Cornish Metals Inc. (
AIM/TSX-V:
CUSN) (“Cornish Metals” or the “Company”), a mineral
exploration and development company focused on the advancement and
restart of its 100% owned and permitted South Crofty high-grade tin
project in Cornwall, United Kingdom, is pleased to announce that it
has developed a near mine Exploration Target at South Crofty.
The near mine Exploration Target quantity and
grade are conceptual in nature and currently there is insufficient
data to classify this as a Mineral Resource. However, Cornish
Metals believes the Exploration Target demonstrates the potential
to define additional mineralisation, which could expand the current
Mineral Resource at the project.
Highlights
- South Crofty is
one of the highest-grade tin resources in the world with a tin
grade of 1.50% in the Indicated category
- The near mine
Exploration Target points to potential additional mineralisation
upside of 6Mt to 13Mt, at a tin grade of 0.5% to 1.8%, above the
current South Crofty Mineral Resource in the Lower Mine area
- South Crofty
mine has consistently increased its Mineral Resource in line with
production each year for over the last 20 years when in
operation
- Potential to
define additional mineralisation, which could expand the current
Mineral Resource at the project
- Further growth
opportunities from longer term exploration activities both within
the South Crofty mining permission area and within Cornish Metals’
extensive mineral rights holdings in Cornwall providing for a
multi-generational asset
Don Turvey, CEO and Director of Cornish
Metals, stated: “This Exploration Target supports our view
that there is a lot more tin at South Crofty waiting to be
discovered. South Crofty is a generational asset with a long
history of Mineral Resource discovery and conversion, and we expect
this trend to continue after the mine restarts production. The PEA
results represent a strong foundation for advancing South Crofty to
production, but it is only the starting point, and this Exploration
Target illustrates the potential for immense upside.”
The assessment of the near mine Exploration
Target is based on the current understanding of the geological
controls on mineralisation at the South Crofty project and the
target was generated by extrapolating known structures along strike
and down dip, with tonnages estimated by applying assumed minimum
and maximum thicknesses.
South Crofty near mine Exploration Target |
|
Mass(Mt) |
Grade(% Sn) |
Upper limit |
13 |
1.8 |
Lower limit |
6 |
0.5 |
Notes:
- The near mine Exploration Target is reported exclusive of the
current South Crofty Mineral Resource.
- No economic parameters, mining dilution or recovery factors
have been applied to the assessments of tonnes and average
grade.
- The potential quantity and average grade of the near mine
Exploration Target is conceptual in nature and is an approximation.
There is insufficient data to estimate a Mineral Resource in the
area considered and it is uncertain if further exploration will
result in the definition of a Mineral Resource.
The near mine Exploration Target was primarily
based on extrapolation of known, previously mined structures beyond
the limits of the current South Crofty Mineral Resource. The
mineralisation around South Crofty remains open along strike and
down dip providing further potential beyond the near mine
Exploration Target. The Exploration Target does not consider the
wider opportunities within the South Crofty mining permission area,
which also shows significant potential and includes the Wide
Formation exploration project, or within the wider region in
Cornwall where Cornish Metals has extensive mineral rights
holdings.
Figure 1: Plan view of existing South Crofty
Mineral Resource envelopes (orange), near mine Exploration Targets
(light blue) and wider mineralised and mined structures with
exploration areas (dark blue, pink) identified within the South
Crofty underground permission boundary.
Historic production at South Crofty demonstrates
the consistent discovery of new mineralisation and subsequent
conversion to Reserves (Figure 2). Cornish Metals plans to test the
near mine Exploration Target systematically alongside initial
production at South Crofty, targeting an increase of the Mineral
Resource Estimate above that depleted by production each year. This
is expected to be carried out through targeted development and
exploration drilling programmes aimed at extending the existing
Mineral Resource both along strike and down dip during
approximately the first five years of operation.
Figure 2: South Crofty cumulative metal mined,
and metal added to Reserve – 1974 to 1997.
Note: Reserves estimated based on
methodologies and classifications used by South Crofty in the
period.
GEOLOGY AND MINERALISATION
The geology of Cornwall is dominated by granitic
intrusions that are part of the Permian Cornubian batholith, and
Devonian metasedimentary and metavolcanics, known locally as
“Killas”, that form the metamorphic aureole and host rocks of the
intrusions. The sedimentary and volcanic package was deformed
during the Variscan Orogeny where crustal thickening, followed by
subsequent lithospheric extension and crustal subsidence, resulted
in anatexis and formation of the Cornubian batholith.
The South Crofty project area lies on the north
side of the Permian Carn Brea Granite. The project area is
underlain by a series of metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks and
associated hornfels and skarns, that occur in close proximity to
the granite contact. At depth, the granite underlies the whole
project area dipping towards the north west.
Mineralisation occurs in steeply dipping
vein-type structures or “lodes” that generally strike
east-northeast, occurring in both the granite and the overlying
Killas. Within the granite, the principal mineral of economic
significance is cassiterite. The project is split by the Great
Crosscourse a late-stage fault which crosscuts and offsets the
mineralised structures. The Great Crosscourse transects the project
area dividing the mine into two areas, east and west.
The area is host to numerous historic mines
which initially exploited copper and subsequently deeper tin.
Numerous opportunities exist to test for the continuation of tin
below historic copper mines. This precedent is evident both in the
South Crofty workings and also at the Dolcoath mine which was
continuously mined through the copper mineralisation and into tin
mineralisation at depth, demonstrating the vertical zonation.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The near mine Exploration Target has been based
primarily on extrapolation of known, previously mined structures
beyond the data limits of the current South Crofty Mineral
Resource. Several smaller structures identified within the
historical database that show potential for defining additional
mineralisation through further exploration have also been included.
An analogue for continuity of mineralised structures is the
Dolcoath mine, which sits directly to the south of South Crofty and
was mined continuously from surface to over 800m vertical depth
with a strike length that is traceable over 2.1km.
Where structures have been extrapolated beyond
known data points, they have been extended half the known strike
length of the defined Mineral Resource envelope and extrapolated a
further two mine levels (approximately 75m) down dip (Figure 3).
Where structures have data which could be interpreted as belonging
to that structure (Figure 4), or where there is an analogy from an
existing structure (for example historical workings above),
extrapolations have been expanded to the same extent (Figure 5). In
all cases nothing has been extrapolated beyond the mining
permission boundary. This approach assumes the continuity of
structures beyond the current known data points.
Tonnage assumptions are based on the projected
areas of the extrapolated structures. The upper tonnage target is
based on the mean width of the known Mineral Resource structure and
the lower tonnage target is based on the lower tenth percentile
width of the structure. This method acknowledges that although the
mineralised structures at South Crofty are extremely persistent,
there is significant variability in the width. With the potential
volume defined, the mean density of mineralisation at South Crofty
of 2.77t/m3 was applied to give an assessment of tonnage.
Average tin grade assumptions were based on the
current South Crofty Mineral Resource sample dataset. A range was
derived which represents the likely average grade of the global
near-mine Exploration Target and equates to the lower 40th and
upper 75th percentiles of the existing Mineral Resource sample set.
This is believed to give the best indication of expected average
grade based on the existing precedent.
Figure 3: Long section view looking north
showing the existing Dolcoath South Mineral Resource structure
(orange) and the Exploration Target extrapolation (blue).
Figure 4: Long section view looking north
showing the existing No. 8a Mineral Resource structure (orange) and
the Exploration Target extrapolation (blue).
Figure 5: Long section view looking north
showing the existing Roskear B-D Mineral Resource (orange) and the
Exploration Target (blue), which has been extrapolated to the
length of the historic overlying North Roskear and South Roskear
mines.
This Exploration Target was reviewed and
approved by Mr. Nicholas Szebor (MCSM, BSc, MSc, CGeol, EurGeol,
FGS), Regional Manager and Principal Geologist at AMC Consultants
(UK) Limited, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101
(NI 43-101) and AIM Rules for Companies and a Competent Person as
defined under the JORC Code (2012). Mr. Szebor has reviewed the
technical content of this news release as it relates to the
Exploration Target and has approved its dissemination.
This news release has been reviewed and approved
by Mr. Owen Mihalop, MCSM, BSc (Hons), MSc, FGS, MIMMM, CEng, Chief
Operating Officer for Cornish Metals Inc. who is the designated
Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and the AIM Rules for Companies
and a Competent Person as defined under the JORC Code (2012). Mr.
Mihalop consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the
matters based on his information in the form and context in which
it appears.
ABOUT CORNISH METALS
Cornish Metals is a dual-listed mineral
exploration and development company (AIM and TSX-V: CUSN) that is
advancing the South Crofty tin project towards production. South
Crofty:
- Is a historical,
high-grade, underground tin mine located in Cornwall, United
Kingdom and benefits from existing mine infrastructure including
multiple shafts that can be used for future operations;
- Is fully
permitted to commence underground mining (valid to 2071), construct
new processing facilities and for all necessary site
infrastructure;
- Has a 2024
Preliminary Economic Assessment that validates the Project’s
potential (see news release dated April 30, 2024 and the Technical
Report entitled “South Crofty PEA”):
- US$201 million
after-tax NPV8% and 29.8% IRR
- 3-year after-tax
payback
- 4,700 tonnes
average annual tin production in years two through six
- Life of mine
all-in sustaining cost of US$13,660 /tonne of payable tin
- Total after-tax
cash flow of US$626 million from start of production
- Would be the
only primary producer of tin in Europe or North America. Tin is a
Critical Mineral as defined by the UK, American, and Canadian
governments as it is used in almost all electronic devices and
electrical infrastructure. Approximately two-thirds of the tin
mined today comes from China, Myanmar and Indonesia;
- Benefits from
strong local community, regional and national government support
with a growing team of skilled people, local to Cornwall, and could
generate up to 320 direct jobs.
The 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment for
South Crofty is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral
Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have
the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them
to be categorised as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that
the 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment will be realised. Mineral
Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated
economic viability.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
“Don Turvey”Don Turvey
Engage with us directly at our investor hub.
Sign up at: https://investors.cornishmetals.com/link/lPdoKr
For additional information please contact:
Cornish Metals |
Fawzi HananoIrene Dorsman |
investors@cornishmetals.com info@cornishmetals.com |
|
|
Tel: +1 (604) 200 6664 |
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nominated Adviser
& Joint
Broker) |
Richard Morrison Charlie Bouverat Grant Barker |
Tel: +44 203 470 0470 |
|
|
|
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited(Joint
Broker) |
Derrick LeeNeil McDonald |
Tel: +44 131 220 6939 |
|
|
|
Hannam & Partners(Financial
Adviser) |
Matthew HassonAndrew Chubb Jay Ashfield |
cornish@hannam.partners Tel: +44
207 907 8500 |
|
|
|
BlytheRay(Financial PR) |
Tim Blythe Megan Ray |
cornishmetals@blytheray.com Tel: +44 207 138 3204 |
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Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Caution regarding forward looking
statements
This news release contains certain
“forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements”
(collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking
statements include predictions, projections, outlook, guidance,
estimates and forecasts and other statements regarding future plans
and operations, the realisation, cost, timing and extent of mineral
resource or mineral reserve estimates, estimation of commodity
prices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, estimated future
exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of
new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time
lines, requirements for additional capital and the Company’s
ability to obtain financing when required and on terms acceptable
to the Company, future or estimated mine life and other activities
or achievements of Cornish Metals, including but not limited to:
the expected use of proceeds from the secured credit facility with
Vision Blue; the balance of the cash consideration due to Cornish
in respect of the sale of the Mactung and Cantung royalty
interests; mineralisation at South Crofty, mine dewatering and
construction requirements; the development, operational and
economic results of the preliminary economic assessment, including
cash flows, capital expenditures, development costs, extraction
rates, recovery rates, mining cost estimates and returns;
estimation of mineral resources; statements about the estimate of
mineral resources and production of minerals; magnitude or quality
of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of the South Crofty
project mine plan; exploration potential and project growth
opportunities for the South Crofty tin project and other Cornwall
mineral properties, the Company’s ability to evaluate and develop
the South Crofty tin project and other Cornwall mineral properties,
strategic vision of Cornish Metals and expectations regarding the
South Crofty mine, timing and results of projects mentioned.
Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by
the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”,
“estimate”, “forecast”, “expect”, “potential”, “project”, “target”,
“schedule”, “budget” and “intend” and statements that an event or
result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “might” occur
or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the
negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of
historical fact included in this news release, are forward-looking
statements that involve various risks and uncertainties and there
can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate
and actual results and future events could differ materially from
those anticipated in such statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks
and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially
different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements, including but not limited to: risks related to receipt
of regulatory approvals, risks related to general economic and
market conditions; risks related to the availability of financing;
the timing and content of upcoming work programmes; actual results
of proposed exploration activities; possible variations in Mineral
Resources or grade; outcome of any future studies; projected dates
to commence mining operations; failure of plant, equipment or
processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes,
title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and
other risks of the mining industry; changes in national and local
government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and
regulations. The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may
affect Cornish’s forward-looking statements.
Cornish Metals’ forward-looking statements are
based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their
current expectations regarding future events and operating
performance and speak only as of the date such statements are made.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors
that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from
those described in forward- looking statements, there may be other
factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ
materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that
forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and
accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Cornish Metals does
not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if
circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions
should change other than as required by applicable law.
Caution regarding non-IFRS
measures
This news release contains certain terms or
performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are
not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards
("IFRS"), including "all-in sustaining costs". Non-IFRS measures do
not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and
therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed
by other companies. The data presented is intended to provide
additional information and should not be considered in isolation or
as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance
with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with Cornish Metals’
consolidated financial statements and Management Discussion and
Analysis, available on its website and on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca.
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR)
Disclosure
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by
the Company to constitute inside information pursuant to Article 7
of EU Regulation 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by
virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 as amended.
Appendix
“cassiterite” means a tin oxide mineral which is
the principal source for tin metal
“Exploration Target” is a statement or estimate
of the exploration potential of a mineral deposit in a defined
geological setting where the statement or estimate, quoted as a
range of tonnes and a range of grade (or quality) relates to
mineralisation for which there has been insufficient exploration to
estimate a Mineral Resource. Any such information must be expressed
so that it cannot be misrepresented or misconstrued as an estimate
of a Mineral Resource or Ore Reserve. There has been insufficient
exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and that it is uncertain
if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral
Resource.
"grade(s)" means the quantity of ore or metal in
a specified quantity of rock
"Indicated Mineral Resource" is that part of a
Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities,
shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient
confidence to allow the application of mining, processing,
metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal,
environmental, social and governmental factors to support mine
planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and
reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to
assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of
observation. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of
confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and
may only be converted to a probable mineral reserve.
"Inferred Mineral Resource" is that part of a
Mineral Resource for which 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. An Inferred Mineral
Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an
Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a mineral
reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred
Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources
with continued exploration. An Inferred Mineral Resource is based
on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate
techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits,
workings and drill holes.
"JORC Code" means the 2012 edition of the
Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves prepared by the Joint Ore Reserves
Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy,
Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of
Australia. The JORC Code is an acceptable foreign code for purposes
of NI 43-101.
"Lodes" means a vein of metal ore in the
earth
"MRE" means Mineral Resource Estimate
"km" means kilometres
"kt" means thousand tonnes
"m" means metres
"Mt" means million tonnes
“NI 43-101” means National Instrument 43-101 –
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects issued by the Canadian
Securities Administrators, which provides standards of disclosure
of scientific and technical information regarding mineral
projects
“Sn” means Tin
"t" means tonnes
"t/m3" means tonnes per cubic metre
“tourmaline” means the crystalline silicate
mineral group that occurs as prismatic crystals in
granitic and other rocks
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/12015dc9-3c1c-4091-8697-2677f2a0b7b8
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ada95822-2866-4494-bfa9-eca474579adb
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8687b987-cd52-44ef-bc78-ee7966bed693
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/234a3046-5ed2-4e62-b1b6-cd2f403c67ff
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47dc6f93-b036-43c9-aa8c-aa258e6912b9
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