Last checked at 30 Oct 2020 07:00
Arc Minerals Ltd / Epic: ARCM / Market: AIM / Sector: Mining & Exploration
30 October 2020
Arc Minerals Ltd
('Arc' or the 'Company')
DRILL RESULTS CONFIRM FWIJI AS A MAJOR TARGET
Arc Minerals ("Arc" or "the Company") the Zambian focussed copper exploration and development company, is pleased to provide an exploration update and announce the first set of assay results from the laboratory confirming the presence of near surface copper mineralisation at the Fwiji prospect ('Fwiji').
Highlights
· First Fwiji drill results confirm significant mineralisation
· High-grade sulphide mineralisation intersected - first time in drilling to date
· Good thicknesses and grades including highest-ever 7% Cu grade intersection
o FWDD001 intersected 24.15m @ 0.45% Cu from 12.40m;
o FWDD002 intersected 34.00m @ 0.52% Cu from 58.90m; and
o FWDD002 intersected 3.50m @2.26% Cu from 163m
· Visual appraisal of the subsequent holes confirms further mineralisation at Fwiji
· Arc completing work on Anglo soil assay data
o Initial results confirm Muswema as a high priority target
o Results confirm Fwiji, Cheyeza and Lumbeta as additional targets of major interest
o Rig has been deployed to Muswema as a priority target for immediate drilling
Nick von Schirnding, Executive Chairman of Arc stated:
"The initial drilling results at the Fwiji prospect have once again surpassed our expectations with evidence of significant sulphide and oxide mineralisation and more importantly showing continuity across a distance of over 1,000 meters from the first hole drilled. This is the first major sulphide discovery in our three years of drilling which is very exciting.
Separately, the work we have completed to date on the Anglo soil assay data (which is in addition to the work Anglo is completing) have confirmed Muswema (and multiple other targets) as high priority drill targets. As a result, we have decided to deploy a rig to Muswema with immediate effect to drill a number of newly identified zones ahead of the rainy season.
In addition to the drill results from Fwiji still to be released, we will be drilling a significant number of additional holes through to the end of the year and look forward to a very active reporting period over next the few weeks."
Drilling Results
The table below sets out the recent results of the holes for which assays have been received from SGS Inspection Service Ltd in Kalulushi, Zambia.
Table 1. Fwiji Diamond Drilling Intercepts
BHID | From | To | Length (m) | Cu (%) | State |
FWDD001 | 12.40 | 36.55 | 24.15 | 0.45 | Oxide |
includes from 20.40m | 7.00 | 0.72 | |||
includes from 30.90m | 3.50 | 0.73 | |||
FWDD002 | 58.90 | 92.90 | 34.00 | 0.52 | Oxide |
includes from 75.90m | 3.75 | 1.61 | |||
includes from 90.90m | 2.00 | 0.91 | |||
163.00 | 166.50 | 3.50 | 2.26 | Sulphide | |
includes from 165.50m | 1.00 | 7.17 | |||
Notes:
1) Reported intervals are downhole widths.
2) Reported intervals are calculated for zones assaying > 0.2% Copper and containing generally less than 3 metres of internal waste.
3) Metallurgical factors are assumed to be 100% although the recovery factors may vary significantly.
Drilling and Multi-element Geochemical Characterisation
Ten holes have been drilled to date at Fwiji testing an area of more than 1km2, confirming the interpreted anticlinal feature and down plunge extents, intersecting both oxide and sulphide mineralisation.
In parallel, Zamsort and Zaco have received the selected Anglo American soil sample assay results from the ALS laboratory. An interpretive exercise on the circa 2,500 soil sample dataset is being assayed using the ME-MS61L Super Trace Lowest Detection Limits 4-acid digest. Immobile element distributions within the data were used to characterise the lithological and metal trends within the survey area to preliminarily redefine the target ranking, further highlighting the significance of the Cheyeza, Fwiji, Muswema and Lumbeta target areas.
Whilst a fully integrated targeting exercise taking into account the additional datasets of geophysics, radiometrics, drilling and mapping data etc. is to be undertaken over the coming months to redefine the targets with the license areas, the company has mobilised the drill rig to test some of these preliminary re-ranked targets in other parts of the license area, starting off at the Muswema target.
Background
Fwiji Target Area
The Fwiji target area has been confirmed by both the soil sampling and airborne geophysical programmes and is situated on the northern limb of the Nyembwezu Syncline. The area is dominated by an open, south westerly plunging anticline, as defined by the Lower Roan quartzite ridge.
The pXRF analysis of the soil samples collected over the target area defined an arc-shaped low order copper ("Cu") anomaly (>100 ppm) extending for circa 4km, within which a core, high order Cu anomaly (>200 ppm) was traced for circa 2km.
Muswema Target Area
The Muswema Target Area ('MTA') was identified by both the soil sampling and airborne geophysical programmes. The MTA is situated on the northwest margin of the Kabompo Dome in an embayment produced by a series of northwest-southeast trending transfer faults. Four prospects have been defined over the MTA, namely Muswema, Muswema South, Chihidi and Kazozu
Anglo American
In July 2020, two subsidiaries of Arc in Zambia entered into a six month exclusivity agreement with a subsidiary of Anglo American in respect to its copper exploration license in Zambia.
During the exclusivity period, Anglo American will be permitted to conduct a technical review which, if satisfactory, may result in an extension of the exclusivity and the negotiation of a commercial transaction.
Qualified Persons
The technical information in this press release is based on information provided by Zamsort Limited on behalf of Arc Minerals. Mr Vassilios Carellas (BSc (Hons), MAusIMM) is the Chief Operating Officer for Arc Minerals and has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined under the JORC Code (2012). Mr Carellas consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
**ENDS**
Contacts
Arc Minerals Ltd Nick von Schirnding (Chairman)
| +44 (0) 20 7917 2942
|
SP Angel (Nominated Adviser & Broker) Ewan Leggat / Soltan Tagiev
| +44 (0) 20 3470 0470
|
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
Notes to the Editors
Arc Minerals is a dynamic AIM listed exploration and mine development company focused on the discovery and development of large-scale copper and copper cobalt deposits in the Western part of the Zambian Copperbelt.
ARC Minerals current holdings include:
● A 66% equity interest in Zamsort Limited ("Zamsort"), a private company focused on a prospective copper licence in the Zambia Copperbelt.
● A 72.5% equity interest in Zaco Investment Limited ("Zaco"), a private company focussed on a prospective copper and cobalt license adjacent to Zamsort.
For more information visit www.arcminerals.com
Follow us on twitter @ArcMinerals
Glossary of Technical Terms
"anomaly or anomalous" | something in mineral exploration that geologists interpret as deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected. |
"assay" | The laboratory test conducted to determine the proportion of a mineral within a rock or other material. For copper, usually reported as percentage which is equivalent to percentage of the mineral (i.e. copper) per tonne of rock. |
"azimuth" | the "compass direction" refers to a geographic bearing or azimuth as measured by a magnetic compass, in true or magnetic north. |
"bornite" | Bornite, also known as peacock ore, is a copper sulphide mineral with the formula Cu5FeS4. |
"breccia" | Breccia is a rock classification, comprises millimetre to metre-scale rock fragments cemented together in a matrix, there are many sub-classifications of breccias. |
"chalcocite" | Chalcocite is a copper sulphide mineral with the formula Cu2S and is an important copper ore mineral. It is opaque and dark-gray to black with a metallic luster. |
"chalcopyrite" | Chalcopyrite is a copper sulphide mineral with formula CuFeS2. It has a brassy to golden yellow colour. |
"chargeability" | Chargeability is a physical property related to conductivity. Chargeability is used to characterise the formation and strength of the induced polarisation within a rock, under the influence of an electric field, suggesting sulphide mineralisation at depth. |
"covellite" | Covellite is a copper sulphide mineral with the formula CuS. This indigo blue mineral is ubiquitous in some copper ores. |
"diamond drilling" | A drilling method in which penetration is achieved through abrasive cutting by rotation of a diamond encrusted drill bit. This drilling method enables collection of tubes of intact rock (core) and when successful gives the best possible quality samples for description, sampling and analysis of an ore body or mineralised structure. |
"dip" | A line directed down the steepest axis of a planar structure including a planar ore body or zone of mineralisation. The dip has a measurable direction and inclination from horizontal. |
"grab sample" | are samples of rock material collected from a small area, often just a few pieces or even a single piece of rock "grabbed" from a face, dump or outcrop or roughly 2-5kg. These are common types of rock samples collected when conducting mineral exploration. The sample usually consists of material that is taken to be representative of a specific type of rock or mineralisation. |
"grade" | The proportion of a mineral within a rock or other material. For copper mineralisation this is usually reported as % of copper per tonne of rock. |
"g/t" | grams per tonne; equivalent to parts per million ('ppm') |
"hematite" | Hematite is the mineral form of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), one of several iron oxides. Magnetite alteration is also typically associate with porphyry copper systems, at or close to the central core. |
"Indicated Resource" | An "Indicated Mineral Resource" is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics, can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. |
"Inferred Resource" | An "Inferred Mineral Resource" is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. |
"Induced Polarisation Geophysics" | Induced polarisation (IP) is a geophysical survey used to identify the electrical chargeability of subsurface materials, such as sulphides. The survey involves an electric current that is transmitted into the subsurface through two electrodes, and voltage is monitored through two other electrodes. |
"intercept" | Refers to a sample or sequence of samples taken across the entire width or an ore body or mineralised zone. The intercept is described by the entire thickness and the average grade of mineralisation. |
"JORC Code" | The Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves ('the JORC Code') is a professional code of practice that sets minimum standards for Public Reporting of minerals Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. |
"K" | The element potassium, abundance on surface can be inferred from radiometric surveys |
"Magnetics" | Rocks are made up of different minerals and the magnetic properties of a rock depends on the amount and type of iron rich minerals it contains. Earth's magnetic field interacts with these iron rich minerals to generate variations in the magnetic field. Measuring and mapping these variations allows remotely mapping of the distribution and patterns of magnetic rocks and, as a result, map the subsurface geology |
"magnetite" | Magnetite is main iron ore mineral, with chemical formula Fe3O4. Magnetite is ferromagnetic, and it is attracted to a magnet and can be magnetized to become a permanent magnet itself. |
"massive" | In a geological sense, refers to a zone of mineralisation that is dominated by sulphide minerals. The sulphide-mineral-rich material can occur in centimetre-scale, metre-scale or in tens of metres wide veins, lenses or sheet-like bodies containing sphalerite, galena, and / or chalcopyrite etc. |
"Measured Resource" | A "Measured Mineral Resource" is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. |
"ME-MS61L" | HNO₃-HClO₄-HF acid digestion, HCl leach, dissolves nearly all minerals in the majority of geological samples, paired with ICP-MS and ICP-AES analysis provide super-trace detection limits. |
"Mineral Resource" | A "Mineral Resource" is a concentration or occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilised organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals in or on the Earth's crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. |
"mineralisation" | In geology, mineralisation is the deposition of economically important metals (copper, gold, lead, zin etc) that in some cases can be in sufficient quantity to form mineral ore bodies. |
"open pit mining" | A method of extracting minerals from the earth by excavating downwards from the surface such that the ore is extracted in the open air (as opposed to underground mining). |
"outcrop" | A section of a rock formation or mineral vein that appears at the surface of the earth. Geologists take direct observations and samples from outcrops, used in geologic analysis and creating geologic maps. In situ (in place) measurements are critical for proper analysis of the geology and mineralisation of the area under investigation. |
"polymict" | A geology term, often applied to breccias or conglomerates, which identifies the composition as consisting of fragments of several different rock types. |
"Preliminary Economic Assessment" | NI 43-101 defines a PEA as "a study, other than a pre-feasibility study or feasibility study, which includes an economic analysis of the potential viability of mineral resources". |
"Pyrrhotite" | Pyrrhotite is an iron sulfide mineral with the formula Fe(1-x)S (x = 0 to 0.2). It is a nonstoichiometric variant of FeS, the mineral known as troilite. Pyrrhotite is also called magnetic pyrite |
"Radiometrics" | The radiometric, or gamma-ray spectrometric method is a geophysical process used to estimate concentrations of the radioelements potassium, uranium and thorium by measuring the gamma-rays which the radioactive isotopes of these elements emit during radioactive decay |
"sediments" | Sedimentary rocks formed by the accumulation of sediments. There are three types, Clastic, Chemical and Organic sedimentary rocks. |
"sphalerite" | Sphalerite is a zinc sulphide in crystalline form but almost always contains variable iron, with formula (Zn,Fe)S. It can have a yellowish to honey brown or black colour. |
"supergene" | Supergene ore processes occur near surface, and form deposits of secondary minerals, such as malachite, azurite, chalcocite, covellite, digenite, etc. |
"surface rock chip samples" | Rock chip samples approximately 2kg in size that are typically collected from surface outcrops exposed along rivers and mountain ridgelines. |
"Th" | The element thorium, abundance on surface can be inferred from radiometric surveys |
"U" | The element uranium, abundance on surface can be inferred from radiometric surveys |
"veins" | A vein is a sheet-like or anastomosing fracture that has been infilled with mineral ore (chalcopyrite, covellite etc) or mineral gangue (quartz, calcite etc) material, within a rock. Veins form when minerals carried by an aqueous solution within the rock mass are deposited through precipitation and infill or coat the fracture faces. |
"volcanics" | Volcanic rock such as andesite or basalt that is formed from magma erupted from a volcano, or hot clastic material that erupts from a volcano and is deposited as volcaniclastic or pyroclastics. |