More. Not my words btw22 Apr 2018 18:38
- Define expansion potential
- Establish porphyry and Skarn linkages; drill deeper to establish extent (deepest drilling to date c 500m , go deeper to 600-700m + laterally)
- Enable metallurgical test work to establish whether the upper strata is amenable to heap, leach.
Following this, a scoping study is likely H1 2019.
Due to the scale of Beutong (6-8x BKM), a BFS will take 3 years on the full project but if upper strata is heap leachable, they may consider a smaller scale starter mine on similar lines to BKM.
Potential after scoping study to introduce a major JV partner to develop out to mine start 2024-25 (my thoughts, not Peter’s).
Strategy to go to 80% ownership and demonstrate the size and mine ability of Beutong to optimise development options/value.
Beutong infra-structure is, by luck, excellent – this will be significantly beneficial to project economics.
GENERAL
Progress drilling /resource definition to establish further adjacent or satellite mine development potential but prioritize BKM/BKZ/Beutong.
They have lots to do at KSK/Baroi in the next 2 years that will run parallel to the above so expect constant news flow.
Peter re-emphasised a systematic long term approach with the BOD and shareholder interests aligned. The BOD see this as a medium-long term systematic development of a world class asset portfolio; noting that ARS Cu grades are typically 50% better than industry average – TOP TIER ASSETS/GRADES.
They recognise that at c. £100 million market cap, they are seen as a micro player in the mining space; approach is to build the company to mid-tier status over time.
MACRO PICTURE
Peter emphasised in the presentation and on the mining discussion panel that the world has seen a 2% compounded demand increase for copper since the 1950’s. This means 400,000 tonnes per annum has to be added to the supply side to keep up with demand. The supply side is inelastic due to the time required (8-10 years) to bring a new mine into production. Due to the commodities down turn 2010-16, there has been very little sector investment and very few copper mines are coming on line in the next 2 years. Copper prices are likely to remain strong for the foreseeable future (next 2-3 years).
Assets, timing, done it before……
AIMHO, DYOR, NAI