Afritin rns7 Aug 2018 09:04
Highlights
-- >180 new pegmatite bodies delineated on the ML134 mining license area within 5 kilometres of the phase 1 plant location
-- 95% of the delineated pegmatite bodies display visible cassiterite mineralisation at surface
-- Water well field drilling intercepted a pegmatite body for 67 metres from a depth of 14 metres
As part of the phase 1 programme, that includes an upscaled commercial pilot plant and advancing towards a bankable feasibility study, AfriTin is also progressing exploration towards the delineation of additional mineralised pegmatite bodies to supply Phase 2.
The objective of this programme was geological mapping over the 197km(2) mining license area to identify unprocessed, outcropping pegmatites, proximal to the existing plant and V1/V2 pit, where initial mining and processing is planned to commence. The programme involved mapping the surface outcrops of all visible pegmatite bodies within 5 kilometres of the planned plant location and identifying priority targets for future exploration programmes.
The mapping programme resulted in more than 180 pegmatite bodies being delineated within the existing mining license (ML134). The delineated pegmatites appeared up to 50 metres wide with strike lengths ranging from 20 metres to approximately a kilometre in length. A number of pegmatites also showed signs of previous artisanal exploitation.
In addition, mineralogical, structural and morphological characteristics were recorded. The programme concluded that 95% of the delineated pegmatites mapped contained visible cassiterite grains. The prevailing plunge direction of the newly identified Uis pegmatites is to the northwest and their morphology is similar to that observed in the previously mined pegmatites. The identified mineralisation is consistent with the coarse grained cassiterite (SnO(2) ) documented in the existing open pits.
While conducting a well field drilling programme to upgrade the existing water infrastructure, a borehole was sighted adjacent to the W17 pegmatite. The vertically orientated borehole intersected pegmatite at a depth of 14 metres which continued unabated to a depth of 81 metres. The 67 meter pegmatite intersection contained visible cassiterite grains throughout.
A number of newly delineated pegmatite bodies mapped during this programme have been designated as high priority targets for further evaluation in the near future.
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/9714W_1-2018-8-6.pdf
Anthony Viljoen, CEO of AfriTin Mining Limited commented:
"The results of this mapping programme have been very encouraging. Not only do we have confirmation of the extent of the mineralisation in the V1/V2 pit, where we will commence phase 1 mining operations, but extensive examples of further mineralisation across the 197km(2) mining licence area. Intersecting part of a new 67m pegmatite body while drilling for a water borehole is an encouraging example of how exploration drives mining