Forsys Metals Corp. (TSX: FSY) (FSE: F2T) (NSX: FSY)
(“Forsys” or the “Company”)
Forsys is pleased to provide an update for the
Company’s Norasa Uranium project (“Norasa1”) which comprises the
deposits of Valencia Main and East, (“Valencia”), under Mining
Licence (ML-149) and Namibplaas (“Namibplaas”) under EPL-3638,
(ML-251 pending).
Highlights
Forsys has undertaken a comprehensive review and
update of all of the parameters for a Mineral Resource Estimate
(“MRE”) for the Norasa project using recent drill results together
with the 2005-2011 previous MRE data. Confirmatory and geotechnical
drilling, in conjunction with new survey information, including
topographic surveys, down-the-hole optical televiewer surveys,
trajectory surveys, and downhole gamma probe surveys, were used as
inputs for mineral resource modelling. Re-interpretation of the
previous database utilising all available data and modern
estimation approaches has improved the definition of the MRE to
more confidently support mine planning. This study, enhanced by an
integrated and expanded drill program targeting existing and new
areas together with a robust work plan of optimisation process
testing and modelling, will help reinforce the upside potential of
the Norasa project.
- For the overall Norasa project, a conceptual pit constrained
MRE for total deposits assessed from previous (2005-2011) and 2023
drilling results is estimated to be:
- Valencia Main Measured and Indicated Resource at 40 ppm U3O8
cutoff is estimated to be 152 Mt at 136 ppm eU3O8 (equivalent
U3O8). Measured and Indicated contained metal is estimated at 45
Mlbs U3O8, at 40 ppm U3O8 cutoff.
- Valencia Main and East Inferred Resources are estimated at 5.7
Mt at 120 ppm eU3O8 with 1.3 Mlbs U3O8 contained metal oxide, at 40
ppm U3O8 cutoff.
- Namibplaas Inferred Resources are estimated to be 218.7 Mt at
85 ppm eU3O8 with 41.1 Mlbs U3O8 contained metal oxide, at 40 ppm
U3O8 cutoff.
Pine van Wyk, Country Director for Forsys
commented: “The comprehensive work done over the last twelve months
on the Norasa Uranium Project has created a solid foundation to
advance project development. The revised mineral resource
model will help optimise the mine economics and process parameters.
Results are expected soon from a column leaching test program
currently being undertaken at SGS Laboratories in South Africa,
which would establish the design basis of the planned heap leaching
pads. With the existing ML149 permitted to commence mining,
the large scale Norasa project is well advanced to take advantage
of the strong uranium sector fundamentals.”
Mineral ResourcesResults are reported from
recent remodelling of historical (2005-2011) drilling and recent
2023 drilling results. The Mineral Resources are reported within
US$120/lb U3O8 pit shells, with a cut-off grade of 40 ppm U3O8 for
each of the deposits at Valencia Main and East, (“Valencia”), under
Mining Licence (ML-149) and US$120/lb U3O8 at 40 ppm U3O8 cutoff at
Namibplaas (“Namibplaas”) under EPL-3638. The MRE are summarised as
follows:
For the overall Norasa project, a conceptual
open-pit shell constrained MRE for total deposits assessed from
previous (2005-2011) and recent (2023) drilling results is
estimated to be Measured and Indicated of 151.9 Mt at 136 ppm
eU3O8, with contained metal oxide of 45.4 Mlbs U3O8 at Valencia
Main. Inferred Resources for the Norasa project are estimated to be
224.5 Mt at 86 ppm eU3O8, with contained metal oxide of 42.6 Mlbs
U3O8 (refer to Table 1):
- Measured and Indicated: 151.9 Mt at 136ppm eU3O8, with
contained metal oxide of 45.4 Mlbs for Valencia Main.
- Inferred Resource for Valencia Main is estimated to be 4.7 Mt
at 121 ppm eU3O8 and 1.3 Mlbs eU3O8 contained metal oxide.
- Inferred Resource for Valencia East is estimated to be 1.0 Mt
at 114 ppm eU3O8 and 0.3 Mlbs U3O8 contained metal oxide; and
- Inferred Resource for Namibplaas is estimated to be 218.7 Mt at
85 ppm eU3O8 and 41.1 Mlbs U3O8 contained metal oxide.
Table 1: Mineral Resource Estimate for Norasa
project as at 30 April 2024 at a 40 ppm U3O8 cut-off grade.
Class |
Deposit |
Mass Mt (metric) |
Average
Grade eU3O8 (ppm) |
Material
Content U3O8 Mlbs |
Contained
Metal U tonnes |
|
|
|
|
Measured |
Valencia East |
|
|
|
|
|
Valencia Main |
7.6 |
171 |
2.9 |
1,099 |
|
Namibplaas |
|
|
|
|
|
Norasa |
7.6 |
171 |
2.9 |
1,099 |
|
Indicated |
Valencia East |
|
|
|
|
|
Valencia Main |
144.3 |
134 |
42.6 |
16,368 |
|
Namibplaas |
|
|
|
|
|
Norasa |
144.3 |
134 |
42.6 |
16,368 |
|
Measured & Indicated |
Valencia East |
|
|
|
|
|
Valencia Main |
151.9 |
136 |
45.4 |
17,467 |
|
Namibplaas |
|
|
|
|
|
Norasa |
151.9 |
136 |
45.4 |
17,467 |
|
Inferred |
Valencia East |
1.0 |
114 |
0.3 |
97 |
|
Valencia Main |
4.7 |
121 |
1.3 |
487 |
|
Namibplaas |
218.7 |
85 |
41.1 |
15,817 |
|
Norasa |
224.5 |
86 |
42.6 |
16,401 |
|
Notes: |
1. |
All tabulated
data have been rounded and as a result minor computational errors
may occur. |
2. |
Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, have no
demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that all or
any part of the mineral resource will be converted into a mineral
reserve. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially
affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title,
taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant
issues. |
3. |
The Mineral Resource Statement for Norasa as at 30th April 2024
is reported at a cut-off grade of 40ppm U3O8 from within a
conceptual pit-shell using the following assumed parameters:
- Base Uranium Price –USD/lb U3O8: $120
- Average Mining Cost at reference elevation (AISC) USD/tonne:
Valencia Main $2.38; Valencia East $2.13; Namibplaas $2.29”
- Average Processing Cost USD/tonne processed: $7.55
- Average G&A Overheads USD/tonne processed: $1.04
- Process Overall Recovery % U3O8 Recovery: 85.0 %
- Selling Cost Transport USD/lb U3O8: $1.29
|
4. |
From the assumed parameters, a 40 ppm U3O8 cut-off grade was
calculated, which together with the conceptual pit shell
demonstrates reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction
(RPEEE) for the Mineral Resource. The assessment to satisfy the
criteria of RPEEE is a high-level estimate and is not an attempt to
estimate Mineral Reserves. |
|
|
Mineral Resource Estimation
Methodology
A summary of the Mineral Resource modelling
methodology is as follows:
- The Mineral Resource was modelled using a combination of
Leapfrog Geo® and Datamine Studio RM® software.
- Valencia Main and East data:
- Comprise a combined dataset of 141 diamond (DD), 148 reverse
circulation (RC) and 446 percussion (PC) type drill holes (Figure
1).
- Borehole data from Valencia Main and East with XRF assay and
calculated equivalent grades (eU3O8) from gamma-probing for each of
the deposits have been used to estimate the Mineral Resource.
- Equivalent uranium grades have been factored to correlate
practically well with the XRF data, which constitutes 25 % of the
grade data.
- Where XRF data are available these supercede the corresponding
probe equivalent grade in the estimation data.
- Namibplaas data:
- Comprise a dataset of 530 percussion holes and 40 diamond drill
holes (Figure 2).
- Borehole data from Namibplaas XRF assay and calculated
equivalent grades (eU3O8) have been used to estimate the Inferred
Mineral Resource.
- Equivalent uranium grades constitute the majority of the grade
data and where XRF data are available, ~3.5 % of all grade data,
these supercede the probe derived values.
- Wireframe interpretations of the logged lithologies were used
to define the various geological units.
- Mineralisation is strongly associated with alaskite intrusions,
that are in turn controlled by a structural architecture that
comprises folded and planar strata surfaces, and fold-associated
shears and cleavages. Importantly, the orientation of marble strata
is a major control on the distribution of uranium mineralisation
for REDOX chemistry reasons, at Valencia and the Erongo region
alaskite deposits as whole. The alaskite orientations are therefore
strataform, except where they have invaded sheared and strongly
cleaved antiformal hinge zones, as at Valencia Main. In order to
honour the geological controls in the estimates various surfaces
were modelled:
- String interpretations of the “stratiform” intrusions were
digitised in cross-section and were used to create median surfaces
for each of the intrusions.
- The resulting mineralised zone wireframes align with the
lithological strata while also cross-cutting the strata in places
to accommodate axial-planar mineralisation orientations
(see Figure 3).
- The surfaces were then used to guide the orientation of the
grade estimate through interpolation of individual dip and dip
directions for each model block.
- The geometry of the Namibplaas deposit comprises stratiform
lithologies that dip toward the southwest. The alaskite intrusives
have intruded in a strataform manner and have exploited disruptions
in the overall fabric, such as local fold flexures and dilation
zones associated with the NE-SW regional extensional setting. In
order to honour the geological controls at Namibplaas in the
estimates various surfaces were modelled with guidance from the
directions of greatest structural continuity to guide implicit
modelling:
- Along the strike and dip direction of the host metasediments,
and
- Along a shallow-plunging hinge structure that is oriented to
the NE, parallel to the regional extension regime.
- Considering that mineralization at Namibplaas is strongly
associated with the granitic intrusions, string interpretations of
the mid-points of these “stratiform” intrusions were digitized in
cross-section, thereafter linked to create median surfaces of each
of the alaskite intrusions (see Figure 4).
- The surfaces of the intrusions were then used to guide the
orientation of the grade estimate through interpolation of
individual dip and dip directions for each model block.
- Grade shells using a 40 ppm U3O8 threshold were constructed
using Leapfrog® implicit modelling with directional control
surfaces from the geological model.
- The model volumes were divided into four domains at Valencia
Main and two domains at Namibplaas. Each domain is distinct in
terms of its geographic/geometric position as well as statistical /
geostatistical parameters.
- Ordinary kriging estimation used three-dimensional directional
variograms to estimate U3O8 grades within the mineralised zones for
Valencia Main and Namibplaas. Inverse distance squared
interpolation was used for Valancia East. The models underwent
validation by comparison of estimated grade values against input
sample grades, both visually and statistically.
- Volumes covered by 30 m drill-spacing were classified as
Indicated Mineral Resources at Valencia. All blocks outside of
these volumes within the grade shells that received a grade
estimate during the interpolation runs were considered
Inferred.
- At Namibplaas, although the tight drill spacing of
approximately 30 m provides dense coverage of the deposit, the
predominance of probe-derived eU3O8 assays warrants a confidence
level for an Inferred Resource.
Figure 1: 30 April 2024 MRE block model and
US$120/lb U3O8 pit shells at Valencia Main and Valencia East, ML
149.
Figure 2: 30 April 2024 MRE block model and
US$120/lb U3O8 pit shells at Namibplaas, EPL 3638.
Figure 3: Shows the stacked
concordant surfaces generated parallel to the 3 marble bands and
orientation of mineralisation aligned with the strata and axial
planar cleavages in the fold hinge (guiding surfaces hidden) at
Valencia.
Figure 4: Shows alaskite midpoint
strings (yellow) linked in parallel to the the NE-SW oriented
strike of the deposit.
In accordance with National Instrument 43-101
(“NI 43-101”) a Technical Report outlining the mineral resource
estimation will be filed under Forsys’ profile on SEDAR+
(www.sedarplus.ca) within 45 days of the date of this release.
Assaying and QAQC
- Recent (2023) Sampling and Assays
- Samples were taken from the diamond drill cores and RC chips
for geochemical assay guided by the routine downhole radiometric
probe results, and sent to Trace Elements Analysis Laboratories
(Pty) Ltd (“TEA Labs”) at Swakopmund for sample preparation and
analyses by XRF. For internal quality control purposes TEA Labs has
weekly round robins with independent laboratories at Rosh Pinah,
Swakop Uranium and Langer Heinrich mines.
- Forsys employs a QAQC programme with Certified Reference
Materials (CRMs), blanks, coarse duplicates and pulp duplicates
inserted into each batch of samples. The QAQC insert rate comprises
4 % CRMs using three CRM types with different grades of U3O8; 4 %
blanks and 8 % to 10 % duplicates. RC sample batches have three
types of duplicates; a field duplicate split at the drill rig; a
coarse duplicate split at prescribed intervals at the laboratory;
and pulp duplicates, also split at the laboratory. Core samples
only have coarse and pulp duplicates split at the laboratory.
- Four-percent of the samples sent to TEA Labs are sent for check
analyses at SGS Laboratories (SGS) in South Africa, which serves as
the independent accredited laboratory. The sample results are
further validated by comparison with the radiometric scans.
- Previous Sampling and Assays (2005-2011 Valencia Uranium
Limited (VUL)):
- All diamond drill half core and RC samples collected by VUL
were assayed at the Setpoint Technology (“Setpoint”) laboratory in
Johannesburg, South Africa. Setpoint was accredited with the South
African Accreditation System (SANAS), accreditation number T0223,
and was also an ISO17025 accredited laboratory. Setpoint crushed
and pulverised the samples for analysis of U3O8 using the XRF
pressed pellet method.
- The VUL protocols for the QAQC were as follows:
- CRMs inserted at a frequency of at least one per 20
samples.
- Blanks inserted at a frequency of at least one per 50
samples.
- Duplicates taken at a frequency of at least one per 20
samples.
- The Setpoint laboratory included appropriate quality assurance
and quality control (QAQC) procedures during the analysis of the
VUL samples by including its own certified reference standards
(CRM), blanks and duplicates.
- VUL percussion holes were not physically sampled. Datasets were
derived from two downhole probes that were calibrated against the
XRF sample assays.
- Snowden reviewed the assay results from Setpoint for the
Valencia deposits in 20092 for the purposes of resource estimation
and considered the QAQC results to be of a high standard of
precision, unbiased and accurate.
- Optiro reviewed the assay results from Setpoint for the
Namibplaas deposit in 2011 and considered that the results of the
QAQC indicate a high level of precision with no bias, no
significant contamination and a high degree of accuracy (from
Snowden 20092 and Optiro 20113)
- Trekkopje Exploration (Goldfields 1974-1984):
- Exploration data derived from Trekkopje Exploration era, up to
and including 1984, have not been verified by the QP and therefore
were not utilised in this Mineral Resource Estimate.
Workplan
Forsys is undertaking an infill and extension drilling program
and optimisation work with the aim of expanding and upgrading the
Mineral Resource:
- Resource Infill Drilling and Resource Extension DrillingTotal
of 85 percussion drill holes for 7,520 metres have been laid out on
a 25 x 25 metre grid. The objective is to more than double the
quantity of the Measured Mineral Resource. The holes target the 660
m elevation with drill depths up to 100 m from surface and is
comparable to the previous Measured Resource grid.A subsequent
program for potential resource extension is planned for the areas
adjacent to the Valencia Main deposit; along strike to the west, on
the hinge zone to the south, and north of the Main deposit at the
Jolie Zone.
- Pit Design ModelingThe updated resource block model is used to
assess open pit economic models. Pit slope design parameters are
being reviewed to include lithological logging and geomechanical
test work from additional drilling.
- Column Leaching Process Optimization WorkColumn Leach tests are
presently underway at SGS in South Africa where the columns have
been emptied and final analyses and data is pending. The next phase
of testing will assess systematic processes to enhance the
efficiency and effectiveness of extracting the uranium
mineralisation from the ore using sulphuric acid solutions.
- Process DesignDRA Global were appointed as the study contractor
to deliver engineering to support preliminary cost estimates for a
heap leach process. Ongoing engineering and optimisation
continues.
- Bulk SamplingAfter site assessment and selection, a detailed
plan is being drawn up to develop a box cut with the objective of
retrieving approximately 20,000 tonnes of typical run-of-mine,
fresh and representative sample material from the deposit.
Qualified Persons Statement for
Metallurgy Mr Aveshan Naidoo is a Specialist
Engineer: Hydromet and Economics, for DRA South Africa Projects
(Pty) Ltd of Building 33, Woodlands Office Park, 20 Woodlands
Drive, Woodlands, Sandton, 2080. He holds a Bachelor of Science in
Chemical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration at the
University of Witwatersrand. He is a registered Professional
Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (Registration
No. 20130523). Mr Naidoo has been practising his profession
continuously since 2008 and has 16 years of experience across a
range of African projects. He is familiar with NI 43-101 and, by
reason of his education, experience, and professional
registrations, he fulfils the requirements of an independent
Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.
Qualified Persons Statement for Mineral
Resource The information in this release that relates to
the updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Norasa Project is
based on information compiled or reviewed by Dr Guy Freemantle of
The MSA Group (Pty) Ltd., Johannesburg, South Africa. The MSA Group
are independent consultants to the Norasa Project, Namibia.
Dr Freemantle holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a
PhD in Geology, both at the University of the Witwatersrand. He is
a member of the Society of Economic Geologists (892905); a Fellow
of the Geological Society of South Africa (965392); and is
registered with SACNASP (Registration 117527). Dr Freemantle
has practiced his profession continuously for 14 years and has
sufficient experience and knowledge that is relevant to the style
of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration as well
as to the activity that is being undertaken to fulfil requirements
of a Qualified Person as per NI 43-101. Dr Freemantle consents to
this release in the form and context in which it appears.
About Forsys Metals
Corp.
Forsys Metals Corp. (TSX: FSY, FSE: F2T, NSX:
FSY) is an emerging uranium developer focused on advancing its
wholly-owned Norasa Uranium Project, located in the politically
friendly jurisdiction of Namibia, Africa. The Norasa Uranium
Project is comprised of the Valencia Uranium deposit (ML-149) and
the nearby Namibplaas Uranium deposit (EPL-3638). Further
information is available at the Company website
www.forsysmetals.com
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Forsys
Metals Corp. Richard Parkhouse, Director, Investor Relations.
For additional information please contact:
Pine van Wyk, Country Director, Forsysemail:
pine@forsysmetals.com
Richard Parkhouse, Director, Investor Relationsemail:
rparkhouse@forsysmetals.com email:
info@forsysmetals.comphone : +44 7730493432
Nikolas Matysek, Communications Manager (Canada)email:
nmatysek@forsysmetals.com
Forward Looking Statement
Certain information contained in this press
release constitutes "forward-looking information",
within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these
forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not
expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates",
"forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or
"believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that
certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might"
or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential
to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release are
qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties
surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could
cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market
conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our
reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at
www.sedar+.com. The forward-looking statements included in this
press release are made as of the date of this press release and
Forsys Metals Corp disclaim any intention or obligation to update
or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly
required by applicable securities legislation.
1 The Norasa Uranium Project (“Norasa”) is wholly-owned by the
Company’s 100% subsidiary Valencia Uranium (Pty) Ltd. (“Valencia
Uranium”) and comprises the Valencia uranium deposits (held under
ML-149) ("Valencia”) and the Namibplaas uranium deposit (under
EPL-3638, application for ML-251) (“Nambiplaas”), located in the
Erongo region of Namibia,2 Valencia Uranium (Pty) Ltd. Valencia
Project Namibia Technical Report, Snowden, 2009.3 Forsys Metals
Corp. Technical Report on the Namibplaas Deposit, Namibia, Optiro,
2011
Photos accompanying this announcement are available
at:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2016b8e9-e68f-483e-822b-1424733835e1https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1685ef1-81f0-4936-a3e8-074025530934https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09bf2f9e-0ec3-4b95-ac2b-7d8c5269f43bhttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7103e818-7dd1-42aa-abe6-d85e3ff8d22bhttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97832d3f-51e4-413f-94c3-52d8e0b1d136
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