Missing RNS20 Aug 2018 12:32
30 July 2018
Armadale Capital Plc (‘Armadale’ or ‘the Company’)
Progress Update: Mahenge Liandu Graphite Project Feasibility Study
Armadale, the AIM quoted investment company focused on natural resource projects in Africa, is pleased to announce a positive update on the feasibility study underway at its Mahenge Liandu Graphite Project in Tanzania (‘Mahenge Liandu’ or the ‘Project’) ahead of an anticipated decision to mine in early 2019.
Overview
Multiple work streams underway to fast track completion of the feasibility study and define Maiden Reserves ahead of an anticipated decision to mine in early 2019
Diamond Drilling underway, the purpose of which is to obtain representative samples for test work and product marketing. A total of 450m of drilling and 7 drill holes will be completed.
Reverse Circulation (‘RC’) drill rig mobilised on-site to focus on upgrading the current JORC Resource of 51.1Mt at 9.3% Total Graphitic Carbon (‘TGC’) to Probable and Proven Reserves
Airborne topographic survey now underway covering the area of the proposed mining permit of 10km2
Environmental and Social baseline surveys now underway with an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and relocation action plan (RAP) expected to be submitted in 8-10 weeks
Finalised security arrangements with consortium of high net worth individuals (the “Consortium”) pursuant to financing facility (announced on 20 October 2017) to provide up to £400,000 to support the continued development of the Mahenge Liandu, with Armadale entering into security agreements and a priority deed with each member of the Consortium over the assets of Armadale.
Nick Johansen, Director of Armadale said,“The various critical work streams at Mahenge Liandu are all progressing extremely well, and we remain on course to make a decision to mine in early 2019 – meaning that with a fair wind, we should be producing graphite by H1 2020.
“We have already demonstrated that Mahenge Liandu is one of the most attractive graphite development assets globally; with lowest quartile opex and capex costs, an IRR of 122% and a 1.2 year payback.The Project NPV of US$349m is also a stark contrast to our current market cap of under £5 million.Combining these robust economics with ever-improving demand fundamentals for graphite, Armadale is ideally positioned to rapidly capitalise on this market opportunity and become a significant new high quality graphite producer within the next 18-24.
“I look forward to providing further updates regarding our progress in the coming weeks.”