The updated RNO models for Halleys, Hale-Bopp, Shoemaker-Levy, Shoemaker-
Since the previous Technical Report (“RNO, 2012”), RNO has embarked upon several key upgrades to the processing operations. These include reduced water consumption, cyclone optimization for improved beneficiation as well as limestone ball milling. Additionally, RNO has finalized the required infrastructure for the Shoemaker-Levy mining operations, which includes offices, run-of-mine pads, heavy equipment workshops and laydown areas, power lines and raw water pipelines, and most significantly, crushing facilities and a 9 kilometer overland conveying system.
RNO is strategically positioned as a clean, sustainable source of nickel for electric vehicle batteries with industry-leading environmental credentials and a small carbon emissions footprint. RNO is self-sufficient with respect to power and water and will further reduce its reliance on diesel with the recently constructed overland ore conveying system.
LIFE OF MINE (“LOM”) SCHEDULE
Mining activities commenced at Shoemaker-Levy in 2021. The LOM mining and production schedule highlights a 19-year mine life from
MINERAL RESOURCES
The updated RNO Mineral Resource estimate (Table 1) has benefited from recently completed drilling, improved quality in the applied density values as well as from results of metallurgical test work. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are hosted by the Halleys, Hale-Bopp, and Shoemaker-Levy deposits. The majority of Inferred the Mineral Resource is hosted by the Nindilbillup and Shoemaker-
Table 1: Total RNO Mineral Resource statement as of
Classification | Million Tonnes (Mt) | Ni (%) | Co (%) |
Measured | 104.64 | 0.57 | 0.03 |
Indicated | 120.17 | 0.55 | 0.03 |
Total Measured & Indicated | 224.81 | 0.56 | 0.03 |
Inferred | 68.26 | 0.52 | 0.02 |
Notes:
- The tabled Mineral Resources reflect 100% of the in-situ grades and tonnes.
- Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have a demonstrated economic viability as per the current reserve criteria.
MINERAL RESERVES
Mining will occur at Shoemaker-Levy over several phases starting in the south and progressively moving to the north. The Mineral Reserve (Table 2) is based on an average economic cutoff grade of 0.3% Ni, which accounts for a long-term nickel and cobalt price of
Table 2: RNO Mineral Reserve statement as of
Classification | Million Tonnes (Mt) | Ni (%) | Co (%) |
Proven Reserve | 91.40 | 0.57 | 0.03 |
Probable Reserve | 86.60 | 0.56 | 0.03 |
Total In Pit Reserve | 178.00 | 0.56 | 0.03 |
Total Stockpile | 17.70 | 0.58 | 0.03 |
Notes:
- The tabled Mineral Reserves reflect 100% of the in-situ reserve grades and tonnes.
RNO’s Limonite and Saprolite nickel laterite ore is highly amenable to beneficiation through the rejection of coarse non-mineralised material. The Mineral Reserves average beneficiation uplift in nickel grade is 185% which results in an average nickel leach feed grade of 1.04%.
THE TECHNICAL REPORT AND QUALIFIED PERSONS
The Technical Report has been written to comply with the reporting requirements of the Canadian National Instrument 43-101: ‘Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects’ of the Canadian Securities Administrators, which in turn complies with the Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves of the
The RNO Technical Report was prepared under the direction and supervision of the following Qualified Persons for the purposes of NI 43-101:
The scientific and technical information regarding the RNO Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates set out in this news release has been reviewed and approved by these respective Qualified Persons.
For further information, visit our website at www.first-quantum.com or contact:
Bonita To, Director, Investor Relations
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E-Mail: info@fqml.com
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