Woulfe Mining Corp. ("Woulfe" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:
WOF)(OTCQX: WFEMF) is pleased to announce that the fast-track
strategy for bringing the Sangdong tungsten project back into
production has successfully moved the project through each phase of
development. We are proud to report that the Wardrop-led
feasibility study, which began in June 2011, is expected to be
completed by the end of the year with a report out in January of
2012. The completion of the feasibility study will allow Woulfe to
begin the construction phase of development and provide support for
a possible project finance application early next year.
HIGHLIGHTS
-- Updated NI 43-101 resource released for the Sangdong tungsten/molybdenum
project
-- Independent valuations of Sangdong by Canadian and Korean experts
confirm pre-feasibility value of around US$300M
-- Sangdong feasibility study progressed during the quarter and
construction expected to commence by year end
-- Woulfe team invited to China by major global tungsten group to inspect
facilities
-- Woulfe management considering various financing options for Sangdong
-- Discussions with prospective tungsten off-take partners well advanced
with agreements to be formalized in the near future
-- Muguk gold project progressed during quarter with 3D orebody modeling
completed and resource estimations in progress
-- Woulfe now trading on the US OTCQX market
-- Woulfe has US$5M in cash (September 2011) and US$5.5M in 0.12 cent
Warrants (expiring December 2011).
-- KPMG appointed for 2011 audit in Korea and Canada
SANGDONG TUNGSTEN/MOLYBDENUM PROJECT
Strategy
During the course of 2011, the Company has refined its strategy
for the development of Sangdong, a world-class tungsten brownfields
project located in South Korea. This has been influenced by the
strong tungsten price which has increased from around US$200/mtu of
APT (metric tonne unit or 10kg of ammonium paratungstate) in early
2010 to over US$450/mtu.
Sangdong was the largest global tungsten producer prior to its
closure in 1993 due to low tungsten prices (around US$40/mtu).
Historic mining focused on the central skarn sheet referred to as
the Main Zone which extends laterally for 1,200 metres and down dip
at 20-30 degrees for 1,500 metres. The mine is flooded below the
valley floor, however the upper levels are accessible.
The strategy is to fast-track the re-opening of the mine by
focusing on the upper levels. Mining will exploit the Hangingwall
and Footwall Zones which lie above and below the Main Zone
respectively, plus remnant mining of the Main Zone. A scoping study
completed in early 2010 by Wardrop (a Tetra Tech company) UK
("Wardrop") estimated total Inferred resources of 103.2 million
tonnes ("Mt") at 0.35% WO3 and 0.04% MoS2, excluding the Main Zone.
This study was submitted to SEDAR in April of 2010 and is available
on the Company web site. The scoping study Resource was based
entirely on historical drilling data. Under current guidelines this
data does not comply with NI 43-101 Quality Assurance and Quality
Control (QAQC). As a result the Resource was classified in the
'Inferred' category.
The proposed steady state production rate is 1.2 million tonnes
per annum ("Mtpa") although the plant will have a rated capacity of
around 1.6Mtpa. First production is scheduled in early 2013.
Resource Update
In the first half of 2011, an infill drilling program was
undertaken to upgrade the resource status in the upper levels
focusing on the eastern half of the deposit where the access points
are located. Most of the drilling was conducted from the Sangdong
Level and targeted the three parallel mineralised zones.
In July, 2011 Wardrop updated the resource for the upper portion
only above the historic 2 Level, with the following results:
-- Indicated resource of 6.0 Mt at 0.42% WO3 and 0.04% MoS2
-- Inferred resource of 18.6 Mt at 0.45% WO3 and 0.05% MoS2
-- plus a large tonnage of target mineralisation that requires further
drilling to upgrade to resource status.
This resource estimate is now available on SEDAR and the Company
web site.
This resource estimate is significant for two reasons:
-- the grade is currently higher than the scoping study grade, reflecting
the higher grade remnant Main Zone mineralisation included in the latest
estimate, and
-- the tonnage above 2 Level could conceivably provide the mill feed for
more than 20 years, assuming upgrade of Inferred resources.
A second drilling program is underway to increase the total
resource, and in particular upgrade the Inferred resource.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability.
Feasibility Study Progress
The feasibility study was initiated in June 2011 following the
completion of the scoping study which demonstrated very robust
project economics at a US$250/mtu APT price. The study is due for
completion by year end, and is being led by Wardrop with support
from industry experts.
The study will be based on Measured/Indicated resources only, to
be updated at the end of November. Phase 2 drilling will continue
with three underground rigs operating to maximize the feasibility
resource estimate.
Feasibility study components either completed or underway are
discussed below.
Engineering Design
Detailed plant engineering is being undertaken by Contromation
Energy Services ("Contromation") of Jakarta. Contromation is a
multi-engineering and construction group with extensive experience
in providing outsourcing services to projects particularly in the
South East Asia region.
Contromation has completed the initial design for the crushing
and milling circuits, and the Company has invited proposals from
Korean companies for the construction of these circuits. Woulfe has
purchased a new primary 2.4Mtpa crushing circuit and this is
currently being shipped to Korea.
A video of the plant layout, with schematics of the deposit and
plant design, is available on the Company website
www.woulfemining.com.
Site geotechnical drilling has largely been completed, with
additional drilling to be completed in September to finalise the
foundation design.
All site survey data has been checked by a consulting surveyor
and a UTM- compatible grid system has been adopted.
Metallurgical Testwork
Matt Bolu of Bolu Consulting Engineering Inc of Vancouver
("BCE") is leading the metallurgical testwork and this will be
reviewed by Wardrop. BCE and Wardrop have extensive tungsten
experience having been involved in numerous studies on tungsten
projects worldwide.
Currently, drill core samples for the feasibility metallurgical
testing program are being prepared. The program will target a
process that is directed at flotation of molybdenum and sulphides,
and scheelite flotation along with their respective dewatering
circuits. Molybdenum concentrates may be considered for direct
marketing while tungsten concentrates will be converted into APT.
Other miscellaneous testing will focus on pre-concentration and
gravity separation potential of the samples.
This work will be undertaken in Canada and will complement the
scoping study testwork undertaken by SGS UK in 2007. The scoping
study work focused on mineralogy, grinding characteristics, gravity
separation, and flotation of both sulphides and scheelite.
A 1 tonne sample of core from drill holes located in the upper
eastern portion of the deposit was dispatched to Canada in July.
While this sample was considered representative of the mineralogy
within the three mineralised zones, the overall grade was low and
not representative of the forecast mining head grade. Additional
samples are being prepared and will be sent to Canada in
September.
Mine Geotechnical
Mike Turner of Turner Mining and Geotechnical Pty Ltd ("TMG") is
leading the geotechnical evaluation and providing input to the mine
design being undertaken by Wardrop. TMG will make recommendations
on the extraction sequence for the three mineralised zones and on
ground support requirements for the development and production
stopes.
TMG has trained the site geologists on geotechnical core logging
training and underground mapping, including all parameters required
for the calculation of rockmass strength in terms of rock quality
and for determining wedge stability for support and critical span
calculations.
All core is now geotechnically logged and photographed, and
drill core samples are being laboratory tested in Korea to
determine strength and deformation properties for pillar
designs.
Mining Design and Tailings Backfill
Drift and fill mechanized mining is been considered to optimize
extraction and dispose of the tailings underground. As noted,
mining will initially be carried out above the valley floor from 1
Level above, including the historic Sangdong, Taebaek, Baegun and
Jangsan Levels where the Main Zone has been only partially
exploited.
Drilling to date has confirmed that the three mineralised zones
in the upper portion of the deposit are typically 5 to 10 metres
thick and wider in places, which is ideal for bulk mining methods.
The old workings have now been opened up right across the deposit
to the western ventilation shaft, allowing access for further
drilling and metallurgical sampling.
The natural water table in the mine is just below 1 Level and
dewatering will initially be carried out to 2 Level only. The mine
extends to 18 Level and further dewatering will take place on an
'as needs' basis, for ongoing drilling purposes or for opening
additional backfill areas. Mining below 2 Level is not planned in
the near future.
Mine access will be via a new 6m by 6m adit on the Sangdong
Level and decline to 1 Level, which will accommodate the planned 40
tonne haulage trucks. Permission for the adit development has been
granted by relevant authorities and site preparations have
commenced.
Tailings disposal will be mostly by backfill, with a small
surface tailings storage facility planned. The cement backfill will
be used to support the old room and pillar stopes and modern drift
and fill stopes.
Capital Cost
Plant capital cost estimates are based on the detailed design
work carried out by Contromation. The Contromation cost estimate of
approximately US$83 million includes all EPCM (engineering,
procurement, construction management) costs plus freight and a 10%
contingency. It is considered to be accurate to within 20%.
Cost estimates prepared by Woulfe, and to be independently
developed by Wardrop, include approximately US$20 million for mine
development and equipment, and US$20 million for the APT refinery.
The mining equipment estimate is based on indicative costs provided
by reputable suppliers. The refinery cost is based on discussions
with a leading process-orientated engineering group with specific
experience in the design and construction of APT plants in China. A
delegation from Woulfe visited China in July to inspect tungsten
processing and refining facilities and further discussions will be
held with prospective parties with APT experience.
It was planned to construct the APT plant offsite at a port
location due to logistical considerations, in particular the
processing of imported third party concentrates. However, due to
the high cost of land at suitable port sites, the APT plant will be
located at Sangdong and in fact will utilise the old APT building
if the structural integrity is intact. The tungsten concentrate can
therefore be slurried directly into the refinery without filter
pressing with a direct reduction in capital and operating
costs.
The total capital cost estimate is around US$135 million,
including indirect costs and owner's costs.
Environmental Considerations
The requirement for environmental approvals is limited as
Sangdong is a brownfields site and the plant will be located on the
footprint of the old plant. The land is owned by Yeongwol County
and final approval for the use of this land is contingent on
satisfying the authorities that appropriate mining practices will
be adopted.
Based on discussions held with the various authorities involved
in the permitting, no material issues are expected. Cultural
heritage clearance for the site has been granted.
MUGUK GOLD PROJECT
Now that the Sangdong feasibility study is well advanced, Woulfe
is fast-tracking the evaluation of its Muguk gold project in South
Korea. Muguk was the largest gold mine in South Korea until its
premature closure in 1997 due to low gold prices.
Woulfe has appointed AMC Consultants ("AMC") of Melbourne as
technical advisor to the project. AMC's initial brief is to:
-- prepare a 3D digital model of the Muguk mine workings utilising the
available level plans and long sections (completed)
-- update the extensive database comprising final survey of underground
workings prior to closure, face grades, drill data, ore extraction data
and process data (work in progress), and
-- prepare an NI 43-101-compliant resource estimate for the main
mineralised structures.
The Muguk gold-silver mineralisation is hosted within a series
of parallel, steeply dipping quartz veins that extend
discontinuously for 400-2,000 metres along strike and to a known
depth of 800 metres. The average width of the veins is typically
less than 1 metre, although the veins pinch and swell and can be up
to 2 metres in width in places.
The two most significant veins are the No.2 Vein and the Three
Brothers Vein, or Samhyungje Vein. The No.2 Vein was exploited
between 1944 and 1972, and was developed to a depth of 755 metres
along a strike length of 1,800-2,000 metres. The grades reportedly
varied from 7g/t gold to 50 g/t gold. Reported production during
this period was approximately 260,000 ounces of gold. The Three
Brothers Vein was exploited between 1984 and 1997, and was
developed to a depth of 600 metres. Reported production during this
period was approximately 328,000 ounces. There has been minor
exploitation of a number of other veins, including Baksan,
Geumyong, and Nos 1 and 7-11 Veins.
The executive general manager of the mine at time of closure is
now an Advisor to Woulfe and is assisting with the evaluation. He
acknowledges that the operation was not profitable at the
prevailing sub-US$300 gold prices in 1997, but expressed the view
that he was very much against mine closure at the time, given the
known residual resources remaining within the structures.
In 1994, Korea Resources Corporation ("KORES") completed a
resource update on Muguk, resulting in a total resource estimate of
1,418,980 tonnes grading 13.5g/t gold and 72.8g/t silver, and
containing 615,956 ounces of gold and 3,321,599 ounces of silver,
based on a 10g/t gold cut-off grade. Woulfe cautions that a
Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the
historical estimate as current, that it is not treating the
historical estimate as current and that the historical estimate
should not be relied upon. The mine operated for a further three
years after this estimate was undertaken.
In 2010, Woulfe completed a two-hole program at Muguk to comply
with its mining rights obligations, which required a total of 750
metres to be drilled. Woulfe opted to target the secondary No.7
Vein to the west of the No.2 and Three Brothers Veins as known
mining only extended to a depth of a few hundred metres, and
shorter holes could be confidently planned to avoid old mining
cavities. The first hole intersected 2 metres at 5.6g/t gold and
26g/t silver at 414 metres depth, and the second hole intersected
0.36 metres at 16.6g/t gold and 16g/t silver at 386 metres
depth.
In July 2011, Woulfe commenced a third hole targeting the depth
extension of the Three Brothers Vein. This hole is currently at a
depth of around 600 metres and is expected to intersect
mineralisation at around 735 metres. The objective of the current
drilling program is to confirm the down dip extension of the
mineralisation below the historic workings and to substantiate the
grades that were reported in the lower levels.
With the completed 3D model, AMC is now working on preparing the
updated mineral resource estimate, with particular attention to
those areas that were historically considered low grade (below 10
g/t), given the very substantial increase in gold prices since mine
closure in 1997.
CORPORATE
Key corporate activities progressed during the quarter relate to
Sangdong and include:
-- financing options
-- tungsten off-take agreements, and
-- independent project valuation.
Woulfe management is considering a number of financing options
for the estimated US$135 million initial capital cost of Sangdong.
The preferred strategy will involve the least dilution to the
existing Woulfe shareholders.
Management has also had very productive discussions with
prospective off-take parties in Asia and Europe. Sangdong's APT
product was highly regarded in the industry and Woulfe expects that
its forecast output will be fully committed under new off-take
agreements.
Independent valuer Ross Glanville & Associates Ltd. of
Vancouver ("Glanville") completed a valuation of Sangdong in July.
Glanville is of the opinion that the after-tax value of Sangdong,
after paying the 2% net smelter return royalty, is approximately
US$300 million, within a reasonable range from US$200 to US$400
million. Significantly, this valuation opinion takes into account a
50% reduction to reflect the project's current scoping study
status. The valuation will increase on completion of the
feasibility study. The valuation report is available on the
Company's web site.
Woulfe also commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers ("PwC") in Seoul
to undertake a valuation of Sangdong. Due to the confidential
nature of some of the information contained in the PwC report, it
was not made public, however the conclusions of PwC report are
consistent with the Glanville valuation opinion.
MESSAGE FROM CEO/PRESIDENT
Woulfe and Wardrop are moving rapidly forward with the
feasibility study which is scheduled for completion at the end of
the calendar year with the document most likely out in January. The
feasibility study is important as it documents the project in
detail and defines the project to the level required under National
Instrument 43-101. The document will crystallize the project and
would support a possible application for project finance in the
form of debt early next year.
The Company has decided not to produce a prefeasibility report.
The intent with the prefeasibility report was to provide the market
a significant update during the 3rd quarter. However, it was
decided that the expense and time required for this interim step
was too high and that it would have delayed the scheduled delivery
date of the full feasibility study. After meeting in London with
Wardrop it was decided that we would not require Wardrop to publish
a prefeasibility document but keep moving to feasibility.
With respect to Muguk, we are very pleased to be moving ahead
now that Sangdong is on track for development. When it was in
production, Muguk used a cut off grade of 10g/t gold. With the gold
price now more than six times the price when the mine closed, we
will be working to determine the resource based on a significantly
lower cut-off grade. There are numerous secondary mineralised veins
within the mining field which add to the potential upside. The
grades at Muguk are well above the average cut-off grade for
operating gold mines worldwide, recently reported to be around 2g/t
gold.
The Muguk portions of this news release have been reviewed and
approved in the form and context in which they appear by Woulfe's
Canadian-based geological advisor, Mr. Pat Stephenson, P.Geo, of
AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd. Mr. Stephenson has appropriate
qualifications and sufficient relevant experience to qualify as a
Qualified Person for the reporting of exploration results for the
Muguk deposit.
The Sangdong portions of this news release have been reviewed
and approved in the form and context in which they appear by Mr.
Paul Gribble FIMMM, C.Eng, of Wardrop, who is working with Woulfe
on the Sangdong studies. Mr. Gribble has appropriate qualifications
and sufficient relevant experience to qualify as a Qualified Person
for the reporting of mineral resources for the Sangdong
deposit.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Woulfe Mining Corp.
Brian Wesson (FAusIMM), President, CEO and Director
About Woulfe Mining Corp.
Woulfe Mining Corp. is a TSX-V listed company with a diversified
portfolio of mining licenses for tungsten, molybdenum, gold, base
metals and uranium-vanadium in South Korea.
The Company is focused on the development of the Sangdong
tungsten mine (one of the world's largest and most renowned
tungsten mines for 40 years) a property that we believe can produce
substantial value for our shareholders. The outcome of the scoping
study in March 2010 determined that the project net present value
(NPV) was US$467 million at a commodity price of $25,000 per tonne
Ammonium Paratungstate (APT). Today, the APT price is over
US$45,000 per tonne. Woulfe has accelerated the project due to the
robust project and market. The Company's target is to move to
production at the end of 2012. In the last 18 months the Company
has focused on building the Sangdong tungsten mine team and
reopening the mine. The project is well staffed with professionals
and is moving forward rapidly.
Woulfe has now turned its focus to the Muguk gold project,
historically Korea's largest producing gold mine. In 1998, Muguk
was reported by Korea Resources Corporation (KORES) to contain a
combined resource of 1,418,980 tonnes @ 13.5 g/t gold, 72.8 g/t
silver (615,956 oz gold and 3,321,599 oz silver). Woulfe cautions
that a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify
the historical estimate as current, that it is not treating the
historical estimate as current and that the historical estimate
should not be relied upon. A drill campaign is starting drilling
the down dip extensions of the Three Brothers Vein in June 2011.
Woulfe's other projects will be considered once these two projects
are moving to production, in order to unlock value for shareholders
and to move the company to a positive cash flow as quickly as
possible.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability.
Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by
their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual
results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements or information. We have made certain assumptions about
the forward-looking statements and information and even though our
management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations
represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there
can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or
information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or
more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or
should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may
vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements
or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors
include, among others, the following: commodity price volatility;
discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral
reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; mining
operational and development risk; litigation risks; regulatory
restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and
liability; risks of sovereign investment; currency fluctuations;
speculative nature of mineral exploration; global economic climate;
dilution; share price volatility; competition; loss of key
employees; additional funding requirements.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or
information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the
forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except
as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking
statements and information continually as conditions change and you
are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business
contained in the Company's reports filed with the appropriate
regulatory authorities.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contacts: Renmark Financial Communications Barbara Komorowski
Office phone +1 (514) 939-3989 bkomorowski@renmarkfinancial.com
Nicola Street Capital Nick Smith Mobile phone +1 (415) 595-0865
nsmith@nicolastreetcapital.com Woulfe Mining Corp. Administration
Office +1 604 684 6264 +1 604 684 6242 (FAX) info@woulfe.com.au
www.woulfemining.com
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