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Berkeley Energia Limited Capital/Financing Update 2013

Sep 25, 2013

14839_rns_2013-09-25_dc6f2f32-5dfe-44b9-bf45-6a2acbecbc4c.pdf

Capital/Financing Update

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ASX RELEASE | 26 SEPTEMBER 2013 | ASX:BKY

POSITIVE PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY CONFIRMS POTENTIAL OF SALAMANCA URANIUM PROJECT

Highlights:

  • Steady state annual production of 3.3 million pounds U3O8 over a 7 year period, with average annual production of 2.7 million pounds U3O8 over an initial 11 year life of mine;

  • Pre-Feasibility Study considered a base case scenario, with strong potential to increase the production profile and/or mine life;

  • Average operating costs (C1 cash costs) of US$24.60 per pound of U3O8 over the life of mine; and

  • Upfront capital cost of US$95.1 million to deliver initial production. A further US$74.4 million, incurred in the second year of production, to achieve steady state operation.

Berkeley Resources Limited (‘Berkeley’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to announce that the PreFeasibility Study (‘PFS’ or the ‘Study’) for the Company’s flagship Salamanca Project (the ‘Project’) in Spain has confirmed the technical and economic viability of the Project.

The Directors believe that the successful completion of the Salamanca Project PFS has clearly demonstrated its potential to support a significant scale, long life, low cost uranium operation. Furthermore, recent results from the Gambuta and Zona 7 deposits, and the exploration potential in proximity to planned operations, highlight the potential to increase the mine life and/or forecast production levels of this base case scenario. Having accomplished this significant milestone, the Company will now focus on advancing the Project through the DFS phase, moving it closer to fulfilling its strategic objective of becoming a uranium producer in the near to medium term.

Using only the current Mineral Resource Estimates for Retortillo and Alameda, which total 34.5 million pounds U3O8 (36.9 million tonnes at 424 ppm; 200 ppm U3O8 cut-off grade), as a base case scenario, the Project can support an average annual production of 3.3 million pounds of U3O8 during the seven years of steady state operation and 2.7 million pounds of U3O8 over a minimum eleven year mine life. There is strong potential to increase the production profile and/or mine life through the exploitation of additional resources held by the Company (totalling 27.1 million pounds U3O8) and with ongoing exploration work.

The PFS is based on open pit mining, heap leaching using on-off leach pads, a centralised process plant at Retortillo, and a remote ion exchange operation at Alameda, with loaded resin trucked to the centralised plant for final extraction and purification. The open pits are shallow (maximum depth of 135 metres) with low strip ratios (average 1:2.1 ore to waste for the Project over the life of mine). During steady state operation the annual ore processing rate is 5.5 million tonnes. Operating costs (C1 cash costs) average US$24.60 per pound U3O8 over the life of mine.

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Berkeley Resources Limited | ASX/AIM:BKY
T: +61 8 9322 6322 | F: +61 8 9322 6558 | E: [email protected] | W: www.berkeleyresources.com.au
Level 9, BGC Centre, 28 The Esplanade PERTH 6000 | ABN: 40 052 468 569
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ASX RELEASE | 26 SEPTEMBER 2013 | ASX:BKY

The initial capital cost (nominally ± 20% accuracy) for the Project is estimated at US$95.1 million. This cost is inclusive of all mine, processing, infrastructure and indirect costs required to develop and commence production at Retortillo. A further US$74.4 million of capital, incurred in the second year of production, is required to develop Alameda and achieve steady state operation. The Project’s capital cost reflects the excellent existing infrastructure, use of heap leaching as the preferred processing route, and the favoured mining contractor scenario (no mining fleet capital expenditure).

A number of opportunities to further enhance the Project economics through capital and operating cost reductions were identified in the PFS. The Company will now undertake a review process, with a view to assessing these opportunities and defining key work programs to be incorporated into the final scope of the Definitive Feasibility Study (‘DFS’). The DFS is anticipated to be awarded by the end of 2013 and completed by the end of 2014.

Enquiries: Robert Behets Berkeley Resources +61 8 9322 6322

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Introduction

Berkeley is focused on the development of its wholly owned flagship Salamanca Project in western Spain (Figure 1). The Project includes the Retortillo, Alameda and Gambuta deposits as well as a number of Satellite Deposits. This announcement outlines the positive results from a PFS on the integrated development of Retortillo and Alameda.

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Figure 1: Location of the Salamanca Project, Spain

The PFS was managed by SENET and was completed by a number of industry recognised specialist consultants including SRK Consulting for mine design, Knight Piésold for heap leach design, Duro Felguera for project cost estimates and URS for environmental management.

The key considerations for the PFS were preferred mining method and mining schedule, preferred processing route, scale, throughput rate, project life, as well as development of the associated infrastructure taking due cognisance of community and environmental impacts.

The basic approach to the development of Retortillo and Alameda contemplated in the PFS includes:

  • Mining to commence at Retortillo. Alameda integrated into production in Year 3;

  • Open pit mining at both sites (transfer mining to facilitate continuous rehabilitation);

  • Heap leaching using on-off leach pads at both sites;

  • Centralised solvent extraction (‘SX’) and ammonium diuranate (‘ADU’) precipitation plant, located at Retortillo; and

  • Remote ion exchange (‘IX’) operation at Alameda, with loaded resin trucked to the centralised plant for final extraction and purification.

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Key parameters used in the PFS include:

  • Ore Processing Rate

  • 5,500,000 tonnes per annum (steady state)

  • Mining Cut-off Grades 105 ppm U3O8 for Retortillo and 90 ppm U3O8 for Alameda

  • Metallurgical Recovery 85%  Uranium Price US$65 per pound U3O8  Exchange Rate US$/€ 1.28

The PFS has been based solely on the Mineral Resource Estimates (‘MRE’s’) for Retortillo and Alameda and the minimum Project life of eleven years (including seven years of steady state operation) is considered a base case scenario. Given the significant additional Mineral Resources and exploration upside associated with Gambuta, Zona 7 and other Satellite Deposits, significant potential exists to increase the production profile and/or project life.

Geology and Mineral Resources

Retortillo and Alameda are both vein type uranium deposits hosted in meta-sedimentary sequences adjacent to granitic intrusives.

At Retortillo, the mineralised envelope is generally sub-horizontal and the mineralisation is contained within a stockwork of veins. The uranium mineralisation appears to be associated with the presence of sulphides within the partially weathered zone and the base of mineralisation is associated with the base of partial weathering which locally deepens along structures.

At Alameda, the uranium mineralisation occurs in a complex network of moderately to steeply dipping brittle structures (veins, faults, fractures and along bedding contacts) as a result of a low temperature hydrothermal event. The mineralised zones commonly have sharp boundaries, separating mineralised structures from poorly mineralised host rock.

The PFS was based solely on the MRE’s for Retortillo and Alameda (Table 1), prepared by Berkeley and reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2004).

Table 1 - Summary of MRE’s used as the basis of the PFS

Retortillo and Alameda Retortillo and Alameda Retortillo and Alameda
Mineral Resource Estimates – September 2013
Reported at a lower cut-off grade of 200 ppm U3O8
Category Tonnage
(million tonnes)
Grade
(U3O8 ppm)
Contained U3O8
(million pounds)
Retortillo Indicated 14.4 378 12.0
Inferred 1.8 359 1.4
Sub Total 16.2 376 13.4
Alameda Indicated 20.0 455 20.1
Inferred 0.7 657 1.0
Sub Total 20.7 462 21.1
Combined Indicated 34.4 423 32.1
Inferred 2.5 443 2.4
Total 36.9 424 34.5

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These MRE’s are based on a combination of chemical assays and e-grades (down-hole gamma logging data presented as “equivalent” U3O8 grades or eU3O8) from historical drilling, supplemented by additional diamond (‘DD’) and reverse circulation (‘RC’) drilling by Berkeley with both chemical assays and e- grades. They were developed by a team of in-house and consulting geologists following a rigorous program to verify historical data and create a validated database containing all historical and recent data.

The Alameda MRE is unchanged from that reported in July 2012 and is based on data from approximately 41,000 metres of historical DD drilling and 11,000 metres of DD and RC drilling undertaken by Berkeley.

The Retortillo MRE has been updated to incorporate the results of a recent RC infill drilling program which comprised 67 RC drill holes for 4,382 metres and is reported herein (Table 1). The Retortillo MRE was previously reported in July 2012. A comparison between the September 2013 MRE and July 2012 MRE highlights the following:

  • Total tonnes have increased by 7% (16.2 million tonnes vs. 15.2 million tonnes);

  • Average grade has decreased by 2% (376 ppm U3O8 vs. 383 ppm U3O8);

  • Total contained uranium has increased by 5% (13.4 million pounds U3O8 vs. 12.8 million pounds U3O8); and

  • Indicated Resources have increased from 61% to 90% of total MRE.

These changes are largely attributable to the inclusion of the results of the recent infill drilling, which were mostly in line with expectations based on the previous July 2012 resource model, and they also confirmed that the mineralisation extends a further 200 metres to the northwest beyond the previous resource boundary. A summary of the information used in the September 2013 resource estimation is as follows.

Drilling of the Retortillo deposit has occurred in two phases comprising a total of 1,019 drill holes for 68,727 metres. The first phase relates to historical drilling from the 1960's to 1980's (30% of total drilling) and second phase was conducted by Berkeley from 2007 until present (70% of total drilling). The drilling has been a combination of DD, RC and open hole (OH) drilling, comprising 43%, 50% and 7% of total drilling respectively. The drill hole spacing for the majority of the resource is 50 metres x 50 metres, with some areas of infill drilling to 35 metres x 35 metres. DD core recoveries typically exceed 90%. Drill hole locations from Berkeley drilling have been surveyed using differential GPS and were also surveyed using a Geovista downhole deviation probe. Historic drill holes were not surveyed but verification of drill holes that could be located has shown that there were no significant errors.

Sampling of diamond core was completed using 0.2, 0.25 or 1 metre sample lengths. For the historic DD, whole core samples were used while for the Berkeley drilling core was cut to achieve either half or quarter core samples. RC drill samples were collected using one metre intervals and these samples were split to achieve 0.7-1.0 kilogram samples which were sent for analysis. Splitting employed either a riffle splitter or a cone and quarter method. Field tests of the two methods found that both produce representative samples. The historic OH drilling was not sampled and relied on downhole gamma logging to define the mineralised zones.

All Berkeley drill holes were down-hole gamma logged and e-grades calculated from down-hole gamma emissions recorded with standard gamma probes. The gamma response was converted to an estimated uranium grade by correcting for radon, hole diameter, and air/water, and a deconvolution filter was applied to reflect the nature of mineralisation. For the resource estimate, e-grade data is only used where there were no assay data.

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The sample preparation of all samples involved oven drying and crushing to achieve a grind size of 85% passing 75μm. Berkeley samples were analysed for uranium by either delayed neutron counting (‘DNC’) or pressed powder x-ray fluorescence (‘XRF’) methods. Historic samples were analysed for uranium by XRF, atomic absorption spectrometry (‘AAS’) or fluorometric methods. Berkeley sample batches were prepared with standards and blanks inserted at a frequency of between 15 and 20% before dispatch to the laboratory. Field duplicates were also inserted at a frequency of 10%. There is no data available regarding quality assurance and quality control (‘QAQC’) from the historic drilling, but recent drilling of twinned holes have shown good correlation of mineralised intervals.

The geological interpretation was undertaken on 25 metre spaced sections with wireframes interpreted around the mineralised intercepts taking into account geology and structure where possible. These sectional interpretations were joined to create a series of 3D mineralised wireframes (domains) that showed continuity of grade along and across strike.

Basic statistics and variogram modelling was completed using one metre sample composites within each domain. As most sample populations had significant positive skewness, grade top cuts were applied. The block model was constructed using a parent cell size of 10 metres (X) x 10 metres (Y) x 3 metres (Z) with cells being permitted to split once in any direction where bounding surfaces of the mineralised wireframes were intersected. The uranium grade was estimated into the parent cells using ordinary kriging. Over 2,300 density determinations were completed on diamond drill core and average densities, based on the amount of weathering, were assigned to the resource blocks.

Validation of the models included visual inspection of the grade distribution compared to the drill hole data, comparison of block model and drill hole statistics and creation and assessment of swath plots. Overall the grade estimate showed a good representation of the drill hole data for the resource.

Classification of the MRE has been completed based on the guidelines specified in the JORC Code (2004 Edition). The MRE was classified with consideration of the following criteria:

  • Quality and reliability of raw data (sampling, assaying, surveying);

  • Confidence in the geological interpretation;

  • Number, spacing and orientation of intercepts through mineralised zones;

  • Knowledge of grade continuities gained from observations and geostatistical analyses; and

  • The potential prospect for eventual economic extraction.

A key consideration in the resource classification is the understanding of the structural controls on the mineralisation at a local scale. Recent infill drilling has resulted in improved confidence in that most drill results supported the previous resource model predictions. For the Retortillo deposit, where the drill spacing is 50 metres x 50 metres or less the resource has been classified into the Indicated Resource category. Small areas, where the drill spacing is greater than 50 metres x 50 metres remain classified in the Inferred Resource category.

Further technical details on the Retortillo MRE are included in Appendix 1.

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Figure 2: Grade Tonnage Curves

Whilst the Retortillo and Alameda MRE’s are reported at a 200 ppm U3O8 lower cut-off grade, the grade tonnage curves (Figure 2) highlight the significant impact that the cut-off grade has on the resource estimate. At a 100 ppm U3O8 cut-off grade, which approximates the mining cut-off grade derived from the pit optimisations undertaken in the Study, the resource estimates for Retortillo and Alameda total 19.4 million pounds and 25.4 million pounds contained U3O8 respectively. This represents increases of 45% and 20% respectively in contained uranium, compared with the MRE at the 200 ppm lower cut-off grade.

Although the Study has been based solely on the Retortillo and Alameda MRE’s, the Company has a 100% interest in additional Inferred Resources totalling 27.1 million pounds of contained U3O8 (28.5 million tonnes averaging 431 ppm U3O8 at a 200 ppm U3O8 cut-off grade, refer ASX June 2012 Quarterly Report) at Gambuta, Zona 7 and other Satellite Deposits, which are in close proximity to Retortillo and Alameda and have the potential to be integrated into later phases of production. These additional resources have not been considered in the PFS and their inclusion in subsequent studies, together with the significant exploration upside as recently demonstrated at Zona 7, has the potential to increase the mine life and/or production scale of the Project.

Mining

The mining of ore and waste is a conventional open pit operation. Diesel-powered truck and shovel operations, in combination with an effective drill and blast plan have been considered for both deposits.

As part of the Study, a series of Whittle optimisations were completed on the Retortillo and Alameda July 2012 MRE’s. Materials classified in the Indicated and Inferred categories for Retortillo and Indicated category for Alameda were used in the optimisation process. A subsequent infill drilling program at Retortillo resulted in that portion of the Inferred Resource in the July 2012 MRE which fell within the optimised pit outline being upgraded to the Indicated category in the revised September 2013 MRE. Given that there was no material change to the revised September 2013 MRE, other than the upgraded classification, the initial optimised pit based on the July 2012 MRE was used for the Retortillo pit design and mine scheduling.

Inputs for the Whittle optimisation process included: overall pit wall slope angles of 35-45 degrees for Retortillo and 30-55 degrees for Alameda; 85% metallurgical recovery for both Retortillo and Alameda; US$65 per pound U3O8; and an 8% discount rate.

The economic cut-off grade used to determine the mineable ore within the optimum pit shell to be delivered to run of mine (‘ROM’) pad was developed using the Whittle optimisation method, resulting in economic cut-off grades of 105 ppm U3O8 for Retortillo and 90 ppm U3O8 for Alameda.

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Practical pit designs, waste dump designs and life of mine (‘LOM’) mining schedules were then completed to determine the optimal long term mine plan.

The mining schedule extends over 11 years with initial mining at Retortillo. The seven year period of steady state operation begins in Year 3, when mining commences at Alameda.

An average of 5.5 million tonnes per annum of combined ore production is scheduled during steady state operation (Retortillo - 2.2 million tonnes per annum; Alameda - 3.3 million tonnes per annum) (Figure 3). At its peak, the mining schedule contemplates the movement of a combined 18.1 million tonnes per annum (both waste and ore). The open pits are shallow with the maximum depths being 90 metres at Retortillo and 135 metres at Alameda (Figures 4 and 5). Strip ratios for the Project are low with the average LOM strip ratio being 1:2.1 ore to waste (Retortillo 1:2.6; Alameda 1:1.8). Over the LOM, a total of 20.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 306 ppm U3O8 and 29.9 million tonnes at an average grade of 322 ppm U3O8 are mined at Retortillo and Alameda respectively.

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Figure 3: LOM Mine Production Schedule

Both owner operator and contractor mining scenarios were evaluated in the PFS with contractor mining being selected as the preferred option. The contractor will be responsible for mining fleet and mine support equipment supply and maintenance, site preparation (including removal of vegetation), haul road construction, excavation, haulage of ore to the ROM pad and waste to the designated waste dump, and oversize rock breakage.

The mining operations are based on the use of hydraulic excavators and a fleet of haul trucks engaged in conventional open pit mining techniques. Blast hole drilling will be carried out in fresh rock using diesel powered top-hammer rock drills, whilst the Tertiary cover and weathered materials will be loaded without blasting (free digging) or may be in need of light blasting in certain areas. Typical mining bench heights of six metres will be employed at both deposits. The excavators load the blasted/broken material into the trucks, with ore being hauled to the ROM pad and waste being hauled to the designated local waste dump. Haul roads will be built as required to provide access into new mine areas and their design will include a minimum 25 metre width, including berms and drainage areas.

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The mining method will be ‘transfer mining’ which allows the open pits to be continuously backfilled whilst, minimising waste dump volumes and waste rehandling. It also facilitates continuous rehabilitation to minimise environmental impact.

A detailed review of the mining and backfilling schedules for Retortillo and Alameda was undertaken in the PFS. As a result, the preferred direction and sequencing of mining has been modified at both sites to ensure that mined out voids of sufficient size are available for early backfilling (approximately 19 months and 15.5 months after commencement of mining at Retortillo and Alameda respectively, including the time required to isolate and line the mined out area), thereby minimising materials handling, temporary storage and rehandling.

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Figure 4: Final Pit Design - Retortillo

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Figure 5: Final Pit Design – Alameda

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Processing

Extensive metallurgical testwork has previously been carried out on an approximately 5 tonne representative sample of the Alameda deposit at the SGS laboratories in Perth (including tank leach and heap leach scenarios) and on a 5.5 tonne bulk sample, representative of the Retortillo deposit, at Mintek’s mineral processing facility in Johannesburg (heap leach scenario).

Additional metallurgical testwork programs were conducted at Mintek and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (‘ANSTO’) facilities in Sydney as part of the PFS. The testwork program at Mintek was aimed at confirming the heap leach recovery for each phase of the respective mine schedules and testing ore variability with respect to geo-mechanical behaviour at both Retortillo and Alameda, as well as the determine the optimal heap leach feed size for Alameda. The ANSTO testwork program was designed to facilitate the selection of the optimal backend of the process with the performance of direct SX and ADU precipitation being compared with that of IX and UO4 precipitation. For further details on the PFS metallurgical testwork programs refer to the Company’s ASX June 2013 Quarterly Report.

The results of this comprehensive metallurgical testwork have been used to select the preferred process route and design the flowsheet.

The process flowsheet comprises crushing, screening, agglomeration, stacking and heap leaching using on-off leach pads, followed by uranium recovery and purification by SX, ADU precipitation and calcination at a centralised plant, located at Retortillo (Figure 6). Pregnant liquor solution (‘PLS’) from the heap leach process at Alameda will be passed through a IX adsorption columns, with the loaded resin trucked to the centralised plant for final extraction and purification.

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Figure 6: Process Flow Sheet

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A heap leach versus tank leach trade-off study was completed, with heap leach technology being selected as the preferred leaching option due to the high efficiency shown during testwork. Testwork indicates high recoveries and good leach kinetics achieved at relatively coarse crush sizes of 40 mm for Retortillo and 12 mm for Alameda, significantly lower capital and operating costs, and important environmental benefits, including backfill of spent ore from the on-off heap leach pads (‘ripios’) into the mined pits, thus removing the requirement for a tailings storage facility.

Two stage crushing of ROM ore will be undertaken at Retortillo (target product size of 40 mm), while three stage crushing is required at Alameda to deliver the finer product (12 mm) required for optimum uranium recovery. Primary jaw crushers will be followed by cone crushers for the secondary and tertiary stages.

Crushed ore will be agglomerated before stacking by direct feed into a conventional drum where spray bars will dose the ore with raffinate and sulphuric acid. No polymer addition is required for effective agglomeration. The agglomerates are conveyed overland to the heap leach pad and then stacked with radial stackers.

The heap leach comprises an on-off pad subdivided into cells to define areas for stacking, leaching, rinsing/draining and reclaiming (Figure 7). This facility is complete with ponds for makeup water, barren, immediate and pregnant leach solutions, storm water and all associated pumping and reagent storage facilities. The pad design includes a triple insulation system including two high density polyethylene (‘HDPE’) sheets and a clay layer.

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Figure 7: Heap Leach Cycle

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The agglomerated material is stacked in 6 metre lifts and irrigated with diluted sulphuric acid solution (3 g/l) using drip emitters at a maximum rate of 6 litres/hour/metre[2] . Testwork indicates a commercial leach cycle of 140 days. At Retortillo, the heap leach pad will measure 832 metres long by 260 metres wide at its base and the design comprises 13 cells in the first lift and 10 cells in the second lift resulting in a total capacity of 3.3 million tonnes. The Alameda heap leach pad will measure 475 metres long by 624 metres wide at its base and the design comprises 12 cells in the first lift and 10 cells in the second lift resulting in a total capacity of 5 million tonnes.

The ripios will be removed from the heap leach pad and backfilled into isolated and lined (clay layer and HDPE liner) areas within the mined pits on a continuous basis once mining has advanced sufficiently to accommodate this (approximately 19 months and 15.5 months after commencement of mining at Retortillo and Alameda respectively).

Acid consumption for the heap leach at both sites is 18 kg/t, inclusive of the addition of approximately 8 kg/t to 10 kg/t of acid in the agglomeration process. An opportunity to improve acid consumption by optimising the pH in which uranium can be dissolved (minimising the dissolution of other elements, principally iron) will be evaluated in the next phase of testwork. An external chemical oxidant is not required.

At Retortillo, the heap leach PLS will contain approximately 250-300 mg/l of U3O8 and feed directly into the SX facility. The Alameda heap leach PLS will be loaded onto resin in an IX adsorption column and the loaded resin transported a distance of approximately 50 kilometres by road to the centralised plant at Retortillo. The resin trucking operation will be undertaken by an authorised contractor with a fleet of two trucks making six return trips per day in total on a five day per week basis.

Once the resin has been stripped, the eluate containing uranium will be combined with the Retortillo PLS and fed into the SX plant for further processing. The SX facility will be designed with four extraction steps, two scrub steps and four stages of stripping to produce a raffinate of <5mg/l U3O8. Regenerated resin will be returned to Alameda for re-use.

The concentrated uranium solution from the SX plant is treated to precipitate the uranium using anhydrous ammonia. This solution is heated to a temperature of 30-40 degrees and ammonia is injected into the solution, raising the pH to around 7 and precipitating the uranium as ADU. The ADU slurry from the precipitation is pumped into a thickener for dewatering and the underflow dewatered further with centrifuges. The centrifuge cake is finally calcined at a temperature of 730 degrees to produce U3O8 which is drummed and prepared for shipping.

Analysis of the PLS during the testwork programs indicates that there are no impurities at levels that could adversely impact the quality of the yellowcake to be produced.

Annual production averages 3.3 million pounds of U3O8 during a minimum of seven years of steady state operation, and 2.7 million pounds of U3O8 over the entire eleven year mine life.

Infrastructure

The Project is favourably located with respect to existing infrastructure (Figure 8).

Both Retortillo and Alameda are readily accessible from the existing public road network, with only a 4.1 kilometre road deviation being required at Retortillo and the upgrade (widening and tarring) of 6.4 kilometres of an existing road necessary at Alameda.

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The total power requirements for the Project are low at an estimated 3.7 megawatts (‘MW’) of consumed power at Retortillo and 3.2 MW at Alameda. It will be supplied from the nearby Spanish National Distribution Grid at a cost of US$0.10 per kilowatt hour, excluding capital, with connection requiring construction of a 22 kilometre 45 kilovolt (’kV’) powerline at Retortillo and a 13 kilometre 45 kV powerline at Alameda. Installed power will be 5.8 MW at Retortillo and 5.4 MW at Alameda.

Water will be available from adjacent water courses and on-site sources such as pit dewatering bore holes and collection systems designed to capture rain and surface run-off water during the wet season. In general, the water balance at both sites changes from being negative during the initial years of production to positive for the remainder of the LOM when discharge will be required to accommodate all water sources. Contact water (process and mine water requiring pre-discharge treatment) will be neutralised in Water Treatment Plants at Retortillo and Alameda prior to any required discharge.

Given the Project’s proximity to the city of Salamanca (70 km to the northeast of Retortillo) and local towns and villages, on-site accommodation facilities are not required. An on-site sulphuric acid plant is also not required for the Project as sulphuric acid is readily available from two in-country sources at a cost of US$124 per tonne delivered to site.

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Figure 8: Project Infrastructure

Capital Costs

The initial capital cost for the mine, processing facilities and associated infrastructure for Retortillo is estimated at US$95.1 million. This cost is inclusive of all infrastructure and indirect costs required to develop and commence production at Retortillo.

The capital cost for the mine, processing facilities and associated infrastructure for Alameda is estimated at US$74.4 million. This cost, which will be incurred in the second year of production, includes all infrastructure and indirect costs required for the Project to achieve a steady state production profile averaging 3.3 million pounds of U3O8 per annum.

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The indirect costs include the first fill of reagents, Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (‘ECPM’) costs, Preliminary and General (‘P&G’) costs and a 15% contingency. No allowance has been made for the acquisition of mining fleet (included in operating costs), as mining will be outsourced to a specialist contractor.

Working capital, amounting to US$23.8 million, is required to support eight months of operation after start-up at Retortillo and has been included in the Year 1 operating cost estimate.

The engineering studies supporting the capital cost estimates for the Project, allow for a level of accuracy of nominally +/- 20%. A summary of major capital costs is shown in Tables 2 and 3.

Table 2 – Summary of Retortillo Capital Costs (nominally ± 20% accuracy)

Table 3 – Summary of Alameda Capital Costs (nominally ± 20% accuracy)

Table 2 – Summary of Retortillo Capital
(nominally ± 20% accuracy)
Costs Table 3 – Summary of Alameda Capital
(nominally ± 20% accuracy)
Costs
Description Cost
(US$m)
Description Cost
(US$m)
Mining:
Mining Fleet (included in Opex)
Pre-Strip
Processing:
ROM Pad
Crushing
Agglomeration
Heap Leach
Water Treatment Plant
SX
Refinery
Reagents and Utilities
Infrastructure:
Buildings, internal roads etc.
Power Supply
Road Diversion
Temporary/Waste Dumps
Water Management Facilities
Land Acquisition
General and Administration (‘G&A’):
Indirect Costs:
First Fill and Spares
EPCM
Contingency
P&G
0
8.6
0.3
6.6
1.5
13.4
1.8
6.2
7.7
4.7
2.7
8.0
1.2
3.2
3.3
5.0
2.2
1.2
5.6
9.0
3.0
Mining:
Mining Fleet (included in Opex)
Pre-Strip
Processing:
ROM Pad
Crushing
Agglomeration
Heap Leach
Water Treatment Plant
IX
Reagents and Utilities
Infrastructure:
Buildings, internal roads etc.
Power Supply
Road Diversion
Temporary/Waste Dumps
Water Management Facilities
Land Acquisition
G&A:(included in Opex)
Indirect Costs:
First Fill and Spares
EPCM
Contingency
P&G
0
5.1
0.6
7.4
1.6
13.5
1.3
5.5
2.2
2.4
6.0
0.6
4.5
3.6
3.9
0
1.9
4.7
7.2
2.3
Total 95.1 Total 74.4

Note: Apparent differences in Totals occur due to rounding

An additional US$18.7 million of capital is required to develop a second major pit at Retortillo in the seventh year of production. This capital cost includes a primary crushing facility, a 2.7 kilometre overland conveyor to the main process plant, associated infrastructure and indirect costs.

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Operating Costs

The average LOM operating cost has been estimated at US$24.60 per pound of U3O8 produced. The operating costs (C1 cash costs) are defined as the direct operating costs including contract mining, processing, ripios backfill, water treatment, and G&A.

Operating costs were estimated in conjunction with the PFS process design criteria, block flow diagram, mechanical equipment lists, metallurgical testwork results to determine reagent consumptions, in-country labour rates, in-country reagent (including sulphuric acid) and fuel supply prices, National distribution grid power rates and quoted local mining contractor rates.

Key operating cost data is summarised in Table 4.

Table 4 - Summary of LOM Operating Costs (nominally ± 20% accuracy)

Description Cost (US$/lb U3O8) Cost (US$/lb U3O8)
Retortillo Alameda
Mining
Processing (including ripios backfill)
G&A
14.50
12.80
2.03
9.76
10.41
1.56
Subtotal by Area 29.33 21.73
Total Operating Costs 24.60

In addition to the C1 cash operating costs are marketing and transport costs, estimated at 1.5% of the gross value of the final product (US$0.97 per pound U3O8 produced), and royalties which average US$1.75 per pound U3O8 produced over the LOM. The royalties are defined as a percentage of the net value of the product (gross value less commercialisation) and include the State Reserves Royalty (2.5% and only applicable to Alameda production), Municipality Royalty (0.2%) and an Anglo Pacific Royalty (1.0%).

Waste Management and Rehabilitation

Waste has been characterised and classified into four types:

  • Oxide waste (‘inert waste’) - an inert waste that can be handled as a typical mining waste;

  • Acid Rock Drainage (‘ARD’) - potential acid generator due to a marginal sulphide content;

  • Natural Occurring Radioactive Materials (‘NORM’) - rock containing very low residual uranium below the mining cut-off grade; and

  • Ripios - spent ore from the dynamic on-off heap leach pads which can be considered equivalent to ARD and/or NORM waste due to its similar physical and chemical characteristics.

As noted earlier, open pit mining will be undertaken using the transfer mining method to allow continuous backfilling of the pits with waste, thus minimising waste dump volumes and waste rehandling, whilst also allowing for a continuous rehabilitation program that minimises the environmental impact.

Ripios will be stored on the heap leach pads during the initial approximately 18 months of production and subsequently backfilled into isolated and lined (clay layer and HDPE liner) areas within the mined pits on a continuous basis once sufficient space is available.

Inert waste will be managed using standard industry procedures, placing the material on permanent waste dumps or backfilling the material directly into mined areas within the pits.

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ARD and NORM waste will be placed onto temporary dumps designed with the required isolation system (clay layer and HDPE liner) until the waste is backfilled into the mined pits towards the end of the mine life. At the end of the mine life, the entire volume of ripios, ARD and NORM waste will be fully encapsulated within the mined pits, and the surface rehabilitated as per the existing profile and vegetation.

The costs associated with the continuous rehabilitation programs (excluding ripios backfilling which is included in the operating cost estimate) are estimated at US$16.8 million for Retortillo and US$20.8 million for Alameda. These capital costs, which are incurred from the second year of mining through to the end of the mine life at each site, are reasonably evenly distributed on an annual basis. In addition, final rehabilitation and closure costs, which include waste rehandling, pit encapsulation and revegetation and are incurred after the completion of mining at each site, are estimated at US$45.0 million for Retortillo and US$53.5 million for Alameda. Post closure surveillance costs are estimated at US$2.5 million for each site.

Community and Employment

Berkeley has worked closely with all stakeholders, including local communities and relevant government authorities, in all aspects of work conducted on the Project to date.

As part of this strategy, the Company has already signed co-operation agreements with the three municipalities proximal to Retortillo. These agreements are an important step in progressing through the permitting phase to production. As part of the agreements, the municipalities undertake to actively and promptly contribute throughout the necessary administrative procedures required for the Project to achieve both licensing and permitting. Berkeley in turn commits to contribute to the economic and social development of the municipalities. Similar agreements are being negotiated with the relevant municipalities proximal to Alameda.

The workforces required for the construction and operational phases of the Project will be sourced from the local communities whenever possible, in combination with a small number of highly skilled professionals who will be recruited from elsewhere in Spain or abroad. There is over thirty years of uranium mining experience within the region that hosts the Project.

The Company currently estimates that an ongoing workforce of approximately 240 direct employees (excluding mining and other permanent contractors) will be required across both Retortillo and Alameda during steady state operations.

Permitting

The Company currently holds an Investigation Permit for Retortillo (denominated Pedreras No. 6.605-10) while Alameda is located within the Salamanca 28 State Mining Definitive Reserve (No. 6362).

The permitting of Retortillo and Alameda are independent processes, with the process for Retortillo already well advanced.

At Retortillo, a 30 day Public Information Period (‘PIP’) was completed in September 2012. Core documents submitted as part of the PIP included the Exploitation Plan, Reclamation and Closure Plan, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (‘EIA’), Initial Authorisation of the Process Plant as a Radioactive Facility, and Exceptional Authorisation for Land Use (application for reclassification from rural to mining use). The Company prepared responses to public comments received and, following review and evaluation by the relevant authorities, additional mitigation measures were incorporated into the core documents prior to the Project advancing to the next phase of the environmental and mining approvals process.

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The Environmental Technical and Executive Committees of the Regional Government subsequently reviewed the Company’s EIA and associated documentation and provided a favourable recommendation report. The administrative process relating to the Declaration of Environmental Impact (Environmental Licence) is now in its final stages, with only the formal approval of the Minister of Environment of the Regional Government and subsequent release in the Official Gazette pending. The Declaration of Environmental Impact, along with the compulsory recommendation report from the Nuclear Safety Council (‘NSC’) and the approval of Company’s Exploitation and Reclamation and Closure Plans, are prerequisites for the granting of the Exploitation Concession (Mining Licence). A granted Exploitation Concession is valid for a period of 30 years, renewable for two consecutive periods of 30 years i.e. 90 years in total.

Following its review of the Company’s plans for exploitation, reclamation and closure, the NSC submitted a favourable recommendation report regarding the granting of the Exploitation Concession to the Ministry of Economy and Employment of the Regional Government in August 2013.

Regarding the Initial Authorisation of the Process Plant as a Radioactive Facility, the NSC has communicated that its recommendation report will be issued to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Central Government, once the Exploitation Concession has been granted.

The Exceptional Authorisation for Land Use (application for reclassification from rural to industrial use) of the affected surface land area at Retortillo has been approved by the relevant authorities at the Urban and Town Planning Department of Salamanca, subject to the issuance of the Environmental Licence.

Ancillary permits, such as those associated with water capture and discharge and road deviations, are also currently being advanced. The applications have been submitted and discussions have been held with the relevant authorities (including the Water Authority and Roads Department).

The permitting process for Alameda will follow the same procedure as for Retortillo however, reporting to Central Administration instead of Regional Government. The process commenced in late 2012 with the submission to the regulatory authorities of the Environmental Scoping Document and documentation associated with the Exceptional Authorisation for Land Use.

Definitive Feasibility Study (‘DFS’)

A technical review of all aspects of the PFS and the opportunities identified to further enhance the Project economics through capital and operating cost reductions will be undertaken by the Company prior to the award of the DFS. Key workstreams identified as part of the technical review will then be incorporated into the final scope of the DFS which is anticipated to be awarded by the end of 2013 and completed by the end of 2014.

During the DFS phase, the Company will focus on evaluating further opportunities to reduce capital, maximise operating margins and mitigate risk, including:

  • Resource infill drilling programs aimed at upgrading the classification of specific portions of the current Retortillo and Alameda MRE’s to the Measured category, as well as supplying additional samples for metallurgical testwork;

  • Further metallurgical testwork programs, including additional column leach work, in combination with IX at Alameda and SX-ADU precipitation at Retortillo to generate more detailed information relating to the pH and acid consumption optimisation, design and sizing of the IX and SX units, and final product specification;

  • Development of a Geo-Met model which will incorporate additional geological and metallurgical parameters into the resource block model to support metallurgical process modelling and mine planning and optimisation;

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  • Undertaking engineering studies to support capital and operating cost estimates for the Project to a level of accuracy of nominally ±10%; and

  • Undertaking an evaluation of the various alternatives for funding the development of the Project and the sale of future uranium production (including uranium marketing and off-take arrangements).

Study Consultants

The PFS has been managed by SENET of South Africa and completed by a number of industry recognised consultants engaged by the Company.

Table 5 – PFS Consultants

Consultant Activity
SENET Study Management, Process Plant, Infrastructure,
Capital and Operating Costs
SRK Mine Design and Scheduling
Golder Associates Mining Waste Characterisation
Mintek Metallurgical Testwork
ANSTO Metallurgical Testwork
Randolph Scheffel Metallurgical Testwork Design and Metallurgy
Knight Piésold Heap Design
Jenike & Johanson Ripios Material Flow Characterisation
FRASA/INGEMISA Hydrogeology
URS Environmental
Management,
Radiological
Protection and Permitting
Iberdrola Radiological Protection
Duro Felguera In-country Project Cost Estimation
March JLT Insurance Cost Estimation

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results and Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Craig Gwatkin, who is a Member of The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and is an employee of Berkeley Resources Limited. Mr. Gwatkin has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2004 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. Mr. Gwatkin consents to the inclusion in this Report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this announcement that relates to the Pre-Feasibility Study is based on information compiled by Neil Senior of SENET (Pty) Ltd. Mr. Senior is a Fellow of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2004 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. Mr. Senior consents to the inclusion in this Report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

Forward Looking Statement

Statements regarding plans with respect to the Company’s mineral properties are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the Company’s plans for development of its mineral properties will proceed as currently expected. There can also be no assurance that the Company will be able to confirm the presence of additional mineral deposits, that any mineralisation will prove to be economic or that a mine will successfully be developed on any of the Company’s mineral properties.

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Appendix 1: Technical Details - Retortillo MRE (Sept 2013)

Sampling Techniques and Data:

Criteria Explanation Commentary
Sampling Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, The Retortillo deposit was sampled using Diamond Drill (DD), Open Hole
techniques random chips, or specific specialised industry (OH) and Reverse Circulation (RC) holes on a spacing varying between
standard measurement tools appropriate to the 50m x 50m and 35m x35m. A total of 393 DD, 57 OH and 569 RC holes
minerals under investigation, such as down hole for 68,727m were drilled. Most holes were vertical.
gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc).
These examples should not be taken as limiting the
broad meaning of sampling.
Include reference to measures taken to ensure Berkeley drill hole collar locations were surveyed by a qualified surveyor
sample representivity and the appropriate calibration using standard differential GPS (DGPS) equipment achieving sub
of any measurement tools or systems used. decimetre accuracy in horizontal and vertical position. Further validation of
the vertical position was undertaken through the use of government
supplied topographic surface. Down-hole surveys were undertaken using
a Geovista down-hole deviation probe. Measurements are taken 1cm
down hole and averaged every 10m. No strongly magnetic rocks are
present within the deposit which may affect magnetic based readings.
The historic drilling was not surveyed but verification of drill holes that
could be located showed no significant errors. All historic drilling was
vertical and based on recent drilling no significant deviation is expected.
Berkeley has used standards and blanks inserted into sample batches to
assess the accuracy, precision and methodology of the external
laboratories used. In addition duplicate samples were inserted to assess
the variability of the uranium mineralisation. 15-20% of all assays are
related to quality assurance (QA) checks. In addition the laboratories
utilised undertook their own duplicate sampling as part of their own
internal QA processes. Examination of the QA/QC sample data indicates
satisfactory performance of field sampling protocols and assay
laboratories providing acceptable levels of precision and accuracy.
No data is available from the historic drilling as to what QAQC methods
were utilised. Recent drilling of twinned holes showed good correlation of
mineralised intervals.
Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that RC samples were collected on 1m intervals and split using either a riffle
are Material to the Public Report. In cases where splitter or cone and quarter method to provide an approximate 1kg
‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be sample. Field tests show that both methods produce representative
relatively simple (e.g. ‘reverse circulation drilling was samples.
used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was
pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay’).
In other cases more explanation may be required,
such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent
sampling
problems.
Unusual
commodities
or
DD holes of NQ, HQ and PQ diameter were completed. Whole core, half
core or quarter core sampling on intervals of 0.2m, 0.25m or 1m of the DD
was undertaken. Residual core from Berkeley drilling has been preserved
onsite. Historical drill core is not available.
mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules)
warrant disclosure of detailed information.
may Berkeley submitted all samples to an external laboratory for preparation
and analysis. Samples were dried, crushed and pulverised to get 85% of
the sample passing a 75μm sieve. Analysis has been done by either
Delayed Neutron Counting (DNC) or pressed powder XRF for uranium.
The majority of samples were sent to the ALS Chemex in Seville where
sample preparation is completed and the final assay is completed at the
ALS Chemex Vancouver laboratory. Some samples were sent to Actlabs
Canada for DNC analysis.
Historic drill assays for uranium were completed using internal company
laboratories using AAS, XRF or fluorometric methods.
Drilling Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole The historic drilling accounts for 30% of the drilling completed and was
techniques hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) predominantly (81%) DD and the remainder OH drilling.
and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard
tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or
other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what
RC drilling using a 140mm diameter face sampling hammer accounts for
50% of drill metres with most holes less than 100m in depth.
method, etc.). DD (NQ, HQ and PQ) accounts for 43% of drill metres drilling and OH
drilling 7%.
For angled DD oriented core was achieved using a plasticine method.

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Criteria Explanation Commentary
Drill Method of recording and assessing core and chip Diamond core recovery was logged and recorded for most DD holes.
sample sample recoveries and results assessed. Minor core loss may be experienced in the near surface completely
recovery weathered zone or tertiary cover but the overall drill core recovery
typically exceeds 90%.
OH drilling was not sampled and chips were only logged for geology and
down-hole gamma.
RC drill samples are collected on 1m intervals through a cyclone.
Individual sample bags are not weighed to assess sample recovery but a
visual inspection is made by the company geologist to ensure all samples
were of approximately equivalent size.
Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and The RC drilling rigs utilised suitably sized compressors to ensure dry
ensure representative nature of the samples. samples where possible. All sample intervals with a positive gamma
response and zones up to 5m above and below were assayed.
Whether a relationship exists between sample The core and RC sample recoveries are of an acceptable level and no
recovery and grade and whether sample bias may bias is expected from sample losses.
have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of
fine/coarse material.
Logging Whether core and chip samples have
been
Berkeley DD core have been logged for lithology, weathering, structure,
geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of mineral occurrences, RQD, fracture orientation, alteration and density.
detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource Scintillometer readings are taken every 1m and more closely in areas of
estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. mineralisation.
Berkeley RC chips have been logged for lithology, weathering, mineral
occurrences and alteration. A scintillometer reading is recorded for each
1m sample.
Historic drill holes have been logged for lithology, veining, fractures,
oxidation, alteration, colour and mineral occurrences. Scintillometer
readings were taken every 50cm on drill core.
Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in Logging is qualitative in nature with the exception of density and gamma.
nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography. This is appropriate for Mineral Resource Estimation (MRE) and mining
and metallurgical studies of a pre-feasibility level.
Core and RC chip trays have been photographed prior to sampling.
The total length and percentage of the relevant All DD, OH and RC holes have been logged in full.
intersections logged.
Sub- If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half For the historic DD, whole core samples were used while for the Berkeley
sampling or all core taken. DD core was cut to achieve either half or quarter core samples.
techniques
and sample
preparation
If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split,
etc. and whether sampled wet or dry.
RC intervals have been sampled by splitting dry samples in the field to 3-
5kg and further in the core shed to 0.7-1kg using a either a riffle splitter or
a cone and quarter method. Where samples are wet they have been dried
prior to spitting or have been quartered wet.
For all sample types, the nature, quality and All Berkeley samples were sent to an external laboratory for preparation
appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. and analysis. Samples were dried, crushed and pulverised to get 85% of
the sample passing a 75μm sieve to provide sample for analysis.
Quality control procedures adopted for all sub- Field tests found that the size of sample chosen and the different methods
sampling stages to maximise representivity of of sampling produce representative RC samples.
samples. Berkeley sample batches were prepared with standards and blanks
inserted at a frequencyof between 15 and 20%.
Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is Duplicate splits of RC samples were taken every 10m down hole. These
representative of the in situ material collected, showed acceptable variation and repeatability.
including
for
instance
results
for
field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain The uranium is typically very fine grained. Testwork carried out of different
size of the material being sampled. sample sizes has shown that the selected sample size gives a
representative sample.
Quality of The nature, quality and appropriateness of the Berkeley has assayed samples for U by DNC but now routinely uses
assay data assaying and laboratory procedures used and pressed powder XRF. These analytical methods report total U.
& lab tests whether the technique is considered partial or total. Historic drill assays for uranium were completed using internal company
laboratories using AAS, XRF or fluorometric methods. There is no QAQC
data available for this historic data.

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Criteria Explanation Commentary
For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF Down-hole gamma logging has been completed on most drill holes and e-
instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining grade data (eU3O8) produced. The down-hole gamma response was
the analysis including instrument make and model, converted eU3O8by correcting for radon, hole diameter, air/water and a
reading times, calibrations factors applied and their deconvolution filter was also applied. A comparison of the eU3O8
derivation, etc. intersections to assay data shows that overall the e-grades tend to slightly
underestimate the chemical assays.
Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. Berkeley regularly inserts standards prepared from previous sample
standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory pulps, blanks and duplicates into the sample preparation and analysis
checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy process with approximately 15-20% of all samples being related to quality
(i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been control. The laboratories utilised also maintain their own process of
established. QA/QC utilising standards, repeats and duplicates.
Review of the company's quality control samples as well as the
laboratories QAQC has shown no sample preparation issues, acceptable
levels of accuracy and precision and no bias to the analytical datasets.
Verification The verification of significant intersections by either Reported significant intervals were reviewed and checked by geological
of independent or alternative company personnel. management.
sampling
and
The use of twinned holes. RC drilling was completed to twin historic DD holes. The results show
assaying good correlation of grade x thickness between the twinned holes.
Documentation
of
primary
data,
data
entry All primary data is recorded to paper forms designed by the Company.
procedures, data verification, data storage (physical Data is entered into controlled excel templates with validation. The data
and electronic) protocols. then validated and loaded into a password secured structured relational
database by a designated company geologist. Daily backups of all digital
data are undertaken by the company. These procedures are documented
within Berkeley's geological procedures manual.
Discuss any adjustment to assay data. U (ppm) assays received from the laboratories are converted to U3O8
(ppm) in the database using the stoichiometric factor of 1.179.
Location of Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill Berkeley drill hole collar locations were surveyed by a qualified surveyor
data points holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine using standard differential GPS (DGPS) equipment achieving sub
workings and other locations used in Mineral decimetre accuracy in horizontal and vertical position. Further validation of
Resource estimation. the vertical position was undertaken through the use of government
supplied topographic surface. Down-hole surveys were undertaken using
a Geovista down-hole deviation probe. Measurements are taken 1cm
down hole and averaged every 10m. No strongly magnetic rocks are
present within the deposit which may affect magnetic based readings.
The historic drilling was not surveyed but verification of drill holes that
could be located showed no significant errors. All historic drilling was
vertical and based on recent drilling no significant deviation is expected.
Specification of the grid system used. Co-ordinates are based on UTM Grid ED1950 Zone 29N.
Quality and adequacy of topographic control. Topographic control for all drill holes is based on data sourced from the
Spanish government and is verified through detailed drill hole surveys by
a qualified surveyor.
Data Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. Results reported and incorporated into the MRE range from a 35m by
spacing 35m spacing to a 50m by 50m spacing for much of the resource area.
and Beyond this drilling is wider spaced and more variable.
distribution
Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient Data spacing provides sufficient spatial detail to establish geological and
to establish the degree of geological and grade grade continuity to allow Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources to be
continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and estimated.
Ore
Reserve
estimation
procedure(s)
and
classifications applied.
Whether sample compositing has been applied. No compositing of intervals in the field have been undertaken. Sample
composites of 1m length were defined for the MRE.
Orientation Whether the orientation of sampling achieves The general strike of the mineralisation is northwest with structures
of data in unbiased sampling of possible structures and the dominantly striking in two common directions – approximately northeast
relation to extent to which this is known, considering the deposit and northwest with dips of 50 to 80°. Despite this the vein/stockwork style
geological type mineralised zone is interpreted to be flat lying.
structure
If the relationship between the drilling orientation and Most drill holes are vertical but are considered to achieve an unbiased
the orientation of key mineralised structures is sample of the mineralisation. No difference in assay results has been
considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this observed between angled holes and vertical holes.
should be assessed and reported if material.

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Criteria Explanation Commentary
Sample The measures taken to ensure sample security. Chain of custody is managed by Berkeley. Samples are transported from
security the drill site by company vehicle to a sample preparation shed where
samples are prepared for dispatch. Samples are sent directly from site to
the laboratory using a transport company that is registered to handle
radioactive freight. No other freight is transported with the samples which
are taken directly from the Berkeley office to the laboratory. Sample
submission forms are sent in paper form with the samples as well as
electronically to the laboratory. Reconciliation of samples occurs prior to
commencement of sample preparation of dispatches.
Audits or The results of any audits or reviews of sampling All QA/QC data is reviewed in an ongoing basis. SRK and M Titley
reviews techniques and data. (Geology Consultant) have independently reviewed the sampling process
and data. Both have undertaken site visit to review and inspect the
application of procedures. These external reviews have concluded that
the sampling and analytical results have resulted in data suitable for
incorporation into the MRE.

Reporting of Exploration Results:

Criteria Explanation Commentary
Mineral Type, reference name/number, location and ownership The Retortillo resource lies on the Pedreras Investigation Permit PI
tenement and including agreements or material issues with third 6605-10 which is owned by Berkeley Minera España S.A., a wholly
land tenure parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding owned subsidiary of Berkeley Resources Limited.
status royalties,
native
title
interests,
historical
sites,
wilderness or national park and environmental settings.
This tenement is currently in its first year of its third three year term
and will expire on 9 January 2016. An Exploitation Concession has
been applied for and awaits approval.
No historical sites, wilderness or national parks are located within
the area of the resource.
The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting Tenure is considered secure.
along with any
licence to operate
known impediments
in the area.
to obtaining a There are no known impediments to the granting of the Exploitation
Concession application.
Exploration Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other Previous exploration, which defined a resource at Retortillo, was
done by other parties. completed initially by Junta de Energía Nuclear (JEN) and then
parties Empresa Nacional de Uranio (ENUSA), both Spanish state run
companies from the 1960's until the mid-1980's. Work completed by
JEN and ENUSA included mapping, radiometric surveys, trenching
and DD and OH drilling.
A detailed data assessment and verification of the historic data
supplied by ENUSA has been undertaken. No significant issues with
the data were detected.
Geology Deposit
type,
geological setting and style
of
The
uranium
mineralisation
is
hosted
within
Ordovician
mineralisation. metasediment adjacent to granite. The mineralisation typically
occurs as a sub-horizontal layer occurring between surface and
90m depth. The style of the uranium mineralisation includes veins,
stockwork and disseminated mineralisation in joint/fracture filling
associated with brittle deformation. Uraninite and coffinite are the
primary uranium minerals. Secondary uranium mineralisation is
developed in "supergene-like" tabular zones corresponding to the
depth of weathering. Most of the mineralisation is hosted within
partially weathered metasediment. This deposit falls into the
category defined by the International Atomic Energy Association
(IAEA) as Vein Type, Sub Type Iberian Type.
Drill hole A summary of all information material to the No new exploration results are included in this announcement.
Information understanding of the exploration results including a
tabulation of the following information for all Material
drill holes:
easting and northing of the drill hole collar
elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above
sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar
dip and azimuth of the hole
down hole length and interception depth
hole length.

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Criteria Explanation Commentary
If the exclusion of this information is justified on the All mineralised and non-mineralised Berkeley drill holes within the
basis that the information is not Material and this resource area have previously been reported in announcements to
exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the ASX providing collar easting, northing, elevation, dip, azimuth
the report, the Competent Person should clearly and length of hole and mineralised intercepts as encountered.
explain why this is the case.
Data In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging No new exploration results are included in this announcement. All
aggregation techniques,
maximum
and/or
minimum
grade
mineralised and non-mineralised Berkeley drill holes within the
methods truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off resource area have previously been reported.
grades are usually Material and should be stated.
Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths
of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade
results, the procedure used for such aggregation
should be stated and some typical examples of such
aggregations should be shown in detail.
The assumptions used for any reporting of metal All results are for uranium assay only and no metal equivalent
equivalent values should be clearly stated. values are calculated.
Relationship These relationships are particularly important in the Most holes have been drilled vertically. No difference in grades is
between reporting of Exploration Results. observed between vertical holes and angled holes.
mineralisation
widths and If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the The mineralised envelope is interpreted to be flat lying. Therefore
intercept drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. reported intervals from vertical drill holes approximate true widths.
lengths If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are
reported, there should be a clear statement to this
effect (e.g. ‘down hole length, true width not known’).
Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and Appropriate diagrams in relation to the deposit, including plans and
tabulations of intercepts should be included for any cross
sections,
accompany
previous
exploration
results
significant discovery being reported These should announcements.
include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole
collar locations and appropriate sectional views.
Balanced Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration All mineralised and non-mineralised Berkeley drill holes within the
reporting Results is not practicable, representative reporting of resource area have been previously reported.
both low and high grades and/or widths should be
practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration
Results.
Other Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, The Company has reported the results of a Scoping Study for the
substantive should be reported including (but not limited to): Salamanca Project which includes the Retortillo deposit (refer ASX
exploration geological observations; geophysical survey results; Announcement dated 29 November 2012). The Scoping Study
data geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and included preliminary hydrogeological, geotechnical, environmental
method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk impact assessments, mining, metallurgical and process engineering
density,
groundwater,
geotechnical
and
rock
studies.
characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating
substances.
Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests Further work at Retortillo will include additional infill drilling that will
for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale be focused on further improving the confidence in the resource
step-out drilling). estimate.
Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible Ongoing geological studies include detailed interpretation of
extensions,
including
the
main
geological
lithology, structure and weathering and assessment of potential
interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this relationships between these factors and uranium grade.
information is not commercially sensitive.
Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources:
Criteria Explanation
Commentary
Database Measures taken to ensure that data has not been
Digital Excel templates with lookup tables and fixed formatting are used
integrity corrupted by, for example, transcription or keying
for
logging and sampling data. Data transfer between laboratories and
errors, between its initial collection and its use for
Berkeley is electronic in nature. Digital versions of all data entry is
Mineral Resource estimation purposes.
reviewed and validated by a designated geologist.
Data validation procedures used.
Data is imported into a password secured relational database with keyed
lookup values and acceptable data ranges. Data is then validated for
overlapping ranges or incongruent data by visual plotting and inspection.

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Criteria Explanation Commentary
Site visits Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Craig Gwatkin, Exploration Manager for Berkeley Resources is based in
Competent Person and the outcome of those Spain and directly manages all drilling, data assessment and MRE’s.
visits.
External consultants have reviewed the procedures used and no issues
If no site visits have been undertaken indicate were identified and all procedures were considered to be of acceptable
why this is the case. standards.
Geological Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of) The broad interpretation of the Retortillo deposit shows some similarities
interpretation the geological interpretation of the mineral observed at the Mina Fe mine which produced uranium between 1974
deposit. and 2000. The confidence of the geological interpretation is appropriate
to the resource category defined.
Nature of the data used and of any assumptions The MRE incorporates constraining envelopes which enclose all
made. significant mineralised intersections. No observed lithological boundaries
The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on
Mineral Resource estimation.
are seen to influence the distribution of uranium; therefore, no lithological
constraints are used in the estimation process.
The use of geology in guiding and controlling Domaining of the deposit was undertaken to create wireframes around
Mineral Resource estimation. the mineralised intercepts taking into account geology and structure
where possible and where the uranium grade showed continuity along
and across strike.
The factors affecting continuity both of grade and The deposit shows an overall northwest trend approximately parallel to
geology. the stratigraphy. On the deposit scale the uranium grade is controlled by
both lithology and structure while on a small local scale the grade
thickness trends are interpreted to be controlled by structure.
Dimensions The extent and variability of the Mineral The Retortillo deposit occurs in two main zones one which covers an
Resource expressed as length (along strike or area of 3km by 0.6km while the second is narrower and covers an area
otherwise), plan width, and depth below surface of 3km by 0.2km. The mineralised zones occur between surface and up
to the upper and lower limits of the Mineral to approximately 90m depth.
Resource.
Estimation and The nature and appropriateness of the estimation The method of Ordinary Kriging (OK) was used to estimate uranium. OK
modelling technique(s) applied and key assumptions, of uranium grades use variography based on the resource composite
techniques including treatment of extreme grade values, sample grades within distinct mineralised domains defined by
domaining,
interpolation
parameters
and
wireframes. Within each domain the uranium grade continuity was tested
maximum distance of extrapolation from data by variograms and parameters defined to undertake the estimation.
points. If a computer assisted estimation method
was chosen include a description of computer
software and parameters used.
OK was used as the preferred method for estimation of uranium at
Retortillo as the approach has been demonstrated to work well in a large
number of deposits of diverse geological styles.
Data viewing, compositing and wireframing were performed using
Surpac software. Exploratory data analysis, variogram calculation and
modelling, and MRE have been undertaken by company geologists.
The assay data were composited to 1m down hole intervals using
Surpac. A composite length of 1m was chosen as it is the most common
sampling interval and would be either a third or a sixth of the height of
potential open pit mining bench height (either 3.0 or 6.0m).
The availability of check estimates, previous The previous MRE on the Retortillo deposit was reported in July 2012.
estimates and/or mine production records and
whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes
An external independent review was undertaken on the MRE reported in
appropriate account of such data. July 2012. This review concluded that the estimate was reliable. The
current estimate is an update to the July 2012 estimate.
No previous mining has occurred at Retortillo therefore the current
resource estimate has not been reconciled to production.
The assumptions made regarding recovery of by- The resource model only estimates uranium.
products.
Estimation of deleterious elements or other non- There are no deleterious or other non-grade variables identified as being
grade variables of economic significance (e.g. significant at Retortillo.
sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisation).
In the case of block model interpolation, the block Block dimension is 10mE by 10mN by 3mRL and chosen due to this
size in relation to the average sample spacing dimension approximates the potential selective mining unit. A two pass
and the search employed. search strategy was employed to locate samples for use in block
estimation. Pass one use an ellipse with x, y and z dimension of 30m by
15m by 6m, respectively, oriented horizontally towards 120°. Pass two
uses an expanded the search by double the lengths. Minimum number of
samples used in pass 1 was 10, reduced to 4 for the second pass.

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Criteria Explanation Commentary
Any assumptions behind modelling of selective The block size was chosen to match the potential selective mining unit to
mining units. be used in open cut mining.
Any assumptions about correlation between Uranium is the only economic metal estimated in the current model.
variables.
Description of how the geological interpretation Mineralised domain wireframes encompass all zones of significant
was used to control the resource estimates. mineralisation and are used to flag resource composites and code
domain proportions to the block model. A further division of the model
into completely weathered, partially weathered and unweathered rock is
applied by triangulated surfaces interpreted from the logging of the drill
samples. This division is only applied for density purposes.
Discussion of basis for using or not using grade Statistical analysis showed the uranium population in each domain to be
cutting or capping. highly positively skewed and generally having moderate coefficient of
variation. Each domain was assessed separately and a top cut grade
was determined for each domain to reduce the influence of extreme
composite grades on the model uranium estimates.
The process of validation, the checking process Visual validation of grade trends and uranium distributions was carried
used, the comparison of model data to drill hole out along with the generation of north, east and elevation swath plots
data, and use of reconciliation data if available. comparing average model uranium estimates with drill hole assay
averages.
Moisture Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry The resource tonnage is reported on a dry bulk density basis.
basis or with natural moisture, and the method of
determination of the moisture content.
Cut-off The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or The grade estimate is based on mineralisation constraints which are
parameters quality parameters applied. designed to capture all anomalous mineralisation. The model is
considered valid for reporting and open pit mine planning. The MRE has
been reported using a 200ppm U3O8cut-off grade.
Mining factors Assumptions made regarding possible mining Mining method for the extraction of uranium at Retortillo is to be by open
or assumptions methods, minimum mining dimensions and pit mining, excavating benches of 3m or 6m in height. Grade control of
internal (or, if applicable, external) mining ore blocking will be based on gamma probing of blast holes to determine
dilution. It is always necessary as part of the e-grades with check sampling. RC drilling may also be undertaken to
process of determining reasonable prospects for improve grade control and mine planning if required.
eventual
economic
extraction
to
consider
potential mining methods, but the assumptions
made regarding mining methods and parameters
when estimating Mineral Resources may not
always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this
should be reported with an explanation of the
basis of the mining assumptions made.
Metallurgical The
basis
for
assumptions
or
predictions
Berkeley has completed a number of metallurgical testwork programs as
factors or regarding metallurgical amenability. It is always part of the Scoping Study and PFS. The testwork results confirm that the
assumptions necessary as part of the process of determining ore at Retortillo exhibits metallurgical characteristics that are amenable
reasonable prospects for eventual economic to a conventional acid heap leach. The positive results of the Scoping
extraction to consider potential metallurgical Study clearly indicate the Mineral Resources have reasonable prospects
methods,
but
the
assumptions
regarding
for eventual economic extraction (refer ASX Announcement dated 29
metallurgical
treatment
processes
and
November 2012).
parameters
made
when
reporting
Mineral
Resources may not always be rigorous. Where
this is the case, this should be reported with an
explanation of the basis of the metallurgical
assumptions made.
Environmental Assumptions made regarding possible waste and Waste and process residue disposal options have been assessed and it
factors or process residue disposal options. It is always is planned that all spent heap leach (ripios) material will be returned to
assumptions necessary as part of the process of determining the open pit which will be lined so as to encapsulate the ripios. Any
reasonable prospects for eventual economic Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) or Acid Rock Drainage
extraction to consider the potential environmental (ARD) waste will also be stored within the lined pit.
impacts of the mining and processing operation.
While at this stage the determination of potential
An Environmental Licence has been applied for and awaits approval.
environmental
impacts,
particularly
for
a
greenfields project, may not always be well
advanced, the status of early consideration of
these potential environmental impacts should be
reported. Where these aspects have not been
considered this should be reported with an
explanation of the environmental assumptions
made.

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Criteria Explanation Commentary
Bulk density Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the The bulk density values were derived from 2,321 measurements taken
basis for the assumptions. If determined, the on core by Berkeley field staff using the weight-in-air, weight-in-water
method used, whether wet or dry, the frequency method on air-dried DD core (Archimedes method).
of the measurements, the nature, size and
representativeness of the samples.
The bulk density for bulk material must have There is variation of the bulk density depending on the degree of
been measured by methods that adequately weathering and the results from the method of determination used reflect
account for void spaces (vugs, porosity, etc.), this. Analysis by weathering zone showed that the median was slightly
moisture and differences between rock and higher than the average for each population.
alteration zones within the deposit.
Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates The density measurements have been classified by the zone of
used in the evaluation process of the different weathering, defined by the geological logging. Three dominant zones are
materials. identified – completed weathered, partially weathered and unweathered.
The average of the density data from each zone was applied in the
resource model.
Classification The basis for the classification of the Mineral The uranium estimates within each block have been classified with
Resources into varying confidence categories. consideration of the quality and reliability of the raw data, the confidence
Whether appropriate account has been taken of
all relevant factors (ie relative confidence in
tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input
of the geological interpretation, the number and spacing of intercepts
through the mineralised zones and knowledge of grade continuity gained
from observation and geostatistical analysis.
data, confidence in continuity of geology and For the Retortillo deposit where the drill spacing was 50m by 50m or less
metal values, quality, quantity and distribution of the resource has been classified into the Indicated Resource category.
the data). Small areas, where the drill spacing is greater than 50m x 50m remain
classified in the Inferred Resource category
Whether the result appropriately reflects the The reported MRE and its classification into the Indicated and Inferred
Competent Person’s view of the deposit. categories is consistent with the Competent Person’s view of the deposit.
Audits or The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral An external review was undertaken by SRK on the MRE reported in July
reviews Resource estimates. 2012. The review concluded that the estimate was considered to reflect
the understanding of the geology and grade continuity.
M Titley, Consultant Geologist, reviewed the current MRE and concluded
that the estimate appropriately represents the grade and tonnage
distribution of uranium mineralisation at confidence levels commensurate
with the current resource classification.
Discussion of Where appropriate a statement of the relative The relative accuracy of the MRE is reflected in the reporting of Indicated
relative accuracy and confidence level in the Mineral and Inferred Resources.
accuracy/ Resource
estimate
using
an
approach
or
confidence procedure deemed appropriate by the Competent
Person. For example, the application of statistical
or geostatistical procedures to quantify the
relative accuracy of the resource within stated
confidence limits, or, if such an approach is not
deemed appropriate, a qualitative discussion of
the factors that could affect the relative accuracy
and confidence of the estimate.
The statement should specify whether it relates This resource estimate relates to global estimates of tonnes and grade.
to global or local estimates, and, if local, state the
relevant tonnages, which should be relevant to
technical
and
economic
evaluation.
Documentation
should
include
assumptions
made and the procedures used.
These statements of relative accuracy and No production data is available.
confidence of the estimate should be compared
with production data, where available.

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