Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

ELEVRA LITHIUM LIMITED Capital/Financing Update 2015

Jul 7, 2015

64838_rns_2015-07-07_0c053fb8-dabb-44ce-9bc6-cfe9a92724da.pdf

Capital/Financing Update

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

==> picture [595 x 30] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 31] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 30] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 31] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 30] intentionally omitted <==

8 July 2015

STRATEGIC ENTRY INTO THE GRAPHITE MARKET

Highlights

  • Tenement package secured in a proven province of high purity, large flake graphite

  • New discovery of surface graphite mineralisation with assays of up to 7.71% TGC within a 20km strike length target horizon

  • Well established mining district in close proximity to an export port

  • Planning underway to test suitability of graphite for use in the rapidly growing, highvalue, technology and battery sectors

Sayona Mining Limited (ASX: SYA) ("Sayona" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a strategic entry into the large flake graphite market by securing a large ground position in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Kimberley region is a proven province for high purity, large flake graphite.

The Company’s East Kimberley project includes one granted tenement and three separate tenement applications, subject to two option-to-purchase agreements. The project covers 278 km[2] and comprises two areas, Keller and Corkwood (See Figure 1). The areas have never been previously explored for their graphite potential.

The project is situated in a well-established mining district, 240 kilometres south of an export port at Wyndham. The region has excellent infrastructure including roads, airports, and labour.

Geological and geophysical information in the Corkwood area has defined graphite prospective anomalism along a 20 kilometre strike extent. An initial field reconnaissance program has confirmed the prospectivity of the area with the discovery of graphite mineralisation at surface.

A total of 19 rock grab samples were collected and submitted for graphite analysis, with 9 returning higher than 5% TGC (total graphitic carbon) including a peak assay of 7.71% TGC (see Table 1).

The Corkwood graphitic horizon has limited outcrop but in road cuttings and creek exposures, is commonly 10 metres or more, and ranges up to 35 metres in true thickness. The broad thickness, extensive strike extent and good grade highlights the potential for significant graphite mineralisation within the project area.

The Company is planning a drilling and beneficiation test work program to determine the graphite’s suitability for industrial use, especially in the high technology and battery grade technology sector.

==> picture [595 x 71] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

Strategic Entry into the Graphite Market

The market for large and jumbo flake graphite is highly concentrated and potential synthetic graphite substitutes are comparatively very expensive to produce. Both the US and EU Governments have classified graphite as a “critical material” for industrial and national security purposes.

The East Kimberley project offers an attractive entry into the graphite market:

  • Proven district for high carbon purity, large flake graphite;

  • The significant scale (up to 20 kilometres strike extent) of the Corkwood graphite target identified from geological and geophysical anomalies;

  • Situated in a well-established mining district, 240 kilometres south of an export port at Wyndham;

  • The region has excellent infrastructure including roads, airports, and labour;

  • First world country with stable tax and royalties, and mining law; and

  • Low cost entry via tenement applications and option-to-purchase agreements.

The Company’s strategy is to commence immediate work programs and advance towards drilling based on the highly encouraging mapping and sampling results from the initial reconnaissance exploration program.

East Kimberley Project Overview

The East Kimberley project is located within the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, 240 kilometres south of Wyndham Port and 220 kilometres south-south-west of the regional centre, Kununurra.

The project comprises three exploration license applications and one granted tenement. The three exploration license applications and granted tenement acquisitions are subject to two option-to-purchase agreements covering 278km[2] .

Terms of the two option-to-purchase agreements, include:

  • Attgold Pty Ltd (“Attgold”) – SYA paid Attgold $5,000 on signing and is required to make payments of $30,000 within 6 months and $170,000 within 18 months of signing of the agreement, respectively, to acquire a 100% interest in the tenements E80/4915, E80/4948 and E80/4949; and

  • Western Iron Pty Ltd (“Western Iron”) – SYA paid Western Iron $5,000 on signing and is required to pay $200,000 on or before the six month agreement anniversary to exercise its option to acquire 100% of the graphite interests in tenement E80/4511. Western Iron will also receive a 1% gross production royalty. Western Iron retains a Back-in Right to the nickel, copper and iron mineralisation by the payment of $100,000 within 12 months.

Page 2

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

Table 1: East Kimberley Project Tenements

Table 1: East Kimberley Project Tenements Table 1: East Kimberley Project Tenements Table 1: East Kimberley Project Tenements Table 1: East Kimberley Project Tenements Table 1: East Kimberley Project Tenements
Tenement Name Status Area Vendor*
E80/4915 Keller North Applied 17 October 2014 14 blocks Attgold
E80/4948 Keller West Applied 17 March 2015 9 Blocks Attgold
E80/4949 Corkwood Applied 17 March 2015 21 Blocks Attgold
E80/4511 Western Iron Granted 28/12/2011 42 Blocks Western Iron
*Option-to-Purchase agreement subject to Attgold and Western Iron agreements

==> picture [474 x 49] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [474 x 48] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [474 x 48] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [474 x 49] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [474 x 48] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [474 x 48] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [474 x 48] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 1 : East Kimberley project location, tenement boundaries and infrastructure

Page 3

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

The East Kimberley project area forms part of the Halls Creek Orogen (“HCO”), a Palaeoproterozoic terrain in the north eastern portion of Western Australia. The region has active diamond and nickel mines and hosts PGE, copper and gold resources. Graphite mineralisation is known in the region within the Lamboo Resources Limited McIntosh graphite project, located some 40 kilometres to the south[1] .

The Sayona project is located within the central zone of the HCO where the basement rocks, the Tickalara Metamorphics (shown as the light blue shaded areas in Figure 1) have been affected by deep burial metamorphism with the project areas ranging up to granulite facies in metamorphic grade. Within the Tickalara package, carbonaceous shale has been metamorphosed to graphite bearing schist and gneisses. Graphite is commonly associated with pyrrhotite and spatially associated with carbonate or calcsilicate horizons.

The East Kimberley project comprises two distinct targets, the eastern Corkwood and western Keller areas.

Corkwood

Corkwood overlies a linear sequence of the Tickalara metamorphics that extend for over 75 kilometres adjacent to the Halls Creek Fault.

Past exploration for nickel sulphide mineralisation has identified areas prospective for graphite mineralisation. This is due to the similar conductive responses of graphite and nickel sulphides in geophysical electromagnetic surveying.

In the 1970s, exploration over the Corkwood nickel prospect identified graphite in a costean, and drilling nearby, carried out in 2003, intersected 19 metres of graphitic gneiss from 15 metres depth in hole CWR015. The graphite was noted during logging but was not assayed.

Keller

Keller is located to the west of the Great Northern highway and of the Savanah nickel mine. The Tickalara metamorphics in this area are affected by broad open folds which repeat the sequence in an east west pattern in the south, the axis becoming more northerly in the north. Several mafic intrusions affect the area, including the Norton intrusion. At the Keller Creek nickel prospect just to the south of the project, graphite has been identified during past nickel exploration.

Reconnaissance Sampling

The Company’s initial field reconnaissance has identified a number of graphite outcrops which closely correspond with geophysical targets reported in search literature. The graphite has a recessive weathering profile and poorly outcrops. A total of 19 grab rock samples were collected for graphite assay and the results are tabulated below and the locations shown in Figure 2.

1 However, proximity of the Lamboo Resources Ltd project does not mean that the same results will occur at Sayona’s East Kimberley project

Page 4

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

Table 2: Rock Sample Assay Results
Sample East North Area % TGC
SK555101 413672 8087805 Corkwood North 5.49
SK555102 413673 8087808 Corkwood North 4.03
SK555103 412343 8086479 Corkwood North 2.96
SK555104 412060 8086194 Corkwood North 4.18
SK555105 412065 8086190 Corkwood North 5.25
SK555106 412032 8086143 Corkwood North 6.91
SK555107 411817 8085943 Corkwood North 5.40
SK555108 404458 8073524 Corkwood South 7.25
SK555109 404448 8073514 Corkwood South 2.26
SK555110 404288 8073154 Corkwood South 1.13
SK555111 404795 8072854 Corkwood South 0.68
SK555112 387531 8086373 Keller 4.27
SK555113 388069 8086767 Keller 7.71
SK555114 388144 8086760 Keller 1.49
SK555115 389506 8087322 Keller 0.77
SK555116 389747 8087359 Keller 1.65
SK555117 389019 8088344 Keller 2.40
SK555118 390723 8087502 Keller 1.71
SK555119 412004 8086018 Corkwood North 5.07
SK555120* 413636 8087735 Corkwood North n/a
Note; co-ordinates are MGA zone 52 (GDA94)

Page 5

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [478 x 49] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [478 x 49] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [478 x 48] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [478 x 48] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [478 x 49] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [478 x 49] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [478 x 48] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 2 : Initial reconnaissance sample locations

Next Steps

The Company is planning to drill test the prospective Corkwood leases during the fourth quarter, calendar 2015. A staged exploration approach to target the most prospective areas is planned, including:

  • Geological mapping and sampling (with further assaying and petrology) along the graphite target horizons;

  • Identification of those areas with larger graphite flake size – high purity and or grade/ thickness;

  • Acquisition of available digital electromagnetic geophysical data and interpretation and modelling;

  • Planning for a VTEM survey over the southern Corkwood area where little prior geophysical work appears to have been carried out;

  • Drill testing of priority targets to define thickness and grade of mineralisation, once statutory and Native Title requirements have been completed; and

  • Test work on drill and other samples to determine the grade, recovered flake size and purity of the graphite and its suitability for high technology use.

Page 6

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

For more information, please contact:

Corey Nolan Chief Executive Officer Phone: +61 (7) 3369 7058 Email: [email protected]

Sayona Mining Limited is an Australian, ASX-listed, company focused on sourcing and developing high purity flake graphite for use in the rapidly growing new technology sectors.

Please visit us as at www.sayonamining.com.au

COMPETENT PERSON STATEMENT

The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results is based on information compiled by Mr Simon Attwell, a Competent Person, and who is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Attwell is an employee of Attgold Pty Ltd (“Attgold”) which provides geological services to Sayona. Mr Attwell is a financial beneficiary, being a director and shareholder of Attgold if Sayona exercises its option to purchase the East Kimberley Graphite project.

Mr Attwell has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. Mr Attwell consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

Page 7

==> picture [595 x 30] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 31] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 30] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 31] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 30] intentionally omitted <==

JORC Code, 2012 edition – Table 1 (section 1; Sampling Techniques and Data)

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sampling
techniques
Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels,
random chips, or specific specialised industry
standard measurement tools appropriate to the
minerals under investigation, such as down hole
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
sample representivity and the appropriate calibration
of any measurement tools or systems used.
Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that
are Material to the Public Report.
In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been
done this would be relatively simple (eg ‘reverse
circulation drilling was 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 mineralisation types (eg
submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of
detailed information.

19 rock grab samples were collected as a first pass
assessment of the project to host graphite
mineralisation. The samples have an irregular
spacing reflecting the reconnaissance nature of the
assessment. Rock samples were collected as grab
samples from in-situ outcropping rock, so as to be
representative of the observed mineralised zone.

Multiple rock fragments at each sample location
were collected so that the sample submitted for
assay was as representative as possible of the
sample site.

The presence or absence of mineralisation was
initially determined visually by the field geologist.

The rock grab sampling is a standard approach
during the initial reconnaissance which was carried
out. The graphite mineralisation is commonly
disseminated and layered within the gneissic fabric
of the rock so that the collected rock fragments
sampled are considered representative of the area
sampled.
Drilling techniques Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole
hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc)
and details (eg 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
_method, etc). _

Not applicable, no drilling has been carried out
Drill
sample
recovery
Method of recording and assessing core and chip
sample recoveries and results assessed.
Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and
ensure representative nature of the samples.
Whether a relationship exists between sample
recovery and grade and whether sample bias may
have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of
fine/coarse material.

Not applicable, no drilling has been carried out
Logging Whether core and chip samples have been
geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of
detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource
estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.
Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in
nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography.
The total length and percentage of the relevant

Notes relating to each sample were recorded in a
field note book and later transcribed to digital form.
This information is of insufficient detail to support
any Mineral Resource Estimation.

Page 8

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
_intersections logged. _
Sub-sampling
techniques
and
sample
preparation
If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter,
half or all core taken.
If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary
split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.
For all sample types, the nature, quality and
appropriateness of the sample preparation
technique.
Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-
sampling stages to maximise representivity of
samples.
Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is
representative of the in situ material collected,
including for instance results for field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain
_size of the material being sampled. _

Not applicable, no drilling has been carried out

The sample preparation of the rock samples follows
industry best practice, involving oven drying,
crushing and pulverising, carried out by ALS, Perth
with the pulp sent to ALS Brisbane for analysis.

No measures have been taken to ensure sampling
is statistically representative of the in situ sampled
material. The collection methodology is considered
appropriate for this early stage assessment of the
project.

The sample size is considered appropriate to the
material being sampled and to produce results to
indicate the degree of mineralisation in the areas
sampled.
Quality of assay
data
and
laboratory tests
The nature, quality and appropriateness of the
assaying and laboratory procedures used and
whether the technique is considered partial or total.
For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF
instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining
the analysis including instrument make and model,
reading times, calibrations factors applied and their
derivation, etc.
Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg
standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory
checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy
_(ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. _

Analysis was carried out by ALS, Brisbane which is
a certified laboratory in compliance with AS/NZS-
9001:2000. Graphite was determined by multi-
stage Leco furnace with infra-red detection, method
C-IR18, which is considered a total determination of
the graphite content

Not used

No additional quality control measures beyond that
of the Laboratory QA/QC were implemented.
Verification
of
sampling
and
assaying
The verification of significant intersections by either
independent or alternative company personnel.
The use of twinned holes.
Documentation of primary data, data entry
procedures, data verification, data storage (physical
and electronic) protocols.
 _Discuss any adjustment to assay data. _

The results are considered acceptable and have
been reviewed by multiple geologists. The
company conducts internal data verification, data
entry and storage protocols which have been
followed.

No adjustments to assay data has been undertaken
Location of data
points
Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill
holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine
workings and other locations used in Mineral
Resource estimation.
Specification of the grid system used.
Quality and adequacy of topographic control.

Samples were located during collection by handheld
GPS (Garmin GPS76) with a typical accuracy of +/-
5m.

The grid system used is Australian Geodetic MGA
Zone 52 (GDA94).

The level of topographic control offered by the
handheld GPS is considered sufficient for the work
undertaken
Data spacing and
distribution
Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.
Whether the data spacing and distribution is
sufficient to establish the degree of geological and
_grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral _

There was no predetermined grid spacing to the
program with sample sites being selected as
outcrop was located, in order to give a first pass
dataset to evaluate the area

Page 9

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s)
and classifications applied.
Whether sample compositing has been applied.

The data spacing and distribution is not sufficient to
establish the degree of geological and grade
continuity appropriate for Mineral Resource
estimation procedures.

Samples have not been composited.
Orientation of data
in
relation
to
geological
structure
Whether the orientation of sampling achieves
unbiased sampling of possible structures and the
extent to which this is known, considering the deposit
type.
If the relationship between the drilling orientation and
the orientation of key mineralised structures is
considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this
should be assessed and reported if material.

Sampling was carried out over small areas of
outcrop, across the strike of the unit where possible,
but due to poor outcrop it is not known if they are
representative of the entire horizon.

Not applicable, no drilling has been carried out
Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security.
All samples were collected by the field geologist
and stored in a secure location until completion of
the program when they were delivered to ALS
laboratories, Perth by commercial courier.
Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling
techniques and data.

No audits or reviews of the data have been
conducted at this stage
JORC Code, 2012 edition – Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Mineral
tenement
and
land
tenure
status
Type, reference name/number, location and ownership
including agreements or material issues with third parties
such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties,
native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national
park and environmental settings.
The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting
along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence
to operate in the area.

The project comprises granted tenement E80/4511 and
applications ELA80/4915, ELA80/4948-9. Sayona has
an Option to Purchase agreement over these areas with
Western Iron Pty Ltd and Attgold Pty Ltd as discussed
herein. The author is a related party to Attgold Pty Ltd, of
which he is a director and part beneficiary.

The tenement applications are subject to approval by
DMP, and require agreements with the KLC / Native Title
holders and the Violet Valley Aboriginal Reserve. The
project lies within the regional Ord River Catchment area
and the Corkwood project lies to the west of the
Purnululu National Park, but is not contained within it.

The Company believes that the applications will proceed
to grant in a similar way that prior and current tenure in
the district has progressed to grant and where
exploration including drilling has taken place.
Exploration done by
other parties
Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other
parties.
 Past exploration in the region, mainly carried out in the
search for nickel sulphide, has provided useful data.
Together with government data provided by GSWA the
information has allowed recognition of the projects graphite
potential
Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.  Graphite is being targeted within carbonaceous horizons of
thePaleoproterozoicTickalarametamorphics oftheHalls

Page 10

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Creek Orogen. Deep burial metamorphism has caused
carbon to crystalize as graphite flakes which have been
subsequently preserved as the rock cooled. The original
mineralisation has also been subsequently affected by
deformation, including folding and faulting.
Drill
hole
Information
A summary of all information material to the understanding
of the exploration results including a tabulation of the
following information for all Material drill holes:
o easting and northing of the drill hole collar
o elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea
level in metres) of the drill hole collar
o dip and azimuth of the hole
o down hole length and interception depth
o hole length.
If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis
that the information is not Material and this exclusion does
not detract from the understanding of the report, the
Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the
_case. _
 Drilling has not been carried out. A summary of rock
sample locations is tabulated and presented graphically
within the above report.
Data
aggregation
methods
In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging
techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations
(eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off 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
_equivalent values should be clearly stated. _
 No averaging or cut-off grades have been applied assay
results.
Relationship
between
mineralisation
widths and intercept
lengths
These relationships are particularly important in the
reporting of Exploration Results.
If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the
drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.
If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are
reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect
_(eg ‘down hole length, true width not known’). _
 Exploration is at an early stage and information contains
insufficient data points to allow these relationships to be
reported
Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and
tabulations of intercepts should be included for any
significant discovery being reported These should include,
but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar
_locations and appropriate sectional views. _
 Sample plans are attached
Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results
is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and
high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid
_misleading reporting of Exploration Results. _
 All the assay results are reported herein.
Other substantive
exploration data
Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should
be reported including (but not limited to): geological
observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical
survey results; bulk samples – size and method of
treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density,
groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics;
_potential deleterious or contaminating substances. _
 The exploration reported herein is still at an early stage but
results are consistent with geological and geophysical data

Page 11

==> picture [595 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [595 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for
lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-
out drilling).
Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible
extensions, including the main geological interpretations
and future drilling areas, provided this information is not
_commercially sensitive. _
 Further more detailed mapping and follow up sampling is
required together with other programs described in the
report above.

Page 12