EX-99.1 2 technical.htm TECHNICAL REPORT MD Filed by Filing Services Canada Inc.  (403) 717-3898




PLATINUM GROUP METALS (RSA) (Pty) LTD

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA REGISTERED COMPANY

REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2000/025984/07


A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF


PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD

TORONTO LISTED COMPANY

TSX - PTM: NYSE AMEX - PLG






UPDATED TECHNICAL REPORT (UPDATED FEASIBILITY STUDY)

Western Bushveld Joint Venture

PROJECT 1

(ELANDSFONTEIN AND FRISCHGEWAAGD)



A REPORT ON THE UPDATED FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A PORTION OF THE

WESTERN BUSHVELD JOINT VENTURE



[technical002.gif]



TURNBERRY PROJECTS (PTY) LTD

MELVILLE, JOHANNESBURG,

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA



[technical004.gif]

MINXCON (PTY) LTD

SUITE 5, COLDSTREAM OFFICE PARK, LITTLE FALLS, ROODEPOORT

GAUTENG, REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA



Date of Report - 20 November 2009

Effective Date of Report - 08 October 2009




2




IMPORTANT NOTICE

This Technical Report on the Updated Feasibility Study includes only the results for Resources announced by Platinum Group Metals Ltd (“Platinum Group”) on 07 July 2008 (news release filed with SEDAR), but excludes the new Resource that was Press Released on 08 October 2009 and detailed in this Technical Report being issued on or about 20 November 2009. This report communicates Indicated and Measured Resources based on the Feasibility Study (filed 21 August 2008 on Sedar). The independent Resource calculation confirms the initial declaration of Measured and shows an increase in Indicated 4E - platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh) and gold (Au) - Resources for the project. The reader is warned that mineral Resources are not mineral Reserves are not regarded as demonstrably viable.


Inferred, Indicated and Measured Resources have been reported. The US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognise the reporting of Inferred Resources. These Resources are reported under Canadian National Instrument 43-101, but there is a great deal of uncertainty as to their existence and economic and legal feasibility and investors are warned against the risk of assuming that all or any part of Inferred Resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the sole basis of feasibility studies or Pre-feasibility studies. INVESTORS IN THE USA AND ELSEWHERE ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST ASSUMING THAT PART OR ALL OF AN INFERRED RESOURCE EXISTS, OR IS ECONOMICALLY OR LEGALLY MINEABLE.


We further advise US investors and all other investors that while the terms “Measured Resources” and “Indicated Resources” are recognised and required by Canadian regulations, the US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognise these either. US INVESTORS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO ASSUME THAT ANY PART OF OR ALL OF MINERAL DEPOSITS IN THESE CATEGORIES WILL EVER BE CONVERTED INTO RESERVES.


The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits US mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This report and other corporate releases contain information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. We advise US and all investors that SEC mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. US investors are warned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company’s properties.







3




QUALIFIED PERSONS

Independent engineering qualified person:

Mr Gordon I Cunningham (BE Chemical). FSAIMM, Pr Eng

Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd

P O Box 2199

Rivonia, 2128

Gauteng

Republic of South Africa

Mobile: +27 83 263 9438

Phone: +27 11 726 1590

Fax: +27 86 607 5125

e-mail: turnbery@iafrica.com


Independent geological qualified person:

Mr Charles J Muller (BSc Hons) Pr Sci Nat (Reg. No. 400201/04)

Minxcon (Pty) Ltd

Suite 5, Coldstream Office Park

Cnr Hendrik Potgieter & Van Staden

Little Falls, 1751

Roodepoort, Gauteng

Republic of South Africa

Mobile: +27 83 2308332

Phone: +27 11 958 2899

Fax: +27 11 958 2105

e-mail: cmuller@minxcon.co.za


Independent engineering qualified person:

Mr T Spindler (BSc Mining Engineering) FSAIMM, Pr Eng (Reg. No. 880491)

Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd

P O Box 2199

Rivonia, 2128

Gauteng

Republic of South Africa

Mobile: +27 83 700 0240

Phone: +27 11 726 1590

Fax: +27 86 607 5125

e-mail: timspindler@mweb.co.za








4




Independent engineering qualified person:

Mr B Stewart (BSc Mining Engineering)

Wardrop Engineering

P O Box 3179

Swindon, SN2 9DE,

United Kingdom

Phone: +44 1793 512 305

e-mail: byron.stewart@wardrop.com


Local operating company:

Platinum Group Metals (RSA) (Pty) Ltd

Technology House

Greenacres Office Park

Corner of Victory and Rustenburg Roads

Victory Park

Johannesburg

Phone: +27 11 782 2186

Fax: +27 11 782 4338

e-mail: pbusse@platinumgroupmetals.net


Parent and Canadian-resident company:

PLATINUM GROUP METALS (PTY) LIMITED

Suite 328

550 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC

Canada V6C 2B5

+1 604 899 5450

info@platinumgroupmetals.net

www.platinumgroupmetals.net


For technical reports and news releases filed with SEDAR see www.sedar.com.







5




TABLE OF CONTENTS


ITEM 1: TITLE PAGE

1

ITEM 2: CONTENTS

5

ITEM 3: SUMMARY

14

ITEM 4: INTRODUCTION

29

Item 4(a): Terms of reference

29

Item 4(b): Purpose of the Report

29

Item 4(c): Sources of Information

29

Item 4(d): Involvement of the Qualified Person: personal inspection

29

ITEM 5: RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS

30

ITEM 6: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

31

Item 6(a) and Item 6(b): Area and Location of project

31

Item 6(c): Licences

34

Item 6(d): Rights to surface, minerals and agreements

37

Item 6(e): Survey

39

Item 6(f): Mineralised zones

39

Item 6(g): Liabilities and payments

40

Item 6(h) and Item 6(i): Environmental liabilities and Prospecting permits

40

Item 7(a): Topography, elevation and vegetation

42

Item 7(b): Environmental Process

49

Item 7(c): Means of access to the property

53

Item 7(d): Population centres and modes of transport

53

Item 7(e): Climate

54

Item 7(f): Infrastructure with respect to mining

55

ITEM 8: HISTORY

55

Item 8(a): Prior ownership

55

Item 8(b): Work done by previous owners

56

Item 8(c): Historical Reserves and Resources

56

Item 8(d): Technical Reports issued for Development of the Project

57

Item 8(e): Production from the property

57

ITEM 9: GEOLOGICAL SETTING

57

Item 9(a): Regional geology

57

Item 9(b): Local geology

58

Item 9(c): Stratigraphy

58

Item 9(d): Regional Geochemistry Survey

64

Item 9(e): Regional Geophysical Surveys

65

Item 9(f): Regional Structure

66

Item 9(g): Hydrogeology

69

ITEM 10: DEPOSIT TYPE

74

Item 10(a): Local Geological Setting

74

Item 10(b): Geophysical Surveys

75

Item 10(c): Stratigraphy

84

ITEM 11: MINERALISATION

89

Item 11(a): Mineralisation Styles and Distribution

89

Item 11(b): PGE and Gold Deportment

90

Item 11(c): Depth of Oxidation and Overburden

92

Item 11(d): Geological Controls on Rock-Mass Behaviour

92

Item 11(e): Local Structural Model

107

ITEM 12: EXPLORATION

114

Item 12(a): Survey (field observation) results, procedures and parameters

114

Item 12(b): Interpretation of survey (field observation) results

116

Item 12(c): Survey (field observation) data collection and compilation

117

ITEM 13: DRILLING

117







6




ITEM 14: SAMPLING METHOD AND APPROACH

118

Item 14(a): Sampling method, location, number, type and size of sampling

118

Item 14(b): Drilling recovery performance

118

Item 14(c): Sample quality and sample bias

118

Item 14(d): Widths of mineralised zones - Resource cuts

119

ITEM 15: SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES AND SECURITY

119

Item 15(a): Persons involved in sample preparation

119

Item 15(b): Sample preparation, laboratory standards and procedures

119

Item 15(c): Quality assurance and quality control (QA&QC) procedures and results

121

Item 15(d): Minor Elements (Ru, Ir and Os)

135

ITEM 16: DATA VERIFICATION

137

Item 16(a): Quality control measures and data verification

137

Item 16(b): Verification of data

138

Item 16(c): Nature of the limitations of data verification process

138

Item 16(d): Possible reasons for not having completed a data verification process

138

ITEM 17: ADJACENT PROPERTIES

138

ITEM 18: MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING

141

Item 18(a): Metallurgical Test Work

141

Item 18(b): Prill Splits

146

Item 18(c): Process Plant

147

Item 18(d): Plant Performance

154

Item 18(e): Commissioning

157

Item 18(f): Production Ramp-Up

157

Item 18(g): Concentrate Transportation

157

Item 18(h): Concentrate Off-take Agreement

157

Item 18(i): Analytical & Assay

158

Item 18(j): Tailings Dam

159

ITEM 19: MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES

161

Item 19(a): Standard Reserve and Resource reporting system

161

Item 19(b): Data Sources

161

Item 19(c): Classical Statistics

162

Item 19(d): Mining Considerations

170

Item 19(e): Spatial Statistics

177

Item 19(f): Modelling Overview

179

Item 19(g): Model Plans and Sections

182

Item 19(h): Resource Classification

185

Item 19(i): Conclusions and Recommendations

192

Item 19(j): Audits and Reviews

192

Item 19(k): Reserve Calculation

195

ITEM 20: OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION

197

ITEM 21: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR MINE DEVELOPMENT

198

Item 21(a): Geological & Geotechnical Factors affecting On-Reef Mine Design

199

Item 21(b): Rock Engineering

200

Item 21(c): Stope Design Features

203

Item 21(d): Ventilation

205

Item 21(e): Resource to Reserve Conversion - Basic Grade Equation

206

Item 21(f): Basic Mining Equation

211

Item 21(g): Mining Labour

213

Item 21(h): Production Planning

214

Item 21(i): Decline and Footwall Development

216

Item 21(j): Underground Services

221

Item 21(k): Underground Construction and Mine Maintenance

222

Item 21(l): Underground Logistics

223

Item 21(m): General Mine Infrastructure

225

Item 21(n): Project Schedule

229







7




Item 21(o): Metal Marketing & Metal Prices

232

Item 21(p): Capital Costing

234

Item 21(q): Operating Costs

236

Item 21(r): Economic Evaluation

240

Item 21(s): Sensitivity Analysis

248

Item 21(t): Human Resources and Housing

257

Item 21(u): Project Risks and Opportunities

260

ITEM 22: INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

263

ITEM 23: RECOMMENDATIONS

264

ITEM 24: REFERENCES

264

ITEM 25: DATE

266

ITEM 26: APPENDICES & CERTIFICATES

266

Appendix 1

267

Certificates

268








8




LIST OF TABLES


Table 1 - WBJV Project 1 - Mineral Resource Statement

16

Table 2 - Reserves - Converted from Measured and Indicated Resources

18

Table 3 - Listing of Individual Elements from 4E Reserve Statement

19

Table 4 - Metal Prices - 3 year Trailing and September 2009

22

Table 5 - Smelter and Refinery Discount

22

Table 6 - South African taxes

22

Table 7 - Summary capital costs

23

Table 8 - Summary working costs

23

Table 9 - Economic Evaluation Summary

23

Table 10 - Sensitivity at 3-year Trailing Metal Prices

24

Table 11 - Salient Features for WBJV Project 1

28

Table 12: Legal Aspects and Tenure of the WBJV Area

35

Table 13 - Bird Species (Red Data) that may occur on project area

45

Table 14 - Snakes (Red Data) that potentially occur in project area

46

Table 15 - Mammals that potentially occur in project area

46

Table 16 - Vegetitation species evident in project area

48

Table 17 - Average Rainfall in Project Area

54

Table 18 - Average rate of Evaporation in Project Area

55

Table 19 - Summary of Historical Mineral Resources (Project 1)

56

Table 20 - Groundwater Chemical Results and Comparison with SAWQ Guidelines

73

Table 21 - Details of Downhole Geophysics

81

Table 22 - PGE + Au speciation and proportional occurrence based on area (um2)

91

Table 23 - Intact Rock Strength Tests

96

Table 24 - Lithological Units and Rock Types

97

Table 25 - Average Test Results for each Lithological Unit

98

Table 26 - Combined ‘Q’ and ‘N’ Values for each Lithological Unit

100

Table 27 - RMR Values for each Lithological Unit

102

Table 28 - MRMR Values for each Lithological Unit

104

Table 29 - Summary of Reference Materials used

123

Table 30 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

124

Table 31 - Standard Failed for Pd on 3SD

125

Table 32 - Standard Failed for Pt on 2SD

125

Table 33 - Standard Failed for Pd on 2SD

125







9




Table 34 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

126

Table 35 - Standard Failed for Pd on 3SD

126

Table 36 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

126

Table 37 - Standard Failed for Pd on 3SD

127

Table 38 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

127

Table 39 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

127

Table 40 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

127

Table 41 - Standard Failed for Pd on 3SD

127

Table 42 - Summary of Failed Standards

128

Table 43 - Failed Blanks -Pt on 2std

128

Table 44 - Failed Blanks -Pd on 2std

128

Table 45 - Failed Blanks -Rh on 2std

129

Table 46 - Failed Blanks -Au on 2std

129

Table 47 - Failed Blanks

129

Table 48 - Reasons for Failed Blanks

130

Table 49 - Re-Assayed Values for Failed Standards

131

Table 50 - Average Potential Grades of Minor Elements in the Project Area

137

Table 51 - Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine On-mine Cash Costs

139

Table 52 - Mineral Resource - Wesizwe’s Pilansberg Project

140

Table 53 - Estimated Mineral Resource - Styldrift Project (2005)

140

Table 54 - BRPM including Styldrift Mineral Resource as at 2008

140

Table 55 - Predicted Plant Recovery in excess of ‘name plate’ capacity

144

Table 56 - Metal Splits in Ore (assumed in Concentrate)

146

Table 57 - Cu & Ni values for different reefs

147

Table 58 - Summary of Cu & Ni Values in Plant feed

147

Table 59 - Updated Process Plant Capital Cost estimate

152

Table 60 - Summary of Plant Operating Cost

153

Table 61 - Milling Production Profile

155

Table 62 - Chromite Penalty Estimate

158

Table 63 - Tailings Dam Capital Cost

160

Table 64 - Borehole Data

161

Table 65 - Merensky Reef Descriptive Statistics Project 1 (min 80 cm cut)

162

Table 66 - Merensky Reef Descriptive Statistics Project 1A (min 80 cm cut)

164

Table 67 - UG2 Reef Descriptive Statistics Project 1(min 80cm width)

165







10




Table 68 - UG2 Reef Descriptive Statistics Project 1A (minimum 80cm width)

166

Table 69 - Descriptive Statistics for the MR HW and FW Units

168

Table 70 - Descriptive Statistics for the UG2 HW and FW Units

169

Table 71 - Summary of Mining Widths

170

Table 72 - Merensky Reef - Resource Cut

171

Table 73 - UG2 Reef - Resource Cut

174

Table 74 - Variogram Parameters Project 1A

178

Table 75 - Variogram Parameters Project 1

178

Table 76 - Resource Cut Mineral Resources (Measured) - Merensky Reef & UG2 Project 1 (100% WBJV Area)

187

Table 77 - Resource Cut Mineral Resources (Indicated) - Merensky Reef & UG2 Project 1 (100% WBJV Area)

188

Table 78 - Resource Cut Mineral Resources (Inferred) - Merensky Reef & UG2 Project 1 (100% WBJV Area)

189

Table 79 - Resource Cut Mineral Resources (Inferred) - Merensky Reef & UG2 Project 1A (100% WBJV Area)

190

Table 80 -Merensky Reef Resource Statement

195

Table 81 -UG2 Reef Resource Statement

195

Table 82 - Mineral Reserve Statement

196

Table 83 - Listing of Individual Elements from 4E Reserve Statement

197

Table 84 - Pillar Dimensions

203

Table 85 - Mineral Resource Statement - Merensky

206

Table 86 - Mineral Resource Statement - UG2

206

Table 87 - Planning Pay Limit Basis

207

Table 88 - Production Modifying Factors for conversion to Reserve

208

Table 89 - Basic Grade Equation - Merensky & UG2

209

Table 90 - Mineral Reserve Statement

210

Table 91 - Listing of Individual Elements from 4E Reserve Statement

210

Table 92 - Haulage Decline Development Initially - Haulage Decline Development Only.

218

Table 93 - Haulage Decline Development Intermediate - Haulage Decline and level development to assist                 218
rapid build up, concurrent with limited production.

Table 94 - Haulage Decline Development Steady State -Decline and level development concurrent with 
steady state production.

219

Table 95 - Chairlift Decline Development

219

Table 96 - Inclined Development

219

Table 97 - Reef Horizontal Development

219

Table 98 - Underground Mobile Equipment list

220

Table 99 -Summary of Commodity Price Forecasts

233

Table 100 - Summary Capital Cost Estimate

234







11




Table 101 - Early Capital Schedule Requirements

235

Table 102 - Operating Cost estimate

237

Table 103 - Summary of Operating Costs

239

Table 104 - Operating Costs - first 3 years and Life of Mine

239

Table 105 - Operating Cost comparison

240

Table 106 - Summary of Commodity Price Used and Forecast

241

Table 107 - Basket Price

241

Table 108 - Predicted Plant Recovery in excess of ‘name plate’ capacity

244

Table 109 - 'Case A3' Financial Parameters

247

Table 110 - 'Case A3' - Sensitivity Data - Pre-tax

249

Table 111 - 'Case A3' - Sensitivity Data - Post-tax

251

Table 112 - Metal Price Sensitivity Analysis

254

Table 113 - Sensitivity to Concentrator Recovery

255

Table 114 - Sensitivity to Mining Royalty

256

Table 115 - Sensitivity to Power and Water supply costs

257

Table 116 - Risk Analysis

260








12




LIST OF FIGURES


W

Figure 1 - Location of the WBJV in the BIC

32

Figure 2 - Locality Plan of the Project Area in the WBJV

33

Figure 3: WBJV Prospecting Right Holders

36

Figure 4 - Prospecting License Area

38

Figure 5 - Location of the WBJV in relation to the Bushveld Igneous Complex

58

Figure 6 - Location of the WBJV in the Western Limb of the BIC

60

Figure 7 - Detailed Stratigraphy of the Western Bushveld Sequence

63

Figure 8 - Regional Geochemical Survey

65

Figure 9 - Gravity and Total Field Magnetics across the BIC and Surrounds

67

Figure 10 - Regional Structural Data

68

Figure 11 - 1:50 Year Floodline over Project 1

69

Figure 12 - Correlation between Groundwater Level and Surface Elevation

71

Figure 13 - Water Depth and Borehole Yield

72

Figure 14 - Detailed Gravity and Magnetic Surveys

78

Figure 15 - Details of Downhole Geophysically Surveyd Boreholes

80

Figure 16 - Polar Stereo Plots of Selected Boreholes

84

Figure 17 - Merensky and UG2 Reef Structure

94

Figure 18 - UG2 and MR Facies Types

112

Figure 19 - Location of the MR and UG2 Facies Types in Project Area 1 and 1A

113

Figure 20 - QAQC Chain of Exellence

134

Figure 21 - Ruthenium Correlation Graphs (MR)

135

Figure 22 - Iridium Correlation Graphs (MR)

135

Figure 23 - Osmium Correlation Graphs (MR)

136

Figure 24 - Ruthenium Correlation Graphs (UG2)

136

Figure 25 - Iridium Correlation Graphs (UG2)

136

Figure 26 - Osmium Correlation Graphs (UG2)

137

Figure 27 - Plant Block Flow Diagram

149

Figure 28 - Expected Plant Labour Structure

154

Figure 29 - Location of MR Boreholes

162

Figure 30 - Location of UG2 Boreholes

162

Figure 31 - MR and UG2 Domains

167

Figure 32 - MR and UG2 Width Plots - Resource Cut Model

182







13




Figure 33 - UG2 and MR 4E Grades - Resource Cut Model

183

Figure 34 - Cross Section through Project 1

184

Figure 35 - Location of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources

191

Figure 36 - Surface Layout

226

Figure 37 - Project Schedule

232

Figure 38 - Capital Schedule & Profile

235

Figure 39 - Operating Costs - R/tonne

238

Figure 40 - Operating Costs - R/kg

239

Figure 41 - Combined Merensky & UG2 Production Profile - tonnes per annum

243

Figure 42 - Production Profile - kg per annum

245

Figure 43 - Production Profile - ounces per annum

245

Figure 44 - ‘Case A3’ Cash Flow Profile

247

Figure 45 - Case A3 - NPV Sensitivity Graph - Pre-tax @ 5%

250

Figure 46 - Case A3 - IRR Sensitivity Graph - Pre-tax @ 5%

250

Figure 47 - Case A2 - NPV - Sensitivity Graph - Post tax @ 5%

252

Figure 48 - Case A3 - IRR Sensitivity Graph - Post-tax @ 5%

252

Figure 49 - Proposed Organogram for Implenation and Construction

259

Figure 50 - Proposed Organogram for Production

260



ANNEXURES


APPENDIX A

Mine Design and Production Scheduling






14




ITEM 3: SUMMARY

Since the release of the Feasibility Study in July 2008, changes have occurred to the anticipated capital and working costs, applied metal pricing and the improvement in grid power supply expectations. In addition, the method of access and off reef development has been reviewed.  In the Feasibility Study, access development was to be via three decline systems with trackless development and ore transport, with raise development, ledging, equipping and stoping being conventional hand-held mining methodology and this approach has been maintained in the updated Feasibility Study.


Doubts over the power authorities ability to provide the necessary power have eased in South Africa, resulting in the reduced dependence upon self generation capacity of 100% of mine power requirements.  


This three decline systems has been refined further and is the basis of this Updated Feasibility Study.


Reason for Updated Feasibility Study Report

The project team was requested by Platinum Group to update the Feasibility Study because of perceived changes in the international economic environment, revised mining methodology and the improvement in the perception of available grid power from ESKOM.


The property and terms of reference

The Western Bushveld Joint Venture (“WBJV”) Project 1 is located in the heart of the Western Bushveld area of South Africa where 70% of the world’s platinum is produced from the Merensky and UG2 Platinum; the same two horizons to be mined in the Updated Feasibility Study. The former active partners in the WBJV are Platinum Group 37% (operator), Anglo Platinum (AMS-JSE) 37% (the world’s largest producer of platinum), and Wesizwe Platinum (“Wesizwe”) (WEZ-JSE) 26%.  Wesizwe is a company founded on Black Economic Empowerment principles as required under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002. The partners have agreed to restructure the WBJV.  Under the revised structure that is in the process of government approval, Platinum Group will hold 74% and Wesizwe will hold 26%.  The joint venture is a notorial contract and managed by a committee representing all partners. Platinum Group Metals RSA (Pty) Ltd (“PTM RSA”) is the operator of the joint venture.


In a news release dated 2 September 2008, and subsequently updated on 9 December 2008, PTM announced that it has agreed to a term sheet with AP and Wesizwe to consolidate and rationalize the WBJV. Under the terms PTM will have the right to acquire effective ownership of 74% of WBJV Projects 1 and 3 and Wesizwe will acquire 100% of Project 2 and 26% of Projects 1 and 3. The transactions will become effective upon fulfilment of certain conditions precedent and regulatory approvals including the approval of the DME, Republic of South Africa, for transfer of Mineral Rights in accordance with Section 11 of the MPRDA.

This Updated Feasibility Study Report complies with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) and the Resource classifications in the SAMREC code.







15




The joint venture relates to properties on Elandsfontein 102JQ, Onderstepoort 98JQ, Frischgewaagd 96JQ and Koedoesfontein 94JQ covering some 67 square kilometres.


The Qualified Person (QP) for this Technical Report is Mr GI Cunningham (Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd) who relied on input from other suitably qualified experts such as Mr CJ Muller (Minxcon), Mr TV Spindler (Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd) and Mr B Stewart (Wardrop Engineer).


The principle Qualified Person and other qualified experts have visited the WBJV Project 1 site and on several occasions throughout the period from 2005 to 2009 and detailed discussions were held with Platinum Group and PTM RSA technical personnel at the PTM (RSA) and Turnberry offices in Johannesburg.


Location

The WBJV property is located in the western limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (“BIC”), 110 kilometres west-northwest of Pretoria and 120 kilometres from Johannesburg. The Resources of the WBJV Project 1 are located approximately 1km from the active Merensky Reef (“MR”) mining face at the operating Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine (“BRPM”) along strike. BRPM completed opencast mining on the UG2 Reef within 100m of the WBJV property boundary.


Ownership

The government of South Africa holds the mineral rights to the project properties under the new act, No. 28 of 2002: Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002. The mineral rights are a combination of new order prospecting permits under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and old order permits under previous legislation accompanied by conversions.


Geology

The WBJV property is situated in a layered igneous complex known as the Bushveld Igneous Complex BIC and its surrounding sedimentary footwall rocks. The BIC is unique and well known for its layering and continuity of economic horizons mined for platinum, palladium and other platinum-group elements, chrome and vanadium. To the north of the property extends into a younger Pilanesberg Igneous Complex that truncates the target BIC rocks.


Mineralisation

The potential economic horizons in the WBJV Project 1 are the Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef situated in the Critical Zone of the Rustenburg Layered Suite (RLS) of the BIC; these horizons are known for their continuity. The Merensky Reef in this project area is the main exploitation target; the UG2 Reef has lesser economic potential and will be exploited after the Merensky Reef during a later stage of the proposed mine life. The Merensky and UG2 generally form part of a well-known layered sequence, which is mined at the BRPM adjoining the WBJV property as well as on other contiguous platinum-mine properties.







16




In general, the layered package dips at about 19 degrees to the northeast and local variations in the reef attitude have been modelled.


Exploration concept

The Merensky Reef has been considered for extraction over a diluted mining width of 1.15m and the UG2 Reef diluted mining width is 1.53m. The grade content - centimetre gram per ton (cm.g/t) - was used as a Resource cut-off. Indicated Resources total 5.010 million ounces for 4E (platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold) for Project 1. In addition, the Resource calculation includes a Measured Resource of 2.224 million ounces 4E. This brings the total updated Indicated and Measured Resource base to an estimated 7.234 million ounces 4E. The Inferred Resource estimate is 1.256 million ounces, which represents future opportunity and if implemented could enhance the mining profile. This Resource is located from near surface to a depth in excess of 600m below surface, which is comparable to other active mining operations in South Africa on the same reefs.


The historical Resource (feasibility study) estimate is shown in the following tables, as this Resource is the basis for the Updated Feasibility Study.


The updated resources completed at the same time as this Feasibility Study, are presented herein.


Mineral Resources

Table 1  - WBJV Project 1 - Mineral Resource Statement

Measured Mineral Resource (4E)

Cut-off 4E (cm.g/t)

Million Tonnes (Mt)

Grade 4E (g/t)

Resource Cut Width (m)

Tonnes PGE  (4E) (t)

Metal Content (4E) (Moz)

Project 1 MR

300

5.491

7.94

1.08

43.599

1.402

Project 1 UG2

300

6.539

3.91

1.41

25.568

0.822

Total Measured

300

12.030

5.75

1.26

69.173

2.224



Prill Splits

Pt

Pt (g/t)

Pd

Pd (g/t)

Rh

Rh (g/t)

Au

Au (g/t)

Project 1 MR

64%

5.08

27%

2.14

4%

0.318

5%

0.398

Project 1 UG2

63%

2.46

26%

1.02

10%

0.39

1%

0.04










17





Indicated Mineral Resource (4E)

Cut-off 4E (cm.g/t)

Million Tonnes (Mt)

Grade 4E (g/t)

Resource Cut Width (m)

Tonnes PGE  (4E) (t)

Metal Content (4E) (Moz)

Project 1 MR

300

10.814

7.75

1.09

83,809

2.695

Project 1 UG2

300

17.464

4.13

1.34

72,126

2.319

Total Indicated

300

28.278

5.51

1.24

155,812

5.010



Prill Splits

Pt

Pt (g/t)

Pd

Pd (g/t)

Rh

Rh (g/t)

Au

Au (g/t)

Project 1 MR

64%

4.96

27%

2.09

4%

0.31

5%

0.39

Project 1 UG2

63%

2.60

26%

1.08

10%

0.41

1%

0.04



Inferred  Mineral Resource (4E)

Cut-off 4E (cm.g/t)

Million Tonnes (Mt)

Grade 4E (g/t)

Resource Cut Width (m)

Tonnes PGE  (4E) (t)

Metal Content (4E) (Moz)

Project 1 MR

300

0.217

7.95

0.93

1,725

0.055

Project 1 UG2

300

2.311

4.47

1.34

10,330

0.332

Project 1A MR

300

1.871

6.48

1.15

12,124

0.390

Project 1A UG2

300

2.973

5.00

1.57

14,865

0.478

Total inferred

300

7.372

5.30

1.37

39,072

1.256



Prill Splits

Pt

Pt (g/t)

Pd

Pd (g/t)

Rh

Rh (g/t)

Au

Au (g/t)

Project 1 MR

64%

5.09

27%

2.15

4%

0.32

5%

0.40

Project 1 UG2

63%

2.82

26%

1.16

10%

0.45

1%

0.04

Project 1A MR

64%

4.15

27%

1.75

4%

0.26

5%

0.32

Project 1A UG2

63%

3.15

26%

1.30

10%

0.50

1%

0.05


MR- Merensky Reef; UG2- Upper Group 2 Reef

The mineral Resources reported as part of this Updated Feasibility Study are updated from previously reported Resources and filed in a Technical Report on SEDAR on October 30, 2007. The Resources were completed to conform to a minimum 80cm Resource cut which is in line with that used by Anglo Platinum. Sampling practice, bore hole data, other factors and quality control and assurance are as reported previously. The Resources are estimated by kriging of approximately 181 boreholes plus deflections and are reported under SAMREC. The categories are the same as CIM categories.


The Qualified Person for the Resources is Charles Muller of Minxcon.







18




A new Resource statement has been press released on 08 October 2009, but this new Resource has NOT been used in the Updated Feasibility Study and is thus not referred to in this Technical Report.  A Separate N1 43-101 has been prepared on the new resources by Minxcon and will be filed simultaneously to this report


Mineral Reserves - derived from the Measured & Indicated Resources (not in addition to them)

A Probable Reserve is the economically mineable part of an Indicated, and in some circumstances a Measured Resource, demonstrated by at least a Pre-Feasibility Study including adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, the economic extraction can be justified. A Proven Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured Resource demonstrated by the same level and factors as above. A Proven Mineral Reserve implies that there is a high degree of confidence. All approvals need not be in place for the declaration of Reserves.

The conversion to Mineral Reserves was undertaken at 3.5g/t stope cut-off grade from the historical Resource (and NOT the new Resource), each stope has been fully diluted, comprising of a planned dilution and additional dilution for all aspects of the mining process. The Inferred Resources are outside and in addition to the Reserves. The Qualified Person for the Statement of Reserves is Tim Spindler.

[technical006.gif]


Table 2  - Reserves - Converted from Measured and Indicated Resources


Prill Splits

Pt

Pt (g/t)

Pd

Pd (g/t)

Rh

Rh (g/t)

Au

Au (g/t)

Project 1 & 1A MR

64%

3.52

27%

1.49

4%

0.22

5%

0.28

Project 1 & 1A  UG2

63%

2.15

26%

0.88

10%

0.34

1%

0.03


To convert the above Reserve Statement to individual elements as requested, the Resource Prill Splits have been applied to the 4E content to create the list of individual elements depicted in Table 3. The individual element list as depicted in this table do not constitute a Reserve on an individual basis, only when referred to as 4E is it possible to report the Reserve.








19




Table 3  - Listing of Individual Elements from 4E Reserve Statement

[technical008.gif]





















The prill splits are the same percentages as for the Measured and Indicated Resources. The effective date of the Reserve estimate is June 30, 2008. The Reserves are stated with certain risk factors including but not limited to mining projects risks as highlighted in the Risks and Opportunities.


Status of exploration

PTM RSA has completed approximately 122,361m of BQ-size core drilling (diameter 36.2mm) from borehole WBJV001 to WBJV181. All exploration has ceased on the site of Project 1. Resource estimation is done according to SAMREC specifications by the kriging method. The drill spacing on the Indicated Resource is approximately 250m or in some instances as close as 125 metres. In keeping with best practice in Resource, estimation allowance is made for known and expected geological losses. The losses are estimated at 14% and 23% for the UG2 Reef (this includes, minor faults, dykes and potholes) (major faults, dykes, weathered zone and iron replacement areas have already been excluded by delineating areas with no reef) for the project Resource area, and this has been considered in the Resource estimate. The resulting Resource model has been selected to be available for mining over a mineable cut.


Additional drilling has been completed and this has formed the basis of the new Resource, press released on 08 October 2009, but it must be noted that this new Resource has NOT been used in this Technical Report.







20




Potential development considerations

The results of this Updated Feasibility Study represent the culmination of 5 months of work by independent engineers from Turnberry Projects of South Africa, Platinum Group own engineers from South Africa and Canada, and a team of specialists from several South African firms.


Mine Plan Details

Improvements have been made to mine design and the projected maximum output has been increased to fully utilize the availability and flexibility of three separate decline systems.


The mining of UG2 material has increased due to increased panel length and better overall extraction ratio. The Updated Feasibility Study has removed the overall constraint of 48,000 tonnes per month per decline system. Basic production parameters have remained unchanged. This has resulted in a higher steady state production level of approximately 160,000 reef tonnes per month. This will require each individual decline system to produce approximately 57,000 tonnes per month. Although similar systems often produce between 80,000 and 100,000 reef tonnes per month, 57,000 reef tonnes per month  is considered  to be realistic given the strike width available from each decline system`, which provides 13 years of steady state tonnage production. First ore is reached by development 13 months from the commencement of underground work. First ore will be processed in the concentrator in first quarter 2013 subject to the installation of grid power from ESKOM. Ore will be stockpiled from mining until the concentrator is operational. Mining is only scheduled on the Reserves.  The updated Resource which includes additional Indicated and Measured categories and the lower grade UG2 Resources also provide some future opportunities. The mining and development plan includes conventional hand held drilling utilizing electrical drills and scrapers as well as winch cleaning similar to the successful conventional mining operations at the adjacent mines.  Declines and primary access to the deposit is designed for development with mechanized equipment.  Ore is initially to be hauled out of the mine with mechanized equipment and assisted later by conveyor from year 4 of the planned mine life to end of mine life.


The Merensky Reef will be mined at widths between 93cm and 176cm and an average of 115cm.  The UG2 Reef will be mined at widths between 105cm and 205cm and an average of 153cm.


At the recommended mining rate and modifying factors the mine plan generates approximately 234,000 to 300,000 4E ozs in concentrate per year.  During 9 years of peak production approximately 275,000 4E ozs are produced from the Merensky Reef horizon.  The mine has a 22 year planned mine life.











21




Infrastructure and Metal Recovery

The Updated Feasibility Study design for metallurgical extraction utilizes a standard plant design similar to other nearby plants in the Bushveld complex operating on the same reefs. The plant is designed with circuits that can process either Merensky Reef, UG2 Reef or a blended feed. The Merensky Reef is the target of initial mining because of its higher grade and low chrome content. The concentrator has been designed and re-costed, based on treating the optimal 140,000 tonnes per month. The revised mine plan has increased this treatment rate to 160,000 tonnes per month and for the concentrator to treat this increased quantity of reef, the recovery has been reduced with a discount of up to 2.5% for treatment in excess of nominal “name plate” capacity.


Metallurgical testing and the published experience of the adjacent operating mines support a “name plate” capacity plant recovery rate estimate of 87.5% of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold on the Merensky Reef and 82.5% on the UG2 Reef. Recoveries of 45% for nickel and 70% for copper are also modeled for the Merensky Reef. Ruthenium and Iridium are also included as minor contributors. No additional metallurgical test work has been undertaken during the Updated Feasibility Study.


The mine infrastructure in the estimates includes the entire required surface infrastructure for a standalone mine including water, power, underground access and ventilation to establish full production.


Smelter Terms

The Updated Feasibility Study includes capital and operating estimates to produce concentrate but no capital is included for smelting or refining of this concentrate. The costs associated with smelting and refining of concentrate is modeled as a deduction from revenue arising from the sale of concentrate to others. While the terms of agreements governing the sale of such concentrates within the South African PGM industry are all confidential the Qualified Person believes deductions used in the Updated Feasibility Study financial model are indicative of deductions current in this industry. The party to whom concentrate will be sold and the terms of this potential sale are yet to be determined. Anglo Platinum has a 60 day right of first refusal to purchase all of the ore or concentrate produced by the WBJV on commercial terms. Estimated deductions in the Updated Feasibility Study include penalties and shipment charges and total approximately 15% from gross concentrate sales revenue. Should Anglo Platinum decide to purchase the concentrate produced by the Project 1 mine the structure of such purchase would be governed by the pro-forma off-take agreement included in the WBJV Agreement, however the commercial terms will be subject to negotiation. Approaches will now be made to Anglo Platinum and other parties in an attempt to secure an off-take agreement and the terms thereof based on the Updated Feasibility Study production profile.










22




Financial Details

The following tables set out the key details of the Updated Independent Feasibility Study

Table 4  - Metal Prices - 3 year Trailing and September 2009

METAL PRICES & EXCHANGE RATE

Case A

3 Year Trailing Prices

Case B

Recent Prices

 

 

Platinum

(US$/oz)

1,343

1,295

Palladium

(US$/oz)

322

296

Rhodium

(US$/oz)

4,951

1,650

Gold

(US$/oz)

807

997

Copper

(US$/tonne)

6,428

6,250

Nickel

(US$/tonne)

25,529

18,000

Rand/US$

 

8.00

8.00



FINANCIAL PARAMETERS AND INDICATORS at R8.00

 

 

Basket Prices 4E

Pt, Pd, Rh, Au

R/kg

Case A

US$/oz

Case A

R/kg

Case B

US$/oz

Case B

Basket Price Merensky Reef

304,751

1,185

263,526

1,025

Basket Price UG2 Reef

368,571

1,433

274,639

1,068


Table 5  - Smelter and Refinery Discount

Smelter and Refinery Discount

Smelter Discount

US$/oz

Case A

US$/oz

Case B

Reduction in Basket Price MR

15.16%

$180

$155

Reduction in Basket Price UG2

15.16%

$217

$162

Received Basket Price for MR

15.16%

$1,005

$869

Received Basket Price for UG2

15.16%

$1,216

$906


Table 6  - South African taxes

TAXES

 

 

Government Royalty Payment: PGM

(% of Revenue)

3%

Government Royalty Payment: Base Metals

(% of Revenue)

2%

Company Tax

(% of Profit)

28%

Secondary Tax on Companies (STC)

(% of profit)

10%








23





Table 7  - Summary capital costs

CAPITAL COST

Rand

US$

Peak funding Case A

3,545,237,000

443,125 000

Peak funding Case B

3,727,106,000

465,888,000

Total Life of Mine Capital Costs

4,760,280,000

595,035,000


Table 8  - Summary working costs

WORKING COSTS  EXCLUDING SMELTER DISCOUNT

US$/4E oz

R / tonne milled

Cost during ramp up excluding any power generation

$543

R717

Cost at steady state grid power post 2013

$521

R491

Life of Mine Average

$526

R525


Table 9 - Economic Evaluation Summary

EVALUATION (NET PRESENT VALUE)

NPV 5%

Discount

NPV 10%

Discount

3 Year Trailing Price (Case A)

R (Million)

7,848

3,804

(Pre-tax)

US$ (Million)

981

475

 

IRR

 

23.54%

3 Year Trailing Price (Case A)

R (Million)

4,660

2,031

(Post Tax)

US$ (Million)

582

254

 

IRR

 

18.94%

Recent Prices (Case B)

R (Million)

3,671

1,330

(Pre-tax)

US$ (Million)

459

166

 

IRR

 

15.63%

Recent Prices (Case B)

R (Million)

2,016

425

(Post Tax)

US$ (Million)

252

53

 

IRR

 

12.15%













24




Table 10  - Sensitivity at 3-year Trailing Metal Prices

PRE-TAX

Parameter

Change in Parameter

Change in Parameter

Change in Parameter

PGM Basket Price

-20%

0%

20%

IRR (pre-tax)

14.5%

23.5%

31.2%

NPV (5% Discount) R(M)

3,494

7,848

12,202

US$ (M)

437

981

1,525

Opex

-20%

0%

20%

IRR (after tax)

27.5%

23.5%

19.4%

NPV (5% Discount) R (M)

9,835

7,848

5,861

US$ (M)

1,229

981

733

Capex

-20%

0%

20%

IRR (after tax)

28.4%

23.5%

19.9%

NPV (5% Discount) R (M)

8,635

7,848

7,061

US$ (M)

1,079

981

883


POST-TAX

Parameter

Change in Parameter

Change in Parameter

Change in Parameter

PGM Basket Price

-20%

0%

20%

IRR (post-tax)

11.3%

18.9%

25.3%

NPV (5% Discount) R (M)

1,892

4,660

7,393

US$ (M)

236

583

924

Opex

-20%

0%

20%

IRR (post-tax)

22.3%

18.9%

15.4%

NPV (5% Discount) R (M)

5,917

4,660

3,393

US$ (M)

740

583

424

Capex

-20%

0%

20%

IRR (post-tax)

23.0%

18.9%

15.9%

NPV (5% Discount) R (M)

5,202

4,660

4,111

US$ (M)

650

583

514








25




Social Development and Responsibilities

Feedback from the public consultation processes for the environmental assessment and social and labour plan development have been constructive and positive. This work has continued during 2008 and 2009 since the original July 2008 study. Consultation with the Department of Mineral Resources on the mine plan and social and labour plan has been positive.  The mine capital development plan includes a significant investment in training through the life of mine, allocated to a social and labour plan to ensure maximum value from the project for all stakeholders including local residents. Based on interaction with the community, a skills and needs assessment, and our training plans, the project is planning for 2,700 jobs with a target of at least 30% from the local communities. The WBJV is committed to a strong community involvement in the project particularly as Wesizwe is a 26% partner in the project and their largest shareholder is one of the communities near the mine. The mine’s financial estimates include an accumulated charge per tonne to create a fund for eventual closure of the mine projected in approximately 2031.


Risks and Opportunities

The project is subject to a number of risks including, but not limited to, the normal project risks associated with a mining project of this type, such as geology, grade, structure, mining plans, mining width, mining dilution, rates of extraction per reef type, water supply, power supply and labour shortages and estimation risks in the capital and operating costs and exchange rates and metal prices. The estimates in September 2009 money terms are ±10% on the capital and ±10% on the operating costs and ±15% on project timing. A contingency of 8.5% of the capital cost required to reach first production included in the financial model mitigates the risks of a capital over run. The estimated capital costs of Platinum Group’s share of the project exceed its working capital and significant project funding is required. The transfer of the majority of the WBJV property has been approved by the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources and final registration is in process. Final registration of title at the deeds office completes the 74% Platinum Group right and the agreements for finalization have been extended to February 2010 if required.


Not all of the surface rights over the proposed infrastructure design in the Updated Feasibility Study have been purchased. Negotiations are well advanced. An allowance for the cost of this has been made. The Mineral Petroleum Development Act provides firm assistance in ensuring that access to the minerals can be achieved; however if the process under the Act is required it may require additional time.


A significant portion of the defined Resources are not mined in the Updated Feasibility Study. Continued strong metal prices and implementation level engineering will provide an opportunity to re-evaluate these Resources. There are other platinum mining projects in the immediate area planned for development including Project 2 of the WBJV which is to be controlled 100% by Wesizwe in the restructured WBJV. Potential cost savings and reduced impacts by designing combined infrastructure are being investigated.








26




Qualified Person and Quality Assurance and Control

The Updated Feasibility Study has been completed by Gordon Cunningham (FSAIMM and ECSA) and Tim Spindler (FSAIMM and ECSA) as the projects leads of Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd. and Byron Stewart P.Eng of Wardrop Engineering Inc. as the lead for underground mechanized access and footwall mining. They have been supported by the following qualified specialists and firms:


Grinaker-LTA Mining

Construction & Mining Engineering

GRD Minproc

Process Engineering & Construction

Epoch Resources

Mine Residue & Environmental Engineering

Bluhm Burton Engineering Consulting

Mine Ventilation & Refrigeration Specialists

Dave Arnold & Associates

Rock Mechanics

Minxcon

Independent Consultants in Geology


As operator of the WBJV, Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is responsible for the management, exploration and engineering activities.


The Resources are estimated by Charles Muller of Minxcon (SACNASP) as independent consultant and he has completed the investigation and report in compliance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 on this and the previous announced estimate. He provides the update given here on Resources.


Gordon Cunningham of Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd. (FSAIMM and ECSA) is the overall Qualified Person for NI 43-101 Technical Report which will support the statements made in the Updated Feasibility Study. He is a fellow with the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (“SAIMM”), has had extensive experience in the assessment of mines including platinum mines and has been responsible for the mine designs and related investigations. He has over 30 years experience in project operation, project evaluation, design and feasibility work and is supported by a team of experienced engineers. Turnberry Projects has extensive experience with the design and evaluation of platinum projects and mines with past assignments including investigations ranging from metallurgical design to feasibility mine evaluation and project management.


Byron Stewart, P.Eng, of Wardrop Engineering Inc. is the Qualified Person for the NI 43-101 Technical Report which will support the statements made in the Feasibility Study relating to Mine Access Development and Footwall Development using mechanised mining methods. He has had extensive experience in consulting on mechanised mine development in various operations in three continents over 35 years.


Charles Muller, Gordon Cunningham, Tim Spindler and Byron Stewart have visited the property in 2008 and they have verified the data for their respective areas. Verification has occurred to a reasonable level in accordance with good engineering practice.







27




Conclusions - Qualified Person

The results of the Updated Feasibility Study are robust and the total project has a 24% IRR pre-tax with a Net Present Value at a 5% discount rate of US$981 million based on 3 year trailing metal prices. Using recent metal prices the project IRR is 16% pre-tax and its Net Present Value at a 5% discount rate is US$459 million.


The mining layout uses conventional proven approaches for mining and multiple accesses which will provide good flexibility and proven productivity at low risk. The metallurgical recovery and proposed concentrate should be attractive in the current tight market for platinum group metals. The project is highly competitive contrasted to many other projects and deeper platinum development alternatives.


Recommendations - Qualified Person

It is the recommendation of the Qualified Person and other qualified experts that the Updated Feasibility Study (RFS) be presented to the partners of the Joint Venture for consideration of the decision to mine, so that project implementation can commence.


Because of the release of the updated Mineral Resource statement, it is strongly recommended that the mine plan again be reviewed based on the changes to the mineable Resource with the updated model.









28




Table 11  - Salient Features for WBJV Project 1

[technical010.gif]







29




ITEM 4: INTRODUCTION

Item 4(a): Terms of reference

This report is compiled for Platinum Group in terms of the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report (Form F1) and the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (Companion Policy). The information and status of the project is disclosed in the prescribed manner. This report has been revised as per the request from regulators and refiled with Platinum Group and made available on SEDAR.


Item 4(b): Purpose of the Report

The intentions of the report are to

·

inform investors and shareholders of the Updated Feasibility Study into the viability of the  project

·

make public, update and detail the mine designs for the project, based on the historical Mineral Resource


Item 4(c): Sources of Information

The independent author and Qualified Person (QP) of this report has used the data provided by the representative and internal experts of PTM RSA. This data is derived from historical records for the area as well as information currently compiled by the operating company, which is PTM RSA. The PTM-generated information is under the control and care of Mr WJ Visser SACNSP 400279/04, who is an employee of PTM RSA and is not independent. The Anglo Platinum data pertaining to the deposit and earlier Resource calculations has been under the control and custody of Anglo Platinum. An independent qualified person, Mr CJ Muller, has visited the property of the WBJV since the previous Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (N1 43-101) was released on 30 October and 07 July 2009 by PTM RSA and has undertaken a due diligence with respect to the data.


Other information has been obtained from independent experts in the engineering field and where possible has been verified by the Qualified Person’s for the project.


Item 4(d): Involvement of the Qualified Person: personal inspection

The listed independent Qualified Person’s have no financial or preferential relationships with PTM. The Qualified Person’s have a purely business-related relationship with the operating company and provides technical and scientific assistance when required and requested by the company. The Qualified Person’s have other significant client lists and has no financial interest in Platinum Group or PTM RSA.


The Qualified Person’s have visited the site on a number of occasions to view the drill core and the siting of the future mine.






30




ITEM 5: RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS

In preparing this report the author relied upon

·

land title information for Elandsfontein 102JQ and Frischgewaagd 96JQ as provided by PTM RSA;

·

geological and assay information supplied by PTM RSA and made available by AP;

·

borehole analytical and survey data compiled by PTM RSA and verified by an additional external auditor (Mr N Williams);

·

all other applicable information;

·

data supplied or obtained from sources outside of the company; and

·

assumptions and conclusions of other experts as set out in this report.


The sources were subjected to a reasonable level of appropriate inquiry and review. The author has access to all information and visited the property during the period 2005 to 2009 to review the core and the proposed mine site. The author’s conclusion, based on diligence and investigation, is that the information is representative, accurate and forms a valid basis from which to complete the Updated Feasibility Study and make a recommendation to submit the same Updated Feasibility Study to the joint venture partners.


This report was prepared in the format of the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report by the Qualified Person, Mr. GI Cunningham and others. The Qualified Person has the appropriate background and relied on, among others, an independent expert with a geological and geostatistical background involved in the evaluation of precious metal deposits for over 17 years. In addition, the Qualified Person has also relied upon experts in the access development to the mine, the mining process, ventilation of the mine, rock engineering, metallurgical processing, all of whom have extensive and appropriate experience in evaluating the feasibility of mining projects. The Qualified Person has reported and made conclusions within this report with the sole purpose of providing information for PTM RSA’s use subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between the Qualified Person and PTM RSA. The contract permits PTM RSA to file this report, or excerpts thereof, as a Technical Report with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities or other regulators pursuant to provincial securities legislation, or other legislation, with the prior approval of the Qualified Person. Except for the purposes legislated for under provincial security laws or any other security laws, other use of this report by any third party is at that party’s sole risk and the Qualified Person bears no responsibility.


Specific areas of responsibility

The Qualified Person accepts overall responsibility for the entire report. The Qualified Person and other experts involved is reliant with due diligence on the information provided by Mr WJ Visser, the internal and not independent expert. The qualified experts have also relied upon the input of the PTM RSA geological personnel in compiling this filing. In addition, the Qualified Person has relied upon information from other qualified persons, namely Tim Spindler and Byron Stewart for sections of the overall Updated Feasibility Study as per the appropriate certificates.







31




They have been supported by the following qualified specialists and firms:


Grinaker-LTA Mining

Construction & Mining Engineering

GRD Minproc

Process Engineering & Construction

Epoch Resources

Mine Residue & Environmental Engineering

Bluhm Burton Engineering Consulting

Mine Ventilation & Refrigeration Specialists

Dave Arnold & Associates

Rock Mechanics

Minxcon

Independent Consultants in Geology


ITEM 6: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

Item 6(a) and Item 6(b): Area and Location of project


The (“WBJV”) is owned 37% by Platinum Group Metals RSA (Pty) Ltd. - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Platinum Group Metals Ltd (Canada) - 37% by Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd, (“RPM”) - a subsidiary of Anglo Platinum - and 26% by Wesizwe. The joint venture is a notarial contract and managed by a committee representing all partners. The WBJV is divided into three distinct project areas, namely Projects 1, 2 and 3. PTM RSA is the operator of the joint venture. There is an agreement whereby this ownership will change to 74% PTM RSA and 26% Wesizwe and the transfer and registrations to make this agreement effective are in process.


This report focuses on Project 1 and 1A (collectively known as the Project Area herein), which are located on the southern extent of the WBJV, which is underlain by the Merensky Reef and UG2 Chromitite seam. The Merensky Reef subcrop forms the western boundary of the Project Area.


The WBJV property is located on the south-western limb of the BIC 110km west-northwest of Pretoria and 120km from Johannesburg (Figure 1).







32




Figure 1  - Location of the WBJV in the BIC

[technical011.jpg]


The Resources of the WBJV Project Area 1 and 1a are located approximately 11km along strike from the active Merensky Reef mining face at the operating BRPM which completed opencast mining on the UG2 Reef within 100m of the WBJV property boundary.


Project Area 1 and 1a covers an area of 10.87km2 or 1,087ha in extent.


Specifically, the Project Area consist of a section of Portion (Ptn) 18, the Remaining Extent (Re), Ptn 13, Ptn 8, Re of Ptn 2, Ptn 7, Ptn 15 and Ptn 16 of the farm Frischgewaagd 96JQ, sections of Ptn 2, Ptn 9 and Ptn 12 of the farm Elandsfontein 102JQ and a small section of the Re of the farm Mimosa 81JQ (Figure 2).








33




Figure 2  - Locality Plan of the Project Area in the WBJV

[technical012.jpg]


The WBJV property is partly situated in a layered igneous complex known as the BIC and its surrounding sedimentary footwall rocks. The BIC is unique and well known for its layering and continuity of economic horizons mined for platinum, palladium and other platinum-group elements (PGE’s), chrome and vanadium.


The potential economic horizons in the WBJV Project Area 1 and 1A are the Merensky Reef and UG2 Chromitite seam situated in the Critical Zone (“CZ”) of the Rustenburg Layered Suite (“RLS”) of the BIC; these horizons are known for their continuity. The Merensky Reef and UG2 Chromitite seam are mined at the BRPM adjoining the WBJV property as well as on other contiguous platinum-mine properties. In general, the layered package dips at less than 20 degrees and local variations in the reef attitude have been modelled.







34




The Merensky Reef and UG2 Chromitite seam, in the Project Area, dip between 4 and 42 degrees, with an average dip of 14 degrees.


Drilling, in the form of diamond drilling, has been carried out over the Project Area and to-date 181 boreholes have been drilled for the purposes of understanding the geology, structure and metallurgy of the orebody in the Project Area. PTM RSA have established a site office to the south of the Project Area, and all core is stored in the core yard on site. All logging and sampling of the core is undertaken at the site office core yard and the samples have been sent to Genanalysis (Perth), ALS Chemex (South Africa) and currently samples are sent to Set Point Laboratories (South Africa).  A total of 29,303 samples have been assayed and utilised in the estimation of the Mineral Resources over the Project Area.


For the purpose of the mine plan presented herein.  Measured Mineral Resource total 2.224 million ounces (Moz), Indicated Mineral Resources total 5.010Moz and Inferred Mineral Resources total 1.256 Moz of 4E (platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold) for Project Area 1 and 1a. These properties are centred on Longitude 27o 00’ 00’’ (E) and Latitude 25o 20’ 00’’ (S) and the mineral rights cover approximately 67km2 or 6,700ha.


Item 6(c): Licences

The WBJV has been subdivided into several smaller portions as each area has its own stand-alone licence and Environmental Management Programme (“EMP”). Within the WBJV property, there are nine separate licences and they are specifically listed below for cross-referencing to the licence specifications. The licences over the WBJV area are as follows:-


1.

Elandsfontein (PTM RSA)

2.

Elandsfontein (RPM)

3.

Onderstepoort (PTM RSA) 4, 5 and 6

4.

Onderstepoort (PTM RSA) 3 and 8

5.

Onderstepoort (PTM RSA) 14 and 15

6.

Onderstepoort (RPM)

7.

Frischgewaagd (PTM RSA)

8.

Frischgewaagd (RPM)

9.

Koedoesfontein (RPM)


Applications have been made in a timely fashion for conversion to the new Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (“MPRDA”). The Prospecting Rights (“PR”) are all held in the North West Province Region of the DME and are held for PGM’s Nickel, Chrome and Gold.  The following table details the aspects of the PR’s:-









35




Table 12 : Legal Aspects and Tenure of the WBJV Area


Area

Farm Name

Ptn No.

Area (ha)

Old Order PR

New Order PR

Expiry Date

Elandsfontein (PTM RSA)

Elandsfontein 102JQ

12 (a Ptn of Ptn 3)

213.4714

PP269/2002 reference RDNW (KL) 5/2/2/4477

(Expired)

Notarially executed under protocol no. 467/2005.

14 June 2012

14

83.4968

RE of Ptn 1

67.6675

Elandsfontein (RPM)

Elandsfontein 102JQ

8 (a Ptn of Ptn 1)

35.3705

PP50/1996 reference RDNW (KL) 5/2/2/2305) & PP73/2002 reference RDNW (KL) 5/2/2/4361. (Expired)

A conversion to a new-order prospecting right was approved.

3 July 2012

RE9

403.9876

Mineral Area 2

-

Onderstepoort (PTM RSA)

Portions 4, 5 and 6

Onderstepoort 98JQ

4 (a Ptn of Ptn 2)

79.8273

PP48/2004 (reference no. RDNW (KL) 5/2/24716) (Expired)

Notarially executed under protocol no. 879/2006.

22 July 2011

5 (a Ptn of Ptn 2)

51.7124

6 (a Ptn of Ptn 2)

63.6567

Onderstepoort (PTM RSA)

3 and 8

Onderstepoort 98JQ

Re of Ptn 3

274.3291

PP26/2004 reference RDNW (KL) 5/2/2/4717) (Expired)

Notarially executed under protocol no. 881/2006.

22 July 2011

8 (a Ptn of Ptn 1)

177.8467

Onderstepoort (PTM RSA)

14 and 15

Mimosa 81JQ

A Ptn of Re

245.2880

K46/1971 RM (Expired)

Notarially executed under protocol no. 7.

15 December 2011

Mimosa 81JQ

A Ptn of Re

183.6175

Onderstepoort (RPM)

Mimosa 81JQ

9 (a Ptn of Ptn 3

127.2794

Unknown

Notarially Executed under Protocol No.79/2008

14 February 2013

Mineral Area 1 of Ruston 97JQ

29.0101

Mineral Area 2 of Ruston 97JQ

38.6147

Frischgewaagd (PTM RSA)

Frischgewaagd 96JQ

RE 2

640.7

Unknown

Covering 23/24th share of the undivided Mineral Rights.

Notarially executed under protocol no.117.

14 December 2011

7 (a Ptn of Ptn 6)

8 (a Ptn of Ptn6)

Frischgewaagd (RPM)

Frischgewaagd 96JQ

Re

1622,5627

PP294/2002 reference RDNW (KL) 5/2/2/4414

Covering the remaining undivided Mineral Rights.

3 July 2012

2

3

4

7

8

11

13

15

16

17

18

Koedoesfontein (RPM)

Koedoesfontein 94JQ

PGE’s, Gold, Silver,

Copper and Nickel

All

1702.8204


PP70/2002 (reference 5/2/2/4311)

Notarially Executed under Protocol 14/2007

3 July 2012


Koedoesfontein

(RPM)

Koedoesfontein

94JQ Chrome and Cobalt

All

1702.8204

PP/2007/04/25/005

NW 30/5/1/1/2/1682 PR

Notarially Executed

Under Protocol

590/2008

14 February

2013


The locations of the PRs are illustrated graphically in Figure 3.







36




Figure 3 : WBJV Prospecting Right Holders



In a news release dated 2 September 2008, and subsequently updated on 9 December 2008, PTM RSA announced that it has agreed to a term sheet with Anglo Platinum and Wesizwe to consolidate and rationalize the WBJV. Under the terms PTM RSA will have the right to acquire effective ownership of 74% of WBJV Projects 1 and 3 and Wesizwe will acquire 100% of Project 2 and 26% of Projects 1 and 3. The transactions will become effective upon fulfilment of certain conditions precedent and regulatory approvals including the approval of the DME, Republic of South Africa, for transfer of Mineral Rights in accordance with Section 11 of the MPRDA.


The following points summarise the transaction:-


1.

The various joint venture partners who participated in the WBJV each contributed certain PRs to the WBJV, which PRs were registered in their individual names;

2.

In the process of unbundling the WBJV, the various PR’s were allocated to either of Projects 1, 2 or 3. The PRs for Projects 1 and 3 must be transferred from the name of the current holders into the name of Maseve Investments 11 (Proprietary) Limited (Maseve), at this juncture, a wholly owned subsidiary of PTM RSA;








37





3.

In terms of Section 11 of the MPRDA, the consent of the Minister of Mineral Resources (South Africa) is required before PRs can be transferred from one holder to another. This consent ensures that the transferee is financially and technically capable of executing the prospecting work programme and rehabilitation obligations, and also ensures that the transferee has the requisite level of black economic empowerment; and

4.

To obtain Section 11 consent, the transferor and transferee must apply in writing to the Minister, giving details of the transferee’s financial and technical competence, together with details of its black economic empowerment credentials. If the transferee meets these requirements, the Minister must issue consent. The matter is not discretionary.


The Section 11 application for transfer of Mineral Rights is currently being processed by the DME, South Africa.


Item 6(d): Rights to surface, minerals and agreements

Regarding Elandsfontein (PTM RSA), the purchase agreement was settled by way of an Agreement of Settlement, which was signed on 26 April 2005. Party to this agreement was a Sale Agreement. The Agreement of Settlement has entitled PTM RSA to the rights to the minerals as well as the freehold. PTM RSA has purchased the surface rights to the property. The surface rights to Portions Re 1, 12 and Re 14 measure 364.6357 Ha. Option agreements in respect of Onderstepoort (PTM RSA) have been signed with the owners of the mineral rights on Portions Onderstepoort 4, 5 and 6; Onderstepoort 3 and 8; and Onderstepoort 14 and 15. The option agreement was bought out by way of a settlement agreement and a new order prospecting right covers this area. The remainder of the WBJV property is covered by Anglo Platinum prospecting rights contributed to the Joint Venture.


WBJV Terms

Original Joint Venture Terms:


The detailed terms of the WBJV - relating to Elandsfontein (PTM RSA), Elandsfontein (RPM), Onderstepoort (PTM RSA), Onderstepoort (RPM), Frischgewaagd (PTM RSA), Frischgewaagd (RPM) and Koedoesfontein (PRM) - were announced on 27 October 2004. The WBJV will immediately provide for a 26% Black Economic Empowerment interest in satisfaction of the 10-year target set by the Mining Charter and MPRDA. PTM RSA and RPM will each own an initial 37% working interest in the farms and mineral rights contributed to the joint venture, while Wesizwe will own an initial 26% working interest. Wesizwe will work with local community groups in order to facilitate their inclusion in the economic benefits of the joint venture, primarily in areas such as equity; the work will also involve training, job creation and procurement in respect of historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs).







38




Restructured JV Agreement


In a news release dated 2 September 2008, and subsequently updated on 9 December 2008, PTM RSA announced that it had signed an agreement with AP and Wesizwe to consolidate and rationalize the WBJV. Under the terms PTM will have the right to acquire effective ownership of 74% of WBJV Projects 1 and 3 and Wesizwe will acquire 100% of Project 2 and 26% of Projects 1 and 3. The transactions will become effective upon fulfilment of certain conditions precedent and regulatory approvals including the approval of the DME, Republic of South Africa, for transfer of Mineral Rights in accordance with Section 11 of the MPRDA. These transfers are in process.


Figure 4  - Prospecting License Area

 

 

 

 

 


Ore and Concentrate Treatment Agreements

There are draft pro-forma ore and concentrate treatment agreements in place, which form part of the WBJV documentation. The Updated Feasibility Study project team have assumed that certain terms and conditions will be negotiated between the WBJV project operators and the Anglo Platinum smelter operator and have maintained the terms and conditions detailed in the Feasibility Study.







39




Environmental Management Programme

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR) have been completed to a Scoping level and further work is being completed for submission with the Mining Rights Application (MRA), which is awaiting the formation of ‘Newco’.


Social and Labour Plan

The draft Social and Labour Plan (SLP), which is to be submitted to the Department of Mineral and Energy (DME), has been developed and will be submitted with the MRA.


Item 6(e): Survey

Elandsfontein (PTM RSA) and Elandsfontein (RPM) are registered with the Deeds Office (RSA) under Elandsfontein 102JQ, North West Province and measures 364.6357ha. The farm can be located on Government 1:50,000 Topo-cadastral sheet 2527AC Sun City (4th Edition 1996) which is published by the Chief Directorate, Surveys and Mapping (Private Bag X10, Mowbray 7705, RSA, Phone: +27 21 658 4300, Fax: +27 21 689 1351 or e-mail: cdsm@sli.wcape.gov.za). The approximate coordinates (WGS84) are 27o 05’ 00’’ (E) and 25o 26’ 00’’ (S).


Onderstepoort (PTM RSA) and Onderstepoort (RPM) are registered with the Deeds Office (RSA) under Onderstepoort 98JQ, Northern Province and measures 1,085.2700ha. The farm can be located on Government 1:50,000 Topo-cadastral sheet 2527AC Sun City (4th Edition 1996) which is published by the Chief Directorate, Surveys and Mapping. The approximate coordinates (WGS84) are 27o 02’ 00’’ (E) and 25o 07’ 00’’ (S).


Frischgewaagd (PTM RSA), Frischgewaagd (RPM) and Koedoesfontein (RPM): Frischgewaagd is registered with the Deeds Office (RSA) under Frischgewaagd 96JQ, Northern Province and measures 1,836.8574ha and Koedoesfontein is registered with the Deeds Office (RSA) under Koedoesfontein 94JQ, Northern Province and measures 2,795.1294ha. Both farms can be located on Government 1:50,000 Topo-cadastral sheet 2527AC Sun City (4th Edition 1996) which is published by the Chief Directorate, Surveys and Mapping. The approximate coordinates (WGS84) are 27o 02’ 00’’ (E) and 25o 07’ 00’’ (S).


Item 6(f): Mineralised zones

The BIC in general is well known for containing a large share of the world's platinum and palladium Resources. There are two very prominent economic deposits within the BIC. Firstly, the Merensky Reef and the Upper Group 2 (UG2) chromitite, which together can be traced on surface for 300km in two separate areas. Secondly, the Northern Limb (Platreef), which extends for over 120km in the area north of Mokopane.

In the past, the Bushveld’s platinum- and palladium-bearing reefs have been estimated at about 770 and 480 million ounces respectively (down to a depth of 2,000 metres).







40




These estimates do not distinguish between the categories of Proven and Probable Reserves and Inferred Resource. Recent calculations suggest about 204 and 116 million ounces of Proven and Probable Reserves of platinum and palladium respectively, and 939 and 711 million ounces of Inferred Resources. Mining is already taking place at 2km depth in the BIC. Inferred and ultimately mineable ore Resources can almost certainly be regarded as far greater than the calculations suggest. These figures represent about 75% and 50% of the world's platinum and palladium Resources respectively. Reserve figures for the Proven and Probable categories alone in the BIC appear to be sufficient for mining during the next 40 years at the current rate of production. However, estimated worlds Resources are such as to permit extraction at a rate increasing by 6% per annum over the next 50 years. Expected extraction efficiency is less for palladium. Thereafter, down-dip extensions of existing BIC mines, as well as lower-grade areas of the Platreef and the Middle Group chromitite layers, may become payable. Demand, and hence price, will be the determining factor in such mining activities rather than availability of ore.


Exploration drilling to date on the WBJV area has shown that both economic reefs (Merensky and UG2) are present and economically exploitable on the WBJV properties. The separation between these reefs tends to increase from the subcrop environment (less than five metres apart) to depths exceeding 650 metres (up to 50 metres apart) towards the northeast. The subcrops of both reefs generally strike southeast to northwest and dip on average 14 degrees to the northeast. The reefs locally exhibit dips from 4 to 42 degrees (average 14 degrees) as observed from borehole information.


The most pronounced Platinum-group metal (PGM) mineralisation along the western limb of the BIC occurs within the Merensky Reef and is generally associated with a 0.1-1.2m-thick pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite unit. The second important mineralised unit is the UG2 chromitite layer, which is on average 0.6-2.0m thick.


Item 6(g): Liabilities and payments

All payments and liabilities are recorded under Item 6(d).


Item 6(h) and Item 6(i): Environmental liabilities and Prospecting permits

There are no known environmental issues relating to the PTM RSA or WBJV properties.


Mining and exploration companies in South Africa operate with respect to environmental management regulations in Section 39 of the Minerals Act (1991) as amended. Each prospecting area or mining site is subject to conditions such as that:-










41





·

environmental management shall conform to the EMP as approved by the DME;

·

prospecting activities shall conform to all relevant legislations, especially the National Water Act (1998) and such other conditions as may be imposed by the director of Minerals Development;

·

surfaces disturbed by prospecting activities will be rehabilitated according to the standard laid down in the approved EMPs;

·

financial provision will be made in the form of a rehabilitation trust and/or financial guarantee;

·

a performance assessment, monitoring and evaluation report will be submitted annually.


Prospecting permits are issued subject to the approval of the EMP, which in turn is subject to provision of a financial guarantee.


On Elandsfontein (PTM RSA) the operator conducted exploration under an EMP approved for a prospecting permit granted to Royal Mineral Services on 14 November 2002 (now expired). A new application for a prospecting permit and an EMP has been lodged with the DME in the name of PTM RSA and has been approved. A follow-up EMP was requested by the DME and was compiled by an independent consultant (Geovicon CC, Mike Bate) and filed on 23 August 2004. The updated EMP was accepted by the DME on 20 October 2004. The EMP financial guarantee with respect to this application is held by Standard Bank of South Africa (guarantee no. M410986) in the amount of R10, 000. In terms of the notarial prospecting agreement (Clause 10), the Minister or authorised person has the right to inspect the performance of the company with regard to environmental matters.


With regard to the Onderstepoort (PTM RSA) area that was contributed to the WBJV by PTM RSA, all EMPs were lodged with the DME and approved on 30 April 2004 and 24 April 2004 for Onderstepoort 4,5 and 6 and Onderstepoort 3 and 8 respectively. Financial provision of R10, 000 for each of the optioned areas have been lodged with Standard Bank (guarantee no. TRN M421362 for Onderstepoort 4, 5 and 6; guarantee no. TRN M421363 for Onderstepoort 3 and 8; and M421364 for Onderstepoort 14 and 15).


Regarding Onderstepoort 14 and 15, a follow-up EMP was requested by the DME and was compiled by an independent consultant (Geovicon CC, Mike Bate) and filed on 23 August 2004. The updated EMP was accepted by the DME on 20 October 2004. The financial guarantee of R10, 000 in respect of this application is held by Standard Bank of South Africa (guarantee no. M410986). In terms of the notarial prospecting agreement (Clause 10) the Minister or authorised person has the right to inspect the performance of the company with respect to environmental matters.











42




In the areas of the WBJV that were originally owned by RPM, PTM RSA will take responsibility for the EMPs that originated from RPM in respect of Elandsfontein, Onderstepoort, Frischgewaagd and Koedoesfontein. PTM as operator of the joint venture will be the custodian and will be responsible for all aspects of the Environmental Management Programmes and for all specifics as set out in all the various allocated and approved EMPs for properties that form part of the WBJV.


With respect to Elandsfontein (RPM) (Portions 8 and 9 of Elandsfontein 102JQ) there is an EMP dated 26 February 2004. There is also an EMP dated 11 March 2004 for portions of Mineral Area 2 (a portion of Mineral Area 1) of the farm Elandsfontein 102JQ.


Regarding Frischgewaagd (RPM) - Remaining Extent of Portion 4, Portion 3 (a portion of Portion 1), Portions 15, 16, 18, 2 and 17 (a portion of Portion 10) - an EMP dated 22 September 2002 exists.

The EMP for Onderstepoort (RPM) was submitted together with the prospecting permit application.


The EMP for Koedoesfontein (RPM) was received by the DME on 22 September 2002.


ITEM 7: PHYSIOGRAPHY, ACCESSIBILITY AND LOCAL RESOURCES

 

Item 7(a): Topography, elevation and vegetation

Topography

Topographically, the WBJV area is located on a central plateau characterised by extensive savannah with vegetation consisting of grasses and shrub with few trees. The total elevation relief is greater as prominent hills occur in the northern most portions, but variations in topographical relief are minor and limited to low, gently sloped hills.


The Elandsfontein and Frischgewaagd properties gently dip in a north-easterly direction towards a tributary of the Elands River. Elevations range from 1,080 metres above mean sea level (AMSL) towards the Elands River in the north to 1,156m AMSL towards Onderstepoort in the southwest, with an average of 1,100m AMSL. On the Onderstepoort property to the west of the project area, the site elevation is approximately 1,050m AMSL with the highest point at 1.105m AMSL. The project area is bounded on the north by the Elands River, a perennial stream draining to the northeast. Minor drainage into the Elands River is from south to north on the area of concern.


Groundwater

Oryx Environmental Consulting have undertaken a groundwater investigation as part of the formal EIA process. The key aspects of the study are summarised as follows.










43




Groundwater flow system

The groundwater level elevation correlates well with surface elevation. The general groundwater flow direction is north and northeast towards the surface runoff channels. The groundwater flow gradient varies between 0.02 and 0.0004.


Aquifer type

Groundwater within the project area generally occurs in secondary aquifers created by weathered and fractured geological processes. Beneath the project area, the aquifer is unconfined to semi-confined, and is classified as a minor aquifer. The average depth of the groundwater table is 26m below surface. The depth of the water level varies between three metres to more than 60 metres. The deep water level is mainly attributed to the large-scale extraction for irrigation.

Groundwater quality

The majority of water boreholes in the area have a depth of 40-80m. No water-strike data is available for the project area, but the available borehole information from investigations in the adjacent regions shows that water-strikes occur at 23m.


Chemical analyses of five water samples taken during this study show that the dominant water type is Mg-Ca-HC03. The groundwater chemical data indicates that magnesium, calcium and TDS are generally present in concentrations exceeding the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) Domestic Water Quality Guidelines. This can be attributed to the geology in the project area. Two boreholes located within villages show elevated nitrate concentrations attributed to human activities.


Groundwater users

Groundwater usage in the area is primarily for domestic purposes, livestock watering as well as irrigation. The total groundwater extraction from the study area is 30,000 litres per day.


Surface water

Forming the northern boundary of the project area, the Elands River is the major source of surface water in close proximity to the proposed mining site. This watercourse flows directly into the Vaalkop Dam, which is the main source of water in the area.


Catchment boundaries

Stream drainage is directed towards the northeast and feeds into the Elands River, which forms the northern boundary of the area. The project area lies in the quaternary sub-catchment A22F, which forms part of the Elands River sub-catchment of the Limpopo drainage region.









44




Surface water use

The water from the Vaalkop dam is treated at the Vaalkop purification facility before it is distributed to the end-users for domestic purposes and livestock watering. Downstream users rely upon this dam as a consistent source of water.


Surface water authority

The surface water authority is the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) and the water service providers for the area are Rand Water (RW) and Magalies Water (MWB) - currently forming part of RW.


Air quality

The ambient air quality is good as the activities in the area are mainly agriculture and grazing. The main impact on the air quality is vehicle emissions. Concerning the regional air quality, it is heavily impacted by S04 emissions from smelter operations in the area. In addition, the potential release of fine dust from tailings dam and roads is a concern for the air quality on a cumulative basis.

Soils

The soils are moderate to deep, black and red clay, with thin sandy loam soils to the east. The agricultural potential of North West Province soils is generally limited with a topsoil of 0-300mm thick. The erodibility index is 5 (high) and the average sub-catchment sediment yield is 83 x 10m3 tons per annum.


Land use

The main land use on the project area is mining, agriculture and grazing. The area comprises mostly land suitable for grazing and arable land for certain crops only. Typical animal life of the Bushveld has largely disappeared from the area owing to farming activities. Efforts are being made by the North West Parks Board to reintroduce the natural animal populations in parks such as Pilanesberg and Madikwe. Individual farmers also are moving from traditional cattle farming to game farming, and organised hunting is becoming a popular means of generating income.


Fauna

The project area consists of natural habitats with operational ecosystems despite areas of disturbance within these habitats. No habitat of exceptional sensitivity or concern exists.


Birds

Approximately one third (328 species) of the roughly 900 bird species of South Africa occur in the Rustenburg/Pilanesberg area. The most characteristic of these include lilac-breasted rollers, African hoopoes and owls. The Red Data bird species that occur (*) or could potentially occur (**) in the study area are listed in the following table:







45




Table 13 - Bird Species (Red Data) that may occur on project area

Species occurring in the area*

Habitat

Martial Eagle (V)

Tolerates a wide range of vegetation types found in open grassland, shrub, Karoo and woodland.

Species potentially occurring in the area**

 

African Whitebacked Vulture (V)

Nests in large trees, transmission and reticulation power lines.

Tawny eagle (V)

Occurs mainly in woodlands as well as lightly wooded areas.

Blue Crane (V)

Dry short grassland. Not very dependent on wetlands habitat for breeding. Preferred nesting sites are secluded open grasslands as well as agricultural fields.

Grass Owl (V)

Breeding in permanent and seasonal vleis. Vacates while hunting or post breeding.

Red Data status = V = vulnerable.







46




Herpetofauna

In total 143 species of herpetofauna occur in the North West Province. This is considered high as it accounts for roughly one third of the total occurring in South Africa. Monitor lizards and certain snake and gecko species are found in the project area. The table below shows Red Data species in the North West Province.

Table 14  - Snakes (Red Data) that potentially occur in project area

Scientific name

English name

Conservation Status

Python natalensis

Southern African Python

Vulnerable

Homoroselaps dorsalis

Striped Harlequin Snake

Rare

Dalophia pistillum

Blunt-tailed worm lizard

Data Deficient

Crocodylus niloticus

Nile crocodile

Vulnerable

Pyxicephalus adspersus

Giant Bullfrog

Near Threatened


Habitats for all the above-named species, excluding the Nile crocodile, occur on the project area with the wetland patches along the stream potentially suitable habitats for Giant Bullfrog.


Mammals

The Southern Greater Kudu found in North West Province are among the biggest in the country. On the project area it is expected that larger antelope such as gemsbok, Cape eland, common waterbuck, impala, and red hartebeest may be kept on the farms, while smaller cats, viveriids, honey badgers, and vervet monkeys should occur as free-roaming game. The project area could potentially be a habitat for the following Red Data species.


Table 15  - Mammals that potentially occur in project area

Scientific Name

English Name

Conservation Status

Atelerix frontalis

South African hedgehog

Rare

Proteles cristatus

Aardwolf

Rare

Hyaena brunnea

Brown hyena

Rare

Panthera pardus

Leopard

Rare

Mellivora capensis

Honey badger

Vulnerable
















47




Flora

This general area’s vegetation is classified as Mixed Bushveld. Where the soil is mostly coarse, sandy and shallow, and overlies granite, quartzite, sandstone or shale, the vegetation varies from a dense, short bushveld to a fairly open tree savannah. On shallow soils Red Bushwillow Combretum apiculatum dominates the vegetation. Other trees and shrubs include Common Hook-thorn Acacia caffra, Sicklebush Dichrostachys cinerea, Live-long, Lannea discolor, Sclerocarya birrea and various Grewia species. Here the grazing is sweet, and grasses such as Fingergrass Digitaria eriantha, Kalahari Sand Quick Schmidtia pappophoroides, Wool Grass Anthephora pubescens, Stipagrostis uniplumis, and various Aristida and Eragrostis species dominate the herbaceous layer. On deeper and sandier soils, Silver Clusterleaf Terminalia sericea becomes dominant, with Peeling Plane Ochna pulchra, Wild Raisin Grewia flava, Peltophorum africanum and Burkea africana often prominent woody species, while Broom Grass Eragrostis pallens and Purple Spike Cat’s tail Perotis patens are characteristically present in the scanty grass sward.


Specifically, the project area is located in the Clay Thorn Bushveld - Bredenkamp and Van Rooyen (1996) - vegetation type in the Savannah Biome - Rutherford and Westfall (1994). The vegetation of the eastern section of Elandsfontein is dominated by and closed Acacia tortilis vegetation, which is typical of Clay Thorn Bushveld, with other species such as Rhus lancea, Ziziphus mucronata and Rhus pyroides adding to the species richness. The closed woodland areas occur along the main road where cattle kraals are located as well as along the drainage line. Some fallow lands occur in this area where a good grass layer dominated by species such as Themeda triandra, Cymbopogon contortis, Botriochloa bladhii and Sorghum versicolor has re-established as well as a sparse tree layer. The areas on the western section of Elandsfontein consist of a fenced game Reserve as well as a natural area further to the north near the Elands River. The tree and herbaceous layer is more diverse in this area where the tree layer is dominated by Ziziphus mucronata, Acacia tortilis and the shrub Grewia flava. The following table shows flora species in this vegetation type (* exotic species).







48





Table 16  - Vegetitation species evident in project area

Forbs

Grasses

Trees&Shrubs

Tephrosia capensis

Themeda triandra

Euclea divinorum

Commelina erecta

Eragrostis superba

Diospyros lycioides

Crotolaria eremicola

Cymbopogon plurinodus

Ziziphus mucronata

Chamaecrista comosa

Sorghum versicolor D

Vangueria infausta

Ruellia patula

Urelytrum agropyroides

Rhus lancea

Clematis brachiata

Aristida bipartita

Grewia flava

Eriosema cordatum

Pennisetum thunbergii

Acacia tortilis

Tithonia rotund i'folia*

Heteropogon contortis

Carissa bispinosa

Tagetes minuta*

Melinis repens

Olea europaea

Datura stramonium*

Panicum deustum

Asparagus laricinus

Schkuria pinnata*

Digitaria eriantha

Rhus pyroides

Vernonia oligocephala

Eragrostis rigidior

Acacia karroo

Sebaea grandis

Choris virgata

Gymnosporia buxifolia

Crabbea angustifolia

Urochloa mosambicensis

 

Rhynchosia minima

Setaria sphacelata

 

Tephrosia capensis

Eragrostis capensis

 

Hybiscus trionum

Cymbopogon excavatus

 

Commelina erecta

Cymbopogon sp.

 

Tithonia rotundi'folia*

Botriochloa insculpta

 

 

Urelytrum agropyroides

 

 

Cymbopogon excavatus D

Acacia karroo

 

Botriochloa insculpta D

Ziziphus mucronata

 

Botriochloa bladhii

Rhus lancea

 

Themeda triandra

Rhus pyroides

 

Sorghum versicolor

Dombeya rotundifolia

 

 

Grewia flava

Berkheya radula

Echinochloa colona D

Euclea divinorum

Pavonia burchelii

Brachiaria brizantha D

Diospyros lycioides

Crinum bulbispermum

Paspalum urvillei

Ziziphus mucronata

 

 

Grewia flava

 

 

Rhus lancea












49




Item 7(b): Environmental Process

Public consultation

A comprehensive public consultation programme was carried out from January to April 2008 during the scoping phase, including meetings with:

·

Affected landowners within the study area.

·

Landowners adjacent to the study area.

·

Bakubung Tribal Authority.

·

Bafokeng Tribal Authority.

·

Representatives of the mining, tourism and conservation industries.

·

Labour unions.

·

Environmental organisations, community-based organisations and NGOs.

·

Robega Village Council.

·

Sun City Hotels and Resort.

·

Community forum representatives from Rasimone, Robega, Chaneng and Mafenya.

·

The general public.


From this process, a comprehensive database of interested and affected parties has been developed.


Summary of issues raised by interested and affected parties

EIA process

·

The cumulative impacts of the mine within the context of the new mining activities in the region should be assessed.

Soils, land capability and land use

·

Consideration of the use of the land after mining.

·

Consideration of what appropriate rehabilitation will be undertaken and clear assignment of the responsibilities for it.

·

Consideration of backfilling of mine tailings into the mine.

·

Consideration of the use of mine waste rock to clad the tailings dam in an effort to reduce its visual impact on the landscape.

Fauna, flora and ecosystems

·

Impact on habitat and populations of Red Data species.

·

Impact on wetlands and riparian zones.










50




Surface and groundwater

·

Source of water supply for the mine.

·

Impact of mine water pollution on the environment.

·

Pollution of groundwater, particularly associated with the tailings dam.

·

Cumulative impact of mining on water quality.

·

An indication of amount of water used per ton of ore mined and gram of platinum produced.

·

Options for water saving, particularly in the disposal of tailings, through the use of technologies such as paste.

·

Options for improved water efficiency through the re-use of water or use of alternative water sources.

Air quality

·

The impact of dust on the health and quality of life of adjacent communities.

·

Cumulative impact of mining on air quality in the region

·

Options for alternative disposal of tailings in an effort to reduce dust impacts, including the use of paste technology.

·

Options to mitigate the impacts of dust in the disposal of tailings, including the irrigation of tailings when wind speeds exceed defined limits.

Blasting and vibration

·

Vibration impacts resulting in cracking and damage to houses and consequent devaluation.

Noise

·

The potential for mining noise to disrupt adjacent communities.

Heritage

·

Impacts on archaeological sites and artefacts.

·

Impacts on graves.

Visual

·

Impact of the mining operation on tourist traffic on the R565 and R556 roads.

·

Impact of the mining operation on surrounding tourism operations at the Sundown Ranch, the Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City.

Roads, transport and infrastructure

·

Impacts on the R565, which is likely to be the primary access road to the mine.

·

Requirements for the upgrading of the R565 in conjunction with the operations and programmes of mines in the region, in particular BRPM.

·

Cumulative traffic impacts of the mine’s operation on the road network.









51




Electricity

·

Options for the supply of electricity, given the problems of supply from ESKOM.

·

Impacts of the use of alternatives such as diesel and logistical consequences of such options.

·

An indication of amount of power used per ton of ore mined and gram of platinum produced.

·

Options to reduce power demand and consideration of renewable energy sources.

Socio-economic

·

How the local communities adjacent to the proposed mine will benefit from it.

·

How the project will invest in the local communities adjacent to the proposed mine.

·

What training and other opportunities the mine will provide to the local communities so that they may benefit from it.

·

How the WBJV will ensure that local small businesses are able to provide services to the proposed mine.

·

In the past similar projects have made promises of jobs and benefits to the community and these have not been fulfilled.

·

It is very difficult for local communities to communicate and interact with the mines in the region.

·

Where the mine’s workers will be housed and how the WBJV will ensure that the mine does not result in the creation of informal settlements.

·

The influx of people from elsewhere looking for work puts pressure on infrastructure and social services.

·

The influx of people as a result of the mine will be a cause of crime and a risk to the security of adjacent landowners and communities.


Plan of study for EIA and EMP

The plan of study for the EIA and EMP sets out the rationale for the different levels of study for the various environmental components, based on the issues raised by interested and affected parties, the expected severity of impacts and the level of confidence required in their prediction.  The level of information required to develop adequate, practical management and mitigation measures was also a consideration in determining the terms of reference of studies.







52




Scope of studies

Information on the following environmental aspects will be obtained from existing information sources combined with site visits to confirm findings:

·

Climate

·

Topography

·

Land use

·

Wetlands


The following aspects will require collation of existing information, field surveys, sampling and mapping with impact assessment scenario’s being undertaken using geographic information systems and qualitative forms of impact analysis:

·

Soils

·

Land capability

·

Fauna

·

Vegetation

·

Noise and vibration

·

Archaeology and heritage

·

Socio-economic


The following specialist studies will require detailed study with quantitative modelling of various scenarios to predict impacts for planning and assessment purposes:

·

Surface water

·

Groundwater

·

Air quality

·

Traffic

·

Visual aspects


Both the MPRDA and NEMA require an assessment of cumulative impacts.  The following cumulative impacts for the mine will be specifically addressed in the EIA:

·

Air quality.

·

Visual

·

Socio-economic

·

Traffic








53




Environmental Conclusion

The draft Scoping Report sets out the proposed scope of the EIA and EMP that will be prepared for the proposed WBJV Project 1 Platinum Mine.  This includes the range of alternatives that will be evaluated for various aspects of the project, the key environmental impacts and issues that need to be addressed, the studies that will be undertaken, the terms of reference of the specialist studies and the qualifications and experience of the study team.

The updated Scoping Report will be available for public review approximately March 2010 at various public venues and on the internet.  Registered interested and affected parties will be notified of the availability of the updated Scoping Report.


Following the public review period, the draft updated Scoping Report will be corrected on the basis of comments received, finalised and submitted to the relevant authorities for their comment.


Item 7(c): Means of access to the property

South Africa has a large and well-developed mining industry in the area where the project is located. This, among other factors, means that the infrastructure is well established, with well-maintained highways and roads as well as electricity distribution networks and telephone systems.


The project area is located on the south-western limb of the BIC, some 35km northwest of the North West Province town of Rustenburg. The town of Boshoek is situated 10km to the south along the tar road that links Rustenburg with Sun City and crosses the project area. The WBJV adjoins the AP-managed BRPM to the southeast. A railway line linking BRPM to the national network passes the project area immediately to the east with a railway siding at Boshoek.


The WBJV properties are readily accessible from Johannesburg by travelling 120km northwest on Regional Road 24 to the town of Rustenburg and then a further 35km. The resort of Sun City is located approximately 10km north of Project 1. Both BRPM to the southeast of the project area and Styldrift - a joint venture between the Royal Bafokeng Nation and Anglo Platinum, which lies directly to the east of the property - has modern access roads and services. Numerous gravel roads crossing the WBJV properties provide easy access to all portions.


Item 7(d): Population centres and modes of transport

The major population centre is the town of Rustenburg about 35km to the southeast of the project. Pretoria lies approximately 100km to the east and Johannesburg about 120km to the southeast. A popular and unusually large hotel and entertainment centre, Sun City, lies about 10km to the north of the project area. The Sundown Ranch Hotel lies in close proximity to the project area and offers rooms and chalets as accommodation. The WBJV properties fall under the jurisdiction of the Moses Kotane Municipality.







54




A paved provincial road crosses the property. Access across most of the property can be achieved by truck without the need for significant road building.


Noise

The area has a rural residential character and the main sources of noise are local traffic, community-related activities and natural sounds. Despite the fact that there are existing mining activities in the area, ambient or background noise levels are rather low.


Item 7(e): Climate

With low rainfall and high summer temperature, the area is typical of the Highveld Climatic Zone. Temperatures in this climatic zone are generally mild, with mean annual maximum temperatures of 26.4°C, and mean monthly maximum temperatures of more than 30°C in summer. In winter low mean annual minimum temperatures of 10.9°C are experienced, with mean monthly minimums as low as 2.8°C.


Temperature

In summer (November to April) the days are warm to hot and generally sunny in the morning, with afternoon showers or thunderstorms; temperatures average 26ºC and can rise to 38ºC (100ºF); and night temperatures drop to around 15ºC (60ºF). During winter months (May to October) days are dry and sunny with moderate to cool temperatures, while evening temperatures drop sharply. Temperatures by day generally reach 20ºC (68ºF) and can drop to below 0ºC with frost occurring in the early morning. The hottest months are generally December and January with June and July being the coldest.


Monthly and annual rainfall

The area is considered semi arid with an annual rainfall of 520mm, which is below the average rainfall in South Africa. The rainy season is in the summer months from October to April with the highest rainfall in December and January.

Table 17  - Average Rainfall in Project Area

MONTHLY AVERAGES

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

TEMP

(°C)

24.1

23.2

22.0

18.4

15.0

11.7

12.0

14.8

18.8

21.3

22.6

23.7

SUNSHINE

(HRS)

259

237

246

218

268

261

290

306

298

276

250

274

RAINFALL

(mm)

117

83

74

57

14

5

3

5

13

37

64

67

The table below is a guide to monthly averages for temperature, sunshine and rainfall for the region.


Wind

Analysis of the meteorological data showed that the prevailing winds are from the east and southeast and wind speed averages 2.5m/s.







55




Evaporation

Potential A-span evaporation figures for the area exceed the rainfall. This gives an indication of water deficiency in the area. The average monthly evaporation figures are shown in the following table:

Table  18 - Average rate of Evaporation in Project Area

Month

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Avg

224.7

180.4

173.4

132.5

119.4

96.7

109.0

152.8

193.6

224.3

215.2

232.6


Extreme weather conditions

The area is prone to drought conditions resulting in limited availability of groundwater, and frost is not uncommon during the winter period. Rainfall typically occurs in the form of showers and thunderstorms with which strong gusty winds are associated.


Exploration is conducted year-round and is unaffected by the climate.


Item 7(f): Infrastructure with respect to mining

As this report details the exploration programme, it suffices to note that all areas are close to major towns and informal settlements as a potential source of labour with paved roads being the norm. Power lines (400kV) cross both project areas and water is as a rule drawn from boreholes. As several platinum mines are located adjacent to and within 50km of the property there is excellent access to materials and skilled labour. One of the smelter complexes of Anglo Platinum is located within 60km of the property.


Surface rights as to 365ha on Elandsfontein have been purchased in the area near the Resource and this may be of some use for potential operations. In addition, some 575ha, comprising Van Vuuren (Re: 10 Frischgewaagd - 222ha) and J C Grobbler (Re: 2 (Portion 19) Frischgewaagd - 353ha) has also been purchased and further surface rights will be required and purchased


ITEM 8: HISTORY

Item 8(a): Prior ownership

Elandsfontein (PTM RSA), Onderstepoort (Portions 4, 5 and 6), Onderstepoort (Portions 3 and 8) and Onderstepoort (Portions 14 and 15) were all privately owned. Previous work done on these properties has not been fully researched and is largely unpublished. Such academic work as has been done by the Council for Geoscience (government agency) is generally not of an economic nature.


Elandsfontein (RPM), Frischgewaagd, Onderstepoort (RPM) and Koedoesfontein have generally been in the hands of major mining groups resident in the Republic of South Africa. Portions of Frischgewaagd previously held by Impala Platinum Mines Limited were acquired by Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Company Limited, which in turn has since been acquired by Anglo Platinum through RPM.







56





Item 8(b): Work done by previous owners

Previous geological exploration and Resource estimation assessments were done by Anglo Platinum as the original owner of some of the mineral rights. Anglo Platinum managed the exploration drilling programme for the Elandsfontein and Frischgewaagd borehole series in the area of interest. Geological and sampling logs and an assay database are available.


Prior to the establishment of the WBJV and commencement of drilling for the Pre-Feasibility Study, PTM RSA had drilled 36 boreholes on the Elandsfontein property, of which the geological and sampling logs and assay databases are available.


Existing gravity and ground magnetic survey data were helpful in the interpretation of the regional and local geological setting of the reefs. A distinct increase in gravity values occurs from the southwest to the northwest, most probably reflecting the thickening of the Bushveld sequence in that direction. Low gravity trends in a south-eastern to north-western direction. The magnetic survey reflects the magnetite-rich Main Zone and some fault displacements and late-stage intrusives in the area.


The previous declarations filed with SEDAR on 13 April 2006 may be accessed on the SEDAR website and specifically by reference to Independent Preliminary Assessment Scoping Study Report and Resource Update Western Bushveld Joint Venture Elandsfontein Project (Project 1).


Item 8(c): Historical Reserves and Resources

The following table summarises the historically estimated Mineral Resources on Project Area 1:-

Table 19  - Summary of Historical Mineral Resources (Project 1)

 

 

 

Effective Date

Date Sedar Filed

Measured Resources

Indicated Resources

Inferred Resources

12 December 2005

13 January 2006

 

6.92Mt grading 5.89g/t (1.31 Moz)  

20.28Mt grading 5.98g/t (3.90 Moz)  

2 March 2006

13 April 2006

 

20.45Mt grading   3.91g/t (2.57 Moz)  

30.99Mt grading   5.16g/t (5.14 Moz)  

21 September 2006

6 November 2006

4.453Mt grading  5.20g/t (0.744 Moz)   

40.284Mt grading   4.28g/t (5.546 Moz)  

15.051Mt grading  4.15g/t (2.006 Moz)   

10 January 2007

30 January 2007

4.453Mt grading 5.20g/t (0.744 Moz)  

40.926Mt grading 4.31g/t (5.676 Moz)  

14.363Mt grading 4.03g/t (1.863 Moz)  

07 September 2007

30 January 2007

13.47Mt grading 5.29g/t (2.289 Moz)  

30.76Mt grading 5.077g/t (5.02 Moz)  

7.520Mt grading 5.23g/t (1.266 Moz)  

07 July 2008

21 August 2008

12.03 Mt grading

5.07g/t (2.24 Moz)

28.28 Mt grading

5.51 g/t (5.01 Moz)

7.37 Mt grading

5.3 g/t (1.2.56 Moz)


All of the SEDAR-filed communications listed above are in accordance with SAMREC categories and were

reliable at the time of the estimate.







57





Item 8(d): Technical Reports issued for Development of the Project

An Independent Preliminary Assessment was released in August 2005 recommending that a Pre-Feasibility Study be conducted to evaluate the economic potential of the WBJV Project 1 area.


In November 2006, a Technical Report detailing the Pre-Feasibility Study was released recommending that a full Feasibility Study be commissioned to evaluate the further economic potential of the WBJV Project 1 area.


In July 2008, a Technical Report detailing the full Feasibility Study was completed and released recommending that the project develop to implementation, subject to project financing and the approval of the Mining Right Application and other elated legal issues.


In June 2009, a Technical Report detailing the Revised Feasibility Study was completed but with only minor changes from the full Feasibility Study dealing with SEC issues.

Item 8(e): Production from the property

There has been no previous production from any of the WBJV properties.


ITEM 9: GEOLOGICAL SETTING

Item 9(a): Regional geology

The stable Kaapvaal and Zimbabwe Cratons in Southern Africa are characterised by the presence of large mafic-ultramafic layered complexes. These include the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe, the Molopo Farms Complex in Botswana and the well-known BIC.  The BIC was intruded about 2,060 million years ago into rocks of the Transvaal Supergroup along an unconformity between the Magaliesberg quartzites (Pretoria Group) and the overlying Rooiberg felsites (a dominantly felsic volcanic precursor). The BIC is by far the most economically important of these deposits as well as the largest in terms of preserved lateral extent, covering an area of over 66,000km2. It has a maximum thickness of 8km, and is matched in size only by the Windimurra intrusion in Western Australia and the Stillwater intrusion in the USA (Cawthorn, 1996). The mafic component of the Complex hosts layers rich in PGE’s, nickel, copper, chromium and vanadium. The BIC is reported to contain about 75% and 50% of the world’s platinum and palladium Resources respectively (Vermaak, 1995). The mafic component of the BIC is subdivided into several generally arcuate segments/limbs, each associated with a pronounced gravity anomaly. These include the western, eastern, northern/Potgietersrus, far western/Nietverdient and south-eastern/Bethal limbs.







58




Figure 5 - Location of the WBJV in relation to the Bushveld Igneous Complex

[technical015.jpg]

Item 9(b): Local geology

The WBJV is underlain by the lower portion of the RLS, the Critical Zone and the lower portion of the Main Zone. The ultramafic Lower Critical Zone and the Mafic Upper Critical Zone and the Main Zone weather to dark, black clays with very little topography. The underlying Transvaal Supergroup comprises shale and quartzite of the Magaliesberg Formation, which creates a more undulating topography.  Gravity, magnetic, LANDSAT, aerial photography and geochemistry have been used to map out lithological units.


The MR outcrops, as does the UG2 Reef, beneath a relatively thick (2-5m) overburden of red Hutton to darker Swartland soil forms. The sequence strikes northwest to southeast and dips between 4° and 42° with an average of 14° in the Project 1 and 1A areas. The top 32m of rock formation below the soil column is characterized by a highly weathered rock profile (regolith) consisting mostly of gabbro within the Main Zone.  Thicknesses of this profile increase near intrusive dykes traversing the area.


Item 9(c): Stratigraphy

The RLS intruded into the rocks of the Transvaal Supergroup (“TS”), largely along an unconformity between the Magaliesberg quartzite of the Pretoria Group and the overlying Rooiberg felsites, which is a dominantly felsic volcanic formation. The mafic rocks of the RLS are subdivided into the following five zones:

  • Marginal Zone - comprising finer-grained gabbroic rocks with abundant country-rock xenoliths.

  • Lower Zone - the overlying Lower Zone is dominated by orthopyroxenite with associated olivine-rich cumulates (harzburgite, dunite).







59



  • Critical Zone (“CZ”) - its commencement is marked by first appearance of well-defined cumulus chromitite layers. Seven Lower Group chromitite layers have been identified within the lower Critical Zone. Two further chromitite layers - Middle Group (“MG”) - mark the top of the pyroxenite-dominated lower Critical Zone. From this stratigraphic position upwards, plagioclase becomes the dominant cumulus phase and noritic rocks predominate. The MG3 and MG4 chromitite layers occur at the base of the upper Critical Zone, which is characterised from here upwards by a number of cyclical units. The cycles commence in general with narrow pyroxenitic horizons (with or without olivine and chromitite layers); these invariably pass up into norites, which in turn pass into leuconorites and anorthosites. The UG1 - first of the two Upper Group chromitite layers - is a cyclical unit consisting of chromitite layers with overlying footwall units that are supported by an underlying anorthosite. The overlying UG2 chromitite layer is of considerable importance because of its economic concentrations of PGE’s. The two uppermost cycles of the Critical Zone include the Merensky and Bastard cycles. The Merensky Reef is found at the base of the Merensky cycle, which consists of a pyroxenite and pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite assemblage with associated thin chromitite layers that rarely exceed one metre in thickness. The top contact of the Critical Zone is defined by a giant mottled anorthosite that forms the top of the Bastard cyclic unit.

  • Main Zone (“MZ”) - consists of norites grading upwards into gabbronorites. It includes several mottled anorthosite units towards the base and a distinctive pyroxenite, the Pyroxenite Marker, two thirds of the way up. This marker-unit does not occur in the Project Area, but is evident in the adjacent BRPM. The middle to upper part of the Main Zone is very resistant to erosion and gives rise to distinctive hills, which are currently being mined for dimension stone (black granite).

  • Upper Zone (“UZ”) - the base is defined by the appearance of cumulus magnetite above the Pyroxenite Marker. The Upper Zone is divided into Subzone A at the base; Subzone B, where cumulus iron-rich olivine appears; and Subzone C, where apatite appears as an additional cumulus phase.


The location of Project Area 1 and 1A on the BIC, as well as a summary of the stratigraphic column, is illustrated below:-







60




Figure 6  - Location of the WBJV in the Western Limb of the BIC

[technical016.jpg]










61




The upper Critical Zone of the RLS comprises mostly norites, leuconorites and anorthosites. Leeb-Du Toit (1986) assigned numbers to the various lithological units according to their position in relation to the Merensky unit. The footwall layers range from FW14 below the UG1 chromitite to FW1 directly below the Merensky Reef. The hanging wall layers are those above the Bastard Reef and range from HW1 to HW5. The different layers within the Merensky unit are the Merensky feldspathic pyroxenite at the base, followed by a leuconorite (Middling 2) and a mottled anorthosite (Middling 3). The feldspathic pyroxenite layers (pyroxene cumulates) are named according to the reef hosted by them. These include (from the base upwards) the UG1, the UG2 (upper and lower), the Merensky and the Bastard pyroxenite.


Schürmann (1993) subdivided the upper Critical Zone in the Boshoek section into six units based on lithological features and geochemical trends. These are the Bastard, the Merensky, the Merensky footwall, the Intermediate, the UG2 and the UG1 units. The Intermediate and Merensky footwall units were further subdivided based on modal-mineral proportions and whole-rock geochemical trends. The following is a detailed description of the subdivision of the upper Critical Zone in the Boshoek section (Schürmann).


Bastard Unit

The Bastard unit consists of a basal pyroxenite some 3m thick with a thin chromitite developed on the lower contact. This chromitite is the uppermost chromitite layer in the Critical Zone. A 6.5m-thick norite layer (HW1) overlies the pyroxenite. HW1 is separated from HW2 by two thin mottled anorthosite layers. HW3 is a 10m-thick mottled anorthosite and constitutes the base of the Giant Mottled Anorthosite. The mottled anorthosites of HW4 and HW5 are about 2m and 37m thick respectively. Distinction between HW3, 4 and 5 is based on the size of the mottles of the respective layers.


Merensky Unit

The Merensky unit, with the Merensky Reef at its base, is the most consistent unit within the Critical Zone.








62




Merensky Footwall Unit

This unit contains the succession between the FW7/FW6 and the FW1/MR contacts. Leeb-Du Toit (1986) indicated that where the FW6 layer is thicker than 3m, it usually consists of four well-defined rock types. The lowermost sublayer, FW6(d), is a mottled anorthosite with mottles of between 30mm and 40mm in diameter. It is characterised by the presence of nodules or “boulders” and is commonly referred to as the Boulder Bed. The nodules are described as muffin-shaped, 5-25cm in diameter, with convex lower contacts and consisting of cumulus olivine and orthopyroxene with intercumulus plagioclase. A single 2-10mm chromitite stringer is present at the base of the FW6(d) sublayer. FW6(c) is also a mottled anorthosite but not always developed. FW6(b) is a leuconorite containing pyroxene oikocrysts 10-20mm in diameter. Two layers (both 2-3cm thick) consisting of fine-grained orthopyroxene and minor olivine define the upper and lower contacts. FW6(a), the uppermost sublayer, is also a mottled anorthosite.FW6 is overlain by a uniform norite (FW5), with a thickness of 4.1m. It appears to thin towards the north to about one metre. FW4 is a mottled anorthosite 40cm thick, with distinct layering at its base. FW3 is an 11m-thick uniform leuconorite.


FW2 is subdivided into three sublayers.  FW2(b) is a 76cm-thick leuconorite and is overlain by a 33cm-thick layer of mottled anorthosite - FW2(a). Where FW2 attains a maximum thickness of 2m, a third layer in the form of a 1-2cm-thick pyroxenite or pegmatite pyroxenite, FW2(c), is developed at the base. FW2(c) is absent in the Boshoek section area (Schürmann, 1993). FW1 is a norite layer about 7m thick.


Schürmann further subdivided the Merensky footwall unit into four subunits. The lowermost subunit consists of sublayers FW6(d) and FW6(b). Subunit 2, which overlies subunit 1, commences with FW6(a) at the base and grades upwards into FW5. The FW5/FW4 contact is sharp and divides subunits 2 and 3. Subunit 3 consists of FW4, FW3 and sublayer FW2(b). Subunit 4 consists of FW2(a) and FW1 and forms the uppermost subunit of the Merensky footwall unit.







63




Figure 7 - Detailed Stratigraphy of the Western Bushveld Sequence


[technical017.jpg]


Intermediate Unit

The Intermediate unit overlies the upper pyroxenite of the UG2 unit and extends to the FW7/FW6 contact. The lowermost unit is the 10m-thick mottled anorthosite of FW12, which overlies the UG2 upper pyroxenite with a sharp contact. FW11, a roughly 1m thick leuconorite, has gradational contacts with the under- and overlying layers. FW10 consists of a leuconorite layer of about 10m. Subdivision between these two units is based on the texture and subtle differences in the modal composition of the individual layers. Leeb-Du Toit (1986) termed FW11 a spotted anorthosite and FW10 an anorthositic norite. FW12, 11 and 10 constitute the first Intermediate subunit as identified by Schürmann (1993). The second Intermediate subunit consists of FW9, 8 and 7. The 2m-thick FW9 mottled anorthosite overlies the FW10 leuconorite with a sharp contact.







64




The FW8 leuconorite and FW7 norite are respectively 3m and 37m thick. The FW9/FW8 and FW8/FW7 contacts are gradational but distinct. A 1.5m-thick highly contorted mottled anorthosite “flame bed” is present 15m above the FW8/FW7 contact.


UG2 Unit

The UG2 unit commences with a feldspathic pyroxenite (about 4m thick) at its base and is overlain by an orthopyroxene pegmatoidal layer (0.2-2m thick) with a sharp contact. Disseminated chromite and chromitite stringers are present within the pegmatoid. This unit in turn is overlain by the UG2 chromitite (0.5-0.8m thick) on an irregular contact. Poikilitic bronzite grains give the chromitite layer a spotted appearance. A 9m feldspathic pyroxenite overlies the UG2 chromitite. The upper and lower UG2 pyroxenites have sharp contacts with FW12 and FW13. The upper UG2 pyroxenite hosts the UG2 Leader seams, which occur between 0.2m and 3m above the main UG2 chromitite.


UG1 Unit

The UG1 chromitite layer is approximately 1m thick and forms the base of this unit. It is underlain by the 10m-thick FW14 mottled anorthosite. The UG1 chromitite layer bifurcates and forms two or more layers within the footwall mottled anorthosite, while lenses of anorthosite also occur within the chromitite layers. The overlying pyroxenite consists of cumulus orthopyroxene, oikocrysts of clinopyroxene and intercumulus plagioclase. The UG1 pyroxenite is separated from the overlying FW13 leuconorite (about 8m thick) by a thin chromitite layer (1-10cm) with sharp top and bottom contacts.


Item 9(d): Regional Geochemistry Survey

The Council for Geoscience (“CGS”) undertook the task of producing regional geochemical maps of South Africa to complement the existing geological information. The aim of the survey was to create a geochemical database and to determine the baselines for different lithological units. Sampling on Sheet 2526 Rustenburg was carried out in the winter months of 1991 and 1992. The sampling density was 1 sample per 1km2. Samples were analysed for 23 elements on a simultaneous X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer. Twenty three geochemical element-distribution contour maps were compiled (Wilhelm and Van Rooyen, 2001). The contour maps for the following elements: Sc, TiO2, V, Cr, MnO, FeO3, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Sn, Sb, Bu, W, Pb, Th and U were examined. The BIC is readily subdivided into the mafic / ultramafic RLS and the felsic Lebowa Granite Suite (“LGS”). The Pilanesberg Complex north of the Project Area can also be clearly delineated. The RLS has elevated Co concentrations, particularly in the Lower Zone and Lower Critical Zone. The Upper Zone is clearly defined by the high concentrations of TiO2. The RLS is depleted in Rb which the LGS is elevated in this element.


Fieldwork in the form of soil sampling and surface mapping was initially done on the farm Onderstepoort, where various aspects of the lower Critical Zone, intrusive ultramafic bodies and structural features were identified. Efforts were later extended southwards to the farms Frischgewaagd and Elandsfontein.







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Figure 8  - Regional Geochemical Survey

[technical018.jpg]


Item 9(e): Regional Geophysical Surveys

The regional gravity and magnetic maps of the BIC highlight the broad structure of the intrusion. The gravity anomalies delineating the BIC peak at approximately the top of the RLS, at the contact between the Upper Zone and the LGS. This defines the area where the mafic rocks are at their thickest and uncovered. The magnetics can be used to delineate the iron rich (magnetic layers) in the Upper Zone.








66




Item 9(f): Regional Structure

Floor rocks in the south-western BIC display increasingly varied degrees of deformation towards the contact with the RLS. Structure within the floor rocks is dominated by the north-northwest trending post-Bushveld Rustenburg Fault. This normal fault with down-throw to the east extends northwards towards the west of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Complex. A second set of smaller faults and joints, striking 70° and dipping very steeply south-southeast or north-northwest, are related to the Rustenburg fault system. These structures were reactivated during the intrusion of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Complex. Dykes associated with this Complex intruded along these faults and joints.


Major structures, which occur within the WBJV area, include the Caldera and Elands faults and Chaneng Dyke and a major north-south trending feature, which can be observed across the entire Pilanesberg Complex.


These east-west trending structures dip steeply (between 80° and 90°). The magnetics indicate that the Chaneng Dyke dips steeply to the north. This is consistent with similar structures intersected underground on the neighbouring Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine, which all dip steeply northward.


Two stages of folding have been recognised within the area. The earliest folds are mainly confined to the Magaliesberg Quartzite Formation. The fold axes are parallel to the contact between the RLS and the Magaliesberg Formation. Quartzite xenoliths are present close to the contact with the RLS and the sedimentary floor. Examples of folding within the floor rocks are the Boekenhoutfontein, Rietvlei and Olifantsnek anticlines. The folding was initiated by compressional stresses generated by isostatic subsidence of the Transvaal Supergroup during sedimentation and the emplacement of the pre-Bushveld sills. The presence of an undulating contact between the floor rocks and the RLS, and in this instance the resultant formation of large-scale folds, substantiates a second stage of deformation. The fold axes trend at approximately orthogonal angles to the first folding event. Deformation during emplacement of the BIC was largely ductile and led to the formation of basins by sagging and folding of the floor rocks. This exerted a strong influence on the subsequent evolution of the Lower and Critical Zones and associated chromitite layers.


The structural events that influenced the floor rocks played a major role during emplacement of the BIC. There is a distinct thinning of rocks from east to west as the BIC onlaps onto the Transvaal floor rocks, even to the extent that some of the normal stratigraphic units have been eliminated.


The Merensky and UG2 isopach decreases from 60m to 2m at outcrop position.

There is also a subcrop of the Critical Zone against the main zone rocks.







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Figure 9 - Gravity and Total Field Magnetics across the BIC and Surrounds

[technical019.jpg]








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Figure 10 - Regional Structural Data

[technical020.jpg]








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Item 9(g): Hydrogeology

The area is considered to be semi arid, with an annual rainfall of 520mm, which is below the average rainfall for South Africa. The rainy season falls between the summer months of October through to April and highest rainfall occurring during December and January. The highest rainfall ever recorded in the area was 65mm over a 24- hour period. Analysis of the meteorological data showed that the prevailing winds are from the east and south-east and wind speed average 2.5m/s. GCS (Pty) Ltd conducted a floodline determination for the proposed Elandsfontein Mining Development. Floodline calculations were conducted on all major surface water Resources that fall within the proposed development area. Floodlines for the 1:50 and 1:100 year floods were determined. The 100-meter lines from the centre of a watercourse have also been indicated on maps. No site visit was conducted and all calculations were based on desktop analyses.


Figure 11 - 1:50 Year Floodline over Project 1


[technical021.jpg]













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The groundwater level elevation has a good correlation with surface elevation. The general groundwater flow direction is toward the north and northeast in the direction of the surface runoff channels. Groundwater within the study area generally occurs in secondary aquifers created by weathered and fractured geological processes. The aquifer is unconfined/semi-confined. The aquifer beneath the site would classify as a minor aquifer. The average depth of the groundwater table in the study area is 26m below surface. The depth of the water level varies between 3m to >60m and the associated yields are depicted in Figure 13 - Water Depth and Borehole Yield.

The deep water level is mainly attributed to the large-scale abstraction for irrigation. Most boreholes in the study area have a depth of 40-80m. The available borehole information from previous investigations in the region shows that adjacent to the study area water strikes occur at 23m depth.







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Figure 12  - Correlation between Groundwater Level and Surface Elevation

[technical022.jpg]










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Figure 13  - Water Depth and Borehole Yield

[technical023.jpg]











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The chemical analyses of water samples taken during the pre-Feasibility Study show that the dominant water type is Mg-Ca-HCO3. The groundwater chemical data indicates that generally magnesium, calcium and TDS are present in concentrations that exceed the DWAF Domestic Water Quality Guidelines (“SAWQ”), as illustrated in the table below. This is attributed to the geology of the study area. Two boreholes located within villages show elevated nitrate concentrations, which are attributed to human activities.

Table 20  - Groundwater Chemical Results and Comparison with SAWQ Guidelines

Parameter (mg/l)

SAWQ Target Values

BH2

BH 8

BH 11

BH13

PTM1

Total Dissolved Solids

0 - 450

582

254

528

438

1032

Nitrate (NO3)

0 - 6

35

0.9

10.3

18.2

105

Chlorides (Cl)

0 - 100

52

6.4

103

49

121

Total Alkalinity (CaCO3)

NS

412

232

328

296

564

Fluoride (F)

0 - 1

<0.1

<0.1

1.3

<0.1

<0.1

Sulphate (SO4)

0 - 200

19.7

<0.1

21

11.2

74

Total Hardness (CaCO3)

0 - 100

499

223

349

338

791

Calcium (Ca)

0 - 32

78

40

64

48

101

Magnesium (Mg)

0 - 30

74

30

46

53

131

Sodium(Na)

0 - 100

10.2

8.5

61

20

48

Iron (Fe)

0 - 0.1

0.06

0.06

7.1

0.06

0.05

Manganese (Mn)

0 - 0.05

0.003

0.006

0.62

0.001

0.001

Conductivity (25°C in ms/m)

0 - 70

89.6

41.3

87

66.2

145

pH Value at 25°C

6 - 9

7.4

7.8

7.6

7.6

7.6

Zinc (Zn)

0 - 3

0.003

0.21

11.5

0.05

0.02

Lead (Pb)

0 - 0.01

<0.01

<0.01

0.06

<0.01

<0.01

Aluminium (Al)

0 - 0.15

0.04

0.05

0.09

0.06

0.04

Notes:

All parameters are in mg/t, unless otherwise stated

Source: GCS

NS = Not Specified

Red = Exceeds SAWQ Guideline


Groundwater usage in the study area is mainly for domestic purposes and livestock watering as well as irrigation. The total groundwater abstraction from the study area is 30,000l/day.  It is expected that dewatering of the aquifers surrounding the proposed mining area will occur due to dewatering of the mine workings.


Recovery of the groundwater levels in the post-mining environment can cause decanting and contaminant migration away from the site.


It is expected that contamination originating from the mining area, the TSF and the waste rock dump could occur.


Surrounding farmers and residents largely make use of groundwater. The potential for diminishing groundwater Resources could impact on the activities of other users.












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ITEM 10: DEPOSIT TYPE

Item 10(a): Local Geological Setting

Exposures of the BIC located on the western limb include the stratigraphic units of the RLS. The sequence comprises mostly gabbros, norites, anorthosites and pyroxenites. Viljoen (1999) originally proposed a structural interpretation based on geological and geophysical data for the western lobe of the BIC. This study included gravity and vibrosis seismic data for the south-western portion of the RLS northwest of Rustenburg (including the Boshoek section). It was concluded that the Merensky Reef is present within much of this lobe, including the part further to the east below the Nebo granite sheet. The position of the Merensky Reef is fairly closely defined by seismic reflectors associated with the cyclic units of the upper Critical Zone. The seismic data also portrayed an essentially sub-horizontal disposition of the layering within the BIC mafic rocks below the Nebo granite sheet. The gravity data indicates a gravity-high axis extending throughout the western lobe following the upper contact of the mafic rocks with the overlying granitic rocks. A number of pronounced gravity highs occur on this axis. A gravity anomaly with a strike length of 9km is situated northeast of Rustenburg towards the east of the Boshoek section. The gravity highs have been interpreted as representing a thickening of the mafic rocks, reflecting feeder sites for the mafic magma of the western BIC (Viljoen, 1999). The western lobe is interpreted by Viljoen as having two main arcuate feeder dykes which, closer to surface, have given rise to arcuate, coalescing, boat-shaped keels containing saucer-shaped, inward-dipping layers, analogous to the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe.


In the Boshoek section north of Rustenburg, the variable palaeo-topography of the Bushveld floor represented by the Transvaal Supergroup contact forms a natural unconformity with the overlying Bushveld layered sequence. Discontinuities due to structural interference of faults, sills and dykes are pronounced in the area and are ascribed to the presence of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Complex intrusion to the north of the property.


The sequence of the BIC within the WBJV area is confined to the lower part of the Main Zone (Porphyritic Gabbro Marker) and the Critical Zone (HW5-1 and Bastard Reef to UG1 footwall sequence). The rock sequence thins towards the southwest (subcrop) including the marker horizons with concomitant middling of the economic reefs or total elimination thereof. The UG2 Reef and, more often, the UG1 Reef are not developed in some areas owing to the irregular and elevated palaeo-floor of the Transvaal sediments.


The MR is a well developed seam along the central part and towards the north eastern boundary of the Project Area. Islands of thin reef and relatively low-level mineralisation are present.  The better-developed reef package, in which the intensity of chromitite is generally combined with pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite development, occurs as larger island domains along a wide central strip in a north south orientation from subcrop to deeper portions.









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The UG2 reef is well developed towards the northeast of the Project Area, but deteriorates towards the southwest. Within the latter area, the reef is present as a thin discontinuous or disrupted chromitite/pyroxenite layer. It also appears to be disrupted by the shear zone along the footwall alteration zone. Towards the northwest on Frischgewaagd, the reef is generally well developed and occurs as a single prominent chromitite layer varying in thickness from a few centimetres to ~2m.


The thickness of the sequences between the UG2 and MR in the Project 1 and 1A areas increases from ~10m to 80m in a southwest-northeast direction. A similar situation exists in the north of the Project Area but with the thickness between the reefs ranging from 6m to 25m at depths of 200m below surface. In general, the thickness between the reefs appears to increase in a north-easterly direction, sub-parallel to the strike of the BIC layered lithologies.


Item 10(b): Geophysical Surveys

Geophysical information obtained from Anglo Platinum was very useful during the identification and extrapolation of major structural features as well as the lithological layering of the BIC. The aeromagnetic data alone made it possible to delineate magnetic units in the Main Zone, to recognise the strata strike and to identify the dykes and iron-replacements


Mr BW Green was contracted to do ground geophysical measurements. Ground gravity measurements of 120.2km have been completed on 500m line spacing perpendicular to the strike across the deposit, together with 65.5km magnetic. The ground gravity data played a significant role in determining the hinge line where the BIC rocks start thickening down-dip, and this raised the possibility of more economic mineralisation. At the same time, the data shows where the Transvaal footwall causes the abutment or onlapping of the BIC rocks. Ground magnetic data helped to highlight faults and dykes as well as to delineate the IRUPs.


Mr WJ Visser (PTM) and Mr BW Green were responsible for the interpretation and modelling of the information, with the assistance of Anglo Platinum. All other field data (mapping, soil sampling, XRF, petrography and ground magnetic and gravimetric surveys) were collected, collated and compiled by PTM RSA personnel under the guidance and supervision of Mr WJ Visser and are deemed to be reliable and accurate.


Details of Gravity Survey

The objective of the gravity survey was twofold:-

1.

To determine the structure of the subcropping mafic sheet on the sedimentary floor. This mafic sheet has a positive density contrast of 0.3 gram per cubic centimetre (Smit et al,) with the sediments.

2.

To determine the thinning (or abutment) to the west of the mafic rocks on the floor sediments.







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The instruments used for this survey are:-

  • Gravity meter - Texas Instruments Worden Prospector Gravity Meter - This is a temperature-compensated zero length quartz spring relative gravimeter with a claimed resolution of 0.01mgal and an accuracy of 0.05mgal.

  • Position - Garmin GPS 12, Garmin GPS 72 and Magellan eXplorist 300 - These are 12- (Garmins) and 14-channel (Magellan) hand-held navigation GPS’s; all with screens displaying the track, the ability to repeat and average each reading to a required level of accuracy and large internal memories. The GPS’s were all set to the UTM projection (zone 35J) and WGS84 coordinate system. The X-Y positional accuracy was well within the specifications of this survey but the Z coordinate accuracy was inadequate.

  • Elevation - American Paulin System Surveying Micro Altimeter M 1-6 - This is a survey-standard barometric altimeter with a resolution of 30cm commonly used in regional gravity surveys. Although it does not meet the requirements of micro-gravity surveys, it is well up to the requirements of this survey.


The survey was completed in two phases - a reconnaissance survey followed by a second detailed phase completed in four steps. The initial phase consisted of a gravity survey along the major public roads of the Project Area. All kilometre posts (as erected by the Roads department) were tied in as base stations through multiple loops to a principal base station.


Readings were taken at 100m-intervals between the base stations, re-occupying the stations at less than hourly intervals. The instrument was only removed from its padded transport case for readings. The readings were taken on the standard gravimeter base plate and then used to determine the positions.


At each station the gravimeter was read, the GPS X-Y position was taken until the claimed error was less than 5m and then stored along with the time on the instrument (All three GPS’s were used alternately during the survey with a short period of overlap to check for instrument error). The elevation was then determined using the Paulin altimeter. This exercise covered 55 line kilometres.


The second phase involved taking readings at every 100m along lines 500m apart with a direction of 51° true north. The GPS’s played an important role in identifying gaps and ensuring that the lines being navigated were parallel to each other. Previously established base stations were re-occupied at least every hour. Where base stations were missing, additional stations were tied in with the original. This exercise covered 65km.









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If drift on the altimeter and gravimeter were found to be excessive new readings were taken, otherwise drift corrections were applied to the readings. Using the gravimeters dial constant the raw readings were converted to raw gravity readings. The latitude, Bouguer and free-air corrections were then applied to the data. For the Bouguer correction a density of 2.67 gram per cubic centimetre (g/cc) was used. The terrain-effect was calculated for the observation points closest to the Pilanesberg and was found to be insignificant in relation to the gravitational variations observed.


The resultant xyz positions were then gridded on a 25m grid using a cubic spline gridding algorithm. Filters were applied to this grid and the various products used in an interpretation which included information about the varying thickness of the mafic sheet, the presence of faults and the extent of the IRUPs.


Details of Ground Magnetic Survey

The purpose of the ground magnetic survey was to trace faults and dykes, determine the sense and magnitude of movement of such features and to delineate the highly magnetic IRUPs. It was decided to be consistent with the gravity survey and to use lines of a similar direction and spacing. In practise, however, this was not always possible owing to the magnetic survey’s susceptibility to interference from parallel fences, power lines and built-up areas in general. For these reasons, as well as possible interference from gravity-related equipment, magnetic surveys are generally carried out after the gravity survey.


The instruments used for this survey included:

  • Magnetics - Geometrics G 856 - This instrument is a proton-precession magnetometer used in this case as a total field instrument.

  • Position - Garmin GPS 12, Garmin GPS 72 and Magellan eXplorist 300 - see gravity survey.


The field procedure was similar to that of the second phase detailed gravity survey with the GPS used for guidance and covered 65 kilometres. With no equivalent to the gravity survey's first phase and no second magnetometer being used as a base station, a series of magnetic base stations also had to be tied in so that a base station was returned to every 30 minutes. Readings (including time) were taken at an average of 5m intervals. Position was determined by GPS every 100m and other positions interpolated through processing. Possible sources of interference such as fences and power lines were noted.


All high-frequency signals associated with cultural effects were removed. The individual lines were then put through various filters and the results presented as stacked profiles and interpreted. Inversion modelling was also performed on specific anomalies and the results included in the interpretation compilation, together with information on faults, dykes and IRUPs.







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Figure 14  - Detailed Gravity and Magnetic Surveys

[technical024.jpg]

Details of Aeromagnetic Survey

The survey was flown by Fugro Airborne using a Midas Heli-borne magnetic gradiometer system. A total of 25,324 line kilometres were flown on lines with a direction of 55° (true north) and with a sensor at a nominal elevation of 20m. The area covered by the survey was some four times larger than the WBJV area, which was situated in the north western quadrant of the surveyed area. The high resolution survey data was of a very high quality. To assist with the interpretation, various wavelength filters were applied, the gradients were derived in the three primary directions, the Euler grid path process was run on the dataset and some of the major discrete magnetic features modeled.







79




The structural features identified from the aeromagnetic data were interpreted in terms of a regional structural model. Major dyke features were easily recognised and these assisted in the compilation of a structural model for the WBJV Project Area. Exploration drilling later helped to identify a prominent east-west-trending linear feature as a south-dipping dyke. This dyke occurs along the northern boundary of Project Area 1. A second dyke occurs along the north-eastern boundary of the Elandsfontein and Frischgewaagd areas. Other major structural features include potential faults oriented at 345 degrees north in the deep environment of the Frischgewaagd south area.


The interpretation of the regional data showed:

  • the Main Zone lithologies clearly lapping onto the Transvaal floor rocks to the west of the JV area and over the stratigraphically lower RLS units, particularly north of the Elands river,

  • that the presence of the IRUPs could be determined on regional data but as composite zones and not as individual bodies.


The high resolution data allowed:

  • the mapping of individual IRUP bodies,

  • some ability to determine the relative depth of individual IRUP bodies,

  • the fault bound nature of the composite IRUP zones to be made clear,

  • the determination of the position and relative displacement of the Transvaal quartzites in the west of the area,

  • the more precise positioning of the major faults , fault zones and dykes and their attitude and their incorporation in the determination of mining blocks and

  • the determination of the presence and effect of numerous smaller structural elements.


Unfortunately the relative vertical movement of the various major RLS mafic units was not easily determined by the magnetometry and the magnetics was much less successful than the gravity survey in giving information on the sub-RLS structure, the variation in thickness of the mafic pile and the effect of the latter on the distribution and tenor of economic mineralisation.


Details of the Downhole Geophysics

The WBJV geological structural model was reconstructed throughout the pre-Feasibility Study and progressively upgraded as the borehole population increased. The base criteria and approach towards structural interpretation has resulted in a model that displayed fault orientations of northwest - southeast and dipping in a western direction. This was regarded as rather unique situation in the BIC. It became evident from plotting results on numerous cross-sections drawn through the Project Area that faults tend to increase in dip from west to east away from the subcrop environment.







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This interpretation/extrapolation was positively supported by an initial internal process of core orientation through gonio-scope and stereo-net plotting of a small population of holes across the area. In an effort to confirm the above structural orientation the company committed to a down-hole geophysics project on 31 boreholes carefully selected across the prospect area

Figure 15 - Details of Downhole Geophysically Surveyd Boreholes

[technical025.jpg]








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Table 21 - Details of Downhole Geophysics

Hole ID

EOH metres

Depth surveyed acoustic televiewing

MR depth

UG2 depth

Choice

WBJV001

476

469

448.65

472.80

Y

WBJV005

518

509

476.00

486.00

Y

WBJV025

137

caved

114.66

123.12

Y

WBJV040

388

387

385.84

434.14

Y

WBJV042

507

505

503.93

525.50

Y

WBJV045

587

507

422.00

575.00

Y

WBJV046

527

509

503.06

544.80

Y

WBJV050

603

596

531.09

592.42

Y

WBJV056

320

302

250.00

287.86

Y

WBJV067

400

391

329.14

377.57

Y

WBJV073

195

507

146.56

160.14

Y

WBJV074

552

544

522.20

531.49

Y

WBJV083

186

183

144.13

182.37

Y

WBJV085

516

caved

468.16

509.16

Y

WBJV093

474

432

401.17

440.43

Y

WBJV096

479

432

338.82

418.78

Y

WBJV100

444

433

326.70

409.65

Y

WBJV101

553

507

499.00

550.00

Y

WBJV112

551

501

453.35

503.20

Y

WBJV120

446

caved

331.30

331.06

Y

WBJV121

427

caved

342.12

388.67

Y

WBJV124

588

577

490.21

541.71

Y

WBJV127

527

486

447.00

417.35

Y

WBJV129

376

363

315.70

348.65

Y

WBJV131

590

586

549.56

-

Y

WBJV133

574

calliper stuck

509.24

528.40

Y

WBJV153

585

caved

513.83

551.25

Y

WBJV028

231

232

171.27

224.42

Y

WBJV158

0

0

756.27

767.00

n

WBJV170

452

298

259.10

268.00

Y

WBJV179

433

359

334.94

351.24

Y

WBJV162

0

0

586.53

600.19

n

WBJV149

444

439

418.67

427.55

Y


 

Holes completed successfully

 

Holes not able to access - obstructions

 

Holes surveyed during March/April 2007


Quik Log Geophysics (Pty) Ltd was contracted by PTM RSA to commence with field activities in mid December 2006. These 31 holes were selected based on:

  • representative structural domains;

  • where possible broad facies domains reconstructed at the time;

  • holes which provided sound mother-holes with respect to minimal adverse ground conditions.


Some holes that intersected prominent structural features bounding regional structural blocks were intentionally selected.










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Survey Equipment - Acoustic Televiewer Probe (ATV)

The Quik-Log acoustic tool is manufactured by ALT of Luxembourg and is a highly competitive instrument for down-hole survey activities. The ABI40 model been used at this operation is the new generation of this type of tool and supersedes the previous FAC40 model. The principal purpose of the Acoustic Televiewer ultrasonic borehole imaging tool is to provide detailed, oriented, structural information from a borehole side-wall. The Televiewer tool generates an image of the borehole side-wall by transmitting ultrasound pulses from a rotating sensor and recording the amplitude and travel time of the signals reflected at the interface between borehole fluid and the borehole wall. The amplitude of these reflections is representative for the properties of the rock surrounding the borehole.


Additionally, the travel time represents the borehole shape and diameter and is used to provide exceptionally accurate borehole diameter measurements which make the tool ideal for casing inspection; for the detection of very small diameter variation due to differential stress or for uses where a very precise borehole volume is required.


A borehole does not need to be clean for this tool to function but should be water-filled for optimal data collection efficiency during the wire line down-the-hole operation.


Results and interpretation

The first three holes’ information that Quik Log produced; WBJV05, 40 and 42 were initially verified by PTM RSA and compared with core observations and depth positions of structures and found to be sound and correct.


Shango Solutions was then contracted to verify and correlate the geophysics dataset with core and logging after they had discussed the data and approach to interpretation at the Quik Log office. The team conducted a workshop on the above mentioned holes. The conclusion of the team was that the comparison between the dataset and core information correlated positively. The dip angle; fault structures and pseudo-layering of the lithology; apparent dip direction of structures and lithology could all be positively correlated. This was supportive to the structural model being developed.


The results indicate that for the majority of the holes, a strong western dipping population of faults exists on the western and central section of the Project Area. Faults tend to increase in dip from west to east and seem to swing through the vertical to eastern steep dipping faults on the eastern boundary of the WBJV prospect. The impact this had on the existing structural model was that the dimension of fault losses on the eastern section of the prospect is smaller than previously interpreted.








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Where sills, dykes and iron pegmatite’s occur, magnetic susceptibility and gamma anomalies were generally detected. An in situ density profile at ~15cm vertical resolution along a borehole was measured and mapped. Structures intersecting a borehole were measured as anomalies on the borehole sidewall by high resolution orientated acoustic scans of the sidewall. The quality of the dataset was scrutinized by Anglo American Corporation and in general the capturing process and data quality was found to be at an acceptable standard. The data falls within the range of values expected in the BIC and stratigraphic features are well represented in the dataset as it would be expected (pyroxenite and chromitite units were recognized). It was confirmed that the ATV images are of good quality. The data was orientated to magnetic north which was subsequently rectified by Quik Log and referenced to true north. The structural information “picked” from the ATV display resulted into polar stereo plots and rose-plots as final products and that the majority of holes intersected strong western dipping fault populations and that the initial approach by PTM introduced to the structural model appears to be correct.


A process was conducted to verify these polar plots with features seen in core. The position and orientation of these structures was plotted on the geological cross-sections. This process was completed by verifying feature orientation with the plan view of structural maps to confirm the orientation of the dyke and fault losses as interpreted in the structural model. The polar plots show other orientations such as northeast-southwest for borehole WBJV040. Some easterly dipping features can also be seen in the plots. The high frequency of faulting (noisiness in geophysics “picks”) in this part of the BIC, will affect mining activities. A high frequency of fault losses is interpreted since fault features were observed in the core and confirmed by geophysics results.







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Figure 16 - Polar Stereo Plots of Selected Boreholes

[technical026.jpg]

Item 10(c): Stratigraphy

The detailed stratigraphy of the western BIC is depicted in Figure 7. The identifiable units within the WBJV area are, from top to bottom:

  • the anorthositic hanging wall sequence (HW5-1)

  • the Bastard Reef pyroxenite

  • the Mid3-1 units

  • the Merensky Reef pyroxenite

  • FW1-5

  • the anorthositic footwall (FW6-12)

  • the UG2 unit

  • the underlying medium-grained norite (FW13)

  • the multiple UG1 chromitite seams

  • the underlying medium-grained mottled anorthositic FW16

  • the Transvaal basement sediments.







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Drilling below the UG1 indicated the general absence of the basal-chilled alteration zone in contact with the Transvaal Supergroup sediments in the Project 1 and 1a area. The Main and Critical Zone sequences of the BIC, as seen in the WBJV boreholes, consist of norites and gabbronorites within the Main Zone (less than 60m thick) at the top of the sequence. Spotted and mottled anorthositic hanging wall units (HW5-1) are less than 20m thick close to subcrop and less than 130m thick away from the subcrop; these overlie the Bastard pyroxenite (less than 2m thick), which is followed by norite to mottled anorthosite. The Mid3-1 units (ranging in thickness from 6-30m from shallow to deeper environments) overlie the Merensky Reef pyroxenite (less than 2m thick).


The Merensky Reef varies at this point from pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite less than 10cm thick and/or a millimetre-thick chromitite layer, a contact only, to a thicker (more than 100cm) type of reef consisting of harzburgite and/or pegmatoidal pyroxenite units. Some of the norite footwall units (FW1-5) at the immediate footwall of the reef are not always developed and the total noritic footwall sequence is much thinner (less than 13m) than at the adjacent BRPM operation. The mottled anorthosite footwall unit (FW6) has a chromitite layer (Lone-chrome) which, although mere mm’s thick within the pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite-reef-type area, is generally developed in this area and constitutes a critical marker horizon.


Footwall units FW7-11 (mostly norite) are also not always developed and are much thinner (less than 25m) than at BRPM. The mottled anorthosite footwall unit, FW12, is generally well developed (less than 2m) and overlies a very thin UG2 chromitite/pyroxenite reef in the southern part of the property. The UG2 chromitite layer is in most cases disrupted and is either very thin or occurs as a pyroxenite in this area of the WBJV project. Further northeast towards the Frischgewaagd area, the UG2 Reef seems to thicken, especially in geological environments where the palaeo-floor to the BIC tends to have lower slope gradients. Thickening of the stratigraphic units as described above, trends more or less from the southwest to the northeast. This may have resulted from a general thickening of the entire BIC towards the central part of the Complex, away from the steeper near-surface contact with the Transvaal Supergroup. Some localities were identified in the central part of the WBJV Project Area, where thinning of lithologies is due to palaeo-high environments within the footwall below the BIC. The general stratigraphy of the upper Critical Zone proximal to the primary economic reefs - Merensky and UG2 - is outlined as follows:

  • Most of the boreholes drilled on the property have collared in the lower part of the Main Zone (“MZN”) sequence and typically in gabbronorites. The thickness of these gabbronorites and in particular the Porphyritic Gabbro Marker seems to increase from 10m in the southeast to 80m in the northwest. In this marker-unit, pyroxene porphyries tend to increase in size towards the base. At least three mottled anorthositic units (poikilitic lithological phases) were intersected in boreholes within the MZN norites below the Porphyritic Gabbro Marker with thicknesses of between 4 and 25m.







86



  • The contact at the base of the MZN cycle is transgressional towards the underlying HW5 cycles, which are medium mottled to spotted anorthosite, to large mottled anorthosite. No known mineralisation occurs in these units.

  • The gradational contact between HW5 and HW4 transgresses from mottled anorthosite into a vari-textured (leopard-spotted) anorthosite.

  • The HW4-3 interface is a transitional contact. The HW3 is typically a large mottled anorthosite with no apparent mineralisation and is an easily recognisable marker horizon.

  • The HW2 unit is classified as a cycle of leuconorite, norite and medium-grained pyroxenites.

  • The HW1 pyroxenitic norite is normally relatively thin in the Project Area, usually measuring no more than 0.3m.

  • The Bastard pyroxenite (“Bpyx”) commonly underlies the HW1 unit with a transitional contact. Pyroxenes and feldspars are commonly medium-grained; sulphide-accumulation occurs towards the bottom of the unit.

  • The Bastard Reef (“BR”) is characterised by a coarse-grained pyroxenite. The unit is relatively thin and sulphide-enriched with nominal mineralisation towards the base. If the unit is well-developed, a thin chromitite stringer occurs at the base with generally no increase in the intensity of mineralisation. The BR is currently not perceived as economically viable unit in the Project Area.

  • The Mid3 lithological unit underlies the Bastard Reef as an abrupt contact and is characterised as a large mottled anorthosite similar to that of HW3. No mineralisation occurs in this unit but it is a defined marker horizon.

  • The Mid2 unit is a leuconorite phase in the cycle between Mid3-1 and is normally less than 3m thick.

  • The Mid1 norites are usually <1m thick and have a gradational contact with the underlying Merensky pyroxenite. The light grey medium-grained norites consist of equal-granular cumulate pyroxenes with intercumulus feldspar. The lithological sequence from the sharp contact below the Bastard Reef to a gradational contact at the base of the Mid1 norite unit varies in thickness from 2-7m.

  • The Merensky pyroxenite (“Mpyx”) forms the hanging wall of the Merensky Reef and has a thickness ranging from 0.2-5.0m. It consists of cumulate pyroxenes with interstitial feldspar. The subhedral pyroxenes are medium to coarse-grained and tend to become coarser-grained towards the upper contact with the Merensky Reef Upper Chromitite (“MRUCr”) stringer. The Merensky pyroxenite contains interstitial sulphide (2-4%) towards the bottom contact and just above the MRUCr. The main sulphides are represented by pyrrhotite and pentlandite with minor pyrite.

 

 

 


87

 

  • The MRUCr exists as a chromitite stringer roughly 1-10mm thick or as disseminated chromitite lenses. It forms the base of a new cycle of differentiation considered responsible for thermal reconstitution of the underlying pyroxenite which formed the pegmatoidal Merensky Reef. It is this cycle which introduced much of the PGE and base metal sulphide mineralisation of the Merensky Reef (Viljoen, 1999).

  • The Merensky Reef pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite (“FPP”) ranges in thickness from 0-0.75m and is bounded by the MRUCr and the Merensky Reef Bottom Chromitite (“MRBCr”). The unit consists of cumulus pegmatoidal pyroxene and intercumulus plagioclase. The plagioclase is an interstitial phase which encloses the orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene in a poikilitic texture. The FPP contains disseminated and cumulate sulphides (3-5%) represented by pyrrhotite, pentlandite and minor pyrite. In the presence of the MRUCr the feldspathic pyroxenite (Mpyx) grades into a well-developed FPP with strong reconstitution of sulphides within the proximal footwall units.

  • The Merensky Bottom Chromitite (“MRBCr”) ranges in thickness from a couple of millimetres to 0.07 metres. At normal reef elevation, it represents a more or less conformable base of an existing differentiation cycle. Where anorthosite underlies the Merensky Reef, the downward settling of immiscible sulphides was arrested and became concentrated in the narrow pegmatoidal reef. Viljoen (1999) has suggested that this is due to the unreactive nature of the anorthosite. Where norite underlies the MRBCr, the thermal front penetrated into the footwall and resulted in the blotchy, thermal reconstitution of the fairly reactive footwall norite or leuconorite.

  • The immediate footwall of the Merensky Reef generally consists of norite (FW1, FW2 or FW3) that is often mineralised up to one metre below the Merensky contact. FW1 and FW2 are not present in the Project Area and have not been intersected by any of the holes drilled to date. The FW3 unit has a leuconorite - with a poikilitic anorthositic pseudo-form - mottled texture and is an unconformity of the Merensky Reef in the Abutment- and mid terrace regions. The Merensky Reef seems to be overlying unconformably to FW6 anorthosites in the deep terrace regions and no evidence was gained for the existence of FW4 and FW5 norites on the Project Area.

  • The FW6 mottled anorthosite/norite cycle is common in the mid- and deep terrace geo-zones and range in thickness from 1-4m. The lowermost sublayer FW6(d) is a mottled anorthosite. A single chromitite stringer also known as the Lone-chrome (2-10mm thick) is present at the base of the FW6(d) sublayer and is a distinct marker with respect to rock recognition. The FW6(c) is also a mottled anorthosite but seldom developed. FW6(b) is a leuconorite 2-3cm thick. FW6(a), the uppermost sublayer, is a mottled anorthosite. The geotechnical competency of this lithological sequence is perceived as stable with respect to potential tunnelling activities.






 

 

 

 

 


88




  • The FW7 unit is a distinct olivine-rich norite 3-7m thick that occurs as an abrupt underlay to the Lone-chrome of FW6. The texture of this unit is peculiar and unique, with the pyroxenes partly replaced by olivine to provide a corona-texture appearance and a greenish background throughout the unit.

  • The FW8 unit is a leuconorite approximately 1-2m thick with occasional anorthosite sublayering. This unit seems to be eliminated from the succession in the Abutment region of the Project Area.

  • The FW9 unit is a mottled anorthosite and mostly thin (1-2m thick); it has a rose-pink background colour and is not always developed. It has a gradational contact with the overlying FW8 and transitional contact with the underlying FW10.

  • The FW10 unit is sporadically developed and seems to be more prominent in the deep terrace region. As a porphyritic norite it seldom exceeds 0.7m and normally occurs as a 0.25-0.30m lithological unit. Its dark green appearance is due to the alteration and presence of olivine recrystallisation.

  • The FW11 unit ranges in thickness from 6-10m and is a leuconorite with numerous thin anorthosite banding (1-3cm) and occasional mottled anorthosite bands (~15cm) proximal to the base.

  • The FW12 is a large (3-5cm) poikilitic anorthosite which has an abrupt contact with the underlying feldspathic pyroxenite that overlies the UG2 and varies in thickness between five and eight metres.

  • An upper feldspathic pyroxenite about 3m thick above the UG2 main seam contains cumulate pyroxene and intercumulus feldspar and hosts three Leader seams of variable thickness. These seams are generally situated 0.2-3m above the UG2 main seam. These three Leaders are not always present and Leaders 2 (UG2L2) and 3 (UG2L3) seem to be vacant on the slope environments where the Transvaal Basement is elevated. The thickness of the Leaders has been logged as 10-20cm for UG2L1 and UG2L2. The UG2L3 is normally a chromitite seam a few millimetres thick.

  • The lower contact between the UG2 main seam and the underlying feldspathic unit is usually irregular. Poikilitic bronzite crystals give the UG2 chromitite seam a spotted appearance and appear to be confined to the main seam. This unit is often massive chromitite but in places occurs as numerous seams due to the presence of interstitial pyroxenite. The thickness of the UG2 layer seems to increase in depth from the subcrop, starting as a very disrupted thin seam (5-20cm) on the Abutment environment and becoming a pronounced thick deposit (more than 2m) in the deeper eastern section at the WBJV boundary.



89




  • The UG2 Reef is characterised by 0.3m-thick coarse-grained lower feldspathic pyroxenite developed below its base. A 5-30cm harzburgitic leuconorite unit is developed below the feldspathic pyroxenite, mostly at the property’s mid- and deep terrace regions. If pegmatoidal, the feldspathic pyroxenite contains disseminated chromite and chromitite stringers. An abrupt contact normally occurs between the harzburgite unit and the underlying FW13 norites.

  • The FW13 unit is a cyclic sublayered unit of leuconorite and spotted anorthosite, and varies in thickness from 2m in the Abutment region to 30m where layering has low slope gradients.

  • The UG1 (lower-set units of the Upper Group chromitite layers) is a cyclical unit consisting of three to five thin chromitite layers of varying (1-25cm) thickness. Intermittent norite may be associated with this unit. Mineralisation is confined to the chromitite seams and this unit may be considered a potential target. Placement of footwall development in the mine design for exploitation of the UG2 will take cognisance of the presence of the UG1 below.

  • The FW16 underlies the UG1 chromitite cycle as a sequence of mottled anorthosite grading to a leuconorite towards the base and has an irregular, sharp contact with the Transvaal sediments.

 

 

ITEM 11: MINERALISATION

Item 11(a): Mineralisation Styles and Distribution

Bulk modal analyses were estimated based on the results from XRD analysis (RIR method) and optical microscopic examination. The results were as follows:-

Alteration - Silicates showed low to moderate alteration, mainly associated with fractured zones. The degree of alteration is not expected to hinder flotation results, but should be monitored. Sulphide Assemblages - Sulphide composition of the samples was variable. The results of the estimated sulphide composition of the composite sample were as follows:-


o

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2):

20%

o

Pyrite (FeS2):

2%

o

Pyrrhotite (Fe7S8):

35%

o

Pentlandite ((Fe, Ni)S):

43%


Examination of the polished thin-sections showed that the sulphides occurs as sporadically distributed, fine grained clusters associated with interstitial silicates or as isolated, coarse composite particles and blebs. The liberation characteristics of the sulphides are expected to be relatively good apart from the fine disaggregated disseminated chalcopyrite.








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Item 11(b): PGE and Gold Deportment

PGE searches (including gold bearing phases) were conducted by manually scanning a selection of the polished sections utilizing a scanning electron microscope to obtain a statistical particle count. Approximately 237 particles were located in 8 thin sections and image analysis software was employed to measure the size of each particle.


Speciation

Taken as a whole, the proportions of the various PGE (+Au) species are depicted in Table 22 - The major PGE phase encountered was cooperite (PtS) which comprise 63% of the observed particles. Moncheite (PtTe2) was the next most common PGE encountered (11%).


The major gold-bearing phase, electrum (AuAg), was found to comprise 6% of the observed particles. Braggite (PtPd)S is also fairly common and comprises 5% of the observed particles. Sperrylite (PtAs2) is less common, comprising about 4% of the observed PGE’s. A PGE phase composed of Pd, Pt, As and some Te was found to be present in 2.4% of the observed particles. Hollingworthite (RhAsS), isoferroplatinum (Pt3Fe) and laurite (RuS2) are less common PGE’s, each comprising about 1.5% of the total observed particles. Froodite (PdBi2) comprise about 1% of the observed particles and was found only in one thin-section (41/D4/B). The remaining 2.8% of the observed particles are composed of 9 other PGE and gold species.


In order to reach a better understanding of the PGE speciation, they were classified into five groups: a) sulphides, b) arsenides, c) Te-, Sb- and Bi-bearing, d) Au-bearing phases and e) Fe bearing PGE’s. The sulphides comprise about 71% of PGE’s observed (of which cooperate comprise about 90%).







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Table 22  - PGE + Au speciation and proportional occurrence based on area (um2)

 

No of

Particles

Area

 (um2)

% of Total Area

% in

Group

Group

Area

Group as % of Total

Sulphides

Cooperite

69

12719.0

63.2

89.29

14241.6

70.8

Braggite

2

1069.1

5.3

7.51

Laurite

10

319.5

1.6

2.24

Platarsite

1

136.9

0.7

0.96

Arsenides

Sperrylite

8

754.3

3.8

46.56

1620.0

8.1

Palladoarsenide

1

87.0

0.4

5.37

PdPt(Te)As

3

476.4

2.4

29.41

Hollingworthite

2

302.3

1.5

18.66

Te-Be- and Bi-Bearing

Moncheite

37

2128.8

10.6

81.24

2620.4

13.0

Michenerite

5

119.1

0.6

4.55

Stbiopalladinite

6

99.9

0.5

3.81

Stumpflite

1

7.0

0.0

0.27

PdSbBi

9

14.3

0.1

0.93

Froodite

22

241.3

1.2

9.21

Au-Bearing

Electrum

52

1228.4

6.1

6.11

1342.8

6.7

Aurostibite

1

37.0

0.2

0.18

Gold

1

72.5

0.4

0.36

AuPdTe

2

4.9

0.0

0.02

Fe-Bearing PGE’s

Isoferroplatinum

5

281.4

1.4

100

281.4

1.4

TOTAL

237

20106.2

100

 

20106.2

100


Mineral Association

With regard to the mineral associations, 77% of the total PGE’s (+Au-phases) observed are associated with sulphides (mainly occluded or attached to chalcopyrite or pentlandite), 21% is occluded in silicates (usually in close proximity to sulphides), and only 2% occur on the boundary between silicate minerals and chromite. Microscopic observation indicates that PGE’s (+Au-phases) concluded in silicate minerals occur mainly in the alteration silicates and in interstitial silicate phases i.e. talc, chlorite, quartz, amphibole and phlogopite.











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Grain-Size Distribution

With regard to the grain size distributions, nearly 40% of the total PGE’s are sulphides that are larger than 1000µm2 in size. Approximately 75% of the observed PGE’s are larger than 100µm2 in size. It was also noted that the Te-, Sb- and Bi-bearing PGE’s are generally smaller than the sulphides.


The largest PGE particle observed was measured at ~5000µm2. Only 2 particles were measured at >1000µm2, but this accounted for nearly 37% of total PGE’s observed. The sulphide and PGE composition of the composite sample is normal for the Merensky Reef. The most significant observations resulting from these processes are:

  • the formation of deleterious alteration products such as talc and chlorite which will tend to dilute grades of flotation concentrates, and affect the milling and filtration characteristics of the ore;

  • alteration tends to disaggregate primary sulphides (and PGE’s) in situ, to form very fine disseminated clusters within alteration silicates, which will require finer grinding to achieve effective liberation.

 

 

Item 11(c): Depth of Oxidation and Overburden

Evidence from boreholes to date shows that the regolith thickness in the WBJV area varies from 21-32m (it is for this reason that all boreholes are cased up to a depth of at least 40m). The depth of oxidation coincides with depth of weathering and affects the reef horizons along the subcrop environment and along the 1 015 AMSL reef contour line.


Item 11(d): Geological Controls on Rock-Mass Behaviour

The following note, compiled by Dave Arnold of Turnberry Projects, summarises the geological controls that have influenced and governed geotechnical aspects of the design of underground mining operations at the WBJV project, from the point of view of both regional and local stability.


The geological environment in which the mine is situated plays an overriding role in determining and dictating the geotechnical mine design strategies that have been adopted for the optimum exploitation of the Resource.  These strategies relate to fundamental design aspects such as regional mine support, internal stope support, stoping sequences, access tunnel layouts, tunnel support, and the protection of underground and surface access and engineering infrastructure.  


The mine will primarily exploit Merensky reef, together with concurrent exploitation of selected areas of UG2 reef. The width and dip of these narrow, tabular reef horizons, their separation distance from one another, and the geological and geotechnical nature, strength and structure associated with them and the surrounding hangingwall and footwall country rock strata are vital elements in the design of the mine. The information







93




required to characterise the rockmass and execute the mine design has been largely gathered from an evaluation of borehole intersections, and this work is described in the following section of this note.


The property straddles the outcrop of the south-western limb of the Bushveld, only some four to eight kilometres south of the Pilanesberg intrusive alkali ring complex. The proximity of this extinct volcano has contributed to the generally fractured and disturbed nature of the orebody and its surrounding host rock formations.


Apart from the important issue of intact rock strength, a geotechnical assessment of the host rockmass, and the design of mining operations and mining infrastructure therein, is dominated by consideration of its structural characteristics.


The rockmass is dislocated and broken up by numerous faults and dykes. Some faults have large displacements of many tens of metres, but most have throws of only a few metres. The trend of the majority of faulting is northwest-southeast (i.e. orientated roughly parallel or sub-parallel to the general strike of the orebody), and many appear to comprise low angle shear planes.  A number of the faults are combined with dyke intrusions. The spacing of the larger faults is generally less than a hundred metres. The major dykes, on the other hand, are orientated roughly due west-east, occur far less frequently, and are often associated with strike-slip displacements. The widths of the larger dykes vary up to a maximum of a few tens of metres.  Other smaller dykes and sills are interposed with the major northwest-southeast orientated fault swarm. Two main dyke and sill types are encountered.

The majority are hard and competent dolerites that will pose little or no threat to mining operations, while the lamprophyres are invariably extremely weathered on exposure, sometimes to the extent of being completely decomposed, even at depth, and will present significant stability challenges in shafts, winzes, tunnels and stopes.  The probable presence of water on these features cannot be excluded. Some of the faults and dykes are associated with large displacements that have the effect of dividing the orebody into a number of separate blocks, and that has also led to the creation of multiple reef intersections on several of the planned levels. The geotechnical ramifications of this are that, firstly, regional support in the mine will be somewhat enhanced by the relatively limited stoping spans that will be generated, and, secondly, main crosscut tunnels accessing these various faulted blocks are likely to be sited in a variety of differing host rock horizons, rendering prediction of likely rockmass conditions and support requirements problematic to some extent. The structure in the Project Area is illustrated in figure below:-







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Figure 17  - Merensky and UG2 Reef Structure

[technical027.jpg]

Joint sets parallel the predominant fault and dyke trends.  Their frequency, orientations and nature indicate that, of all the structural features, jointing is the most pervasive and is likely to play the most prominent role in dictating the in-situ strength, stability and competence of support pillars, stope hangingwall, and tunnel rockwalls, particularly in situations where these joints have little or no cohesion for whatever reason. Low angle thrust (ramp fault) or ‘dome’ jointing is also observed and is likely to adversely affect hangingwall stability in stoping operations on both of the reef horizons.







95




The immediate hangingwall and footwall strata associated with the Merensky and UG2 reefs is not significantly different from that of surrounding operations south of the Pilanesberg Complex.  The immediate hangingwall of the Merensky reef is pyroxenite, grading upwards to norites and anorthosites.  The footwall comprises norite and anorthosite.  Although layered, there are few reef-parallel partings in either the hangingwall or footwall of the Merensky Reef.  The immediate hangingwall of the UG2 Reef on the other hand sometimes comprises intercalated layers of pyroxenite and chromitite of various thicknesses.  These all represent potential partings and planes of weakness, which are likely to emphasize the need for adequate pre-stressed stope support measures on this horizon. The footwall of the UG2 is usually a pegmatoidal felspathic pyroxenite of variable thickness, as is discussed a little later below.


The Bushveld Igneous Complex has been intruded into sedimentary rocks of the Transvaal system, and is thus underlain by quartzites and shales of this formation.  The property sits astride the abutment zone where the footwall rock strata of the Bushveld Complex below the UG2 reef horizon are almost entirely truncated in the shallow regions close to the surface outcrop.  This becomes less marked further down-dip, and the presence and thickness of these Bushveld footwall strata increases with increasing depth.  The nature of the Transvaal palaeo-footwall surface also has some influence on the structure and character of the Bushveld reef zones.


The depth of surface soil and decomposed overburden is generally in the order of 4m or 5m, while the zone of weathered and unconsolidated rock (regolith) can extend to as much as 20m or more in places, but this is also very varied over the property. This naturally has implications for the collaring of shafts and declines, and for the foundations of headgears, hoists, plant and similar structures, depending upon their location.


Weathering associated with percolating groundwater, mainly along structural features, is in places persistent to some considerable depth. Some Bushveld rock types appear to be somewhat more prone to such deterioration than others, as is particularly the case with lamprophyre dyke and sill intrusions, as was noted above.


The geotechnical investigation of the orebodies and the immediate surrounding rockmass included conducting:-

  • intact rock strength tests,

  • drill core fracture logging and

  • rockmass quality rating determinations.  

 

Two deflections through target lithologies, intersected in each of ten vertical boreholes, representative of the whole mining area, were selected for this work. In addition, the entire length of boreholes drilled down the barrels of three proposed vertical shaft positions, situated close to the centre of gravity of the orebodies, were similarly evaluated.







96




The following tables summarise the geotechnical testwork and evaluation procedures that were undertaken to characterise the rockmass.  They also provide a synopsis of results that emanated this work. In excess of one thousand strength and modulus tests were conducted on representative specimens selected from core recovered from the deflections and the shaft holes. The distribution of test samples selected from the deflection holes is shown in the table below:-

Table 23  - Intact Rock Strength Tests

Borehole

Number

General

Location

Number of

UCS Tests

Number of

Shear Tests

WBJV 005  D1, D2

Centre

48

1

WBJV 040  D5, D6

South-West

24

0

WBJV 042  D5, D6

Centre-South

115

0

WBJV 046  D5, D6

South-East

175

0

WBJV 050  D2, D3

Centre-East

136

0

WBJV 067  D2, D3

North-West

105

0

WBJV 093   D2, D3

Centre-East

103

0

WBJV 100  D4, D5

Centre-West

87

1

WBJV 101 D3, D4/2

Centre

31

1

WBJV 127  D5, D6

North-East

117

1

WBJV 213  D0 Shaft

Centre

241

0

WBJV 200  D0 Dyke

Centre

45

0

Total Tests

 

1227

4

UCS = Uniaxial compressive strength


The rock types making up each lithological unit encountered in the representative borehole deflections were sometimes found to vary, and, in some of the holes, whole lithological units were absent.  This was to be expected given that the rockmass comprising the property is structurally complex. Nevertheless, an inventory of the lithological units and the rock types that are generally associated with each, and from which representative samples were selected, is tabulated below.














97




Table  24 - Lithological Units and Rock Types

Lithological Unit

Rock Types

   Main Zone

Norite or Mottled Anorthosite

   Hangingwall 5

Poikilitic Anorthosite

   Hangingwall 4

Anorthosite  (variously textured)

   Hangingwall 3

Poikilitic Anorthosite

   Hangingwall 2

Leuconorite

   Hangingwall 1

Norite

   Bastard Reef

Feldspathic Pyroxenite

   Mid 3

Poikilitic Anorthosite or Leuconorite

   Mid 2

Norite or Leuconorite

   Mid 1

Norite

   Merensky Reef Hangingwall

Feldspathic Pyroxenite

   Merensky Reef

Chromitite / Feldspathic Pyroxenite

   Merensky Reef Footwall

Feldspathic Pyroxenite or Fel-Pyrox / Hartzbergite (Tarentaal)

   Footwall 1

Norite

   Footwall 3

Norite or Leuconorite

   Footwall 5

Leuconorite or Norite

   Footwall 6

Poikilitic Anorthosite

   Footwall 7

Norite or Hartzburgite or Norite-Leuconorite

   Footwall 8

Leuconorite

   Footwall 9

Poikilitic Anorthosite

   Footwall 10

Hartzbergite

   Footwall 11

Norite / Leuconorite

   Footwall 12

Poikilitic Anorthosite

   UG-2 Hangingwall

Feldspathic Pyroxenite

   UG-2 Reef

Chromitite

   UG-2 Footwall

Feldspathic Pyroxenite

   Footwall 13

Norite or Anorthosite or Leuconorite

   UG-1 Hangingwall

Norite or Feldspathic Pyroxenite

   UG-1 Reef

Chromitite or Hartzbergite or Feldspathic Pyroxenite / Chromitite

   UG-1 Parting

Feldspathic Pyroxenite or Norite or Leuconorite or Anorthosite

   UG-1 Footwall

Feldspathic Pyroxenite or Leuconorite

   Footwall 16

Feldspathic Pyroxenite or Norite or Leuconorite to Anorthosite

   Basement

Basement Granulites and Sedimentary Rocks

   IRUP

Iron Replacement Pegmatoid

   Lamprophyric Dyke and Sills

Lamprophyre

   Dolerite Dykes and Sills

Dolerite









98




Samples were tested for Density, Uniaxial Compressive Strength, Elastic Modulus and Poisson’s Ratio. In most cases, at least three individual specimens were cut and tested from each sample, yielding average results for the sample.  These results, combined with the rock mass ratings discussed later, were used to calculate the rock mass strength, which in turn allowed for the design of support pillars and stope spans for stable mining operations. The table below shows the average results that were obtained from all tests that were conducted on each of the lithological horizons that were intersected in the deflection boreholes.

Table 25  - Average Test Results for each Lithological Unit

Lithology &

Rock Description

Density

(g/cm³)

UCS Strength

 (MPa)

Secant Modulus

 (GPa)

Poisson's

Ratio

Hangingwall Zone

   Main Zone

2.93

177.74

91.91

0.26

   Hangingwall 5

2.93

188.31

89.64

0.26

   Hangingwall 4

2.81

229.05

84.16

0.26

   Hangingwall 3

2.79

209.17

79.55

0.26

   Hangingwall 2

2.80

216.42

73.65

0.27

   Hangingwall 1

2.85

204.14

83.78

0.26

   Bastard Reef

3.20

165.89

103.45

0.22

   Mid 3

2.83

202.10

81.49

0.26

   Mid 2

2.83

200.55

77.52

0.25

Merensky H/Wall

   Mid 1

2.97

179.85

81.98

0.22

   MReef Hangingwall

3.10

166.31

107.12

0.24

Merensky Reef Zone

   Merensky Reef

3.18

152.10

106.25

0.24

Merensky Footwall

   MReef Footwall

3.05

163.32

94.47

0.24

   Footwall 1

3.13

179.21

89.74

0.27

   Footwall 2

 

 

 

 

   Footwall 3

2.95

169.54

82.64

0.23

   Footwall 4

2.84

191.84

85.38

0.26

Middling Zone

   Footwall 5

2.84

170.97

85.66

0.26

   Footwall 6

2.77

239.91

81.88

0.27

   Footwall 7

2.92

164.65

88.60

0.25

   Footwall 8

2.82

177.53

80.95

0.27

   Footwall 9

2.72

187.65

82.48

0.27

   Footwall 10

2.84

188.27

87.83

0.29







99






   Footwall 11

2.86

185.26

84.78

0.25

   Footwall 12

2.77

209.45

74.49

0.26

UG-2 Hangingwall

   UG-2 Hangingwall

3.18

156.53

107.05

0.21

   UG-2 Leader 2

 

 

 

 

   UG-2 Leader 1

 

 

 

 

   UG-2 Pyroxenite

 

 

 

 

UG-2 Reef Zone

   UG-2

4.01

85.08

107.56

0.28

UG-2 Footwall

   UG-2 Footwall

3.18

126.41

88.19

0.22

   Footwall 13

2.91

181.71

90.34

0.25

Footwall Zone

   UG-1 Hangingwall

3.09

180.97

110.38

0.23

   UG-1

3.93

90.81

94.13

0.32

   UG-1 Parting

3.24

176.49

97.05

0.24

   UG-1 Footwall

3.08

181.69

101.34

0.20

   Footwall 16

3.04

177.74

107.73

0.25

   Basement

3.03

261.74

90.31

0.23

Intrusives

   Irup

3.25

188.08

108.22

0.23

   Lamprophyre

2.67

47.34

9.80

0.17

   Dolerite

3.16

182.00

86.17

0.27


Core from each deflection was geotechnically logged from above or as close as possible to the Bastard reef to about 20m below the UG1 horizon. In a number of instances some of the horizons, including on occasion the Merensky or UG2 reefs, were either not developed or were faulted out so that the entire lithological sequence was not always present. Fracture logging described the positions of each natural fracture and its angle, planarity, roughness and filling.  Standard rock quality designation (“RQD”) values were also recorded for each core run and, where possible, for each lithology, calculated as follows:-


Total Length of Core ≥ 100mm x 100

RQD%=                                                        Length of core run









100




All of the other parameters that are required for the calculation of rock mass ratings were also recorded for each lithology.

Using all of the information gathered above, a number of industry-accepted rating systems were employed to classify the rockmass associated with each of the various lithologies for the purpose of providing fundamental input into the geotechnical models, and for facilitating the design of the geotechnical aspects associated with mining operations and excavation support requirements.


The Q-System classification is based on three aspects:

  • rock block size (RQD/Jn)

  • joint shear strength (Jr /Ja)

  • confining stress (Jw/SRF)

 

Where:   RQD is the rock quality designation

Jn

is the joint set number

Jr  

is the joint roughness number

Ja

is the joint alteration number

Jw

is the joint water reduction factor

SRF

is the stress reduction factor


Q is calculated as:


[technical028.jpg]


The modified stability number ‘N’ is derived from the Q-System.  The parameter SRF (the stress factor) is not used, and three factors are applied to take account of the rock strength to stress effect, joint orientation, and gravity.  In this situation ‘Q’ and ‘N’ have similar values, so they have been combined in the table below.

Table 26  - Combined ‘Q’ and ‘N’ Values for each Lithological Unit

Lithology &

Rock Description

Average

‘Q’&‘N’

Value

Maximum

‘Q’&‘N’

Value

Minimum

‘Q’&‘N’

Value

Standard Deviation

Hangingwall Zone

 

 

 

 

 

MZn

2.5

5.3

0.1

2.1

 

HW-5

40.2

138.7

0.4

42.0

 

HW-4

36.7

139.3

0.9

36.4

 

HW-3

52.2

152.8

3.6

50.4

 

HW-2

51.4

149.9

2.6

53.3







101






 

HW-1

50.0

142.6

9.0

40.9

 

BR

37.8

112.6

8.4

31.2

 

MID-3

37.0

118.6

0.4

35.0

 

MID-2

32.4

142.7

0.4

35.7

 

MID-1

37.1

142.7

0.4

43.3

 

MR-HW

38.9

142.7

0.4

45.3

Merensky Reef Zone

 

 

 

 

 

MR

42.3

142.7

0.4

46.5

Merensky Footwall

 

 

 

 

 

MR-FW

36.8

142.7

2.4

45.0

 

FW-1

66.0

129.9

31.0

45.3

 

FW-2

28.7

129.9

0.4

43.1

 

FW-3

22.9

76.3

0.3

25.6

Middling Zone

 

 

 

 

 

FW-4

11.3

31.0

0.2

11.0

 

FW-5

27.0

104.4

0.2

38.5

 

FW-6

25.8

96.0

0.3

25.7

 

FW-7

24.0

151.3

0.1

38.0

 

FW-8

28.1

93.3

0.2

28.8

 

FW-9

21.2

58.5

0.2

20.4

 

FW-10

25.3

58.5

4.7

19.5

 

FW-11

12.3

52.0

0.0

13.4

 

FW-12

14.7

51.8

0.0

15.8

UG-2 Hangingwall

 

 

 

 

 

UG2-L3

 

 

 

 

 

UG2-H/W

15.9

77.3

0.6

19.2

 

UG2-L2

14.6

28.0

0.6

11.2

 

UG2-L1

14.6

28.0

0.6

11.2

 

UG2-Pyx

19.7

77.3

0.6

25.1

UG-2 Reef Zone

 

 

 

 

 

UG-2

13.9

77.3

0.6

18.5







102






UG-2 Footwall

 

 

 

 

 

UG2-FW

13.8

57.2

0.6

16.4

 

FW-13

16.9

153.9

0.1

37.1

Footwall Zone

 

 

 

 

 

UG1-HW

10.4

35.6

1.1

8.7

 

UG-1

22.4

128.5

0.4

33.8

 

UG1-P

20.1

95.4

0.4

25.3

 

UG1 FW

123.4

745.3

0.4

238.0

 

FW-16

20.2

55.2

1.8

18.0

Basement

 

 

 

 

 

Granulites

31.3

121.7

0.2

42.1


The geomechanical Rock Mass Rating (“RMR”) is obtained by summing five parameter values and then adjusting this total by taking into account the effects of joint orientations. The parameters included in the system are as follows:

  • rock material strength (UCS)

  • RQD

  • joint spacing

  • joint roughness and separation

  • groundwater

The average RMR values determined for the various lithologies are presented in the table below:-

Table 27  - RMR Values for each Lithological Unit

Lithology &

Rock Description

Average RMR

Value

Maximum RMR

Value

Minimum RMR

Value

Standard Deviation

Hangingwall Zone

 

 

 

 

 

MZn

55.8

72.3

41.8

12.6

 

HW-5

65.0

82.8

52.5

8.3

 

HW-4

63.8

79.0

54.7

7.8

 

HW-3

65.8

75.0

55.2

7.1

 

HW-2

69.7

87.0

55.3

10.6

 

HW-1

67.4

87.0

55.7

7.9

 

BR

65.8

81.0

55.4

6.5







103






 

MID-3

63.5

75.0

47.6

8.1

 

MID-2

64.6

75.0

52.6

7.3

 

MID-1

63.5

75.0

42.8

8.4

 

MR-HW

62.7

75.0

42.8

8.8

Merensky Reef Zone

 

 

 

 

 

MR

62.8

75.0

42.8

9.1

Merensky Footwall

 

0.0

0.0

 

 

MR-FW

61.7

72.9

55.6

6.8

 

FW-1

59.2

67.7

42.8

11.6

 

FW-2

61.0

75.0

42.8

10.4

 

FW-3

66.0

75.0

55.6

6.5

Middling Zone

 

 

 

 

 

FW-4

64.1

75.0

55.6

6.1

 

FW-5

63.5

75.0

55.7

6.5

 

FW-6

62.9

75.0

52.8

6.1

 

FW-7

62.2

73.0

42.5

8.1

 

FW-8

63.4

82.0

52.4

7.7

 

FW-9

63.7

82.0

55.5

8.0

 

FW-10

62.8

67.9

55.7

5.8

 

FW-11

62.3

82.0

49.7

8.7

 

FW-12

60.5

87.0

35.3

10.6

UG-2 Hangingwall

 

 

 

 

 

UG2-L3

 

 

 

 

 

UG2-H/W

61.5

87.0

35.3

11.2

 

UG2-L2

72.3

87.0

62.8

10.6

 

UG2-L1

72.3

87.0

62.8

10.6

 

UG2-Pyx

65.8

87.0

47.3

11.7

UG-2 Reef Zone

 

0.0

0.0

 

 

UG-2

60.8

87.0

35.9

11.3

UG-2 Footwall

 

 

 

 

 

UG2-FW

65.9

87.0

47.3

10.1

 

FW-13

63.5

81.7

47.3

9.0







104






Footwall Zone

 

 

 

 

 

UG1-HW

59.8

72.9

42.8

8.3

 

UG-1

61.0

82.4

42.4

9.1

 

UG1-P

59.9

83.0

42.4

9.9

 

UG1 FW

66.5

80.0

57.9

8.0

 

FW-16

60.7

75.4

45.5

8.1

Basement

 

 

 

 

 

Granulites

61.7

67.1

54.8

4.5


The Mining Rock Mass Rating (“MRMR”) system takes into account the same parameters as the geomechanics system, but combines the groundwater and joint condition, resulting in consideration of the following four parameters:

  • rock material strength (UCS)

  • RQD

  • joint spacing

  • joint condition and ground water.

Further adjustments are applied to the MRMR value to take account of weathering of the rock mass, joint orientation relative to mining excavations, mining-induced stresses and blasting effects.  In the context of this project, MRMR values have been used to calculate rock mass strengths for the panel pillar design.


The average Mining Rock Mass Rating values determined for the various lithologies are presented in the table below:-

Table 28 - MRMR Values for each Lithological Unit

Lithology &

Rock Description

Average MRMR

Value

Maximum MRMR

Value

Minimum MRMR

Value

Standard Deviation

Hangingwall Zone

 

 

 

 

 

MZn

44.6

58

33

10.1

 

HW-5

51.9

66

42

6.7

 

HW-4

50.9

63

44

6.0

 

HW-3

52.7

60

44

5.5

 

HW-2

55.4

70

44

7.8

 

HW-1

53.9

70

45

6.1







105






 

BR

52.4

65

44

5.0

 

MID-3

50.3

60

38

6.5

 

MID-2

51.5

60

42

5.7

 

MID-1

50.9

60

34

6.5

 

MR-HW

50.3

60

34

6.7

Merensky Reef Zone

 

 

 

 

 

MR

50.3

60

34

7.0

Merensky Footwall

 

 

 

 

 

MR-FW

49.3

58

44

5.4

 

FW-1

47.3

54

34

9.2

 

FW-2

49.2

60

34

7.8

 

FW-3

52.6

60

44

5.0

Middling Zone

 

 

 

 

 

FW-4

51.1

60

44

4.6

 

FW-5

50.7

60

45

5.0

 

FW-6

50.2

60

42

4.8

 

FW-7

49.7

58

34

6.3

 

FW-8

50.6

66

42

5.9

 

FW-9

50.9

66

44

6.4

 

FW-10

50.2

54

45

4.6

 

FW-11

49.8

66

40

7.0

 

FW-12

48.5

70

28

8.2

UG-2 Hangingwall

 

 

 

 

 

UG2-L3

 

 

 

 

 

UG2-H/W

49.2

70

28

8.7

 

UG2-L2

57.7

70

50

8.4

 

UG2-L1

57.7

70

50

8.4

 

UG2-Pyx

52.6

70

38

9.4

UG-2 Reef Zone

 

 

 

 

 

UG-2

48.7

70

29

8.7

UG-2 Footwall

 

 

 

 







106






 

UG2-FW

52.4

70

38

7.7

 

FW-13

50.7

65

38

7.0

Footwall Zone

 

 

 

 

 

UG1-HW

47.9

58

34

6.4

 

UG-1

48.7

66

34

7.0

 

UG1-P

47.8

66

34

7.9

 

UG1 FW

53.1

64

46

6.4

 

FW-16

48.4

60

36

6.2

Basement

 

 

 

 

 

Granulites

49.3

54

44

3.6


The geotechnical information presented in all of the above tables has been condensed from a large amount of detailed geotechnical data that has been gathered during the course of the investigation. The raw data comprises individual fracture logs of each hole, photographs of each box of core, and rock mass ratings and strength tests conducted on each lithological unit intersected in every borehole. These summaries do, however, serve to clarify and simplify the huge mass of collected data, and help establishment the necessary input data required for generalised mine design.


The geological and geotechnical information that was gathered during the course of the study, and which has been summarized and outlined in the preceding paragraphs of this note, was incorporated into the detailed planning and design of mine. Fundamental design aspects include those relating to regional stability, stope support, access layouts, tunnel support, and the layout and support of shafts and associated infrastructure.  These aspects are elaborated upon in the mining section of the Updated Feasibility Study. However, for completeness, the geotechnical risks relating to the geology of the project, have been summarised below:-

  • The orebody is structurally complex, particularly in terms of the frequency and nature of faulting and jointing. Structure that is even worse than predicted is likely to impact negatively on production profiles that do not take cognizance of, and make due allowance for, this important detail.

  • Rockmass conditions that are significantly weaker than those that have been determined by geotechnical evaluation and have been anticipated in the modelling could negatively impact upon a number of critical design features such as pillar sizes, panel spans, extraction ratios and expected stope and tunnel support requirements.

 



107



  • The precise geotechnical characteristics of the deep footwall succession remain relatively unknown cross the majority of the property as a result of the termination of most exploration boreholes immediately following the intersection of the reef zones of financial interest.  It is however unlikely that any excavations will be sited in these horizons, other than the deeper reaches of the vertical shaft where a number of boreholes have, in fact, penetrated well into the basement rocks.

  • Adverse stope hangingwall rockmass conditions that are weaker than those that have been determined by geotechnical evaluation could possibly lead to a significant reduction in sustainable stope spans.  This could have a negative impact on both production and stope support requirements.

  • The intensity, size and frequency of thrust structures and potholing is largely unknown at this stage. This could have a potential negative impact on production estimates and stope support requirements. Commiserate

 

 

Item 11(e): Local Structural Model

Floor rocks in the southwestern BIC display increasingly varied degrees of deformation towards the contact with the RLS. Structure within the floor rocks is dominated by the north-northwest trending post-Bushveld Rustenburg Fault. This normal fault with down-throw to the east extends northwards towards the west of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Complex. A second set of smaller faults and joints, striking 70° and dipping very steeply south-southeast or north-northwest, are related to the Rustenburg fault system. These structures were reactivated during the intrusion of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Complex. Dykes associated with this Complex intruded along these faults and joints.


Major structures, which occur within the WBJV area, include the Caldera and Elands faults and Chaneng Dyke and a major north-south trending feature, which can be observed across the entire Pilanesberg Complex. These east-west trending structures dip steeply (between 80° and 90°). The magnetics indicate that the Chaneng Dyke dips steeply to the north. This is consistent with similar structures intersected underground on the neighbouring Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine, which all dip steeply northward.


Two stages of folding have been recognised within the area. The earliest folds are mainly confined to the Magaliesberg Quartzite Formation. The fold axes are parallel to the contact between the RLS and the Magaliesberg Formation. Quartzite xenoliths are present close to the contact with the RLS and the sedimentary floor. Examples of folding within the floor rocks are the Boekenhoutfontein, Rietvlei and Olifantsnek anticlines. The folding was initiated by compressional stresses generated by isostatic subsidence of the Transvaal Supergroup during sedimentation and the emplacement of the pre-Bushveld sills. The presence of an undulating contact between the floor rocks and the RLS, and in this instance the resultant formation of large-scale folds, substantiates a second stage of deformation. The fold axes trend at approximately orthogonal angles to the first folding event.







108




Deformation during emplacement of the BIC was largely ductile and led to the formation of basins by sagging and folding of the floor rocks. This exerted a strong influence on the subsequent evolution of the Lower and Critical Zones and associated chromitite layers. The structural events that influenced the floor rocks played a major role during emplacement of the BIC. There is a distinct thinning of rocks from east to west as the BIC onlaps onto the Transvaal floor rocks, even to the extent that some of the normal stratigraphic units have been eliminated. The Merensky and UG2 isopach decreases from 60m to 2m at outcrop position. There is also a subcrop of the Critical Zone against the main zone rocks.


A structural model was developed from data provided by the magnetic survey results and geological logs of drilled cores. At least three generations of faults were identified on the property. The oldest event appears to be associated with dykes and sills trending at 305 degrees and is of post-BIC age. It appears to be the most prominent, with the largest displacement component of more than 20m. The majority of the faults are normal faults dipping in a westerly direction, decreasing in their dip downwards and displaying typical listric fault system behaviour. A second phase represented by younger fault features is trending in two directions at 345 degrees and 315 degrees northwards respectively and appears to have consistent down-throws towards the west. A third phase of deformation may be related to a regional east-west-striking dyke system causing discontinuity on adjacent structures. Several dolerite intrusives, mainly steep-dipping dykes and bedding-parallel sills, were intersected in boreholes. These range in thickness from 0.5-30m and most appear to be of a chilled nature; some are associated with faulted contacts. Evident on the magnetic image is an east-west-trending dyke, which was intersected in borehole WBJV005 and appears to be of Pilanesberg-intrusion age. This dyke has a buffer effect on structural continuity as faulting and earlier stage intrusives are difficult to correlate on either side; and more work is required to understand the mechanics.


Correlation and Lateral Continuity of the Reefs

The lower noritic portion of the Main Zone could be identified and correlated with a high degree of confidence. A transgressive contact exists between the Main Zone and the anorthositic hanging wall sequence. The HW5-1 sequence is taken as a marker horizon and it thins out significantly from northeast to southwest across and along the dip direction. Because of thinning of the Critical Zone, only the primary mineralised reefs (Merensky and UG2), the Bastard Reef, Merensky pyroxenite above the Merensky Reef, FW6 and FW12 have been positively identified. The sequence was affected by iron-replacement, especially the pyroxenites towards the western part of the property. Evidence of iron-replacement also occurs along lithological boundaries within the Main Zone and the HW5 environment of the Critical Zone and in a down-dip direction towards the deeper sections of the property.


The Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef are positively identified in new intersections. Only the reef intersections that had no faulting or disruptions/discontinuities were used in the Resource estimate. The UG1, traditionally classified as a secondary reef typically with multiple chromitite seams, has been intersected in some boreholes; although in many cases strongly disrupted, it showed surprisingly attractive grades.







109




Resource estimation is not possible within 50m from surface owing to core loss resulting from near-surface weathering (weathered rock profile), joint set interference, and reef identification/correlation problems and thinning of the reefs towards the west.


Merensky Reef is poorly developed in the Elandsfontein property area, from the subcrop position to as far as 100m down-dip and as far as 800m along strike. This was evident in marginal grades, and is no doubt due to the presence of a palaeo-high in the Transvaal sediment floor rocks below the BIC. The area is locally referred to as the Abutment. With respect to the UG2 Reef in the Project Area, relative to the Abutment’s effect, a smaller area extending from subcrop position to as deep as 400m down-dip with strike length 420m of UG2 Reef was characterised by a relatively low grade.


Potholes

Identification of pothole intersections for the Merensky and UG2 reefs are assisted with interpreted stratigraphic anomalies. Simply, the following factors may indicate potholing:

  • Where footwall stratigraphic widths are wider

  • Where the Merensky Pyroxenite or UG2 chromitite is bifurcating, split or absent and

  • Where the Merensky Reef width is anomalous with regard its normal facies widths.

 

Merensky Reef potholes have been identified within borehole intersections and the 3D seismic survey conducted by AP. A clear understanding of normal reef facies behaviour has afforded their interpretation. These potholes are defined as areas where normal reef characteristics are destroyed. Pothole areas are hence believed to be un-mineable and are considered as a geological loss. The immediate footwall lithology underlying the Merensky Reef and UG2 Chromitite is often a key identifier of potholing together with variations among deflections of the same borehole. Potholes appear to increase in frequency within the western most areas with the relative decrease in stability of the various lithologies in this area.


Replacement Pegmatites

Pseudo-form replacement bodies exist within the Project Area. A total of at least 12 boreholes of a population of 19 holes drilled in the Project 1A area have intersected iron replacement material (“IRUP”).


It is evident from north-east orientated geological cross-sections constructed through the area that this IRUP mostly dominates the upper lithological sequence confined to the Main Zone and some upper lithological units of the Critical Zone. A typical down-dip section profile across Project Area 1A clearly indicates that the area of IRUP influence is sub parallel to the lithology pseudo layering.


The IRUP influence increases towards the Merensky subcrop environment and also further west where the Main Zone lies unconformable on Transvaal dolomites at shallow depths. The regional aeromagnetic image shows the surface expression of the IRUP influence and emphasizes the pseudo-morph shape of this anomaly.







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Further south and on the remainder of Project Area 1, these IRUP anomalies occur as islands randomly spaced and are mostly recognizable on the aeromagnetic survey image. With the drilling grid averaging 250m Project Area 1 and in some geologically sensitive areas reduced to 130m, it was not always possible to further delineate the boundaries of these IRUP bodies.


Facies Model

The most pronounced PGE mineralisation in the Project Area occurs within the Merensky Reef and is generally associated with a 0.1-1.2m-thick pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite unit. The Merensky Reef is generally also associated with thin chromitite layers on either/both the top and bottom contacts of the pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite. The second important mineralised unit is the UG2 chromitite layer, which is on average 1.50m thick and occurs within the Project Area.


Merensky Reef

The Merensky Reef at the adjacent BRPM mining operation consists of different reef types (or facies types) described as either contact-, pyroxenite-, pegmatoidal pyroxenite- or harzburgite-type reef. Some of these facies are also recognised on WBJV Project Area. From logging and sampling information of holes on the WBJV property, it is evident that the footwall mineralization of Merensky Reef below the main chromitite layer occurs in reconstituted norite, which is the result of a high thermal gradient at the base of the mineralising Merensky cyclic unit. The upper chromitite seam may form an upper thermal unconformity. Footwall control with respect to mineralization is in many cases more dominant than the actual facies (e.g. the presence of leucocratic footwall units) or a chromitite (often with some pegmatoidal pyroxenite).


Within the Project Area, the emplacement of the Merensky Reef is firstly controlled by the presence or absence of chromitite seams and secondly by footwall stratigraphic units. The Merensky Reef may be present immediately above either the FW3 or FW6 unit. This has given rise to the terms Abutment Terrace (FW3 thermal erosional level), Mid Terrace (FW3 or FW6 thermal erosional levels) and Deep Terrace (FW6 thermal erosional level). Within, and not necessarily confined to, each of the terraces, the morphology of the Merensky Reef can change. Merensky Reef has been classified as Type A, Type B, Type C or Type D according to certain characteristics:


Type A Merensky Reef facies relates to the interface between the normal hanging wall of the Merensky Reef and the footwall of the Merensky Reef. There is no obvious chromite contact or any development of the normal pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite. This may well be classified as hanging wall on footwall, but normally has a PGE value within the pyroxenite.


Type B Merensky Reef facies is typified by the presence of a chromite seam, which separates the hanging wall pyroxenite from the footwall (which could be the FW3 or FW6 unit).








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Type C Merensky Reef facies can be found on any of the three terraces and has a characteristic top chromite seam overlying a pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite. This facies has NO bottom chromite seam.


Type D Merensky Reef facies is traditionally known throughout the BIC as Normal Merensky Reef and has top and bottom chromite seams straddling the pegmatoidal feldspathic pyroxenite.


UG2 Facies Types

The facies model for the UG2 Reef has been developed mainly from borehole exposure data in the northeast of the property. The integrity of the UG2 deteriorates towards the southwest of the Project Area, where it occurs as a thin chromite layer and/or pyroxenitic unit. It is thus unsuitable for the development of a reliable geological facies model. In the northeast of the Project Area, the UG2 is relatively well developed and usually has three thin chromite seams (Leaders) developed above the main seam.


The UG2 Reef facies can also be explained in terms of four distinct facies types. Several factors appear to control the development of the UG2 package. Of these, the digital terrain model (DTM) of the Transvaal Basement is likely to have the most significant impact. The distinct variance in the various facies is seen as directly related to the increasing isopach distance between the UG2 and Merensky Reef. In this regard, the facies-types for the UG2 have been subdivided into the Abutment terrace facies, mid-slope terrace facies and the deep-slope terrace facies. They are described as follows:


The Abutment Terrace facies was identified in the area where the basement floor was elevated, perhaps as a result of footwall upliftment or an original palaeo-high. In this area, it appears that there was insufficient remaining volume for the crystallisation and mineralization of PGE’s. A reduced lithological sequence and thinning-out of layering is evident in the facies domain/s. In this environment there is an irregular and relatively thin (5-20cm) UG2 main seam developed with no evidence suggesting the presence of harzburgite footwall. No Leaders are present and there is a distinct absence of the normal overlying FW8-12 sequence.

The intermediate area between the Abutment terrace facies and the mid-slope terrace facies has no UG2 development. The footwall is usually a thin feldspathic pyroxenite transgressing downwards to a medium-grained FW13 norite. The hanging wall generally occurs as either/both the FW7 and FW8 norites.


The Mid- and Deep-Slope Terrace facies environments that form the central and northern boundaries of the Project Area are characterised by a thicker to well-developed UG2 main seam of about 0.5m to more than 3m respectively. Here, as with the Abutment terrace facies, the development of a robust UG2 is dependent on the Merensky/UG2 isopach. This facies is characterised by the fact that all Leaders are exposed at all times and Leader 3 (UG2L3) occurs as a pencil-line chromite seam. A prominent development of a harzburgite FW unit (5-30cm) is often present in this facies type.







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Figure 18  - UG2 and MR Facies Types

[technical029.jpg]







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Figure 19  - Location of the MR and UG2 Facies Types in Project Area 1 and 1A

[technical030.jpg]








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ITEM 12: EXPLORATION

Item 12(a): Survey (field observation) results, procedures and parameters

Fieldwork in the form of soil sampling and surface mapping was initially done on the farm Onderstepoort, where various aspects of the lower Critical Zone, intrusive ultramafic bodies and structural features were identified. Efforts were later extended southwards to the farms Frischgewaagd and Elandsfontein. The above work contributed directly to the economic feasibility of the overall project, directing the main focus in the project area towards delineation of the subcrop position of the actual Merensky and UG2 economic reef horizons.


Geophysical information obtained from Anglo Platinum was very useful during the identification and extrapolation of major structural features as well as the lithological layering of the BIC. The aeromagnetic data alone made it possible to delineate magnetic units in the Main Zone, to recognise the strata strike and to identify the dykes and iron-replacements


BW Green was contracted to do ground geophysical measurements. Ground gravity measurements of 120.2km have been completed on 500m line spacing perpendicular to the strike across the deposit, together with 65.5km magnetic. The ground gravity data played a significant role in determining the hinge line where the BIC rocks start thickening down-dip, and this raised the possibility of more economic mineralisation. At the same time, the data shows where the Transvaal footwall causes the abutment or onlapping of the BIC rocks. Ground magnetic data helped to highlight faults and dykes as well as to delineate the IRUPs.


Gravity Survey

The objective of the gravity survey was twofold:

1.

to determine the structure of the subcropping mafic sheet on the sedimentary floor. This mafic sheet has a positive density contrast of 0.3 gram per cubic centimetre (Smit et al,) with the sediments.

2.

to determine the thinning (or abutment) to the west of the mafic rocks on the floor sediments.


The instruments used for this survey are:

1.

Gravity meter - Texas Instruments Worden Prospector Gravity Meter - This is a temperature-compensated zero length quartz spring relative gravimeter with a claimed resolution of 0.01mgal and an accuracy of 0.05mgal.


2.

Position - Garmin GPS 12, Garmin GPS 72 and Magellan eXplorist 300 - These are 12- (Garmin’s) and 14-channel (Magellan) hand-held navigation GPSs; all with screens displaying the track, the ability to repeat and average each reading to a required level of accuracy and large internal memories. The GPSs were all set to the UTM projection (zone 35J) and WGS84 coordinate system. The X-Y positional accuracy was well within the specifications of this survey but the Z coordinate accuracy was inadequate.







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3.

Elevation - American Paulin System Surveying Micro Altimeter M 1-6 - This is a survey-standard barometric altimeter with a resolution of 30cm commonly used in regional gravity surveys. Although it does not meet the requirements of micro-gravity surveys, it is well up to the requirements of this survey.


Field Procedure

The survey was completed in two phases - a reconnaissance survey followed by a second detailed phase completed in four steps. The initial phase consisted of a gravity survey along the major public roads of the project area. All kilometre posts (as erected by the Roads department) were tied in as base stations through multiple loops to a principal base station. Readings were taken at 100m-intervals between the base stations, re-occupying the stations at less than hourly intervals. The instrument was only removed from its padded transport case for readings. The readings were taken on the standard gravimeter base plate and then used to determine the positions.


At each station the gravimeter was read, the GPS X-Y position was taken until the claimed error was less than 5m and then stored along with the time on the instrument (All three GPSs were used alternately during the survey with a short period of overlap to check for instrument error). The elevation was then determined using the Paulin altimeter. This exercise covered 55 line kilometres.


The second phase involved taking readings at every 100m along lines 500m apart with a direction of 51 degrees true north. The GPSs played an important role in identifying gaps and ensuring that the lines being navigated were parallel to each other. Previously established base stations were re-occupied at least every hour. Where base stations were missing, additional stations were tied in with the original. This exercise covered 65 kilometres.


Post Processing

If drift on the altimeter and gravimeter were found to be excessive new readings were taken, otherwise drift corrections were applied to the readings. Using the gravimeters dial constant the raw readings were converted to raw gravity readings. The latitude, Bouguer and free-air corrections were then applied to the data. For the Bouguer correction, a density of 2.67 gram per cubic centimetre (g/cc) was used. The terrain-effect was calculated for the observation points closest to the Pilanesberg and was found to be insignificant in relation to the gravitational variations observed.


The resultant xyz positions were then gridded on a 25m grid using a cubic spline gridding algorithm. Filters were applied to this grid and the various products used in an interpretation which included information about the varying thickness of the mafic sheet, the presence of faults and the extent of the IRUPs.









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Magnetic Survey

The purpose of the ground magnetic survey was to trace faults and dykes, determine the sense and magnitude of movement of such features and to delineate the highly magnetic IRUPs. It was decided to be consistent with the gravity survey and to use lines of a similar direction and spacing. In practise, however, this was not always possible owing to the magnetic survey’s susceptibility to interference from parallel fences, power lines and built-up areas in general. For these reasons as well as possible interference from gravity-related equipment, magnetic surveys are generally done after the gravity survey.

The instruments used for this survey are:

1.

Magnetics - Geometrics G 856 - This instrument is a proton-precession magnetometer used in this case as a total field instrument.

2.

Position - Garmin GPS 12, Garmin GPS 72 and Magellan eXplorist 300 - see gravity survey.


Field Procedure

The field procedure was similar to that of the second phase detailed gravity survey with the GPS used for guidance and covered 65 kilometres. With no equivalent to the gravity survey's first phase and no second magnetometer being used as a base station, a series of magnetic base stations also had to be tied in so that a base station was returned to every 30 minutes. Readings (including time) were taken at an average of 5m intervals. Position was determined by GPS every 100m and other positions interpolated through processing. Possible sources of interference such as fences and power lines were noted.


Post processing

All high-frequency signals associated with cultural effects were removed. The individual lines were then put through various filters and the results presented as stacked profiles and interpreted. Inversion modelling was also performed on specific anomalies and the results included in the interpretation compilation, together with information on faults, dykes and IRUPs.


Item 12(b): Interpretation of survey (field observation) results

The structural features identified from the aeromagnetic data were interpreted in terms of a regional structural model shown in Diagrams 9(a) and 9(b). Major dyke features were easily recognised and these assisted in the compilation of a structural model for the WBJV project area. Exploration drilling later helped to identify a prominent east-west-trending linear feature as a south-dipping dyke. This dyke occurs along the northern boundary of the project area. A second dyke occurs along the north-eastern boundary of the Elandsfontein and Frischgewaagd areas. Other major structural features include potential faults oriented at 345 degrees north in the deep environment of the Frischgewaagd south area.









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Item 12(c): Survey (field observation) data collection and compilation

Anglo Platinum supplied the geophysical and satellite imagery data. Mr WJ Visser and Mr BW Green were responsible for the interpretation and modelling of the information, with the assistance of AP. All other field data (mapping, soil sampling, XRF, petrography and ground magnetic and gravimetric surveys) were collected, collated and compiled by PTM RSA personnel under the guidance and supervision of Mr WJ Visser and are deemed to be reliable and accurate.


ITEM 13: DRILLING

Type and extent of drilling

The type of drilling being conducted on the WBJV is a diamond-drilling core-recovery technique involving a BQ-size solid core extraction. The drilling is placed on an unbiased 500m x 500m grid and detailed when necessary to a 250m x 250m grid. The grid has been extended for 4.5 km along strike to include the whole of the Project 1 and 1A area.


Procedures, summary and interpretation of results

The results of the drilling and the general geological interpretation are digitally captured in SABLE and a GIS software package named ARCVIEW. The exact borehole locations, together with the results of the economic evaluation, are plotted on plan. From the geographic location of the holes drilled, regularly spaced sections are drawn by hand and digitised. This information was useful for interpreting the sequence of the stratigraphy intersected as well as for verifying the borehole information.


Comment on true and apparent widths of the mineralised zones

The geometry of the deposit has been clearly defined in the sections drawn through the property. With the exception of three inclined boreholes, all holes were drilled vertically (minus 90 degrees) and the down hole surveys indicate very little deviation. A three-dimensional surface - digital terrain model (DTM) - was created used in the calculation of the average dip of 14 degrees. This dip has been factored into the calculations on which Resource estimates are based.


Comment on the orientation of the mineralised zones

The mineralised zones within the Project Area include the Merensky Reef and the UG2 Reef, both of which are planar tabular ultramafic precipitants of a differentiated magma and therefore form a continuous sheet-like accumulate. The stratigraphic markers above and below the economic horizons have been recognised and facilitate recognition of the Merensky Reef and the UG2 Reef. There are a few exceptions to the quality of recognition of the stratigraphic sequences. These disruptions are generally of a structural nature and are to be expected within this type of deposit. In some boreholes, no clear stratigraphic recognition was possible. These holes were excluded from Resource calculations.








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ITEM 14: SAMPLING METHOD AND APPROACH

Item 14(a): Sampling method, location, number, type and size of sampling

The first step in the sampling of the diamond-drilled core is to mark the core from the distance below collar in one-metre units and then for major stratigraphic units. Once the stratigraphic units are identified, the economic units - Merensky Reef and UG2 Chromitite seam - are marked. The top and bottom contacts of the reefs are clearly marked on the core. Thereafter the core is rotated in such a manner that all lineations pertaining to stratification are aligned to produce a representative split. A centre cut line is then drawn lengthways for cutting. After cutting, the material is replaced in the core trays. The sample intervals are then marked as a line and a distance from collar. The sample intervals are typically 15-25cm in length. In areas where no economic zones are expected, the sampling interval could be as much as a metre. The sample intervals are allocated a sampling number, and this is written on the core for reference purposes. The half-core is then removed and placed into high-quality plastic bags together with a sampling tag containing the sampling number, which is entered onto a sample sheet. The start and end depths are marked on the core with a corresponding line. The duplicate tag stays as a permanent record in the sample booklet, which is secured on site. The responsible project geologist then seals the sampling bag.


The sampling information is recorded on a specially designed sampling sheet that facilitates digital capture into the SABLE system (commercially available logging software). The sampling extends for about a metre into the hanging wall and footwall of the economic reefs.


A total of 122,361m has been drilled by PTM RSA the Project 1 and 1area (up to WBJV181). Altogether 29,303 field samples have been submitted for assaying along with 2,250 standards and 2,193 blanks.


Item 14(b): Drilling recovery performance

All reef intersections that are sampled require a 100% core recovery. If less than 100% is recovered, the drilling company will re-drill, using a wedge to achieve the desired recovery.


Item 14(c): Sample quality and sample bias

The sampling methodology accords with PTM RSA protocol based on industry-accepted best practice. The quality of the sampling is monitored and supervised by a qualified geologist. The sampling is done in a manner that includes the entire economic unit together with hanging wall and footwall sampling. Sampling over-selection and sampling bias is eliminated by rotating the core so that the stratification is vertical and by inserting a cutline down the centre of the core and removing one side of the core only.










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Item 14(d): Widths of mineralised zones - Resource cuts

The methodology in determining the Resource cuts is derived from the core intersections. Generally, the economic reefs are about 60cm thick. For both the Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef, the marker unit is the bottom reef contact, which is a chromite contact of less than a centimetre. The cut is taken from that chromite contact and extended vertically to accommodate most of the metal content. If this should result in a Resource cut less than 80cm up from the bottom reef contact, it is extended further to 80cm. If the Resource cut is thicker than the proposed 80cm, the last significant reported sample value above 80cm is added to determine the top reef contact.


In the case of the UG2 Reef, the triplets (if and where developed and within 30cm from the top contact) are included in the Resource cut.


ITEM 15: SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES AND SECURITY

Item 15(a): Persons involved in sample preparation

Drilled core is cleaned, de-greased and packed into metal core boxes by the drilling company. The core is collected from the drilling site on a daily basis by a PTM RSA geologist and transported to the exploration office by PTM RSA personnel. Before the core is taken off the drilling site, the depths are checked and entered on a daily drilling report, which is then signed off by PTM RSA. The core yard manager is responsible for checking all drilled core pieces and recording the following information:


·

Drillers’ depth markers (discrepancies are recorded).

·

Fitment and marking of core pieces.

·

Core losses and core gains.

·

Grinding of core.

·

One-meter-interval markings on core for sample referencing.

·

Re-checking of depth markings for accuracy.


Core logging is done by hand on a PTM RSA pro-forma sheet by qualified geologists under supervision of the project geologist, who is responsible for timely delivery of the samples to the relevant laboratory. The supervising and project geologists ensure that samples are transported by PTM RSA contractors.


Item 15(b): Sample preparation, laboratory standards and procedures

Samples are not removed from secured storage location without completion of a chain-of-custody document; this forms part of a continuous tracking system for the movement of the samples and persons responsible for their security. Ultimate responsibility for the secure and timely delivery of the samples to the chosen analytical facility rests with the project geologist and samples are not transported in any manner without the project geologist’s permission.








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When samples are prepared for shipment to the analytical facility, the following steps are followed:


·

Samples are sequenced within the secure storage area and the sample sequences examined to determine if any samples are out of order or missing.

·

The sample sequences and numbers shipped are recorded both on the chain-of-custody form and on the analytical request form.

·

The samples are placed according to sequence into large plastic bags. (The numbers of the samples are enclosed on the outside of the bag with the shipment, waybill or order number and the number of bags included in the shipment).

·

The chain-of-custody form and analytical request sheet are completed, signed and dated by the project geologist before the samples are removed from secured storage. The project geologist keeps copies of the analytical request form and the chain-of-custody form on site.

·

Once the above is completed and the sample shipping bags are sealed, the samples may be removed from the secured area. The method by which the sample shipment bags have been secured must be recorded on the chain-of-custody document so that the recipient can inspect for tampering of the shipment.


During the process of transportation between the project site and analytical facility, the samples are inspected and signed for by each individual or company handling the samples. It is the mandate of both the supervising and project geologist to ensure secure transportation of the samples to the analytical facility. The original chain-of-custody document always accompanies the samples to their final destination.


The supervising geologist ensures that the analytical facility is aware of the PTM RSA standards and requirements. It is the responsibility of the analytical facility to inspect for evidence of possible contamination of, or tampering with, the shipment received from PTM RSA. A photocopy of the chain-of-custody document, signed and dated by an official of the analytical facility, is faxed to PTM’s offices in Johannesburg upon receipt of the samples by the analytical facility and the original signed letter is returned to PTM along with the signed analytical certificate/s.


The analytical facility’s instructions are that if they suspect the sample shipment has been tampered with, they will immediately contact the supervising geologist, who will arrange for someone in the employment of PTM RSA to examine the sample shipment and confirm its integrity prior to the start of the analytical process.


If, upon inspection, the supervising geologist has any concerns whatsoever that the sample shipment may have been tampered with or otherwise compromised, the responsible geologist will immediately notify the PTM management in writing and will decide, with the input of management, how to proceed.








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In most cases analysis may still be completed although the data must be treated, until proven otherwise, as suspect and unsuitable as a basis for a news release until additional sampling, quality control checks and examination prove their validity.


Should there be evidence or suspicions of tampering or contamination of the sampling, PTM RSA will immediately undertake a security review of the entire operating procedure. The investigation will be conducted by an independent third party, whose the report is to be delivered directly and solely to the directors of PTM RSA, for their consideration and drafting of an action plan. All in-country exploration activities will be suspended until this review is complete and the findings have been conveyed to the directors of the company and acted upon.

The laboratories that have been used to date are Anglo American Analytical Laboratories, Genalysis (Perth, Western Australia), ALS Chemex (South Africa) and (currently) Set Point Laboratories (South Africa). Dr B Smee has accredited Set Point Laboratories.


Samples are received, sorted, verified and checked for moisture and dried if necessary. Each sample is weighed and the results are recorded. Rocks, rock chips or lumps are crushed using a jaw crusher to less than 10mm. The samples are then milled for 5 minutes in a Labtech Essa LM2 mill to achieve a fineness of 90% less than 106µm, which is the minimum requirement to ensure the best accuracy and precision during analysis.


Samples are analysed for Pt (ppb), Pd (ppb) Rh (ppb) and Au (ppb) by standard 25g lead fire-assay using silver as requested by a co-collector to facilitate easier handling of prills as well as to minimise losses during the cupellation process. Although collection of three elements (Pt, Pd and Au) is enhanced by this technique, the contrary is true for rhodium (Rh), which volatilises in the presence of silver during cupellation. Palladium is used as the co-collector for Rh analysis. The resulting prills are dissolved with aqua-regia for ICP analysis.

After pre-concentration by fire assay and microwave dissolution, the resulting solutions are analysed for Au and PGM’s by the technique of ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry).


Item 15(c): Quality assurance and quality control (QA&QC) procedures and results

The PTM RSA protocols for quality control are as follows:


·

The project geologist (Mr M Rhantho) oversees the sampling process.

·

The core yard manager (Mr I Ernst) oversees the core quality control.

·

The exploration geologists (Mr T Saindi and Mr T Thapelo) and the sample technician (Mr LJ Selaki) are responsible for the actual sampling process.

·

The project geologist oversees the chain of custody.

·

The internal Qualified Person (Mr W Visser) verifies both processes and receives the laboratory data.







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·

The internal Resource geologist (Mr T Botha) and the database manager (Mr M Rhantho) merge the data and produce the SABLE sampling log with assay values.

·

Together with the project geologist, the Resource geologist determines the initial mining cut.

·

The external auditor (Mr N Williams) verifies the sampling process and signs off on the mining cut.

·

The second external database auditor (Mr A Deiss and Ms H Sternberg) verifies the SABLE database and highlights QA&QC failures.

·

Ms R de Klerk (Maxwell) runs the QA&QC graphs (standards, blanks and duplicates) and reports anomalies and failures to the internal Qualified Person.

·

The internal Qualified Person requests re-assay.

·

Check samples are sent to a second laboratory to verify the validity of data received from the first laboratory.


An additional independent external auditor (Mr. N Williams) corroborated the full set of sampling data. This included examination of all core trays for correct number sequencing and labelling. Furthermore, the printed SABLE sampling log (including all reef intersections per borehole) is compared with the actual remaining borehole core left in the core boxes. The following checklist was used for verification:


·

Sampling procedure, contact plus 10cm, sample length 15-25cm.

·

Quality of core (core-loss) recorded.

·

Correct packing and orientation of core pieces.

·

Correct core sample numbering procedure.

·

Corresponding numbering procedure in sampling booklet.

·

Corresponding numbering procedure on printed SABLE log sheet.

·

Comparing SABLE log sheet with actual core markings.

·

Corresponding chain-of-custody forms completed correctly and signed off.

·

Corresponding sampling information in hardcopy borehole files and safe storage.

·

Assay certificates filed in borehole files.

·

Electronic data from laboratory checked with signed assay certificate

·

Sign off each reef intersection (bottom reef contact and mining cut).

·

Sign off completed borehole file.

·

Sign off on inclusion of mining cut into Resource database.


Standards

The following analytical standards were used to assess the accuracy and possible bias of assay values for Platinum (Pt) and Palladium (Pd). Rhodium (Rh) and Gold (Au) were monitored where data for the standards were available, but standards were not failed on Rh and Au alone. (Table 29):







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Table 29  - Summary of Reference Materials used

Standard Type

Pt

Pd

Rh

Au

CDN-PGMS-5

Yes

Yes

 

 

CDN-PGMS-6

Yes

Yes

 

Yes

CDN-PGMS-7

Yes

Yes

 

Yes

CDN-PGMS-11

Yes

Yes

 

Yes

AMIS0005

Yes

Yes

 

 

AMIS0007

Yes

Yes

 

 

AMIS0008

Yes

Yes

 

 

AMIS0010

Yes

Yes

 

 

AMIS0014

Yes

Yes

 

 


Since inception, Canadian standards from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd, Canada were used consisting of CDN-PGMS 5, 6, 7 and 11. The matrix of these standards, with Pt concentrations near 1 g/t and Pd concentrations near 5 g/t, is significantly different to Pt and Pd concentrations for the Bushveld Complex. Contrasting concentrations found for the average grades on the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex for Merensky and UG2 reefs are shown here:


Merensky Reef:

Pt (4g/t)

Pd (2g/t)

UG2 Reef:

Pt (3g/t)

Pd (1g/t)


Standards made from Bushveld Complex mineralisation were used from borehole WBJV027 onwards. AMIS0005 as well as AMIS0010 is made from UG2 Reef and AMIS0007 from Merensky Reef. These CRM’s are manufactured and sold by African Mineral Standards of Johannesburg.


Assay testing refers to Round Robin programs that comprise collection and preparation of material of varying matrices and grades to provide homogenous material for developing reference materials (standards) necessary for monitoring assaying. Assay testing is also useful in ensuring that analytical methods are matched to the mineralogical characteristics of the mineralisation being explored. Samples are sent to a sufficient number of international testing laboratories to provide enough assay data to statistically determine a representative mean value and standard deviation necessary for setting acceptance/rejection tolerance limits. Tolerance limits are set at two and three standard deviations from the Round Robin mean value of the reference material: a single batch is rejected when reference material assays are beyond the two standard deviations limit; and any two consecutive batches are rejected when reference material assays are beyond the two standard deviations limit on the same side of the mean. Canadian standards from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd, Canada was initially used as reference consisting of CDN-PGMS 5, 6, 7 and 11 as no accredited standards for the Bushveld Complex was available.







124




Tolerance limits are set at two and three standard deviations from the Round Robin mean value of the reference material: a single analytical batch is rejected for accuracy when reference material assays are beyond three standard deviations from the certified mean; and any two consecutive standards within the same batch are rejected on the basis of bias when both reference material assays are beyond two standard deviations limit on the same side of the mean.


All 2,250 standard sample values are plotted on a graph for each particular standard and element. The graphs are based on the actual round robin results from the different labs that evaluated the particular standards used on this project. The mean, two standard deviations (Mean+2SDV and Mean-2SDV) and three standard deviations (Mean+3SD and Mean-3SD) are plotted on the graphs as well as the assay values from PTM RSA. These graphs and calculations are available on request in digital format.


CDN PGM-5

All failures are listed in the following tables, including failures subsequently attributed to database errors, selection of wrong standards in the field, sample miss-ordering errors and bias from the laboratory. The tables include data for Rh and Au for the sake of completion.


If a failure is situated within the selected economic mining cut of the Merensky or UG2

reef, it will be reflected in the “Reef” column in the table by either one of two codes (MRMC or UG2MC):


MRMC:

Merensky Reef Mining Cut

UG2MC:

UG2 Reef Mining cut


Failed standards that were not taken within economic mining cut intersections were ignored for the purpose of this evaluation. The following tables display the standards that failed on 3SD using the CDN-PGMS-5 standard.

Table 30 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_ID

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean+ 3SD

Mean-3SD

Pt Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV002

D0

463.79

463.79

J2690

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

0

 

WBJV002

D0

465.74

465.74

J2702

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

0

MRMC

WBJV003

D0

533

533

J2714

2005/03 WBJV003 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

0

 

WBJV003

D0

536.42

536.42

J2726

2005/03 WBJV003 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

0

 

WBJV003

D2

548.25

548.25

J2820

2005/04 WBJV003 D2

1.240

1.57

0.91

0.19

 

WBJV003

D2

550.32

550.32

J2832

2005/04 WBJV003 D2

1.240

1.57

0.91

5.88

 

WBJV005

D0

476.54

476.54

J2868

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

0.2

 

WBJV005

D0

484.53

484.53

J2880

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

5.98

UG2MC

WBJV005

D0

494.55

494.55

J2892

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

6.02

 

WBJV005

D0

496.9

496.9

J2904

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

6.06

 

WBJV006

D0

458.48

458.48

J2910

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

5.91

 

WBJV006

D0

460.98

460.98

J2922

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

5.89

 

WBJV006

D0

479.72

479.72

J2934

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

6.06

 

WBJV006

D0

482.9

482.9

J2946

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

1.240

1.57

0.91

6.06

 

WBJV008

D0

243.62

243.62

J2958

2005/04 WBJV008 DO

1.240

1.57

0.91

5.84

MRMC

WBJV006

D1

454.33

454.33

J2970

2005/04 WBJV006 D1

1.240

1.57

0.91

5.98

 

WBJV006

D1

456.95

456.95

J2982

2005/04 WBJV006 D1

1.240

1.57

0.91

5.76

MRMC

WBJV008

D0

324.83

324.83

J2994

2005/04 WBJV008 DO

1.240

1.57

0.91

5.56

UG2MC







125







Table 31 - Standard Failed for Pd on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_ID

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 3SD

Mean - 3 SD

Pd_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV002

D0

463.79

463.79

J2690

2005/03 WBJV002D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

0

 

WBJV002

D0

465.74

465.74

J2702

2005/03 WBJV002D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

0

MRMC

WBJV003

D0

533

533

J2714

2005/03 WBJV003D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

0

 

WBJV003

D0

536.42

536.42

J2726

2005/03 WBJV003D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

0

 

WBJV003

D2

548.25

548.25

J2820

2005/04 WBJV003D2

5.760

6.66

4.86

0.19

 

WBJV003

D2

550.32

550.32

J2832

2005/04 WBJV003D2

5.760

6.66

4.86

5.88

 

WBJV005

D0

476.54

476.54

J2868

2005/04 WBJV005D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

0.2

 

WBJV005

D0

484.53

484.53

J2880

2005/04 WBJV005D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

5.98

UG2MC

WBJV005

D0

494.55

494.55

J2892

2005/04 WBJV005D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

6.02

 

WBJV005

D0

496.9

496.9

J2904

2005/04 WBJV005D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

6.06

 

WBJV006

D0

458.48

458.48

J2910

2005/04 WBJV006D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

5.91

 

WBJV006

D0

460.98

460.98

J2922

2005/04 WBJV006D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

5.89

 

WBJV006

D0

479.72

479.72

J2934

2005/04 WBJV006D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

6.06

 

WBJV006

D0

482.9

482.9

J2946

2005/04 WBJV006D0

5.760

6.66

4.86

6.06

 

WBJV008

D0

243.62

243.62

J2958

2005/04 WBJV008DO

5.760

6.66

4.86

5.84

MRMC

WBJV006

D1

454.33

454.33

J2970

2005/04 WBJV006D1

5.760

6.66

4.86

5.98

 

WBJV006

D1

456.95

456.95

J2982

2005/04 WBJV006D1

5.760

6.66

4.86

5.76

MRMC

WBJV008

D0

324.83

324.83

J2994

2005/04 WBJV008DO

5.760

6.66

4.86

5.56

UG2MC


The following tables display the consecutive standards that failed on 2SD using the CDN-PGMS-5 standard.

Table 32 - Standard Failed for Pt on 2SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_ID

BATCH_NO

Mean

Mean + 2SD

Mean - 2 SD

Pt_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV002

D0

463.79

463.79

J2690

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

0

 

WBJV002

D0

465.74

465.74

J2702

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

0

MRMC

WBJV003

D0

533

533

J2714

2005/03 WBJV003 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

0

 

WBJV003

D0

536.42

536.42

J2726

2005/03 WBJV003 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

0

 

WBJV003

D2

548.25

548.25

J2820

2005/04 WBJV003 D2

1.240

1.46

1.02

0.19

 

WBJV003

D2

550.32

550.32

J2832

2005/04 WBJV003 D2

1.240

1.46

1.02

5.88

 

WBJV005

D0

476.54

476.54

J2868

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

0.2

 

WBJV005

D0

484.53

484.53

J2880

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

5.98

UG2MC

WBJV005

D0

494.55

494.55

J2892

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

6.02

 

WBJV005

D0

496.9

496.9

J2904

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

6.06

 

WBJV006

D0

458.48

458.48

J2910

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

5.91

 

WBJV006

D0

460.98

460.98

J2922

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

5.89

 

WBJV006

D0

479.72

479.72

J2934

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

6.06

 

WBJV006

D0

482.9

482.9

J2946

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

6.06

 

WBJV008

D0

243.62

243.62

J2958

2005/04 WBJV008 DO

1.240

1.46

1.02

5.84

MRMC

WBJV006

D1

454.33

454.33

J2970

2005/04 WBJV006 D1

1.240

1.46

1.02

5.98

 

WBJV006

D1

456.95

456.95

J2982

2005/04 WBJV006 D1

1.240

1.46

1.02

5.76

MRMC

WBJV008

D0

324.83

324.83

J2994

2005/04 WBJV008 DO

1.240

1.46

1.02

5.56

UG2MC

WBJV002

D0

463.79

463.79

J2690

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

0

 

WBJV002

D0

465.74

465.74

J2702

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

1.240

1.46

1.02

0

MRMC


Table 33 - Standard Failed for Pd on 2SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_ID

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 2SD

Mean - 2 SD

Pd_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV002

D0

463.79

463.79

J2690

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

0

 

WBJV002

D0

465.74

465.74

J2702

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

0

MRMC

WBJV003

D0

533

533

J2714

2005/03 WBJV003 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

0

 

WBJV003

D0

536.42

536.42

J2726

2005/03 WBJV003 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

0

 

WBJV003

D2

548.25

548.25

J2820

2005/04 WBJV003 D2

5.760

6.36

5.16

0.19

 

WBJV003

D2

550.32

550.32

J2832

2005/04 WBJV003 D2

5.760

6.36

5.16

5.88

 

WBJV005

D0

476.54

476.54

J2868

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

0.2

 

WBJV005

D0

484.53

484.53

J2880

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

5.98

UG2MC

WBJV005

D0

494.55

494.55

J2892

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

6.02

 

WBJV005

D0

496.9

496.9

J2904

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

6.06

 

WBJV006

D0

458.48

458.48

J2910

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

5.91

 

WBJV006

D0

460.98

460.98

J2922

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

5.89

 

WBJV006

D0

479.72

479.72

J2934

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

6.06

 

WBJV006

D0

482.9

482.9

J2946

2005/04 WBJV006 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

6.06

 

WBJV008

D0

243.62

243.62

J2958

2005/04 WBJV008 DO

5.760

6.36

5.16

5.84

MRMC

WBJV006

D1

454.33

454.33

J2970

2005/04 WBJV006 D1

5.760

6.36

5.16

5.98

 

WBJV006

D1

456.95

456.95

J2982

2005/04 WBJV006 D1

5.760

6.36

5.16

5.76

MRMC

WBJV008

D0

324.83

324.83

J2994

2005/04 WBJV008 DO

5.760

6.36

5.16

5.56

UG2MC

WBJV002

D0

463.79

463.79

J2690

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

0

 

WBJV002

D0

465.74

465.74

J2702

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

5.760

6.36

5.16

0

MRMC







126






CDN-PGMS-6

No standards failed for Pt on 3SD. No consecutive standards failed on 2SD using the CDN-PGMS-6 standard.

No standards failed for Pd on 3SD. No consecutive standards failed on 2SD using the CDN-PGMS-6 standard.


CDN-PGMS-7

No standards failed for Pt on 3SD. No consecutive standards failed on 2SD using the CDN-PGMS-7 standard.

No standards failed for Pd on 3SD. No consecutive standards failed on 2SD using the CDN-PGMS-7 standard.


CDN-PGMS-11

No standards failed for Pt on 3SD. No consecutive standards failed on 2SD using the CDN-PGMS-11 standard.

No standards failed for Pd within on 3SD. No consecutive standards failed on 2SD using the CDN-PGMS-11 standard.

No standards failed for Au within or on 3SD. No consecutive standards failed on 2SD using the CDN-PGMS-11 standard.


AMIS0005

The following tables display the standards that failed on 3SD using the AMIS0005 standard.

Table 34 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_Id

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 3SD

Mean - 3 SD

Pt_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV055

D1

252.84

252.84

P5197

2005/11/WBJV-024

3.380

3.88

2.89

0.410

 

WBJV057

D0

181.93

181.93

P5429

2005/11/WBJV-025

3.380

3.88

2.89

0.570

 

WBJV099

D2

458.69

458.69

P15626

2006/06/WBJV-040

3.380

3.88

2.89

0.020

UG2MC

WBJV109

D1

568.87

568.87

P17538

2006/07/WBJV-045

3.380

3.88

2.89

2.220

 

WBJV089

D1

193.71

193.71

P8831

2006/02/WBJV-031

3.380

3.88

2.89

2.78

 


Table 35 - Standard Failed for Pd on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_Id

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 3SD

Mean - 3 SD

Pd_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV055

D1

252.84

252.84

P5197

2005/11/WBJV-024

2.230

2.50

1.96

0.240

 

WBJV057

D0

181.93

181.93

P5429

2005/11/WBJV-025

2.230

2.50

1.96

0.080

 

WBJV065

D0

318.53

318.53

P7043

2005/11/WBJV-025

2.230

2.50

1.96

1.200

 

WBJV099

D2

458.69

458.69

P15626

2006/06/WBJV-040

2.230

2.50

1.96

0.030

UG2MC

WBJV109

D1

568.87

568.87

P17538

2006/07/WBJV-045

2.230

2.50

1.96

1.370

 

WBJV061

D1

134.6

134.6

P6196

2005/11/WBJV-026

2.230

2.50

1.96

 

 

WBJV089

D1

193.71

193.71

P8831

2006/02/WBJV-031

2.230

2.50

1.96

179

 


AMIS0007

The following tables display the standards that failed on 3SD using the AMIS0007 standard.

Table 36 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_Id

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 3SD

Mean - 3 SD

Pd_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV104

D1

535.21

535.21

P17100

2006/06/WBJV-042

2.480

2.90

2.06

0.010

 










127




Table 37 - Standard Failed for Pd on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_Id

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 3SD

Mean - 3 SD

Pd_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV104

D1

535.21

535.21

P17100

2006/06/WBJV-042

1.50

1.80

1.20

0

 

WBJV048

D0

430.3

430.3

P3168

2005/10/RMJ-WBJV-021

1.50

1.80

1.20

0.44

 


AMIS0008

The following tables display the standards that failed on 3SD using the AMIS0008 standard.

Table 38 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_Id

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 3SD

Mean - 3 SD

Pd_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV178

D4

306.25

306.25

P23632

2007/03/WBJV-073

8.66

9.83

7.49

2.31

 

WBJV198

D0

715.05

715.05

P28007

2007/08/WBJV-088

8.66

9.83

7.49

2.78

 

WBJV111

D0

466.86

466.86

P20714

2007/02/WBJV-066

8.66

9.83

7.49

10.5

 


Table 39 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_Id

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 3SD

Mean - 3 SD

Pd_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV178

D4

306.25

306.25

P23632

2007/03/WBJV-073

4.36

5.45

3.26

1.45

 

WBJV198

D0

715.05

715.05

P28007

2007/08/WBJV-088

4.36

5.45

3.26

1.61

 


AMIS0009

No standards failed for Pt on 3SD. No consecutive standards failed on 2SD using the AMIS0009 standard.

No standards failed for Pd within on 3SD. No consecutive standards failed on 2SD using the AMIS0009 standard.


 AMIS0010

The following tables display the standards that failed on 3SD using the AMIS0010 standard.

Table 40 - Standard Failed for Pt on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_Id

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 2SD

Mean - 2 SD

Pt_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV123

D0

455.06

455.06

P18464

2006/09/WBJV-052

2.130

2.56

1.76

0.65

 

WBJV139

D0

509.41

509.41

P22322

2007/03/WBJV-069

2.130

2.56

1.76

0.00

 

WBJV146

D2

480.35

480.35

P13433

2006/10/WBJV-055

2.130

2.56

1.76

2.58

 

WBJV178

D1

334.11

334.11

P23484

2007/03/WBJV-073

2.130

2.56

1.76

2.60

 


Table 41 - Standard Failed for Pd on 3SD

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_Id

Batch_Number

Mean

Mean + 2SD

Mean - 2 SD

Pd_Value

(g/t)

Reef

WBJV123

D0

455.06

455.06

P18464

2006/09/WBJV-052

1.32

1.59

1.09

0.28

 

WBJV139

D0

509.41

509.41

P22322

2007/03/WBJV-069

1.32

1.59

1.09

0.001

 


AMIS0014

No standards failed for Pt on 3SD.







128




No standards failed for Pd on 3SD.


Summary of Standard Results

A failed standard is considered cause for re-assay if it falls within a determined economic mining cut for either the Merensky or UG2 reef (MRMC and UG2MC). In conclusion, the following failed standards listed in ÕF&ÆRC" , are located in the economic mining cut. Standards that failed for Rh and/or Au (Rh evaluated for AMIS0005, AMIS0007 and AMIS0010 standards; Au evaluated for CDN-PGMS-5, 6, 7 and 11) were not included in the final results as the influence is deemed as not of material value.

Of the submitted 2,250 standard samples the total number of standards that failed for Pt and/or Pd based on 3SD deviations equals 39, Of these, only 8 are deemed to be true failures (present within the mining cut) and caused by laboratory problems which constitute a mere 0.36% failure rate.


Table 42 - Summary of Failed Standards

BHID

Defl

From

To

Sam_ ID

Batch Number

StdType

Pt

Pd

Reef

Reason for Failure

WBJV099

D2

458.69

458.69

P15626

2006/06/WBJV-040

AMIS0005

0.020

0.03

UG2MC

Possible Blank

WBJV033

D2

339.31

339.31

P318

200/08/WBJV-013

CDN11

0.080

 

MRMC

True Lab Failure

WBJV043

D1

579.90

579.90

P527

2005/09/WBJV/P527

CDN11

0.080

 

UG2MC

True Lab Failure

WBJV006

D1

456.95

456.95

J2982

2005/04 WBJV006 D1

CDN5

5.76

1.32

MRMC

Possible value swap

WBJV008

D0

324.83

324.83

J2994

2005/04 WBJV008 D0

CDN5

5.56

1.19

UG2MC

Possible value swap

WBJV008

D0

243.62

243.62

J2958

2005/04 WBJV008 D0

CDN5

5.84

1.26

MRMC

Possible value swap

WBJV005

D0

484.53

484.53

J2880

2005/04 WBJV005 D0

CDN5

5.98

1.34

UG2MC

Possible value swap

WBJV002

D0

465.74

465.74

J2702

2005/03 WBJV002 D0

CDN5

0.00

0.01

MRMC

Possible Blank


Blanks - QA&QC Results

Blank assay values of 2,193 blanks from PTM RSA were plotted on graphs for each particular element - Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Gold. A warning limit is also plotted on the graphs, which is equal to five times the blank background. These graphs and calculations are available on request in digital format.

Table 43 - Failed Blanks -Pt on 2std

BHID

Defl

From

To

ID

BATCH_NO

Pt

Reef

Lab

WBJV041

D1

488.25

488.25

P3490

2005/10/WBJV-023

2.59

 

SETP

WBJV007

D0

109.03

109.03

O3048

2005/05 WBJV 007 D0

3.75

 

SETP

WBJV057

D0

180.5

180.5

P5423

2005/11/WBJV-025

0.54

 

SETP

WBJV113

D1

429.75

429.75

P17672

2006/07/WBJV-046

0.46

UG2MC

SETP

WBJV096

D0

337.49

337.49

P15151

2006/04/WBJV-037

0.24

MRMC

SETP

WBJV008

D0

167.45

167.45

J2988

2005/04 WBJV008 DO

0.36

 

GEN

WBJV178

D4

307

307

P23637

2007/03/WBJV-073

0.31

 

SETP

 

 

Table 44 - Failed Blanks -Pd on 2std

BHID

Defl

From

To

ID

BATCH_NO

Pd

Reef

Lab

WBJV041

D1

488.25

488.25

P3490

2005/10/WBJV-023

1.55

 

SETP

WBJV045

D1

563.19

563.19

P3832

2005/11/WBJV-023

0.13

 

SETP

WBJV007

D0

109.03

109.03

O3048

2005/05 WBJV 007 D0

1.94

UG2MC

SETP

WBJV057

D0

180.5

180.5

P5423

2005/11/WBJV-025

0.14

 

SETP

WBJV113

D1

429.75

429.75

P17672

2006/07/WBJV-046

0.21

UG2MC

SETP

WBJV008

D0

167.45

167.45

J2988

2005/04 WBJV008 DO

0.88

 

GEN









129




Table 45 - Failed Blanks -Rh on 2std

BHID

Defl

From

To

ID

BATCH_NO

Rh

Reef

Lab

WBJV041

D1

488.25

488.25

P3490

2005/10/WBJV-023

0.26

 

SETP

WBJV007

D0

109.03

109.03

O3048

2005/05 WBJV 007 D0

0.34

UG2MC

SETP

WBJV057

D0

180.5

180.5

P5423

2005/11/WBJV-025

0.1

 

SETP

WBJV127

D0

490.17

490.17

P16703

2006/08/WBJV-051

0.1

 

SETP

WBJV172

D0

369

369

P22654

2007/03/WBJV-070

0.13

 

SETP

WBJV043

D1

578.93

578.93

P521

2005/09/WBJV/P521

0.04

 

SETP

WBJV112

D1

451.33

451.33

P17861

2006/08/WBJV-47

0.03

 

SETP

WBJV113

D1

429.75

429.75

P17672

2006/07/WBJV-046

0.06

 

SETP

WBJV096

D0

337.49

337.49

P15151

2006/04/WBJV-037

0.04

MRMC

SETP


Table 46 - Failed Blanks -Au on 2std

BHID

Defl

From

To

ID

BATCH_NO

Au

Reef

Lab

WBJV003

D1

498.58

498.58

N0168

2005/06 WBJV 007

0.04

 

SETP

WBJV026

D0

64.03

64.03

N516

2005/08/WBJV-009

0.06

 

SETP

WBJV007

D0

256.38

256.38

O3048

2005/05 WBJV 007 D0

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV009

D3

272.56

272.56

O3654

2005/06 WBJV009 D3

0.02

UG2MC

SETP

WBJV090

D2

212.13

212.13

P11742

2006/02/WBJV-032

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV092

D0

279.25

279.25

P11766

2006/02/WBJV-032

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV092

D0

294

294

P11790

2006/02/WBJV-032

0.05

 

SETP

WBJV092

D1

278.57

278.57

P11826

2006/02/WBJV-032

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV092

D1

285.88

285.88

P11934

2006/02/WBJV-032

0.05

 

SETP

WBJV092

D2

286.53

286.53

P11945

2006/02/WBJV-032

0.03

 

SETP

WBJV093

D0

398.96

398.96

P11962

2006/02/WBJV-032

0.04

 

SETP

WBJV035

D0

478.38

478.38

P1280

2005/09/WBJV-016

0.03

 

SETP

WBJV093

D0

446

446

P15038

2006/02/WBJV-032

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV093

D0

458.89

458.89

P15061

2006/02/WBJV-032

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV112

D0

449.43

449.43

P17782

2006/07/WBJV-046

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV178

D4

307

307

P23637

2007/03/WBJV-073

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV180

D2

273.5

273.5

P24795

2007/04/WBJV-075

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV048

D0

493.08

493.08

P3294

2005/10/RMJ-WBJV-021

0.04

 

SETP

WBJV041

D1

488.25

488.25

P3490

2005/10/WBJV-023

0.14

 

SETP

WBJV045

D1

563.19

563.19

P3832

2005/11/WBJV-023

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV056

D1

253

253

P6298

2005/11/WBJV-026

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV074

D0

514.85

514.85

P6819

2006/01/WBJV-029

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV085

D1

516.22

516.22

P8232

2006/01/WBJV-029

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV152

D0

323

323

P20165

2006/11/WBJV-061

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV187

D2

562.6

562.6

P26088

2007/05/WBJV-080

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV198

D0

578.5

578.5

P27809

2007/08/WBJV-088

0.02

 

SETP

WBJV198

D0

674.75

674.75

P27869

2007/08/WBJV-088

0.03

 

SETP

WBJV198

D0

807.75

807.75

P28241

2007/08/WBJV-088

0.02

 

SETP


Of the submitted 2,193 blanks, only six failed, with several failures most likely the result of data entry errors in the field. This constitutes a mere 0.27% failure rate.


Table 47 - Failed Blanks

BHID

Defl

From

To

ID

BATCH_NO

Pt

Pd

Rh

Au

Reef

Lab

WBJV007

D0

256.38

256.38

O3048

2005/05 WBJV 007 D0

3.750

1.940

0.340

 

UG2MC

SETP

WBJV008

D0

323.52

323.52

J2988

2005/04 WBJV008 DO

0.877

0.362

 

 

 

GEN

WBJV045

D1

563.19

563.19

P3832

2005/11/WBJV-023

 

0.130

 

 

MRMC

SETP

WBJV057

D0

180.50

180.50

P5423

2005/11/WBJV-025

0.540

0.140

0.100

 

 

SETP

WBJV041

D1

488.25

488.25

P3490

2005/10/WBJV-023

2.59

1.55

0.26

 

 

SETP

WBJV113

D1

429.8

429.8

P17672

2006/07/WBJV-046

 

0.210

0.060

 

UG2MC

SETP









130




The table below explains briefly, what the possible causes could be for these blanks to have failed.

Table 48 - Reasons for Failed Blanks

BHID

Defl

ID

Pt

Pd

Rh

Au

Reef

Lab

Reason for failure

WBJV007

D0

O3048

3.750

1.940

0.340

 

UG2MC

SETP

Possible AMIS0007 standard

WBJV008

D0

J2988

0.877

0.362

 

 

 

GEN

Possible data entry problem

WBJV45

D1

P3832

 

0.130

 

 

MRMC

SETP

Geological problem (not within the mining cut)

WBJV057

D0

P5423

0.540

0.140

0.100

 

 

SETP

P5424 is actually the blank (inserted incorrectly)

WBJV041

D1

P3490

2.59

1.55

0.26

 

 

SETP

True lab failure

WBJV113

D1

P17672

 

0.210

0.060

 

UG2MC

SETP

True lab failure


Assay Validation

Although samples are assayed with reference materials, an assay validation program is being conducted to ensure that assays are repeatable within statistical limits for the styles of mineralisation being investigated. It should be noted that validation is different from verification; the latter implies 100% repeatability. The validation program consists of the following:


·

A re-assay program conducted on standards that “failed” the tolerance limits set at two and three standard deviations from the Round Robin mean value of the reference material.

·

Ongoing blind pulp duplicate assays are conducted at Set Point

·

Check assays conducted at an independent assaying facility (Genalysis)


Re-assay - QA&QC Results

Re-assays have been conducted for two of the failed standards (the pulps) that were identified as failures during the previous analysis (which was done up to borehole WBJV181). This procedure entailed the following: the failed standard (2) together with the standard (1) submitted before and the standard (3) submitted after the particular failed standard (2) as well as all submitted field samples (pulps) in between standard (1) and standard (3) were re-submitted for re-assaying.


Both failed standards plus 12 samples above and 12 samples below in the same analytical batch (totalling 25 samples per failed standard) were sent to Set Point laboratory for re-assaying using the original pulps as source (totalling 50 samples (pulps)). Please refer to the table below for a comparison of the failed standards and the re-assayed values. The re-assayed data was examined to ensure that the quality control was acceptable and both failed standards passed on the re-assay. The new data has been incorporated into the database.







131




Table 49 - Re-Assayed Values for Failed Standards

BHID

Defl

Sam_ ID

Std_Type

Pt

Pd

Reef

Lab

Re-assay

(Pt)

Re-assay (Pd)

Comment

WBJV033

D2

P318

CDN11

0.08

 

MR

SETP

0.11

 

Pass

WBJV043

D1

P527

CDN11

0.08

 

UG2

SETP

0.12

 

Pass


Laboratory Duplicates - QA&QC Results

The purpose of having field duplicates is that it provides a check on possible sample over selection. The field duplicate contains all levels of error - core or RC cuttings splitting, sample size reduction in the prep lab, sub-sampling at the pulp, plus the analytical error.


Field duplicates were however not used on this project for the very significant reason of the assemblage of the core. Firstly, BQ core has an outer diameter of only 36.5mm. Secondly, it is friable and brittle due to the chrome content making it extremely difficult to quarter the core. It usually ends up in broken pieces and not a solid piece of core.


Due to this problem, the laboratory was asked to regularly assay split pulp samples as a duplicate sample to monitor analytical precision. These graphs and calculations are available on request in digital format. The original analysis vs. the duplicate analysis showed no irregular values. This indicates no sample miss-ordering or nugget effect.


The equations for the trendlines on the graphs illustrating the correlation between the original and duplicate values plotted for Pt, Pd and Au respectively are as follows:


Pt:

y = 0.9946x + 3.8886

R2 = 0.9996


Pd:

y = 0.9891x + 3.6861

R2 = 0.9997


Au:

y = 0.9959x + 0.3451

R2 = 0.9969


The correlation is higher than 99% in all three cases and is deemed as accurate.


The relationship between grade and precision is plotted using the method of Thompson and Howarth (1978) as the mean vs. the absolute difference between the duplicates for each element.








132




The duplicates are divided in groups of 11 and a new mean and median absolute difference are obtained for Pt and Pd.


The precision is then plotted as percentages calculated using the following formula:


Pc = 2So/C + 2K

Where

Pc = Precision in percentage

Regression Coefficient So = Intercept = 4.8876

Regression Coefficient K = X Variable = 0.0220


The precision for both Pt and Pd is 5% at about 2g/t. No nugget effect is evident in the data, which indicates that the samples were correctly prepared. The precision for Au is near 15% at 2g/t, which reflects the overall low grade of Au in the intersections.


Check Assays

These complete data set consisting of graphs and calculations are available on request in digital format...


It was decided to use Genalysis in Perth as the second laboratory for checks on the assay results from Set Point. A total of 1104 samples were selected and as most of the check sampling sent to Genalysis was within the mining cuts, the lab was requested to add Osmium, Iridium and Ruthenium to the assay process to determine values for these elements. In addition to the extra elements, it was also required that the laboratory determined the specific gravity of each sample.


Due to the above request (assaying for Os, Ir and Ru) it was necessary that the laboratory used a different assay method to ascertain the values for the different elements. The Check Sampling was done using Ni-sulphide collection and not Lead (Pb) collection.


The results from the correlation of the different assayed elements Pt, Pd, Rh, Au and 4PGE between the 2 laboratories are as follows:

Pt:

y = 0.9806x + 0.0188

R2 = 0.9946


Pd:

y = 1.0062x - 0.0003

R2 = 0.9962


Rh:

y = 1.2901x - 0.0132

R2 = 0.956


Au:

y = 1.0253x - 0.0065

R2 = 0.9677








133




From these graphs, it was evident that the two laboratories are producing equivalent analyses and confirms the satisfactory performance of Set Point laboratory on the standards.


Adequacy of Sampling Procedures

The QA&QC practice of PTM RSA is a process beginning with the actual placement of the borehole position (on the grid) and continuing through to the decision for the 3D economic intersection to be included in (passed into) the database. The values are also confirmed, as well as the correctness of correlation of reef/Resource cut so that populations used in the geostatistical modelling are not mixed; this makes for a high degree of reliability in estimates of Resources/Reserves.


The author of this report (the independent Qualified Person) relied on sub-ordinate qualified persons for the following:

·

correct sampling procedures (marking, cutting, labelling and packaging) were followed at the exploration office and accurate recording (sample sheets and digital recording in SABLE) and chain-of-custody procedures were followed;

·

adequate sampling of the two economic horizons (Merensky and UG2 reefs) was done;

·

preparations by PTM RSA field staff were done with a high degree of precision and no deliberate or inadvertent bias;

·

correct procedures were adhered to at all points from field to database;

·

PTM RSA’s QA&QC system meets or exceeds the requirements of NI 43-101 and mining best practice; and that

·

the estimates provided for the Merensky and UG2 reefs are a fair and valid representation of the actual in-situ value.


The Qualified Person’s view is supported by Mr N Williams, who audited the whole process (from field to database), and by Mr A Deiss, who regularly audits the SABLE database for correct entry and integrity.  These auditors also verified the standards, blanks and duplicates within the database as a second check to the QA&QC graphs run by Ms R de Klerk (Maxwell).








134




Below is the QAQC chain of Excellence Certificate:-

Figure 20  - QAQC Chain of Exellence

[technical032.gif]







135




Item 15(d): Minor Elements (Ru, Ir and Os)

Assaying for ruthenium (“Ru”), iridium (“Ir”) and osmium (“Os”) is normally not carried out as assaying for Ru, Ir and Os is expensive and time consuming. Laboratories in South Africa are not accredited to assay for these elements and therefore samples need to be sent to Genalysis in Australia for reliable assaying. PTM RSA sent a total of 1 000 samples for assaying to Genalysis which included samples over the Merensky and UG2 mining horizons.


Regression

The known Ru, Ir and Os values were plotted against Pt and Pd to obtain the best correlation. Pt showed the best correlation and was used to estimate the absent Ru, Ir and Os values from a regressed formula. The samples that were used were only over the mining cut for the particular borehole. A total of 146 Ru, 125 Ir and 117 Os values for the Merensky Reef mining cut and 450 Ru, 441 Ir and 434 Os values for the UG2 mining cut were used to calculate the regression formula.


The graphs below demonstrate the correlation between the different elements.


Merensky Reef

Figure 21 - Ruthenium Correlation Graphs (MR)

[technical034.gif][technical036.gif] 

 

 

Figure 22  - Iridium Correlation Graphs (MR)

[technical038.gif] [technical040.gif]







136




Figure 23  - Osmium Correlation Graphs (MR)

[technical042.gif] [technical044.gif]


UG2 Reef

Figure 24 - Ruthenium Correlation Graphs (UG2)

[technical046.gif] [technical048.gif]

Figure 25 - Iridium Correlation Graphs (UG2)

[technical050.gif][technical052.gif]








137




Figure 26 - Osmium Correlation Graphs (UG2)

[technical054.gif][technical056.gif][technical058.gif][technical060.gif]


Results

Using the regressions detailed above, the following grades have been calculated using an arithmetic mean for the minor elements (Ru, Ir, and Os). Whilst Osmium is of geological and technical interest, it does not have commercial value to WBJV Project 1. The Cu and Ni values were kriged:-


Table 50 - Average Potential Grades of Minor Elements in the Project Area

Reef

Cu (%)

Ni (%)

Os (g/t)

Ir (g/t)

Ru (g/t)

UG2

0.009

0.078

0.12

0.20

0.90

MR

0.090

0.200

0.08

0.14

0.57

Notes:

1. MR = Merensky Reef; UG2 = Upper Group No 2 chromitite seam.

2. A COG of 0 g/t has been used for the Os, Ir and Ru

3. A COG of 0% has been used for the Cu and Ni


ITEM 16: DATA VERIFICATION

Item 16(a): Quality control measures and data verification

All scientific information is manually captured and digitally recorded. The information derived from the core logging is manually recorded on A4-size logging sheets. After being captured manually, the data is electronically captured in a digital logging program (SABLE). For this exercise, the program has very specific requirements and standards. Should the entered data not be in the set format the information is rejected. This is the first stage of the verification process.


After the information is transferred into SABLE, the same information is transferred into a modelling package (DATAMINE). Modelling packages are rigorous in their rejection of conflicting data, e.g. the input is aborted if there are any overlaps in distances or inconsistencies in stratigraphic or economic horizon nomenclature. This is the second stage of verification.









138




Once these stages of digital data verification are complete, a third stage is generated in the form of section construction and continuity through DATAMINE. The lateral continuity and the packages of hanging wall and footwall stratigraphic units must align or be in a format consistent with the general geometry. If this is not the case, the information is again aborted.


The final stage of verification is of a geostatistical nature, where population distributions, variance and spatial relationships are considered. Anomalies in grade, thickness, and isopach or isocon trends are noted and questioned. Should inconsistencies and varying trends be un-explainable, the base data is again interrogated, and the process is repeated until a suitable explanation is obtained.


Item 16(b): Verification of data

The geological and economic base data has been verified by Mr A Deiss and has been found to be acceptable.


Item 16(c): Nature of the limitations of data verification process

As with all information, inherent bias and inaccuracies can and may be present. Given the verification process that has been carried out, however, should there be a bias or inconsistency in the data, the error would be of no material consequence in the interpretation of the model or evaluation.


The data is checked for errors and inconsistencies at each step of handling. The data is also rechecked at the stage where it is entered into the deposit-modelling software. In addition to ongoing data checks by project staff, the senior management and directors of PTM RSA have completed spot audits of the data and processing procedures. Audits have also been done on the recording of borehole information, the assay interpretation and final compilation of the information.


The individuals in PTM RSA’s senior management and certain directors of the company who completed the tests and designed the processes are non-independent mining or geological experts.


Item 16(d): Possible reasons for not having completed a data verification process

There are no such reasons. All data has been verified before being statistically processed.


ITEM 17: ADJACENT PROPERTIES

Comment on public-domain information about adjacent properties

The adjacent property to the south of the WBJV is the BRPM, which operates under a joint-venture agreement between Anglo Platinum and the Royal Bafokeng Nation. The operation lies directly to the south of the project area and operating stopes are within 1,500m of the WBJV current drilling area. This is an operational mine and the additional information is published in Anglo Platinum’s 2008 Annual Report, which can be found on the www.angloplats.com website.








139




The Royal Bafokeng Nation has itself made public disclosures and information with respect to the property and these can be found on www.rbr.co.za.

The Anglo Platinum website includes the following points (Investment Analysts Report 11 March 2005 and the 2008 Annual Report):


·

Originally, the design was for 200,000 tons per month Merensky Reef operation from twin declines using a dip-mining method. The mine also completed an opencast Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef operation, and mechanised mining was started in the southern part of the mine.

·

The planned steady state would be 220,000 tons per month, 80% from traditional breast mining. As a result of returning to traditional breast mining, the development requirements are reduced.

·

The mining plan reverted to single skilled operators.

·

The mine mills up to 2,900,000 tonnes per year with a built-up head grade of up to 4.3g/t 4E in 2006.

·

Mill recovery in 2004 was reported to be 85.83%. There is no new published recovery data.

·

For 2008, the production was 175,000 equivalent refined platinum ounces compared to 193,600 ounces in 2007.

·

Operating costs per ton milled are stated in Table 51 - all data from the Anglo Platinum annual report and website.


Table 51 - Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine On-mine Cash Costs

[technical062.gif]


The adjacent property to the north of the WBJV is Wesizwe. The Pilanesberg project of Wesizwe is situated on the farms Frischgewaagd 96 JQ, Ledig 909 JQ, Mimosa 81 JQ and Zandrivierpoort 210 JP. To date 50 boreholes have been drilled and an exploration programme is still actively being conducted.


The Wesizwe annual report for the year ending July 2008 published by Wesizwe included a Resource declaration on the Merensky and the UG2 reef horizons. The statement was prepared in accordance with the South African Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC code). The following table summarises the total estimated mineral Resource for the Pilanesberg Project.










140




Table 52 - Mineral Resource - Wesizwe’s Pilansberg Project

Reef

Category

Tonnes (Mt)

Grade 4E (g/t)

Content 4E (Moz))

Merensky

Measured

5.142

6.20

1.338

Indicated

19.937

5.82

1.338

Inferred

10.937

5.42

1.338

UG2

Indicated

24.788

4.63

1.338

Inferred

17.652

4.20

10,154


Down-dip to the east is AP’s Styldrift project of which AP’s attributable interest is 50% of the mineral Resource and ore Reserves. The declared 2005 Resource for the project is as follows:

Table 53 - Estimated Mineral Resource - Styldrift Project (2005)

Merensky Reef

UG2

Category

Tonnes(Mt)

Grade 4E (g/t)

Tonnes (Mt)

Grade 4E (g/t)

Measured

-

-

1,7

5,2

Indicated

23,7

5,51

7,9

5,19

Inferred

61,7

6,37

97,1

4,86


The published Mineral Resource statement for the 50% attributable interest in Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine, including Styldrift Project, is depicted in Table below.

Table 54 - BRPM including Styldrift Mineral Resource as at 2008

[technical064.gif]


Source of adjacent property information

The BRPM operations information is to be found on website www.angloplats.com and the Royal Bafokeng Nation’s information on website www.rbr.co.za. Wesizwe information is on website www.wesizwe.co.za and the Styldrift information on website www.angloplats.com.


Relevance of the adjacent property information

The WBJV deposit is a continuation of the orebody concerned in the BRPM operations and the Wesizwe project, and the information obtained from BRPM and Wesizwe is thus of major significance and appropriate in making decisions about the WBJV.


The technical information on adjoining properties has been provided by other qualified persons and has not been verified by the Qualified Person of this report. It may not be indicative of the subject of this report.










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Application of the adjacent property information

The BRPM technical and operational information can be useful to the WBJV as far as planning statistics are concerned. However, the overall design and modus operandi of the WBJV is different from that of the BRPM operations and only certain aspects of the BRPM design can be used. The overall design recommendations for the WBJV are based on best-practice approaches in the industry.


ITEM 18: MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING

The metallurgical test work that has been conducted on the WBJV Project 1 ore body was initially carried out by SGS Lakefield at the pre-feasibility stage. MINTEK have completed a more extensive programme of test work for the Feasibility Study in a report dated 26 June 2009. Both SGS Lakefield and Mintek are based in Johannesburg, South Africa and have extensive experience with evaluating platinum projects from a metallurgical aspect.


Based on the metallurgical test work completed by SGS Lakefield for the Pre-Feasibility Study, GRD Minproc were commissioned to design and cost a MF2 (mill-float mill-float) circuit to treat the ores from the WBJV Project 1 deposit, either as pure Merensky,  pure UG2 or a 20% blend of each in the plant feed. GRD Minproc updated this study financially for the Updated Feasibility Study Technical Report.


The process plant is to treat up to 140 000 tonnes of reef per month ‘name plate’ capacity through the facility, although the project will require the plant to treat up to 160,000 tonnes per month at a recovery discount.


The process plant is expected to be operated on a contract operations basis with a reputable process operator, of which there are a number now working in the platinum industry.  


Item 18(a): Metallurgical Test Work

The metallurgical and mineralogical reports completed by SGS are available but are not attached to this Technical Report. The SGS work was based on individual core samples to determine the variability of the ore body.


Mintek were contracted to complete larger scale bulk evaluations on composite samples with rougher, cleaner and lock cycle flotation tests to be completed. The test work is complete at Mintek and the report is available but not attached to this Technical Report. Additional drilling and metallurgical test work is planned during 2010.


Source of Samples

The samples that were presented to the metallurgical laboratories were obtained from drill core only and from the primary hole and subsequent deflections from the primary hole.








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The selected drill cores were from the different facies expected to be mined at WBJV at mining width, and were composited where possible on the initial mining areas. Subsequent revisions to the mining plan have shown that selected samples for metallurgical test work are no longer in the first 3 to 5 years of production and additional drilling will be required. Any future drilling is to be from the first 3 to 5 year production window.


No bulk sampling has been possible to obtain larger sized samples.


Predicted Plant Performance

The preliminary SGS test work indicated that the ‘name plate’ capacity metallurgical performance of the plant could achieve the ‘typical’ recoveries from operations within the Western Bushveld Complex of up to 87.5% for Merensky and 82.5% for UG2. The more detailed Mintek test work is supporting these recovery levels for both reef packages.


All available data was evaluated and modelled by Eurus Consulting and the following metallurgical performance is predicted for the concentrator at the finest grind tested of 90-95% passing 75 micron.

UG2 Reef:

Head Grade

3.71 g/t 4E

Concentrate Grade

165 g/t 4E

2.77% Chromite

Recovery

80.0% 4E

40% Cu

30% Ni


The average UG2 mill feed grade (after mine call factor deduction) is expected to be 3.40 g/t4E, which is comparable to the samples sent for metallurgical test work and thus the above results are considered appropriate for the financial modelling.


A final report from Mintek and the financial model has included an improved UG2 recovery at 82.5%, as this is supported by the Mintek investigation.


Merensky Reef:

Head Grade

2.67 g/t 4E

0.073% Cu

0.151% Ni







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Concentrate Grade

137 g/t 4E

3.15% Cu

4.22% Ni

<1.0% Chromite - assume 0.99%


Recovery

82.1% 4E

68.9% Cu

44.6% Ni


The average Merensky mill feed grade (after mine call factor deduction) is expected to be 5.45 g/t 4E which is not comparable to the samples sent for metallurgical test work and thus the above results are considered inappropriate for the financial modelling. The metallurgical core used for the test work is not regarded as representative of the ore body.


Additional test work will be conducted on new core to be obtained early in 2010, but there has been a consensus meeting where the metallurgical engineers from Mintek and Eurus Consultants have indicated, that assuming that the mineralogical characteristics and the flotation performance characteristics are similar to the low-grade sample evaluated, and then changed metallurgical performance may be expected.


There are neighbouring operating and future mines which are processing Merensky reef. The neighbouring BRPM mine had published in 2005 an achieved head grade of 4.47g/t delivered to the processing plant with a recovery of 85.83% for Merensky alone for the production year 2004. Prior to this production year recoveries were poor, as the UG2 open pit was in operation and this downgraded the recovery and is therefore not applicable to the only Merensky operation.


The Wesizwe project has a predicted recovery for Merensky of 88%, although with a number of cautionary statements.


The BRPM published results are regarded as an indication of the concentrator performance that can be achieved. The anticipated head grade to be delivered to the WBJV mine will be 5.45g/t (after MCF correction). Analysing the BRPM performance, the tailings value will be approximately 0.65 g/t. There is a strong relationship between head grade and recovery on platinum operations such that the tailings values remain relatively constant - this means that as the head grade increases, the recovery increases. Applying this metallurgical knowledge to the WBJV Merensky feed, it can be expected that the recovery will be between 87 and 88% with tailings values of approximately 0.73 and 0.67 g/t. The Mintek test work has indicated that an even lower tailings value may be achieved, thus offering upside recovery potential.







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On this basis and considering that the samples evaluated at Mintek are not representative of the ore body, it is proposed that the Merensky recovery that may be achieved will be 87.5%. This is the value that was used in the Pre-Feasibility Study and the Feasibility Study. It must be noted that this recovery will not be achieved during periods of lower head grade. This evaluation also assumes that the mineralogical and flotation performance of the different mill feeds is very similar.

Thus, the following Merensky performance has been used in the financial model.

Head Grade

5.45 g/t 4E (estimated)

0.073% Cu

0.151% Ni

Concentrate Grade

150 g/t 4E

3.15% Cu

4.22% Ni

<1.0% Chromite - assume 0.99%

Recovery

87.5% 4E

68.9% Cu

44.6% Ni


This plant performance will be tested during the future metallurgical test work programme.


Plant Performance in excess of ‘Name Plate’ Capacity

The predicted plant performance during the period when the throughput exceeds to ‘name plate’ capacity is indicated in Table 55.

Table 55 - Predicted Plant Recovery in excess of ‘name plate’ capacity

[technical066.gif]

The reduction in process plant recovery is based on the Qualified Persons experience and has not been directly supported by test work. A high-level review of the metallurgical test work completed at Mintek, indicated that the recovery predictions are likely to be conservative and the performance will be bettered.








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In addition, a high-level economic review was also completed whereby the processing plant capital was increased by up to 15% with the design recovery being maintained during the life of the mine. This indicated that there is a financial advantage in ensuring that the best possible plant recovery is maintained for the life of the mine, even with the increased capital expenditure. This analysis will be further developed, before the plant design is finalised prior to plant construction. The Updated Feasibility Study has not included this increased capital expenditure, but has included the recovery decrease as throughput increases.


Ongoing Testwork

As previously stated, the Mintek test work has been completed and the final metallurgical report is available.


Future Testwork

Because of the drill core used for the metallurgical test work not being in the first 3 to 5 year mining plan, additional drilling will be conducted in the six areas that are to be mined during the first 3 years of production. During this time, no UG2 will be mined or treated and thus the drilling will be based on recovery of Merensky reef only (this is in the shallow region of the mine and UG2 is poorly developed).


The additional metallurgical drilling will make available up to 50kg of core from each of the six mining areas for geological, geotechnical and metallurgical evaluation. This drilling is expected to be conducted early in 2010 with the metallurgical evaluation completed by late 2010.


The current mining programme has first Merensky ore being produced late in 2011. It is proposed that this ore be evaluated in a pilot plant may be conducted at Mintek late in 2011.


The results from this additional metallurgical test work will be used to review the appropriateness of the process plant design and to optimize the flow sheet as required.


Costs

A provision has been made in the Capital Estimate for the additional drilling of the initial mining areas for the first 3 to 5 years of production of R4m based on 54 intersections (including deflections) of Merensky reef at an average depth of 175m. This will include drill core selection and preparation for metallurgical testing. The information generated from this drilling will also be used for additional geological and geotechnical evaluation and be incorporated into the mine-planning model.


The metallurgical testing of the drill core will be approximately R1.5m and will be based on variability work and composite testing of the different mining areas. This is based on verbal discussion with Mintek and is comparable to the work being conducted at present.








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As suggested above, a pilot campaign is to be conducted on the first Merensky reef produced from the mine. There are to be two campaigns conducted at Mintek and these will cost R2.5m each. A provision has been made for R5.0m in the Capital Estimate.


Ultra-Fine Grinding

Ultra-fine grinding of flotation intermediate products is being considered by many of the operating platinum producers to improve overall recovery or final concentrate grade or both. This aspect has not been considered for the WBJV concentrator during the Updated Feasibility Study phase of the project. This aspect may be considered during the future pilot campaign but probably only once production has commenced.


No costing has been included in the capital nor operating costs for ultra-fine grinding as the technology is ‘too’ new to consider for the initial mine. The associated equipment can be readily retrofitted to the concentrator if there are economic advantages following successful test work.


Item 18(b): Prill Splits

The financial procedure, which has been used to determine the value of the ore body, is based primarily on analysis of contained Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Gold (commonly referred to as the 4E’s). Other elements of economic interest (Iridium, Ruthenium, Copper and Nickel) were determined on a number of core samples but not on all. A regression analysis was developed, based on these determinations and the results of this regression have been used to approximate the contained Iridium and Ruthenium. Copper and nickel have been modelled and a value in the mill feed has been determined, but not fully modelled and developed via the detailed mine planning exercise.


The more detailed explanation of how the regressions were completed and the copper and nickel values determined is detailed in Item 15(d).


The geological regression results have indicated the following metal splits to be used for the WBJV Project.

Table 56 - Metal Splits in Ore (assumed in Concentrate)

[technical068.gif]


 




[technical070.gif]










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The above splits have been used in the financial model to determine the revenue generated by the mine.

This spilt has been based on evaluation of the drill core for each of the elements. It is assumed that the same split is carried forward to the concentrate, but this has not been confirmed, as there has not been a representative concentrate produced during the test work at Mintek. This will be confirmed during future test work.


The geological model has regressed values for Copper and Nickel as indicated below.

Table 57 - Cu & Ni values for different reefs

Reef

Cu (%)

Ni (%)

UG2

0.009

0.078

MR

0.090

0.200


These have not been modelled geologically nor scheduled through the mine planning process. Applying a mining dilution to these anticipated values of 15% plus a Mine Call Factor of 98% is a reasonable way of evaluating the potential head grade to the concentrator. This is indicated in the following table.


Table 58 - Summary of Cu & Ni Values in Plant feed

[technical072.gif]





These values have been used in the financial model and are comparable to the samples used for metallurgical test work and are thus accepted as a reasonable indication of the plant feed grade.


Item 18(c): Process Plant

The concentrator design was based on the metallurgical test work completed by SGS Lakefield plus industry experience and is not based on the more appropriate Mintek evaluations. This decision was taken by the project team in the interest of time saving for the project and is regarded as a reasonable approach with the optimization of the flow sheet to be implemented during the detailed design phase of the concentrator.


GRD Minproc were contracted to complete the plant design and for the Updated Feasibility Study, review the capital and operating cost estimates. The process plant design and operating philosophy was not reviewed during the Updated Feasibility Study.










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The original plant was based on being fed from a single underground source of reef only with production waste being re-directed at the tipping point. The subsequent mining redesign has extended the plant to accept conveyed reef and waste from underground, distribute the waste to surface bins for discard to the waste dump, crush the underground conveyed reef, accept truck tipped reef from underground and to control the blending of surface stockpiles that will be created during operations.


Operating Philosophy

The concentrator is designed to treat 140,000 tonnes per month of reef (‘name plate’ capacity) with a possible 20% controlled blend of UG2 in Merensky reef or vice versa. The basis of the plant design is that the milling capacity of the plant can process the full 140,000 tpm of Merensky and the flotation plant can treat the full capacity for UG2. The milling power required for MR is higher than that required for UG2, whilst the flotation circuit residence time and other parameters required processing UG2 is greater than for MR and this has been included. This aspect will need to be reviewed to cater for mass-pull and other factors during final process design. The plant will be required to treat up to 160,000 tonnes per month, which is 14% in excess of the ‘name plate’ capacity, albeit at a recovery discount.


This plant is designed to be versatile with two feed bins so that a controlled blend of ore can be processed.


Process Flow Description

The following figure outlines the block flow diagrams for the process flow. The process flow diagrams (PFD’s) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID’s) are available in the GRD Minproc Process Plant report.


Run of Mine (RoM) material is received from either dump truck or the underground conveyor delivery chute. Dump trucks from the two decline systems will either tip directly into the crusher feed bin or onto the surface stockpile area - stockpiled material will be double handled and reclaimed into the process plant by front-end loader. Material delivered by conveyor will be identified as waste, Merensky reef or UG2 reef.  Control systems are to be incorporated such that the three products are not mixed or directed to the incorrect product area.


Waste will be deflected from the conveyor head chute to the waste conveyor and into a storage bin for road transport to the waste dump, (future conveying of this product could be considered).







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Figure 27 - Plant Block Flow Diagram

[technical074.gif]


Reef will be directed into the crusher feed bin and the associated pan feeder. The RoM is conveyed to a vibrating grizzly feeder (VGF), from where the oversize is fed to a jaw crusher.


The crusher product combines with the VGF undersize from where the material is conveyed to a reversible conveyor feeding two storage silos allowing UG2 and Merensky ore to be separately stored.


Belt feeders withdraw material separately from each silo. Blending of the two ore types takes place on a conveyor feeding the crushed material to the primary mill surge bin. On the same conveyor a holding bin and vibrating pan feeder is located allowing scats from the primary mill discharge trommel to be returned to the milling circuit.


Material is fed to the primary mill from the mill surge bin by a variable speed belt feeder. The primary milling circuit comprises a grate discharge RoM ball mill with a trommel in closed circuit with hydrocyclones. The cyclone overflow gravitates to the primary roughers flotation circuit. The cyclone underflow gravitates back to the primary mill feed chute.


No allowance has been made for classification of the cyclone overflow, since misplaced UG2 silicates reporting to the cyclone overflow, will be further processed through the secondary milling circuit.







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The primary flotation circuit comprises a train of cylindrical tank type, forced air rougher flotation cells operating in series and with gravity flow. Rougher concentrate is cleaned in two stages of flotation and the final concentrate is pumped to the concentrate thickener.


Rougher cleaner tails are returned to the primary mill discharge sump.


Rougher tails are collected and pumped to the secondary mill feed de-watering and classification cyclones. Primary roughers tails will be de-watered and classified in two stages of hydrocyclones before being fed to the secondary mill.


In the first stage cyclone, the higher density chromites will tend to preferentially classify to the underflow, whereas the silicates will report to the overflow. A second stage cyclone will be installed to recover coarse silicates misplaced in the first stage cyclone. In this manner, these misplaced course silicates report back to the secondary mill for fine grinding.


The secondary mill is an overflow ball mill with a trommel and operates in open circuit. The ball mill discharge gravitates to the secondary mill discharge sump and is pumped to the secondary roughers flotation circuit, which is comprised of a train of cylindrical tank type with forced air rougher flotation cells operating in series and with gravity flow.


The secondary rougher concentrate is cleaned in two stages of flotation and the final concentrate is pumped to the concentrate thickener.


Secondary cleaner tails are returned to secondary mill discharge sump.


Secondary rougher tails are collected and pumped to the tails handling circuit before being discarded to the tails storage facility.


Final concentrates from the primary and secondary rougher flotation cleaner circuits are pumped to the concentrate thickener via a trash screen, to prevent foreign trash ingress into the concentrate thickening and filtration circuit.


Thickener underflow, is pumped to an agitated filter feed tank and from the feed tank to the filtration circuit, from where the air dried filter cake discharges onto a conveyor and then onto one of two concentrate stockpiles for loading and dispatch. The filtrate is recycled to the concentrate thickener.


Thickener overflow gravitates to a collection tank and is pumped to the flotation circuits for use as launder wash down water.







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Flotation plant tails from the secondary roughers is pumped to the tails thickener via a guard cyclone that prevents coarse and tramp material from entering the thickener.


Thickener underflow together with guard cyclone underflow is pumped to an agitated tails disposal tank from where it is pumped to the tails storage facility.


Thickener overflow gravitates to the process water storage pond and reticulation system.


Tails from the flotation plant is delivered to the tails storage facility (designed by others).  Decant water gravitates to the tails return water pond from where it is pumped back to the process water pond and reticulation system.


In order to cater for all eventualities, i.e. treating Merensky ore or UG2 ore separately, or a Merensky/UG2 blend, various reagent make-up and flocculant make-up systems have been provided for in the estimate.


Plant Capital Cost

Outlined below is a summary of the updated capital costs for the processing plant only, and excludes capital costs associated with mining operations and the mine residue disposal facilities.


The basis of the updated capital cost estimate is an EPCM contract, which has been estimated at a base date of 01 September 2009 and is detailed in Addendum 2 to the Process Plant Report.


The total installed capital cost has been estimated at an accuracy of +15%- 15%.


An overall accuracy provision of 7.7% and contingency of 7%, of direct field costs, have been included. No growth allowance or escalation has been allowed for.


All estimates have been prepared based on the currency in which tendered and where applicable converted to South African Rand (ZAR) at the following exchange rates:

USD 1 = ZAR8.00

Euro 1 = ZAR12.0


The total process plant capital cost including; supply, transportation, erection, installation, mechanical completion, dry commissioning, first fills, vendor commissioning assistance, commissioning spares, accuracy provision, EPCM, contingency and strategic/insurance spare costs is outlined in following table.









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Table 59 - Updated Process Plant Capital Cost estimate

Discipline

% of Mechanicals

ZAR Cost

Earthworks

9.22%

24 770 713

Civils

13.89%

37 330 193

Structural

12.11%

32 534 198

Platework

5.27%

14 175 527

Mechanical

100

268 749 605

Piping and Valves

10.79%

28 996 002

Electrical and Instrumentation

19.11%

51 360 464

Buildings

1.85%

4 969 604

Miscellaneous

4.53%

12 177 273

Direct Costs

 

441 039 170

Accuracy Provision

7.71% of Direct Cost

34 024 413

Total Direct Costs

 

475 063 583

 

% of Direct Costs

 

EPCM

14.87%

70 655 223

Contingency

7%

33 254 450

Strategic/Insurance spares

 

16 386 597

Contract Plant Operator Start Capital

 

1 189 849

Total Indirect Costs

 

121 486 121

TOTAL PROJECT COST

 

596 549 704


The above estimate includes costs for tailings dam pipeline and return water pipeline and pumps, with associated electrical infrastructure, as per the GRD Minproc report.


This updated capital costs estimate has been included in the overall capital budget for the WBJV mine.


The updated capital cost estimate has increased by 8.3% from the Feasibility Study plant base date of 01 December 2007.


Contingency

The process plant contingency as determined by GRD Minproc has been included in the capital estimate, and an additional provision has been made for possible redesign of the flow sheet subject to the additional test work discussed above.


Plant Operating Cost

This is a summary of the operating costs for the processing plant only, and excludes operating costs associated with mining operations and operation of the mine residue disposal facilities.








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The operating costs have been estimated for the process plant at a base date of 01 September 2009 and are detailed in the Process Plant Report.


The operating cost has been estimated at an accuracy of ±15%.


An overall accuracy provision of 7.5% has been included.  No growth allowance, escalation or contingency has been provided for.


All estimates have been prepared based on the currency in which tendered and where applicable converted to South African Rand at the following exchange rates:


USD 1 = ZAR8.00

Euro 1 = ZAR12.00


The following table summarises the estimated operating costs.

Table 60 - Summary of Plant Operating Cost

Cost Item

ZAR/annum

Concentrator fixed costs

 

     Labour

18 882 482

     Maintenance spares

15 769 958

     Miscellaneous costs

1 591 788

  Subtotal

36 244 228

Concentrator variable costs

 

     Power

28 127 401

     Plant vehicles

7 187 440

     Consumables

45 452 078

     Subtotal

80 766 919

Accuracy Provision (7.5 %)

8 775 836

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING COST (including accuracy provision)

125 786 983


The financial model has included the fixed costs at R36 244 228 per annum plus the variable costs at R32.70 per tonne milled (excluding power, water and analytical costs). The fixed costs have increased by 14.1% and the variable costs (excluding power, water and analytical costs) have increased by 32.6% since 01 December 2007.


The operating cost power demand is estimated at 10.5MW, which is equal to 50kWhr/tonne treated. This estimate has been removed from the plant operating costs and is stated as a line item in the financial model to allow the effects of the power supply issues to be reflected correctly.








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The estimated water demand by GRD Minproc is 0.77kilolitres per tonne treated. This estimate has been removed from the plant operating costs and is stated as a line item in the financial model to indicate the cost of services.


Plant Labour

The following staffing organogram is expected to be implemented by the designated contactor operating the plant.

Figure 28  - Expected Plant Labour Structure

[technical076.gif]


The total staff compliment is to be 93 persons.


Item 18(d): Plant Performance

Process Tonnage

The process plant has been designed to treat 140,000 tonnes per month of reef (as ‘name plate’ capacity) with a controlled blend of up to 20% of UG2 in MR or vice-versa. The plant will be required to treat up to 160,000 tonnes per month as a result of the revised mine plan associated with this Updated Feasibility Study. The processing plant will be able to treat the additional 14% but at the expense of metal recovery, as indicated in Table 55.


The tonnage and grade profiles as detailed from the mine planning are displayed in the following table - this indicates that there is a change over period between the MR operation and the UG2 operation of about 6 years. During this time, there is a period of 2 years where the reef split exceeds the 20:80 ratio upon which the plant design is based and during this period, ore will need to be stockpiled and re-handled to allow efficient plant operation.


The expected life of mine treatment profile is depicted in the following table.








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Table 61  - Milling Production Profile

[technical078.gif]

During operations, it is expected that there will be periods when surface stockpiling of reef will be necessary and the working costs have taken this into account with a re-handling provision of R4.00 per tonne included.








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Recovery and Grade Performance

The metallurgical test work being conducted at Mintek has been completed and the expected recovery and grade performances have been confirmed by test work for the plant operating at ‘name plate’ capacity. This performance is expected to be as detailed below at ‘name plate’ capacity.

Merensky:

Concentrate Grade

150 g/t 4E

3.15% Cu

4.22% Ni

<1.0% Chromite - assume 0.99%

Recovery

87.5% 4E

68.9% Cu

44.6% Ni

UG2:

Concentrate Grade

165 g/t 4E

2.77% Chromite

Recovery

82.5% 4E

40% Cu

30% Ni


The data generated from the test work indicates that this performance can be expected from the concentrator once operations have stabilized at ‘name plate’ capacity.


As the plant will be required to exceed the ‘name plate’ capacity, the predicted performance at different levels of throughput are detailed in Table 55.


There is some uncertainty with the predicted metallurgical performance as indicated above due to the non-representative nature of the samples that were tested and this inappropriate data generated. As a result, additional drilling and metallurgical test, work has been scheduled, including a pilot plant campaign. In addition, the financial analysis has included a sensitivity analysis around lower plant recoveries.


Concentrate Moisture

The use of Larox pressure filters for drying concentrate will ensure that the concentrate moisture will be lower than the penalty limit of 15%. Whilst test work has not been conducted on the final concentrate, the moisture content of Merensky concentrate is expected to be 15% as per industry norms on such concentrate.







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Chromite Recovery

The recovery of Chromite has not been included in the process flow sheet as it will only be applicable when the UG2 reef is processed and this can be retrofitted if deemed economically attractive after production year 11.


Item 18(e): Commissioning

The concentrator will be commissioned on stockpiled material from the early mining of Merensky reef and this stockpile will be depleted during this phase.


Item 18(f): Production Ramp-Up

The processing ramp-up in production from a tonnage perspective is not regarded as critical area, as processing will be determined by the mining rate which in the first number of months, will be significantly less than the potential processing rate for the concentrator.


The stabilisation of the concentrator will be required during the first number of months until there is sufficient ore for extended operations. This could result in reduced concentrate grade and recovery, but this aspect has not been factored into the financial model.


Item 18(g): Concentrate Transportation

The concentrate produced on the mine will be required to be delivered to the smelting facility of Anglo Platinum based in Rustenburg. A local transport contractor has been approached and an indicative cost for such delivery is stated as R48.00 per wet tonne. This translates to approximately R1.55 per tonne kilometre, which is regarded as fair and reasonable. This cost has not been escalated since the Feasibility Study.


Item 18(h): Concentrate Off-take Agreement

A draft concentrate off-take agreement is in place between PTM, Wesizwe and Anglo Platinum and this forms part of the Joint Venture agreement. This draft agreement defines the outlines of the treatment contract that will be applied to the WBJV Project 1 mine.


The basic conditions are as indicated below:

·

Payable metals in concentrate shall be

o

Platinum - Pt

o

Palladium - Pd

o

Rhodium - Rh

o

Gold - Au

o

Ruthenium - Ru

o

Iridium - Ir

o

Copper - Cu

o

Nickel - Ni







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·

Penalties shall be applied for the following:

o

Chromitite content above a minimum limit - stated as 1% with a sliding scale

o

Moisture content above a set limit - estimated to be 15%

o

Minimum concentrate 4E’s grade - estimated to be 150 g/t

·

Charges shall be applied on the following basis

o

Treatment charge per dry tonne received

o

Sampling charges per batch received

·

Payment terms shall be

o

Three months after delivery of concentrate


The final terms and condition have not been negotiated between the parties involved but indicative terms have been presented by PTM RSA to Anglo Platinum for comment.


The terms that have been used in the financial model, although not ratified by the partners are:

·

Payability of all metals - 86%

·

Treatment Charges - R500 per dry tonne of concentrate

·

Sampling Charges - R2 500 per batch of 200 tonnes receive (1.5 samples per 300 tonnes)

·

Moisture penalty - R30 per tonne of contained water above 15%

·

Concentrate grade penalty - R50 per 5g/t below threshold of 150 g/t

·

Chromite penalty - sliding scale up to R75 000 per tonne contained chromite at 5%. The sliding penalty scale is based on the following table

Table 62 - Chromite Penalty Estimate

Chromitite Penalty Table

Contained Cr2O3 per tonne of concentrate

Penalty per Contained Cr2O3 per tonne of concentrate

1.0% to 1.5%

12 000

1.5% to 2.0%

13 200

2.0% to 2.5%

14 600

2.5% to 3.0%

16 100

3.0% to 4.0%

32 200

4.0% to 5.0%

50 000

These smelter terms and conditions have not been updated since the Feasibility Study.


Item 18(i): Analytical & Assay

There will not be an Analytical Laboratory constructed at the WBJV mine site.


Provision has been made for sample preparation facilities at the plant for metallurgical production samples, whilst the mine geologists at the existing facility at the farmhouse will prepare the geological and grade control samples.








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Samples will be collected by a commercial laboratory located in the Rustenburg district. An allowance of R2.00 per tonne milled has been made for analytical services in the working cost model for the concentrator plus R3.00 per tonne milled for ore Resource definition and grade control.


No discussions have been held with such a laboratory, but there are a number of independent facilities available.


Item 18(j): Tailings Dam

The tailings dam is located to the east of the project site and to the south of the drainage channel. As such, the access from the Concentrator to the TSF will be directly by road under the ESKOM power lines.

The facility was originally designed for 25 million tonnes but following a number of reviews, this capacity has been increased to 32 million tonnes without changes to the current design.


Design Philosophy

The depositional characteristics of the platinum tailings are based on the physical characteristics and actual particle size distribution of the tailings, which influence:


·

Tailings behaviour on deposition,

·

Beach formation and profile,

·

Rate of drying out, desiccation/consolidation and associated strength gain,

·

Particle segregation along the beach,

·

Pool control, and

·

General tailings dam operations and deposition practices.


For the selected depositional methodology (conventional thickened spigotted self raising), tailings are deposited into the TD basin via a spigot pipeline located on the inner crest of the perimeter starter wall. During commissioning and deposition behind the starter wall the tailings is directed to the base of the inner toe of the starter wall and adjacent to the toe drain and inner blanket drain by flexible hoses. Deposition during this stage of the operation is carefully controlled, monitored and intensely managed, to ensure that the drains are not eroded away by the tailings stream or blinded by depositing “fine” tailings material over them.


Once the tailings has reached the elevation of the starter wall, the forming of ±0.5m high tailings bund walls along the perimeter crest of the starter wall using the deposited tailings and the raising of the spigot pipeline commences - i.e. routine tailings dam operation, depositing in cycles around the TD.


Supernatant and storm water, collected on the tailings dam, is decanted via vertical penstock intakes and a buried penstock pipeline discharging into the RWD/SWD.







160




During commissioning and the initial development stages of the TD, decanting occurs via temporary/intermediate single penstock inlets, located along the migration path of the pool from the starter wall uphill towards its final location at the double penstock inlets and pool wall. The intermediate inlets are progressively sealed once the pool has migrated to an adjacent upstream inlet.


The tailings dam has been designed as a conventional tailings dam impoundment and is not based on paste technology. Water recovered from the tailings facility will be returned to the processing plant.


The dam is to be rock clad for closure considerations.


Capital Cost

The tailings dam capital cost has been re-estimated by Epoch as part of the Updated Feasibility Study. The Tailings Dam report has not been updated.


Schedules of quantities, for the preparatory works associated with the MRDF, have been reviewed by Epoch and priced using recent budgetary construction rates obtained from a reputable earthworks contractor.


Table 63 - Tailings Dam Capital Cost

Facility

Capital cost (RSA Rands)

Tailings Dam

34,170,010

Return Water Dam & Storm Water Dam

14,973,313

Waste Rock Dump (estimate)

6,000,000

Unmeasured Items (15% of works)

7,371,498

Sub Total

62,514,821

P&G’s (25% of total cost of works)

13,984,677

Total (+25%-15% accuracy)

76,499,498


The above capital cost estimate excludes the following, all of which have been catered for in the GRD Minproc or in the project costing:


·

The slurry delivery pipeline(s) from the process plant to the TD;

·

Access roads between the TD and process plant, shaft;

·

The RWD and SWD pump stations;

·

Return water pipelines from the RWD and SWD the process plant; and

·

All electrical, mechanical and instrumentation equipment.








161




This capital cost estimate has increased by 46% since the 2008 Feasibility Study as a result of escalation and improved project definition.


Operating Cost

The tailings dam operating costs are based on an annual fixed charge of R500 000 to include the salary of operations staff and consultant reviews plus a variable charge of R0.65 per tonne placed have remained unchanged from the Feasibility Study. These have been included in the financial model.


It is anticipated that the total staffing of the tailings dam by the contractor will be 15 persons.


ITEM 19: MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES

Item 19(a): Standard Reserve and Resource reporting system

Minxcon (Pty) Ltd (“Minxcon”) was commissioned by the directors of Platinum Group to undertake the Mineral Resource estimation of the WBJV Project 1 and 1A area.  Mr Charles Muller of Minxcon has been closely involved with the Project, in the capacity of an independent Competent Person, since its inception. The scope of this report is to outline and detail the methodology employed of Mineral Resource estimation of Project 1 and 1A of the WBJV, as well as detailing the results of the Mineral Resource estimation exercise.  The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimation is July 2008.


An updated Resource model has been generated and press released with the Updated Feasibility Study but this Updated Resource was NOT used in the Updated Feasibility Study Technical Report.


Item 19(b): Data Sources

The independent author and Qualified Persons (QP) of this report have used the data provided by the representative and internal experts of PTM RSA. This data is derived from historical records for the area as well as information currently compiled by the operating company, which is PTM RSA. The PTM RSA -generated information is under the control and care of Mr WJ Visser Pr.Sci.Nat. 400279/04, who is an employee of PTM RSA and is not independent. The following table summarises the available data that was used for the geostatistical modelling and evaluation of the project:-


Table 64 - Borehole Data

Data

Merensky Reef

UG2 Reef

No. of Borehole intersections Project 1

237

231

No. of Borehole intersections project 1A

68

32


The locations of the boreholes are illustrated in the following figures:-







162




Figure 29 - Location of MR Boreholes

[technical079.jpg]

Figure 30  - Location of UG2 Boreholes

[technical080.jpg]

Item 19(c): Classical Statistics

 Statistical analyses were performed to develop an understanding of the statistical characteristics and sample population distribution relationships.  Descriptive statistics in the form of histograms (frequency distributions) and probability plots (used to evaluate the normality of the distribution of a variable) were used to develop an understanding of such statistical relationships. Skewness is a measure of the deviation of the distribution from symmetry (0 - no Skewness). Kurtosis measures the "peakedness" of a distribution (0 - normal distribution).


The descriptive statistics tables are illustrated per Geozone.  The Merensky Reef has been subdivided into 8 Geozones. The Geozones were determined using the geological facies plans and grade distribution for both the Merensky and UG2 reefs. The descriptive statistics tables are illustrated per Geozone.

Table 66 - summarise the descriptive statistics for the Merensky Reef.




Table 65  - Merensky Reef Descriptive Statistics Project 1 (min 80 cm cut)




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




167



The following map illustrates the location of the different Geozones or Domains for both the UG2 and MR:-

Figure 31  - MR and UG2 Domains

[technical081.jpg]









168




The following tables detail the descriptive stats for the three hangingwall (“HW”) and footwall (“FW”) units that were also modelled to achieve the best cut mining width:-

Table 69 - Descriptive Statistics for the MR HW and FW Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


170




Capping and Cutting

No corrections were made (top cut etc.) to the data as all fall within acceptable limits.  The statistical analyses show the expected relationships for these types of reef.


Item 19(d): Mining Considerations

As only Mineral Resources were evaluated, no mine plan was taken into consideration.  The reefs were however evaluated over a realistic average diluted mining width as follows:-

Table  - Summary of Mining Widths

Reef

Project

Resource Category

Mining Width (cm)

Merensky

Project 1

Measured

108

Indicated

109

Inferred

93

UG2

Project 1

Measured

141

Indicated

134

Inferred

134


The initial occurrence of payable reef is at 130m below surface. The payable reef then extends to a depth of approximately 630m below surface. There are no near-surface or outcropping reefs of sufficient width, geometry or value to provide an opportunity for opencast mining.


A cut-off grade of 300cm.g/t was selected as a Resource cut-off. The reason for using the 300cm.g/t cut-off is in compliance with responsible engineering practice to simulate probable working cost and flow of ore parameters, in order to report potentially economical Resources.  


Reef Compositing Definitions

For the Resource cut width model, the borehole samples were composited into single drill hole intersections according to the pertinent Resource width.  Density was incorporated in the compositing phase. The boreholes were subsequently corrected for dip (3D dip model constructed), resulting in true width intersection values. The data was composited according to reef horizon. The following table is a summary of Resource width (“RW”) sample composites with values:-







171




Table  - Merensky Reef - Resource Cut

BHID

FROM

TO

SG

LENGTH

PT

PD

RH

AU

OS

IR

RU

4E

CU%

NI%

RW

m

m

t/m

m

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

%

%

cm

WBJV001D0

447.60

448.65

3.42

1.05

2.82

1.28

0.17

0.17

0.06

0.10

0.42

4.44

0.10

0.19

99.86

WBJV001D2

27.94

28.93

3.51

0.99

3.28

1.49

0.20

0.28

0.07

0.12

0.47

5.26

0.11

0.22

94.15

WBJV010D1

51.42

52.43

3.56

1.01

1.43

0.60

0.24

0.01

0.04

0.06

0.25

2.28

0.00

0.13

96.05

WBJV015D0

389.67

390.73

3.43

1.06

6.50

2.36

0.29

0.38

0.12

0.22

0.86

9.52

0.00

0.09

100.81

WBJV015D1

31.76

33.22

3.34

1.46

2.97

1.25

0.14

0.19

0.07

0.11

0.43

4.56

0.05

0.14

138.85

WBJV030D0

475.89

477.12

3.22

1.23

5.08

2.07

0.27

0.43

0.10

0.18

0.69

7.86

0.12

0.24

116.98

WBJV030D1

21.03

22.21

3.26

1.18

3.16

1.54

0.15

0.33

0.07

0.12

0.46

5.19

0.12

0.27

112.22

WBJV030D2

27.77

28.81

3.32

1.04

0.09

0.04

0.01

0.09

0.02

0.02

0.09

0.23

0.06

0.17

98.91

WBJV033D0

338.61

339.80

3.29

1.19

2.02

1.01

0.11

0.29

0.05

0.08

0.32

3.43

0.09

0.17

113.18

WBJV045D1

62.00

63.19

3.33

1.19

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.06

0.04

0.00

0.04

113.18

WBJV048D0

423.17

424.37

3.27

1.20

0.61

0.58

0.06

0.10

0.03

0.04

0.15

1.36

0.09

0.12

114.13

WBJV048D1

44.36

45.59

3.28

1.23

5.24

1.88

0.22

0.32

0.10

0.18

0.71

7.66

0.09

0.19

116.98

WBJV050D0

530.63

531.75

3.11

1.12

4.30

1.94

0.22

0.30

0.07

0.08

0.53

6.77

0.11

0.22

106.52

WBJV050D1

35.51

36.93

3.20

1.42

4.77

2.22

0.26

0.33

0.10

0.12

0.72

7.58

0.11

0.26

135.05

WBJV104D0

535.67

536.75

3.05

1.08

0.13

0.04

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.09

0.19

0.01

0.04

102.72

WBJV104D1

60.46

61.64

3.12

1.18

1.00

0.55

0.07

0.08

0.03

0.05

0.20

1.69

0.08

0.11

112.22

WBJV104D2

66.18

67.22

2.97

1.04

0.57

0.30

0.03

0.09

0.03

0.03

0.15

0.99

0.10

0.11

98.91

WBJV109D1

27.98

29.25

3.29

1.27

3.98

1.59

0.27

0.30

0.08

0.14

0.56

6.13

0.07

0.19

120.78

WBJV109D2

33.29

34.67

3.18

1.38

4.48

1.82

0.22

0.48

0.09

0.16

0.62

7.00

0.07

0.17

131.25

WBJV112D0

450.76

453.64

3.19

2.88

3.66

1.31

0.28

0.09

0.08

0.13

0.52

5.35

0.02

0.10

273.90

WBJV112D1

19.88

23.44

3.17

3.56

3.47

1.27

0.26

0.05

0.07

0.12

0.51

5.06

0.03

0.10

338.58

WBJV112D2

23.28

28.13

3.24

4.85

4.92

2.29

0.35

0.24

0.10

0.12

0.70

7.79

0.07

0.18

461.26

WBJV116D0

506.30

507.52

3.11

1.22

2.03

0.89

0.10

0.19

0.04

0.04

0.27

3.20

0.09

0.19

116.03

WBJV116D1

16.19

17.41

3.15

1.22

2.75

1.21

0.13

0.24

0.05

0.06

0.34

4.33

0.08

0.20

116.03

WBJV116D2

21.20

22.35

3.19

1.15

3.48

0.88

0.16

0.32

0.07

0.09

0.50

4.84

0.08

0.17

109.37

WBJV120D0

330.66

331.67

3.11

1.01

0.22

0.11

0.02

0.06

0.01

0.01

0.04

0.41

0.04

0.10

96.06

WBJV120D3

25.06

26.30

3.24

1.24

0.34

0.22

0.03

0.11

0.01

0.01

0.05

0.69

0.06

0.14

117.93

WBJV120RDRIL

19.83

21.03

3.24

1.20

0.30

0.16

0.02

0.11

0.01

0.01

0.05

0.60

0.06

0.14

114.13

WBJV124D0

489.44

490.47

3.20

1.03

6.01

2.55

0.34

0.42

0.14

0.17

0.98

9.32

0.13

0.29

97.96

WBJV124D1

9.34

10.43

3.14

1.09

5.77

1.96

0.40

0.24

0.12

0.15

0.85

8.38

0.13

0.25

103.66

WBJV124D3

29.30

30.50

3.14

1.20

7.14

1.91

0.33

0.31

0.10

0.12

0.71

9.68

0.15

0.23

114.13

WBJV125D0

457.71

458.88

3.12

1.17

3.45

1.60

0.20

0.24

0.07

0.08

0.45

5.48

0.09

0.17

111.27

WBJV125D1

16.90

18.04

3.13

1.14

2.07

1.03

0.12

0.19

0.04

0.04

0.25

3.41

0.07

0.10

108.42

WBJV127D0

446.28

447.44

3.12

1.16

2.38

0.86

0.10

0.21

0.04

0.04

0.23

3.55

0.07

0.17

110.32

WBJV127D1

7.92

9.09

3.15

1.17

2.91

1.41

0.19

0.27

0.06

0.07

0.39

4.78

0.09

0.25

111.27

WBJV127D2

13.65

14.80

3.13

1.15

2.43

0.94

0.11

0.34

0.03

0.04

0.23

3.82

0.08

0.18

109.37

WBJV131D0

548.75

550.00

3.22

1.25

8.65

4.70

0.68

0.70

0.19

0.25

1.43

14.74

0.11

0.34

118.88

WBJV131D1

7.19

8.22

3.28

1.03

7.84

3.50

0.41

0.28

0.10

0.12

0.72

12.02

0.08

0.21

97.96

WBJV131D3

18.19

19.25

3.29

1.06

7.95

3.46

0.62

0.58

0.18

0.23

1.33

12.62

0.13

0.29

100.81

WBJV137D3

51.40

52.46

3.11

1.06

0.95

0.39

0.05

0.08

0.03

0.05

0.19

1.47

0.04

0.09

100.81

WBJV141D0

337.72

338.83

3.11

1.11

1.09

0.41

0.08

0.24

0.04

0.05

0.21

1.82

0.06

0.15

105.57

WBJV141D1

7.60

8.75

3.18

1.15

1.62

0.56

0.10

0.18

0.04

0.07

0.27

2.45

0.07

0.16

109.37

WBJV142D0

409.47

410.85

3.18

1.38

3.43

1.15

0.17

0.22

0.07

0.12

0.49

4.97

0.07

0.17

131.25

WBJV142D1

17.43

19.07

3.18

1.64

4.24

1.76

0.29

0.30

0.09

0.15

0.59

6.58

0.07

0.18

155.97

WBJV143D0

377.31

378.51

3.19

1.20

1.75

0.45

0.13

0.12

0.05

0.07

0.29

2.44

0.06

0.13

114.13

WBJV145D0

523.29

524.44

3.23

1.15

0.72

0.42

0.04

0.14

0.03

0.04

0.16

1.31

0.06

0.14

109.37

WBJV145D1

3.38

4.60

3.22

1.22

0.80

0.55

0.04

0.15

0.03

0.04

0.17

1.54

0.06

0.14

116.03

WBJV145D2

8.66

10.12

3.23

1.46

1.06

0.56

0.06

0.17

0.03

0.05

0.20

1.85

0.06

0.14

138.86

WBJV153D0

513.81

515.15

3.17

1.34

3.81

3.66

0.31

0.48

0.08

0.14

0.53

8.27

0.14

0.30

127.44







172







WBJV154D0

339.16

340.20

3.04

1.04

0.71

0.41

0.05

0.10

0.03

0.04

0.16

1.27

0.05

0.09

98.91

WBJV154D4

28.97

30.07

3.16

1.10

0.66

0.36

0.05

0.08

0.03

0.04

0.16

1.15

0.05

0.13

104.62

WBJV170D0

258.16

259.28

3.25

1.12

2.59

1.16

0.15

0.24

0.06

0.10

0.39

4.14

0.07

0.16

106.52

WBJV170D1

13.41

14.43

3.24

1.02

3.00

1.09

0.17

0.27

0.07

0.11

0.44

4.52

0.06

0.17

97.01

WBJV170D2

23.75

24.81

3.25

1.06

2.96

0.95

0.27

0.07

0.07

0.11

0.43

4.25

0.03

0.11

100.81

WBJV170D3

33.35

34.50

3.24

1.15

2.45

1.46

0.20

0.20

0.06

0.09

0.37

4.32

0.04

0.11

109.37

WBJV002D0

464.62

465.91

3.52

1.29

3.50

1.73

0.21

0.37

0.07

0.13

0.50

5.80

0.11

0.24

119.61

WBJV006D0

459.98

460.98

3.55

1.00

10.04

4.56

0.55

0.45

0.18

0.33

1.28

15.61

0.14

0.26

92.72

WBJV006D1

96.69

97.69

3.29

1.00

9.77

5.06

0.54

0.74

0.17

0.32

1.25

16.12

0.19

0.40

92.72

WBJV012D0

64.16

65.22

3.09

1.06

0.35

0.13

0.05

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.12

0.55

0.00

0.03

98.28

WBJV016D0

117.60

118.73

3.31

1.13

0.65

0.36

0.03

0.12

0.03

0.04

0.16

1.15

0.03

0.07

104.77

WBJV016D1

27.12

28.20

3.26

1.08

0.30

0.14

0.02

0.09

0.02

0.03

0.11

0.55

0.04

0.11

100.14

WBJV017D0

77.15

78.15

3.08

1.00

0.04

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.08

0.00

0.02

92.72

WBJV017D1

16.65

17.65

3.05

1.00

0.04

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.08

0.00

0.02

92.72

WBJV018D1

30.95

32.12

3.33

1.17

5.87

2.61

0.21

0.58

0.11

0.20

0.78

9.27

0.19

0.35

108.48

WBJV025D0

113.63

114.90

3.19

1.27

0.29

0.19

0.02

0.03

0.02

0.03

0.11

0.53

0.01

0.05

117.75

WBJV025D1

33.36

34.46

3.28

1.10

0.35

0.24

0.01

0.04

0.02

0.03

0.12

0.65

0.01

0.05

101.99

WBJV040D0

384.84

385.84

3.05

1.00

0.02

0.02

0.01

0.04

0.02

0.02

0.06

0.08

0.01

0.05

92.72

WBJV040D1

14.74

15.97

3.13

1.23

1.48

0.73

0.07

0.26

0.04

0.06

0.25

2.53

0.02

0.11

114.04

WBJV042D1

7.74

8.89

3.24

1.15

3.46

1.72

0.21

0.44

0.07

0.12

0.49

5.83

0.13

0.24

106.63

WBJV042D2

14.80

15.84

3.20

1.04

4.75

2.30

0.27

0.45

0.09

0.17

0.65

7.77

0.12

0.26

96.43

WBJV057D0

145.72

146.77

3.25

1.05

2.94

1.10

0.16

0.13

0.04

0.06

0.29

4.33

 

 

97.35

WBJV057D1

55.36

56.43

3.06

1.07

1.36

0.48

0.09

0.05

0.03

0.03

0.17

1.97

 

 

99.21

WBJV058D0

384.49

385.67

3.25

1.18

4.74

1.66

0.30

0.33

0.11

0.13

0.73

7.03

 

 

109.41

WBJV058D1

3.68

4.80

3.25

1.12

7.35

1.48

0.31

0.30

0.10

0.13

0.68

9.43

 

 

103.84

WBJV059D0

184.20

185.20

3.35

1.00

0.99

0.26

0.14

0.01

0.05

0.08

0.30

1.40

 

 

92.72

WBJV059D1

34.15

35.34

3.24

1.19

0.57

0.27

0.11

0.01

0.04

0.05

0.21

0.96

 

 

110.34

WBJV063D0

139.64

140.88

3.06

1.24

0.05

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.09

 

 

114.97

WBJV063D1

19.87

20.87

3.09

1.00

0.04

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.08

 

 

92.72

WBJV066D0

107.96

109.09

3.21

1.13

0.03

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.08

0.00

0.02

104.77

WBJV066D1

27.72

28.95

3.23

1.23

0.04

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.08

0.01

0.03

114.04

WBJV073D0

146.37

147.58

3.20

1.21

5.13

2.06

0.32

0.38

0.09

0.12

0.66

7.89

0.11

0.25

112.19

WBJV095D0

417.40

419.40

3.25

2.00

2.57

1.14

0.12

0.28

0.06

0.10

0.39

4.11

0.09

0.19

185.44

WBJV095D1

13.03

15.28

3.30

2.25

3.19

1.52

0.15

0.40

0.07

0.12

0.46

5.25

0.12

0.26

208.62

WBJV096D1

60.85

63.35

3.29

2.50

15.34

7.19

1.03

0.66

0.26

0.50

1.92

24.23

0.12

0.28

231.80

WBJV096D2

71.03

73.20

3.28

2.17

10.12

3.87

0.43

0.73

0.18

0.33

1.29

15.15

0.16

0.34

201.20

WBJV101D0

498.65

499.65

3.23

1.00

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.04

0.00

0.04

92.72

WBJV102D0

408.86

410.20

3.26

1.34

2.36

1.01

0.11

0.21

0.06

0.09

0.36

3.70

0.06

0.15

124.25

WBJV106D0

398.08

399.07

3.17

0.99

4.77

1.94

0.32

0.32

0.09

0.17

0.65

7.35

0.12

0.23

91.79

WBJV106D2

28.75

29.88

3.08

1.13

4.28

1.73

0.24

0.34

0.09

0.15

0.59

6.59

0.11

0.24

104.77

WBJV130D0

483.16

484.44

3.21

1.28

3.25

1.50

0.23

0.23

0.08

0.08

0.51

5.21

0.11

0.24

118.68

WBJV130D1

8.63

9.73

3.20

1.10

6.81

2.47

0.33

0.40

0.11

0.12

0.70

10.01

0.14

0.32

101.99

WBJV130D2

13.43

14.72

3.18

1.29

2.21

0.93

0.14

0.54

0.05

0.08

0.33

3.82

0.14

0.19

119.61

WBJV133D0

512.32

513.33

2.96

1.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.04

0.00

0.04

93.65

WBJV133D1

12.70

13.77

3.00

1.07

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.04

0.00

0.04

99.21

WBJV133D2

17.65

18.95

3.02

1.30

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.04

0.00

0.04

120.53

WBJV139D1

11.72

12.76

3.16

1.04

5.82

2.42

0.23

0.79

0.11

0.20

0.78

9.27

0.15

0.25

96.43

WBJV139D2

14.04

15.30

3.12

1.26

7.05

2.49

0.34

0.52

0.13

0.24

0.92

10.39

0.11

0.23

116.82

WBJV008D0

243.00

244.23

3.28

1.23

1.29

0.60

0.09

0.11

0.04

0.06

0.23

2.10

0.05

0.13

109.59

WBJV008D1

19.48

20.52

3.26

1.04

0.50

0.28

0.01

0.11

0.03

0.03

0.14

0.90

0.05

0.10

92.66







173







WBJV014D1

37.82

38.82

3.07

1.00

0.31

0.15

0.05

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.11

0.52

0.00

0.03

89.10

WBJV022D0

81.16

82.16

3.06

1.00

0.18

0.08

0.03

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.10

0.30

0.00

0.02

89.10

WBJV022D1

22.08

23.21

3.16

1.13

0.04

0.06

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.13

0.00

0.03

100.68

WBJV022D2

11.50

12.54

3.26

1.04

0.06

0.03

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.12

0.00

0.04

92.66

WBJV026D0

61.36

62.56

3.32

1.20

0.18

0.24

0.03

0.14

0.02

0.02

0.10

0.59

0.07

0.17

106.92

WBJV026D1

11.51

12.51

3.33

1.00

0.98

0.24

0.03

0.11

0.03

0.05

0.19

1.36

0.07

0.16

89.10

WBJV029D1

56.01

57.58

3.42

1.57

3.89

2.32

0.28

0.41

0.08

0.14

0.54

6.91

0.20

0.40

139.89

WBJV053D0

220.50

222.54

3.34

2.04

7.61

2.40

0.48

0.39

0.15

0.18

1.06

10.87

0.11

0.27

181.76

WBJV056D1

36.30

37.35

3.33

1.05

0.80

0.59

0.08

0.25

0.03

0.03

0.21

1.72

 

 

93.56

WBJV064D0

228.76

229.86

3.05

1.10

0.04

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.08

 

 

98.01

WBJV064D1

18.25

19.26

3.03

1.01

0.13

0.05

0.02

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.09

0.21

 

 

89.99

WBJV065D1

8.26

9.61

3.14

1.35

0.05

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.00

0.02

0.09

 

 

120.29

WBJV069D0

199.50

200.93

3.07

1.43

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.08

0.05

0.00

0.02

127.41

WBJV075D0

87.00

88.10

3.10

1.10

0.08

0.03

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.09

0.13

0.00

0.04

98.01

WBJV076D0

105.15

106.18

3.34

1.03

0.11

0.06

0.01

0.10

0.02

0.02

0.09

0.29

0.02

0.09

91.77

WBJV077D0

219.70

220.84

3.32

1.14

0.18

0.09

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.10

0.30

0.00

0.05

101.57

WBJV083D0

143.09

144.13

3.21

1.04

0.30

0.18

0.04

0.02

0.02

0.03

0.11

0.55

0.01

0.06

92.67

WBJV083D1

12.71

13.86

3.09

1.15

0.11

0.05

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.09

0.19

0.00

0.03

102.47

WBJV083D2

18.07

19.11

3.27

1.04

1.22

0.51

0.18

0.02

0.04

0.05

0.22

1.93

0.01

0.06

92.66

WBJV084D0

160.64

161.93

3.25

1.29

3.80

1.37

0.17

0.30

0.05

0.07

0.37

5.64

0.09

0.23

114.94

WBJV085D0

467.14

468.16

3.32

1.02

3.33

1.15

0.15

0.20

0.07

0.12

0.48

4.83

0.09

0.22

90.88

WBJV085D1

16.84

17.84

3.35

1.00

3.34

0.81

0.16

0.22

0.07

0.12

0.48

4.52

0.09

0.18

89.10

WBJV087D0

192.49

193.59

3.24

1.10

3.35

1.54

0.20

0.46

0.07

0.08

0.45

5.55

0.11

0.21

98.01

WBJV087D2

7.29

8.31

3.27

1.02

4.75

1.68

0.24

0.38

0.09

0.17

0.65

7.05

0.11

0.22

90.88

WBJV087D3

12.37

13.50

3.29

1.13

2.83

0.72

0.14

0.16

0.06

0.10

0.42

3.84

0.08

0.15

100.68

WBJV090D0

152.45

153.49

3.23

1.04

0.69

0.64

0.06

0.08

0.03

0.04

0.16

1.47

0.03

0.11

92.67

WBJV090D1

12.37

13.51

3.22

1.14

0.34

0.23

0.02

0.05

0.02

0.03

0.12

0.63

0.02

0.07

101.57

WBJV090D2

17.76

18.77

3.26

1.01

0.82

0.76

0.06

0.09

0.03

0.04

0.18

1.73

0.04

0.10

89.99

WBJV092D0

279.50

280.72

3.17

1.22

1.06

0.52

0.14

0.06

0.03

0.05

0.20

1.77

0.02

0.07

108.70

WBJV092D1

19.07

20.14

3.27

1.07

0.46

0.21

0.04

0.05

0.02

0.03

0.13

0.75

0.04

0.12

95.34

WBJV092D2

24.54

25.62

3.33

1.08

0.84

0.32

0.06

0.13

0.03

0.04

0.18

1.34

0.06

0.15

96.23

WBJV093D0

399.96

401.17

3.25

1.21

1.42

0.71

0.07

0.28

0.04

0.06

0.25

2.47

0.07

0.15

107.81

WBJV100D2

26.12

27.32

3.08

1.20

3.51

1.55

0.21

0.27

0.07

0.13

0.50

5.54

0.07

0.16

106.92

WBJV108D1

42.24

43.25

3.11

1.01

11.82

4.06

0.52

1.17

0.21

0.39

1.50

17.56

0.13

0.29

89.99

WBJV113D0

411.96

412.99

3.08

1.03

0.04

0.03

0.01

0.02

0.01

0.00

0.01

0.11

0.02

0.06

91.77

WBJV113D1

10.40

11.48

3.05

1.08

0.16

0.10

0.02

0.05

0.01

0.01

0.03

0.33

0.03

0.08

96.23

WBJV113D2

18.19

19.44

3.13

1.25

0.07

0.06

0.01

0.02

0.01

0.00

0.02

0.15

0.02

0.07

111.38

WBJV114D0

355.90

357.07

3.03

1.17

4.13

2.06

0.22

0.61

0.08

0.10

0.57

7.02

0.19

0.36

104.25

WBJV115D2

30.00

31.21

3.00

1.21

0.10

0.05

0.01

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.06

0.18

0.02

0.04

107.81

WBJV117D0

345.78

347.03

3.01

1.25

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.05

0.00

0.03

111.38

WBJV136D0

488.72

490.97

3.23

2.25

7.08

2.56

0.55

0.11

0.13

0.24

0.93

10.30

0.04

0.17

200.48

WBJV136D1

5.57

7.98

3.23

2.41

5.43

2.43

0.50

0.08

0.10

0.19

0.73

8.44

0.02

0.14

214.73

WBJV136D2

10.32

13.05

3.34

2.73

8.11

3.23

0.52

0.49

0.15

0.27

1.05

12.36

0.13

0.29

243.24

WBJV140D1

7.88

8.90

3.25

1.02

10.22

3.97

0.46

0.41

0.18

0.34

1.30

15.06

0.15

0.40

90.88

WBJV140D3

17.75

18.89

3.15

1.14

2.08

1.22

0.12

0.21

0.05

0.08

0.33

3.63

0.10

0.17

101.58

WBJV171D0

299.67

301.62

3.32

1.95

6.52

3.51

0.50

0.26

0.12

0.22

0.86

10.79

0.09

0.19

173.74

WBJV171D1

24.61

26.51

3.28

1.90

13.24

6.71

1.08

0.43

0.23

0.43

1.67

21.46

0.14

0.40

169.29

WBJV171D2

30.39

32.12

3.31

1.73

8.53

3.23

0.59

0.36

0.15

0.28

1.10

12.71

0.12

0.23

154.14

WBJV172D0

379.46

381.44

2.94

1.98

4.43

2.31

0.23

0.33

0.09

0.16

0.61

7.30

 

 

176.42

WBJV175D0

240.12

241.30

3.29

1.18

2.33

0.89

0.13

0.20

0.06

0.09

0.36

3.55

 

 

105.14







174







WBJV175D1

34.29

35.29

3.24

1.00

2.27

0.78

0.19

0.11

0.05

0.09

0.35

3.35

 

 

89.10

WBJV175D2

50.24

51.54

3.27

1.30

1.16

0.49

0.08

0.14

0.04

0.05

0.22

1.88

 

 

115.83

WBJV179D0

334.25

335.46

3.29

1.21

4.20

1.51

0.23

0.36

0.09

0.15

0.58

6.29

 

 

107.81

RW = Resource Width

Table  - UG2 Reef - Resource Cut

BHID

FROM

TO

SG

LENGTH

PT

PD

RH

AU

OS

IR

RU

4E

CU%

NI%

RW

m

m

t/m

m

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

g/t

%

%

cm

WBJV001D0   

473.20

475.60

3.65

2.40

0.51

0.17

0.11

0.00

0.05

0.06

0.35

0.79

0.01

0.04

228

WBJV001D1   

25.30

27.80

3.59

2.50

0.30

0.11

0.08

0.00

0.05

0.05

0.29

0.50

0.00

0.04

238

WBJV001D2   

53.17

55.47

3.53

2.30

0.44

0.16

0.10

0.00

0.05

0.06

0.33

0.71

0.01

0.04

219

WBJV003D0   

536.60

537.70

3.67

1.10

2.53

0.85

0.35

0.02

0.12

0.20

0.88

3.75

0.01

0.09

105

WBJV003D1   

82.89

83.99

3.71

1.10

1.99

1.18

0.28

0.03

0.10

0.16

0.74

3.48

0.01

0.12

105

WBJV003D2   

186.30

187.30

3.63

1.00

0.40

0.12

0.09

0.00

0.05

0.05

0.32

0.62

0.00

0.08

95

WBJV010D1   

84.50

86.60

3.75

2.10

0.48

0.23

0.10

0.02

0.05

0.06

0.34

0.83

0.01

0.07

200

WBJV015D0   

434.00

435.24

3.78

1.24

2.67

1.14

0.35

0.04

0.13

0.21

0.92

4.20

0.01

0.09

118

WBJV015D1   

77.10

78.31

3.75

1.21

2.93

0.97

0.35

0.02

0.13

0.23

0.99

4.26

0.01

0.08

115

WBJV032D0   

360.95

362.11

3.74

1.16

2.96

1.18

0.36

0.03

0.13

0.23

0.99

4.52

0.01

0.08

110

WBJV032D1   

113.25

114.45

3.73

1.20

3.58

1.27

0.42

0.02

0.15

0.27

1.16

5.29

0.00

0.08

114

WBJV033D1   

55.50

56.54

3.35

1.04

0.81

0.27

0.04

0.01

0.06

0.08

0.43

1.13

0.00

0.05

99

WBJV033D2   

59.43

60.42

3.45

0.99

1.02

0.63

0.13

0.01

0.07

0.10

0.48

1.79

0.01

0.04

94

WBJV035D0   

517.04

519.11

3.73

2.07

1.01

0.23

0.14

0.01

0.07

0.10

0.48

1.38

0.00

0.06

197

WBJV035D1   

48.24

50.50

3.64

2.26

0.36

0.21

0.09

0.01

0.05

0.05

0.31

0.67

0.01

0.05

215

WBJV041D0   

537.70

539.14

3.12

1.44

0.02

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.04

0.03

0.22

0.06

 

 

137

WBJV041D1   

60.37

61.58

3.07

1.21

0.06

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.03

0.02

0.03

0.10

0.00

0.03

115

WBJV043D0   

574.50

575.50

3.29

1.00

0.66

0.28

0.07

0.01

0.06

0.07

0.39

1.03

0.00

0.06

95

WBJV043D1   

63.93

65.18

3.80

1.25

0.48

0.43

0.11

0.01

0.05

0.06

0.34

1.03

0.00

0.06

119

WBJV044D0   

500.47

503.45

3.81

2.98

0.52

0.20

0.12

0.01

0.06

0.06

0.35

0.87

0.01

0.06

283

WBJV044D1   

30.16

33.25

3.81

3.09

0.46

0.31

0.08

0.01

0.05

0.06

0.34

0.86

0.00

0.06

294

WBJV045D0   

573.68

575.41

3.75

1.73

3.16

1.46

0.48

0.01

0.14

0.24

1.05

5.12

0.00

0.06

165

WBJV045D1   

73.43

74.94

3.66

1.51

2.52

1.00

0.35

0.01

0.12

0.21

0.87

3.88

0.01

0.08

144

WBJV046D0   

544.48

545.78

3.71

1.30

2.74

1.07

0.33

0.02

0.13

0.21

0.94

4.15

0.01

0.08

124

WBJV046D1   

64.41

65.75

3.72

1.34

3.05

1.40

0.44

0.06

0.13

0.23

1.02

4.95

0.01

0.07

127

WBJV048D0   

478.21

479.94

3.75

1.73

2.08

0.40

0.36

0.01

0.11

0.17

0.76

2.85

0.01

0.05

165

WBJV049D0   

550.64

551.85

3.30

1.21

0.24

0.07

0.06

0.01

0.03

0.04

0.15

0.37

0.00

0.02

115

WBJV050D0   

591.47

592.67

3.65

1.20

3.35

1.43

0.56

0.04

0.14

0.24

1.07

5.38

0.01

0.09

114

WBJV050D1   

96.56

97.67

3.74

1.11

3.18

1.58

0.51

0.05

0.15

0.25

1.10

5.33

0.01

0.07

106

WBJV103D0   

446.88

448.47

3.95

1.59

3.23

1.15

0.50

0.03

0.14

0.25

1.06

4.91

0.01

0.07

151

WBJV104D0   

564.46

567.02

3.64

2.56

1.21

0.46

0.20

0.01

0.08

0.11

0.53

1.88

0.01

0.07

243

WBJV104D1   

89.00

91.04

3.83

2.04

2.16

0.91

0.40

0.02

0.11

0.17

0.78

3.48

0.01

0.09

194

WBJV104D2   

94.93

97.36

3.60

2.43

1.54

0.65

0.24

0.02

0.09

0.13

0.62

2.45

0.01

0.07

231

WBJV109D1   

92.65

94.70

3.59

2.05

2.43

0.64

0.33

0.02

0.12

0.19

0.85

3.41

0.01

0.09

195

WBJV109D2   

98.18

99.61

3.75

1.43

3.54

1.60

0.46

0.03

0.15

0.27

1.15

5.64

0.04

0.08

136

WBJV112D0   

502.14

503.21

3.86

1.07

2.61

0.83

0.40

0.02

0.12

0.20

0.90

3.86

0.01

0.08

102

WBJV112D2   

77.07

78.27

3.60

1.20

1.75

0.83

0.33

0.01

0.10

0.15

0.67

2.92

0.01

0.08

114

WBJV116D0   

562.88

564.05

3.90

1.17

2.42

1.53

0.35

0.03

0.12

0.19

0.85

4.33

0.02

0.08

111

WBJV116D1   

72.37

73.43

4.01

1.06

3.12

1.24

0.50

0.02

0.14

0.24

1.04

4.88

0.01

0.09

101

WBJV116D2   

78.49

79.67

4.24

1.18

2.92

0.88

0.57

0.02

0.13

0.22

0.98

4.39

0.01

0.09

112

WBJV120D0   

375.10

379.12

3.94

4.02

2.58

1.04

0.39

0.01

0.12

0.20

0.89

4.02

0.01

0.07

382

WBJV120D3   

68.25

69.88

3.90

1.63

3.23

1.46

0.52

0.02

0.14

0.25

1.07

5.23

0.01

0.08

155







175







WBJV120RDRIL

65.03

66.73

3.92

1.70

2.61

0.77

0.39

0.02

0.12

0.20

0.90

3.79

0.02

0.09

162

WBJV124D0   

540.29

541.77

3.96

1.48

2.67

1.13

0.48

0.01

0.13

0.21

0.92

4.30

0.00

0.09

141

WBJV124D1   

60.00

61.38

3.98

1.38

3.15

1.41

0.56

0.02

0.14

0.24

1.05

5.15

0.01

0.08

131

WBJV124D3   

80.60

81.80

4.09

1.20

3.17

1.01

0.52

0.01

0.14

0.24

1.05

4.72

0.01

0.08

114

WBJV128D1   

52.17

53.89

3.95

1.72

2.79

1.40

0.49

0.02

0.13

0.22

0.95

4.70

0.01

0.08

164

WBJV128D2   

56.64

58.91

3.90

2.27

1.93

0.84

0.38

0.02

0.10

0.16

0.72

3.17

0.01

0.10

216

WBJV128D3   

62.93

64.99

3.98

2.06

4.77

2.89

0.74

0.06

0.19

0.35

1.47

8.46

0.01

0.10

196

WBJV137D0   

522.93

524.26

3.89

1.33

2.79

1.09

0.46

0.02

0.13

0.22

0.95

4.35

0.01

0.08

126

WBJV137D1   

103.77

105.16

3.99

1.39

2.89

1.14

0.44

0.02

0.13

0.22

0.97

4.48

0.01

0.09

132

WBJV141D0   

381.98

383.07

4.05

1.09

3.35

0.84

0.57

0.01

0.15

0.25

1.10

4.76

0.01

0.09

104

WBJV141D1   

52.43

53.41

4.13

0.98

3.83

1.40

0.62

0.02

0.16

0.29

1.22

5.88

0.01

0.08

93

WBJV142D0   

462.47

466.02

3.96

3.55

2.96

1.42

0.42

0.04

0.13

0.23

0.99

4.84

0.03

0.10

338

WBJV142D1   

70.83

73.60

4.06

2.77

2.72

1.26

0.47

0.04

0.13

0.21

0.93

4.49

0.02

0.10

263

WBJV143D1   

27.28

28.36

3.21

1.08

1.07

0.48

0.17

0.01

0.07

0.10

0.49

1.73

0.01

0.04

103

WBJV145D0   

558.51

559.61

3.13

1.10

1.03

0.54

0.06

0.07

0.07

0.10

0.49

1.70

0.02

0.05

105

WBJV145D1   

39.72

40.83

3.94

1.11

1.88

0.67

0.33

0.02

0.10

0.15

0.71

2.90

0.01

0.10

106

WBJV145D2   

43.26

44.36

3.39

1.10

1.27

0.45

0.19

0.03

0.08

0.11

0.55

1.94

0.01

0.07

105

WBJV153D0   

549.98

550.89

4.26

0.91

3.26

1.07

0.54

0.04

0.14

0.25

1.07

4.91

0.01

0.11

87

WBJV153D1   

45.09

46.42

4.08

1.33

2.99

1.39

0.48

0.05

0.14

0.23

1.00

4.91

0.03

0.13

126

WBJV154D4   

53.31

54.39

3.13

1.08

0.82

0.28

0.15

0.01

0.07

0.08

0.43

1.26

0.00

0.03

103

WBJV156D0   

685.20

686.58

3.93

1.38

2.30

0.54

0.38

0.02

0.11

0.18

0.82

3.24

0.00

0.07

131

WBJV156D1   

66.60

68.83

3.96

2.23

3.43

1.21

0.45

0.02

0.15

0.26

1.12

5.11

0.01

0.08

212

WBJV170D0   

267.32

268.32

3.45

1.00

2.89

1.09

0.47

0.02

0.13

0.22

0.98

4.46

0.00

0.04

95

WBJV170D1   

22.77

23.93

3.74

1.16

3.31

1.38

0.51

0.02

0.15

0.25

1.09

5.22

0.00

0.07

110

WBJV178D0   

331.13

332.56

3.68

1.43

2.48

0.86

0.39

0.02

0.12

0.20

0.87

3.74

 

 

136

WBJV178D1   

51.44

53.35

3.70

1.91

4.74

2.28

0.70

0.04

0.19

0.35

1.46

7.76

 

 

182

WBJV002D0   

555.90

557.60

3.80

1.70

2.02

0.72

0.28

0.01

0.10

0.16

0.75

3.04

0.00

0.12

158

WBJV002D1   

105.11

106.11

3.79

1.00

2.12

0.74

0.30

0.01

0.11

0.17

0.77

3.17

0.01

0.10

93

WBJV002D2   

16.66

17.86

3.81

1.20

2.21

0.73

0.31

0.01

0.11

0.18

0.80

3.25

0.01

0.09

111

WBJV005D0   

483.90

485.70

3.79

1.80

0.50

0.19

0.11

0.00

0.05

0.06

0.35

0.80

0.00

0.08

167

WBJV012D0   

69.90

71.00

3.32

1.10

0.11

0.05

0.02

0.01

0.04

0.03

0.24

0.19

0.00

0.03

102

WBJV013D1   

124.11

125.21

3.81

1.10

0.26

0.07

0.07

0.01

0.05

0.04

0.28

0.41

0.01

0.06

102

WBJV016D1   

41.90

43.30

3.80

1.40

2.14

0.55

0.29

0.02

0.11

0.17

0.78

3.00

0.00

0.07

130

WBJV018D1   

45.02

46.42

3.54

1.40

1.67

0.68

0.25

0.02

0.09

0.14

0.66

2.62

0.00

0.09

130

WBJV020D0   

96.30

97.50

3.57

1.20

0.55

0.04

0.10

0.01

0.06

0.06

0.36

0.70

0.01

0.06

111

WBJV020D1   

26.50

27.60

3.67

1.10

1.32

0.12

0.29

0.01

0.08

0.12

0.56

1.74

0.01

0.07

102

WBJV021D0   

280.50

281.70

3.67

1.20

3.80

1.66

0.41

0.05

0.16

0.28

1.22

5.91

0.03

0.10

111

WBJV021D1   

89.85

90.85

3.66

1.00

2.18

0.75

0.26

0.03

0.11

0.17

0.79

3.22

0.01

0.11

93

WBJV024D0   

282.96

283.96

3.24

1.00

0.79

0.44

0.09

0.02

0.06

0.08

0.42

1.34

0.00

0.05

93

WBJV024D1   

63.00

64.00

3.41

1.00

0.96

0.56

0.10

0.03

0.07

0.09

0.47

1.65

0.01

0.07

93

WBJV025D0   

121.48

123.17

3.74

1.69

2.76

0.85

0.33

0.02

0.13

0.21

0.94

3.97

0.02

0.10

157

WBJV025D1   

40.20

42.68

3.77

2.48

3.40

2.63

0.37

0.08

0.15

0.26

1.11

6.49

0.02

0.12

230

WBJV027D1   

58.03

59.03

3.13

1.00

0.23

0.09

0.05

0.01

0.05

0.04

0.28

0.38

0.00

0.04

93

WBJV027D2   

99.33

100.35

3.64

1.02

0.29

0.11

0.06

0.01

0.05

0.05

0.29

0.47

0.01

0.07

95

WBJV028D0   

221.91

224.65

3.74

2.74

3.11

1.59

0.37

0.05

0.14

0.24

1.03

5.12

0.01

0.09

254

WBJV028D1   

71.64

74.21

3.76

2.57

4.37

2.46

0.38

0.07

0.18

0.32

1.37

7.29

0.01

0.11

238

WBJV034D0   

478.44

479.60

3.37

1.16

0.18

0.11

0.04

0.01

0.04

0.04

0.26

0.34

0.00

0.07

108

WBJV034D1   

48.34

49.34

3.24

1.00

0.16

0.05

0.05

0.01

0.04

0.04

0.26

0.27

0.00

0.04

93

WBJV037D0   

46.06

47.06

3.71

1.00

2.90

1.16

0.35

0.05

0.13

0.22

0.98

4.47

0.01

0.07

93

WBJV039D0   

136.99

137.99

3.37

1.00

0.50

0.14

0.06

0.01

0.05

0.06

0.34

0.71

0.00

0.04

93







176







WBJV040D0   

433.12

434.14

3.12

1.02

0.04

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.04

0.03

0.22

0.08

0.00

0.03

95

WBJV040D1   

61.75

62.75

3.20

1.00

0.21

0.11

0.05

0.01

0.05

0.04

0.27

0.38

0.00

0.04

93

WBJV047D0   

47.52

48.52

3.20

1.00

0.42

0.27

0.06

0.01

0.05

0.06

0.33

0.77

0.00

0.04

93

WBJV054D0   

337.40

338.47

3.40

1.07

1.02

0.35

0.13

0.02

0.05

0.07

0.29

1.52

0.00

0.11

99

WBJV054D1   

17.38

18.50

3.29

1.12

1.48

0.66

0.23

0.02

0.06

0.11

0.49

2.38

 

 

104

WBJV055D1   

28.85

30.00

3.65

1.15

0.50

0.05

0.14

0.01

0.09

0.08

0.55

0.69

0.00

0.07

107

WBJV057D1   

71.70

72.80

3.42

1.10

0.90

0.30

0.14

0.01

0.04

0.06

0.29

1.35

 

 

102

WBJV058D1   

37.95

39.12

3.56

1.17

0.37

0.14

0.12

0.01

0.08

0.06

0.43

0.63

 

 

108

WBJV059D0   

200.62

203.22

3.77

2.60

0.46

0.13

0.14

0.01

0.08

0.08

0.53

0.74

 

 

241

WBJV068D0   

267.02

268.27

3.61

1.25

1.79

0.82

0.30

0.02

0.09

0.15

0.68

2.93

0.00

0.07

116

WBJV068D1   

26.38

27.74

3.77

1.36

2.74

1.00

0.45

0.01

0.11

0.20

0.88

4.20

0.00

0.06

126

WBJV070RDRIL

52.23

53.73

3.37

1.50

0.18

0.04

0.05

0.01

0.04

0.04

0.26

0.28

0.00

0.05

139

WBJV071D0   

54.51

55.62

3.47

1.11

0.11

0.09

0.04

0.01

0.04

0.03

0.24

0.25

0.00

0.04

103

WBJV073D0   

159.02

160.17

3.72

1.15

3.00

1.33

0.53

0.03

0.12

0.22

0.99

4.89

0.01

0.07

107

WBJV073D1   

98.22

99.32

3.66

1.10

3.38

1.42

0.61

0.04

0.15

0.26

1.10

5.45

0.01

0.07

102

WBJV078D0   

72.25

73.66

3.26

1.41

0.39

0.27

0.08

0.01

0.05

0.05

0.32

0.76

0.00

0.04

131

WBJV086D1   

30.70

32.96

3.79

2.26

0.51

0.25

0.16

0.01

0.10

0.09

0.61

0.93

0.00

0.05

210

WBJV089D1   

121.72

122.72

3.64

1.00

2.04

0.22

0.09

0.01

0.10

0.17

0.75

2.36

0.00

0.05

93

WBJV096D0   

417.84

418.83

3.13

0.99

0.57

0.22

0.09

0.01

0.06

0.06

0.36

0.88

0.00

0.03

92

WBJV099D0   

453.90

455.04

3.54

1.14

1.38

1.28

0.26

0.04

0.08

0.12

0.58

2.96

0.01

0.07

106

WBJV102D0   

467.13

468.23

3.40

1.10

0.97

0.62

0.14

0.02

0.07

0.09

0.47

1.76

0.01

0.09

102

WBJV102D2   

122.34

123.49

3.07

1.15

0.72

0.24

0.13

0.02

0.06

0.08

0.40

1.10

0.00

0.03

107

WBJV122D0   

473.29

474.93

3.78

1.64

2.45

1.10

0.48

0.02

0.12

0.19

0.86

4.05

0.01

0.09

152

WBJV130D1   

84.70

85.74

3.91

1.04

2.63

0.94

0.38

0.03

0.12

0.21

0.91

3.98

0.01

0.09

96

WBJV130D2   

88.69

89.85

3.86

1.16

2.59

0.71

0.41

0.01

0.12

0.20

0.90

3.72

0.01

0.07

108

WBJV133D0   

527.26

528.47

3.01

1.21

0.67

0.18

0.09

0.01

0.06

0.07

0.39

0.95

0.00

0.03

112

WBJV133D1   

27.36

28.36

2.96

1.00

0.41

0.16

0.06

0.01

0.05

0.05

0.32

0.64

0.00

0.03

93

WBJV139D2   

23.40

24.40

3.08

1.00

0.02

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.04

0.03

0.22

0.06

0.00

0.03

93

WBJV007D0   

255.70

256.80

3.73

1.10

2.27

0.66

0.22

0.03

0.11

0.18

0.81

3.18

0.00

0.07

98

WBJV008D0   

324.10

325.30

3.52

1.20

0.60

0.24

0.12

0.01

0.06

0.07

0.37

0.97

0.00

0.06

107

WBJV008D1   

102.35

103.55

3.71

1.20

1.51

0.60

0.19

0.01

0.09

0.13

0.61

2.32

0.00

0.10

107

WBJV009D0   

279.70

281.10

3.77

1.40

0.37

0.09

0.08

0.01

0.05

0.05

0.31

0.55

0.00

0.07

125

WBJV009D3   

46.10

47.50

3.74

1.40

0.61

0.17

0.13

0.01

0.06

0.07

0.37

0.92

0.00

0.06

125

WBJV014D0   

247.40

248.40

3.69

1.00

0.33

0.10

0.08

0.01

0.05

0.05

0.30

0.52

0.00

0.07

89

WBJV014D1   

47.20

48.20

3.44

1.00

0.17

0.05

0.03

0.01

0.04

0.04

0.26

0.26

0.00

0.04

89

WBJV022D0   

99.13

100.95

3.79

1.82

0.14

0.06

0.04

0.01

0.04

0.04

0.25

0.25

0.00

0.05

162

WBJV022D1   

38.69

40.61

3.55

1.92

0.38

0.08

0.08

0.01

0.05

0.05

0.31

0.55

0.00

0.06

171

WBJV023D0   

201.75

204.50

3.64

2.75

1.85

0.61

0.28

0.02

0.10

0.15

0.70

2.76

0.01

0.07

245

WBJV038D2   

67.00

69.10

3.02

2.10

0.19

0.07

0.02

0.01

0.04

0.04

0.26

0.29

 

 

187

WBJV052D0   

190.63

191.72

3.47

1.09

0.60

0.19

0.05

0.01

0.04

0.05

0.19

0.85

0.00

0.05

97

WBJV053D1   

45.90

46.90

3.52

1.00

0.26

0.10

0.07

0.01

0.05

0.05

0.32

0.44

0.00

0.07

89

WBJV053D2   

53.49

54.71

3.71

1.22

0.36

0.30

0.10

0.02

0.06

0.05

0.42

0.77

0.00

0.06

109

WBJV060D0   

248.46

249.78

3.58

1.32

2.30

0.81

0.38

0.02

0.09

0.16

0.72

3.51

 

 

118

WBJV060D1   

49.37

50.86

3.76

1.49

3.87

0.87

0.48

0.03

0.16

0.27

1.24

5.24

 

 

133

WBJV064D0   

242.53

245.02

3.65

2.49

0.55

0.11

0.14

0.01

0.08

0.08

0.50

0.81

 

 

222

WBJV064D1   

33.84

35.79

3.67

1.95

0.54

0.13

0.15

0.01

0.10

0.09

0.64

0.82

 

 

174

WBJV065D0   

315.77

316.91

3.25

1.14

0.15

0.09

0.05

0.01

0.03

0.02

0.17

0.29

 

 

102

WBJV065D1   

31.19

32.37

3.20

1.18

0.07

0.03

0.02

0.01

0.03

0.02

0.06

0.13

 

 

105

WBJV067D0   

375.25

378.34

3.72

3.09

3.48

1.36

0.50

0.02

0.15

0.26

1.10

5.36

0.00

0.07

275

WBJV083D0   

181.10

182.37

3.76

1.27

0.62

0.10

0.18

0.01

0.06

0.07

0.38

0.90

0.00

0.04

113







177







WBJV083D1   

51.31

52.69

3.81

1.38

0.51

0.33

0.15

0.01

0.06

0.06

0.35

1.01

0.00

0.06

123

WBJV084D1   

69.97

71.09

3.75

1.12

2.93

0.98

0.38

0.03

0.13

0.23

1.00

4.32

0.01

0.08

100

WBJV085D0   

508.65

510.16

3.74

1.51

2.76

0.86

0.42

0.01

0.13

0.21

0.94

4.05

0.00

0.06

135

WBJV085D1   

57.62

59.16

3.72

1.54

3.16

1.20

0.46

0.01

0.14

0.24

1.05

4.83

0.00

0.06

137

WBJV100D0   

407.06

409.70

3.50

2.64

1.67

0.67

0.24

0.01

0.09

0.14

0.65

2.59

0.01

0.06

235

WBJV105D0   

450.36

451.44

3.39

1.08

1.40

0.45

0.20

0.01

0.08

0.12

0.58

2.06

0.01

0.06

96

WBJV105D2   

96.31

97.31

3.14

1.00

0.33

0.06

0.08

0.02

0.05

0.05

0.30

0.49

0.01

0.06

89

WBJV108D0   

421.76

423.27

3.62

1.51

1.94

0.53

0.32

0.02

0.10

0.16

0.72

2.80

0.01

0.08

135

WBJV108D2   

96.84

98.00

3.68

1.16

3.06

1.19

0.36

0.03

0.14

0.23

1.02

4.65

0.02

0.09

103

WBJV113D0   

429.19

430.46

3.39

1.27

1.36

0.30

0.18

0.01

0.08

0.12

0.57

1.85

0.01

0.06

113

WBJV113D1   

26.10

28.00

3.28

1.90

1.33

0.29

0.17

0.01

0.08

0.12

0.56

1.80

0.01

0.06

169

WBJV113D2   

33.46

34.65

3.24

1.19

0.79

0.24

0.06

0.01

0.06

0.08

0.42

1.10

0.00

0.05

106

WBJV115D0   

435.31

438.35

3.72

3.04

1.39

0.33

0.21

0.01

0.08

0.12

0.58

1.95

0.01

0.07

271

WBJV115D1   

49.76

53.06

4.10

3.30

3.64

1.59

0.52

0.04

0.16

0.27

1.17

5.79

0.01

0.08

294

WBJV115D2   

65.66

69.39

4.20

3.73

3.49

1.53

0.51

0.03

0.15

0.26

1.13

5.55

0.01

0.09

332

WBJV117D0   

369.19

370.39

3.43

1.20

1.88

0.58

0.27

0.01

0.10

0.15

0.71

2.75

0.01

0.07

107

WBJV118D0   

478.33

479.61

3.54

1.28

1.20

0.59

0.22

0.01

0.08

0.11

0.53

2.02

0.01

0.07

114

WBJV118D1   

49.53

50.73

3.42

1.20

1.58

0.33

0.21

0.01

0.09

0.13

0.63

2.14

0.00

0.06

107

WBJV121D0   

387.17

388.70

4.07

1.53

3.89

2.31

0.68

0.07

0.16

0.29

1.24

6.95

0.02

0.11

136

WBJV129D2   

62.68

63.89

3.89

1.21

2.77

0.98

0.40

0.02

0.13

0.22

0.95

4.16

0.00

0.08

108

WBJV138D0   

390.62

392.03

3.96

1.41

2.73

0.83

0.45

0.01

0.13

0.21

0.93

4.02

0.01

0.08

126

WBJV138D2   

57.23

59.01

3.99

1.78

3.10

0.71

0.45

0.01

0.14

0.24

1.03

4.27

0.00

0.09

159

WBJV140D1   

35.62

36.89

3.29

1.27

1.17

0.38

0.19

0.01

0.08

0.11

0.52

1.75

0.00

0.06

113

WBJV140D2   

40.65

41.75

3.49

1.10

1.83

0.60

0.30

0.01

0.10

0.15

0.70

2.74

0.00

0.06

98

WBJV171D1   

72.03

73.08

3.71

1.05

2.22

0.60

0.37

0.02

0.11

0.18

0.80

3.22

0.02

0.09

94

WBJV171D2   

77.82

79.04

3.51

1.22

1.98

1.21

0.25

0.04

0.10

0.16

0.74

3.48

0.02

0.08

109

WBJV174D0   

387.65

389.14

3.58

1.49

2.70

1.26

0.46

0.02

0.13

0.21

0.93

4.45

 

 

133

WBJV174D2   

70.06

71.50

3.77

1.44

3.17

1.12

0.53

0.02

0.14

0.24

1.05

4.84

 

 

128

WBJV177D0   

328.06

329.29

3.31

1.23

1.17

0.40

0.15

0.06

0.08

0.11

0.52

1.78

 

 

110

WBJV179D0   

350.25

352.20

3.65

1.95

2.45

1.28

0.43

0.03

0.12

0.19

0.86

4.19

 

 

174


Item 19(e): Spatial Statistics

Variography

Variograms are a useful tool for investigating the spatial relationships of samples. Variograms for channel width (cm), Pt, Pd, Rh, Au, 3PGE_Au, Os, Ir, Ru contents (cm.g/t), and Cu and Ni percents (%) were modelled during the estimation process. All variograms are omni-directional spherical semi-variograms.


Table 75 -and Table 74 -summarise the 4E content variograms, which have a modelled grade continuity range of ~180 - 300m for the Merensky Reef and a modelled grade continuity range of ~200 - 420 m for the UG2 Reef. The nugget effect is on average 37% of the sill or population variance for the Merensky Reef and 45% for the UG2 Reef. This is slightly high but it is expected that these ranges will improve as more data becomes available.  No top-cuts were used for the generation of the experimental variograms. Parameters for the remaining elements are available but were omitted from the report








178




Table  - Variogram Parameters Project 1A

[technical083.gif]


Table  - Variogram Parameters Project 1

[technical085.gif]











179




Item 19(f): Modelling Overview

The geological channel width was modelled and estimated to supplement the Resource cut model and Mineral Resource estimates in the main geological report.  


Three-dimensional (“3D”) wireframes (DTM's) were constructed from reef intersections representing the reef in 3D space. The reef wireframes were filled with a seam block model. The dip and dip-direction have been interpolated into the seam model. The dip was used to correct the reef intersection widths and tonnes. The first 50m of the ore body is considered to represent a weathered zone and is discarded in the modelling and estimation procedures.


2D simple and ordinary kriging methodologies were utilized using the in-house geostatistical package ‘Res’ with Datamine as the platform package.  


Statistical analysis provided a basis for final data verification and was used to establish specific information on population distributions and checks for anomalous values.


Variograms were modelled for the channel width (cm), Pt, Pd, Rh, Au, 3PGE_Au, Os, Ir, Ru contents (cm.g/t), and Cu and Ni percents (%).


Resource cut width (cm) and channel width (cm) and Pt, Pd, Rh, Au, 3PGE_Au, Os, Ir, & Ru contents, and elements (Cu %, and Ni %) were estimated for both the Merensky and UG2 reefs.


Modelling Parameters

The available borehole data was obtained from PTM RSA. In the evaluation process, the metal content (4E cm.g/t) and reef width (cm) values are used. For the Resource cut model the reef width refers to the corrected Resource cut reef width. The values have been interpolated into a 2D block model. The 4E grade (g/t) has been calculated from the interpolated content and Resource cut width values.


Grade Estimation

Full reef composite data - Resource cut width (cm) and Pt, Pd, Rh, Au, 3PGE_Au, Os, Ir, and Ru contents (cm.g/t), elements (Cu %, and Ni %) and SG were estimated for both the Merensky and UG2 reefs.


Both simple kriging (“SK”) and ordinary kriging (“OK”) techniques have been used. It has been shown that the SK technique is more efficient when limited data are available for the estimation process.


The 4E grade concentration (g/t) was calculated from the interpolated kriged 4E content (cm.g/t) and Resource cut width (cm) values. Detailed checks were carried out to validate kriging outputs, including input data, kriged estimates and kriging efficiency checks.







180




The simple kriging process uses a local or global mean as a weighting factor. For this exercise, all blocks within a specific Geozone have been assigned a global mean (declustered mean) for that Geozone. The data available for Project 1 was combined with the additional boreholes for Project 1A and realistic means were generated for Project 1A estimation.


The following parameters were used in the kriging process for both Project areas:-

1.

Full reef composite data - channel width / Resource cut width (cm) and content (Pt, Pd, Rh, Au, 3PGE_Au, Os, Ir, Ru) elements (Cu %, and Ni %) and SG;

2.

200m x 200m x 1m block size. Block models were constructed using split cells and not subcells due to the size of the parent blocks (200 X 200 X 1m);

3.

Discretisation  5 x 5 x 1 for each 200m x 200m x 1m block;

4.

First search volume - 750 m

a.

Minimum number of samples 4,

b.

Maximum number of samples 40;

5.

Second search volume

a.

Minimum number of samples 2,

b.

Maximum number of samples 40;

6.

Third search volume

a.

Minimum number of samples 1,

b.

Maximum number of samples 20;

7.

Interpolation methods - simple kriging, ordinary kriging;

8.

Local / global mean values used in the simple kriging process;


The first 50m of the ore body is considered to represent a weathered zone and is discarded in the modelling and estimation procedures. Figure 24 shows the block model plots (Project 1 & 1A) for the different parameters.


The kriged estimates were post-processed to calculate the information effect, dispersion variance and grade tonnage intervals. The 4E cut-off values used ranged from 100 - 600 cm.g/t. A dip model was created from the reef wireframe, and each individual block has an interpolated dip value and dip direction.  


Post Processing

During early stages of projects, the data is invariably on a relatively large grid. This grid is much larger than the block size of a selective mining interest, i.e. selective mining units (“SMU”). Efficient kriging estimates for SMU's or of much larger blocks units will then be smoothed due to information effect or size of blocks.Any mine plan or cash flow calculations made on the basis of the smoothed kriged estimates will misrepresent the economic value of the project, i.e., the average grade above cut-off will be underestimated and the tonnage overestimated.







181




Some form of post processing is required to reflect the realistic tonnage grade estimates for respective cut-offs. Using the limited data available preliminary post-processed analysis has been done.


An SMU of 20m x 50m was selected with an expected future underground sampling configuration on a 20m x 20m grid. Information effects were calculated based on the SMU and the expected future production underground sampling configuration.


Within the parent blocks of 200m x 200m x 1m, the distribution of selective mining units has been estimated for various cut-offs. The latter has been estimated using lognormal distribution of SMUs within the large parent blocks - 200m x 200m x 1m. This technique for post processing has been used based on the observed lognormal distribution of the underlying 4E values in the Project Area (i.e. the indirect lognormal post-processing technique has been used for the change of support analysis).


For each parent block the grade, tonnage and metal content above respective cut-offs (based on the SMU’s) were translated into parcels to be used for mine planning. Grade tonnage curves were therefore calculated for each parent block. The following cut-offs were considered 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 cm.g/t.








182




Item 19(g): Model Plans and Sections

Figure 32  - MR and UG2 Width Plots - Resource Cut Model

[technical086.jpg]

[technical087.jpg]











183




Figure 33 - UG2 and MR 4E Grades - Resource Cut Model

[technical088.jpg]

[technical089.jpg]







184




Figure 34  - Cross Section through Project 1

[technical090.jpg]








185




Item 19(h): Resource Classification

The Mineral Resource classification is a function of the confidence of the whole process from drilling, sampling, geological understanding and geostatistical relationships. The following aspects or parameters were considered for Resource classification:


1.

Sampling - Quality Assurance / Quality Control

a.

Measured : high confidence, no problem areas

b.

Indicated: high confidence, some problem areas with low risk

c.

Inferred: some aspects might be of medium to high risk

2.

Geological Confidence

a.

Measured: High confidence in the understanding of geological relationships, continuity of geological trends and sufficient data

b.

Indicated: Good understanding of geological relationships

c.

Inferred: geological continuity not established

3.

Number of samples used to estimate a specific block

a.

Measured: at least 4 boreholes within semi-variogram range and minimum of twenty 1m composited samples

b.

Indicated: at least 3 boreholes within semi-variogram range and a minimum of twelve 1m composite samples

c.

Inferred: less than 3 boreholes within the semi-variogram range

4.

Kriged variance

a.

This is a relative parameter and is only an indication and used in conjunction with the other parameters

5.

Distance to sample (semi-variogram range)

a.

Measured : at least within 60% of semi - variogram range

b.

Indicated : within semi-variogram range

c.

Inferred: further than semi-variogram range

6.

Lower Confidence Limit (blocks)

a.

Measured: < 20% from mean (80% confidence)

b.

Indicated: 20% - 40% from mean (80% - 60% confidence)

c.

Inferred: more than 40% (less than 60% confidence)

7.

Kriging Efficiency

a.

Measured: > 40%

b.

Indicated: 20 - 40%

c.

Inferred: <20%

8.

Deviation from lower 90% confidence limit (data distribution within Resource area considered for classification)

a.

Measured: <10% deviation from the mean

b.

Indicated: 10 - 20% deviation from the mean

c.

Inferred: >20% deviation from the mean







186




Using the above criteria, the Merensky and UG2 reefs within the Project Area were classified into Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource categories. Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources are classified, under the SAMREC Code, as follows.  


An ‘Inferred Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which volume and/or tonnage, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a low level of confidence. It is inferred from geological evidence and sampling and assumed but not verified geologically and/or through analysis of grade continuity. It is based on information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that may be limited in scope or of uncertain quality and reliability.

An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource.

An ‘Indicated Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical characteristics, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a reasonable level of confidence. It is based on exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. The locations are too widely or inappropriately spaced to confirm geological and/or grade continuity but are spaced closely enough for continuity to be assumed.

The Indicated Mineral Resource has sufficient confidence for mine design, mine planning, and/or economic studies.

An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource, but has a higher level of confidence than that applying to an Inferred Mineral Resource.

A ‘Measured Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical characteristics, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a high level of confidence. It 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. The locations are spaced closely enough to confirm geological and grade continuity.

A Measured Mineral Resource has sufficient confidence for mine design, mine planning, production planning, and/or detailed economic studies.

A Measured Mineral Resource requires that the nature, quality, amount and distribution of data are such as to leave no reasonable doubt in the opinion of the Competent Person(s), that the tonnage and grade of the mineralization can be estimated to within close limits and that any variation within these limits would not materially affect potential economic viability.

This category requires a high level of confidence in, and understanding of, the geology and the controls on mineralization.







187




‘Resource Cut’ Mineral Resources

Major Elements (4E)

Table  - Resource Cut Mineral Resources (Measured) - Merensky Reef & UG2 Project 1 (100% WBJV Area)

Cut-Off 4E

Tonnage

Geo Loss

Tonnage

Grade 4E

Content 4E

Resource Cut Width

cmg/t

t

%

t

g/t

g

Moz

cm

MR Measured Project 1

0

8 079 815

14

6 948 641

6.71

46 636 165

1.499

108

100

7 570 302

14

6 510 460

7.08

46 089 380

1.482

108

200

7 073 137

14

6 082 898

7.43

45 215 208

1.454

108

300

6 384 754

14

5 490 888

7.94

43 594 640

1.402

108

400

5 595 560

14

4 812 182

8.55

41 136 636

1.323

108

500

4 775 183

14

4 106 657

9.24

37 940 742

1.220

108

600

3 990 992

14

3 432 253

9.99

34 279 923

1.102

108

UG2 Measured Project 1

0

11 214 700

23

8 635 319

3.31

28 598 095

0.919

141

100

10 324 150

23

7 949 596

3.54

28 132 887

0.904

141

200

9 577 904

23

7 374 986

3.70

27 282 257

0.877

141

300

8 492 261

23

6 539 041

3.91

25 586 430

0.823

141

400

6 927 889

23

5 334 475

4.23

22 566 945

0.726

141

500

5 225 893

23

4 023 938

4.62

18 588 189

0.598

141

600

3 708 056

23

2 855 203

5.05

14 405 165

0.463

141


Prill Splits

Pt

Pt (g/t)

Pd

Pd (g/t)

Rh

Rh (g/t)

Au

Au (g/t)

Project 1 MR

64%

5.08

27%

2.14

4%

0.318

5%

0.398

Project 1 UG2

63%

2.46

26%

1.02

10%

0.39

1%

0.04








188




Table  - Resource Cut Mineral Resources (Indicated) - Merensky Reef & UG2 Project 1 (100% WBJV Area)

Cut-Off 4E

Tonnage

Geo Loss

Tonnage

Grade 4E

Content 4E

Resource Cut Width

cmg/t

t

%

t

g/t

g

Moz

cm

MR Indicated Project 1

0

20 200 910

14

17 372 783

5.29

91 876 308

2.954

109

100

16 032 610

14

13 788 045

6.52

89 901 112

2.890

109

200

14 303 610

14

12 301 105

7.11

87 484 927

2.813

109

300

12 574 180

14

10 813 795

7.75

83 795 242

2.694

109

400

10 876 640

14

9 353 910

8.44

78 962 503

2.539

109

500

9 328 631

14

8 022 623

9.16

73 469 181

2.362

109

600

7 971 142

14

6 855 182

9.88

67 716 517

2.177

109

UG2 Indicated Project 1

0

30 986 290

23

23 859 443

3.43

81 767 529

2.629

134

100

28 510 310

23

21 952 939

3.67

80 585 286

2.591

134

200

26 326 710

23

20 271 567

3.85

78 121 246

2.512

134

300

22 680 620

23

17 464 077

4.13

72 192 078

2.321

134

400

17 944 430

23

13 817 211

4.51

62 344 873

2.004

134

500

13 493 680

23

10 390 134

4.93

51 250 913

1.648

134

600

9 827 620

23

7 567 267

5.38

40 712 239

1.309

134


Prill Splits

Pt

Pt (g/t)

Pd

Pd (g/t)

Rh

Rh (g/t)

Au

Au (g/t)

Project 1 MR

64%

4.96

27%

2.09

4%

0.31

5%

0.39

Project 1 UG2

63%

2.60

26%

1.08

10%

0.41

1%

0.04








189




Table  - Resource Cut Mineral Resources (Inferred) - Merensky Reef & UG2 Project 1 (100% WBJV Area)

Cut-Off 4E

Tonnage

Geo Loss

Tonnage

Grade 4E

Content 4E

Resource Cut Width

cmg/t

t

%

t

g/t

g

Moz

cm

MR Inferred Project 1

0

1 849 534

14

1 590 599

1.64

2 614 920

0.084

93

100

471 251

14

405 276

5.17

2 096 171

0.067

93

200

313 467

14

269 582

6.93

1 867 380

0.060

93

300

251 896

14

216 630

7.95

1 721 176

0.055

93

400

205 623

14

176 836

8.90

1 573 589

0.051

93

500

166 983

14

143 606

9.87

1 417 955

0.046

93

600

135 003

14

116 103

10.87

1 261 782

0.041

93

UG2 Inferred Project 1

0

4 052 591

23

3 120 495

3.56

11 106 229

0.357

134

100

3 306 020

23

2 545 635

4.23

10 777 291

0.346

134

200

3 160 682

23

2 433 725

4.35

10 596 819

0.341

134

300

3 002 029

23

2 311 562

4.47

10 334 004

0.332

134

400

2 690 964

23

2 072 042

4.70

9 734 111

0.313

134

500

2 256 234

23

1 737 300

5.04

8 749 344

0.281

134

600

1 785 266

23

1 374 655

5.46

7 502 749

0.241

134








190




Table  - Resource Cut Mineral Resources (Inferred) - Merensky Reef & UG2 Project 1A (100% WBJV Area)

Cut-Off 4E

Tonnage

Geo Loss

Tonnage

Grade 4E

Content 4E

Resource Cut Width

cmg/t

t

%

t

g/t

g

Moz

cm

MR Inferred Project 1a

0

2 797 251

14

2 405 635

5.22

12 567 057

0.404

115

100

2 382 003

14

2 048 522

6.10

12 490 183

0.402

115

200

2 342 388

14

2 014 454

6.18

12 441 314

0.400

115

300

2 175 732

14

1 871 129

6.48

12 127 388

0.390

115

400

1 890 982

14

1 626 245

7.00

11 390 901

0.366

115

500

1 560 803

14

1 342 291

7.67

10 298 330

0.331

115

600

1 244 445

14

1 070 223

8.43

9 020 630

0.290

115

UG2 Inferred Project 1a

0

3 476 682

23

2 989 946

4.98

14 888 600

0.479

157

100

3 476 682

23

2 989 946

4.98

14 888 600

0.479

157

200

3 476 306

23

2 989 623

4.98

14 888 199

0.479

157

300

3 457 089

23

2 973 097

5.00

14 858 499

0.478

157

400

3 325 753

23

2 860 148

5.10

14 590 132

0.469

157

500

2 986 850

23

2 568 691

5.34

13 722 902

0.441

157

600

2 472 994

23

2 126 775

5.71

12 138 423

0.390

157


Prill Splits

Pt

Pt (g/t)

Pd

Pd (g/t)

Rh

Rh (g/t)

Au

Au (g/t)

Project 1 MR

64%

5.09

27%

2.15

4%

0.32

5%

0.32

Project 1 UG2

63%

2.82

26%

1.16

10%

0.45

1%

0.04

Project 1A MR

64%

4.15

27%

1.75

4%

0.26

5%

0.32

Project 1A UG2

63%

3.15

26%

1.30

10%

0.50

1%

0.05


Notes:

1. MR = Merensky Reef; UG2 = Upper Group No. 2 chromitite seam; PGE = Platinum Group Elements.

2. The cut-offs for Inferred Mineral Resources have been established by a qualified person after a review of potential   operating costs and other factors.

3. Results have been rounded for reporting purposes.

4. A 14% Geological Loss was applied to the MR, and 23% Geological Loss to the UG2.

5. Mineral Resources have been quoted as INCLUSIVE of Mineral Reserves.

6. 4E pertains to 3PGE + Au grade.







191




Figure 35  - Location of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources

[technical091.jpg]z

[technical092.jpg]







192




Item 19(i): Conclusions and Recommendations

Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource estimates have been calculated for the Merensky Reef and UG2 Chromitite seam from available borehole information. The Merensky Reef and UG2 Chromitite seam were both divided into eight distinct geozones based on facies with specific lithological and mineralised characteristics.


The stratigraphy of the Project Area is well understood and specific stratigraphic units could be identified in the borehole core. The Merensky Reef and UG2 Chromitite units could be recognised in the core and are correlatable across the Project Area. It was possible to interpret major structural features from the borehole intersections as well as from geophysical information.


The evaluation of the project was done using best practices. Simple kriging was selected as the best estimate for the specific borehole distribution. Change of support (SMU blocks) was considered for the initial large estimated parent blocks with specific cut-off grades.


The regular QA&QC process carried out by PTM RSA is of a high standard and applies to the full audit trail from field data to Resource modelling. The data have been found to be accurate, consistent and well structured. The system of support for the digital data by paper originals and chain-of-custody and drilling records is well developed.


Additional drilling will have to be carried out in order to increase the confidence in the Resource estimate in the old Project Area 1A.


For the Inferred Mineral Resource category to be potentially upgradeable, infill drilling needs to be carried out. After completion of the drilling and the subsequent QA&QC process, the additional data will be incorporated into the current model as presented in this document.


Whilst no further work was planned for Project Area 1 as it was understood that sufficient Indicated and Measured Resources had been delineated to commence a Feasibility Study. Additional drilling has occurred in the ore body and this has resulted in an updated Resource statement being press released, but this updated Resource was NOT used for the Updated Feasibility Study Technical Report.


Item 19(j): Audits and Reviews

The Mineral Resource estimation process was reviewed by two independent geostatisticians, namely Ms Carina Lemmer of Geological and Geostatistical Services (August 2006) and Mr D Gray of Snowden (July 2007). The independent reviews referred to were completed on the mineral Resource estimate completed to support the Pre-Feasibility Study and were subsequently considered and addressed in the Updated Feasibility Study. The following sections summarise the findings of these reviews:-







193




Review by C Lemmer

Ms Lemmer challenged the fact that Mr Muller used the SK method of estimation rather than the OK method. Mr Muller carried out the modelling using the OK method of estimation and found the following:-

  • MR Measured Resources have a 0.82% higher grade for SK vs. OK, -5.4% for tonnes and -0.05% for metal content;

  • MR Indicated Resources show a -3.2% lower grade for SK vs. OK and -0.19% difference in metal content;


She concluded that the differences (using the SK vs. OK method) at a 300cm.g/t cut-off is not significant, especially so for the Measured and Indicated Resources.


Ms Lemmer suggested that as the histograms created by Mr Muller had normal distributions superimposed on them, that the distribution curves be removed if the histograms were to be included in the Updated Feasibility Study Report.


Furthermore, Ms Lemmer was concerned about the substantial amount of kurtosis figures listed in the stats columns that were negative, which she felt could not be correct. Mr Muller undertook to look into the origin of the negative numbers, which could have resulted from distributions that were not properly defined with gaps between intervals and limited data. Negative values represent problem distributions and Mr Muller stated that care should be taken in any statistical analysis for those parameters.


Ms Lemmer found the variograms to be problematic with the currently relatively sparse data and the number of geological domains. She recommended that Mr Muller experiment with calculating log variograms standardised to a sill of one. When back transforming the variogram spherical fits to real space, the adjustment is so slight that one might even use the log variogram fits when kriging real space variables. She suggested that improved variograms would lend considerable credibility to the Updated Feasibility Study Document. Mr Muller agreed to the comments regarding variograms and stated that he had used log variograms to determine the nugget and ranges where possible.


With regard to post processing Ms Lemmer considered that post processing based on a log normal assumption was not appropriate for the project. She stated that if it could not be changed, then it would be prudent to point it out in the Updated Feasibility Study and comment on the fact that there would be upside to the recoverable Resources when applying a COG. Mr Muller stated that although not 100% log normal, the population is closer to a log normal than a normal distribution and the net effect on results are expected to be minimal.








194




Ms Lemmer was concerned about the use of an SMU that would fit into the panels. She suggested that the use of an SME of 25m x 25m instead of 30m x 40m would show an improvement in recoverable Resources. Mr Muller commented that he had considered the 25m x 25m SMU and that the net effect was minimal.


Finally, Ms Lemmer commented that the criterion of 90% lower confidence limit was based on a lognormal assumption and was therefore not appropriate. Mr Muller undertook to remove the criteria per block basis.


Review by D Gray (Snowden)

The following comments were made by Snowden regarding the Resource modelling at the WBJV by PTM RSA (Muller):-

  • Snowden was unable to verify the statistic provided by PTM RSA from the drill hole data provided and suggested that consideration of classical statistics for the individual reef and footwall layers would yield considerably different statistical properties. Snowden commented that the footwall mineralisation typically has higher skewed distribution compared to the more normal distributions commonly observed for the MR population. They suggested that the impact of these populations on each other should be noted and tested. Snowden noted that the footwall mineralisation is not well developed and is highly skewed tot the low value end. They also noted that there were a significant proportion of assay values that have values of <0.02g/t, and that there was uncertainty as to whether these are trace values or values assigned due to insufficient sample.

  • Snowden recommended that in addition to the 3PGE+Au and the individual prill grades were to be modelled for validation purposes and for providing a more robust estimate of the prill split proportions.

  • Snowden noted that the use of SK for sparsely spaced datasets is common practice. They note that estimation parameters used are likely to over smooth the estimate, providing a false sense of the true variability in the Resource. Variogram ranges did not exceed 600m. Snowden suggested that a detailed kriging neighbourhood analysis be completed with the available data and selected variogram models in order to optimise the Resource estimation parameters.

  • Snowden suggested that conditional simulation be considered as an alternative to the post processing technique employed by Mr Muller as conditional simulation has the ability to provide a quantitative error on the estimate per block and which incorporates the ore body’s spatial continuity. Snowden noted that there was no substitute for the collection of additional data.

  • With regard to Resource estimate validation, Snowden suggested they are documented;

  • With regard to the Resource Classification, Snowden recommended that a comprehensive risk assessment of key criteria influencing the Resource Estimate be considered so as to conclusively support the Resource classification. WRT the current classification, the Indicated Resources are delineated in areas where the closest drill hole is approximately 1km away. Similarly, the shallow Indicated Resource areas are questioned with respect to their poor continuity between drill holes. Considering the high degree of variability that this Resource displays in its stratigraphic sequence, reef behaviour and classical statistics, Snowden consider the classification optimistic.







195



The author has complied with the SAMREC Code for reporting mineral Resources and mineral Reserves. The code allows for a Resource or Reserve to be upgraded (or downgraded) if, amongst other things, economic, legal, environmental, permitting circumstances change. A set of geological and geostatistical rules have been applied for this mineral Resource classification, which also relies on the structural and facies aspects of the geology. These rules are consistent with the Inferred, Indicated and Measured Resource classification as set out in the SAMREC code.


Item 19(k): Reserve Calculation

The historical Resource statement for the orebody is contained below. Only Indicated and Measured Resources are included in the overall mine plan.


Table  -Merensky Reef Resource Statement

[technical094.gif]














Table  -UG2 Reef Resource Statement

[technical096.gif]










A planning pay limit was established for both reefs using estimates of working costs and revenue. This resulted in a stope face pay limit of 3.5 g/t for both Merensky and UG2.







196




The Mineral Reserve statement has been calculated based on the outcome of the Updated Feasibility Study economic evaluation and are detailed in the following table:

Table  - Mineral Reserve Statement

[technical098.gif]












To convert the above Reserve Statement to individual elements, the Resource Prill Splits have been applied to the 4E content to create the list of individual elements depicted inTable 83. The individual element list as depicted in this table do not constitute a Reserve on an individual basis, only when referred to as 4E is it possible to report the Reserve.  








197




Table  - Listing of Individual Elements from 4E Reserve Statement

[technical100.gif]





















The prill splits are the same percentages as for the Measured and Indicated Resources. The effective date of the Reserve estimate is June 30, 2008.


As the result of the updated Resource statement being released (which was not used for this Technical Report), it is anticipated that a further iteration of the mine plan will be completed in the near future, with a modified Mineral Reserve statement being evaluated.


ITEM 20: OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION

The economic viability of mineral Resources declared in this Updated Feasibility Study has been demonstrated and thus the Reserve has been estimated based on the financial and working cost estimates are applied to the Resource in Item 19.


RSA Reserve and Resource declaration rules

The South African Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC Code) sets out minimum standards, recommendations and guidelines for public reporting of exploration results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserve in South Africa.







198




Documentation prepared for public release must be done by or under the direction of, and signed by, a Qualified Person. A Qualified Person (QP) is a person who is a member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) or the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or any other statutory South African or international body that is recognised by SAMREC. A Qualified Person should have a minimum of five years experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration.


A mineral Resource is a concentration (or occurrence) of material of economic interest in or on the earth’s crust in such form, quality and quantity that there are, in the opinion of the Qualified Person, reasonable and realistic prospects for eventual economic extraction.


The definitions of each of the Reserves and Resource categories can be found under Item 19(h).


Resource block estimation

To further clarify the distribution of the Resources declared under Item 19, it is useful to geographically apply the Resource results to the geometry of the deposit.


In this regard, the structural model for the project area is shown in figure 17. The structure then allows for specific structurally related blocks, to be allocated a Resource estimate.


In delineating the structural blocks used for the Resource evaluation, only major structure was considered.


ITEM 21: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR MINE DEVELOPMENT


A Feasibility Study on this project was completed and published in July 2008, with a Revised Feasibility Study published in June 2009. Since the release of the Feasibility Study, an optimization process has taken place resulting in changes to various design aspects of the planned mine. These changes have in turn resulted in different financial outcomes for the project.       


The main changes to access methods and production rates are as follows:-

·

Block development previously 30 metres in the footwall has been sited closer to reef at 20 metres in the footwall.

·

Multiple orepasses per raise line have been replaced by a single ore pass.

·

Loading of reef tonnes by LHD to truck has been replaced by loading from the stope orepasses directly on to trucks.

·

Reef drive travelling ways on each level have been eliminated.







199




·

The overall constraint of 140,000 reef tonnes per month has been removed. The resulting maximum tonnage is approximately 55,000 reef tonnes per decline system, or 160,000 reef tonnes per month overall.

·

More UG 2 reef is mined as a result of better extraction rates.


The overall on-reef / hand held methods described below have not changed significantly from the previous study. The assumption made in this Technical Report mining section is that all development necessary to access reef is completed in time to meet the mine production schedule. A further assumption is that all requirements, as defined by this Technical Report stoping section (men, material, ventilation and services), are delivered to the stope or timber bay in the crosscut as required. All rock broken on the reef horizon and scraped to the in-stope ore pass is removed immediately.


Doubts over South African electric power generation authority, ESKOM and its ability to provide the necessary bulk grid power have been somewhat relieved and this has resulted in reduced dependence upon self generated power requirements.


Item 21(a): Geological & Geotechnical Factors affecting On-Reef Mine Design

A detailed description of the geology of the total mine area is contained in Item 19.


The main findings in the geological and rock engineering investigations that influenced on-reef mine design are discussed below:

·

The dip of the reefs, combined with the narrow reef widths, preclude mechanized, on-reef mining methods

·

The Merensky reef has an average dip of 19 degrees with variations from 9 degrees to 30 degrees and an average stoping width over the life of the mine of 116cm

·

The UG2 reef has an average dip of 16 degrees, varying from flat to 33 degrees. The average stope width of the UG2 over the life of the mine is 155cm

·

Certain mining blocks (such as Block 17), have the potential for increased mechanization if the currently predicted dip, structure and width are confirmed by additional drilling, either from surface or from underground with stope definition drilling

·

The average dip of the reef also influenced the choice of level spacing - to have a reasonable back length between levels while not having excessive raise lengths to develop, a vertical level spacing of 60 metres was selected giving an average back length of 184 metres

·

Significant faults and dykes intersect the orebody and subdivide the deposit into a number of discrete mining blocks, each of which requires access development on different mining levels. The resultant blocks of ground left un-mined add to the regional stability of the mine







200




After application of appropriate pay limits, the Merensky reef contains twice as much recoverable metal as the UG2 and is therefore the primary target. The parting between the Merensky reef and the UG2 varies from contact in the south to 70 metres in the north. Mining of both reefs generally only occurs when the parting is greater than 30 metres.


Item 21(b): Rock Engineering

Regional Stability

The regional and panel pillar design is based upon a detailed understanding of the structure and nature of the rockmass resulting from inspection and evaluation of representative exploration drilling core, coupled with numerical modeling of planned mining layouts.  Geotechnical information obtained from neighbouring mines and knowledge of similar operations elsewhere in the Bushveld Complex has also been incorporated.


On the Merensky reef horizon, twenty-five meter wide stope panels will be advanced on breast between up to seven meter wide in-panel pillars sited immediately down-dip of the strike scraper gullies.  These pillars will operate within their elastic limits and will carry the full overburden load down to a depth of 300m below surface.  Below this depth, five to six metre wide yield pillars and three metre wide crush pillars have been designed. On the UG2 horizon, panel lengths vary from 20 to 25 metres depending on site specific rock engineering recommendations.    Pillars are designed to carry the full overburden load down to a depth of 300m below surface.  Below this depth, six to eight metre wide yield pillars and three metre wide crush pillars will be left.


In view of the structural complexity of the orebody, and the provisions that have been made in the mining model to acknowledge the significant loss of Reserves attributable to these geological losses, no attempt has been made in this study to include additional support in the form of regular regional pillars as it is believed that the natural geological losses will adequately meet the regional support requirement.  This assertion has been tested, and verified, by numerically modeling.


Local Stope Stability

Based upon detailed geotechnical assessment of the hangingwall, a maximum resistance of 185kN/m2 is considered adequate to meet local stope support requirements for the majority of planned operations.  Because the support will need to be stiff and preferably pro-active, large (180mm to 200mm diameter) pre-stressed elongate units will be used.  These units will be spaced 1.5m apart on dip and strike, together with breaker lines of three-stick cluster props installed 1.5m apart on dip at 6m strike intervals (i.e. every fourth row).  These breaker lines will also serve to contain over-runs should collapses occur in the back-area.  In-stope bolting on a 1.5m x 1.5m pattern has also been included in the overall stope support design strategy for this project.  Strike and dip gullies will be supported by means of three-stick cluster props installed at 1.5m centers along their edges, and a 1m pattern of tensioned rockbolts across the hangingwall span.








201




Localised problem areas requiring additional support may be addressed by either increasing the elongate and/or rock bolt support density, or, where conditions so dictate, leaving small internal pillars.  In situations of potential massive beam failure, or of excessive ride in more steeply dipping stoping environments, stiff grout-based or composite concrete packs may be needed to augment elongate units that are prone to buckling-type failure under such circumstances.  These eventualities have not been factored into the stope support design for this feasibility exercise.


Stability of Access Tunnels

Mining layouts comprise horizontal access tunnels sited 20m in the footwall of the reef.  This is well within geotechnical criteria that have been determined for the project by numerical modeling. Separate and independent footwall access will in general be provided for Merensky and UG2 infrastructure respectively.  Consideration will need to be given to alternative access strategies in situations where the close proximity of the reefs renders this approach either impossible, impractical or wasteful.


Evaluation of the rockmass quality based upon borehole information, suggests that not only will access tunnels be sited in a variety of differing rock types, but the rock types themselves are likely to exhibit a wide spread of quality and competence characteristics.  As a result, support demand is likely to range across a broad spectrum from little or no support to intense support.  This is likely to be exacerbated by moderately high (horizontal) stress considerations at the deeper levels.  Standard tunnel support design charts will be used to match prevailing and anticipated rockmass condition ratings with corresponding support requirements.  To cater for this anticipated wide range of tunnel and development support requirements, a system of support categories has been devised, which can be applied to estimate support requirements based upon available geotechnical information.


Primary access to the mine is to be provided by a series of declined shafts that will target the south, central and north sections of the mine respectively.  A preliminary geotechnical evaluation of the rockmass through which the declines will pass, and of the surface area in which the boxcuts and portals will be situated, was undertaken by examining relevant sections of core from existing nearby boreholes.  This indicated that extremely weathered material extends down to a depth of 29m below surface.  Below this, however, there is a rapid transition to intact, unweathered and competent rock.  Based upon this information, it is expected that the boxcuts will need to be excavated to a depth of at least 35m to provide for stable portal undercuts.


The decline tunnels themselves will, for the most part, generally be situated in a very competent rockmass.  However, they will, on occasion, pass through alternating bands of good quality, moderate quality and poor quality rock.  Support requirements for these different sections will vary from minimal bolt patterns to moderately intense bolt patterns with appropriate fabric linings.  Extremely weathered lamprophyre dyke intrusions are noted, and such intersections will require reinforced shotcrete applications or concrete lining.








202




Eleven raise-bored ventilation winzes of various sizes will be situated across the property to service mining operations.  A similar evaluation of rockmass conditions at these sites was undertaken by examining the core from existing nearby boreholes. The depth of weathered material that will require consolidation was determined for each of the individual holes.  These depths range from about 11m to 28m and up to as much as 55m in one instance.  This information has been factored into the engineering design of these holes.  Weak zones that will occur within the barrels were also identified and characterized by examination of the drill core.  Because of the prohibitive cost implications of providing access into the winzes for support purposes, winze sites will be evaluated and chosen to minimize the potential for shaft sidewall failure, and, in the event that such failure does occur and that it adversely affects the design performance of the shaft, the affected shaft will simply be abandoned and an alternative replacement shaft will be drilled at a lesser cost than would have been required to support the original shaft.


Industry-accepted rock mechanics criteria relating to the size, spacing, layout and juxtaposition of tunnels, chambers, dams, bins and passes have been incorporated into the detailed design of major service excavations associated with the declined shafts.  Appropriate support measures will need to be instituted in those instances where the host rock is weak or structurally disturbed.  Nevertheless, no untoward geotechnical problems are anticipated provided that stoping activities in the vicinity of such excavations do not interfere with their integrity.


Multi-reef Mining

The separation between the Merensky reef and the UG2 reef varies from only a few metres in the shallow areas close to the outcrop, increasing to many tens of metres down-dip and across the property.  Superimposed, multi-reef mining of both the Merensky reef and the UG2 reef will occur in only a few limited areas of the mine, and here, depending upon the separation distance between the two horizons, additional consideration will need to be given to aspects such as the layout and siting of the footwall access tunnels, the order and sequences of stoping operations on the respective reef horizons, as well as any special precautionary stope support requirements.


Independent access layouts will be provided for the Merensky and portions of the UG2 reefs, but where possible the Merensky infrastructure is used to access the UG2. .  In practice, this aspect will require careful consideration to optimize mining operations, and access efficiencies, and to avoid full or partial sterilization of some Reserves.  The study also envisages exploitation of the Merensky reef as the primary objective of the project strategy.  Mining of the payable areas of UG2 will take place on a less substantive scale.  There is thus a danger that early mining on the Merensky horizon may be undertaken with less than due regard for possible mining of the UG2 reef in the future, perhaps resulting in partial or complete sterilisation of portions of this Reserve.









203




Geotechnical Overview

The exploration drilling program has revealed that the orebody is structurally complex, and exhibits a large degree of variability in terms of key geotechnical aspects such as stratigraphy, reef separation, reef dip, rockmass integrity, faulting, jointing, and weathering.  In practice, this will no doubt elicit a similar range of differing mining strategies to deal with the changing circumstances occasioned by this variability.  Nevertheless, the basic mining strategies adopted and proposed in this feasibility study are considered to be entirely representative of the strategies that are likely to be adopted in practice, and are entirely appropriate to this level of study.


Item 21(c): Stope Design Features

Based on preferred practice on adjoining mines a system of scattered breast stoping was decided on for the WBJV. This method is described below:-


·

Panels are 25 metres long for Merensky reef and 20 to 25 metres long for UG2 reef measured on dip, advancing in the direction of strike

·

Strike gullies are mined at between 5 and16 degrees above strike for purposes of drainage and fault negotiation

·

In situ reef support pillars are left below the strike gullies

·

The in-situ pillars vary in width dependent on depth below surface. For Merensky reef, the pillar width varies between 3 and 7 metres and for the UG2 reef, the width varies from 4 to 9 metres.


The pillar dimensions for different depths on the Merensky reef horizon are depicted below.

Table  - Pillar Dimensions

[technical102.gif]

The pillars are not continuous on strike allowing for the flow of ventilation between panels.







204




Additional support in the form of 200mm elongates (pipe sticks) and roof bolts are included in the mine design. The roof bolts are drilled using customized rigs to ensure vertical drilling of the roof bolt holes from a position of safety for the operator.


The panels and gullies are to be drilled by means of 2.2kW electric hand held rock drills rather than with conventional pneumatic rock drills. This technology has been refined, mostly by AngloGold Ashanti and Angloplats, over the last eight years, to the point where whole shafts are only using electric drills for stoping purposes. As a result of visits to sites using the electric rock drills and discussion with operators, it was decided to include these rock drills in the stope planning and infrastructure design. There are significant power consumption benefits from this technology and their inclusion has significantly reduced the power consumption for the entire mine. Whilst this technology is relatively new, the project team does not regard their inclusion as a risk to the project. Hydraulic rockdrills can also be considered for the mine in preference to reverting to compressed air.


Numerous published papers on the implementation of electric rock drills, as well as extensive discussions with the intended suppliers, were the basis for the inclusion of electric stope rock drills.


The blast holes are charged with ‘Anfo’ type explosives and are detonated using capped fuse and igniter cord. The use of shock tube technology will be considered once it proves itself economically viable.


Broken rock is cleaned by scraper winch to the strike gullies and then scraped on strike, to the centre gully (raise). In the centre gully, the reef is either tipped directly into an ore pass to the level below, or scraped down the centre gully to the first ore pass available.


Raises are situated 150 metres apart on strike and are accessed from the strike haulage by cross cut and inclined travelling way.


A working face is planned, equipped and resourced to advance at 11 metres per month. An average raise line would contain 10 to 12 panels and for every 10 panels that are equipped for mining, approximately 5 will be available at any one time.


For the Merensky reef, if each working panel advances at a rate of 11 metres per month, the raise line will produce 1,375m2 (5 panels x 25m x 11m). This equates to approximately 5,250 panel tonnes per producing raise line.


A production unit (half level) consists of two such producing raise lines, one ledging and equipping raise line and one raise line being vamped and reclaimed. The ventilation model is based on supplying through







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ventilation to four raise lines per production unit. In addition the development necessary to sustain production on that half level must also be ventilated, equipped and resourced.


Each full section can be expected to produce 10,500 panel reef tonnes per month with 14 producing sections capable of producing 147,000 panel tonnes per month. With ledging accounting for an additional 8%, total reef tonnes from 14 sections will amount to approximately 160,000 before dilution. With the extra 18% dilution factored into the mining equation, the theoretical capacity of the mine is 188,000 tons per month. However, at any one time resources allocated to production will be involved in re-establishment of panels. Therefore, the diluted reef tonnage is expected to be 160,000 tonnes per month. The total production plan and cost estimate for the mine is based on this relationship.


Item 21(d): Ventilation

The mine will be divided into discrete ventilation districts incorporating various mining blocks, these will be created by naturally occurring geological features.  In total there will be eleven districts each returning air to surface by dedicated raise bored ventilation (RBH) shafts equipped with fans.  RBHs and fans have been located and sized to cater for the ultimate production with sufficient allowance for concurrent development.  


Multi-blast development will be accommodated during initial decline and haulage development.  Thereafter blasting will be on fixed-time-blast basis with maximum two blasts per day.  For stoping the ventilation strategy will be to re-use air in a cascade system with most air re-used but with some leaked back through worked out areas.  

The conveyor decline will be used as an intake airway but will be equipped with an early warning monitoring system. Mobile refuge chambers will be used during capital development of the decline systems with permanent refuge chambers established in line with production requirements. Early Warning Systems throughout the mine will be in compliance with the South African Mine Health and Safety Act.


Each of the three decline clusters will have the capacity to handle approximately 250 kg/s ventilation air, which based on the production schedule, will be sufficient to dilute diesel exhaust and other pollutants and to remove heat without the need for refrigeration, although heat tolerance screening of underground workers will be required.  


Raised bored holes and main fan installations will be needed early in the establishment of the mining blocks and CAPEX will need to be committed to ensure that fans are installed immediately after the raise bore holes are complete.  The estimate for CAPEX of major ventilation components is approximately R100m, this figure includes main and auxiliary equipment but excludes the cost of the raised bored holes and has been included in the financial model. Main and auxiliary fans will be relatively large power consumers, for the ultimate condition, total fan absorbed power will be approximately 6.0 MW.  








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Due to the shallow depth of the mine, not exceeding 650m below surface, it will not be necessary to consider refrigeration of the intake air.


Item 21(e): Resource to Reserve Conversion - Basic Grade Equation

The historical Resource statement for the orebody is contained below. Only Indicated and Measured Resources are included in the overall mine plan.


Mineral Resource Statement

Table  - Mineral Resource Statement - Merensky

[technical104.gif]














Table  - Mineral Resource Statement - UG2

[technical106.gif]








A planning pay limit was established for both reefs using estimates of working costs and revenue. This resulted in a stope face pay limit of 3.5 g/t for both Merensky and UG2.







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Table  - Planning Pay Limit Basis

[technical108.gif]


Using these cut off grades, mining blocks for inclusion in the mine plan were identified. This resulted in the exclusion of 5.09 million tonnes of Merensky reef and 17.3 million tonnes of UG2. Based on the knowledge of each mining block, a geological loss factor was applied to each of these blocks. This resulted in the exclusion 2.6 million tonnes of Merensky reef and 2.3 million tonnes of UG2.


Systematic pillar support resulted in the exclusion of 2.6 million of Merensky reef and 2.5 million tonnes of UG2.


Given the selected mining method for both reefs, hand held breast stoping, dilution factors were established as shown below.








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Table 88 - Production Modifying Factors for conversion to Reserve

[technical110.gif]


The average diluting effect on stope tonnes for Merensky reef is 19.05% and for UG2 16.9%.








209




The whole process above is summarised in the Basic Grade Equation depicted in the following tables.


Table 89 - Basic Grade Equation - Merensky & UG2

[technical112.gif]


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[technical114.gif]







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Mineral Reserves are reported as inclusive of uneconomic material and dilution material delivered for treatment or dispatched from the mine without treatment, using the modifying factors as indicated in the basic grade equation.

Table 90 - Mineral Reserve Statement

[technical116.gif]

 

 

 

Prill Splits

Pt

Pt (g/t)

Pd

Pd (g/t)

Rh

Rh (g/t)

Au

Au (g/t)

Project 1 & 1A MR

64%

3.52

27%

1.49

4%

0.22

5%

0.28

Project 1 & 1A  UG2

63%

2.15

26%

0.88

10%

0.34

1%

0.03


Table 91 - Listing of Individual Elements from 4E Reserve Statement

[technical118.gif]










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Item 21(f): Basic Mining Equation

For every four stope panels ventilated and equipped, one panel per day is blasted.


Stope panels are 25 metres long.


Panels are included in the mine plan when they are ventilated (raises holed) and resourced (all equipment for the panel and raise have been paid for in the capital estimate) and sufficient timing has been allowed in the production schedule for ledging and equipping.


Panels are advanced by an effective 5.5 metres / month in the mine plan.


This is derived as follows:


·

For every panel planned to produce in any month, an additional panel, fully equipped is considered unavailable for geological or other reasons

·

A stoping crew, consisting of 20 men, is allocated to two producing panels

·

Depending on the length of back, a raise line will generally have 2 or 3 crews operating

·

The crew blasts one panel per day, each panel 12 times per month. At a face advance per blast of 0.9 metres, this equates to 11 metres per working panel per month. For scheduling purposes, allowing for the fact that only half of the equipped panels are blasted each month, the overall face advance planned is 5.5 metre / month. This means that the mine must blast one out of four equipped panels per day. For a standard length raise, not more than three panels per day are blasted

·

An average raise line with 10 panels will produce approximately 5,300 stope tonnes per month (25 metre panel x 5.5m advance/month x 10 panels x 3.9 tonnes per square metre)

·

Each crew will have the capacity to produce 2,150 tonnes, or 550 m2 per month at 26 m2 per stope man per month

·

70 stope crews are planned at full production

·

70 stope crews  have the potential to  produce 38,500 m2 per month


At peak production 35,000 m2 are planned to be mined per month. Of these, 2,800 m2 come from ledging, which is resourced separately. This means that the 70 stope crews must produce 32,200 m2 per month giving an expected output of 460 m2 per crew per month.


An excess capacity of 20% exists between the theoretical output of the stoping crews and the planned output. This capacity is utilized in re-raising and re-establishment of non-producing panels. Re-raising tonnage constitutes 2% of total stope tonnes.








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A production unit will have two raises stoping, one raise vamping / reclaiming and one raise ledging / equipping and can theoretically produce up to 14,000 reef tonnes per month, including ledging and reef development. Fourteen production units are planned and costed in the financial model at an average of 11,200 reef tonnes per month.


For an average stope back of approximately 190 metres, with footwall haulage 20 metres below reef, it takes


·

12 months to develop the crosscut and hole the raise to the level above

·

Month 13 is utilized to strip the raise and complete box holing

·

Months 14 and 16 are used to ledge the raise to a position 6 metre from the original raise sidewall on both sides of the raise

·

Months 17, 18 and 19 are used to equip the raise, two panels per month on each side of the raise, from the bottom up


This allows limited stoping: 550 m2/month in month 18: 1,100 m2 per month in month 19 and 1 650 m2 per month in month 20.


Each production unit will have one reef raising / ledging / stope equipping crew capable of ledging and equipping the necessary panels per month from the 14th month after the crosscut breakaway position is reached.


When the need for equipped panels diminishes, this crew will do reclamation and vamping. The duty for this crew is calculated as follows:-


·

The mine needs to develop 230 reef raise metres per month to sustain production

·

One raise metre on reef gives 150 square metres of mining based on the strike spacing of 150 metres between raises. If stoping is reducing the available Reserve by 35,000 m2 per month, it is necessary to develop 230 reef metres per month or 17 reef metres per production unit. At 4.2 metres / man / month, this is 4 people

·

Ledging is carried out 6 metres either side of the raise

·

35,000 m2 requires 35,000 x 12 / 150 = 2,800 m2 ledging or 200 m2 per section. At 20 m2 per man, this requires 10 men

·

35,000 m2 at 5.5 metres per month overall face advance over life of raise, requires 220 equipped panels to sustain production

·

Each panel contains 1,725 m2

·

Each month, twenty (35,000 / 1,725) panels are depleted and must be replaced with equipped panels. This is just over one panel per section per month. 5 people are allocated to each section for this equipping







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The total crew requirement per section for reef raising / ledging and equipping is 20 with a mine total of 280.

Re-raising and re-establishment of off reef panels is catered for in the 19% excess allowance in the stoping crews.


Allowing for the 15% relief category, the total on-reef labour that will be required and has been costed is 1,775. The labour productivity determined as ‘m2 per total reef employee costed’ is 19.


The high relief percentage is to allow for a 25 day per month work cycle. Continuous operations have not been included in the production plan.


To comply with the requirements of a 45 hour work week, each employee can only work 7.5 hours per day. To comply with the requirements of a 90 hour, 11 day fortnight the employee can work 8.2 hours per day. This requires an additional 7% to allow the necessary rotation. The remainder of the relief category is for annual leave, illness and other valid reasons for failure to be at work. This is regarded by the project team as a reasonable approach.


A summary of the labour requirements for on-reef production is contained in the following section.


Item 21(g): Mining Labour

Raising, Ledging & equipping labour

Miners               

 14

One per crew improved safety and productivity

Team leaders      

  28  

One per crew per shift

Winch erecting       

 28

Winch transport on reef, two per crew

Rock drill Operators   

 84

Six per crew for raising ledging and equipping.

Winch drivers    

    56    

Two per shift per crew

General        

  70  

Day shift workers as required

Leave / cycle relief    

40

Total                                      320


Stoping labour

Miners   

 84   

One miner per crew on day shift, One per section on night shift

Team leaders                       140

One per crew per shift

Rock drill operators    

280   

four per crew

Drill assistants     

70  

one for gully

Generals                               280

four per crew dayshift as required

Winch drivers                     280

three per crew night shift, one day shift

Mono winch drivers            70   

one per crew day shift

Tip attendant                        70    

one per crew

Leave/cycle relief                181                             

Total       
                           1,455







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The total staff required for on reef mining will be 1,775 persons at peak production.


Operating Cycles

Each stoping crew under the day shift control of a qualified miner, is allocated two adjacent (or close to each other) stope panels per month. Each day, one panel is supported and prepared for drilling and the other is drilled and blasted.


Cleaning is done mainly on night shift but winch drivers are also allocated to day shift. This allows for the clean up of any remaining reef, but also allows for cleaning on day shift to make up for lost blasts. The day shift winch drivers also prepare the cleaning rigs for night shift.


In the preparation cycle, permanent support (elongates) are installed as per mine standard. Temporary support in the form of mechanical props has been dispensed with in the stope design. Each crew is allocated a stope support drill rig operated remotely. Roof bolts are installed on a predetermined systematic pattern during the preparation cycle. When support is complete, the face can be marked off by the miner with time available to ensure that the marking off is done correctly and according to mine standard.


On the second panel, the drilling crew drills the face that has been prepared on the previous shift. No time is wasted waiting for the completion of the cleaning, marking of the holes and supporting of the face, nor is there any need to start drilling before a face has been adequately prepared. The effective drilling shift is greatly increased. Combined with the greater attention given to marking the holes, better face advance per blast should be achieved in a safer environment. Better stoping width control is also possible as well as adhering to the best stoping cut as recommended by the geologists.


In the event of a missed blast by the crew, the capacity exists in the cleaning and drilling labour allocations to make up the lost production.


70 stope crews are planned at full production. To achieve the target, each crew must achieve 460 m2 per month at 21 m2 per man per month.


Item 21(h): Production Planning

A production planning summary is included as Appendix 1 - the following section references the page numbers in Appendix 1 and is referred to as ‘A1pg’.


The orebody is accessed from surface by a system of multiple mechanized declines.

Two of the declines, the North and Central declines, share a common portal in the centre of the mines surface infrastructure area. The third decline, the South decline has a portal some 700 metres from the Central portal to the south.







215




The advance rates and dimensions used for each of these declines at various stages, as well as the advance rates and dimensions on the horizontal levels serviced by the declines are indicated on A1pgs 1 to 6.


The rates used are based on the design and assessment of Wardrop Engineering, which have extensive experience in the field of mechanized underground development. The primary target of the declines is the Merensky reef. Payable Merensky reef occurs from depths some 150 metres below surface.


The calculations and assumptions used to move from Resource to Reserve tonnages are shown on A1pgs 7 to 12. A1pg 12 is a tabulation of the Basic Grade equation for the two reefs.


A1pg 13 and 14 show borehole positions and Resource categories for both reefs. The Merensky reef 60 metre reef contours are shown on A1pg 15.


The mining blocks for both reefs with grade reef contours and structure are shown on A1pgs 16 to 19.


A1pg 20 shows the mining areas by decline.


The three decline systems including chairlifts and horizontal levels are shown separately on A1pgs 21, 22 and 23.


A comparison between m2 stoped and m2 created by development is shown on A1pg 24. There are two distinct phases as the Merensky builds up and depletes, with the UG2 repeating the pattern. The initial UG2 development may need to be accelerated to maintain at least 2 years of developed Reserve at any time.


The Life of Mine stoping plan for each decline separately on the Merensky reef is shown on A1pg 25 and A1pg 26 for the UG2.


The Life of Mine Merensky plan by time period is on A1pg 27.


A1pg 28 shows the utilization of Merensky infrastructure in mining the UG2.


The Life of Mine stoping plan for the UG2 is shown on A1pg 28 and shows the existing Merensky infrastructure and the additional infrastructure developed for the UG2 extraction.


Using the development rates given on A1pgs 1 to 3 of Appendix 1, and the ledging, equipping and stoping rates defined in the previous part of this chapter, the key mining timelines are tabulated on A1pg 29.








216




Life of Mine production schedules are generated by reef type, by decline, by level and by development product and plant feed.


These schedules are summarized on A1pgs 30 to 33 and form inputs into the Financial Model.


Key elements from these schedules are graphed and tabulated on A1pgs 34 to 43. A1pgs 44 to 48 are schematics of development and equipping layouts for the current mine plan A1pg 49 is a plan of the proposed surface layout.


Item 21(i): Decline and Footwall Development

Development is dealt with in three broad categories in this report; Decline Development, Footwall Development, and Stope Development.  This section deals with the first two categories, while Stope Development is dealt with in Item 21(c) and (f).


Decline Development

The orebody will be accessed by three sets of declines, which will connect surface to underground production levels.


An economic comparison of decline access versus vertical shaft access showed that decline access will provide the best return on investment and will reach ore in the shortest time.  The use of three declines allows three shallow, high-grade areas of the orebody to be opened up simultaneously with consequent positive impact on project economics.


Accessing shallow or outcropping platinum and gold orebodies by decline has for a long time been a conventional method in South Africa.  Recent improvements in Haul Truck engine power have increased the speed at which haul trucks climb declines, making decline access technically feasible and economically attractive in this application despite the ore sub-cropping at 150 m below surface.


Decline sets consist of a pair of declines - a Haulage Decline for rubber-tired vehicles (trackless equipment) for moving ore and waste, supplies and equipment, and supervisory and technical personnel, and a Chairlift decline for moving men.  Haulage Declines will be mined at no steeper than 8.5 degrees grade, the maximum allowable for effective haul truck operation.  Chairlift Declines will be mined to follow the dip of the orebody, which will generate grades of up to 22 degrees.


Haulage Decline cross-sections will be sized to accommodate 30 tonne diesel haul trucks, which form part of the chosen equipment, set for this study. Opening cross-sections and turning radii will be sized to permit the future use of 50 tonne haul trucks should it be decided to use these instead of 30 tonne haul trucks.








217




Decline development will commence from faces of competent rock, which will be created by excavating box-cuts through up to 30 m of weathered material.


Haulage Declines will by mined by mechanized methods, comprising trackless drill rigs, roof-bolters, LHD’s and 30 tonne haul trucks.  Chairlift Declines will be mined by the same mechanized methods wherever possible, but where mined at greater than 12 degrees, mechanized mining is not economic and handheld methods using jackleg rock drills and scraper winches will be employed.  


Broken rock will be loaded by LHD from the face to 15 m long remuck bays installed at 75 m intervals.  Waste rock will be hauled by 30 tonne trucks from remuck bays either directly to the surface waste dump or if coming from 45 Level or lower, to the underground waste rock bin on 45 Level. From the underground waste rock bin, it will be conveyed to the surface waste rock bin from where it will be hauled to the waste rock dump by surface haul trucks.  


Once not required for development, remuck bays will be used as traffic passing bays, as temporary sumps and as spaces for electrical substations, material storage, vehicle parking, and the construction of refuge stations.


Where developed in parallel, Haulage Declines and Chairlift Declines will have a minimum 10 m intervening solid pillar to facilitate their use as independent means of emergency egress.  Haulage and Chairlift Declines will be advanced at the same rate of advance, and will be connected by cross-connectors at 75 m intervals.

 

After reaching the orebody, Haulage Declines and Chairlift Declines will follow the dip of the Merensky Reef at an average depth of 30 m in the footwall.  Where the ore dip is steeper than 8.5 degrees, Haulage Declines will follow the apparent dip of the orebody in a series of switchbacks to maintain an effective roadway grade of 8.5 degrees.  Chairlift Declines are less limited in the grade they may be installed at, and will follow the dip of the ore at grades ranging from almost horizontal to greater than 20 degrees.


Chairlift declines will be connected to footwall travelling ways by short inclined walkways installed at no greater than 34 degrees and which will have a concrete stairway installed to facilitate foot traffic.  


The back and walls of headings will be scaled and ground support will be installed as headings advance.  Rock bolting to the face will be practiced. Resin-grouted rebars at 2.4 m long in a 1.5 x 1.5 m pattern will be used as the standard for access development, based on geotechnical analysis reported on in Item 21(b) 4 for the purposes of development productivities and cost estimation.

Permanent pipelines, ventilation ducts, and power cables will be installed as declines are advanced.









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Footwall Development

Footwall development will consist of Strike Haulages developed at approximately 20 metres below reef, cross cuts, inclined travelling ways and a single ore pass per raise line.


Footwall developments will be mined by the same trackless equipment and methodology used in developing Access Declines.


Footwall Development openings will be sized to accommodate the 30 tonne diesel haul trucks, which form part of the chosen equipment, set for this study. Opening cross-sections and turning radii will be sized to permit the future use of 50 tonne haul trucks should it be decided to use these instead of 30 tonne haul trucks.


Pipelines, ventilation ducts, and power cables will be installed as headings are advanced.


Underground Development Rates

Decline and footwall development rates significantly impact project economics and project schedule, especially in the early years of mine development prior to commencing ore production, and after that as stopes are being developed as quickly as possible.  Choosing achievable and realistic advance rates for underground development has been the subject of much research in this study.


Recognizing the importance of this, three South African underground contractors and one Canadian underground contractor were canvassed for opinions on advance rates for this project.  Their views have been combined with Wardrop engineers’ knowledge base of advance rates derived from similar projects and have led to the adoption of the following advance rates.

Table 92  - Haulage Decline Development Initially - Haulage Decline Development Only.

Activity

Conditions

Equipment

Advance Rate

Haulage Decline Development

Multiblast conditions - no production

One dedicated suite of mechanized equipment

100 m/mo


Table 93 - Haulage Decline Development Intermediate - Haulage Decline and level development to assist rapid build up, concurrent with limited production.

Activity

Conditions

Equipment

Advance Rate

Haulage Decline Development

Blasting at two fixed times per day.  Decline has priority over other development

One dedicated suite of mechanized equipment

85 m/mo

Haulage Level and Cross -cut Development

Blasting at two fixed times per day

One dedicated suite of mechanized equipment

100 m/mo if one face available.  160 m/mo if two or more face available







219







Table 94 - Haulage Decline Development Steady State -Decline and level development concurrent with steady state production.

Activity

Conditions

Equipment

Advance Rate

Haulage Decline Development

Blasting at two fixed times per day.  Decline has priority over other development

One dedicated suite of mechanized equipment

85 m/mo

Haulage Level and Cross -cut Development

Blasting at two fixed times per day

One dedicated suite of mechanized equipment

30 m/mo per face  to a maximum of 120 m/mo

Table 95  - Chairlift Decline Development

Activity

Conditions

Equipment

Advance Rate

Chairlift decline development parallel to Haulage Decline

Multi-blast conditions

One dedicated suite of mechanized equipment

100 m/mo

Chairlift decline Development independent

Blasting at two fixed times per day

Conventional hand held mining

30 m/mo

Table 96 - Inclined Development

Activity

Conditions

Equipment

Advance Rate

Reef Dip Development

Blasting at two fixed time per day.  Drop-raised from centre gulley before stoping commences

Conventional hand-held mining

30 m/mo

Orepass Development

Blasting at two fixed times per day

Conventional hand held mining

30 m/mo

Orepass Development

Blasting at two fixed time per day.  Drop-raised from centre gulley before stoping commences

Raise Bore

30 m/mo

Table 97 - Reef Horizontal Development

Activity

Conditions

Equipment

Advance Rate

Reef Strike Development

Blasting at two fixed times per day

Conventional hand-held mining

30 m/mo


Underground Development Schedule

Early mine development has been scheduled to achieve full production of 160,000 tpm of ore in the shortest time possible.  Development will commence simultaneously on all three declines, and will proceed at the fastest rate possible.  Contractors will be used to excavate the decline box-cuts and to mine the declines, as it is expected that they will be able to both mobilize and to reach maximum productivity faster than owner’s forces.


The underground development schedule forms part of the overall Project Schedule described in Item 21(n).


Initial mine development will focus on:

·

providing access for men, materials, and equipment to high-grade, shallow areas of the orebody

·

providing an early means of ventilating stopes

·

providing  two routes for emergency egress at all times







220




·

installing mine services (electric power distribution, communications, compressed air, water supply, mine dewatering)


The early development schedule does not include for time to obtain environmental and mining permits, surface access roads, power lines, and site infrastructure construction.


Underground Mobile Equipment List

Sizing and selection of mining equipment is state-of-the-art technology and is chosen based on operating experience in mines with similar conditions. Mobile underground equipment types will be:

Table 98 - Underground Mobile Equipment list

MOBILE UNIT

MAKE & TYPE

Load-Haul-Dump

 

4.6m3 (10 tonne capacity)

Toro 007

Haul Trucks

 

30 tonne

EJC 533

Drilling Fleet

 

2 Boom Jumbo

Tamrock Axera 7

Bolter

Robolt 5-126

Jackleg

Generic

Stoper

Generic

Compressor

Generic

Service Vehicles

 

Flatbed Truck

Fermel

Explosives Truck

Fermel

Scissor Lift

 Cassette

Fuel & Lube

 Cassette

Light Vehicle

Toyota

Surface Truck

Volvo 20t


Underground haul trucks and LHD’s will be equipped with engines using DDEC technology to optimize efficiency of the engines and to minimize emissions.


The new design allows direct loading of haul trucks from stope orepasses.

Underground Development and Transport Personnel

Underground Development and Transport hourly labour start at 100 and vary between 250 and 340 at full production.







221




Item 21(j): Underground Services

Underground services will include:

·

Mine Dewatering

·

Drilling and fire fighting water

·

Compressed air

·

Electric power

·

Communications


Mine services will be installed progressively as headings are advanced.


Compressed Air

Compressed air will be used underground for:

·

secondary mine water pumping using pneumatic pumps

·

explosive emulsion loading

·

blasthole cleaning

·

miscellaneous pneumatic small tools


Water Supply

Industrial-quality water will be distributed by steel pipelines throughout the underground workings for drilling equipment, dust suppression, and fire fighting.  Flexible hoses will be used to connect water pipelines to drilling equipment at working faces.  


A water tank located on surface will provide an uninterrupted supply of fresh water and fire-fighting water.  


Mine Dewatering

Water inflows to the underground mine derive from groundwater inflows, drilling water, and dust suppression water.


Mine water on Strike Haulages and Cross-cuts will be directed by gravity to pump niches located at 600 m intervals, from where it will be pumped horizontally to a dirty water pumping station. Dirty water pumping stations will be located on every second Strike Haulage, providing a 120 m vertical interval from one dirty water pump station to the next. Mine water will be pumped progressively from one pump station to the next until arrival at surface.


Ultimately, a clean water pumping station will be installed on the 45 Level, allowing more efficient and cost-effective clean-water pumping to be performed from 45 Level to surface.







222




Underground Communication System

A leaky feeder communication system will be installed as the communication system for the mine and surface operations.  Telephones will be located at key infrastructure locations such as chairlift stations, electrical sub-stations, conveyor drives, refuge areas, lunchrooms, and pumping stations.


Key personnel (such as mobile mechanics, crew leaders, and shift bosses) and mobile equipment operators (such as loader, truck, and utility vehicle operators) will be supplied with underground radios for contact with the leaky feeder network.


‘Stench’ Gas Warning System

A mine-wide ‘stench’ gas warning system will be used to alert underground workers of a fire.


Item 21(k): Underground Construction and Mine Maintenance

Supervised crews will perform general mine maintenance and construction work, ground support control and scaling, road checking and maintenance, construction of ventilation doors, bulkheads, and concrete work, mine dewatering, services movement, and safety work.  Underground graders and scissor lifts will be used to maintain haulages travelled by mobile equipment.


Underground Mobile Equipment Maintenance

Initially, mobile underground equipment will be maintained in a shop located on surface close to decline portals.  Ultimately, it will become economical to save vehicle travel time by establishing underground workshops and service bays. Surface and underground workshops are described fully in Item 21(m).


A maintenance supervisor will provide a daily maintenance work schedule, ensure the availability of spare parts and supplies, and provide management and supervision of maintenance crews.  He will also manage training of the maintenance workforce.


A maintenance planner will schedule maintenance and repair work and provide statistics on equipment availability, utilization and life cycle, mine efficiency, and personnel utilization.  A computerized system using commercially available software will facilitate planning.


Equipment operators will provide equipment inspection at the beginning of the shift and perform small maintenance and repairs as required throughout the shift.


Mechanics using a mechanic’s truck will perform minor repairs and emergency repairs on equipment and vehicles where these cannot make their way to a workshop.


Major rebuild work will be conducted off site.







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Item 21(l): Underground Logistics

The efficient movement of rock to surface, and delivery of consumable supplies and equipment to where these are needed for development and production underground, together with the recovery of equipment for refurbishment, are key to achieving the planned production rate within the planned cost structure.


To this end, state-of-the-art diesel trackless vehicles comprising 30 tonne haul trucks, cassette carriers, and flat-bed trucks will be used to physically move rock, materials and equipment underground.


To complement this equipment, appropriate levels of logistics management, supervision, and materials control hardware and software are allowed for.


Ore and Waste Rock Movement

Waste Rock

Waste rock from Decline, Footwall, and Stope Development will be hauled to waste dumps on surface by 30 tonne haul trucks via three Haulage Declines.


In Year 4, the Central Decline conveyor system will be commissioned and waste rock produced on or below the 45 Level will be hauled to an underground waste rock bin on the 45 Level, which will feed onto the Central Decline conveyor system.  Waste rock originating from above the 45 Level Waste will continue to be hauled directly to surface because of the safety-based decision made not to perform loaded down-hill hauling.


Ore

Ore will be loaded from the ore passes in each raise line directly into 30 tonne haul trucks.

Early in the life of mine, ore from stopes and from reef development will be hauled in 30 tonne haul trucks directly to the process plant ore bin on surface.


Once the Central Decline conveyor system is commissioned in Year 4, ore produced on or below the 45 Level will continue to be hauled by truck to ore bins on the 45 Level, which will feed onto the Central Decline conveyor, which will convey it the surface ore bin. Ore produced above the 45 Level will continue to be hauled directly to surface by haul trucks as a result of the safety-based decision made not to perform loaded down-hill hauling.


Switch-over from Truck Hauling to Conveying Ore and Waste

While the Central Decline conveyor system is being installed and commissioned, it will not be possible for haul trucks to use the Central Decline as a travel route to surface.  During this period, all underground vehicles will have to operate in the South and North Declines. This switchover period is conservatively estimated at 6 months.








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During the switch-over to conveying, the mine will be operating at a production rate of 160,000 tpm ore and 60,000 tpm waste rock, coincidentally the highest rock production planned during the life of mine.  Traffic simulations have been performed which show that this traffic density can be accommodated by the South and North declines without restricting the flow of broken rock to surface or requiring additional haul trucks.  Consequently, the mine production schedule and mine equipment list have not been modified during this switchover period.


Transportation of Underground Workers

The majority of underground workers will be moved between surface and their workplaces by chairlifts installed in declines parallel to the Haulage Declines.  Workers will walk from where they get off the chairlifts to the stopes in the strike haulages. No truck haulage will take place during major shift movements.


Chairlifts convey at up to 900 persons per hour, and will allow a complete shift-change to be accomplished in less than 2 hours at the greatest distance of stopes from surface.


Maximum walking distance will be generally 1,000 m, although this may be greater in a small number of locations in the mine.


Some parts of the deposit are small and isolated and at greater walking distances than 1,000 m. It will not be economic to install Chairlifts to access these, and trackless personnel vehicles will be used in these cases, typically of the cassette personnel carrier type.


Transportation of Supervisory and Technical Personnel Underground

Supervisors and technical personnel will have convenient and rapid access to underground operations by light diesel vehicles throughout the life of mine.


Transportation of Materials and Supplies Underground

Consumable supplies such as ground support materials will be delivered underground by diesel supply vehicles.  Supply vehicle type will predominantly be 10 tonne cassette carrier diesel trucks having the capability of offloading cassettes containing supplies and equipment at the destination point within the mine, and self-loading empty cassettes for removal to surface.


A lesser amount of supply vehicles will be the flat-bed type, with or without a crane for self-loading.


To the greatest extent possible, supply materials will be bundled, palletized on standard wooden pallets, or supplied in standard bulk bags, for ease of movement on and off flat-bed vehicles and in cassettes. Stoping ground support supplies will be assembled on surface and delivered in unit loads. Unit loads, which will contain the correct mix of the various materials and supplies required by an operating raise-line.







225




Ground support materials cassettes will be off-loaded in cross-cut storage bays (timber bays) from where materials will be taken from the cassette as required and moved to the raise-lines and stopes by mono-line winches.


Transportation and Storage of Explosives Underground

Explosives for Access Development and Footwall Development will be of the emulsion type with electric initiation.


Emulsion explosives will be delivered by the manufacturer to bulk silos on surface.  From there it will be loaded into special explosives vehicles for delivery on a daily basis to underground development headings.  Blast holes will be charged pneumatically.


Packaged explosive will be transported as palletized unit loads and offloaded direct from the delivery truck at an explosives receiving area on surface from where it is loaded into cassettes and delivered to underground explosive stores.  


Fuel Storage and Distribution

Underground mobile equipment will operate on low-sulphur No. 2 diesel in order to meet emission standards for underground vehicles.


At full production, underground mobile equipment will consume 17,000 litres per day.  


Haul trucks and auxiliary vehicles will report to surface at the end of each shift when they will be refuelled and inspected.  At a certain point, it will become more economical to refuel vehicles underground.  Diesel will be piped from surface to a fuel tank in the underground fuel/lube station on 45 Level. Diesel will be transferred underground in batches in an un-pressurized steel pipeline installed in the Central Decline, which will remain empty at all times other than when diesel is being batched underground.


Lubricants will be delivered in drums for storage at the fuel-lube bay on surface, and in cassettes for transport and storage in the fuel-lube bay underground.  


Fuel/lube vehicles will refuel and lubricate daily those vehicles, which will not leave their working places at the end of each shift, such as drill jumbos and rockbolters.


Item 21(m): General Mine Infrastructure

Site Layout

The site layout is as depicted below with the three decline clusters as indicated with the plant and tailings dam as shown.







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Figure 36 - Surface Layout

[technical120.gif]

Power Supply

Grid power will be required at the WBJV Project 1 mining site. It is estimated that the decline system envisaged will require about 24MVA maintaining full production. It is expected that 16MVA will be needed for the concentrator and the remainder for the mining and other surface infrastructure.


The only authorized supplier of bulk power is the parastatal organisation, ESKOM. South Africa has recently been subjected to severe shortages of bulk power, but this situation has been somewhat alleviated and the supply commitments from ESKOM have apparently normalised.  The WBJV project team in this Updated Feasibility Study has assumed that bulk power will be available from ESKOM but some 25% of installed capacity will need to be generated on site as per documentation received from ESKOM - the team estimates that this will be at the end of December 2012 when additional ESKOM generating capacity is planned to be commissioned. Temporary power is to be made available for the early sinking of the declines and if more power is required, self generation by the contractors if required.


As a result of this situation, self generation of electric power has been included into the overall mine model, although this has been reduced from the Feasibility Study. The following power supplies are costed into the overall model:

·

1.5MVA ESKOM Temporary Power from early 2009

·

10MVA diesel generated power from late 2008 to early 2009

·

ESKOM grid supply from end 2012







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This situation has reduced the cost of self generated power supply from R501m to approximately R80m.


The status of the ESKOM application process is that the WBJV has received the formal proposal and payment negotiations are underway with the full ESKOM feasibility quote payment to be finalised by early 2010. The WBJV has confirmation that the 1.5MVA will be available, although the timing has not been stated.


The ESKOM tariff is currently approximately R0.32 per kWhr for bulk power supply, whereas the diesel generated power will cost R2.50 and HFO generated will be R1.20 per kWhr. The economics of operating the mine with self generated power are not attractive. The cost of ESKOM grid power is expected to increase by up to 45% per annum for the next 3 years, which means that when the WBJV comes into production, the power price could have increased to R0.97/kWhr - the effect of this increase has been identified in a sensitivity analysis in Item 21(s).


Water Supply

The Bulk Water supply will be sourced from Magalies Water Board, a government institution supplying bulk water to the regional communities. The source of bulk water is the Vaalkop dam, some 60km by road from the WBJV site. Magalies Water has stated in numerous meetings that they have enough water from the dam to supply the Mine requirements, but not the infrastructure to deliver the water.


At present all available delivery capacity for water supply is fully utilized. Thus a new pipeline system will be necessary to supply water to the WBJV site. To deliver water from Magalies Water at Vaalkop Dam, additional power will be required from ESKOM. Whilst Magalies Water is of the opinion that the power will be supplied, the country power risk cannot be ignored, as detailed in the Power Report.


There are a number of Memorandum of Understandings in place dealing with the water supply. The two water schemes that WBJV are required to participate in to have water delivered to the mine are:

·

Pilansberg Water Scheme - North (PWSN): cost estimate R44m

·

Pilansberg Water Scheme - South (PWSS): cost estimate R74m

At the time of this Technical Report, no funding has been paid to either of the water schemes, although adequate provision has been made in the capital forecast.


The water consumption can be calculated at 6Ml/day based upon a thumb rule of approximately 1kL water per tonne of rock mined. This is confirmed by the attached water balance. The study financial model has included for 0.77kL per tonne milled for the concentrator with 0.33kL/tonne mined.










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The indicated current bulk water tariff is R2.42 per kilolitre delivered to the water meters for the mine. This is a consumption tariff only and excludes any capital, rates and surcharge tariff. It is expected that this cost will escalate by up to 17.5% per annum as a result of the power increase estimates - it is expected that in three years time, the cost of water supplied to the mine will be about R2.84 per kL. This has also been included in the sensitivity analysis detailed in Item 21(s).


Surface Infrastructure

The Surface Infrastructure required to operate the WBJV Project 1 platinum mine will consist of the following aspects:

·

Power Supply and Reticulation

·

Water Supply and Reticulation

·

South Decline and associated infrastructure

·

Central & North Declines and associated infrastructure

·

Surface Ventilation Fans and associated infrastructure

·

Waste Rock Dump sites

·

Surface tip and waste rock disposal

·

Concentrator Plant

·

Tailings Dam site

·

Surface Roads

·

Office complex and other buildings


As part of the decision process and as agreed within the environmental studies that have progressed, the drainage channel on the mine from the south to the north will not be disturbed except for two crossings. These crossings will be for access to the South Decline portal from the main infrastructure and a conveyor route from the Central Decline portal to the Concentrator plant.


Land Ownership

The project infrastructure is based on being developed on surface area, some of which is not currently owned or under the direct control of WBJV. There are four parcels of land that will be necessary for the decline option to proceed as designed. These are the following:

·

The Sundown Ranch Hotel land to the east of the R565 for infrastructure

·

The Sundown Ranch Hotel land to the west of the R565

·

The Van Vuuren ‘airstrip’ to the east of the power lines for tailings dam - purchased

·

The land owned by JC Grobler to the north west of the decline portal site to the west of the R565 - purchased


Negotiations are underway with the remaining land owner for the purchase of the properties.

Provision has been made in the capital expenditure forecast for the land purchase as below:







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·

Hotel - R110 million

·

Van Vuuren - purchased

·

JC Grobler ground - purchased


Access Roads

A number of access roads will be required around the property including:


·

Main Road access from R565

·

Plant access road

·

Roadway to tailings dam

·

Upgrade of R565


Provision has been made in the capital for these access roads plus those directly associated with access to the decline portals and the reef tip. A total provision of R40.7m has been allocated in the capital forecast, a reduction from the Feasibility Study by the removal of the contribution to the regional road upgrade.


Other

Additional soils geotechnical investigation will be required prior to construction and provision of R0.75m has been made in the capital forecast.


Provision of the upgrade of the ‘hotel’ has been made for the construction camp and other requirements - a total of R3m has been allocated.


Storm water control measures have been catered for with a provision of R11m in the capital estimate.


Logistics

The WBJV Project 1 mine is located in an industrialised area with neighbouring mines and thus logistics are not a concern to the project.


Item 21(n): Project Schedule

The life of the mine will be 14 years at peak production with a two year ramp-up and a 4 year tail, resulting in maximum production life of 20 years. The Merensky Reef profile is at the peak for seven years, followed by a three year period of Merensky mixed with UG2 and then four years of UG2 only.

If the decision to proceed is given in early 2010, the mine will start production reef in 2011, with milling commencing in late 2012. The mine will cease production in 2031 with an exhausted Resource.










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Schedule - Decline Option

Considering the decline option, under the ideal conditions (referring to permitting and approvals) the important dates are proposed as follows:


·

Completion of a  Updated Feasibility Study (UFS) - October 2009

·

Decision to proceed with the project start of year (minus) 2 - January  2010

·

Completion of project financing - March 2010

·

Approval of Prospecting License - August 2010

·

Completion of necessary permitting - October 2010

·

Order first 2MVA diesel generation plant - December 2010

·

Appoint Mining Contractor - January 2010

·

Commencement of surface preparation work - March 2010

·

Commencement of first decline - June 2010

·

Commencement of mining operation from decline - July 2011

·

Commencement of toll milling from decline - not applicable

·

Appointment of plant construction contractor - June 2010

·

First shipment of concentrate - December 2012

·

First revenue from concentrate - March 2013

·

Achieve 140,000 tonne per month from underground - January 2014

·

Achieve 160,000 tonne per month from underground - September 2014

·

Commence additional metallurgical drilling - March 2010 at the latest

·

Commence pilot plant campaign on mind ore - April 2011


The decline schedule involves four months of preparatory work with regard to design and site establishment, during which time the box-cut access for the two decline systems can be developed. WBJV has an approved permit to sink the decline for bulk sampling.







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Value Engineering

The project description and design work that has been associated with the Updated Feasibility Study requires to be reviewed and ‘value engineered’ where necessary. This process should continue following the submission of the Updated Feasibility Study prior to the project approval and continue after project implementation to ensure optimised mine layout and design is achieved.


Contract Negotiation

The contract negotiations for the mining contractor need to commence as soon as possible following the submission of the Updated Feasibility Study, even before the project has been approved. This will ensure that the site work can commence as soon as possible following the project approval in January 2010.

The negotiations with the process plant contractor need to commence in June 2010 at the latest to ensure that they are available to commence the detailed design work from August 2010, thus allowing the milling plant to be ordered as soon as possible thereafter for commissioning in December 2012.


Tailings dam contractor negotiations will commence during early 2011, thus ensuring that the tailings dam will be available from November 2012, well in time for the first tailings to be discarded during commissioning.


Long Delivery items

Following the detailed design work, the concentrator will take between 18 and 24 months to construct. The milling plant will have the longest lead-time, with deliveries currently at approximately 65 weeks. The plant needs to be operational by December 2012 or earlier, a there will be stockpiled reef on surface waiting to be processed.


The only remaining long-delivery item is the supply of electric power from the ESKOM grid and the Diesel units for self generation of power. The ESKOM process requires 24 to 30 months from date of acceptance of the budget quotation, which has been formally presented to the WBJV, with commencement in early 2010. Diesel power generation machines have a delivery time of 6 to 8 months and the first should be ordered as soon as the project has been approved.


Gantt Chart

The attached high level Gantt chart reflects the overall project timetable, including the risk elements associated with the Mining Rights Application not having been submitted as at October 2009. It also reflects the risk of not owning the surface rights upon which the mine should be developed.








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Figure 37 - Project Schedule

[technical122.gif]


Item 21(o): Metal Marketing & Metal Prices

Concentrates produced by the Western Bushveld Joint Venture (WBJV) may be sold to partner in the JV, Anglo Platinum Limited. As such the WBJV will not be sourcing off takers to purchase end products. The emphasis applied in this marketing report is therefore on future commodity prices.


The major products contributing to revenue are platinum, palladium and rhodium.  Minor revenue contributors are gold, copper, nickel, ruthenium and iridium.  All of these commodities are covered in this report.


Commodity prices are influenced by the levels of supply and demand which are considered in detail for each commodity. Major economic parameters including the rand dollar exchange rate are also considered.


The WBJV study is complicated by the long time frames involved.  Generally short term price forecasts cover the ensuing 12 months with long term forecasts being for 2 to 3 years into the future.  The WBJV Updated Feasibility Study requires forecasts some 10 to 15 years into the future.  Changes in supply and demand can and will be significant in such a time frame making accurate forecasting impossible.  One has only to consider the affect of technological changes and the influence that they will have on demand.  On the other hand supply could be affected by successful geological exploration in new areas.








233




The only logical approach is to use available knowledge on mine developments in projecting supply figures and available knowledge on technological research and economic development in different countries in projecting demand.


The situation is further complicated by the large increases in the demand for a wide range of commodities from 2005 and the recent downturn in the demand cycle.  This change has largely been driven by Chinese demand which is set to continue and increase in the long term.  Because of this many commentators believe there has been a structural change in commodity markets.


Our price forecasts have been based on the assumption that this structural change has indeed occurred.  The forecasts are therefore based less on historical figures and more on views of continued growth in developing countries and particularly in China.


We are aware that this may concern project funders and have therefore made another forecast which we have termed the “fall back” price.  This forecast places a greater emphasis on historical figures and is consequently more conservative.  It is suggested that if the project is viable at these “fall back” prices then its robustness will be well demonstrated.


In the Updated Feasibility Study, the forecast prices and the “fall back” prices have not been altered since the Feasibility Study was completed in mid-2008.  These forecasts are of a long term nature and the happenings of the last 24 months should not be used to make short term changes.


The project is also likely to be listed on the American Stock Exchange and we understand that prospectus reports for this exchange require forecast prices to be based on monthly average prices over a 3 year period.  These prices have also been calculated. These prices have been updated.


In summary the metal prices to be used in the Updated Feasibility Study are summarised in the following table.


Table 99  -Summary of Commodity Price Forecasts

 [technical124.gif]









The project exchange rate has been set at R8.00: US$1.00 for all scenarios.







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Item 21(p): Capital Costing

The Life of Mine capital cost of the WBJV project excluding working capital and capitalised operating cost is R4 761 million, with the capitalised operating cost being R745 million. This is detailed in the following table.


There is no working capital provision within the estimate.


The capital cost to get the mine into first concentrate production will be R3 421 million. This is based on first production in December 2012. This is summarised in the table below.


Peak funding requirement for the project will be R3 545 million. The difference between the peak funding and the capital cost to first concentrate production, is the delayed revenue to cater for working capital.


Table 100  - Summary Capital Cost Estimate

 [technical126.gif]







































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 [technical128.gif]







The capital cost schedule as developed within this study and used in the financial model is indicated in the following graph:

Figure 38  - Capital Schedule & Profile

[technical130.gif]


The timing of this capital expenditure during the first seven years of the mine’s life is indicated in the following table:

Table 101  - Early Capital Schedule Requirements

 [technical132.gif]




The capital cost changes from the Feasibility Study to the Updated Feasibility Study are summarised below and this has resulted in a total capital reduction of 19.6%. The capital changes were in the following areas:

·

ESKOM reduction from R138m to R115m, mainly as a result of changing the supply from premium to standard supply - saving R13m

·

Power Generation reduction from R506m to R70m as a result of the improved power availability from ESKOM - saving R436m







236




·

Substation reduction from R31m to R29m as a result of the reduced power generation requirement - saving R2m

·

Water Supply increase from R125m to R127m as a result of improved scope definition - increase R2m

·

Other Surface reduced from R55m to R26m as a result of removal of the provincial road upgrade from the estimate - saving R29m

·

Mine related Surface Infrastructure reduced from R224m to R216m by updating some of the mining costs, especially for the box-cuts - saving R8m

·

Underground Mobile Equipment reduced from R1,386m to R1,219m by transferring the equipment rebuilds to working costs - saving R167m

·

Processing plant and Tailings increased from R527m to R541m by updating capital costs for plant and tailings - increase R14m

·

Project Indirect Costs have decreased from R491m to R389m due to reduced scopes as defined above - saving R102m

·

Owners costs increased from R198m to R199m with savings from land purchase but increases from owners management costs - increase R1m

·

Contingency reduced from R467m to R372m as a result of reduced scope as defined above - saving R95m

·

Sustaining Capital reduced from R847m to R714m as a result of reduced scope of supply - saving R133m

There were some cost increases as a result of the increased throughput, but these costs were negated by the cost savings from other areas in the project.


Item 21(q): Operating Costs

The cost centres are: Mining (including Stoping, Development and Underground Transport), Processing, Stockpile Re-handling, Tailings Dam, Analytical and Assay, Concentrate Transport, Concentrate Treatment Charges (including Sampling Charges), Services (power and water for concentrator), Administration Costs and Overheads with provision for a Rehabilitation Funds.


The mine will be operated on a contractor basis with a Mining Contractor, Processing Contractor and Tailings Dam Contractor. Other services will also be out-sourced to competent local companies as appropriate.


There will be a small management team consisting of up to 10 individuals to manage the contractors with a discipline head covering Management, Engineering, Mining, Process and Administration with accounting staff for Financial Control and Human Resources.


The Life of Mine operating cost is projected to be R539.59 per tonne milled. The costs comprise the following aspects, based on the parameters detailed above.







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Table 102  - Operating Cost estimate

 [technical134.gif]























The off-mine costs - those associated with the concentrate sales and transport - account for R14.29 per tonne milled. The expected on-mine cost, up to and including concentrate production is 525.30 per tonne milled.


The Life of Mine working cost has the trend as depicted in the following graph.







238




Figure 39 - Operating Costs - R/tonne

[technical136.gif]


The higher costs in the first years of production are as a result of the reduced scale of production, increased development rates but now do not include the effect of the higher power costs for self generation, as a result of the anticipated improvement in the ability of ESKOM to supply grid power as required for the project timing.


If the smelter discount and treatment charges are modelled as an operating cost rather than as a discount to revenue, the operating costs in terms of platinum-group metals production is R161 015 per kilogram of 4E paid for as per the pro-forma concentrate off-take agreement.


The on-mine operating costs - excluding any concentrate treatment, sampling or transport - are based on kilograms of 4E in concentrate as depicted in the following graph for the life of the mine. The on-mine cost will be R135 335 per kg 4E in concentrate.








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Figure 40  - Operating Costs - R/kg

[technical138.gif]


The estimated operating cost is expected to be accurate to within 10%, but no contingency allowance has been included, apart from for the concentrator.


The Life of Mine working costs are summarised in the following Table in both Rand and $US terms at an exchange rate of R8.00: $US1.00.

Table 103 - Summary of Operating Costs

 [technical140.gif]





Early Working Costs

The working costs during the period to December 2013 are considerably higher than for the rest of the Life of Mine as a result of the reduced production rate and the high level of mine development. This is indicated in the following table.

 

Table 104 - Operating Costs - first 3 years and Life of Mine

 [technical142.gif]








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Cost Increase from Feasibility Study

The working cost increase of 15.9% can be identified as being attributable to the increased power cost and the changed mining costs as a result of the inclusion of the equipment rebuilds in working costs rather than in capital. The comparison between the Feasibility Study and the Updated Feasibility Study is indicated in Table 105.

Table 105 - Operating Cost comparison

[technical144.gif]


The differential increase in the total costs versus the cost per tonne milled is a result of the 8% increase in volume being processed.


Item 21(r): Economic Evaluation

The economic valuation model used for the WBJV Project 1 mine is used to determine the Nett Present Value (NPV) at various discount rates and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for the project.








241




This financial model requires the following inputs to be determined by the project team:

·

Production Schedule - as derived by the Project Team

·

Project Capital Expenditure - as derived and modified by the Project Team and detailed in the Capital Estimate Schedules

·

Working Costs per tonne Milled - as derived and modified by the Project Team and detailed in the Working Cost Schedule

·

Project Schedule - as derived by the Project Team

·

Metal Price for PGM Basket

o

Case A - Base Case - 3 year trailing average metal prices

o

Case B - September 2009 spot prices

o

Case C - ‘highroad’ long term price

o

Case D - ‘low road’ long term metal price

·

Mining Royalty - as interpreted from recent draft legislation


Neither escalation nor inflation factors have been applied within the financial model. The estimated capital cost and operating cost is base dated September 2009.


Metal Price

In summary the metal prices to be used in the Updated Feasibility Study are summarised in the following table.

Table 106 - Summary of Commodity Price Used and Forecast

 [technical146.gif]


The ‘basket price’ for all cases is detailed in the following table for reference.

Table 107 - Basket Price

 [technical148.gif]








242




Off-take Agreement

A draft concentrate off-take agreement is in place between PTM, Wesizwe and Anglo Platinum and this forms part of the Joint Venture agreement. This draft agreement defines the outlines of the treatment contract that will be applied to the WBJV Project 1 mine.


The basic conditions that have been incorporated into the financial model are as indicated below:


·

Payable metals in concentrate shall be

o

Platinum - Pt

o

Palladium - Pd

o

Rhodium - Rh

o

Gold - Au

o

Ruthenium - Ru

o

Iridium - Ir

o

Copper - Cu

o

Nickel - Ni

·

Penalties shall be applied for the following:

o

Chromitite content above a minimum limit - stated as 1% with a sliding scale

o

Moisture content above a set limit - estimated to be 15%

o

Minimum concentrate 4E’s grade - estimated to be 150 g/t

·

Charges shall be applied on the following basis

o

Treatment charge per dry tonne received

o

Sampling charges per batch received

·

Payment terms shall be

o

Three months after delivery of concentrate


The final terms and condition have not been negotiated between the parties involved but indicative terms have been presented by PTM to AP for comment.


Production

The production profile for the concentrator is depicted in the following graph, with the stockpile also indicated.









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Figure 41  - Combined Merensky & UG2 Production Profile - tonnes per annum

[technical150.gif]


The mine will produce a total of 31.5 million tonnes of Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef during its life and the mill feed will contain 145 tonnes of 4E’s. The concentrator will deliver to the smelter some 122 tonnes of 4E contained in 792,441 tonnes of concentrate.


The metallurgical test work that has been conducted at Mintek is complete and the expected recovery and grade performances have been determined from this metallurgical test work and are expected to be as detailed below, for the concentrator operating at ‘Name Plate’ capacity.


Merensky:

Concentrate Grade

150 g/t 4E

3.15% Cu

4.22% Ni

<1.0% Chromite - assume 0.99%

Recovery

87.5% 4E

68.9% Cu

44.6% Ni







244




UG2:

Concentrate Grade

165 g/t 4E

2.77% Chromite

Recovery

82.5% 4E

40% Cu

30% Ni


The data generated from the test work indicates that this performance can be expected from the concentrator once operations have stabilized.


As the plant will be processing up to 160,000 tonnes per month, the recovery has been discounted as detailed in the Table 108.


Table 108 - Predicted Plant Recovery in excess of ‘name plate’ capacity

[technical152.gif]

The 4E metal production for the WBJV Project 1 mine is shown in the following graphs for both annual kilogram and annual ounce in concentrate and sold.








245




Figure 42 - Production Profile - kg per annum

[technical154.gif]


Figure 43  - Production Profile - ounces per annum

[technical156.gif]


The metal in concentrate will be nominally 275,000 ounces per annum for the first nine years of steady state production, with metal sold being at 236,000 ounces per annum for the same period.







246




Penalties

The total penalties that are expected during the Life of Mine are primarily related to chromite inclusion from UG2 mining and amount to less than 0.3% of life of mine revenue. Total penalties during the life of the mine are expected to exceed R117 million.


This has been included in the financial model.


Royalties

The South African government has released a number of draft Royalty Bill revisions for comment commencing in March 2003, October 2006, November 2007 and more recently in mid-2009. The modified Royalty Bill notice that was released in mid-2009 has been incorporated into the Technical Report.


The Mid-2009 revision of the Royalty Bill proposes that a royalty would be payable on the following basis:


·

Royalty Payable = (aggregate gross sales - allowable deductions) x royalty rate

·

The royalty rate is to be based on the following formula:


 0.5 + Earnings before interest, taxes x 100

        Aggregate Gross Sales x 12.5


This revision is different to previous versions that proposed a fixed royalty rate would be applied to the aggregate gross sales - the royalty rate would be different for each mineral. In the mid-2009 revision, the maximum royalty rate is 7% for unrefined metal and 5% for refined metal.


Due to the uncertainty of the progression of the Royalty Bill revisions, the Updated Feasibility Study is based on a royalty rate of 3% of gross revenue from PGE’s and 2% for base metals with a financial sensitivity at various royalty rates.


Economic Valuation

The economic evaluation for each of the six metal price scenarios as listed in Table 106 is summarised in the following sections.


Case A3 - 3 year trailing prices

The internal rate of return (IRR) and net present value (NPV) at different discount rates, as at September 2009, are calculated in a pre-tax and post-tax scenario and are detailed as follows:







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Table 109 - 'Case A3' Financial Parameters

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The project cash flow graph is shown below.

Figure 44  - ‘Case A3’ Cash Flow Profile

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The peak funding requirement will be R3 545.2 million.


The other metal price cases all form similar trends to that detailed above as ‘Case A3’ and the results of these evaluations are detailed as Table 112.









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Item 21(s): Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivities to the base case financial model are to be determined for the following factors for a ± 20% variation:

·

Capital cost

·

Working cost

·

Basket metal prices

·

Head grade


 In addition, the following metal price scenarios will be evaluated:

·

Case A3 - 3 year trailing price

·

Case A2 - 2 year trailing price

·

Case A1 - 1 year trailing price

·

Case B - June 2008 ‘spot’ price

·

Case C - ‘high road’ long term metal price

·

Case D - ‘low road’ long term metal price


Due the uncertainty of the following factors, variations in these inputs will also be evaluated:

·

Changes in Royalty Bill factors

·

Increase in power and water costs


Case A3 - 3 year trailing prices

The sensitivity analysis has been developed for the base case (Case A3) financial model with ±20% variations in Basket Price, Capital Cost, Working Cost and head grade. The following table summarises this sensitivity analysis.







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Pre-Tax Review

Table 110 - 'Case A3' - Sensitivity Data - Pre-tax

 

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The above data is shown visually in the following graph for NPV at the 5% discount rate on a pre-tax basis.







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Figure 45  - Case A3 - NPV Sensitivity Graph - Pre-tax @ 5%

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Figure 46  - Case A3 - IRR Sensitivity Graph - Pre-tax @ 5%

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Post-Tax Review

On a post-tax basis, the following table and graph indicate the sensitivity to variations in the base parameters.

Table 111  - 'Case A3' - Sensitivity Data - Post-tax

 

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Figure 47 - Case A2 - NPV - Sensitivity Graph - Post tax @ 5%

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Figure 48  - Case A3 - IRR Sensitivity Graph - Post-tax @ 5%

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Analysing the above tables and graphs, it is apparent that the project is most sensitive to the head grade and the metal price and least sensitive to capital costs and operating costs.

The above trends are evident for all the metal price cases evaluated.







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Metal Prices

The six metal price cases, namely:


·

Case A3 - 3 year trailing price

·

Case A2 - 2 year trailing price

·

Case A1 - 1 year trailing price

·

Case B - June 2008 ‘spot’ price

·

Case C - ‘high road’ long term metal price

·

Case D - ‘low road’ long term metal price


The different economic parameters are evaluated in the following table for comparison purposes.







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Table 112  - Metal Price Sensitivity Analysis

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The three year trailing prices as shown in Case A3 has a very similar economic performance to the ‘High Road’ long term metal prices.


The September 2009 metal prices are very similar to the ‘Low Road’ long term metal prices which would result is a difficult project which would need to be revaluated by the owners.








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Recovery

The concentrator recovery has been discounted as a result of the throughput being in excess of the 140,000 tonnes per month ‘name plate’ capacity. If the concentrator recovery can be maintained at the ‘name plate’ recovery of 87.5% for Merensky and 82.5% for UG2, then the sensitivity analysis is indicated in the following table.

Table 113 - Sensitivity to Concentrator Recovery

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There is a significant improvement in economic performance if the concentrator recovery can be maintained at the ‘name plate’ capacity levels. It may be necessary to consider increasing the ‘name plate’ capacity by the inclusion of additional capital, but this has not been included in this sensitivity analysis.


Mining Royalty

The uncertainty in the royalty that may be promulgated for platinum mines producing concentrate requires a sensitivity to be conducted with up side and down side potential. The base case has a 3% royalty for PGM’s and a 2% royalty for base metals.


The sensitivity analysis has been conducted at 1.5% for PGM’s with 1% for base metals and 6% for PGM’s with 4% for base metals.







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Table 114 - Sensitivity to Mining Royalty

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The project is sensitive to the royalty percentage that will be promulgated in the near future as indicated above.


Power and Water Costs

The reported increases in ESKOM power costs of 45% per annum for the next 3 years will impact directly on the power costs, but there will also be an indirect impact upon the cost of water supplied to the WBJV mine. The base case has a power cost of R0.32/kWhr and a water cost of R2.42/kL.


The sensitivity analysis has been conducted at R0.65/kWhr and R0.97/kWhr for power and R2.63/kL and R2.84/kL respectively for water.







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Table 115  - Sensitivity to Power and Water supply costs

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The project is very sensitive to the power and water costs that are reported to be increasing significantly during the coming years. The operating costs will increase from R539.59 per tonne milled at current pricing to R579.83per tonne milled for the interim increase and to R618.85 per tonne milled for the anticipated final increase.


Item 21(t): Human Resources and Housing

This section of the report outlines the labour requirements, labour availability, labour sourcing areas, as well as Human Resource Operational Readiness related matters for the Western Bushveld JV Mine Project, considered during the Updated Feasibility Study Phase.  Based on the mine and technical design parameters obtained from the technical design team, this hybrid mining operation will produce 156,000 reef tons per month at steady state production. The planned labour strategy for this project is based on the model where all mining and plant operations will be outsourced to third party contractors, hence all labour requirements and cost estimates presented in this report are based on information obtained from potential contracting companies.


The planned WBJV Mine will be a Green Field operation.  It is assumed that, in addition to a small owner’s team who will be responsible for day to day project management during the development stage and management of the facility once operational, contractors will be responsible for the day to day operation and production targets.  The bulk of the labour requirements associated with this project will therefore be the sourced via the selected mining contractors.







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From a labour sourcing and people management perspective, it is important that cognisance is taken of the fact that local communities within the surrounding areas of the mine site will have job expectations.  This will require pro-active engagement of local tribal and provincial authorities to ensure that sound labour and stakeholder relations are established from the start. The WBJV project partners are committed to recruit the required labour to operate the planned mine facility, from the surrounding communities as far as possible.  Mining Contractors and other third party service providers will therefore be bound to source their labour from the local communities within the surrounding area of the planned mine site and align HR practices with the guiding principles stipulated in the Social and Labour Plan.   


The Human Resource Strategy is focused on creating a culture in which competent, committed employees work together to achieve the facility’s operational and safety targets. This will be achieved through:


·

The employment of competent and suitably qualified employees at all levels, targeting the HDSA population.

·

The development of these employees through well defined and communicated career development plans.

·

Upfront and continuous training of resources to ensure a competent work force.

·

Open, honest and continuous communication with all stakeholders.

·

Long term, stable relationships with all stakeholders, especially the local communities, employees, Trade Unions & Associations, and Contractors.

·

Strengthened efforts related to HIV/AIDS education and training on all levels.

·

The achievement of Mining Charter requirements.


The steady state labour complement for this planned mining operation as presented by the Mining Contractor is calculated at 2,387 which exclude unavailables, concentrator, and outsourced labour such as mine security and cleaning services. It is however important to note that, although these labour complements have not been included the costs associated with each one have been included in the financial model.  The un-availables number is calculated at 298 and is based on 15% of lower level production related occupations, to make additional provision for training, leave relief, absentees, sick leave etc.  Hence the labour plan reflects a total “On strength” figure of 2,685, which is the sum of an “At work” figure and un-availables.


The proposed operating cycle is based on the traditional 11 shift fortnight, with one production shifts per day.  


The steady state labour unit cost (including un-availables) for the project is estimated at R 199 per tonne milled.  The steady state monthly labour cost associated with the proposed labour complement is estimated R28m per month, with an average rate of R 10 499 per employee.








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Although the provision of accommodation and a social responsible environment for all employees is not regarded as core-business, the WBJV through industry specialists engaged in some extensive exploration of different possibilities to address the housing requirements.  The WBJV will oversee the process of provision of bulk infrastructure to facilitate access to accommodation for the WBJV Mine employees; regardless of the fact that the planned labour strategy is based on contract mining. Failure to do so will affect the attraction and retention of prospective employees for the project.


The implementation of the mine is to be based on a small WBJV management team supported by a number of specialist contractors as depicted in the following organograms.


Figure 49  - Proposed Organogram for Implenation and Construction

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Figure 50 - Proposed Organogram for Production

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Item 21(u): Project Risks and Opportunities

The following table summarises a number of the risks identified for the project and this should be read in conjunction with the formal risk assessment:

Table 116 - Risk Analysis

Geology

Grade

Project viability based on high-grade Merensky Reef to compensate for small deposit. If this grade is not there, there is no economy of scale to rescue the project.

Structure

If the local structure is even worse than predicted, planned output will not be achieved and the mine infrastructure will have been over-designed.

Losses

Greater then expected losses will have an abnormally large effect on this mine because of its already short life.







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Mining

Stoping width

Inability to mine at the predicted width will cause extra dilution. Not a serious problem as the mine infrastructure can handle the tonnage.

Support cost

If hanging wall conditions are worse than expected and support other than elongates is necessary the effects on costs and productivity will be significant.

MCF

Inability to operate at the high MCF selected will have the same effect as lower than expected grade.

Face availability

If face availability is lower than expected (mainly due to Geological complexity) then individual units and therefore the whole mine will under produce despite having paid for the greater infrastructure.

Suitable labour

This proposal uses a labour intensive mining method as dictated by the deposit. It assumes that the necessary labour will be available, either contract or mine labour. If not, the outcome is catastrophic as the reef does not lend itself to mechanized methods.

Decline Development Rates

Not achieving the 100m decline development advance rates will delay first ore production and this will impact severely on the overall project schedule and financials

Development rates

Achieving development rates as planned is crucial to the face availability issue above. If not achieved the mine will under produce.

Ventilation

Higher than anticipated virgin rock temperatures may require the use of refrigerated systems

Busy stations/levels

Due to the complexity of the geology and the duplication of reef on certain levels, the mine plans now include certain shaft levels that must service up to 40,000 reef tons per month. These logistics have not been assessed.

Ramp up in tonnage

Inability to achieve the desired ramp up in tonnage from the mine.

Structure

Complex structure model.

Decline systems

Over designed

Limited risk of non-achieving.

Surface

Water supply

The area where the mine is located is relatively dry and poorly drained. The ground water resource is limited. All water for the project is to be piped in from a long distance. This is always a risk for such a project. The mine design is to collect as much water as possible and retain it on the property for future use. Grey water supply may be considered.

Power supply - ESKOM

South Africa is in a power crisis and whilst ESKOM are confident that they will be able to meet all future demands, the growth in the mining and other industries is putting a significant strain on the power network in the country. This is regarded as a sustained risk to the project.

Power Supply - Self Generation

As a result of the power crisis with ESKOM, the WBJV is to purchase diesel and HFO power generation equipment for a number of years thus incurring the capital and operating costs of such units.

Land Ownership

Without the hotel being part of the mining areas, the project will need to be redesigned and additional infrastructure will be required. In addition, the hotel was planned to provide the construction camp.

Housing

Gate wage principle applied. Must be assessed to appreciate the full implication.

Change houses

Large labour force to pass through modern industrialized change house system

Decline Portal position

Hotel, etc are located very near by and there could be conflict and the site may need to change from the current ideal position for the deposit.

Fans

Noise factor.

Waste dumps

Location and dust.

Slimes dams

Location and potential dust.

Legal

Formation of Newco

Formation of Newco is to be finalised by the partners

BEE

BEE partner in place with Wesizwe

Local community

Local community involvement

 MRA Licences

Application not submitted to the DME.

Prospecting License amendment

Application not submitted to the DME.







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Metallurgical

Tonnage

Inability to process the required tonnage.

Grade

Inability to achieve the desired concentrate grade.

Recovery

Inability to achieve the desired recovery.

Penalty grades

Inability to achieve the desired penalty element grades.

Amplats smelting contract

Amplats contract not beyond very early discussions and needs to be negotiated.

Ramp up in tonnage

Ramping up of tonnage throughput not achieved at desired recovery and grade.

Project Scheduling

Learning period

Learning period (as per Amplats) i.e. a slower production builds up.

Sinking

Sinking delays due to factors outside of the control of the project.

Ramp up of tonnage

The tonnage ramp up is not achieved.

Equipment

Availability of equipment.

Long lead items

Delivery and delays of long lead items.

Capital Cost

Equipment

Major equipment price increases.

Products

Escalation of all products.

Steel

Steel price increases.

Working Cost

Wages

Wage increases.

Consumables

Consumables price increases - escalation.

Consumption

Increased consumptions of items - increased costs.

Revenue

Metal price

Real metal price estimation has been used and as such the risk is low.

Penalty

Penalty escalation.

Exchange rates

Volatility in markets may result in strengthening or weakening of the exchange rates with adverse effects on the financials.

Penalty condition

Penalty condition changed.

Penalty achievement

Non-achievement of levels.


As the WBJV Project 1 mine is expected to be a low cost producer of platinum group metals, many risks will be ameliorated. These risks could also become future opportunities if proved incorrect.


A formal risk assessment was conducted and the report is available. This highlighted all of the risks that would be expected for such a project.


Opportunities

There are a significant number of opportunities that can be considered for the WBJV Project 1 including:

·

metal price improvements and exchange rate weakening

·

improvement in the structural complexity with reduced mining costs

·

purchase of second hand equipment such as power generators

·

sale of equipment once project has used this equipment with added revenue

·

residual value of equipment at end of mine life to assist with rehabilitation cost

·

combination of infrastructure with neighbouring mine to develop the synergies with these operations










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ITEM 22: INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

Results

A Mineral Resource estimate has been calculated for the Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef from available borehole information and in both instances is classified as Inferred and/or Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources. The Merensky Reef was divided into two distinct domains based on facies with specific lithological and mineralised characteristics. Part of this Resource has been converted into a Mineral Reserve with appropriate financial factors having been applied.


Interpretation of the geological model

The stratigraphy of the project area is well understood and specific stratigraphic units could be identified in the borehole core. The Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef units could be recognised in the core and are correlatable across the project area. It was possible to interpret major structural features from the borehole intersections as well as from geophysical information.


Evaluation technique

The evaluation of the project was done using best practices. Simple kriging was selected as the best estimate for the specific borehole distribution. Change of support (SMU blocks) was considered for the initial large estimated parent blocks with specific cut-off grades. The Resource is classified as an Inferred, Indicated and Measured Mineral Resource and with additional data could result in grade and variance relationship changes and improvements.


Reliability of the data

The data was specifically inspected by the relevant Qualified Persons and found to be reliable and consistent.


Mining Project

Reviewing the above details of the project, it is concluded that the project is viable, although there are risks associated with the timing of the project.


The economic analysis is positive, but the risks include the following items:


·

Surface ownership of land, especially the hotel

·

Delays in the formation of ‘NEWCO’

·

Delays in obtaining the Mining Right Approval

·

Delays in the EIA

·

Delays in the SLP

·

ESKOM power availability

·

The cost of self generation of power







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·

Availability of water from Magalies Water Board

·

Metallurgical recovery


Project Economics

The WBJV Mine Project is financially robust at the 3 year historical metal prices.


ITEM 23: RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that the Updated Feasibility Study be submitted by Platinum Group Metals, the Operator of the WBJV Project 1 mine, to the partners of the WBJV for consideration and approval.


Further work required

All future planned work will be related to Project Implementation and Construction and to develop design details for surface geotechnical evaluation, decline geotechnical evaluation and metallurgical and mine design.


As a result of the release of the updated Mineral Resource statement, it is strongly recommended that the mine plan again be reviewed based on the changes to the mineable Resource with the updated model. It is apparent that some of the shallower reefs are now unpay and may not be targeted early in the life of the mine, which could change the decline layout and the resulting production profile.


ITEM 24: REFERENCES


Assibey-Bonsu W and Krige DG (1999). Use of Direct and Indirect Distributions of Selective Mining Units for estimation of Recoverable Resources/Reserves for new Mining Projects. Proc. APCOM 1999, Colorado, USA.


Bredenkamp G and Van Rooyen N (1996). Clay thorn bushveld. In: Low AB and Rebelo AG (1996) Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria.


Cawthorn (1996). Re-evaluation of magma composition and processes in the uppermost Critical Zone of the Bushveld Complex. Mineralog. Mag. 60, pp. 131-148.


Leeb-Du Toit A (1986). The Impala Platinum Mines. Mineral Deposits of South Africa, Volume 2, pp. 1091-1106. Edited by Anhaeusser, CR and Maske, S.


Matthey J (2005). Platinum Report 2005.








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MINTEK Report No.5328. External Report titled ‘Evaluation of the Elandsfontein / Frischgewaagd PGM Deposit for the Western Bushveld Joint Venture’ by S van Zyl and MAW Bryson


Rutherford MC and Westfall RH (1994). Biomes of southern Africa: an objective categorization. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.


SAMREC (2005). South African code for reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.


Schürmann LW (1993). The Geochemistry and Petrology of the upper Critical Zone of the boshoek Section of the Western Bushveld Complex, Bulletin 113 of the Geological Survey South Africa.


SGS Lakefield Research Africa (Pty) Ltd (2005/2006). Mineralogical Reports (MIN0306/015; MIN0805/64 and MIN0805/06).


Siepker EH and Muller CJ (2004). Elandsfontein 102 JQ. Geological assessment and Resource estimation. Prepared by Global Geo Services (Pty) Ltd for PTM RSA (Pty) Ltd.


Smit PJ and Maree BD (1966). Densities of South African Rocks for the Interpretation of Gravity Anomalies. Bull. of Geol.Surv. of S.Afr, 48, Pretoria.


Stallknecht H and Rupnarain J (2006). Comminution and Flotation Testwork on PGM Inner Dog box Core samples from the Ngonyama Deposit. Prepared by SGS Lakefield Research Africa (Pty) Ltd.


Vermaak CF (1995). The Platinum-Group Metals - A Global Perspective. Mintek, Randburg, pp. 247.


Viljoen MJ and Hieber R (1986). The Rustenburg section of the Rustenburg Platinum Mines Limited, with reference to the Merensky Reef. Mineral Deposits of South Africa, Volume 2, pp. 1107-1134. Edited by Anhaeusser, CR and Maske, S.


Viljoen MJ (1999). The nature and origin of the Merensky Reef of the western Bushveld Complex, based on geological facies and geophysical data. S. Afr. J Geol. 102, pp. 221-239.


Wagner PA (1926). The preliminary report on the platinum deposits in the south-eastern portion of the Rustenburg district, Transvaal. Mem. Geol.Surv.S Afr., 24, pp. 37.







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ITEM 25: DATE


The date of this Updated Feasibility Study report is 20 November 2009.

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_______________________________

GI Cunningham

BE (Chemical). FSAIMM, Pr Eng


ITEM 26: APPENDICES & CERTIFICATES

Appendix 1

Mine Planning & Production Schedule


Certificates

GI Cunningham

TV Spindler

CJ Muller

B Stewart








267




Appendix 1







268




Certificates