TIDMMML
MEDUSA MINING LIMITED
ABN: 60 099 377 849
Unit 7, 11 Preston Street
Como WA 6152
PO Box 860
Canning Bridge WA 6153
Telephone: +618-9367 0601
Facsimile: +618-9367 0602
Email: admin@medusamining.com.au <mailto:admin@medusamining.com.au>
Internet:www.medusamining.com.au <http://www.medusamining.com.au/>
MEDUSA MINING LIMITED
(AIM: MML)
QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2010
Medusa Mining Limited ("Medusa" or the "Company"), through its Philippines
operating company Philsaga Mining Corporation ("Philsaga"), announces its
Quarterly Activities Report for the period ending 31 December 2009.
Highlights:
Co-O MINE PRODUCTION
* Record gold production of 25,505 ozs (compared to 21,108 ozs in the previous
quarter) at an average grade of 20.61 g/t gold and average cash cost of
US$180 per oz
Co-O PHASE II EXPANSION
* Phase II expansion completed on time with the annualised production of
100,000 ounces recorded for the quarter
* Mill commissioning completed
Co-O RESOURCE DRILLING
* Drilling continuing. New gold results include 1.70 metres @ 99.63 g/t, 6.40
metres @ 23.36 g/t and 4.90 meters @ 20.27 g/t
* Resource/reserve estimates scheduled for July-August 2010
BANANGHILIG DEPOSIT
* Planning is underway to commence pre-feasibility studies for drilling
campaign in July 2010
LINGIG COPPER
* Drilling paused to allow assessment of results to date to be undertaken;
drill rigs re-allocated
SAUGON PROJECT
* Preparations are underway to drill at the Saugon Project, last drilled in
2004
* A summary of previous results will be provided shortly
FINANCIALS
* Cash and cash equivalent of US$48.1 million
* Bonus issue of 1 new ordinary share for every 10 ordinary shares announced
and completed during the quarter
Managing Director Geoff Davis commented:
"We are pleased with the scheduled completion of our expansion programme to
enable the production of 100,000 annualised ounces. In addition, underground
development at the Co-O Mine is also well advanced with approximately 60,000
tonnes of broken ore underground and 20,000 tonnes in surface stockpiles
which augers well for meeting our production targets.
On-going drilling at Co-O, preparations for drilling at Bananghilig and
commencing of drilling at Saugon highlight both the short term and long term
potential of the Company."
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The locations of the Company's projects are shown on Figures 1 and 2. (please
see the link at the end of this announcement)
Co-O MINE
GOLD PRODUCTION
The production statistics for the March 2010 quarter and year to date (nine
months to 31 March 2010) with comparatives for the December 2009 and September
2009 quarters are summarised in Table I.
Table I. Gold production statistics
+-----------------+------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-----------+
|Period | Unit |Quarter ended|Quarter ended|Quarter ended|Current YTD|
| | | 31 Mar 2010 | 31 Dec 2009 | 30 Sep 2009 |31 Mar 2010|
+-----------------+------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-----------+
Tonnes mined |tonnes| 45,359| 53,064| 40,434 | 138,857
=-----------------+------+-------------+-------------+-------------+------------
Ore milled |tonnes| 40,943| 37,588| 40,467 | 118,998
=-----------------+------+-------------+-------------+-------------+------------
Head grade | gpt | 20.61| 18.68| 14.78 | 18.07
=-----------------+------+-------------+-------------+-------------+------------
Recovery | % | 94%| 94%| 94% | 94%
=-----------------+------+-------------+-------------+-------------+------------
Gold produced | ozs | 25,505| 21,108| 18,054 | 64,667
=-----------------+------+-------------+-------------+-------------+------------
Cash costs (1) | US$ | $180| $184| $193 | $185
=-----------------+------+-------------+-------------+-------------+------------
Gold sold (2) | ozs | 0| 21,108| 18,054 | 39,162
=-----------------+------+-------------+-------------+-------------+------------
Average gold| US$ | $0| $1,111| $975 | $1,047
price received | | | | |
| | | | |
Note:
(1) Cash costs refers to the cost of gold mined (net of development costs),
produced and sold and includes taxes, royalties and local production taxes
of US$48 per ounce for the Mar 2010 qtr (Dec 09 qtr: US$48 per oz, Sep 2009
qtr: US$34 per ounce; Current YTD: US$46 per ounce)
(2) The Company did not sell any gold during the Mar 2010 qtr and retained its
entire gold production for the qtr as bullion or on metal account.
Gold production for the quarter increased to 25,505 ounces (a 20% increase from
the previous quarter's production) at an average grade of 20.61 g/t gold and
cash costs of US$180 per ounce.
Medusa an unhedged gold producer, did not sell any gold during the quarter and
retained its entire gold production for the quarter as bullion or on metal
account.
Phase II of the Company's expansion programme was completed on schedule and the
forecast gold production for the fiscal year to 30 June 2010 is anticipated to
be around 90,000 ounces at an anticipated cash cost of US$190 per ounce.
As reported in the previous quarter, the presence of unusual amounts of black
leader material in current mine development concentrated along the Great Hamish,
Central, Jeremy and Roysan veins has resulted in the current high grades being
processed. It should be noted that the occurrence of black leader material
rarely shows up in drilling and its occurrence is highly unpredictable.
Graph 1 (please see the link at the end of this announcement)
Co-O MINE
Mine Development
The mine development has proceeded extremely well with 5 levels at 50 metres
apart operating and a 6(th) expected to be opened around mid-year. There is
currently approximately 60,000 tonnes of broken ore in stopes underground, 21
headings and approximately 36 stopes on the breaking cycle. In addition there is
around 20,000 tonnes of ore stockpile.
This situation augurs well for meeting our production targets going forward.
Mine Production
Production has continued uninterrupted at the mine.
The fitting of the skip and headframe to the vertical Ventilation Shaft near the
Baguio Shaft to haul mineralised material from above Level 2 should be completed
in the next quarter.
Driving from Level 3 northwards from the Baguio Shaft area to link up with the
3 compartment Tinago Shaft is progressing well. A rise from Level 3 to Level 2
will complete this work and open the Tinago Shaft for ventilation initially. If
sufficient mineralised material can be located in this area, then it could be
converted to a haulage shaft.
Mill Expansion
Commissioning of the expanded milling capacity has now been completed.
Tailings Dam
Construction of a new eight year life tailings dam is progressing and is due for
completion late in the 2(nd) quarter of 2010 subject to favourable weather
conditions.
Power
The Company is finalising arrangements with the local power provider for a
dedicated line from San Francisco to the mill. Surveying of the route has
already commenced with the current projection for completion in the 3(rd)
quarter of the year. All costs over the estimated budget will be advanced
initially by the Company and these will be recovered through tariff reductions.
Plate 1 (please see the link at the end of this announcement)
RESOURCE DRILLING
Discussion
Figure 3 (please see the link at the end of this announcement) shows all the new
MD series diamond drill holes from MD 217 to MD 240 totalling 11,262 metres
which have been completed around the Co-O Mine since 9 December 2009. Results
are awaited for MDs 236 and 240.
The on-going drilling programme has concentrated on infill and extensional (up
and down dip, and lateral) drilling in and around the Co-O Mine.
Drill results
Table II lists the surface diamond drilling results greater than 3 g/t gold from
the Co-O Mine for new drill holes from MD 217 to MD 240 as well as results not
previously reported for some earlier holes. These drill hole results will be
incorporated into a new resource estimate which is expected to be completed in
July-August 2010. Other reports containing intersections for holes numbered
below MD 217 were announced on 18 January 2010, 1 July 2009, 1 December 2008 and
11 August 2008. In 2007 the announcements are dated 9 July, 15 May and 28
February. The 2007 announcements also contain information regarding drilling and
surveying techniques, comments on vein interpretation and methodologies and
assaying protocols.
The announcement of 29 March 2010 contained more detailed results down to 0.2
metres wide as underground development shows that in many cases as the veins
approach cross-cutting faults, they narrow down on both sides of the fault over
5 to 10 metres before widening out, and hence the narrower intersections are
important in defining vein continuity. There is also some pinching and swelling
of veins along strike. Most drilling is sub-parallel to the fault direction and
rarely intersects the faults, which are subsequently identified by underground
on-vein development.
Table II. Drill hole results >3 g/t gold and ? 0.5 metres downhole for new holes
MD 217 to MD 240 and complete assays for some previously partly
reported holes designated *
+-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+-------------+
|Hole | East |North |Dip|Azimuth| From| Width|Grade (uncut)|
| | | |( °)| ( °) |(metres)|(metres)| (g/t gold) |
+-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+-------------+
MD 212*|614329|913256|-53| 180 | 301.80| 0.70| 3.09
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 387.15| 0.95| 9.67
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 468.10| 0.50| 10.23
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 486.30| 1.30| 3.46
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 494.20| 3.90| 3.75
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 213*|613320|912924|-80| 180 | 58.80| 2.25| 3.06
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 66.15| 4.25| 6.02
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 72.55| 1.15| 3.53
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 214*|614532|913022|-60| 160 | 427.65| 0.65| 23.50
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 479.80| 1.70| 99.63
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 590.10| 6.40| 23.36
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 215*|614498|913211|-65| 165 | 612.50| 1.00| 4.85
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 216*|613551|912780|-45| 220 | 126.80| 0.45| 15.07
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 217 |613284|912951|-74| 121 | 96.60| 2.55| 5.14
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 141.10| 3.00| 3.59
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 218 |614331|913241|-45| 177 | 377.10| 0.50| 13.83
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 558.95| 0.65| 58.66
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 626.70| 1.70| 4.42
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 220 |613286|912950|-77| 162 | 87.40| 3.80| 8.34
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 221 |613366|913038|-45| 202 | 151.45| 2.45| 6.33
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 222 |613437|913229|-45| 340 | 605.80| 0.70| 3.60
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 226 |614331|913243|-47| 160 | 436.50| 1.05| 3.05
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 523.05| 0.55| 10.50
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 227 |614137|912987|-45| 180 | 241.10| 3.10| 3.61
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 322.25| 0.50| 25.63
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 332.85| 1.40| 20.63
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 228 |613388|913227|-45| 150 | 73.95| 1.35| 3.65
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 108.20| 1.00| 3.83
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 118.10| 4.75| 3.03
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 147.45| 0.85| 30.33
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 189.10| 2.50| 3.44
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 198.80| 1.60| 22.48
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 408.20| 0.60| 3.07
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 411.70| 1.85| 3.97
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 230 |613836|913239|-46| 170 | 232.00| 1.30| 3.67
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 266.60| 1.95| 3.34
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 372.30| 3.80| 6.36
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 380.10| 1.85| 7.38
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 445.90| 1.00| 5.67
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 468.45| 1.55| 3.43
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 533.60| 3.00| 10.00
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 231 |613969|913099|-46| 189 | 85.25| 0.75| 24.93
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 158.90| 1.70| 4.38
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 169.10| 2.00| 16.49
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 235.60| 1.65| 6.25
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 240.40| 1.50| 3.82
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 232 |614353|913191|-56| 154 | 350.20| 1.30| 17.59
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 590.65| 1.15| 35.18
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 704.80| 1.00| 6.27
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 233 |614137|912993|-60| 175 | 306.50| 2.05| 5.98
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 423.80| 0.50| 10.20
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 235 |614020|913156|-57| 200 | 142.20| 3.30| 3.69
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 237 |613812|913203|-49| 176 | 299.40| 1.20| 13.16
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 331.20| 1.00| 26.83
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
MD 239 |613369|913037|-45| 168 | 110.90| 4.90| 20.27
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 125.10| 0.50| 8.76
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 156.80| 1.30| 4.84
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 195.75| 1.45| 8.91
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 233.00| 1.00| 10.70
=-------+------+------+---+-------+--------+--------+--------------
| | | | | 244.80| 2.30| 9.53
| | | | | | |
Notes:
(i) Intersection widths are downhole drill widths not true widths;
(ii) All assays are by Philsaga Mining Corporation's laboratory;
(iii) Grid coordinates based on the Philippine Reference System 92;
Co-O REGIONAL DRILLING
Using the Co-O Mine as a model, drill testing commenced in the September quarter
of 2009 on veins in the vicinity of the Co-O Mine.
The Co-O vein system outcrops at surface on the western side of the Oriental
Fault, where it was first discovered. The veins at surface rarely exceed 0.5
metres width and generally assay around 1 to 5 g/t gold (with possibly some
supergene enrichment). Gold values started to increase significantly
approximately 80 metres below surface.
To date 22 drill holes (EXP 1 to 22) as shown on Figure 3 (please see the link
at the end of this announcement) have been completed. Results for EXP 1 to 12
were announced on 17 December 2010. Subsequent drill holes have not achieved any
significant results above 1 g/t gold to date. Hole EXP 17 was re-drilled as EXP
18, and drill hole EXP 19 was re-drilled as EXP 21.
LINGIG COPPER PROJECT
The Lingig prospect is covered by a Mines Operating Agreement ("MOA") over
Mineral Production Sharing Agreement ("MPSA") application number APSA 024-XIII
comprising two parcels situated to the north and to the east (the Lingig
porphyry copper prospect) of the Co-O Mine and millsite as shown on Figure 2
(please see the link at the end of this announcement).
Drilling was completed during the quarter while results to date are assessed and
the rigs can be re-allocated to other projects. An update of recent drilling
will be provided when all results are available.
TAMBIS-BAROBO REGION
The Tambis project, currently comprising the Bananghilig Gold Deposit and the
Kamarangan copper porphyry prospect (Fig. 2) (please see the link at the end of
this announcement), is operated under a Mining Agreement with Philex Gold
Philippines Inc. over MPSA application APSA-000022-XIII which covers 6,262
hectares.
Figure 2 (please see the link at the end of this announcement) shows the
location of the Bananghilig Deposit. Preparations are advancing for a major
drilling campaign commencing around July 2010 as the basis for pre-feasibility
studies. The aim of the work will be to increase the resources to a level which
could provide a 5 year minimum mining life at a production rate of approximately
200,000 ounces per year.
ANOLING
The Mines Operating Agreement with Alcorn Gold Resources Inc. covers MPSA
application number 039-XIII situated approximately 8 kilometres north from the
millsite as shown on Figure 2. Processing of the MPSA is progressing.
Mapping and sampling is continuing. Drilling will recommence when the MPSA is
granted.
OTHER PROJECTS
* Sur-sur Project.
The Company is advancing the tenement applications.
* Saugon Project
Construction of field camps and access are in progress for the commencement of
drilling shortly. A summary of results from the Company's drilling in 2004 will
be provided in the near future.
FINANCIALS
As at 31 March 2010, the Company which is debt free, had a cash and cash
equivalent balance of US$48.1 million (Dec 2009: US$35.5 million);
During the quarter,
* The Company did not sell any gold and retained it's entire gold produced for
the quarter as bullion or on metal account (Dec 2009 qtr: Gold proceeds
totalling US$$23.4 million from the sale of 21,108 ozs of gold at an average
price of US$1,111 per oz);
* Incurred exploration expenditure of US$4.3 million (Dec 2009 qtr: US$5.8
million);
* Spent US$1.8 million on capital works associated with the mine/mill
expansion and sustaining capital(Dec 2009 qtr US$1.7 million); and
* Expensed US$1.8 million in mine development costs (Dec 2009 qtr: US$1.8
million).
CORPORATE
A one for ten bonus issue of shares to all shareholders of the Company was
announced on 8 March 2010 and finalised during the quarter.
For further information please contact:
Australia
Medusa Mining Limited +61 8 9367 0601
Geoffrey Davis, Managing Director
Roy Daniel, Finance Director
United Kingdom
Fairfax I.S. PLC +44 (0)20 7598 5368
Nominated Adviser and Broker
Ewan Leggat/Laura Littley
Lothbury Financial Services +44 (0)7833 293 038
Michael Padley/Libby Moss
Canada
Nicholas Sayce, Investor Relations +1 416 822 4404
Information in this report relating to Exploration Results has been reviewed and
is based on information compiled by Mr Geoff Davis, who is a member of The
Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr Davis is the Managing Director of
Medusa Mining Limited and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the
style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the
activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a "Competent Person" as defined
in the 2004 Edition of the "Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" and is a "Qualified Person" as
defined in "National Instrument 43-101" of the Canadian Securities
Administrators. Mr Davis consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters
based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
Information in this report relating to Mineral Resources has been estimated and
compiled by Mark Zammit of Cube Consulting Pty Ltd of Perth, Western Australia.
Mr Zammit is a member of The Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy and
has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and
type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking
to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2004 Edition of the
"Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore
Reserves" and is a "Qualified Person" as defined in "National Instrument
43-101" of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Mr Zammit consents to the
inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and
context in which it appears.
Information in this report that relating to Ore Reserves is based on information
compiled by Declan Franzmann, B Eng (Mining), MAusIMM. Mr Franzmann is a
full-time employee of Crosscut Consulting. Mr Franzman has sufficient experience
which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under
consideration and to the activity which they are undertaking to qualify as
Competent Persons as defined in the 2004 Edition of the "Australasian Code for
Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" and is a
"Qualified Person" as defined in "National Instrument 43-101" of the Canadian
Securities Administrators. Mr Franzmann consents to the inclusion in the report
of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it
appears.
Refer to the revised Technical Report which was filed on www.sedar.com
<http://www.sedar.com/> in March 2010 for further discussion of the Co-O
Deposit's geology, structural controls, drilling, sampling and assaying
information, and any known material environmental, permitting, legal, title,
taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issue.
ABOUT MEDUSA MINING LIMITED
Medusa Mining Limited ("Medusa" or the "Company") a public company listed on the
ASX, AIM and the TSX, is an Australian based gold producer, focussed solely on
the Philippines.
With current mineral resources comprising Indicated 580,000 ounces of gold and
Inferred 1,310,000 ounces of gold, Medusa's corporate strategy is to become a
mid-tier, 300,000 to 400,000 ounce per year, low-cost gold producer.
The Company is currently expanding its high grade Co-O Mine operations
(Indicated Resources 580,000 ounces of gold inclusive of a Probable Reserve of
500,000 ounces of gold, and Inferred Resources 660,000 ounces of gold) to
increase its forecast production to 100,000 ounces per year in 2010, and is
conducting near mine exploration to assess the possibilities of further
expansion to 200,000 ounces per year. Current cash costs at the Co-O Mine are
approximately US$190 per ounce.
A pipe-line of deposits is now being established with the Bananghilig Deposit
(Inferred Resource of 650,000 ounces of gold) recently added and which is
expected to expand, potentially in conjunction with nearby discoveries.
Further potential upside exists in the discovery of substantial copper deposits
within the tenement holding of more than 800 km(2).
DISCLAIMER
This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements. The words
'anticipate', 'believe', 'expect', 'project', 'forecast', 'estimate', 'likely',
'intend', 'should', 'could', 'may', 'target', 'plan' and other similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Indications of,
and guidance on, future earnings and financial position and performance are also
forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which
are beyond the control of Medusa, and its officers, employees, agents and
associates, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed or implied in such statements.
Actual results, performance or outcomes may differ materially from any
projections and forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those
assumptions are based.
You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and neither
Medusa nor any of its directors, employees, servants or agents assume any
obligation to update such information.
[HUG#1403322]
Quarterly Report March 2010 Accompanying Images: http://hugin.info/138050/R/1403322/357619.pdf
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