Wrap Text
Drilling Commences on New High Conductance Target at Rok Optel, Northern Cape, South Africa
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
(“Orion” or “the Company”)
DRILLING COMMENCES ON NEW HIGH CONDUCTANCE TARGET AT ROK OPTEL, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
“Figures" referred to throughout this announcement can be viewed on the pdf version of the announcement,
available on the Company's website, www.orionminerals.com.au.
- A fourth Fixed Loop Time-Domain Electro-Magnetic survey has been completed at Rok Optel,
detecting the highest conductance measured yet at the northern end of the cluster.
- The modelled conductance of 9400S is three times the highest conductance previously detected at
Rok Optel.
- Drilling has commenced to test this high conductance target.
Orion’s Managing Director and CEO, Errol Smart, commented:
"Our first intersection at Rok Optel demonstrated that geological conditions exist for accumulation of large
intrusive massive sulphide, Ni-Cu bodies. The new ROK 4 conductor, which is three times higher in
conductance than the ROK 2 conductor at drill hole OROD001 is very encouraging for the potential to discover
a large massive sulphide body.”
Orion Minerals Limited (ASX/JSE: ORN) (Orion or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on ongoing
exploration at the Rok Optel Ni-Cu target on the Namaqua and Disawell mineral rights (Disawell) in the
Areachap Belt, South Africa (Figure1). Fixed Loop Time-Domain Electro-Magnetic (FLTDEM) surveys and
geological mapping over helicopter-borne Electro-Magnetic anomalies at the Disawell Prospects commenced
in May 2018 (refer ASX release 1 February 2018). Diamond drilling commenced in July 2018 targeting high
grade, magmatic sulphide Ni-Cu-Co-PGE mineralisation.
Drill hole OROD001 (refer ASX release 30 July 2018) intersected a succession of sulphide bearing mafic to
ultramafic intrusive rocks, over a down-hole width of 186.86m. Most importantly, the sulphide mineralisation
includes syn-magmatic injection veins and stringers of massive sulphide comprising pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite
and pentlandite. The hole was completed at 412.06m.
An additional FLTDEM grid (ROK4) has now been completed to the north of grid ROK1 (Figure 2) to test the
extension of the conductive zone and better define the anomaly for drilling. Plate models have orientation
consistent with the intrusion morphology as currently understood from the available drill hole and surface
mapping data. The plate models at ROK 4 (Table 1) have conductance of up to 9400S and are consistently
approximately 100m x 300m in area. The intimate associations and consistent plunge of the target indicate
that this anomaly is likely to be an extension of the mineralisation drilled in OROD001 (target plate
conductances of 1250 to 2900S), with interpreted increasing sulphide content toward the north. A second
diamond drill hole, OROD002, was started on 4 August 2018 to test the high conductance target.
In parallel with drilling at OROD002, drill core processing, sampling and analysis of OROD001 is continuing
and fieldwork is underway to augment the historic surface mapping. All information is being integrated to
enable construction of a three-dimensional intrusion model to enable optimal drill targeting. The Rok Optel
intrusion remains open at its northern, southern, and western margins.
6 August 2018
Errol Smart
Managing Director and CEO
ENQUIRIES
Investors JSE Sponsor
Errol Smart – Managing Director & CEO Rick Irving
Denis Waddell – Chairman Merchantec Capital
T: +61 (0) 3 8080 7170 T: +27 (0) 11 325 6363
E: info@orionminerals.com.au E: rick@merchantec.co.za
Media
Michael Vaughan Barnaby Hayward
Fivemark Partners, Australia Tavistock, UK
T: +61 (0) 422 602 720 T: +44 (0) 207 920 3150
E: michael.vaughan@fivemark.com.au E: orion@tavistock.co.uk
Suite 617, 530 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Competent Person Statement
The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results is based on information compiled by Mr Richard
Hornsey (Pr.Sci.Nat.) Registration No: 400071/96, a Competent Person who is a member of the South African
Council for Natural Scientific Professionals, a Recognised Overseas Professional Organisation (ROPO). Mr
Hornsey is a Consultant to Orion. Mr Hornsey 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 JORC Code. Mr Hornsey consents to the inclusion in
this announcement 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).
X Y UTM34S Elevation Initial Depth Final Depth (m) Dip Azimuth
UTM34S (m) (m) (degrees) (degrees)
OROD001 580215.00 6746005.00 1,059.00 0.00 412.06 -60.00 120
OROD002 580360.00 6746760.00 1,559.41 0.00 450.00 -65.00 090
Appendix 1: The following tables are provided in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) for the reporting of Exploration Results for the Jacomynspan Project.
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sampling - Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or - No drill hole core sampling has been undertaken at the date of
techniques specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate reporting.
to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma
sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should
not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.
- Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity
and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems
used.
- Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the
Public Report.
- In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be
relatively simple (e.g. ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1
m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge
for fire assay’). In other cases more explanation may be required,
such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling
problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g.
submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.
Drilling techniques - Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air - Diamond core drilling was undertaken using HQ core size to drill
blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, through the weathered zone (approximately 75m) reducing to NQ core
triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or in hard rock.
other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.). - The OROD001core was not oriented.
Drill sample - Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries - Core recoveries are assessed on a routine basis using drill rig and core
recovery and results assessed. yard standard procedures.
- Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure - At the drill rig, core stick-ups are measured at the end of each run. The
representative nature of the samples. core is fitted together and placed into the core trays with a plastic block
- Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade at the end of each run recording the hole depth and advance.
and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential - At the core yard, the length of core is measured for each run. The
loss/gain of fine/coarse material. measured length of core is subtracted from the run length recorded from
the driller’s stick-up measurements and recorded as a core gain or loss.
- During the logging process, core recoveries are considered, and the
cause of loss is quantified and described. The locations of ‘bottom
breaks’ relative to the core run markers are observed.
- No information is available yet to determine whether a relationship
exists between grade and core recovery.
Logging - Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and - The drill hole core has been geologically logged by the Competent
geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Person. This process utilises a standard-format logging template
Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical designed specifically for this style of mineralisation.
studies. - Both quantitative and qualitative logging is undertaken dependent upon
- Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or the features being described. Qualitative parameters include lithology,
costean, channel, etc.) photography. colour, grain size, weathering, structural features, alteration, sulphide
- The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. and oxide mineralisation, secondary mineralisation, and general
contextual comments. Quantitative parameters include intensity of the
qualitative parameters, mineralisation percentages, and magnetic
properties.
- The logs are recorded onto pre-designed templates and captured into
digital format at the project office.
- The drill hole core is photographed according to standard core yard
procedure and the photographs are digitally archived.
Sub-sampling - If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core - No sampling has been undertaken to date.
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 - No new analyses have been undertaken to date.
and laboratory tests laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered
partial or total.
- For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments,
etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including
instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors
applied and their derivation, etc.
- Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks,
duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels
of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established.
Verification of - The verification of significant intersections by either independent or - No independent peer reviews have been undertaken.
sampling and alternative company personnel.
assaying - The use of twinned holes.
- Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data
verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.
- Discuss any adjustment to assay data.
Location of data - Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and - The drill hole collar was located using a handheld Garmin GPS. The
points down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations drill hole azimuth and dip were surveyed using a Brunton compass.
used in Mineral Resource estimation. - Drill hole downhole surveys are undertaken using a North-seeking Gyro
- Specification of the grid system used. instrument.
- Quality and adequacy of topographic control. - The data are recorded using the WGS84 datum, UTM Zone 34S.
Data spacing and - Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. - OROD001 and OROD002 are the first and second drill holes by Orion
distribution - Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the Minerals into the Rok Optel prospect. Seven drill holes were drilled by
degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral previous explorers.
Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and
classifications applied.
- Whether sample compositing has been applied.
Orientation of data - Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of - No sampling has yet been undertaken.
in relation to possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering
geological structure the deposit type.
- 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. - No sampling has yet been undertaken.
Audits or reviews - The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. - No sampling has yet been undertaken.
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
Mineral tenement - Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including - The farm Rok Optel 261 has overlapping rights (in respect of differing
and land tenure agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint minerals) held by two companies.
status ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, - Namaqua Nickel Mining (Pty) Ltd holds a mining right NC 10032MR
historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental (over Die Plaas No. 387: Whole Farm Hartebeest Pan 175: RE, Portion
settings. 5 Jacomyns Pan 176: RE, Portion 1, Rok Optel 261: RE, Portion 1,
- The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any Portion 2, Portion 3) for the mining of Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, PGM,
known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. Gold. This right was granted on 19 September 2016 subject to certain
conditions, which include local community participation and financial
guarantees, but is not yet executed.
- Disawell (Pty) Ltd holds two prospecting rights namely NC
30/5/1/1/2/11010 PR (over Jacomyns Pan 176: RE, Portion 1, Portion 2
Rok Optel 261: RE, Portion 1, Portion 2, Portion 3 Rooi Puts 172:
Portion 2, Portion 3, Portion 4) and NC 30/5/1/1/2/10938 PR (over
Hartebeest Pan 175: RE, Portion 3, Portion 4, Portion 5 Farm 387: RE),
each for the exploration of Zinc, Lead, Sulphur.
- Disawell and Namaqua entered into an earn-in agreement with Orion
Minerals, in terms of which Orion (through its subsidiary, Area Metals
Holdings No. 3 (Pty) Ltd) is granted the right to invest in these
companies.
- No historical or environmental impediments to obtaining an operating
licence are known.
Exploration done by - Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. - On Rok Optel 261, exploration has been undertaken by several parties,
other parties although only limited data are available. Hochmetals SWA undertook
exploration during the early 1970’s and drilled the drill holes previously
reported upon by Orion Minerals. Poor quality standardised and
summarised geological logs submitted to government are the only
information remaining from this period.
- Newmont undertook exploration from 1975 to 1977. The Hochmetals
core was re-analysed. The existing drill hole PUD001 was deepened by
70m and a new hole (PUD007) drilled to 522.90m. A report (Gresse
1977) with drill plans and sections is available and has been captured
into the database.
Geology - Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. - The Rok Optel mineralisation is contained within portions of a
metamorphosed mafic to ultramafic intrusion at least 150m thick
containing magmatic nickel-copper sulphides. The intrusion is
predominantly norite and gabbro, with lenticular bodies of pyroxenite to
harzburgite. The intrusion is enclosed within quartz-feldspar-biotite-
garnet (sillimanite) gneiss country rocks.
Drill hole - A summary of all information material to the understanding of the - See Table 2.
Information 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, - No assays have been undertaken.
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 - These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of - No assays have been undertaken.
between Exploration Results.
mineralisation - If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole
widths and intercept angle is known, its nature should be reported.
lengths - 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 - The prospect plan indicates the drilled and planned drill hole localities.
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 - The visible nature of the results has been reported in an appropriate
practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades manner. No conclusions can be drawn with respect to the grade of the
and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of intersected mineralisation until analytical data are received from the
Exploration Results. laboratory.
Other substantive - Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported - The Time Domain Electromagnetic Surveys are undertaken using a
exploration data including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical best-in-class electromagnetic receiver manufactured by
survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and Electromagnetic Technologies. The source is a custom-built Time
method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, Domain Electromagnetic transmitter, capable of transmitting 140 Amps
groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential into a 1 x 1km aluminium wire loop. The source is coupled with military
deleterious or contaminating substances. grade fluxgate sensors for shallow exploration and super-sensitive high-
temperature Super Conducting Quantum Interference Devices
(SQUIDs) manufactured in Germany, which are state of the art for
deeper exploration. The SQUID system was employed at the ROK4
grid and can detect moderate to super-conductors to approximately
1,000m below surface. Readings are taken every 50-100m on 200m-
spaced grid lines.
Further work 1. The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral - Drill hole OROD001 intersected the base of the Rok Optel intrusion at
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). 387.82m and was completed at 412.06m. A down-hole electro-
2. Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, magnetic survey will be undertaken. Follow-up work will be dependent
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, upon the survey results.
provided this information is not commercially sensitive. - Drill hole OROD002 will be drilled as indicated in the report to a depth
dependent upon the host stratigraphy and mineralisation. The hole will
then be surveyed using down-hole electromagnetics.
Date: 06/08/2018 08:20:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE').
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