct Capex Rail 28.5
Direct Capex Port 113.9
Sub-total Direct Capex 300.4
Sub-total Indirect Capex 65.2
Environment and Community Cost 7.1
Deduct Tax Credit 25.6
Contingency 52.1
Pre-Production Capex Cost 399.1
Table 1.3 Deferred, sustaining, and closure capital costs over LOM
Description (US$M)
Capex Tailings Storage Facility ("TSF") 9.8
Capex Rail (2(nd) Phase) 20.0
Capex Conveyor Belt 61.2
Stay in Business 90.7
Closure Costs 62.8
Sustaining Capex Cost 244.5
Operating expenditures ("OPEX") for the Project have been prepared based on
the Project physicals, detailed estimates of the consumption of key
consumables based on those physicals, and the unit cost of consumables.
The periods considered are annual, and production follows the production plan
produced by DEV, based on a yearly output of 4.36 Mtpa of BFPF and 0.92 Mtpa
of spiral concentrate, a total of 5.28 Mtpa (on a dry basis).
OPEX comprises physicals, labour, reagents and operating consumables, freight
and power costs, mobile equipment, utilities, maintenance and mining contract
costs, external contractor costs, environmental, and miscellaneous/other
General and Administrative (G&A) expenses. OPEX estimates were prepared or
advised by independent consulting engineers. The estimate is supported by
engineering, benchmarking, and pricing of key consumables and costs were
derived from past production figures and informal quotes from suppliers. The
table below illustrates the operating costs developed by discipline during the
PFS. The project FOB and CFR average cash cost per tonne of dry product over
the LOM is summarised below.
Table 1.4 FOB and CFR average cash cost per tonne of dry product over the LOM
Cash Cost Per Discipline US$/dmt
Mine 17.05
TSF 0.08
Beneficiation Plant, Road / Conveyor Transfer & Rail Loading 12.43
Rail Freight 2.43
Port 1.55
G & A (5% total cost) 1.99
FOB Cash Costs 35.53
Marine Logistics 28.70
CFR Cash Costs 64.23
Project Financial Analysis
A PFS financial model was developed to evaluate the economics of the Project.
Summary results from the financial model outputs are presented in tables
within this section, including financial analysis. The financial model
considers 100% equity funding for the Project, although, in reality, the
financing of the Project will be a mix of debt and equity. However, the
existing obligations in terms of principal repayment and current interest
liabilities payable have been included in the financial model. A summary of
the key financial information is presented below.
Table 1.5 Summary of key financial information for the Project.
Item Over Life of Mine Unit 2022 PFS Data
Gross revenue US$M 9,387
Freight (Maine Logistics) US$M (2,350)
Net Revenue US$M 7,037
Operating costs US$M (2,910)
Royalties and taxes (excluding income tax) US$M (373)
EBITDA US$M 3,754
EBIT US$M 3,315
Net Taxes and Interest US$M 355
Net Operating Profit US$M 2,960
Initial, Sustaining capital costs & repayments US$M 727
Free Cash Flow US$M 2,672
Item Unit 2022 PFS Data
LOM Years 16
Discount rate % 10
NPV US$M 949
IRR % 34
Project Payback Years 4
Project Sensitivity Analysis
A sensitivity analysis was performed on key parameters within the financial
model to assess the impact of changes on the post-tax NPV of the Project
(debt-free). To examine the sensitivity of the Project base case NPV the
economic and operational conditions of each cost factor were independently
varied within a range of +/- 30%, and discount rates were changed within the
8%-15% range.
Project sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the Amapá Project is most
sensitive to a change in iron ore concentrate price, followed by logistics
costs (marine shipment charges) and operating costs. It was least sensitive to
deviation in CAPEX. The figure here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-1.3..png)
shows the results of the project sensitivity analysis.
Mineral Resource Statement
The MRE was previously reported on 7 October 2022 and is available here
(http://irservices.netbuilder.com/ir/cadence/newsArticle.php?ST=REM&id=311428223697437722)
. The MRE has been reported at a cut-off grade of 25% Fe constrained by a
resource open pit and the topography dated April 2014 (grey surface in the
figure here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-MRE-Figure-1-Amapa-Iron-Ore-Mineralisation-.png)
), in line with the Reasonable Prospects For Eventual Economic Extraction
(RPEEE) principle. The MRE has been estimated, considering a product revenue
of US$120/t. The geotechnical parameters, metallurgical recovery and updated
mining costs were all provided by DEV.
Table 1.6 Summary of gross and attributable Mineral Resources for the Amapá
Iron Ore Project. Attributable tonnage to Cadence is based on a 30% interest
in the Project.
Classification Tonnage (Mt) Attributable Tonnage (Mt) Fe (%) SiO(2) (%) Al(2)O(3) (%) P (%) Mn (%)
Measured 55.33 16.60 39.26 30.40 6.54 0.161 1.03
Indicated 174.15 52.25 38.60 28.75 7.86 0.156 0.91
Meas. + Ind 229.48 68.84 38.76 29.15 7.54 0.157 0.94
Inferred 46.76 14.03 36.20 27.62 10.49 0.139 0.86
TOTAL 276.24 82.87 38.33 28.89 8.04 0.154 0.93
Notes:
(1) The Mineral Resource is considered to have reasonable prospects for
eventual economic extraction based on an optimised pit shell
(2) Cut-Off Grade reported within an optimised pit and above a cut-off grade
of 25% Fe applied
(3) Tonnages are reported as wet tonnes
(4) Mineral Resources are not reserves until they have demonstrated economic
viability based on a Feasibility Study or Pre-Feasibility Study
(5) The Mineral Resource Estimate has an effective date of 31 August 2022
(6) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Australian
Code for Reporting of Exploration Results. Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves
(JORC Code 2012)
(7) The attributable tonnes represent the part of the Mineral Resource that
will be attributable to Cadence Minerals' 30% interest in the Project
(8) The operator is DEV
As required per the JORC Code 2012, Table 1 for reporting MREs is available
here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/MRE_JORC-Table-1_FINAL_V3.06.10.22.pdf)
.
Ore Reserve Statement
The mine engineering and design work for this PFS, including operational
logistics, equipment requirements, mining strategy, and Ore Reserve
Estimation, have been undertaken by a Brazilian mining consultancy, Prominas
Mining Ltd ("Prominas"). These works have been conducted at the PFS level and
incorporate an Ore Reserve Estimate for open pit mining, which was prepared
under the guidelines of the JORC Code (2012).
Under the guidelines of the JORC Code (2012), an 'Ore Reserve' is the
economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It
includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when
the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at
Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate that include the
application of considerations to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral
Reserves. These considerations include, but are not restricted to, mining,
processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal,
environmental, social, and governmental factors, called 'Modifying Factors'.
Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, the economic
extraction could reasonably be justified.
Prominas has estimated the Ore Reserve for the Amapá Project at 195.8Mt at an
average grade of 39.34% Fe, at a cut-off grade of 25% Fe, as presented in the
table below.
Table 1.7 Amapá Project Ore Reserve Estimate (JORC Code (2012)) valid on 5
October 2022, DEV Mineral Rights - Fe >= 25. Attributable tonnage to
Cadence is based on a 30% interest in the Project.
Classification Material Tonnage Attributable Head Grades (%)
Tonnage
(Mt)
(Mt)
Fe SiO(2) Al(2)O(3) P Mn
Proven Friable Altered Itabirite 30.3 9.09 38.88 29.72 7.29 0.169 1.19
Friable Itabirite 13.7 4.11 39.51 36.37 2.88 0.086 0.90
Friable Hematite 0.7 0.21 62.53 4.40 2.23 0.227 0.39
Colluvium 5.2 1.56 39.18 20.89 11.90 0.185 0.72
Canga 0.8 0.24 49.99 5.81 10.53 0.964 0.19
Sub-total 50.7 15.21 39.58 29.88 6.56 0.162 1.04
Probable Friable Altered Itabirite 51.6 15.48 38.34 30.63 6.84 0.174 1.25
Friable Itabirite 30.9 9.27 40.28 34.75 3.02 0.101 0.92
Friable Hematite 1.5 0.45 57.22 13.11 2.30 0.114 0.43
Colluvium 56.6 16.98 38.33 22.60 11.71 0.144 0.60
Canga 4.5 1.35 48.68 9.03 10.12 0.587 0.22
Sub-total 145.1 43.53 39.26 27.53 7.98 0.159 0.89
TOTAL 195.8 58.74 39.34 28.14 7.61 0.160 0.93
Notes:
(1) The effective date of the Ore Reserve Estimate is 5 October 2022.
(2) Ore Reserves are reported per the guidelines of the JORC Code
(2012).
(3) The Ore Reserve Estimate is reported to a cut-off of 25% Fe.
(4) Ore Reserves were estimated at a selling price of US$120/t (FOB) and
include modifying factors related to geotechnical parameters, mining cost,
dilution and recovery, process recoveries and costs, G&A, royalties and
rehabilitation costs.
(5) A mining dilution factor of 3.0% and a mine recovery of 94% has been
estimated and applied for the Ore Reserve Estimate.
(6) Figures have been rounded to an appropriate level of precision for
the reporting of Ore Reserves.
(7) Due to rounding, some columns or rows may not compute exactly as
shown.
(8) The Ore Reserves are stated as wet (in-situ) tonnes processed at the
crusher.
(9) All figures are in metric tonnes.
The Ore Reserve contains only those Mineral Resources which are classified as
Measured and Indicated and constrained by an economically and technically
mineable engineered pit design, as described previously. The Ore Reserve has
also been constrained by the property boundary and considering the position of
existing and planned surface infrastructure.
The Competent Person utilised project-specific technical and economic
Modifying Factors to estimate the Ore Reserves at Amapá. Sufficient mining
and metallurgical work have been completed - and is further reinforced by
historical production data - to support the Ore Reserve Estimate.
The Competent Person understands that the Ore Reserve Estimate can be affected
by unforeseen metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal, title,
taxation, socio-economic, marketing, or political issues. However, concerning
environmental, licensing, legal, title, tax, and marketing considerations, the
Competent Person, has relied upon the information presented in the full PFS
report. As required per the JORC Code 2012, Table 1, needed for the reporting
of Ore Reserves, is available here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/JORC_Table-1_ORE_WAI_0.4-FINAL.pdf)
.
Mine Design
Pit designs and pushbacks were generated using MinePlan® software and
adopting preliminary geotechnical, hydrological, cost and density parameters.
The designs include benches, berms, and haul roads. The final pit mine design
is presented in the figure here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-1.4.png) .
A LOM production plan was scheduled using the MinePlan® Scheduler Optimiser.
The solids used in the mine schedule were based on the final pit design, with
an SMU (Selective Mining Unit) of 100 m x 200 m x 4 m. The mining schedule per
year is over 13 pits and is shown in the figure here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-1.5..png) .
Mining
Mining at the Amapá mine will use conventional open pit methods involving
drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling ore and waste by a mining contractor.
Operations will be conducted based on 365 operating days per year with three
8-hour shifts per day. An allowance has been made for the weather. Ore
production is planned at an optimum rate of 12.6 Mtpa. Generally, the total
rock mining rate (ore + waste) has been kept below 20 Mtpa. Grade control
drilling will be used to delineate the ore zones for excavation as well as
low-grade material and waste. Drilling and blasting of ore and waste rock will
be required, while overburden materials will be free digging. Ore and waste
will be loaded into 100 t capacity off-highway haul trucks to stockpiles,
designated waste dumps, or used for construction of the TSF.
Extraction, loading, hauling, and disposal of ore and waste, internal
materials handling, mining access opening and maintenance, drainage system
operation, and maintenance will all be undertaken by, and the responsibility
of, a specialist mining contractor under the management supervision of DEV.
For the PFS, DEV obtained a mining cost quote from an experienced Brazilian
mining contractor with over 14 years of operational experience in the mining
and heavy construction markets.
Processing
Historically the beneficiation plant at the Amapá Project produced four
product iron ore concentrates. The development strategy of DEV was to simplify
the product stream and focus on higher grade and higher value products, albeit
at a lower volume than historical production. The plan is to produce 5.28 Mtpa
(dry) of Fe concentrate, consisting of 4.23 Mtpa at 65.4% Fe and 0.92 Mtpa at
62% Fe concentrate. Due to the production history and the metallurgical test
work previously completed to achieve the production targets, no further test
work was carried out for this PFS.
As far as processing engineering, there were two main work programmes. The
first was assessing the current condition of the plant and infrastructure and
the work required to refurbish the plant back to its previous state. The
second was the flowsheet upgrade and improvements needed to achieve the
production mix and targets as proposed within the PFS. ECM Projetos
Industriais ("ECM"), who constructed the original Amapá processing plant, was
responsible for designing and costing the required process flowsheet
modifications and upgrades. ECM conducted an independent analysis of all the
data and information available to validate it as the basis for the process
design requirements of the PFS Study.
In summary, the process flow sheet consists of an initial crushing, screening,
and homogenisation stage. This process produces two streams of crushed ore.
The first stream is a +1mm -12mm product fed into the first milling circuit,
magnetic separators and then to a desliming circuit before floatation.
The second stream is a -1mm product passed through a spiral circuit to produce
a 62% Fe spiral concentrate. Various other flows from the second stream then
report either back to the first milling circuit, the second ball mill circuit
or the new magnetic separator circuit. The product from the new magnetic
separator circuit is sent back to the first milling and then onto a desliming
circuit before floatation.
The feed to the deslime circuit consists of the second milling ground product,
the first milling circuit magnetic concentrate and the spiral concentrate
dewatering screen undersize streams. Desliming occurs via three stages of
hydrocyclones. The second and third-stage underflow streams are combined to
report to the reverse floatation circuit.
The feed from the desliming circuit is sent to conditioning tanks, where the
material is prepared for reverse floatation. The reverse floatation consists
of two rougher stages and a final cleaner stage, where the floatation cell
tails form the feed for the next step. The final cleaner produces an iron
concentrate in which the silica and other impurities have been floated off.
This iron concentrate is fed into a concentrate thickener which increases
sedimentation. This stream then reports to the filter plant. The filtered
concentrate is conveyed to a sampling system and then to the 65.4% Fe BFPF
product stockpile. A summary of the process flow sheet can be found here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-1.6.png) .
Infrastructure
The surface infrastructure from the previous mining and processing operations
still exists, including roads, administrative buildings, workshops, and
processing buildings. When the mine closed, the mine's facilities, processing
plant, railway and port fell into disrepair. DEV has already begun the
rehabilitation of some of the administrative buildings. The intent is to
rehabilitate this infrastructure as part of the restart of the Amapá Project,
and the costs associated with this were included in the PFS CAPEX.
The Amapá mine's previous demand was stated as 25 MW; the new power
requirement is 30 MW. The existing transmission line, at 69 kV voltage, which
interconnects the UHE Coaracy Nunes (Hydroelectric Dam) to Serra do Navio,
will not support Amapá mine's power requirement.
DEV has been in discussion with Companhia de Eletricidade do Amapá ("CEA")
and has been informed that CEA is upgrading the regional transmission lines.
CEA intends to construct and upgrade the current transmission line at a
voltage of 138 kV from UHE Coaracy Nunes to Pedra Branca do Amapari, then to
the plant, connecting to a new 138 kV - 30 MVA substation which DEV will
construct. The CEA project timeline for this upgrade is in line with the
development timeline of the Amapá Project. Power to the port is provided via
connection to the Santana grid provided by CEA and is not expected to require
any significant upgrade.
The water supply for the processing plant will come from the accumulated water
in the TSF's water retention ponds. In addition to the TSF return water from
normal operations, fresh water will be taken from a local creek and pumped to
the TSF. A separate line from the TSF's return water supply will supply the
potable water plant for potable water requirements.
Logistics
As mentioned, DEV owns or has concessions over the key logistics from the mine
site to loading vessels at the Port of Santana on the Amazon River. The key
logistical components are shown in the figure here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-1.7.png) .
The access haul road, approximately 13 km in length, is used to access the
mine and haul concentrates between the concentrate stockpiles and the railhead
at Pedra Branca do Amapari. The option to construct an overland conveyor belt
to replace the truck haulage operation is viewed as the best way forward, and
this has been included in the process plant upgrade work undertaken by ECM.
This work will be completed in the initial two years after start-up.
The rail infrastructure is standard gauge and is 194 km in length, with a
distance of 180 km between the railhead and the port. The capital expenditure
on the railway will occur over two stages, the latter occurring as deferred
CAPEX. Once the second stage of investment is completed, the estimated cargo
handling capacity of the railway is estimated to be 6.4 million wet tonnes of
ore.
The original port facility was constructed in the 1950s to handle manganese
ore and consists of a rail loop, dual bottom-car dumper, central out load
conveyor with stacker and reclaimer connected to a floating dock. In March
2013, the port suffered a failure. After the failure, DEV engaged an EPCM
contractor to oversee the design and reconstruction of the port facility and
associated works. Phase one of the work was completed; however, due to the
iron ore price, the construction work stopped shortly after in 2014. Since
operations ceased, the port was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The PFS
study and CAPEX anticipate the continuation of the works per the EPCM
contractor design. The repair of the jack-up rig and the rehabilitation of the
port facilities. The figure here
(https://www.cadenceminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-1.8.png)
shows the planned materials handling and ship loading at the Santana port.
Mineral Title / Permitting
DEV and its subsidiaries own the Amapá Project and its licenses, mining
rights and concessions. As the Project was previously operating, it held all
the necessary permission to operate. However, since it ceased operations, many
have lapsed.
DEV owns four Mining Concessions. The first three concessions are for iron
ore, and the last is a gold extraction license. DEV has a joint venture with
Mina Tucano Ltda ("Mina Tucano"), which allows Mina Tucano to mine gold and
allows DEV to mine iron ore from Mina Tucano's license. None of the historical
mineral resources on license Mina Tucano is included as part of this PFS.
Although DEV owns the Mining Concessions, it does not currently have a Mine
Extraction and Processing Permit. To do so, DEV must obtain an Operational
License ("LO") from the state environment authority. Once this has been
completed, DEV will apply for Mine Extraction Permit. Since the Project was
acquired by its current owners in 2022, DEV has been making the required
regulatory filings and embarking on studies and maintenance works to comply
with the National Mineral Agency requirements.
Before the suspension of mining, the Project had numerous LOs across the
mining, rail, and port operations. These LOs expired between 2013 and 2018. In
2022 DEV began the regularisation of the expired environmental permits. In
consultation with the Amapá State Environmental Agency, and the relevant
state authorities, DEV has requested that the requirement for an environmental
impact study be waived. This request for a waiver was on the basis that the
previous LOs were granted on an operation that is substantially the same as is
currently planned and remains applicable to future operations. DEV proposes
that the company submit an Environmental Control Plan - "PCA" (Plano de
Controle Ambiental); and Environmental Control Report - "RCA" (Relatório de
Controle Ambiental). DEV has begun its proposed permit pathway for the Project
based on the above requirements of a PCA and RCA.
The proposed permit pathway for the Project has both legal and practice
precedent and is a reasonable approach, given the Projects status and level of
development.
The state owns the railway line and associated land; therefore, for the
Project to utilise this, it requires both the LO and a concession agreement
with the State of Amapá. The previous operators of the Project were granted
this concession in 2006 for 20 years under specific terms and conditions. The
reinstatement of this concession to one of DEV's 100% owned subsidiaries was
in December 2019 and was extended to 2046. The concession allows DEV's 100%
owned subsidiary to operate the railway to primarily transport iron ore from
the mine to its port in Santana. The State of Amapá owns the surface rights
associated with the railway, and under the Railway Concession, DEV has been
granted use over these surface rights.
In addition to the LO detailed above, the company's port is regulated by the
Agencia Nacional de Transportes Aquaviários ("ANTAQ"). As a result of the
change of ultimate beneficiary of DEV, a change of control request was filed.
This change of control was granted in November 2021. As part of the port
change of control, ANTAQ has agreed to cease the recommended abrogation of the
port concession. DEV owns the surface rights associated with the port.
The principal surface rights applicable to the Project are those above the
mining concessions, those associated with the railway from the mine to the
port and those associated with the port in Santana, Amapá. The surface rights
above the Mining Concessions cover approximately 5,580 ha. DEV has lease
agreements which cover this area.
Competent Person's Statement
The information that relates to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves is based on
information compiled by Geraldo Majella, who is an associate of Prominas and a
Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG). Geraldo Majella has
sufficient relevant experience to the style of mineralisation and type of
deposit under consideration and to the activity for 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, Exploration Targets,
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" (JORC Code). Geraldo Majella consents to
the inclusion in the announcement of the matters based on their information in
the form and context in which it appears and confirms that this information is
accurate and not false or misleading.
Kiran Morzaria has also reviewed and approved the technical information in his
capacity as a Qualified Person under the AIM Rules.
Opportunities
The PFS identified several opportunities that DEV intends to investigate
further before the start of the feasibility study.
Mina Tucano Exploration Target
DEV has a right to explore mine for iron ore on Mina Tucano's licenses. In
2011 DEV evaluated all the historical drilling on this license and further
explored the license. DEV evaluated some 986 holes to establish a mineral
resource estimate. The mineral recourse was estimated at a 25% Fe cut-off,
142.51 Mt at 36.77% Fe. This estimate covered measured, indicated, and
inferred mineral resources. This historical mineral resource estimate cannot
be considered a mineral resource estimated under JORC 2012.
The initial data and core will need to be reviewed and audited to develop this
exploration target, and additional resource drilling will need to be carried
out. From this, if applicable, a JORC 2012mineral resource could be estimated.
Port Loading Configuration
As part of a trade-off study on port loading, consulting engineers identified
a modification of the railway loop and a change in the stockpile arrangement
and associated product transportation. If these could be achieved, it would
substantially reduce the retaining wall costs, as the rail loop would be moved
approximately 100 m further away from the riverbank.
Qualified Person
Kiran Morzaria B.Eng. (ACSM), MBA, has reviewed and approved the information
contained in this announcement. Kiran holds a Bachelor of Engineering
(Industrial Geology) from the Camborne School of Mines and an MBA (Finance)
from CASS Business School.
Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are or may be deemed to be
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by
their use of terms and phrases such as "believe", "could", "should",
"envisage", "estimate", "intend", "may", "plan", "will", or the negative of
those variations or comparable expressions including references to
assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical
facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions
regarding the company's future growth results of operations performance,
future capital, and other expenditures (including the amount, nature, and
sources of funding thereof) competitive advantages business prospects and
opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Directors' current
beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to
the Directors. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially
from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including risks
associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions,
competition, environmental and other regulatory changes actions by
governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets reliance on key
personnel uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors many of which
are beyond the control of the company. Although any forward-looking statements
contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be
reasonable assumptions. The company cannot assure investors that actual
results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimate have been prepared by Competent
Persons, with Competent Person's Statements at the end of the release. The Ore
Reserves and Mineral Resources that underpin the production target have been
prepared by a Competent Person that meets the requirements of the JORC Code.
The PFS developed engineering designs to provide costs at a +/- 25% level of
accuracy. The company has concluded that it has a reasonable basis for giving
the forward-looking statements and forecasted financial information included
in this announcement.
This announcement has been prepared in accordance with JORC code 2012 and AIM
listing rules. All material assumptions relating to production and financial
forecasts are detailed in this report. Material and economic assumptions are
summarised in the body of this release. Rounding may cause some computational
discrepancies for totals in the tables in this announcement.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the company to
constitute Inside Information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation
(EU) No. 596/2014, as it forms part of UK domestic law under the European
Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended. Upon the publication of this
announcement via a regulatory information service, this information is
considered to be in the public domain.
For further information contact:
Cadence Minerals plc +44 (0) 20 3582 6636
Andrew Suckling
Kiran Morzaria
WH Ireland Limited (NOMAD & Broker) +44 (0) 207 220 1666
James Joyce
Darshan Patel
Glossary
Al(2)O(3) Aluminium oxide is a chemical compound
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_compound) of aluminium
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium) and oxygen
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen)
C1 Cash Costs Means operating cash costs, including mining, processing, geology, OHSE, rail,
port and site G&A, divided by the tonnes of iron ore concentrate produced
Canga An iron-rich rock formed where material weathered from an original iron ore
deposit has been cemented by iron minerals.
Colluvium Loose, unconsolidated material that accumulates above the weathering iron ore
bodies.
Core A cylindrical section of a naturally occurring substance. Most core samples
are obtained by drilling with special drills into the substance, such as
sediment or rock, with a hollow steel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel)
tube called a core drill (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_drill) . The hole
made for the core sample is called the "core hole."
Cut-off grade The lowest grade of mineralised material that qualifies as ore in a given
deposit or rock of the lowest assay is included in an ore estimate.
Discount rate The interest rate is used in discounted cash flow analysis to determine the
present value of future cash flows.
Drillhole A drill hole is formed by the act or process of drilling boreholes using bits
s the rock-cutting tool. The bits are rotated by various types and sizes of
mechanisms motivated by steam, internal combustion, hydraulic, compressed air,
or electric engines or motors.
EBITDA Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation is an
alternate measure of profitability to net income. By stripping out the
non-cash depreciation and amortisation expense as well as taxes and debt costs
dependent on the capital structure, EBITDA attempts to represent cash profit
generated by the company's operations.
EPC means a company is contracted to provide engineering, procurement and
construction services by the owner. The EPC contractor has direct contracts
with the construction contractors.
EPCM means a company contracted to provide engineering, procurement and
construction management services. The owner contracts other companies
directly to offer construction services, and they are usually managed by the
EPCM contractor on the owner's behalf.
Fe Chemical symbol for iron. It is a metal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal)
that belongs to the first transition series
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_transition_series) and group 8
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_8_element) of the periodic table
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodic_table) . It is, by mass, the most
common element
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abundance_of_the_chemical_elements#Earth) on
Earth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth) , right in front of oxygen
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen) (32.1% and 30.1%, respectively),
forming much of Earth's outer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_core) and
inner core (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inner_core) . It is the fourth most
common element in the Earth's crust
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abundance_of_elements_in_Earth%27s_crust) .
Feasibility study This study is the most detailed and will determine definitively whether to
proceed with the Project. A detailed feasibility study will be the basis for
capital appropriation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_(economics)) and
will provide the budget figures for the Project. Detailed feasibility studies
require a significant amount of formal engineering work, are accurate to
within 10-15% and can cost between ½-1½% of the total estimated project
cost.
Final Investment Decision ("FID") FID is the point in the capital project planning process when the decision to
make major financial commitments is taken. At the FID point, major equipment
orders are placed, and contracts are signed for EPC
Floatation circuit is a standard technology for concentrating a broad range of minerals and
wastewater treatments. Froth floatation is based on differences in the ability
of air bubbles to adhere to specific mineral surfaces in a solid/liquid
slurry.
Flowsheet The flowsheet or a process flow diagram ("PFD") is commonly used in chemical
and process engineering to indicate the general flow of plant processes and
equipment. The PFD displays the relationship between major plant facility
equipment and does not show minor details such as piping details and
designations.
Itabirite Itabirite is a banded quartz hematite schist, very similar to banded iron
formation in appearance and composition. Friable Itabirite is extensively
weathered, leading to disaggregation of the individual mineral grains
comprising the rock;
Internal Rate of Return is a method of calculating an investment's rate of return. The term internal
refers to the fact that the calculation excludes external factors, such as the
risk-free rate, inflation, the cost of capital, or financial risk.
Haematite An iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe(2)O(3);
Hydrocyclone is a type of cyclonic separator that separates product phases mainly on the
basis of differences in gravity with aqueous solutions as the primary feed
fluid
Grade Relative quantity or the percentage of ore mineral or metal content in an ore
body;
Indicated Mineral Resources That part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical
characteristics, grade, and mineral content can be estimated with a reasonable
level of confidence. It is based on exploration, sampling and testing
information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as
outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drillholes. The locations are too
widely or inappropriately spaced to confirm geological and/or grade continuity
but are spaced closely enough for continuity to be assumed;
Inferred Mineral Resources That part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, grade and mineral content
can be estimated with a low level of confidence. It is inferred from
geological evidence and assumed but not verified geological and/or grade
continuity. It is based on information gathered through appropriate techniques
from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings, and drill holes
which may be limited or of uncertain quality and reliability;
Kt Thousand tonnes;
Measured Mineral Resources The part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical
characteristics, grade, and mineral content can be estimated with a high level
of confidence.
Metallurgical test work This is the process of testing how the resource material will respond to
standard metallurgical processes, such as floatation, gravity concentration
and leaching. They are conducted on coarse assay reject material using
standard test conditions. The objective is to determine how the resource
material reacts to commonly accepted recovery processes and gain a preliminary
estimate of metal recoveries.
Mine planning A plan or schedule of the extraction of ore to optimise the return (of profit)
on investment through capital investment, design, extraction scheduling, and
preparation of the mineral product according to specifications.
Mineral Reserves The economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral
Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may
occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments and studies have
been carried out and include consideration of and modification by
realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal,
environmental, social, and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate
at the time of reporting that extraction could reasonably be justified. Ore
Reserves are subdivided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Ore
Reserves and Proved Ore Reserves.
Mineral Resource A concentration or occurrence of material of intrinsic economic interest in or
on the Earth's crust in such form, quality, and quantity that there are
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity,
grade, geological characteristics, and continuity of a Mineral Resource are
known, estimated, or interpreted from specific geological evidence and
knowledge. Mineral Resources are subdivided, in order of increasing geological
confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories.
Mn Chemical symbol for Manganese. It has the atomic number 25. It is not found as
a free element (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_element) in nature; it is
often found in minerals (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral) in combination
with iron (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron) .
Modifying factors The term 'modifying factors' is defined to include mining, metallurgical,
economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental
considerations.
Net present value This is the difference between the present value of cash inflows and the
present value (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/valuation.asp) of cash
outflows over a period of time. NPV is used in capital budgeting
(https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/capitalbudgeting.asp) and investment
planning to analyse the profitability of a projected investment or Project.
Open pit An excavation or cut made at the surface of the ground for the purpose of
extracting ore and which is open to the surface for the duration of the mine's
life
Ore is natural rock or sediment containing one or more valuable minerals,
typically metals, that can be mined, treated and sold at a profit.
P The chemical symbol for Phosphorus with atomic number 15.
Pellet feed Iron ore fines used to produce pellets
Pit Optimisation A process whereby a series of optimised shells for open pits are generated,
each corresponding to a specific commodity price assumption.
Pit shell A design of an open pit obtained from the process of open-pit optimisation
Prefeasibility study It is more detailed than a Scoping Study. A Prefeasibility study is used in
determining whether to proceed with a detailed feasibility study and as a
"reality check (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/reality_check) " to determine
areas within the Project that require more attention. Prefeasibility studies
are done by factoring known unit costs
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unit_cost) and by estimating gross dimensions
or quantities once conceptual or preliminary engineering and mine design has
been completed. Prefeasibility studies have an accuracy of 20-30%.
Proven Ore Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. It includes
diluting materials and allowances for losses which occur when the material is
mined. A Proven Orel Reserve represents the highest confidence category of
Mineral Reserve estimate. It implies a high degree of confidence in the
geological factors and a high degree of confidence in the Modifying Factors.
Probable Ore Reserve is the economically mineable part of an Indicated Mineral Resource and, in
some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource. It includes diluting material
and allowances for losses which may occur when the material is mined. A
Probable Mineral Reserve has a lower level of confidence than a Proved Mineral
Reserve but is of sufficient quality to serve as the basis for a decision on
the development of a deposit.
SiO(2) Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is an oxide
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxide) of silicon
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon) most commonly found in nature as
quartz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartz) and in various living organisms.
In many parts of the world, silica is the major constituent of sand
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand) .
Spiral concentrate Iron Ore product produced from the beneficiation plant.
t Tonnes
- Ends -
(( 1 )) Anglo American (2012), Annual Report (pp.89)
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