Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
Author(s):
Mark McKinney
Ian Brown
(BSc Geology)
Allan Goldschmidt
Resource Consultant
Ken Lomberg
Regional Manager
Date:
13 November 2009
Project Number:
JTSC01
Version / Status:
v.02 Final
Document3
Print Date:
Copies:
(2)
(1)
Ian Brown
Author
Author
Mark McKinney
Alan Goldschmidt
Author
Supervising Principal
Reviewed By Ken Lomberg
This document has been prepared for the exclusive use of Weatherly Mining Namibia Limited (Client) on the basis of
instructions, information and data supplied by them. No warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied, is made by
Coffey Mining with respect to the completeness or accuracy of any aspect of this document and no party, other than the Client, is
authorised to or should place any reliance whatsoever on the whole or any part or parts of the document. Coffey Mining does not
undertake or accept any responsibility or liability in any way whatsoever to any person or entity in respect of the whole or any part
or parts of this document, or any errors in or omissions from it, whether arising from negligence or any other basis in law
whatsoever.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................i
1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Participants ....................................................................................................................... 2
1.5
1.6
1.7
Disclaimer .................................................................................................................................... 0
3.1
3.2
3.3
History .......................................................................................................................................... 4
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.2
Deposit Types................................................................................................................. 12
5.3
5.4
Local Geology................................................................................................................. 15
5.5
Mineralization .............................................................................................................................. 0
6.1
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 0
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
Exploration ................................................................................................................................. 14
7.1
Previous Exploration....................................................................................................... 14
7.2
Exploration Potential....................................................................................................... 15
Drilling ........................................................................................................................................ 17
8.1
8.2
8.2.2
Pre-Collaring ......................................................................................................... 23
8.2.3
8.2.4
8.2.5
8.2.6
8.2.7
8.2.8
8.2.9
8.2.10
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
10
8.2.1
9.4.1
9.4.2
Analysis ................................................................................................................. 34
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 35
9.5.2
Definitions .............................................................................................................. 35
9.5.3
9.5.4
9.5.5
Methodology .......................................................................................................... 38
9.5.6
Blanks .................................................................................................................... 38
9.5.7
9.5.8
9.5.9
9.5.10
9.5.11
9.5.12
9.5.13
9.5.14
Conclusions ........................................................................................................... 40
10.2
10.1.2
10.1.3
Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 58
11
10.2.1
Geology ................................................................................................................. 59
10.2.2
10.2.3
Collars ................................................................................................................... 59
10.2.4
Assays ................................................................................................................... 59
10.2.5
10.2.6
11.2
11.3
11.3.2
11.4
11.5
12
13
References ................................................................................................................................. 83
List of Tables
Table 1 Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification
iii
10
22
36
55
62
63
64
65
67
75
76
77
77
78
78
79
79
80
80
List of Figures
Figure 3.1_1 Location of the Tschudi Project
11
16
Figure 6.7_1 Longitudinal Projection, Showing Base of Weathering and Grade Shells
Figure 6.8_4 Section E250, Showing Simplified Geology and Grade Shells
10
Figure 6.8_5 Section E1800, showing simplified geology and grade shells
11
13
16
18
20
23
24
27
27
28
33
33
34
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
56
56
57
57
58
60
70
71
72
Figure 11.4_1 Grade Shells and Drillhole Location Plan Showing Resource Classification Perimeters
73
81
List of Appendices
Appendix A Geological Logging Codes and Templates
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Coffey Mining (SA) (Pty) Ltd (Coffey Mining) was engaged by Weatherly Mining Namibia Limited
(Weatherly), to design and manage the exploration and delineation drilling of the Tschudi Copper
Project in Namibia, and to estimate the mineral resources. This report details the geology of the deposit
and the mineral resource estimate.
The Tschudi deposit is centred on coordinates of 191555 South and 173114 East, at a mean
elevation of 1,298m amsl. The project area is located some 21km west of Tsumeb, northern Namibia.
Access to the project area is by the sealed Tsumeb Etosha road for 9km, and then 12km along a well
maintained gravel road. Skilled labour and most services are available in Tsumeb, which has a long
and mature history of mining, ensuring that most services and supplies are available.
The mineral rights for the Tschudi project are owned by Ongopolo Mining Limited, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Weatherly Mining Namibia Limited. The area is covered by prospecting license EPL132A
and Mining Licence ML125.
Coffey Mining personnel were on site on a continuous basis from January 2007 to September 2008.
Mr Mckinney visited the site regularly in a supervisory role and Mr Lomberg visited the site in November
2007 for due diligence purposes.
There has been a long history of exploration on the deposit, as well as throughout the entire Otavi
Mountainland region. The Tschudi deposit was first identified from a geochemical survey soil anomaly
in 1968. Since then there have been various drilling campaigns, as well as a decline shaft sunk. For
the purposes of this report, 218 historical drillholes have been used, as well as 220 drillholes from the
recent 2007/8 campaign, drilled from surface and underground. The recent campaign was separated
into various different stages, i.e. close spaced and diamond drilling adjacent to existing underground
workings, as well as a combination for the infill drilling for delineation of the proposed open pit. Some
13 drillholes were also drilled underground.
The Tschudi ore body is hosted within the basal arenites and conglomerates of the Mulden Group,
which lies unconformably on the dolomitic carbonate sediments of the Otavi Group. The ore body is
roughly planar, outcropping in a NE SW direction, and dipping at approximately 30 to the NW. The
strike length of the drilled mineralization is approximately 2,500m, although is open ended to depth and
the southwest. The copper mineralization in the oxide zone is largely composed of chalcocite and
malachite, and within the sulphide zone chalcopyrite and bornite dominate, while within the transitional
zone there is a combination of these minerals. There are a host of secondary and supergene minerals,
including azurite, chrysocolla, cuprite, digenite, dioptase, dufftite, mottramite and tennanite, amongst
others. Silver is a common secondary economic metal that is usually contained within bornite,
chalcocite, digenite and tennanite.
The deposit has been drilled out over some 2.5km. Oxide mineralization extends down to
approximately 55m below surface. There is then a transitional zone of mixed sulphide-oxide
mineralization to a vertical depth of approximately 75m, followed by a dominantly sulphide zone.
Page: i
In order to model the mineralization sectional interpretation was completed on each of the 60 drill
section lines and >0.15% Cu grade shells digitised, clipped to the drillhole traces. In order to gain
continuity some <0.15% samples have been included within the grade shells where they are bound by
>0.15% samples. Sectional interpretations were extended to some 30m beyond the deepest holes, 400
- 500m below surface. A base of oxide surface was created using a synthesis of >50% of Cu sulphuric
acid soluble where data was available and base of weathering where it was not.
Silver broadly tracks copper (elevated silver values do not occur without elevated copper values) and so
the grade shells are considered valid for both copper and silver. Sectional grade shell interpretations
excluded all mineralization within the Otavi dolomite as this was considered too erratic to model with
any confidence. In all cases the Lower Zone grade shells were modelled with the Otavi/Mulden contact
as their lower edge. The sectional interpretations were then wireframed into solids in three dimensions.
Shells were cropped to the surveyed surface topography.
The majority of the mineralization is confined to a robust zone directly above the contact that extends
throughout the 2.5km strike length and 925m down dip length of the deposit modelled.
The true width of mineralization in this Lower Zone varies from 1 - 45m with large areas of 10 - 15m
thick mineralization running roughly parallel to strike at 80 - 150m below surface. Mineralization
generally narrows and decreases in tenor towards surface and down dip. It is open to depth and along
strike although there is a general fall in tenor and width in both directions.
Varying from 0-15m above the Lower Zone, 14 discontinuous lenses forming the Upper Zone have
been defined. These attain a maximum of approximately 25m thick, more commonly 2 - 5m, and
plunge shallowly to the northwest along apparent dip of the strata at 20 -25. Plan extent is typically
450m down plunge (varying from 250 - 700m) by 80m wide (varying from 35 - 200m).
As with the Lower Zone, mineralization is generally poorly developed and narrow near surface. The
Upper Zone lenses all appear to terminate with depth, the deepest intersection being some 225m below
surface. Upper Zone lenses may be locally stacked providing near continuous mineralization from the
Otavi contact for significant distances. However, they separate from one another and the Lower Zone
mineralization laterally.
The drillhole sample database contains samples that were usually 1m in length, hence all samples
within the mineralized volumes were composited to 1m. Below detection limit values and values of 0 for
Cu and Ag were replaced with half the assay trace value i.e. 0.005% for Cu and 0.5g/t for Ag. Very
high Ag values in the sample database were removed by cutting the data at the 99.5 percentile value of
89.23g/t.
A Datamine block model of the mineralized zones was created. In order to model the thin mineralized
volumes within the Upper Zone, the block model was created with parent cell measuring 10m x 10m in
plan and 3m vertically. The block model was truncated at the surface using a topographic surveyed
surface and model cells were classified as being oxide or sulphide based on a surface representing
50% acid soluble Cu. A volume enclosing the historical surface and underground workings was
removed from block model.
Page: ii
Cu and Ag grade values were interpolated into the model of Lower Zone using the 1m composite
samples and an inverse distance methodology. In order to preserve potential horizontal layering, the
search radii used for interpolation was dynamic and changed orientation as the dip and strike of the
mineralization changed. For the Upper Zone, full length composite samples were used for grade
interpolation and the estimates were made using ordinary kriging.
The deposit has been subject to a number of surface drilling programmes. Areas representing three
drillhole densities have been defined and have been used for the classification of the resource
estimates. The area of underground mining has been excluded from the mineral resource estimate.
The results of the exercise are given in Table 1.
Table 1
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification at Cu 0.3% Cut-off
Domain
Resource Category
Measured
Oxide
Tonnage
(kt)
Cu
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Cu Metal
(t)
Ag Metal
(kg)
81
1.11
10.71
896
865
Indicated
4,546
0.73
7.82
33,004
35,533
4,627
0.73
7.87
33,900
36,398
Inferred
Sulphide
Total
Measured
4,347
1.09
11.15
47,594
48,494
Indicated
19,869
0.94
11.82
185,990
234,886
24,217
0.96
11.70
233,584
283,379
Inferred
18,874
0.74
9.85
140,482
185,966
Measured
4,428
1.10
11.15
48,490
49,359
Indicated
24,416
0.90
11.08
218,994
270,419
28,844
0.93
11.09
267,484
319,777
Inferred
18,874
0.74
9.85
140,482
185,966
Page: iii
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Scope of Work
Coffey Mining (SA) (Pty) Ltd (Coffey) was engaged by Weatherly Mining Namibia Limited
(Weatherly) to design and manage the exploration and delineation drilling of the Tschudi
Copper Project in northern Namibia and to estimate a mineral resource for the deposit. This
report details the geology of the deposit and the mineral resource estimate. It is understood
that this report is to be used for stock exchange reporting and due diligence purposes, and will
form the basis of a feasibility study for an open pit development.
1.2
Terms of Reference
Collectively, Coffey Mining was commissioned to carry out the following activities in the
resource estimation study of the Tschudi Project:-
1.3
Compilation, validation and migration of previous drilling data into a new database.
Completion and validation of the mineral resource estimate based on historical data and
additional data obtained during this phase of drilling, consistent with the JORC code.
Compilation of a report.
Site Visits
Mr Mckinney (Exploration Projects Manager Southern Africa) visited the site on a regular
basis during the on site project work conducted between January 2007 and September 2008.
Mr Mckinney has assisted the project geologists with various aspects of the drilling
programme including drill program design, database management, QA/QC requirements,
geological interpretation and assay laboratory management. Site work was undertaken by a
team of Coffey Mining geologists.
Mr Lomberg (Regional Manager Southern Africa) visited the site in November 2007 as part
of a due diligence review.
Page: 1
1.4
Participants
The Coffey Mining personnel involved in the technical review and mineral resource estimation
of the Tschudi Project, including their principal areas of responsibility, are listed below:Mark Mckinney, Exploration Projects Manager Southern Africa
Management of exploration and drilling, QA/QC analysis, finalisation of the geological model,
compilation, reporting.
Ian Brown, Senior Field Geologist
Field work, modelling, reporting.
Allan Goldschmidt Resource Consultant
Mineral resource estimation, reporting
Ken Lomberg Regional Manager Southern Africa
Peer review
1.5
Technical Report
The report is consistent with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and
Ore Reserves of December 2004 (the JORC Code) as prepared by JORC of the Australasian
Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and the Mineral Council
of Australia.
The satisfaction of requirements under both the JORC and Valmin Codes is binding on the
authors as Coffey Mining is a Corporate Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy (AusIMM).
1.6
Page: 2
1.7
Page: 3
DISCLAIMER
Coffey Mining relied on data supplied by Weatherly for its estimate of the Tschudi Project.
These data include historic drillhole data, third party technical reports prepared by previous
company geologists, unpublished theses, and other relevant published and unpublished third
party information. Coffey Mining has endeavoured, by making all reasonable enquiries, to
confirm the authenticity and completeness of the third party technical data upon which this
report is based. A final draft of this report was provided to Weatherly, along with a written
request to identify any material errors or omissions.
Neither Coffey Mining nor the authors of this report are qualified to provide extensive
comment on the legal aspects associated with ownership and other rights pertaining to
Weatherly mineral tenements. Coffey Mining did not apply any legal due diligence to confirm
such title. Similarly, neither Coffey Mining nor the authors of this report are qualified to
provide comment on any environmental issues associated with Weatherly.
No warranty or guarantee, be it expressed or implied, is made by Coffey Mining with respect
to the completeness or accuracy of the legal, environmental or metallurgical information
referred to in this document.
Page: 0
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
3.1
Project Location
The Tschudi Project is located some 21km west of Tsumeb in northern Namibia
(Figure 3.1._1). Access to the project area is by a sealed road from Tsumeb for 9km and
some 12km along a well maintained gravel road to the project site. The project is centred on
coordinates 191555 South and 173114 East, at a mean elevation of 1,298m above mean
sea level (amsl).
Figure 3.1_1
Location of the Tschudi Project
Page: 1
3.2
Page: 2
The soil type is closely related to the bedrock lithology. Over the sandstone plain is a thin redbrown sandy soil, overlying one to 10m of white calcrete. Below this calcrete are the
arenaceous sandstones of the Mulden Group. The dolomite hills are covered by a thin layer
of dark brown sandy soil, with abundant chert boulder rubble.
The vegetation in the plain is dominantly low bushland, comprised of Acacia and
Dichrostachys species, interspersed with open grassland. On the hills there is a more diverse
range of tree cover. The water table is at approximately 70 80m below surface.
The main land use in the area is cattle farming, as well as game farming in the reserve to the
north of the property.
3.3
Page: 3
HISTORY
4.1
Ancient History
There is evidence of ancient peoples locally smelting copper in the Tsumeb area. It appears
that the Bergdama tribe were smelting copper long before the Herero or Ovambo peoples.
Primitive smelting works are common throughout the Otavi Mountainland, and evidence from
localities such as Gross Otavi and Otjikoto suggests that the style and techniques used were
similar to those used in Central Africa prior to 500 AD (Cairncross, 1997). The local Bushmen
are said to have sold the copper ore to the Ovambos from the north, who were skilled metal
workers (Emslie, 1979).
4.2
Modern History
Since the discovery of the Tsumeb deposit by Europeans in 1842, there has been a large
amount of exploration throughout the entire Otavi Mountainland Province. Sir Francis Galton
and a scientist named Charles Andersson reported the presence of copper smelting by the
local population at Tsumeb The hill of the Frog. Germany originally had possession of the
territory, and granted a mining concession to the South West Africa Company (SWACO) in
1892. This concession included sole mineral rights for almost the entire northern half of what
is now Namibia. In 1892 several of the known copper occurrences in the Otavi Valley, namely
Tsumeb, Gross Otavi and Asis, were investigated. In 1900 SWACO granted the mineral
rights for a 1,200km2 concession to the Otavi Minen Und Eisenbahn Gesellschaft (OMEG).
SWACO and OMEGs properties were lost at the end of the Fist World War, and subsequently
sold to the newly formed Tsumeb Corporation Limited (TCL) (Misiewicz, 1988). Significant
exploitation at Tsumeb began in 1906, and has continued intermittently since then (Lombaard
et al, 1986). Since the early 1900s there have been numerous exploration campaigns
throughout the Otavi Mountainland by TCL, which have led to the discovery of many
economic deposits of copper, silver, zinc, vanadium and lead, amongst others. Many of these
deposits have been turned into operating mines, such as Kombat, Asis, Abenab, Berg Aukas,
etc.
The first record of prospecting in the Tschudi area was in 1913, when a Mr. Hoepker pegged
the land on farm Uris. An OMEG report dated 25 October 1920 reported copper
mineralization in limestone and dolomite beds near the Otavi dolomite Mulden sandstone
contact some 200m east of the Post II water hole on Uris. This was noted as two aplite
(feldspathic sandstone) lenses, both well mineralized with malachite. From 1916 to 1920
three other small scale mines were operating in the vicinity, namely Alt Bobos (Cu-V),
Karavatu (Cu-Pb-V), and Uris (Cu-Pb-V) (Murphy, 1980).
The main outcrop area was trenched and sampled by TCL geologist A. T. Griffis at the
beginning of 1948. Since then there have been further more detailed exploration work carried
out, described in Chapter 7.1.
Page: 4
In 1991 a decline shaft was sunk and limited development put in including five cross-cuts
through the oxide ore at the 1,184m elevation. The material mined was used as a bulk
sample in a trial run through the Tsumeb plant. In addition two small open pits on the oxide
material were excavated.
In 2007 Weatherly re-opened and extended the trial mining development and mined
approximately 209,000 tonnes of oxide and supergene material. This was treated at the
Tsumeb plant. Mining operations ceased in December 2008 due to the fall in the copper
price.
4.3
Page: 5
Table 4.3_1
Tschudi Project
Mintek Mineral Resource Estimate
Grades
Ore Type
Oxide
Transitional
Sulphide
TOTAL
Category
Tonnage (kt)
Cu (%)
Ag (g/t)
Measured
3,444
0.661
6.1197
Indicated
3,457
0.574
5.3963
Inferred
63
0.771
14.0254
TOTAL:
6,964
0.619
5.8322
Measured
1,574
0.724
10.5434
Indicated
1,542
0.633
9.4825
Inferred
0.171
1.1179
TOTAL:
3,118
0.679
10.0103
Measured
8,555
0.896
11.052
Indicated
2,1314
0.884
11.8316
Inferred
3,465
0.841
10.9628
TOTAL:
33,334
0.882
11.5412
Measured
13,573
0.816
9.7414
Indicated
26,312
0.828
10.8485
Inferred
3,531
0.839
11.0096
TOTAL:
43,416
0.825
10.5155
Page: 6
GEOLOGICAL SETTING
5.1
Regional Setting
The Tschudi Project area is located within the Otavi Mountainland of northern Namibia, which
forms part of the Northern Carbonate Platform of the Pan African Damaran orogen. The
Damara Supergroup is an orogenic belt that was deposited on a pre-1.0 Ga granitoid
basement, the Grootfontein Basement Complex. It is composed of a 400km wide north-east
trending arm, as well as two coastal arms, that all join in the region of Swakopmund, on the
western coast of Namibia. This entire sequence was formed by the deposition of a
geosyclinal sequence approximately 900 to 650Ma, caused by the separation of the Kalahari,
Congo and proto-South American cratons. This rifting allowed the deposition that formed the
Damara, which was then followed by a period of compression. The northern arm is labelled
as the Kaoko Belt, and the southern arm is the Gariep Belt, which overlies the Namaqua
Metamorphic Complex in southern Namibia. The Otavi Mountainland is located within the
central intra-continental arm (Figure 5.1_1) (Misiewicz, 1988).
The sediments of the Damara Supergroup were unconformably deposited on the folded and
peneplaned Grootfontein Basement, composed of granite, gneiss and poorly exposed mafic
complex, characterised by common rift grabens. The oldest Damara sediments comprise
mafic lavas, mica schists, conglomerates and arenites that form the Nosib Group. This is a
discontinuous succession up to 750m thick, that was deposited in five NE trending, fault
bounded, grabens, and is unconformably overlain by the Otavi Group. The Otavi sediments
are divided into two groups by a regional disconformity:
The lower Abenab Sub-group (dolomite and limestone, with minor shale and arenaceous
units).
The upper Tsumeb Sub-group (dolomite with subordinate chert and limestone bands).
Page: 7
The Otavi Group reaches a maximum thickness of approximately 7,000m and is interpreted
as being deposited on a stable marine shelf (Murphy, 1980). Sedimentation of the 3,000m
thick Tsumeb Group started with the deposition of fluvoglacial diamictites (Chuos Formation),
followed by shallow shelf marine sedimentation of laminated limestones and marls with
abundant slump breccias and argillite bands (Maieberg Formation). Conformably overlying
these are the dolomites and cherts of the Elandshoek Formation that have been exposed to
secondary silicification, forming the rugged terrain around Tsumeb and the exposed hills of
the Otavi Valley Syncline. The uppermost portion of the Tsumeb Subgroup, the Huttenberg
Formation, is a light grey dolomite sequence characterised by algal chert lenses and oolitic
and pisolitic concentrations towards the top of the sequence (Misiewicz, 1988). There are
eight distinguishable informal lithozones within the Tsumeb Subgroup (Table 7.1_1).
Sedimentological and carbon-isotope studies have shown the older zones to have been
deposited in relatively deeper cold water during the collision with the Kaoko Belt to the west,
during and after a glacial event, observed in the lowermost zone. The deposition of the later
zones are characteristic of extentional tectonics, and a progressively warmer climate, as
evidenced by the presence of chert, oolites, pisolites, stromatolites and algal mats within the
Huttenberg Formation (Melcher, 2003).
Page: 8
Figure 5.1_1
Regional Geology and Prominent Mines of Namibia
Page: 9
Table 5.1_1
Tschudi Project
Stratigraphy of the Otavi Mountainland
GROUP
SUBGROUP
FORMATION
LITHOLOGY
Owambo
Kombat
Tschudi
MULDEN
Huttenberg
Tsumeb
OTAVI
Elandshoek
Maieberg
Abenab
NOSIB
Ghaub
Auros
Gauss
Berg Aukas
Chuos
Askevold
Nabis
T8
T7
T6
T5
T4
T3
T2
T1
Above the Otavi dolomites are the Mulden Group sandstones which attain a maximum
thickness of about 700m. The Mulden Group is a clastic molasse sequence which was
deposited during the early stages of the Damara Orogeny. It marks a drastic change in the
depositional environment, from the stable marine shelf environment of the Otavi Group
sediments, to one of fluvial and deltaic deposition in an intermontane setting (Misiewicz,
1988). The Mulden Group can be divided into three formations by variations in sedimentary
facies and geographical accumulation; the Tschudi, Kombat and Owambo Formations
(Table 5.1_1). These lithologies are located within the synclines formed by the Otavi
dolomites.
The basal Mulden facies has no official status, but consists of a sporadic dirty subgreywacke
with common localised chert pebble conglomerates, unconformably lying on the Huttenberg
dolomites. These conglomerates were deposited as playa mud flats or shallow lacustrine
sediments on the karstic dolomite basement, and become progressively thicker towards the
west. Argillite and shale lenses are commonly intermixed within this basal unit. Above this
basal unit is the Tschudi Formation, dominated by clean, feldspathic and quartz-arenites,
greywackes and silty mudstone lenses, with very poorly developed bedding.
Page: 10
This clastic sequence was probably developed as a delta fan above the basal conglomerate
unit, with the clastic sediments being locally derived from the denudation of up-domed
basement complex. Above these clean arenites the Mulden Group becomes more strongly
bedded, with an increase in pyrite and secondary silicification, as well as occasional
hydrothermal quartz-veinlets. Above this facies change is the start of the Kombat Formation,
composed of a shale unit that has been metamorphosed to phyllites and slates, deposited by
deltaic processes in a deep water environment. These shales gradually grade into the
carbonate pelites of the Owambo Formation. The regional Otavi-Mulden contact is mostly
unconformable, with sedimentation having occurred on an erosional karst surface (Misiewicz,
1988). These sediments were subjected to a period of orogenic folding during the Palaeozoic,
which was followed by a prolonged period of erosion and denudation. It is thought probable
that the Otavi Mountainland was at one stage covered by Karoo sediments, although nothing
remains of post-Mulden deposition today (Murphy, 1980).
Figure 5.1_2
Regional Geology and of the Otavi Mountain Land
Page: 11
The regional structure of the Otavi Mountainland is characterised by east-west trending, open
to isoclinals folds, and north-vergent thrust faults, which were a result of continent-continent
collision between the Congo and Kalahari Cratons, approximately 545Ma. These regional
structures have been overprinted by a second, northwards compressive, folding phase
creating NE-trending open, upright folds. During this folding, the sediments of the Otavi
Mountainland were subjected to lower greenschist to prehnite-pumpellyite facies
metamorphism (Cairncross, 1997, Melcher, 2003).
5.2
Deposit Types
The carbonate-hosted mineral deposits of the Otavi Mountain Land have traditionally been
classified into two main categories of mineralization, separated by stratigraphic, isotopic and
mineralogical factors:
In general, both the Tsumeb-type and Berg-Aukas-type mineralization display features which
broadly affiliate them to Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits.
The Tsumeb-type ore deposits are characterized by polymetallic phases of sulfide minerals
containing copper, lead, zinc, silver and a host of other secondary metals. The ore minerals
are usually disseminated in a variety of structures such as solution breccias and pipes, shear
zones and fractures. The orebodies usually occur in the upper portions of the Tsumeb
Subgroup, but are not stratabound. The most significant deposits are located close to northeast trending fractures and faults regarded as reactivated basement structures, as well as
having an intimate relationship with feldspathic sandstone of the Mulden which has intruded
into paleo-casts.
In contrast, the Berg Aukas-type ores are composed of sulfides containing lead, zinc and
vanadium, resembling ore from the Zn-Pb-rich Mississippi Valley-type deposits. Copper is
rare to absent and Ag, Ge, Ga and Cd, although present, are much less abundant than in the
Tsumeb-type ores. Furthermore, the Berg Aukas-type deposits are generally confined to the
Abenab Subgroup and middle-lower portions of the Tsumeb Subgroup. Mineralization occurs
as breccia bodies, but may be both stratabound and discordant. There is a close relationship
with the Grootfontein Basement high.
Page: 12
On the basis of various data, including isotopic and fluid inclusion analyses, the two different
types of deposits are considered to have formed during two different mineralizing events, both
in time and space. An earlier event produced the Berg Aukas-type deposits and involved
fluids derived from compaction and dewatering of sediments. Lead and zinc were scavenged
by the fluids which were then deposited as sulfides over structural "highs" in karst breccias
and along faults in the Abenab Subgroup carbonates. The vanadium mineralization that
accompanies the Berg Aukas deposits resulted from supergene processes, during which
vanadium was carried in solution as calcium metavanadate under oxidizing conditions. When
these fluids encountered sulphides, and hence a reducing environment, the solution reacted
with the metal ions liberated from the sulfides, thereby forming vanadates such as descloizite.
This vanadium event postdates the second or Tsumeb-type deposits which were emplaced
after the deposition of the overlying Tsumeb Subgroup carbonates. The vanadium event
involved copper-rich, higher temperature/lower salinity fluids (Cairncross, 1997).
On the basis of these two broad deposit types, a number of subtypes can be described
throughout the OML, with various different ore genesis models.
The Tschudi Deposit is the only significant economic deposit that has been discovered to date
that is hosted by the Mulden sandstone, and is closely related to the MVT deposit types
(Emslie, 1979) which are characterised by:
An absence of any apparent igneous activity or igneous rocks which could be potential
sources of ore solutions.
Consist mainly of bedded replacements and vein deposits, with evidence of solution
activity, brecciation, slumping and collapse structures.
The ore bodies occur at shallow depths relative to the present day surface.
The only igneous rocks in the OML region are the granitic suite of the Grootfontein Basement,
which is considerably older than both the deposition of the sandstones and the mineralization.
The granites may be a secondary source of the mineralizing fluids, but are clearly not a
primary source of the mineralization.
The majority of MVT deposits lie in limestone or dolomite and range from Late Cambrian to
Jurassic age. The dolomitic rocks of the Otavi Group are also of Late Cambrian age.
Although the Tschudi deposit is hosted by sandstone, it is closely related to the underlying
dolomite.
Page: 13
The Tschudi orebody is a roughly planar stratiform deposit with the mineralization confined to
a distinct stratigraphic zone, bounded by bedding planes. The mineralization is evenly, finely
disseminated throughout the deposit, with minor associated solution activity and slumping.
Although the Mulden sediments are rich in pyrite, the copper mineralized areas are low in
pyrite. The very low iron content of the copper mineralization is evidence of the low
temperature of formation of the deposit.
Tschudi, along with most of the ore deposits of the OML, occurs along the flanks of a fold.
The uniformly bedded to massive nature of the Tschudi arenites indicates a very passive
structural depositional environment.
Galena and sphalerite are the major ore minerals in classic MVT deposits. Although very rare
at Tschudi, these minerals are found throughout the deposits of the OML. The major primary
sulphide mineralogy at Tschudi is very simple, consisting of bornite and chalcopyrite.
The mineralization at Tschudi is at the present-day surface and extends down to
approximately 400m vertical depth. Many of the deposits in the OML are similar, which is
comparable to many MVT deposits around the world (Emslie, 1979).
The combination of these factors all indicate that the Tschudi orebody can be classified as an
MVT deposit. This indicates that the mode of genesis of the sulphides is probably similar to
that proposed for other low temperature lead-zinc deposits.
5.3
Local Structure
The deposit is located on the southern limb of the Tschudi-Uris Syncline and dips between
25 and 35 to the NNW. The northern limb has a steeper dip of about 50 and the syncline
plunges at between 5 to 9 to the west. The axis of the syncline trends between
070 to 085. No major faults have been identified, but a set of NW trending open fractures
intersect the area, observed in underground exposure and drill core.
Three major fracture trends are present in the chert and dolomite horizons. The major set as
observed from underground trends at 045 to 070 and is sub-parallel to bedding and dips
steeply towards the south. This set has been observed to be associated with some calcite
filling and in places has been striated. Other sets trend at 100 to 120 and 140 to 160 and
are both steeply dipping. Regionally a major set of fractures trending at 050, as well as the
Heidelberg and Tsumeb Dyke Fault Zones, occur in Otavi Group sediments immediately
southwest of the Tschudi/Uris Syncline. Prominent bedding plane shear zones occur on or
near the Otavi/Mulden contact and this has been observed in most of the drilled core.
Drillhole sections and some underground observations indicate that this contact undulates
gently. Some micro-folding has been observed in the dolomite.
Page: 14
5.4
Local Geology
The Tschudi orebody is hosted within the basal arenite of the Mulden Group, the Tschudi
Formation, unconformably overlying the Otavi dolomites. The orebody transgresses from the
Huttenberg dolomites, through the basal conglomerate, and up into the clean arenites for
approximately 15 - 20m.
The Huttenberg dolomites of the Otavi Group form the basement rocks within the Tschudi
area. These folded dolomites form the hills exposed to the north and south of the orebody, in
what is known as the Tschudi-Uris Syncline. The Tschudi deposit is located on the southern
limb of this syncline (Figure 5.4_1), as a planar stratiform deposit, dipping at approximately
25- 30 to the NNW. In the Tsumeb District the top of the formation is represented by a 20 40m thick succession of grey calcitized dolomite, but this is largely absent at Tschudi.
In the few present exposures of this dolomite, it is highly recrystallised and calcitized, and
commonly has a high Mn concentration. Either it was largely eroded before Mulden
sedimentation, or was not deposited to any great degree. Thus the Mulden sediments
dominantly rest on the oolitic-pisolitic chert horizon. Cross bedding is occasionally visible in
the cherts, as well as elongation of the oolites, probably due to regional deformation.
Below the chert horizon the dolomite is commonly brecciated, probably due to small isolated
solution collapse zones. In some cases the more extensive breccias appear to be caused by
slumping in partly consolidated sediments. Throughout the area the dolomite and chert
horizons commonly display extensive karst features. In the drill core and underground
exposures, these features can be seen as cracks, fissures and caves that have been filled
with later Mulden arenitic material, calc-arenites and the basal conglomerate.
Page: 15
Figure 5.4_1
Local Tschudi Geology
Page: 16
In the Tschudi project area the basal conglomerate is very sporadically developed, thought to
be confined to karstic and erosional depressions in the dolomite. From the drillhole core and
exposures underground the conglomerate can be described as a 5 - 20cm thick, rarely
reaching 2m, dark brown polymictic unit, with varying amounts of angular to sub-rounded
quartz, chert, dolomite, argillite, and sandstone pebbles, very poorly sorted. The origin of the
clasts is thought to be localised, most likely eroded chert clasts from the Huttenberg
Formation, as well as quartz pebbles from the exposed Grootfontein Basement complex.
Pebble size ranges from granules up to cobbles but small pebbles, 1 - 2 cm wide,
predominate. The basal conglomerate and first few metres of arenite are usually oxidised,
even when below the average weathering profile. The thickness of this oxidised layer varies,
but decreases with depth. In the deeper drillholes this oxidation is usually restricted to the
immediate contact zone.
Conformably above the conglomerate, and often directly
(unconformably) on the dolomite, are the clean arenites of the Tschudi Formation. These
arenites continue to the current surface erosion profile, and the upper portions of the Mulden
Group are not represented in the project area.
The lower Mulden sediments are composed of quartz-arenite, sub-greywacke, arkose,
siltstone and mudstone. The lowermost arenite is a grey, fine to medium grained feldspathic
quartzite to sub-greywacke, with very poorly developed bedding. The unoxidised arenites are
moderately pyritic, with minor amounts of graphite, creating a black coloured arenite. In the
mineralized zones the pyrite content decreases. These arenites are dominantly composed of
detrital, sub-rounded quartz grains, with clay minerals (kaolin and montmorillonite), calcite and
feldspars (orthoclase and microcline) as the main inter-granular components. There is
common sericitic alteration, especially in the oxidised zone, above 70 - 80m below surface.
Minor amounts of muscovite, biotite and chlorite are also present, along with reported trace
amounts of rutile, zircon and sphene (Murphy, 1980). Interspersed amongst the arenites are
occasional siltstone and mudstone lenses, varying from a few centimetres to a few metres
thick. These units are confined to the lower 40m of the Mulden arenites. Additionally, there
are a few minor thin, coarse and gritty conglomerate beds within the arenites, similar in
composition to the basal conglomerate. The clean, poorly bedded, arenites extend for 20 60m above the Otavi-Mulden contact, after which the arenites become more strongly bedded,
with a slight foliation, and increase in pyrite content. These upper arenites are commonly very
hard and glassy (below the oxidised zone) with minor hydrothermal quartz veining, indicating
secondary silicification (Murphy, 1980).
Above the arenites, near surface, there is layer of very hard, silicified white calcrete that
ranges from one to 15m thick. Above this is a thin sandy soil covering that ranges from 0 - 2m
thick.
Page: 17
5.5
Page: 18
MINERALIZATION
6.1
Introduction
The Tschudi Deposit hosts various different mineralization facies, separated out into oxide,
transitional and sulphide zones. The copper mineralization is preferentially developed in the
base of the arenite sequence on the southern limb of the syncline, as a disseminated,
continuously distributed roughly planar sheet, varying from two metres to at least 40m thick.
There is a continuous basal mineralized zone termed the Lower Zone lying on the dolomite
surface, with occasional lenses/pods of mineralization occurring several metres above
constituting the Upper Zone. These lenses plunge down-dip, towards the base of the
syncline. The mineralization is best developed within the medium to fine grained feldspathic
arenites and sub-greywackes. Pyrite often occurs in the fine grained argillites near the base
of the arenites, but these seldom contain copper mineralization. At surface outcrop the oxide
mineralization occurs over a strike length of approximately 2.5km, and continues down to
approximately 55m vertical depth. There is then a transitional zone of mixed sulphide-oxide
mineralization to a vertical depth of approximately 75m, followed by a dominantly sulphide
zone. The mineralization does locally transgress into the dolomites, as void fillings, in joints,
fractures and shear zones. The mineralization is open ended to depth, but is not present to
any great degree in the opposite limb of the syncline. There are sporadic soil anomaly
indications of copper further along the dolomite-sandstone contact, as well as in the nose of
the fold.
Two preliminary petrological studies have been carried out, with thin and polished sections
being taken from drillhole core (Murphy, 1980). Copper is the main economic metal targeted,
with secondary silver. Lead and zinc have been recorded, with values rarely exceeding 0.1%.
No significant concentrations of gold, uranium, molybdenum, arsenic, barium, bismuth, cobalt
or vanadium have been detected (Viviers, 1992).
6.2
Oxide Mineralization
In the oxide zone the dominant copper mineral is malachite, accompanied by cuprite, azurite
and minor amounts of chalcocite, digenite and covellite. Chalcocite is often seen as rimming
pyrite grains, and this appears to be a primary phase of chalcocite.
In the basal conglomerate and lower oxidised arenites the mineralization is dominantly
malachite and chalcocite, with lesser amounts of covellite and cuprite. The cuprite is
disseminated in clays and gossany limonitic material. Although very poorly represented in the
drill core, chrysocolla is commonly present in the surface pits, as infill in veins and fractures.
6.3
Transitional Mineralization
The highest copper grades in the deposit occur in the supergene zone. The transitional zone
occupies a poorly defined zone from approximately 55 75m vertical depth.
Page: 0
6.4
Sulphide Mineralization
In the unoxidised arenites, hypogene sulphide mineralization occurs as very fine intergranular
disseminated grains, often difficult to determine with the naked eye. Pyrite is abundant
throughout the Mulden clastics, although it does decrease in the copper mineralized zones.
Bornite and chalcopyrite are the dominant copper sulphide minerals, with some minor
chalcocite and digenite. No discrete silver mineral phases have been identified, and the silver
is thought to be contained within the lattices of bornite, chalcocite and digenite. One
observation of native silver has been recorded (Viviers, 1992). Isolated occurrences of
disseminated galena and sphalerite have been noted, marginal to and overlying the copper
mineralization.
A vertical zoning of the sulphides is apparent in several of the intersections; the general
association varying from iron-rich sulphides at the top, through iron-copper-rich then copperiron-rich sulphides, to dominantly copper-rich sulphides at the base. A typical sequence of
sulphides from top to bottom is:
Pyrite only.
Pyrite-chalcopyrite.
Pyrite-bornite-chalcopyrite.
Bornite-pyrite-chalcopyrite-chalcocite.
Chalcocite-bornite-pyrite.
Chalcocite-covellite.
In several cases there is a general trend of the copper sulphides to become increasingly iron
deficient with depth (Murphy, 1980). Textural evidence indicates that the bulk of the pyrite
formed as an early diagenteic phase, and the chalcopyrite, bornite and chalcocite selectively
replaced the pyrite.
The copper sulphides occur as discrete interclastic grains which range in size from 1 to
330m, with the majority being 25 to 50m in diameter. Minor quantities of bornite are found
as inclusions in pyrite (Viviers, 1992).
6.5
Dolomite Mineralization
No primary mineralization has been identified from the dolomite, but chalcocite, covellite,
malachite and azurite are sporadically present in the upper 10m of the dolomite/chert
sequence. In some cases the mineralization continues down to 34.5m below the contact.
Some early drill intersections showed significant mineralized lengths in the dolomite in
isolated instances. It was postulated that these may be feeder zones of the Tsumeb style to
the diffuse mineralization in the porous overlying sandstone. Where these have been redrilled with inclined holes they have proved to constitute narrow (<2m wide) zones of spaced
Page: 1
sub-vertical <5cm thick chalcocite and malachite mineralized fractures. Apparent widths were
due to vertical drillholes superimposed on sub-vertical stringers.
Where sandstone has infilled karst cavities within the dolomite, these are commonly oxide
mineralized. Where mineralization occurs in the dolomite it is commonly associated with
strong calcitisation, manganese alteration and graphitic material.
6.6
Ore Genesis
From the observed characteristics of the deposit, the genesis of the Tschudi orebody could be
described by several processes, namely a sedimentary-diagenetic or an epigenetic model of
origin. In the general diagenetic model, ascribed to the majority of MVT deposits worldwide
as well as the OML, basin-derived fluids acquire heat, metals and other solutes during
transportation, and then deposit the sulphides in the pore spaces as they emerge from
adjacent parts of the basin. The fluids are either driven upwards by sediment compaction (low
porosity at depth, higher porosity at surface), or are derived from the basin stream systems.
The fluids collect the metals by brine leaching, carrying them as chloride or organic
complexes. The metal sulphides are then precipitated when they come into contact with H2S,
presumably from nearby evaporates (Anderson & Macqueen, 2003).
In the epigenetic red-bed model, a chemically reducing, carbonaceous and pyritic grey-bed
sediment is originally enriched in sulphur (iron sulphide or anhydrites) by primary,
syndiagenetic processes. Copper and associated metals are then zonally overprinted on the
sulphur rich host during a post-sedimentary influx of dissolved base metals from adjacent,
coarse grained, highly porous and permeable red-bed sediments. The deposition of metals is
a low temperature chemical reaction between the reducing sulphur (pyrite) in the host rock,
and base metals added to these sediments (Brown, 2003).
From these general models, two different scenarios can be postulated for the Tschudi
sulphide ore genesis:-
Page: 2
the dolomite lying directly below what is now the main Tschudi orebody and eventually
reached the Mulden contact. The contact itself could also have been the conduit for migration
of the fluids. The hydrothermal fluids then spread laterally along the basal units of the Mulden
Group and precipitated copper sulphides in the arenites, after coming into contact with
hydrogen sulphide from the bacterial action evidenced by the abundance of stromatolites and
algal beds (Viviers, unknown).
Although both models are plausible, the diagenetic model is considered more likely. Emslie
(1979) concludes that the base metals were associated with brines, originated in sedimentary
basins. The marbles and schists of the Swakop Group, which lie to the south of the OML, are
considered to be the source of the base metals. These metals were released during
diagenesis, were leached into brines which migrated northwards during the higher grade
metamorphism of the Swakop Group. Upon reaching the dolomitic rocks of the OML, these
brines then reacted with the hydrogen sulphide released by faulting and brecciation, which
cased the deposition of the metal sulphides into the dolomitic rocks (Emslie, 1979).
After this structural event, when the dolomite surface had been weathered and karsting took
place, the deposition of the Mulden sediments started. Thus the copper already in place in
the dolomites, similar to the nearby Alt-Bobos or Karavatu deposits, could act as a source for
the Tschudi deposit. A deep seated hydrothermal origin for the mineralization has been
suggested, but is now widely dismissed. It is possible there is a main conduit through the
dolomite, similar to the Tsumeb ore body, but all evidence goes against this, as all of the
dolomite mineralization has been shown to weaken or disappear with depth.
Page: 3
6.7
Zone Surfaces
Due to the poorly developed nature of the supergene mineralization and extremely fine nature
of the sulphide grains a single mineralization facies surface was modelled for the base of
oxides/top of hypogene. Previous workers had modelled oxide, supergene and sulphide
surfaces for the deposit, but these proved highly unreliable in the underground mining and
were discarded.
Surface definition was based on mineralogical observations in drill core where holes
intersected the surface within mineralization and by sulphuric acid soluble copper data. The
historical data was not analysed for this, but all samples from the recent campaign were. A
value of >50% of total copper sulphuric acid soluble was taken to represent oxide mineral
dominance. Where holes penetrated this surface away from mineralization the base of
weathering was used.
This process yielded a fairly uniform surface with a mean elevation of approximately 1,230m
amsl, roughly 65m below surface (Figure 6.7_1).
Localised irregularities do occur,
presumably indicating areas of fracturing/faulting with deeper groundwater penetration. There
is a zone of slight weathering along the contact well below this surface, where the contact has
acted as an aquifer for groundwater, but this has not been considered in the weathering
surface.
While the 50% of Cu sulphuric acid soluble figure has proven a reliable guide on other
southern African deposits in Coffey Minings experience, a more metallurgically effective
surface should be derived in future in conjunction with metallurgical and mineralogical test
work.
Page: 4
Figure 6.7_1
Longitudinal Projection, Showing Base of Weathering and Grade Shells
Page: 5
6.8
Page: 6
Figure 6.8_1
Horizontal Section at the 1,270m Rl, 28m below Surface, Showing Simplified Geology and Grade Shells
Page: 7
Figure 6.8_2
Horizontal Section at the 1,200m Rl, 98m below Surface, Showing Simplified Geology and Grade Shells
Page: 8
Figure 6.8_3
Horizontal Section at the 1,090m Rl, 208m below Surface, Showing Simplified Geology and Grade Shells
Page: 9
Figure 6.8_4
Section E250, Showing Simplified Geology and Grade Shells
Page: 10
Figure 6.8_5
Section E1800, Showing Simplified Geology and Grade Shells
Page: 11
Varying from 0-15m above the Lower Zone mineralization, 14 discontinuous lenses have been
defined constituting the Upper Zone (Figures 6.7_1 and 6.8_1 to 6.8_6). These attain a
maximum of approximately 25m thick, more commonly 2 - 5m, and plunge shallowly to the
northwest along apparent dip of the strata at 20 -25. Plan extent is typically 450m down
plunge (varying from 250 - 700m) by 80m wide (varying from 35 - 200m).
As with the Lower Zone, mineralization is generally poorly developed and narrow near
surface. The Upper Zone lenses all appear to terminate with depth, the deepest intersection
being some 225m below surface. The lenses may be locally stacked providing near
continuous mineralisation from the Otavi contact for significant distances. However, they
separate from one another and the Lower Zone mineralization laterally.
Given the geometries evident in the Upper Zone grade shells some of the thicker areas in the
Lower Zone may well have a similar plunge. The current density of information is too low to
model this reliably, however.
Page: 12
Figure 6.8_6
Isometric View Looking Southwest, Showing Topographic Surface and Grade Shells
Page: 13
EXPLORATION
7.1
Previous Exploration
The Tschudi area has undergone several phases of exploration since its discovery in 1913. A
1920 report noted the presence of malachite mineralization in the sandstone, but the first
definite exploration was in 1948, when the main outcrop area was trenched and sampled by
TCL geologist A. T. Griffis. Griffis recommended diamond drilling, but none was carried out;
instead regional mapping of the area was carried out in 1950. Nothing then happened until
1968 when TCL carried out a regional soil geochemistry sampling program, which extended
over the entire Tschudi area (Murphy, 1980). The results from this survey prompted further
close spaced geochemical sampling, and ultimately drilling programmes, listed below:
1978: 85 wagon and 31 diamond drillholes proved copper mineralization at the base of
Mulden sandstones.
1979 - A 26m deep exploration shaft was sunk to obtain bulk samples of oxide ore.
1980 - Decline shaft from surface with crosscuts into oxide ore at 40 and 50m levels.
1991-1992 - Detailed diamond drill program on a 25m grid in the area where
underground mining was planned, to develop a proven resource.
1991 - Exploration development oxide ore from five cross cuts used as a trial run in the
Tsumeb smelter.
1992-1994 - Diamond drilling to prove oxide mineralization for a planned open pit.
1997 - Mineral resource estimate and geological model by Geotech Africa, updated 2002.
Page: 14
7.2
Exploration Potential
The bulk of the Otavi-Mulden contact throughout the Otavi Mountain Land has been
geochemically sampled by previous workers. To date Tschudi is the only significant
mineralization associated with this contact that has been discovered. While Coffey Mining
has not reviewed all historic data on exploration throughout the region it appears that there
are several geochemical anomalies along the southern edge of the Tschudi syncline that have
not been tested by drilling (Figure 7.2_1).
The mineralization intersected in drilling to date at Tschudi remains open to depth and to the
southwest and northeast. However mineralization to the northeast of the deposit becomes
increasingly low grade and narrow. Increased drill density at depth may well elucidate
additional Upper Zone mineralized lenses.
A recurring theme throughout historic reports on the project is the potential for a Tsumeb style
mineralized feeder pipe to the deposit. Such a zone has not been intersected to date, where
significant lengths of footwall mineralization has been intersected in vertical holes, follow up
inclined holes have shown it to be hosted by narrow sub-vertical stringers (see Section 6.5 for
more detail). Intersecting such a zone when drilling to define Mulden hosted mineralization
would be a matter of chance. A concerted program to search for such a body would require
geophysical techniques including gravity.
Page: 15
Figure 7.2_1
Regional Cu Geochemical Soil Sampling Map
Page: 16
DRILLING
The drillholes used to define the Tschudi orebody have been completed in four main
exploration phases, by TCL and Weatherly.
8.1
Page: 17
Figure 8.1_1
Historical Drilling Campaigns
Page: 18
8.2
8.2.1
Introduction
Weatherly began an extensive drilling program in April 2007, totalling 26,056m from 200
completed drillholes. The majority of the drilling was as infill to the historical information, in
order to increase confidence in the mineral resource estimate, as well as further define the
orebody in the planned underground mining areas. The drilling programme was designed by
Coffey Mining, based on the historical drilling and other information, using Micromine. Collar
positions were placed in the field by the mine surveyors. The drilling was undertaken in four
main phases, focusing on separate target areas within the orebody, displayed in
Figure 8.2.1_1. These targets were:
Oxide Block: 4,101m from 48 drillholes were drilled by Reverse Circulation (RC)
percussion drill, for definition of shallow oxide/transitional mineralization near the current
underground workings. These drillholes were all drilled at -60 to the south-east (151),
to intersect the orebody perpendicularly.
Sulphide Block: 73 drillholes were drilled, totalling 11,257m, for resource definition of the
deeper sulphide mineralization for the proposed extension of underground mining.
These drillholes were all drilled at -65 to the south-east (151), to intersect the orebody
perpendicularly. The majority of these drillholes (54) were drilled entirely by RC. Only
one drillhole was drilled entirely by Diamond Drill (DD). Due to the increased depth and
thickness of the arenite hangingwall, the remainder of these holes were pre-collared by
RC through the unmineralized areas, and completed by DD through the orezone (18
drillholes).
Underground: The underground campaign was drilled from an access drive off the
current underground workings. These holes were designed to provide further confidence
in the geometry of the target mineralization, as well as some cover drilling for water
ahead of the mining face. Only five holes were drilled to the planned depth. Eight other
drillholes were started, but due to bad ground conditions and extremely poor contractor
performance were abandoned. Due to this poor performance, the underground
campaign was cancelled.
Page: 19
Figure 8.2.1_1
2007 2008 Drillhole Collar Plan
Page: 20
Open Pit: 71 drillholes, totalling 10,124m, were drilled as infill to the historical drilling,
along the western strike extension, to increase confidence in the mineral resource
estimate for the design of the proposed open pit. All of these holes were drilled vertically,
by RC. It was planned to drill additional drillholes (41 holes, 6,231m) as pre-collared
diamond holes to provide detailed mineralogy down dip and for geotechnical logging and
testwork, but the programme was cancelled before this could be achieved. To this end,
and additional 450m was drilled by RC, but these holes did not reach the orezone, and
were abandoned before they could be completed with DD.
Twin Program: A twinning program was planned in order to validate the historical
information. The programme was cancelled before many of these could be drilled, but 3
drillholes were completed, totalling 278m. These drillholes were planned to be at the
same azimuth and dip as the historical holes.
The breakdown of metres for each phase of drilling is represented in Table 8.2.1_1.
All drilling was undertaken by drilling contractors (Murray and Roberts Cementation, Kalahari
and Hard Rock), to industry standard. For the RC drilling, recoveries were estimated to be
above 95%. In some cases the drillholes were stopped due to poor recovery or hole
blockage, resulting in the re-drilling of five holes in the sulphide block, and five in the open pit
block. For the diamond core, the recoveries were poor, especially in the weathered oxide
zone, with an overall average of 88.4%. Problems were often encountered at the sandstonedolomite contact, where the karst features created irregularities in the lithological succession.
When drilling in the deeper, unweathered sulphide zones, the recoveries increased to
approximately 94%.
The underground drilling was ineffective, with core recoveries commonly below 80%. The
underground drillholes were used for geological modelling, but were removed from the
database before resource modelling, due to the low core recovery.
Downhole surveys were completed for 120 of the 195 drillholes drilled from surface. The precollared drillholes were surveyed before and after the diamond drilling. In some cases there
was extreme deviation of the pre-collared portions, causing these holes to be abandoned and
re-drilled. The underground drillholes were not surveyed.
Page: 21
Table 8.2.1_1
Tschudi Project
Summary of 2007-2008 Drilling Campaign
Phase
Depth
No of
Holes
Completed
RC
PC
Suffix
Type of
Drilling
TSO
RC
48
85
40
132
-60
4,101
TS
PD/RC
73
154
120
215
-65
8,183
Underground
TSU
DD
59
33
141
Open Pit
RC
RC
71
143
72
228
Twinning
TAP
PD
93
80.3
102
200
107
33
228
Oxide block
Sulphide block
Total
Mean
Min
Max
Total m
m
m
m
Completed Completed Completed Completed
Dip
-90
1,723
10,124
-60 to -90
22,408
RC = Reverse Circulation
DD = Diamond Drilling
PD = Percussion Pre-Collars and Diamond Drill Tails
DD
4,101
1,351
11257
297
297
450
10,124
90
193
278
2,263
1,841
26,057
8.2.2
Pre-Collaring
With the exception of drillholes drilled from underground, all drilling was completed from the
hangingwall. Commonly there was an arenite hangingwall portion ranging from 10 - 180m
that had to be drilled prior to intersecting the mineralized zone. For expediency and cost
saving pre-collar drilling was carried out on the planned diamond drill holes.
The pre-collar holes were drilled using open hole RC percussion drilling. Initially chips
representing the whole of each 1m interval were collected in a large plastic bag from the
cyclone. Once the project was well underway, and confidence was attained in modelling
mineralization, it was decided that to cut costs, only a portion of the sample would be
collected. Thus, samples representing each metre were collected from the outside return on a
shovel, and placed neatly in rows (Figure 8.2.2_1). A representative portion of each metre
was then wet sieved by a geologist to collect the coarse chips, which were then logged and
stored in chip trays.
Figure 8.2.2_1
Pre-collar chips (piles) and RC Samples (bags) at Rig Awaiting Logging
8.2.3
Page: 23
Figure 8.2.3_1
RC Drill Rigs Utilised during 2007-2008 Drilling
Page: 24
8.2.4
Diamond Drilling
The diamond drilling program was drilled using NQ diameter (47.6mm) core, after one to two
metres of HQ diameter (63.5mm) was used at the start of the hole either at surface or at the
end of the pre-collar. For diamond tails of pre-collars plastic casing was inserted for 10 - 12m
in the weathered surface zone. Core was returned by standard practice using a core tube
retrieved by a steel wire line attached to a winch. The majority of the programme was carried
out with single tube, but in some difficult ground triple tube drilling was used to try and
increase core recovery.
Each 3m core run when retrieved was cleaned and carefully inserted into a metal core box
with the end of run depth recorded on plastic blocks with permanent UV resistant markers.
These core bocks were accurately placed between the bottom of one core run and the top of
the subsequent run. A core block was also placed after every failed run. The drillhole number
and box number were recorded on the end of the box, and the core was then transported to
the logging shed.
For the underground programme, NQ diameter was also used, after a TBW core diameter
reaming hole was started. This reaming hole was grouted with cement before insertion of the
NQ drill string. Core was returned manually by removing the entire drill string and then the
core barrel. Metre marks were written on the core with permanent marker every metre, as
well as placing a yellow core block after every run.
8.2.5
Page: 25
8.2.6
8.2.7
Page: 26
Figure 8.2.7_1
Core Logging and Storage on Site
Figure 8.2.7_2
Example of Core Marked for Sampling, Photographed for the Record Prior to Cutting
Page: 27
8.2.8
Page: 28
8.2.9
8.2.10
Page: 29
9.1
Core Sampling
Industry standard core sampling methods were employed and each geologist was responsible
for sampling the drillholes they logged, ensuring that all sampling procedures from start to
finish were consistently being adhered to.
Once the geologist completed logging a drillhole, the sample intervals over mineralized zones
were marked out, using the median line marked on the core. The median line extended
through locked core as far as possible to ensure that the same half of core was sampled
consistently.
Where possible lithological intervals were not transgressed by samples, but in the case of low
angle contacts to mineralized zones some waste material was included in order to include all
the mineralized material. Samples were taken continuously from three metres above the start
of visible mineralization, all the way to the end of hole. Sample widths varied from 5cm to
8.4m in extreme cases, with a median at 0.79m. In areas of high core loss, especially in the
underground drillholes, very long samples were taken in order to attain minimum sample
weight. In areas of extremely high mineralization, or thin lithologies, very short samples were
taken to give definition. Outside of these unusual cases sample lengths varied between 0.5m
and 1.5m.
Cross cuts were marked on the core where natural breaks were not utilised, and the sample
start and end depths were written on the core, on both sides of the median line. Sample
numbers were written, with permanent paint markers, on both sides of numerous pieces of
core within each sample (Figure 8.2.7_2). Sample tickets were obtained from Weatherly, and
these dictated the numbering system used. Runs of sample numbers were entered into Excel
and Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) standards, blanks and duplicate positions
assigned for the entire run.
The core was then cut in half using a core-cutter, supplied by Corstor. Once cut, the
appropriate side of each sample was then placed into plastic sample bags with a sample
ticket and the sample number written on the outside with permanent paint marker. The bags
were laid out in order on the floor of the coreshed, to allow the insertion of standards, blanks
and empty bags for the re-splits. Once QA/QC samples had been inserted the sample bags
were closed using a stapler, and transported to the assay laboratory.
The sample intervals and numbers were then marked on the flat face of the half core
remaining in the tray so that the assay results could be easily referred back to the core.
Page: 30
9.2
RC Chip Sampling
Industry standard chip sampling methods were employed throughout the programme. Chip
samples were taken by the driller at the rig. The drillers were supplied with numbered sample
bags, the numbering system used identical to that of the core sampling. The samples were
taken directly from the cyclone.
The driller was supplied with sampling depths before the drillhole was started. These depths
were determined using Micromine, where a point 15m above the top of the expected
mineralized zone was chosen as the start of the sampling. QA/QC sample positions were
determined, the sample numbers written on the bags, and the QA/QC sample bags removed.
The sample bags were then supplied to the driller, along with the initial sampling depth. Every
metre was then sampled to the end of hole. Sample bags were stored in rows at the rig,
before being transported to the core shed. Sample masses were spot checked regularly and
several holes were re-drilled where recovery was poor.
The large bags of drill chips were re-split manually to yield an approximately 2kg sub sample
for analysis. This was accomplished using a single-tier riffle splitter which was cleaned
thoroughly between samples. The samples were split approximately 4 - 5 times, until a small
enough representative sample was obtained. An identical sample numbering procedure as
that used for diamond drill core samples was applied to these samples.
The sample bags were then laid out in order, to allow the insertion of the previously removed
QA/QC sample bags. Once these had been re-inserted the sample bags were closed with a
stapler, and transported to the assay laboratory.
9.3
Relative Densities
Relative density measurements were taken on whole pieces of diamond core for each assay
interval within a drillhole where possible. Measurements were taken on 15cm long clean,
solid, core billets using an electronic scale accurate to 0.1g. The mass of the dry core billet
was measured, then the mass of the core billet suspended in water in the cage below the
scale was measured.
The relative density (RD) was calculated by the formula:
RD = Md / (Md Mw),
Page: 31
In order to estimate in-situ bulk density using relative density measurements the material to be
measured must be non-porous. Samples with a high porosity due to weathering or abundant
vugs were sealed with a clear lacquer prior to immersion. The bulk density of broken core
fragments cannot be accurately measured by this technique and where samples were
fragmented this was recorded and the results excluded from the database.
9.4
9.4.1
Sample Preparation
Sample Tracking
Upon receipt of the samples from the field, the laboratory staff compares the received
samples to the dispatch form that accompanies them. The dispatch form contains information
on the number of samples, unique sample numbers and the analysis requirements. If there
are any discrepancies picked up the geologist is notified. The sample ticket placed in each
sample bag is removed from the bag and transported with the sample material throughout the
entire process of preparation.
Page: 32
Figure 9.4.1_1
Tsumeb Laboratory, Jaw Crusher
Figure 9.4.1_2
Tsumeb Laboratory, Ring Pulveriser
Page: 33
9.4.2
Analysis
For the analysis 0.1g of pulverised material is taken from the approximately 300g of
pulverised material using a spatula. This is mixed into a solution of 7:3 concentrated,
hydrochloric/concentrated nitric acid, which is then heated for 3 hours at 180C. Then 15ml of
40% hydrochloric acid is added and the material shaken in an agitator. The solution is left to
settle overnight, and then analysed for Cu and Ag with an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
(AAS), a PerkinElmer Analyst 200. A similar solution process using only sulphuric acid was
utilised separately on each sample and analyses by AAS to yield acid soluble Cu.
Detection limits were 10ppm for Cu and 1ppm for Ag.
The assay techniques utilised are considered appropriate to the deposit and meet industry
standards.
Figure 9.4.2_1
Tsumeb Laboratory, AAS Room
Page: 34
9.5
9.5.1
Introduction
The application of a QA/QC procedure is used to ensure that the assay results of an
exploration programme can be confidently relied upon. The procedure requires the
introduction of sufficient blanks, standards and duplicates with the samples to ensure that the
procedures of the laboratory are not introducing a bias to the results.
The following aspects of the procedure may be checked:
Sample preparation contamination of one sample to another, sample mix ups, sample
homogeneity.
Of the 14,087 samples submitted to the Tsumeb laboratory during the program, 2,885 of
these were QA/QC samples, representing 20.4% of the total.
9.5.2
Definitions
A standard is a reference sample with a known (statistically) element abundance and
standard deviation. Reference standards are used to gauge the accuracy of analytical
reporting by comparing the pre-determined values to those reported by the laboratory during
an exploration project.
A blank is a standard with abundance of the element of interest below the level of detection of
the analytical technique.
A duplicate is a second nominally identical sample taken at a particular stage of the sampling
process; e.g. Field Duplicate.
9.5.3
QA/QC Programme
Blanks
Blanks (washed silica sand) were introduced with each batch submitted to the laboratory to
monitor contamination in the crushing and pulverising stages. Some 100g of blank material
was supplied for each blank sample included in the sample batch.
The blanks were introduced at a frequency of 1 in 20 (5%).
Page: 35
Standards
The accuracy of laboratory results during the drilling/sampling programme was monitored with
the use of four commercial standards from Geostats (Pty) Ltd, Perth, Australia
(Table 9.5.3_1). Some 10g of standard material was supplied for each standard sample
included in the sample batch. The standards were not crushed or pulverised as they were
sufficiently fine grained. In addition the laboratory introduced their own standards for internal
QA/QC monitoring.
Standard material samples were introduced at a frequency of 1 in 10 (10%) or greater, with
alternating standards used.
Table 9.5.3_1
Tschudi Project
Expected Values for Geostats Standards Used
Standard
GBM306-16
Element
Copper
Grade (ppm)
Standard
Deviation
13,409
Silver
GBM996-3
Copper
Silver
GBM905-11
Copper
Copper
Silver
355
Confidence
Interval
45
104
Not certified
22,599
1,436
60
363.4
44.2
4.0
52
1.09
31,758
1,017
47
291
Silver
GBM303-2
No of
Analyses
Not certified
72,921
2,847
65
692
26.1
2.8
59
0.72
Duplicates
Duplicates of the diamond core samples were generated from the coarse rejects by the
laboratory. A designated sample was crushed and riffle split to provide a field duplicate rather
than resubmitting duplicates from previous sample batches. This was deemed to be the most
practical method of providing duplicates due to the volume of samples being submitted.
Duplicates of the RC chip samples were generated in the field by producing a second riffle
split sample from the large sample bag.
Duplicates were introduced at a frequency of 1 in 20 (5%) or greater.
Page: 36
9.5.4
Page: 37
9.5.5
Methodology
The precision and accuracy will be discussed in terms of the following statistical measures
routinely applied by Coffey Mining:-
9.5.6
Thompson and Howarth Plot showing the mean relative percentage error of grouped
assay pairs across the entire grade range, used to visualise precision levels by
comparing against given control lines.
Rank HARD Plot, which ranks all assay pairs in terms of precision levels measured as
half of the absolute relative difference from the mean of the assay pairs (HARD), used to
visualise relative precision levels and to determine the percentage of the assay pairs
population occurring at a certain precision level.
Mean vs HARD Plot, used as another way of illustrating relative precision levels by
showing the range of HARD over the grade range.
Mean vs HRD Plot is similar to the above, but the sign is retained, thus allowing negative
or positive differences to be computed. This plot gives an overall impression of precision
and also shows whether or not there is significant bias between the assay pairs by
illustrating the mean percent half relative difference between the assay pairs (mean
HRD).
Correlation Plot is a simple plot of the value of assay 1 against assay 2. This plot allows
an overall visualisation of precision and bias over selected grade ranges. Correlation
coefficients are also used.
Quantile-Quantile (Q-Q) Plot is a means where the marginal distributions of two datasets
can be compared. Similar distributions should be noted if the data is unbiased.
Blanks
Minor anomalous Cu grades up to 0.05% (Figure 9.5.6_1) and Ag grades up to 2g/t
(Figure 9.5.6_2) occur sporadically. At the start of the project a contaminated bag of blank
material was used, reflecting Cu grades up to 0.5% and Ag grades up to 2 g/t. Once this was
highlighted, commercial quality silica sand was obtained for the blank material. A single
anomalous Ag value was reported after this, which can be ascribed to contamination in
sample prep, as the previous sample recorded extremely high Ag values.
9.5.7
Page: 38
9.5.8
9.5.9
9.5.10
9.5.11
Field Duplicates
The analyses of field duplicates demonstrates precision in the assay technique for both Cu
(Figure 9.5.11_1) and Ag (Figure 9.5.11_2). Both data sets show 91% of the data pairs being
within 20% (HARD) precision. This includes data assaying below ten times detection limit for
both elements.
9.5.12
Referee Analysis
A total of 727 sample pulps (6.5% of total drillhole samples) were submitted to ALS Chemex
for analysis.
The comparative results for Cu show very good correlation with a -4% bias on the Tsumeb
results relative to ALS Chemex (Figure 9.5.12_1).
Comparison of all Ag data (Figure 9.5.12_2) shows reasonable correlation, but the results are
skewed by the preponderance of data near detection limit. Comparison of data for samples
grading better than ten times detection limit (10ppm) shows good correlation with 7% bias in
the Tsumeb data (Figure 9.5.12_3).
Page: 39
9.5.13
9.5.14
Conclusions
The analysis of analytical QA/QC data shows the data to be of sufficient quality to use in a
mineral resource estimate.
Page: 40
Figure 9.5.6_1
Analysis of QA/QC: Blank: Cu
Standard:
Element:
Units:
Detection Limit:
Expected Value (EV):
E.V. Range:
BLANK
Cu
%
No of Analyses:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Std Deviation:
% in Tolerance
% Bias
% RSD
0.03
0.03 to 0.03
670
0.01
0.51
0.01
0.03
0.15 %
-67.04 %
302.23 %
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
19-Aug-2008
12-Jun-2008
28-Mar-2008
06-Feb-2008
26-Nov-2007
04-Aug-2007
0.0
DATE
Mean of Cu % = 0.01
12-Jun-2008
28-Mar-2008
06-Feb-2008
26-Nov-2007
-1.0
04-Aug-2007
Cu %
DATE
12-Jun-2008
28-Mar-2008
06-Feb-2008
26-Nov-2007
-15
04-Aug-2007
Cu %
DATE
Cu %
Page: 41
Figure 9.5.6_2
Analysis of QA/QC: Blank: Ag
Standard:
Element:
Units:
Detection Limit:
Expected Value (EV):
E.V. Range:
BLANK
Ag
g/t
No of Analyses:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Std Deviation:
% in Tolerance
% Bias
% RSD
3.00
2.70 to 3.30
670
0.50
2.00
0.52
0.13
0.00 %
-82.69 %
24.38 %
Ag g/t (g/t)
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
19-Aug-2008
12-Jun-2008
28-Mar-2008
06-Feb-2008
26-Nov-2007
04-Aug-2007
0.0
DATE
19-Aug-2008
12-Jun-2008
28-Mar-2008
06-Feb-2008
26-Nov-2007
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
-2
04-Aug-2007
Ag g/t
DATE
12-Jun-2008
28-Mar-2008
06-Feb-2008
26-Nov-2007
-2000
04-Aug-2007
Ag g/t
DATE
Ag g/t
Page: 42
Figure 9.5.7_1
Analysis of QA/QC: Standard GBM 306-16: Cu
Standard:
Element:
Units:
Detection Limit:
Expected Value (EV):
E.V. Range:
GBM306-16
Cu %
No of Analyses:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Std Deviation:
% in Tolerance
% Bias
% RSD
1.341
1.207 to 1.475
545
1.310
1.430
1.377
0.016
100.000 %
2.699 %
1.178 %
Cu % (g/t)
1.40
1.30
1.20
TD140
TD115
TD085
TD056
TD012
1.10
CERT #
Mean of Cu % = 1.377
TD115
TD085
TD056
-0.2
TD012
Cu %
CERT #
TD140
TD115
TD085
TD056
TD012
Cu %
CERT #
Cu %
Page: 43
Figure 9.5.8_1
Analysis of QA/QC: Standard GBM 996-3: Cu
Standard:
Element:
Units:
Detection Limit:
Expected Value (EV):
E.V. Range:
GBM996-3
Cu %
No of Analyses:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Std Deviation:
% in Tolerance
% Bias
% RSD
2.260
2.034 to 2.486
474
2.100
2.310
2.241
0.031
100.000 %
-0.849 %
1.380 %
Cu % (g/t)
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
TD090
TD062
TD036
TD010
2.0
CERT #
Mean of Cu % = 2.241
TD062
TD036
-6
TD010
Cu %
CERT #
TD090
TD062
TD036
-10
TD010
Cu %
CERT #
Cu %
Page: 44
Figure 9.5.8_2
Analysis of QA/QC: Standard GBM 996-3: Ag
Standard:
Element:
Units:
Detection Limit:
Expected Value (EV):
E.V. Range:
GBM996-3
Ag g/t
No of Analyses:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Std Deviation:
% in Tolerance
% Bias
% RSD
44.2
39.8 to 48.6
474
39.0
46.0
43.7
1.0
99.2 %
-1.1 %
2.3 %
Ag g/t (g/t)
48
46
44
42
40
TD090
TD062
TD036
TD010
38
CERT #
TD090
TD062
TD036
-30
TD010
Ag g/t
CERT #
TD090
TD062
TD036
-250
TD010
Ag g/t
CERT #
Ag g/t
Page: 45
Figure 9.5.9_1
Analysis of QA/QC: Standard GBM 905-11: Cu
Standard:
Element:
Units:
Detection Limit:
Expected Value (EV):
E.V. Range:
GBM905-11
Cu %
No of Analyses:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Std Deviation:
% in Tolerance
% Bias
% RSD
3.176
2.858 to 3.494
93
3.110
3.240
3.167
0.021
100.000 %
-0.294 %
0.675 %
Cu % (g/t)
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.0
2.9
2.8
TD036
TD035
TD034
TD032
TD030
TD030
TD028
TD028
TD027
2.7
CERT #
Mean of Cu % = 3.167
TD035
TD036
TD035
TD036
TD034
TD032
TD030
TD030
TD028
TD028
-0.4
TD027
Cu %
CERT #
TD034
TD032
TD030
TD030
TD028
TD028
-1.0
TD027
Cu %
CERT #
Cu %
Page: 46
Figure 9.5.10_1
Analysis of QA/QC: Standard GBM 303-2: Cu
Standard:
Element:
Units:
Detection Limit:
Expected Value (EV):
E.V. Range:
GBM303-2
Cu %
No of Analyses:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Std Deviation:
% in Tolerance
% Bias
% RSD
7.292
6.563 to 8.021
162
7.200
7.500
7.314
0.068
100.000 %
0.296 %
0.934 %
Cu % (g/t)
8.5
8.0
7.5
7.0
TD152
TD149
TD148
TD143
TD140
TD139
TD135
TD132
TD130
TD125
TD122
TD120
TD119
TD118
TD116
TD113
6.5
CERT #
Mean of Cu % = 7.314
TD148
TD149
TD152
TD148
TD149
TD152
TD143
TD140
TD139
TD135
TD132
TD130
TD125
TD122
TD120
TD119
TD118
TD116
-2.0
TD113
Cu %
CERT #
TD143
TD140
TD139
TD135
TD132
TD130
TD125
TD122
TD120
TD119
TD118
TD116
-1
TD113
Cu %
CERT #
Cu %
Page: 47
Figure 9.5.10_2
Analysis of QA/QC: Standard GBM 303-2: Ag
Standard:
Element:
Units:
Detection Limit:
Expected Value (EV):
E.V. Range:
GBM303-2
Ag g/t
No of Analyses:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Std Deviation:
% in Tolerance
% Bias
% RSD
26.1
23.5 to 28.7
162
25.0
28.0
26.8
0.7
100.0 %
2.8 %
2.7 %
Ag g/t (g/t)
28
27
26
25
24
TD152
TD149
TD148
TD143
TD140
TD139
TD135
TD132
TD130
TD125
TD122
TD120
TD119
TD118
TD116
TD113
23
CERT #
TD143
TD148
TD149
TD152
TD143
TD148
TD149
TD152
TD140
TD139
TD135
TD132
TD130
TD125
TD122
TD120
TD119
TD118
TD116
-10
TD113
Ag g/t
CERT #
TD139
TD135
TD132
TD130
TD125
TD122
TD120
TD119
TD118
TD116
-20
TD113
Ag g/t
CERT #
Ag g/t
Page: 48
Figure 9.5.11_1
Analysis of QA/QC: Field Duplicates: Cu
No. Pairs:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Median
Std. Deviation:
Coefficient of
Variation:
Cu %
612
0.01
8.20
0.58
0.25
0.87
RCu %
612
0.01
8.40
0.59
0.24
0.89
1.49
1.51
Units
%
%
%
%
%
Mean HRD:
0.30
Median HRD
0.00
HARD (%)
100
50
0
0.001
0.01
0.1
80
60
40
20
0
0
10
10
50
60
70
80
90 100
60
100
40
20
0
-1.0
0.0
50
0
-50
-100
0.001
1.0
0.01
1
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.1
20%
10
10
1
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
0.001
0.01
10
10
0.01
0.0001
0.001
0.1
Median AD (%)
40
Precision: 20%
HRD (/100)
0.1
10
30%
50%
10%
20%
Correlation Plot
(All Data)
30%
50%
QQ Plot
(All Data)
10
10
RCu % (%)
RCu % (%)
30
HRD (%)
Frequency (%)
20
Rank (%)
HRD Histogram
(All Data)
5
0
0
Result
0.98
0.99
6.62
1.82
Pearson CC:
Spearman CC:
Mean HARD:
Median HARD:
Cu % (g/t)
P.CC= 0.98 S.CC= 0.99
y = 1.01x + 0.00
5
0
-5
0
Ref. Line
10
Cu % (%)
Ref. Line
y = 1.02x -0.01
Page: 49
Figure 9.5.11_2
Analysis of QA/QC: Field Duplicates: Ag
No. Pairs:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Median
Std. Deviation:
Coefficient of
Variation:
Ag g/t
612
0.01
8.20
0.58
0.25
0.87
RAg g/t
612
0.01
8.40
0.59
0.24
0.89
1.49
1.51
Units
g/t
g/t
g/t
g/t
g/t
Mean HRD:
0.30
Median HRD
0.00
100
100
HARD (%)
HARD (%)
50
0
0.001
0.01
0.1
80
60
40
20
0
0
10
10
50
60
70
80
90 100
60
100
40
20
0
-1.0
0.0
50
0
-50
-100
0.001
1.0
0.01
1
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.1
20%
10
1
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
0.001
0.01
30%
50%
10%
Cu % (g/t)
P.CC= 0.98 S.CC= 0.99
y = 1.01x + 0.00
10
20%
30%
50%
QQ Plot
(All Data)
10
0.1
Correlation Plot
(All Data)
10
10
10
0.01
0.0001
0.001
0.1
Median AD (g/t)
40
Precision: 20%
HRD (/100)
30
HRD (%)
Frequency (%)
20
Rank (%)
HRD Histogram
(All Data)
0
0
Result
0.98
0.99
6.62
1.82
Pearson CC:
Spearman CC:
Mean HARD:
Median HARD:
10
5
0
-5
0
Ref. Line
10
Ag g/t (g/t)
Ref. Line
y = 1.02x -0.01
Page: 50
Figure 9.5.12_1
Comparison of Tsumeb Laboratory and ALS Chemex: Cu
No. Pairs:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Median
Std. Deviation:
Coefficient of
Variation:
T Cu %
728
0.00
9.40
1.14
0.81
1.14
ALS Cu %
728
0.00
9.87
1.10
0.80
1.12
1.00
1.02
Units
%
%
%
%
%
Mean HRD:
2.23
Median HRD
1.16
HARD (%)
100
50
0
0.001
0.01
0.1
80
60
40
20
0
0
10
10
50
60
70
80
90 100
60
40
20
0
-1.0
0.0
50
0
-50
-100
0.001
1.0
0.01
1
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.1
20%
10
30%
1
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
0.001
0.01
50%
10%
T Cu % (%)
P.CC= 0.98 S.CC= 0.96
y = 0.96x + 0.01
10
ALS Cu % (%)
10
20%
30%
50%
QQ Plot
(All Data)
10
0.1
Correlation Plot
(All Data)
10
10
10
0.01
0.0001
0.001
0.1
Median AD (%)
40
Precision: 10%
HRD (/100)
ALS Cu % (%)
30
HRD (%)
Frequency (%)
20
Rank (%)
HRD Histogram
(All Data)
0
0
Result
0.98
0.96
5.63
2.59
Pearson CC:
Spearman CC:
Mean HARD:
Median HARD:
10
5
0
-5
0
Ref. Line
10
T Cu % (%)
Ref. Line
y = 0.98x -0.02
Page: 51
Figure 9.5.12_2
Comparison of Tsumeb Laboratory and ALS Chemex: Ag
No. Pairs:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Median
Std. Deviation:
Coefficient of
Variation:
T Ag g/t
728
0.00
111.00
12.50
6.00
15.09
ALS Ag g/t
728
0.00
114.00
12.41
6.00
14.93
1.21
1.20
Units
g/t
g/t
g/t
g/t
g/t
Mean HRD:
0.46
Median HRD
0.00
HARD (%)
100
50
0
0.1
10
100
80
60
40
20
0
0
1000
10
40
50
60
70
80
90 100
Precision: 10%
40
100
HRD (%)
Frequency (%)
30
30
20
10
0
-1.0
0.0
50
0
-50
-100
0.1
1.0
HRD (/100)
Mean HRD: 0.46
Precision: +/-10%
10
1
0.1
10
100
20%
1000
10
1
0.1
0.01
0.1
30%
50%
10%
50
60
80
100
120
140
100
40
20%
30%
50%
150
100
50
T Ag g/t (g/t)
P.CC= 0.96 S.CC= 0.92
y = 0.95x + 0.59
100
QQ Plot
(All Data)
150
20
10
Correlation Plot
(All Data)
0
0
100
1000
100
100
0.01
0.1
10
Median AD (g/t)
20
Rank (%)
HRD Histogram
(All Data)
Result
0.96
0.92
14.57
7.09
Pearson CC:
Spearman CC:
Mean HARD:
Median HARD:
Ref. Line
0
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
T Ag g/t (g/t)
Ref. Line
y = 0.99x + 0.08
Page: 52
Figure 9.5.12_3
Comparison of Tsumeb Lab and ALS Chemex: Ag >10 x Detection Limit
No. Pairs:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Mean:
Median
Std. Deviation:
Coefficient of
Variation:
T Ag g/t
262
10.50
111.00
27.79
22.50
16.00
ALS Ag g/t
262
0.00
114.00
26.96
22.00
16.23
0.58
0.60
Units
g/t
g/t
g/t
g/t
g/t
Mean HRD:
2.48
Median HRD
0.00
HARD (%)
100
50
0
1
10
100
80
60
40
20
0
0
1000
10
40
50
60
70
80
90 100
Precision: 10%
40
100
HRD (%)
Frequency (%)
30
30
20
10
0
-1.0
0.0
50
0
-50
1
1.0
10
HRD (/100)
Mean HRD: 2.48
Precision: +/-10%
10
1
10
100
20%
1000
10
1
0.1
1
10
30%
50%
10%
20%
50
60
80
100
120
140
100
40
50%
150
100
50
T Ag g/t (g/t)
P.CC= 0.93 S.CC= 0.93
y = 0.94x + 0.72
30%
QQ Plot
(Ag > 10)
150
20
100
Correlation Plot
(Ag > 10)
0
0
100
1000
100
0.1
1
100
Median AD (g/t)
20
Rank (%)
HRD Histogram
(Ag > 10)
Result
0.93
0.93
6.41
3.49
Pearson CC:
Spearman CC:
Mean HARD:
Median HARD:
Ref. Line
0
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
T Ag g/t (g/t)
Ref. Line
y = 1.00x -0.94
Page: 53
10
10.1
Twin Program
10.1.1
Twin Drillholes
In order to develop a mineral resource model for the Tschudi Project it was necessary to
integrate historic drillhole data. These historic data were conducted in several campaigns by
TCL, and are described in Section 7.1. In all cases twin drillholes were drilled within 10m of
the historic drillholes, and only drillholes whos collars could be located in the field were
twinned. The twin drillholes were drilled at the same azimunth and inclination as the historic
holes.
10.1.2
Twin Results
As a basis for acceptance of the historical data, each of the four twin pairs was compared for
lithology/geology, style of mineralization and tenor of mineralization. These comparisons are
summarised in Table 10.1.2_1, and downhole logs are shown in Appendix B.
Lithology/Geology
AP55 and TAP55: The Otavi/Mulden contact is defined by a basal conglomerate that is in
direct contact with a chert band, followed by and arenite filled cavity, evidenced in both
drillholes.
AP95 and TAP95: Siltstone /argillite beds can be correlated in both the original and twin
drillholes, although two conglomerate beds are shown in the historic that are not
represented in the twin drillhole.
AP115 and TAP115: In the upper horizons there are isolated siltstone and conglomerate
bands that correlate between drillholes. At the Otavi/Mulden contact in the original hole
the arenite lies on a basal conglomerate followed by oolitic chert then brecciated
dolomite. In the twin drillhole there is first a thin chert layer above the conglomerate, as
well as a cavity with conglomerate infill not represented in the original drillhole.
AP241 and TAP241: AP241 has a silty/clayey layer above the orezone, which is
composed of arenitic sandstone, that is in direct contact with an oolitic chert layer,
followed by brecciated/altered dolomite. In the twin drillhole, TAP241, the silty bands are
represented, and the ore zone is composed of black arenite, directly in contact with the
oolitic chert layer, but this chert contains a conglomerate layer that is not represented in
the original. Similarly, there are arenitic cavities in the dolomite of the twin drillhole that
are not described in the original.
Page: 54
Mineralization Style
AP55 and TAP55: The mineralization in both drillholes is confined to arenite, cut by
siltstone bands and a conglomerate. Zones of high mineralization correspond in both
drillholes.
AP95 and TAP95: The mineralization in both drillholes is found with massive arkosic
arenite.
AP115 and TAP115: In both drillholes the mineralized zone is capped by a thin
conglomerate band, with correlatable zones of higher mineralization.
AP241 and TAP241: The mineralization in both drillholes is found within massive arenite,
and zones of high mineralization roughly correspond in both drillholes.
Mineralization Tenor
The comparison of mineralized portions are tabulated in Table 10.1.2_1 and shown
graphically in Figures 10.1.2_1 to 5.
Table 10.1.2_1
Tschudi Project
Summary of Twin Drilling Results
Length (m)
AP55
AP95
AP115
AP241
Ave
Cu (%)
Ag (g/t)
Cu % m
Ag g/t m
Mother
Twin
Mother
Twin
Mother
Twin
Mother
Twin
Mother
Twin
18.30
4.30
14.90
12.30
12.45
22.78
7.24
13.95
12.14
14.03
1.39
1.16
2.27
1.59
1.60
0.86
1.35
2.83
0.71
1.44
25.54
7.91
14.36
23.76
17.89
11.97
15.67
14.88
5.50
12.01
25.44
4.99
33.82
19.56
20.95
19.59
9.77
39.48
8.62
19.37
467.38
34.01
213.96
292.25
251.90
446.28
70.76
550.73
104.64
293.10
Page: 55
Figure 10.1.2_1
Twin Drillhole Comparison Mineralized Length
Figure 10.1.2_2
Twin Drillhole Comparison Average Cu%
Page: 56
Figure 10.1.2_3
Twin Drillhole Comparison Average Ag g/t
Figure 10.1.2_4
Twin Drillhole Comparison Cu % m
Page: 57
Figure 10.1.2_5
Twin Drillhole Comparison Ag g/t m
10.1.3
Conclusion
In all cases lithology could be correlated between the pairs within the parameters of the
geological modelling.
The style of mineralization was found to be similar in all pairs with mineralization dominantly
confined to arenites or arkosic arenite. Mineralization consisted of bornite/chalcopyrite in the
hypogene zones and assorted copper oxides, silicates and carbonates in the oxide zones.
Correlation of tenor of mineralization was undertaken on the broad mineralized units and on
higher grade subunits within these. In isolated cases where definitive lithological markers
could be seen in both holes these were preferentially used as boundaries.
Overall correlation is good. The best correlation is achieved on downhole mineralized length,
followed by contained metal (Cu % m) and the greatest variability in Ag grade. There is no
systematic bias evident in grades between twin pairs, recent drilling shows higher and lower
grades than historic holes in all facies. Weighted averages (Table 10.1.2_1) show very little
difference in overall weighted average grade, length and metal content. There is, however,
significant variability with nearly 30% difference in grade in some holes.
Based on the comparison of lithology, style of mineralization and tenor of mineralization, the
twin drilling demonstrates the validity of including the historical data into the mineral resource
estimate.
Page: 58
10.2
10.2.1
Geology
Historic data was obtained from the Weatherly offices and archives in Tsumeb. The data
comprised original hard copy logs of diamond drill holes and wagon drill holes. The data was
captured electronically into a database and coded on the current lithological codes
(Appendix 1) devised for the programme. An abridged version of the detailed descriptions
recorded for the geological intervals was captured.
10.2.2
Downhole Survey
Downhole survey data was recaptured from hardcopy logs, where present, and integrated into
the Micromine database. In some cases where these had not been captured the original
Eastman survey photographic plates were available. These were used to run some validation
checks on captured data too. A magnetic declination of 10W was corrected for on magnetic
azimuths.
10.2.3
Collars
Some 110 of the historic drillhole collars could be found in the field and were resurveyed by a
professional surveyor using a differential GPS. Coordinates for collars not located in the field
were picked up off the historical drillhole logs and plans which were georeferenced in
Micromine. Coordinates from drillhole collars surveyed in the field were compared against the
historically recorded figures and were within 3m accuracy. All data was captured in the
Namibian Lo17 system.
10.2.4
Assays
Assay results were recaptured from original hardcopy logs or historical reports where
available for Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Mn, Fe, Cd and S. Minimal original assay certificates were
available, as most of the testwork was carried out at the Tsumeb Laboratory. Commonly the
entire drillhole was sampled, but in a few cases only the lower mineralized zones were
sampled. The analyses were taken on split half core.
All samples were analysed for Cu and Ag, with sporadic Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, S and Cd analyses.
10.2.5
Historic Core
A significant amount of the core from the first historic drilling campaign has been kept, while
the core from later historic campaigns has been discarded. The core that was kept is stored
in a core shed on Weatherly premises in Tsumeb. Although it has been stored correctly on
shelves under a roof, much of the core has weathered away, or has been vandalised, so as to
render it largely unusable. Only isolated portions of core within some drillholes are useable
(Figure 10.2.5_1).
The remaining historical core has been re-visited, and portions have been checked against
the original hardcopy logs. The recorded information correlates well with the core.
Page: 59
Figure 10.2.5_1
Photograph showing Condition of Historical Core
10.2.6
Page: 60
11
11.1
Drillhole Database
The nature of the data included in the drillhole database has been described above. The
mineral resource estimation was performed by creating Datamine block models and
interpolating Cu and Ag grade values from the drillhole database. Assay data compiled from
the most recent and historical surface drilling programmes were exported from the drillhole
database in ASCII format and consisted of the following database files:
Surveyed drillhole collars
Downhole survey data
Drillhole assay data consisting of Cu values measured as a weight percent, Ag grade
measured as g/t
Both Cu and Ag assays contained extremely low values and values of 0% for Cu and 0g/t for
Ag. The zero values were replaced with a grade of half the assay detection limit i.e. 0.005%
for Cu and 0.5g/t for Ag.
The methodology of creating the structure of the mineralized volumes has been described in
Section 6.5. Grade shells were created on section lines at a minimal cut-off of 0.15% Cu.
Wireframes solids of the primary, continuous mineralized zone at the base of the Mulden
Group sandstones (the Lower or OB0 Zone) and the 14 Upper Zones were constructed. A
sample database of the mineralized zones was created by extracting samples within these
wireframes and assigning an Zone code to them (OB0 to OB14).
The majority of the drillholes were sampled at a 1m interval, however, the database included
sample data from samples ranging from 0.05m 18m in length. All samples were composited
to a constant 1m length, with a composite minimum of 0.5m being permitted at the
mineralized zone boundaries.
The sample statistics of the 1m composite data are tabled in Tables 11.1_1 and 11.1_2.
Statistics for the total intersected length per mineralized zone are tabled in Table 11.1_3.
Assay frequency histograms are illustrated in Figures 11.1_1 and 11.1_2
Examination of the assay statistics revealed that there were a number of very high Ag values
in the data. These samples were identified and were removed by cutting the sample
distribution at a value of 89.23 g/t, the 99.5 percentile.
Page: 61
Table 11.1_1
Tschudi Project
Descriptive Statistics for Cu % for 1m Composites per Mineralized Zone
OB
FIELD
NUMBER OF
RECORDS
NUMBER OF
SAMPLES
MINIMUM
MAXIMUM
RANGE
MEAN
VARIANCE
STANDARD
DEVIATION
COEFFICIENT OF
VARIATION
Cu
7045
5338
0.01
12.44
12.43
1.02
1.13
1.06
1.04
Cu
7045
21
0.17
1.30
1.13
0.38
0.05
0.23
0.61
Cu
7045
668
0.01
4.90
4.90
0.80
0.63
0.79
0.99
Cu
7045
218
0.01
4.86
4.86
0.77
0.72
0.85
1.10
Cu
7045
22
0.10
2.55
2.45
0.47
0.26
0.51
1.09
Cu
7045
36
0.01
1.98
1.98
0.64
0.20
0.45
0.70
Cu
7045
140
0.06
4.60
4.54
1.03
0.87
0.93
0.90
Cu
7045
35
0.18
1.94
1.76
0.61
0.17
0.41
0.67
Cu
7045
92
0.03
5.40
5.37
0.96
1.09
1.04
1.08
Cu
7045
62
0.01
3.84
3.84
0.82
0.78
0.89
1.09
10
Cu
7045
39
0.01
2.51
2.51
0.48
0.30
0.54
1.13
11
Cu
7045
77
0.03
4.20
4.17
0.72
0.62
0.78
1.08
12
Cu
7045
168
0.01
6.80
6.80
0.70
0.80
0.90
1.29
13
Cu
7045
56
0.02
5.60
5.58
0.74
0.85
0.92
1.24
14
Cu
7045
0.15
1.30
1.15
0.41
0.14
0.37
0.90
Page: 62
Table 11.1_2
Tschudi Project
Descriptive Statistics for Ag g/t for 1m Composites per Mineralized Zone
FIELD
NUMBER OF
RECORDS
NUMBER OF
SAMPLES
MINIMUM
MAXIMUM
RANGE
MEAN
VARIANCE
STANDARD DEVIATION
COEFFICIENT OF VARIATION
Ag
7045
5338
0.05
1386.29
1386.24
12.35
1080.57
32.87
2.66
Ag
7045
21
0.05
18.00
17.95
2.19
14.89
3.86
1.76
Ag
7045
668
0.05
80.00
79.95
8.16
107.28
10.36
1.27
Ag
7045
218
0.05
39.00
38.95
5.62
69.96
8.36
1.49
Ag
7045
22
0.05
32.10
32.05
5.97
71.07
8.43
1.41
Ag
7045
36
0.05
31.00
30.95
7.03
56.67
7.53
1.07
Ag
7045
140
0.90
111.40
110.50
11.84
240.90
15.52
1.31
Ag
7045
35
1.00
20.78
19.78
5.29
18.59
4.31
0.81
Ag
7045
92
0.05
73.00
72.95
8.80
208.78
14.45
1.64
Ag
7045
62
0.05
97.70
97.65
10.37
232.00
15.23
1.47
10
Ag
7045
39
0.05
44.00
43.95
5.00
72.34
8.51
1.70
11
Ag
7045
77
0.05
36.00
35.95
6.53
55.49
7.45
1.14
12
Ag
7045
168
0.05
70.60
70.55
6.43
100.03
10.00
1.56
13
Ag
7045
56
0.05
68.00
67.95
6.35
126.35
11.24
1.77
14
Ag
7045
1.00
10.10
9.10
3.01
9.06
3.01
1.00
OB
Page: 63
Table 11.1_3
Tschudi Project
Descriptive Statistics for Total Composite Length (m) per Mineralized Zone
NUMBER OF
RECORDS
NUMBER OF
SAMPLES
OB
FIELD
LENGTH
618
LENGTH
MEAN
COEFFICIENT OF
VARIATION
MAXIMUM
387
0.70
46.00
45.30
13.85
8.35
0.60
618
10
0.70
5.00
4.30
2.06
1.61
0.78
LENGTH
618
68
1.00
21.50
20.50
9.86
5.75
0.58
LENGTH
618
48
0.40
14.00
13.60
4.52
3.49
0.77
LENGTH
618
1.00
8.70
7.70
3.67
2.49
0.68
LENGTH
618
0.50
9.00
8.50
4.97
3.15
0.63
LENGTH
618
13
1.00
24.00
23.00
12.11
6.43
0.53
LENGTH
618
6.00
11.00
5.00
8.75
2.28
0.26
LENGTH
618
10
1.00
14.90
13.90
9.20
3.53
0.38
LENGTH
618
11
2.00
10.00
8.00
5.56
2.33
0.42
10
LENGTH
618
1.00
13.30
12.30
7.86
4.24
0.54
11
LENGTH
618
12
0.90
27.00
26.10
6.87
7.88
1.15
12
LENGTH
618
23
1.00
16.20
15.20
7.28
4.60
0.63
13
LENGTH
618
1.00
17.00
16.00
7.87
4.99
0.63
14
LENGTH
618
0.50
2.00
1.50
1.21
0.52
0.43
RANGE
STANDARD
DEVIATION
MINIMUM
Page: 64
Figure 11.1_1a
Frequency Histograms
1m Composite Samples Cu % per Mineralized Zone
Histogram Plot
(OB0)
Histogram Plot
(OB4)
40
100
80
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
30
20
10
60
40
20
CU2 (g/t)
CU2 (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB1)
Histogram Plot
(OB5)
90
100
80
70
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
80
60
40
60
50
40
30
20
20
10
0
CU2 (g/t)
3
CU2 (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB2)
Histogram Plot
(OB6)
80
40
70
30
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
60
50
40
30
20
20
10
10
0
CU2 (g/t)
3
CU2 (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB3)
Histogram Plot
(OB7)
80
60
70
50
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
60
50
40
30
20
30
20
10
10
0
40
CU2 (g/t)
CU2 (g/t)
Page: 65
Figure 11.1_1b
Frequency Histograms
1m Composite Samples Cu % per Mineralized Zone
Histogram Plot
(OB8)
Histogram Plot
(OB12)
50
60
50
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
40
30
20
10
0
40
30
20
10
CU2 (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB9)
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
50
30
20
10
40
30
20
10
CU2 (g/t)
3
CU2 (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB10)
Histogram Plot
(OB14)
70
90
80
60
70
50
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
60
40
40
30
20
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Histogram Plot
(OB13)
50
3
CU2 (g/t)
10
0
CU2 (g/t)
3
CU2 (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB11)
60
Frequency (%)
50
40
30
20
10
0
CU2 (g/t)
Page: 66
Figure 11.1_2a
Frequency Histograms
1m Composite Samples Ag g/t per Mineralized Zone
Histogram Plot
(OB0)
Histogram Plot
(OB4)
50
80
70
60
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
40
30
20
10
50
40
30
20
10
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
10
20
30
40
Ag (g/t)
60
70
80
90
100
60
70
80
90
100
60
70
80
90
100
Histogram Plot
(OB5)
Histogram Plot
(OB1)
50
100
40
Frequency (%)
80
Frequency (%)
50
Ag (g/t)
60
40
30
20
10
20
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
10
20
30
40
50
Ag (g/t)
100
Ag (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB2)
Histogram Plot
(OB6)
40
60
50
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
30
40
30
20
20
10
10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
10
20
30
40
Ag (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB7)
70
70
60
60
50
50
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
Histogram Plot
(OB3)
40
30
20
10
0
50
Ag (g/t)
40
30
20
10
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Ag (g/t)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Ag (g/t)
Page: 67
Figure 11.1_2b
Frequency Histograms
1m Composite Samples Ag g/t per Mineralized Zone
Histogram Plot
(OB12)
70
70
60
60
50
50
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
Histogram Plot
(OB8)
40
30
20
10
0
40
30
20
10
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
10
20
30
40
Ag (g/t)
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
80
90
100
60
70
80
90
100
60
70
80
90
100
50
40
30
20
10
40
30
20
10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
10
20
30
40
50
Ag (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB10)
Histogram Plot
(OB14)
80
90
70
80
60
70
Frequency (%)
Frequency (%)
70
60
50
50
40
30
20
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
Histogram Plot
(OB13)
Histogram Plot
(OB9)
50
Ag (g/t)
10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Ag (g/t0
10
20
30
40
50
Ag (g/t)
Histogram Plot
(OB11)
60
Frequency (%)
50
40
30
20
10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Ag (g/t)
Page: 68
11.2
11.3
Grade Interpolation
11.3.1
Page: 69
Figure 11.3_1
Downhole Variogram Cu%
To achieve this, the dip and dip direction of each triangle within the wireframe representing
the Lower Zone was calculated. These values were assigned to a sample point, and
positioned at the centre of gravity of each triangle. Using an inverse distance squared
interpolation method and using only the closest two sample points, a dip and dip direction was
estimated for each parent cell.
To estimate the Cu and Ag grade values from the 1m composite samples, a flat search
volume was used. The initial search radii were set at 50m horizontally and only 5m vertically.
This search volume was increased by a factor of two should a minimum of 5 samples not be
found in the initial search volume. For estimation of each model cell, the orientation of the
search ellipsoid was set equal to the dip and dip direction that had previously been estimated.
The drillholes are too widely spaced to allow horizontal variograms to be modelled using the
1m composite samples, hence an inverse distance squared interpolation methodology was
used. The same search criteria and estimation method were used for both Cu and Ag.
Page: 70
11.3.2
Figure 11.3.2_1
Composite Variogram for Upper Mineralized Zones - Cu%
Page: 71
Figure 11.3.2_2
Composite Variogram for the Upper Mineralized Zones - Ag g/t
The search radii were initially set equal to the range of the variograms i.e. 90m for Cu and
114m for Ag. A number of the Upper Zones were intersected by only a few drillholes. In
order to model any spatial variation in grade within each zone, a minimum of 2 and a
maximum of 20 samples were required within the first search volume. If there were
insufficient samples then the search radii were increased by a factor of 1.5. If there were still
an insufficient number of samples then the search radii were increased by a factor of 20. This
large search radius usually resulted in all the samples within each mineralized zone being
used for kriging.
11.4
Resource Classification
A drillhole location plan shows that the mineral resource has generally been drilled at three
different drill densities (Figure 11.4_1). As a result of the most recent drilling program, an
area can be defined where the drillhole spacing is approximately 25m. Recent drilling,
together with historical drillholes form an area where the drillhole spacing is approximately
50m x 50m or 50m x 100m. The drillhole spacing over the remainder of the resource area is
much wider than this. The drillhole spacing thus provides a suitable method for the
classification of the resource estimates for both the Lower and Upper Zones. Classification
perimeters were hence constructed based on the spacing of the drillholes.
Despite the fact that the Upper Zones were defined by manually picking mineralized intervals
from adjacent drillholes, the study of mineralization in underground workings and the
understanding of the mineralization process, provide sufficient evidence to assume continuity
of mineralization between boreholes.
Page: 72
Figure 11.4_1
Grade Shells and Drillhole Location Plan Showing Resource Classification Perimeters
Page: 73
The perimeters displayed on Figure 11.4_1 were constructed, and were based only on the
location of the drillholes. The Measured Resource perimeter was constructed by snapping to
the outermost drillholes drilled at approximately 25m spacing. The perimeter was then
expanded by 12.5m. The Indicated perimeter was constructed by snapping to the outermost
drillholes drilled at approximately 50m x 50m or 50m x 100m spacing. The perimeter was
then expanded by 25m. The southern edge of this perimeter was further expanded to the
outcrop position. The Inferred perimeter was constructed around the limits of the Datamine
resource block model.
It has not been possible to accurately define which portions of the mineralized zones have
previously been mined and hence estimate what has been left in situ within the strike length
covered by the underground development. A wireframe volume was constructed that
enclosed the majority of the historical mine workings. It is situated to the south of the
Measured perimeter displayed on Figure 11.4_1 and is not included in the resource estimate.
Page: 74
11.5
Resource Statement
Table 11.5_1
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification
Resource Category
Total
Measured (Oxide)
Measured (Sulphide)
Indicated (Oxide)
Tonnage
(kt)
50,654
Cu Grade
(%)
0.82
Ag Grade
(g/t)
10.23
Density
3
(g/cm )
2.57
Cu Content
(t)
413,641
Ag (kg)
518,160
81
1.11
10.68
2.46
896
866
4,366
1.09
11.12
2.58
47,643
48,558
5,245
0.65
7.07
2.46
34,241
37,056
Indicated (Sulphide)
21,263
0.89
11.27
2.58
188,653
239,631
Inferred (Sulphide)
19,699
0.72
9.75
2.58
142,207
192,049
Page: 75
Table 11.5_2
Tschudi Project
Grade and Tonnage Estimates
Cut-off grade (Cu%)
Tonnage (kt)
Cu (%)
Ag (g/t)
0.0
50,654
0.82
10.23
0.1
50,311
0.82
10.29
0.2
49,204
0.84
10.45
0.3
47,718
0.85
10.60
0.4
43,788
0.90
10.93
0.5
36,760
0.99
11.68
0.6
32,192
1.05
12.33
0.7
27,457
1.12
13.13
0.8
22,248
1.20
14.23
0.9
17,408
1.30
15.45
1.0
13,989
1.39
16.38
1.1
11,014
1.48
17.39
1.2
8,474
1.58
18.50
1.3
6,757
1.67
19.29
1.4
5,246
1.76
19.74
1.5
3,968
1.86
20.73
1.6
2,958
1.97
21.72
1.7
2,141
2.10
22.75
1.8
1,643
2.20
23.45
1.9
1,259
2.31
24.22
2.0
971
2.42
24.82
Page: 76
Table 11.5_3
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification at Cu 0.3% Cut-off
Domain
Resource Category
Measured
Oxide
Tonnage
(kt)
Cu
(%)
81
Ag
(g/t)
1.11
Cu Metal
(t)
10.71
896
Ag Metal
(kg)
865
Indicated
4,546
0.73
7.82
33,004
35,533
4,627
0.73
7.87
33,900
36,398
4,347
1.09
11.15
47,594
48,494
Inferred
Measured
Sulphide
Indicated
19,869
0.94
11.82
185,990
234,886
24,217
0.96
11.70
233,584
283,379
Inferred
18,874
0.74
9.85
140,482
185,966
4,428
1.10
11.15
48,490
49,359
Measured
Total
Indicated
24,416
0.90
11.08
218,994
270,419
28,844
0.93
11.09
267,484
319,777
Inferred
18,874
0.74
9.85
140,482
185,966
Table 11.5_4
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification at Cu 0.4% Cut-off
Domain
Resource Category
Measured
Oxide
Tonnage
(kt)
Cu
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
CuMetal
(t)
Ag Metal
(kg)
79
1.12
10.80
890
857
Indicated
3,921
0.78
8.54
30,753
33,502
4,001
0.79
8.59
31,643
34,359
Inferred
Sulphide
Total
Measured
4,293
1.10
11.25
47,404
48,295
Indicated
18,775
0.97
12.20
182,137
228,964
23,068
1.00
12.02
229,540
277,259
Inferred
16,719
0.79
9.99
132,857
166,949
Measured
4,372
1.10
11.24
48,294
49,153
Indicated
22,696
0.94
11.56
212,890
262,466
27,068
0.96
11.51
261,184
311,618
Inferred
16,719
0.79
9.99
132,857
166,949
Page: 77
Table 11.5_5
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification at Cu 0.5% Cut-off
Domain
Resource Category
Measured
Oxide
Tonnage
(kt)
72
Cu
(%)
1.19
Ag
(g/t)
Cu Metal
(t)
11.24
856
Ag Metal
(kg)
805
Indicated
3,196
0.86
9.30
27,488
29,717
3,268
0.87
9.34
28,344
30,523
4,181
1.12
11.42
46,893
47,734
Inferred
Measured
Sulphide
Total
Indicated
16,978
1.02
12.79
173,987
217,224
21,159
1.04
12.52
220,880
264,958
Inferred
12,334
0.92
10.86
113,564
133,979
Measured
4,252
1.12
11.42
47,748
48,540
Indicated
20,175
1.00
12.24
201,475
246,941
24,427
1.02
12.10
249,224
295,481
Inferred
12,334
0.92
10.86
113,564
133,979
Table 11.5_6
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification at Cu 0.6% Cut-off
Domain
Resource Category
Measured
Oxide
Tonnage
(kt)
60
Cu
(%)
1.32
Ag
(g/t)
12.20
Cu Metal
(t)
792
Ag Metal
(kg)
732
Indicated
2,440
0.96
10.38
23,378
25,331
Measuredand Indicated
2,500
0.97
10.42
24,170
26,063
3,977
1.15
11.69
45,757
46,500
Inferred
Measured
Sulphide
Indicated
14,871
1.09
13.59
162,416
202,044
18,848
1.10
13.19
208,173
248,544
Inferred
10,844
0.97
11.28
105,405
122,321
4,037
1.15
11.70
46,549
47,231
Measured
Total
Indicated
17,312
1.07
13.13
185,795
227,375
21,348
1.09
12.86
232,343
274,606
Inferred
10,844
0.97
11.28
105,405
122,321
Page: 78
Table 11.5_7
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification at Cu 0.7% Cut-off
Domain
ResourceCategory
Measured
Oxide
Tonnage
(kt)
55
Cu
(%)
1.39
Ag
(g/t)
Cu Metal
(t)
12.87
757
Ag Metal
(kg)
702
Indicated
1,744
1.08
11.67
18,882
20,355
1,799
1.09
11.71
19,638
21,057
3,600
1.20
12.26
43,307
44,130
Inferred
Measured
Sulphide
Indicated
12,994
1.16
14.40
150,236
187,118
16,594
1.17
13.94
193,543
231,249
9,064
1.04
11.93
93,812
108,114
Inferred
Total
Measured
3,654
1.21
12.27
44,064
44,832
Indicated
14,738
1.15
14.08
169,117
207,473
18,393
1.16
13.72
213,181
252,306
9,064
1.04
11.93
93,812
108,114
Inferred
Table 11.5_8
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification at Cu 0.8% Cut-off
Domain
Resource Category
Measured
Oxide
Tonnage
(kt)
Cu
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Cu Metal
(t)
Ag Metal
(kg)
49
1.46
13.55
713
660
Indicated
1,225
1.22
13.61
14,978
16,674
1,273
1.23
13.61
15,690
17,334
Inferred
Sulphide
Measured
3,175
1.26
12.92
40,122
41,008
Indicated
10,900
1.23
15.40
134,563
167,836
14,075
1.24
14.84
174,684
208,845
6,899
1.12
13.10
77,517
90,397
Inferred
Total
Measured
3,224
1.27
12.93
40,834
41,668
Indicated
12,125
1.23
15.22
149,540
184,510
15,349
1.24
14.74
190,375
226,179
6,899
1.12
13.10
77,517
90,397
Inferred
Page: 79
Table 11.5_9
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification at Cu 0.9% Cut-off
Domain
Resource Category
Measured
Oxide
Tonnage
(kt)
43
Cu
(%)
1.54
Ag
(g/t)
Cu Metal
(t)
14.19
664
Ag Metal
(kg)
610
Indicated
856
1.39
15.33
11,885
13,120
899
1.40
15.28
12,549
13,730
2,594
1.36
13.85
35,173
35,918
Inferred
Measured
Sulphide
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Total
8,981
1.32
16.35
118,289
146,812
11,574
1.33
15.79
153,461
182,729
4,935
1.24
14.69
60,961
72,501
Measured
2,637
1.36
13.85
35,837
36,528
Indicated
9,836
1.32
16.26
130,173
159,931
12,473
1.33
15.75
166,010
196,459
4,935
1.24
14.69
60,961
72,501
Table 11.5_10
Tschudi Project
Mineral Resource Estimate and Classification at Cu 1.0% Cut-off
Domain
Oxide
Resource Category
Tonnage
(kt)
Cu
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Cu Metal
(t)
Ag Metal
(kg)
Measured
36
1.66
14.86
597
535
Indicated
657
1.52
16.60
10,001
10,902
693
1.53
16.51
10,597
11,437
Inferred
Sulphide
Total
Measured
2,064
1.46
14.83
30,141
30,595
Indicated
7,414
1.39
17.21
103,418
127,591
9,477
1.41
16.69
133,558
158,187
Inferred
3,820
1.32
15.58
50,397
59,520
Measured
2,100
1.46
14.83
30,737
31,130
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
8,070
1.41
17.16
113,418
138,493
10,170
1.42
16.68
144,155
169,624
3,820
1.32
15.58
50,397
59,520
Page: 80
Figure 11.5_1
Mineral Resource Estimate Grade Tonnage Curves
Page: 81
12
Page: 82
13
REFERENCES
Anderson, G. M. & Macqueen, R. W., 2003. Mississippi Valley-Type Lead-Zinc Deposits, 7990. In Roberts, R. G.& Sheahan, P A., Eds., Ore Deposit Models, Geoscience Canada Reprint
Series.
Brown, A. C., 2003. Sediment-hosted Stratiform Copper Deposits, 99-115. In Roberts, R. G.&
Sheahan, P A., Eds., Ore Deposit Models, Geoscience Canada Reprint Series.
Cairncross, B., 1997. The Otavi Mountainland Cu-Pb-Zn Deposits, Namibia. Mineralogical
Record, Mar/Apr 1997.
Emslie, D. P., 1979. The Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Copper, Lead and Zinc
Sulphides of the Otavi Mountainland, South West Africa. Unpublished PhD thesis.
Lombaard, A. F., Gunzel, A., Innes, I. & Kruger, T. L., 1986. The Tsumeb Lead-Copper-ZincSilver Deposit, South West Africa/Namibia, 1761-1787. In: Anhausser, C. R. & Maske, S.,
Eds., Mineral Deposits of Southern Africa, Vol 2. Geol. Soc. S. Afr., 1314pp.
Lonergan, J. E. & Saayman, A. F., 2002. Orebody Modelling & Starter Pit Design, Tschudi
Deposit. Unpublished company report.
Melcher, F., 2003. The Otavi Mountainland in Namibia: Tsumeb, Germanium and Snowball
Earth, 413-435. Mitt.Osterr.Miner.Ges. 148.
Misiewicz, J. E., 1988. The Geology and Metallogeny of the Otavi Mountainland, Damara
Orogen, SWA/Namibia. Unpublished M.Sc. thesis.
Murphy, G. C., 1980. Tschudi Prospect Progress Report of Exploration and Geology to
December 1979. Unpublished TCL company report.
Viviers, G. J., unknown. Geological Report on the Tschudi Copper/Silver Deposit.
Unpublished Gold Fields Namibia company report.
Viviers, G. J., 1992. Geological Report on the Tschudi Copper/Silver Deposit. Unpublished
TCL company report.
Page: 83
Appendix A
Geological Logging Codes and Templates
Appendix A
Page: 1
NAME
CALC
SOIL
LOSS
PCOL
Calcrete
Soil
Core loss
Precollar / pilot hole
VQTZ
VQCB
CAVT
Quartz vein
Quartz carbonate vein
Cavity / Karst feature
DOLO
DOOL
DMAS
DBED
DMIC
DALT
DREC
DSTR
DBRE
DCSB
DASB
CHER
COOL
CBRE
CALG
Undefined dolomite
Oolitic/pisolitic dolomite
Massive dolomite
Bedded dolomite
Micritic dolomite
Altered dolomite
Recrystallised dolomite
Stromatolitic dolomite
Brecciated dolomite (frags in any matrix)
Dolomite with chert/silica beds
Dolomite with argillite/sandstone beds
Massive chert
Oolitic/pisolitic chert
Brecciated chert (frags in any matrix)
Algal chert
AREN
ARKO
ARQZ
ARBL
ARCA
ARBR
GRYW
MUST
SIST
CGLM
BCGM
Conglomerate
"Basal" conglomerate
Appendix A
Page: 2
Code
Aurichalcite
(Zn, Cu)5(CO3)2(OH)6
AC
Azurite
Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2
AZ
Bornite
Cu5FeS4
BN
Calcite
CaCO3
CAL
Cerussite
PbCO3
CR
Chalcocite
Cu2S
CH
Chalcopyrite
CuFeS2
CY
Chrysocolla
(Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4.nH2O
CS
Copper
Cu
CU
Covellite
CuS
CV
Cuprite
Cu2O
CP
Descloizite
PbZn(VO4)(OH)
DC
Digenite
Cu9S5
DG
Dioptase
CuSiO2(OH)2
DP
Dolomite
CaMg(CO3)2
DOL
Duftite
PbCu(AsO4)(OH)
DF
Epidote
Ca2(Al,Fe+3)(SiO4)3(OH)
EP
Fluorite
CaF2
FL
Galena
PbS
GA
Goethite
FeO(OH)
GO
Gold
Au
AU
Graphite
GR
Gypsum
CaSO4.2H2O
GY
Hematite
Fe2O3
HE
Ilmenite
FeTiO3
IL
Magnetite
Fe3O4
MG
Malachite
Cu2(CO3)(OH)2
MC
Mottramite
PbCu(VO4)OH
MO
Plancheite
Cu8Si8O22(OH)4.H2O
PL
Pyrite
FeS2
PY
Silver
Ag
AG
Sphalerite
(Zn,Fe)S
SP
Sulphur
SU
Tennanite
Cu10(Zn,Fe)2As4S13
TN
Appendix A
Page: 3
Appendix A
Page: 4
Appendix A
Lith code
Description
CAL
QZ CAL
Min
Style
Page: 5
TOTAL
SP
GA
CP/CU
Geologist:
BN/CV
CY
CH
Veining
CS
AZ
MC
PY
Alteration
QZ
Int
Alt 2
Int
Alt 1
Struct
Structure
BC
BC
Bed
BH
ID:
Weath
Colour
Hard
Grain size
Samp No.
To
From
Date:
Mineralization
Appendix B
Twin Drillhole Comparisons
Appendix B
Page: 1
Appendix B
Page: 0
Appendix B
Page: 1
Appendix B
Page: 2
Appendix B
Page: 3