Lerama Resources is currently involved in two exploration projects in the Bushveld Complex that have the potential of becoming small polymetallic base-precious metal producers, joining other profitable small mining operations globally. Through these projects Lerama Resources hopes to contribute to mineral production, growth and employment opportunities in South Africa (SA).
The Boschhoek Copper Project north east of Marble Hall, run by Lerama Resources’ subsidiary Meruka Mining, has the potential to become a low-grade open pit mine. Drilling on only one portion of an otherwise much larger footprint, has defined an Inferred Resource at a 0.35% Cu cut-off grade of 5 Mt of 0.52% Copper for 26 000t of contained copper metal. This includes 1.3 Mt of potential heap-leachable oxidised material (near the surface), for 6 600 t of copper metal. (MSA Group CPR Resource Statement, Nov 2014.)
Although the occurrence of base metals at this location has been known for several decades, the Boschhoek prospect has never been mined. Lerama Technical director, Professor Laurence Robb, says the evaluation of low-grade copper deposits is a global trend.
“Analysis of copper production trends by SNL Metals and Mining (2014) shows that average mine head grades have trended lower since 2003 as the global resource inventory declines. Forecasts for the period to 2017 predict an average grade for pre-production copper projects of 0.42% Cu, while projects currently in feasibility and development stages show a global average copper grade of 0.46% Cu,” says Robb.
Another Lerama Resources subsidiary, Roodepoortjie Resources, runs the Albert Silver Mine (ASM) Project situated 50Km north of Bronkhorstspruit. The ASM is a small deposit that was known to have operated in the pre-boer war times and which in more recent times was explored as a polymetallic (Cu-Ag-U) proposition by Anglo American.
A recently completed drilling programme has confirmed the presence of mineralisation over a 2km stretch, with grades of over 2% Cu, 150g/t Ag and 500ppm U in portions of the Albert lode, showing potential for a small underground operation.
“Although small-scale miners are not common-place in South Africa, many small base and precious metal mines operate profitably in other jurisdictions such as Australia, Canada, Zimbabwe and New Zealand,” says Robb.
Benchmarking their assets with similar deposits illustrates the point. Examples of such mineral producers include The Osborne Mine in Queensland, Australia and Fraser Mine in New Zealand. The Osborne Mine started production in 1995 and in 2005 it produced 39 475t of copper and 43 000oz of gold off a resource base of 5.9 million tons.
The Fraser Mine in New Zealand is a small underground gold operation with a record of historical production that recommenced operations in 2008. A report compiled mid-last year revealed that the mine had reserves of 120 000 oz. at a grade of 2, 0-2.2g/t Au and produced 70 000 t per month. It is expected to be mined out by the end of this year.
“The successful operation of the Fraser Gold Mine in an ecologically sensitive and scenic area of the South Island of New Zealand illustrates the fact that small mining operations with lifespans of five to ten years can be undertaken profitably,“ says Robb.
He believes ASM with its similar footprint and multi-commodity profile could, with the necessary financial support, be re-opened after its 120 years of dormancy and operated along similar lines as the Fraser Mine.
“The development of ASM would bring infrastructure and employment to an area that, with the exception of sporadic farming, is currently devoid of economic activity. The small size and underground operation of ASM ore body would also mean minimal impact on the local environment and relatively low rehabilitation costs.”
The ASM is currently in its second phase of drilling. The Boschhoek Project is expected to start with its third phase of drilling soon. Lerama also holds prospecting rights over other polymetallic mineral deposits in the region. The company continues to evaluate its projects in the Bushveld Complex with the aim of proving the existence of small, economically viable, environmentally compliant, mines that will contribute to SA’s resource inventory, as well as provide the much needed development and employment opportunities to these economically depressed areas.
Lerama is a co-sponsor of the Junior Indaba for explorers, developers and investors in junior mining, taking place in June, providing a platform for mining/exploration companies to showcase their assets and for investors to assess the various investment opportunities.
Background to Junior Indaba
Resources 4 Africa’s Junior Indaba takes place on 3 and 4 June at the Turbine Hall in Johannesburg, and Mining Prospectus magazine is proud to be media partner, so look out for the magazine. The event is a high-level strategic gathering where captains of industry speak openly and frankly about issues affecting the industry.
The aim of this event is two-fold, the first being to create a platform for strategic thinking and interactive conversation about the junior mining sector in SA, with the intention of aiding the advancement and development of this sector.
The second aim is to provide a forum for interaction between investors and project owners around Africa, with the intention of exploring opportunities for investment that will lead to the development of the resources and mining industry in Africa’s mining jurisdictions.
Alison Spratley
PULL QUOTE: “Although small-scale miners are not common-place in SA, many small base and precious metal mines operate profitably in other jurisdictions.”
