TIDMBMN

RNS Number : 2133H

Bushveld Minerals Limited

04 April 2022

Market Abuse Regulation ("MAR") Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement.

4 April 2022

Bushveld Minerals Limited

("Bushveld", the "Company" or the "Group")

Vametco Mineral Resources and Reserves Annual Update

Bushveld Minerals Limited (AIM: BMN), the AIM-listed, integrated primary vanadium producer which owns high-grade vanadium assets in South Africa, is pleased to provide an updated Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for the Vametco vanadium mine near Brits on the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex. The resources and reserve estimation was carried out by MSA Group Inc in accordance with the terminology and definitions given in the JORC Code (2012).

Key Highlights

-- The Ore Reserve as at 31 December 2021 is 262,000 tonnes V(2) O(5) in magnetite at a grade of 2.02 per cent V(2) O(5) (in magnetite) (267,200 tonnes as at 31 December 2020), following mining depletion during the 12 month period.

-- The combined Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resource comprises three Seams - The Lower, Intermediate and Upper Seams - and is reported at 182.7 Mt at an average grade of 1.98 per cent V(2) O(5) (in magnetite) as at 31 December 2021, with an average magnetite content of 35.0 per cent (in whole rock) for 703.9 thousand tonnes of contained vanadium (709.8 thousand tonnes as at 31 December 2020).

-- Within this, the Ore Reserve in the Probable Category comprise the same three Seams and is reported as 45.3 Mt at an average grade of 2.02 per cent V(2) O(5) (in magnetite), with an average magnetite content of 28.6 per cent (in whole rock) for 146,900 tonnes of vanadium.

-- The Lower Seam is the main ore seam and the thickest, ranging from 13.8 to 52.0 metres in thickness, comprising a Probable Reserve of 38.4 Mt at an average grade of 2.05 per cent V(2) O(5) (in magnetite), with an average magnetite content of 29.2 per cent (in whole rock) for 128,900 tonnes of vanadium.

-- The decrease in the total 2021 Mineral Resource, by 0.81 per cent less tonnes than the 31 December 2020 estimate, is attributed to mining of the seams over the last 12 months. No Mineral Resource exploration was carried out over the period.

-- The decrease in the total 2021 Ore Reserves from 46.4 Mt to 45.3 Mt as at 31 December 2021 is due to the depletion of all of the seams over the 12 month period.

-- An adjustment was made to the modifying factors to reflect more accurate Ore Reserve grades for the individual seams. The Ore Reserve modifying factors (mining loss and dilution) were adjusted based on pit to plant reconciliation production data supplied by Bushveld Vametco Alloys (Pty). Ltd. This resulted in a significant increase in the Upper Seam magnetite grade in line with actual performance from 26.8 per cent in 2020 to 49.4 per cent in 2021.

Fortune Mojapelo, CEO of Bushveld Minerals Limited, commented:

"It is pleasing to see this orebody continue to deliver consistently , as per the reserve s and resources estimates it is based upon. This gives us the confidence to pursue further growth in the years ahead, knowing that we have decades of mine life in front of us. It is updates like this that remind us what a unique and world-class asset we possess and that we must ensure it gets developed to its full potential over time."

 
             Table 1: Vametco Mineral Resource at a cut-off grade of 20% magnetite, as at 31 December 2021 
                                                     - Gross Basis 
     Class         Seam Name       Tonnes      V(2) O(5)     Magnetite     V(2) O(5)     Tonnes V(2)     Tonnes V in 
                                               grade of      grade of       grade in       O(5) in        magnetite 
                                              whole rock    whole rock     magnetite      magnetite 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
                                 (Millions)        %             %             %         (Thousands)     (Thousands) 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
   Indicated         Upper              5.6          1.44          65.8           1.78           65.9             36.9 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
          Intermediate                 27.6          0.67          32.9           1.91          173.3             97.1 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Lower                    106.8          0.72          32.3           2.03          702.3            393.3 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Total                    140.1          0.74          33.8           2.00          941.5            527.2 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
   Inferred          Upper             10.2          1.46          63.6           1.75          113.7             63.7 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
          Intermediate                  7.0          0.67          32.1           1.92           43.4             24.3 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Lower                     25.3          0.74          31.3           2.00          158.4             88.7 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Total                     42.6          0.90          39.1           1.93          315.6            176.7 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Indicated and 
    Inferred         Upper             15.8          1.45          64.4           1.76          179.6            100.6 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
          Intermediate                 34.7          0.67          32.7           1.91          216.7            121.4 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Lower                    132.2          0.72          32.1           2.03          860.6            482.0 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Total                    182.7          0.78          35.0           1.98        1,257.0            703.9 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 

Notes:

   1.       All tabulated data have been rounded and as a result minor computational errors may occur. 
   2.       Mineral Resources which are not Ore Reserves have no demonstrated economic viability. 
   3.       Mineral Resources are inclusive of Ore Reserves (not indicated in the table). 

4. Magnetite content (grade) is determined as the proportion of magnetite concentrate recovered using Davis Tube methodology.

5. Due to the magnetite grade being a recovered grade, differences will occur between whole rock V(2) O(5) grades back-calculated from concentrate, versus those derived from whole rock assays.

   6.       Depleted using 31 December 2021 pit survey. 

7. Reported on a Gross Basis. Bushveld Minerals shareholding in Bushveld Vametco Alloys is 74%.

 
             Table 2: Vametco Mineral Resource at a cut-off grade of 20% magnetite, as at 31 December 2021 
                                                  - Attributable Basis 
     Class         Seam Name       Tonnes      V(2) O(5)     Magnetite     V(2) O(5)     Tonnes V(2)     Tonnes V in 
                                               grade of      grade of       grade in       O(5) in        magnetite 
                                              whole rock    whole rock     magnetite      magnetite 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
                                 (Millions)        %             %             %         (Thousands)     (Thousands) 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
   Indicated         Upper              4.2          1.44          65.8           1.78           48.8             27.3 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
          Intermediate                 20.5          0.67          32.9           1.91          128.3             71.8 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Lower                     79.0          0.72          32.3           2.03          519.7            291.0 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Total                    103.7          0.74          33.8           2.00          696.7            390.2 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
   Inferred          Upper              7.6          1.46          63.6           1.75           84.2             47.1 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
          Intermediate                  5.2          0.67          32.1           1.92           32.1             18.0 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Lower                     18.8          0.74          31.3           2.00          117.2             65.7 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Total                     31.5          0.90          39.2           1.93          233.5            130.8 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Indicated and 
    Inferred         Upper             11.7          1.45          64.4           1.76          132.9             74.4 
                --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
          Intermediate                 25.7          0.67          32.7           1.91          160.4             89.8 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Lower                     97.8          0.72          32.1           2.03          636.9            356.6 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
             Total                    135.2          0.78          35.0           1.98          930.2            520.9 
 -----------------------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  --------------- 
 

Notes:

   1.       All tabulated data have been rounded and as a result minor computational errors may occur. 
   2.       Mineral Resources which are not Ore Reserves have no demonstrated economic viability. 
   3.       Mineral Resources are inclusive of Ore Reserves (not indicated in the table). 

4. Magnetite content (grade) is determined as the proportion of magnetite concentrate recovered using Davis Tube methodology.

5. Due to the magnetite grade being a recovered grade, differences will occur between whole rock V(2) O(5) grades back-calculated from concentrate, versus those derived from whole rock assays.

   6.       Depleted using 31 December 2021 pit survey. 

7. Reported on an Attributable Basis. Bushveld Minerals shareholding in Bushveld Vametco Alloys is 74%.

 
                             Table 3: Vametco Ore Reserves, 31 December 2021 - Gross 
                                                       Basis 
   Class         Seam          Tonnes       V(2)      Magnetite     V(2) O(5)        Tonnes           Tonnes 
                  Name                       O(5)       grade         grade         V(2) O(5)      V in magnetite 
                                            grade      of whole    in magnetite    in magnetite 
                                           of whole      rock 
                                             rock 
            -------------- 
                             (Millions)       %           %             %          (Thousands)      (Thousands) 
            --------------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  --------------  ---------------- 
 Probable        Upper          0.5         1.05        49.4          1.77             4.7              2.7 
        Intermediate            6.3         0.51        23.4          1.88            27.5             15.4 
           Lower                38.4        0.63        29.2          2.05            230.1            128.9 
 -------------------------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  --------------  ---------------- 
           Total                45.3        0.62        28.6          2.02            262.4            146.9 
 -------------------------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  --------------  ---------------- 
 

Notes:

   1.       All tabulated data have been rounded and as a result minor computational errors may occur. 

2. Ore Reserve tonnes and grades reported on dry run of mine (ROM) (plant feed) basis after mining modifying factors have been applied but before beneficiation down-stream recoveries/losses have been applied.

   3.       Reporting was prepared on a Mineral Resource model developed by MSA. 
   4.       Ore Reserves depleted as at 31 December 2021 using 31 December 2021 pit survey. 
   5.       The Ore Reserve estimate was based on the original pit design completed in March 2019 

6. Modifying factors adjusted by seam from previous previous 31 December 2020 Ore Reserve estimate based on analysis of pit to plant production information

7. Ore Reserve estimate depleted using Datamine Studio 5DP Open Pit software and latest topography supplied by Vametco as of 31 December 2021.

8. Reported on a Gross Basis. Bushveld Minerals shareholding in Bushveld Vametco Alloys is 74%.

 
                          Table 4: Vametco Ore Reserves, 31 December 2021 - Attributable 
                                                       Basis 
   Class         Seam          Tonnes     V(2) O(5)   Magnetite     V(2) O(5)        Tonnes           Tonnes 
                  Name                      grade       grade         grade         V(2) O(5)      V in magnetite 
                                           of whole    of whole    in magnetite    in magnetite 
                                             rock        rock 
            -------------- 
                             (Millions)       %           %             %          (Thousands)      (Thousands) 
            --------------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  --------------  ---------------- 
 Probable        Upper          0.4         1.05        49.4           1.8             3.5              2.0 
        Intermediate            4.6         0.51        23.4           1.9            20.4             11.4 
           Lower                28.5        0.63        29.2           2.1            170.3            95.4 
 -------------------------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  --------------  ---------------- 
           Total                33.5        0.62        28.6          2.02            194.2            108.7 
 -------------------------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  --------------  ---------------- 
 

Notes:

   1.       All tabulated data have been rounded and as a result minor computational errors may occur. 

2. Ore Reserve tonnes and grades reported on dry ROM (plant feed) basis after mining modifying factors have been applied but before beneficiation down-stream recoveries/losses have been applied.

   3.       Reporting was prepared on a Mineral Resource model developed by MSA. 
   4.       Ore Reserves depleted as at 31 December 2021 using 31 December 2021 pit survey. 
   5.       The Ore Reserve estimate was based on the original pit design completed in March 2019 

6. Modifying factors adjusted by seam from previous previous 31 December 2020 Ore Reserve estimate based on analysis of pit to plant production information

7. Ore Reserve estimate depleted using Datamine Studio 5DP Open Pit software and latest topography supplied by Vametco as of 31 December 2021.

8. Reported on a Gross Basis. Bushveld Minerals shareholding in Bushveld Vametco Alloys is 74%.

Competent Person's Statement

In accordance with the "AIM Rules - Note for Mining and Oil and Gas Companies", the information contained within the announcement has been reviewed and approved by Professor Richard Viljoen. Professor Richard Viljoen has more than 30 years ' experience in the mining industry, including 15 years as chief consulting geologist for Gold Fields of South Africa. Notable past experience includes the development of significant mines including Northam Platinum and the Leeudoorn and Tarkwa gold mines, identifying and developing a significant platinum deposit in the Bushveld Complex for Akanani Resources as well as acting as consultant for exploration and mining companies in Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, India and China in the fields of base metals, gold and platinum. Professor Richard Viljoen has extensive experience 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 under the JORC Code (2012). Professor Richard Viljoen consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

S
 
Enquiries: info@bushveldminerals.com 
 
                                                           +27 (0) 11 268 
Bushveld Minerals Limited                                   6555 
Fortune Mojapelo, Chief Executive 
 Officer 
Andrew Mari, Investor Relations 
 
                                       Nominated Adviser   +44 (0) 20 3470 
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP          & Broker            0470 
Richard Morrison / Charlie Bouverat 
Grant Baker / Richard Parlons 
 
                                                           +44 (0) 207 920 
Tavistock                               Financial PR        3150 
Gareth Tredway / Tara Vivian-Neal/ 
 Adam Baynes 
 

ABOUT BUSHVELD MINERALS LIMITED

Bushveld Minerals is a low-cost, vertically integrated primary vanadium producer. It is one of only three operating primary vanadium producers, owning 2 of the world's 4 operating primary vanadium processing facilities. In 2021, the Company produced 3,592 mtV, representing approximately three per cent of the global vanadium market. With a diversified vanadium product portfolio serving the needs of the steel, energy and chemical sectors, the Company participates in the entire vanadium value chain through its two main pillars: Bushveld Vanadium, which mines and processes vanadium ore; and Bushveld Energy, an energy storage solutions provider. Bushveld Vanadium is targeting to materially grow its vanadium production and achieve an annualised steady state production run rate of between 5,000 mtVp.a. and 5,400 mtVp.a by the end of 2022, from projects currently being implemented. Beyond that, pre-feasibility studies are in progress to determine the optimal path to increase production even further to a steady state production run rate of between 6,400 mtVp.a. and 6,800 mtVp.a. in the medium-term and to a steady state production run rate of 8,400 mtVp.a in the long term.

Bushveld Energy is focused on developing and promoting the role of vanadium in the growing global energy storage market through the advancement of vanadium-based energy storage systems, specifically Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries ("VRFBs").

Detailed information on the Company and progress to date can be accessed on the website www.bushveldminerals.com

About Vametco

Vametco is located near Brits on the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex. The integrated operation comprises a vanadium ore mine and a processing plant that produces mostly Nitrovan , a trademark product sold in major steel markets across the world. The mine lies adjacent to the Brits Vanadium Project, which will in future serve as an alternative source of near surface run of mine ("ROM") ore feed to the Vametco plant.

The Vametco mining operation uses open pit bench mining methods to mine a well-defined orebody. The deposit is continuous with limited faulting and dips in a northerly direction at approximately 19 degrees.

ROM ore is fed into a primary, secondary and tertiary crushing circuit, followed by milling and magnetic separation to produce magnetite concentrates. The magnetite concentrates are fed into the extraction process which includes the kiln for roasting followed by leaching and precipitation. Thereafter the precipitated vanadium as ammonium metavanadate is converted to modified vanadium oxide ("MVO") in rotary calciners. MVO is fed into the mix plant and finally into the shaft furnaces to produce Nitrovan.

About Vanchem

Vanchem is situated at Ferrobank Industrial Park in Emalahleni Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province in the Republic of South Africa. Vanchem is a primary vanadium producing facility with a beneficiation plant capable of producing various vanadium oxides, ferrovanadium and vanadium chemicals. Vanchem uses the salt roast beneficiation process, similar to the one used at Vametco. The plant comprises: a core salt-roast processing plant, including 3 roasting kilns, an electric smelting ferrovanadium converter, an alumino-thermic smelting facility, also located at Highveld, a vanadium chemical plant; and a rail siding linking the plant with Bushveld deposits and additional potential supply sources through the national rail network.

ABOUT BUSHVELD ENERGY LIMITED

Bushveld Energy is a leading energy storage solutions provider, focusing on the African market. Bushveld Energy recognises that the requirement for electricity in Africa touches on both the paramount potential for social transformation and an immense commercial opportunity.

Bushveld Energy is focused on developing and promoting the role of vanadium in the growing global energy storage market through application in vanadium redox flow batteries ("VRFB"). Its near-term strategy is to deploy several VRFB systems as part of its longer-term vision to become a significant electricity storage provider in Africa, meeting the demand for utility scale energy storage in Africa by leveraging South Africa-mined and beneficiated vanadium. Bushveld Energy's business model embraces a number of activities along the VRFB value chain, including electrolyte manufacturing, investment in VRFB manufacturing, battery deployment and project development.

http://www.bushveldenergy.com

Glossary of Technical Terms

 
 Cut-off grade             The lowest grade, or quality, of mineralised 
                            material that qualifies as economically mineable 
                            and available in a given deposit. May be defined 
                            on the basis of economic evaluation, or on 
                            physical or chemical attributes that define 
                            an acceptable product specification. 
 Indicated Mineral         Indicated Mineral Resource or Indicated Resource 
  Resources or Indicated    is that part of a Mineral Resource for which 
  Resources                 quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape 
                            and physical characteristics, can be estimated 
                            with a level of confidence sufficient to allow 
                            the appropriate application of technical and 
                            economic parameters, to support mine planning 
                            and evaluation of the economic viability of 
                            the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed 
                            and reliable exploration and testing information 
                            gathered through appropriate techniques from 
                            locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, 
                            workings and drill holes that are spaced closely 
                            enough for geological and grade continuity 
                            to be reasonably assumed 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 Inferred Mineral          An Inferred Mineral Resource or Inferred Resource 
  Resources or Inferred     is that part of a Mineral Resource for which 
  Resources                 quantity and grade (or quality) are estimated 
                            on the basis of limited geological evidence 
                            and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient 
                            to imply but not verify geological and grade 
                            (or quality) continuity. It is based on exploration, 
                            sampling and testing information gathered 
                            through appropriate techniques from locations 
                            such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings 
                            and drill holes. 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 JORC Code                 The Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration 
                            Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 
                            (the "JORC Code"), a professional code of 
                            practice that sets minimum standards for Public 
                            Reporting of minerals Exploration Results, 
                            Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 Magnetite                 Naturally occurring form of iron ore with 
                            the formula Fe3O4. 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 Mt                        Millions of tonnes 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 mt or mtV                 Metric tonne or Metric tonne of Vanadium 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 Ore or Mineral Reserves   Ore or Mineral Reserves are sub-divided into 
                            two categories. The "Proved" category - the 
                            highest level of Reserves or the level with 
                            the most confidence and the "Probable" category 
                            - the lower level of confidence of the Reserves. 
 
                            Reserves are distinguished from resources 
                            as all the technical and economic parameters 
                            have been applied and the estimated grade 
                            and tonnage of the resources should closely 
                            approximate the actual results of mining. 
                            The guidelines state: "Mineral Reserves are 
                            inclusive of the diluting material that will 
                            be mined in conjunction with the Mineral Reserve 
                            and delivered to the treatment plant or equivalent 
                            facility." The guidelines also state that: 
 
                            "The term 'Mineral Reserve' need not necessarily 
                            signify that extraction facilities are in 
                            place or operative or that all government 
                            approvals have been received. It does signify 
                            that there are reasonable expectations of 
                            such approvals." 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 Seam                      A bed or a distinct layer of vein of rock 
                            in other layers of rock 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 Vanadium                  Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol 
                            V and atomic number 23. 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 Vanadium Oxide            Vanadium(V) oxide is the inorganic compound 
                            with the formula V(2) O(5) . 
                          ------------------------------------------------------ 
 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.

END

UPDQZLFBLZLBBBZ

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 04, 2022 12:09 ET (16:09 GMT)

Bushveld Minerals (AQSE:BMN.GB)
Gráfica de Acción Histórica
De Nov 2024 a Dic 2024 Haga Click aquí para más Gráficas Bushveld Minerals.
Bushveld Minerals (AQSE:BMN.GB)
Gráfica de Acción Histórica
De Dic 2023 a Dic 2024 Haga Click aquí para más Gráficas Bushveld Minerals.