Wrap Text
Multiple priority EM targets identified from recently completed Airborne Electromagnetic survey at the Okiep Project
Orion Minerals Limited
Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Australia
Australian Company Number 098 939 274
ASX share code: ORN
JSE share code: ORN
ISIN: AU000000ORN1
Multiple priority EM targets identified from recently completed Airborne Electromagnetic survey at
the Okiep Copper Project
16 ‘late-time’ EM targets revealed following initial review of data, highlighting the substantial exploration
opportunity across the Okiep district
- 1,872km2 high-powered SkyTEMTM airborne electromagnetic (EM) survey successfully completed over
the Okiep Copper Project with 7,348 line-kms flown.
- The area surveyed encompasses 26 historical copper mines and approximately 150 known copper
prospects within a world-class mining district which has produced +2Mt of copper from sulphide ore with
associated phyrrotite.
- Despite its prolific production history and significant exploration potential, the Okiep district has never
been previously covered by an airborne electromagnetic geophysical (AEM) survey.
- Sixteen ‘late-time’ electromagnetic targets have already been detected from an initial review of the
data with, several conductors identified close to known copper deposits. These targets will now be
prioritised and refined with ground-based EM surveys to finalise drilling targets.
Orion’s Managing Director and CEO, Errol Smart, commented:
“The completion of this extensive survey using the state-of-the-art high-powered SkyTEM™ system is a really
exciting milestone for the Okiep Copper District. SkyTEM™ is capable of targeting mafic intrusive bodies with high
magnetite content and detecting zones with conductive phyrrotite content, providing us with a strong vector to
find new copper sulphide orebodies in an area with proven potential to host multiple high-quality deposits.
“As I’ve said before, it’s hard to believe that this technique has never been used in the area before – and we
always had high hopes about what it would reveal. While we are still processing the data, the initial results are
outstanding – with 16 ‘late-time’ anomalies identified, some located in close proximity to known deposits. These
targets will now be ranked and further refined using ground EM before moving to the drilling stage.
“The early success of the AEM survey has vindicated our decision to employ this technology in parallel with drilling
programs along the Koperberg-Carolusberg line that are about to commence. We expect that this survey will
generate a strong pipeline of exploration targets at Okiep, complementing our more advanced resource-level
and near-resource exploration opportunities.”
Orion Minerals Ltd (ASX/JSE: ORN) (Orion or the Company) is pleased to advise that it has successfully completed
the extensive SkyTEM™ helicopter-borne electromagnetic geophysical (AEM) survey at its Okiep Copper Project
(OCP) in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
The regional survey covered a total area of 1,872km2 with approximately 1,073 line-kms flown at 1km line spacing
in conjunction with the Council for Geosciences and Orion’s high-priority area of 857km2 flown at 150m line
spacing resulting in a total of 7,348 line-kms being flown.
Production flights over the OCP commenced in June 2021 (Figure 1) (refer ASX release 28 June 2021), with the
survey successfully completed earlier this month, despite challenging weather conditions.
Preliminary results have been received from first-pass processing of magnetic and AEM data. The initial results
are very encouraging, resulting in the identification of numerous new targets for follow-up and dem
onstrating the value of applying modern exploration methods to the 1,872km² area.
Figure 1: Locality plan of the 1,872km2 SkyTEMTM survey over the OCP area.
SkyTEMTM Survey Results
A total of 16 ‘late-time’ conductors have been selected as first-pass targets (Figure 2) with scope for more targets
to be identified as data processing progresses. Several of the conductors are close to known copper deposits,
with the five best targets located close to historical mining area of Nababeep (Figure 3).
Interpretation of the AEM data is well underway and includes filtering out of near-surface cultural effects, ground-
truthing of anomalies, modelling of anomalies and target prioritisation. Advanced processing of data is also
continuing to assist with the identification of possible additional, more obscure anomalies.
The magnetic data from the SkyTEM™ survey will assist in the prioritisation of AEM targets. The emplacement of
the mafic intrusions that host copper deposits at the OCP are known to be structurally controlled and the
magnetic data from the SkyTEM™ survey will significantly improve Orion’s understanding of the geology and
structure of the OCP – assisting with exploration targeting.
In addition, three-dimensional inversion modelling of magnetic anomalies will be undertaken. Although ground
and airborne magnetic surveys were historically used as exploration tools, this is the first time that 3D inversion
modelling of aeromagnetic data has been undertaken in the OCP area. A database of anomalies and their
respective exploration priority rank will be compiled and maintained.
Orion believes that high-quality drill targets will be generated from the combination of the AEM and magnetic
models and the reinterpretation of available historic geological data. Once they have been prioritised, the
targets will be followed up with high-powered ground EM and drilling.
Figure 2: A Z-Channel 40 AEM image over the OCP area, with preliminary SkyTEMTM anomalies selected for follow-up.
Figure 3: AEM targets close to Nababeep illustrating the proximity of these targets to known deposits.
For and on behalf of the Board.
Errol Smart
Managing Director and CEO
1 September 2021
ENQUIRIES
Investors Media JSE Sponsor
Errol Smart – Managing Director & CEO Nicholas Read Monique Martinez
Denis Waddell – Chairman Read Corporate, Australia Merchantec Capital
T: +61 (0) 3 8080 7170 T: +61 (0) 419 929 046 T: +27 (0) 11 325 6363
E: info@orionminerals.com.au E: nicholas@readcorporate.com.au E: monique@merchantec.co.za
Competent Persons Statement
The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results has been compiled under the supervision of Mr Errol Smart, a
Competent Person, who is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals, a ‘Recognised
Professional Organisation’ (RPO). Mr Smart is the Managing Director and CEO of Orion. Mr Smart has sufficient experience
that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to
qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results,
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. Mr Smart consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information
in the form and context in which it appears.
Disclaimer
This release may include forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include, among other things,
statements regarding targets, estimates and assumptions in respect of metal production and prices, operating costs and
results, capital expenditures, mineral reserves and mineral resources and anticipated grades and recovery rates, and are or
may be based on assumptions and estimates related to future technical, economic, market, political, social and other
conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future
events. Forward-looking statements inherently involve subjective judgement and analysis and are necessarily subject to risks,
uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Orion. Actual results and developments may vary
materially from those expressed in this release. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance
on such forward-looking statements. Orion makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking
statements made in this release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. All information in respect of
Exploration Results and other technical information should be read in conjunction with Competent Person Statements in this
release (where applicable). To the maximum extent permitted by law, Orion and any of its related bodies corporate and
affiliates and their officers, employees, agents, associates and advisers:
• disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to the information to reflect any change
in expectations or assumptions;
• do not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of
the information in this release, or likelihood of fulfilment of any forward-looking statement or any event or results
expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement; and
• disclaim all responsibility and liability for these forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, liability for
negligence).
Appendix 1: The following tables are provided to ensure compliance with the JORC Code (2012) requirements for the reporting of Exploration Results for
the Okiep Copper Project (Aeromagnetic Surveys).
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sampling techniques • Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or • Detailed airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey at 150m line
specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate spacing and 1,500m tie line spacing carried out by SkyTEM Africa (Pty)
to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, Ltd (SkyTEMTM). Regional airborne electromagnetic and magnetic
or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be survey at 1,000m line spacing and 10,000m tie line spacing carried out
taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. by SkyTEM.
• Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity • Geophysical equipment deployed from a loop underslung from an
and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter.
used. • Loop orientation is constantly monitored by two custom-designed
• Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Bjerre Technology inclination sensors.
Public Report. • Electromagnetic measurements taken using SkyTEMTM Dual-Moment,
• In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) System, the 312HP system.
relatively simple (e.g. ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 • Magnetic measurements taken using Geometrics G822-A caesium
m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge vapour magnetometer.
for fire assay’). In other cases more explanation may be required, such • Location of geophysical measurements determined using a Novatel
as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. OEMV-1 with DGPS post processing to ensure increased accuracy.
Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) • Base station magnetometer installed to measure diurnal variations for
may warrant disclosure of detailed information. use in data processing. Magnetometer used as base station is a GEM
Systems GSM 19 Overhauser magnetometer.
• Two GPS base station installed to ensure accuracy of locational data.
Equipment used is a Novatel OEMV-1. Second base station used as
back-up system to ensure continuity.
• Measurement height determined by two MDL ACE IM3R laser altimeters
mounted on loop.
• On line navigation conducted using SkyMap and proprietary SkyTEMTM
navigation software.
Drilling techniques • Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air • Not relevant for this data.
blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple
or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other
type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.).
Drill sample recovery • Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries • Not relevant for this data.
and results assessed.
• Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure
representative nature of the samples.
• Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade
and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential
loss/gain of fine/coarse material.
Logging • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and • Not relevant for this data.
geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate
Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.
• Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or
costean, channel, etc.) photography.
• The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.
Sub-sampling • If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core • Not relevant for this data.
techniques and taken.
sample preparation • If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and
whether sampled wet or dry.
• For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the
sample preparation technique.
• Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to
maximise representivity of samples.
• Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-
situ material collected, including for instance results for field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
• Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material
being sampled.
Quality of assay data • The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and • The applied SkyTEMTM system 312 HP is calibrated at the Danish National
and laboratory tests laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered Reference site Lyngby. Calibration includes measurements of the
partial or total. transmitter survey data repeated at a range of altitudes at the
• For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., reference site. Hereby, it is documented that the instrumentation can
the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument reproduce the reference site with the same set of calibration
make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their parameters independent of the flight altitude. All processed data are
derivation, etc. corrected according to the calibration parameters.
• Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, • A repeat line at the same location is flown once a day to document
duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable system repeatability.
levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been • The transmitted current should not be less than 220 A at any time on
established. production lines.
• The deviation from planned survey lines shall not exceed 50m over a
distance of more than 1,000m.
• The rough terrain of the area will cause terrain clearance to be variable
and be in excess of 100m in portions of the survey.
• Base station magnetometer installed to measure diurnal variations for
use in data processing. The base station magnetic sensor will be placed
in a low magnetic gradient area beyond the region of influence of any
man made interference. The sensor is located close to the survey area
at a logistically feasible location as determined by SkyTEMTM. The base
station magnetometer will be synchronised with the survey aircraft
acquisition system and will be operated during all survey acquisition
flights. The diurnal variations will be reviewed in-field on a daily basis.
• The magnetic sensor is situated on the carrier (loop) frame away from
the aircraft. No compensation of the magnetic data is necessary.
• Survey lines are re-flown if the magnetometer instrument peak to peak
noise (measured as a 4th difference on the raw unfiltered
uncompensated magnetometer signal) of +/-0.1 is exceeded over a
distance of more than 5% of the line length or if non-linear diurnal
variations between two points separated by 30 secs is greater than 2
nT as measured by the base station magnetometer.
Verification of • The verification of significant intersections by either independent or • The acquired electromagnetic and magnetic data will be processed
sampling and alternative company personnel. using SkyTEMTM’s in-house processing and reduction software (SkyLab)
assaying • The use of twinned holes. as well as Geosoft's Oasis Montaj software. This software allows for full
• Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data data pre-processing, repeatability and statistical analysis, as well as full
verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. quality analysis of the output datasets.
• Discuss any adjustment to assay data. • Following reduction of the data, repeatability and QA procedures
have been applied to both the positional, electromagnetic and
magnetic observations.
• QA procedures are applied to all data on a daily basis and any
measurements not conforming to contract specifications must be
repeated.
Location of data • Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and • Location of flight paths determined using GPS instruments from Novatel
points down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used with real time SBAS corrections and DGPS post-processing to ensure
in Mineral Resource estimation. increased accuracy.
• Specification of the grid system used.
• Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
Data spacing and • Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. • Aeromagnetic line and tie line spacing is 150m and 1,500m and 1,000m
distribution • Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the and 10,000m respectively for detailed and regional surveys as this is
degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral believed appropriate for the level of precision required to interpret
Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications geological features and anticipated geophysical targets in the area.
applied.
• Whether sample compositing has been applied.
Orientation of data in • Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of • As per standard industry practice, acquisition lines were flown on
relation to geological possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering headings perpendicular to the strike of the known major mineralisation
structure the deposit type. controlling structures. Tie lines were flown at 90? to the acquisition lines.
• If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation
of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a
sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
Sample security • The measures taken to ensure sample security. • All data acquired by SkyTEMTM was reported to the Company’s
representatives.
Audits or reviews • The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. • No audits or reviews have been carried out at this stage beyond
standard data Quality Control assessments.
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Mineral tenement and • Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including • The mineral rights to the properties are vested in the State and the
land tenure status agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002, (MPRDA)
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, regulates the exploration and mining industry in South Africa.
wilderness or national park and environmental settings. • A prospecting right, NC30/5/1/1/2/11125PR, in accordance with
• The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any section 17 of the MPRDA was granted to Nababeep Copper Company
known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. (Pty) Ltd (NCC) to prospect for a period of five years effective from 8
November 2017.
• The prospecting right was granted for copper and tungsten ore for
portion of Portion 3 of the farm Nababeep No 134, remainder of the
farm Plaatjesfontein No 135, portions 2,3,4 and 7 of the farm Nigramoep
No 136, portion RE of the farm Schaap Rivier No 208, RE and Portion 1
of Farm No 610 and Portion 9 of the farm Ezelsfontein No 214, situated
within the administrative district of Namaqualand. The total area
measures 18 475Ha in extent.
• Section 102 applications are in process with the authorities to add land
to bring the total extent to approximately 33 900Ha; and add 26
minerals including gold and silver.
• The area was mined historically for copper.
• Orion, recently acquired 100% of the project through the NCC-Orion
Acquisition Agreement (refer ASX release 2 August 2021).
• A prospecting right, NC30/5/1/1/2/12357PR, in accordance with
section 17 of the MPRDA was granted to Bulletrap Copper Co (Pty) Ltd
(BCC) to prospect for a period of five years effective from 14 January
2021.
• The prospecting right was granted for the minerals copper and
tungsten ore in respect of the farms portion of Portion 10, portion of
Portion 9 and Portion 11 of the farm Brakfontein No. 133, portion of
Portion 1 and portion of Portion 23 of the farm Melkboschkuil No 132,
situated within the administrative district of Namaqualand. The total
Area measures 2 547,0791Ha in extent.
• Section 102 applications are in process with the authorities to add 26
minerals including gold and silver.
• The Goegap Nature Reserve lies to the south and outside of the area.
The area was mined historically for copper.
• Orion, recently acquired 100% of the project through the BCC-Orion
Acquisition Agreement (refer ASX release 2 August 2021).
• A mining right, NC30/5/1/2/2/10150MR, in accordance with section 22
of the MPRDA; applied for in the name of Southern African Tantalum
Mining (Pty) Ltd (SAFTA) to mine for a period of fifteen (15) years was
accepted by the authorities on 4 March 2019.
• The application is for copper and tungsten ore for a portion of portion
3, a portion of portion 13, a portion of portion 14 and a portion of portion
21 of the farm Nababeep No 134 within the administrative district of
Namaqualand. The total area measures 1 214Ha in extent.
• A prospecting right application NC30/5/1/1/2/12850MR in accordance
with section 16 of the MPRDA was submitted to the authorities for the
same area as the mining right application for 5 years for 26 additional
minerals including gold and silver. The application was accepted on 21
July 2021.
• A prospecting right, NC30/5/1/1/2/12755PR, in accordance with
section 16 of the MPRDA; applied for in the name of SAFTA to prospect
for a period of five years was accepted by the authorities on 12 May
2021.
• The application is for copper and tungsten ore for the Farm Nababeep
134 for a portion of portion 3, portion of portion 10, portion of portion
13, portion of portion 14, portion 15, portion 16, portion of portion 21 and
Okiep Township Plot 2086 situated within the administrative district of
Namaqualand. The total Area measures approximately 7 100Ha in
extent.
• A prospecting right application NC30/5/1/1/2/12848PR in accordance
with section 16 of the MPRDA was submitted to the authorities for the
same area as the prospecting right application for 5 years for 26
additional minerals including gold and silver. The application was
accepted on 15 June 2021.
• The area was mined historically for copper.
• Orion, recently acquired 56.3% of the project through the SAFTA-Orion
Acquisition Agreement (refer ASX release 2 August 2021). The remaining
43.7% is held by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Exploration done by • Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. • Previous explorers in the region include Anglovaal, Anglo America,
other parties Iscor, Newmont, Gold Fields of SA and Africa Nickel. Exploration was
aimed at Zn, Cu and Ni.
Geology • Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. • The tenements are located over the Central and Western parts of the
Okiep Copper District (OCD). The style of mineralisation is mafic hosted
orogenic Cu-mineralisation.
• Copper mineralisation is primarily associated with irregular, elongated
and steeply dipping Koperberg Suite mafic intrusives.
• The Koperberg Suite intrusives are mainly restricted to so-called “Steep
Structures” of extensive strike lengths and generally steeply dipping to
the north.
• The Koperberg Suite consists of anorthosite, diorite and norite
intermediate to mafic rock types.
• Mineralisation usually occurs as blebs to disseminated Cu mineral
assemblages bornite > chalcopyrite > chalcocite and less pyrite and
pyrrhotite.
• The more mafic and magnetite-rich lithologies generally host the bulk
of and higher-grade mineralisation.
• The OCD has a long exploration and mining history, and the geology is
well known and understood.
Drill hole Information • A summary of all information material to the understanding of the • Not relevant for this data.
exploration results including a tabulation of the following information
for all Material drill holes:
o easting and northing of the drill hole collar
o elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in
metres) of the drill hole collar
o dip and azimuth of the hole
o down hole length and interception depth
o hole length.
• If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the
information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the
understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly
explain why this is the case.
Data aggregation • In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, • Not relevant for this data.
methods maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high
grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.
• Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade
results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for
such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of
such aggregations should be shown in detail.
• The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values
should be clearly stated.
Relationship between • These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of • Not relevant for this data.
mineralisation widths Exploration Results.
and intercept lengths • If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle
is known, its nature should be reported.
• If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there
should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. ‘down hole length, true
width not known’).
Diagrams • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of • Not relevant for this data.
intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being
reported. These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill
hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.
Balanced reporting • Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not • Not relevant for this data.
practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades
and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of
Exploration Results.
Other substantive • Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported • The Company’s previous ASX releases have detailed exploration works.
exploration data including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical
survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and
method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density,
groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential
deleterious or contaminating substances.
Further work 1. The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral • The Company plans to follow up these results with ground geophysical
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). surveys test targets which may arise from the survey reported here.
2. Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions,
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas,
provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
Date: 01-09-2021 08:00:00
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