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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD — Capital/Financing Update 2020
Jan 7, 2020
65371_rns_2020-01-07_528c2372-b299-427d-b333-e38e610de045.pdf
Capital/Financing Update
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ASX RELEASE
ASX: MRC 8 January 2020
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ROBUST MUNGLINUP DFS RESULTS ALLOW MRC TO MOVE TO 90% OWNERSHIP OF MUNGLINUP GRAPHITE PROJECT
Highlights
DFS Results
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Post-tax - Net Present Value (“ NPV7 ”) US$111M (AU$160M)
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Post-tax project - IRR 30%
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Capex - US$61M (AU$88M)
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Opex - US$491/tonne (FOB) (AU$720/tonne)
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Life of Mine average EBITDA - US$31M pa (AU$45M)
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Life of Mine net cash flow - US$240M (AU$352M)
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Payback period - 2.7 years
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Life of Mine - 14 years
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Life of Mine processing throughput - Yr 1-6 400ktpa — Yr 7-14 500ktpa
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Life of Mine average graphite concentrate production - 52ktpa
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Average concentrate grade - >95% TGC
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Ore Reserve - 4.24 million tonnes @ average grade 12.8% TGC
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JV Earn-in Notice issued to increase Project ownership to 90%
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Environmental permitting targeted for completion Q3 2020
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DFS – Substantiates MRC’s integrated, downstream value-adding strategy
Mineral Commodities Limited (“MRC” or “the Company”) is pleased to release the outcomes of the Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) on a concentrate only production scenario at the Munglinup Graphite Project (“Munglinup”) in the south of Western Australia. The DFS confirms the Company’s view that Munglinup will become a crucial asset in its overall ambition to supply natural graphite into the key high-demand battery anode markets.
Executive Chairman Mark Caruso said, “This is an important milestone in the anticipated development of the Munglinup Graphite Project which continues to deliver robust project economics as a standalone graphite concentrate producer. The DFS further enhances the Company’s ambitions to build a global, vertically integrated carbon business based on two global strategic operating production centres in Tier 1 jurisdictions, Australia and Norway, producing sustainable natural graphite concentrate as a crucial raw material for the production of precursor and active anode materials.”
T: +61 8 6253 1100 PO Box 235 WELSHPOOL DC WA 6986
ABN 39 008 478 653 [email protected] www.mncom.com.au
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ASX: MRC ASX: MRC
8 January 2020
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Key Investment Findings
| NPV7(at a discount rate of 7%), post tax, real | US$ millions | 111 |
|---|---|---|
| NPV7 (at a discount rate of 7%), pre-tax, real | US$ millions | 172 |
| IRR post-tax, real | % | 30 |
| IRR pre-tax, real | % | 36 |
| Development Capex | US$ millions | 61 |
| Capital Payback Period | Years | 2.7 |
| LOM Operating Costs (FOB Fremantle) | US$/t ore | 491 |
| LOM Revenue | US$ millions | 853 |
| LOM EBITDA | US$ millions | 426 |
| LOM post-tax net cash flow | US$ millions | 240 |
| Average annual EBITDA | US$ millions | 31 |
The DFS was completed with the support of Mondium (a joint venture between Lycopodium and Monadelphous) and BatteryLimits. Mondium have signed off a +15/-5% level of accuracy for the capital estimate and operating costs estimate.
Key Project Parameters
| LOM (Life of Mine) | Years | 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Ore Reserve (Probable) | Mt | 4.24 |
| Process throughput (years 1-6) | Kt/y | 400 |
| Process throughput (year 7 onwards) | Kt/y | 500 |
| Average Feed Grade | % TGC | 12.8 |
| Recovery rate of graphite concentrate | % | 88 |
| Nominal concentrate grade | % TGC | >95 |
| Average annual concentrate production | Kt/y | 52 |
| Average basket price | US$/t | 1,144 |
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ABN 39 008 478 653 [email protected] www.mncom.com.au
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ASX: MRC ASX: MRC
8 January 2020
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Mineral Resource and Reserve
| Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement as at 8 January 2020 | Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement as at 8 January 2020 | Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement as at 8 January 2020 | Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement as at 8 January 2020 | Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement as at 8 January 2020 | Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement as at 8 January 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Resource1 | Ore Reserve2 | ||||
| Category | Mt | TGC(%) | Category | Mt | TGC(%) |
| Measured | Proven | ||||
| Indicated | 4.49 | 13.1 | Probable | 4.24 | 12.8 |
| Inferred | 3.50 | 11.0 | |||
| Total | 7.99 | 12.2 | Total | 4.24 | 12.8 |
| Ore Reserve3 | Ore Reserve3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flake Size | Sieve Size (µm) |
Mass (%) | TGC Grade (%) |
| Jumbo | 300 – 500 | 6.5% | 95% |
| Large | 180 - 300 | 16.9% | 95% |
| Medium | 150 - 180 | 8.0% | 95% |
| Small | 75 - 150 | 29.8% | 95% |
| Fine | < 75 | 38.8% | 95% |
| In Pit Resources4 | In Pit Resources4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Mt | TGC(%) |
| Inferred | 2.75 | 11.1 |
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Mineral Resource estimated at a 5% TGC cut-off
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Ore Reserve uses a variable cash flow cut-off grade
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Ore Reserve flake size distributions are for recovered graphite product
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In-Pit Resources comprise Inferred material inside the designed pit designs using a variable cash flow cut-off grade and do not constitute part of the Ore Reserves
Acquisition of further interest in Munglinup Joint Venture
MRC Graphite Pty Ltd (“MRCG”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, has provided Gold Terrace Pty Ltd (“GT”) with an “Earn-in Notice” to increase its interest in Munglinup to 90% in accordance with the Farmin and Joint Venture Agreement announced to the ASX on 11 September 2017.
Having completed the DFS, MRC has received board approval and intends to increase its ownership in Munglinup from 51% to 90% by:
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paying AU$800,000 to GT; and
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issuing GT with 30 million fully paid ordinary shares in MRC.
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ABN 39 008 478 653 [email protected] www.mncom.com.au
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8 January 2020
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MRCG and GT will then consider and formulate the development strategy and program for Munglinup.
Next Steps
The Company intends to implement a vertically integrated development strategy that will provide a broader range of higher value products, which diversifies the risks associated with supplying the traditional natural flake graphite market.
The Company will continue ongoing test work and comprehensive market analysis as part of a determined integrated downstream value-adding strategy focused on the production of precursor and active anode materials for consumption in the growing lithium-ion battery sector. The Company will continue technical and economic study work, considering the production of purified, micronised, spheronised and coated Munglinup Concentrate to identify the optimal economic outcome from the deposit.
Cautionary Statements
The DFS discussed herein has been undertaken to determine the feasibility to mine and process graphite ore from a production plant constructed at Munglinup. The DFS is predicated on a Pre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) (see ASX announcement dated 30 May 2018) completed in May 2018 and is based on the same project sizing as developed during the PFS. The DFS is a continued technical and economic study of the PFS considering the development of the Munglinup Graphite Deposit. It is based on a revised Ore Reserves estimate of 4.24 million tonnes at an average grade of 12.8% TGC and builds on the mine design and engineering assessment described in the PFS. The operating parameters of the DFS differ materially from the plan and assessments described in the PFS and are based on feasibility-level technical and economic assessments. The DFS evaluation work and appropriate studies have provided feasibility-level estimates of cost and rates of return to provide an assurance of an economic development based on the DFS.
The production targets underpinning financial forecasts included in the DFS includes 61% Indicated Resources and 39% Inferred Resources over the 14-year mine life. No exploration target material has been included in the economic valuation or production target of Munglinup. There is a lower level of geological confidence associated with Inferred Mineral Resources and there is no certainty that further exploration work will result in the determination of additional Indicated Mineral Resources or that the Inferred Mineral Resources will add to the economics of Munglinup. However, in preparation of the production target and associated NPV, each of the modifying factors was considered and has therefore passed the “economics test”.
The DFS is based on the material assumptions outlined elsewhere in this announcement. These include assumptions about the availability of funding.
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ABN 39 008 478 653 [email protected] www.mncom.com.au
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While MRC considers all of the material assumptions to be based on reasonable grounds, there is no certainty that they will prove to be correct or that the range of outcomes indicated by the DFS will be achieved. To achieve the range of outcomes indicated in the DFS, additional funding will likely be required. Investors should note that there is no certainty that MRC will be able to raise the amount of funding required. It is also possible that such funding may only be available on terms that may be dilutive to or otherwise affect the value of MRC’s existing shares. It is also possible that MRC could pursue other ‘value realisation’ strategies such as a sale, partial sale or joint venture of Munglinup. If it does, this could materially reduce MRC’s proportionate ownership of Munglinup.
Supporting Information
This announcement is intended to be a summary of key DFS findings and is to be read together with the supporting detailed presentation titled “Munglinup Graphite Project DFS Summary Outcomes”, which discloses details of the material assumptions and underlying methodologies for deriving the above forecast financial information and production targets, including material price assumptions and operating cost assumptions.
Reasonable Basis for Forward-Looking Statements
This document and the supporting presentation contain a series of forward-looking statements. The Company has concluded that it has a reasonable basis for providing these forward-looking statements and the forecast financial information included in this document and the supporting slides. The detailed reasons for these conclusions are disclosed in the supporting slides.
This document and the supporting slides have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code (2012) and the ASX Listing Rules.
END
Issued by Mineral Commodities Ltd ACN 008 478 653 www.mineralcommodities.com Authorised by the Board, Mineral Commodities Ltd
For further information, please contact:
INVESTORS & MEDIA Peter Fox Investor Relations and Corporate Development T: +61 8 6253 1100 [email protected]
CORPORATE Peter Torre Company Secretary T: +61 8 6253 1100 [email protected]
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ABN 39 008 478 653 [email protected] www.mncom.com.au
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ASX: MRC ASX: MRC
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About Mineral Commodities Ltd:
Mineral Commodities Ltd (ASX: MRC) is a global mining and development company with a primary focus on the development of high-grade mineral deposits within the industrial and battery minerals sectors.
The Company is a leading producer of zircon, rutile, garnet and ilmenite concentrates through its Tormin Mineral Sands Operation, located on the Western Cape of South Africa. In October 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of Skaland Graphite AS, the owner of the world’s highest-grade operating flake graphite mine and one of the only producers in Europe. The planned development of the Munglinup Graphite Project, located in Western Australia, builds on the Skaland acquisition and is a further step toward an integrated, downstream value-adding strategy which aims to capitalise on the fastgrowing demand for sustainably manufactured Lithium-Ion Batteries.
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ABN 39 008 478 653 [email protected] www.mncom.com.au
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MUNGLINUP GRAPHITE PROJECT DFS SUMMARY OUTCOMES
January 2020
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1
Caution Statements
This document has been prepared by Mineral Commodities Ltd (MRC or the Company) and comprises written materials/slides for a presentation concerning MRC. This is not a prospectus, disclosure document or offering document.
This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to acquire, sell or otherwise dispose of, or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to sell or otherwise dispose of, purchase or subscribe for, any securities, nor does it constitute investment advice, nor shall it or any part of it nor the fact of its distribution form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or investment decision.
Certain statements in this presentation are forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “target”, “may”, “assume” and words of similar import. These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this presentation. These statements are based on current expectations and beliefs and, by their nature, are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performances and achievements to differ materially from any expected future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. No representation, warranty or assurance (express or implied) is given or made by MRC that the forward looking statements contained in this presentation are accurate, complete, reliable or adequate or that they will be achieved or prove to be correct. Except for any statutory liability which cannot be excluded, each of MRC, its related companies and the respective officers, employees and advisers expressly disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the forward looking statements and exclude all liability whatsoever (including negligence) for any director in direct loss or damage which may be suffered by any person as a consequence of any information in this presentation or any error or omission there from.
Subject to any continuing obligation under applicable laws or any relevant listing rules of the ASX, MRC disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in these materials to reflect any change in expectations in relation to any forward looking statements or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
Nothing in these materials shall under any circumstances create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of MRC since the date of this presentation. The information, if any, in this presentation which relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves for Tormin is based on information compiled by Dr Joseph A.P. Drake-Brockman, who is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (“AusIMM”) and is an independent consultant to the Company. Dr Drake-Brockman is an employee of Drake-Brockman Geoinfo Pty Limited and has over 36 years of exploration and mining experience in a variety of mineral deposits and styles. Dr DrakeBrockman 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 JORC Code (2012). The information from Dr Drake-Brockman was prepared under the JORC Code (2012). Dr Drake-Brockman consents to inclusion in the presentation of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears.
The information, if any, in this presentation which relates to Mineral Resources for Munglinup is based on information compiled by Mr Chris De Vitry who is a member of the AusIMM and an independent consultant to the Company. Mr De Vitry is the Director and Principal Geologist of Manna Hill GeoConsulting Pty Ltd and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the JORC Code (2012). The information from Mr De Vitry was prepared under the JORC Code (2012). Mr De Vitry consents to inclusion in the presentation of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears.
The information, if any, in this presentation which relates to the Ore Reserve for Munglinup is based on information compiled by Mr Daniel Hastings, who is a Member of the AusIMM. Mr Hastings is an employee of Hastings Bell Pty Ltd and a consultant to the Company. Mr Hastings has sufficient experience relevant to the type of deposit under consideration to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the JORC Code (2012). Mr Hastings consents to the inclusion in the presentation of the matters based on the reviewed information in the form and context in which it appears.
The information, if any, in this presentation which relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves for Xolobeni is based on information compiled by Mr Allen Maynard, who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geosciences (“AIG”), a Corporate Member of the AusIMM and independent consultant to the Company. Mr Maynard is the Director and Principal Geologist of Al Maynard & Associates Pty Ltd and has over 38 years of exploration and mining experience in a variety of mineral deposit styles. Mr Maynard 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, Exploration Targets, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (“JORC Code (2004)”). This information was prepared and first disclosed under the JORC Code (2004). It has not been updated to comply with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (“JORC Code (2012)”) on the basis that the information has not materially changed since it was last reported. Mr Maynard consents to inclusion in the presentation of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears.
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2
Table of Contents
| Financial Analysis | 5 |
|---|---|
| Global Overview | 6 |
| Background and Intent | 7 |
| Munglinup Definitive Feasibility Study Overview | 8 |
| Capital Cost Estimate | 9 |
| Operating Cost Estimate | 10 |
| Sensitivity Analysis | 11 |
| Geology and Resource | 12 |
| Mining and Ore Reserve | 13 |
| Metallurgy | 15 |
| Process Plant | 16 |
| Infrastructure and Logistics | 17 |
| Health, Safety, Environment and Community | 18 |
| Marketing | 19 |
| Key Downstream Value Phases | 21 |
| Project Implementation | 22 |
| Focus for Future Success | 23 |
| ASX Announcements | 24 |
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3
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4
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
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A financial model was built for the purpose of analysing the cash flows that would be generated by the Project. The model was used to evaluate the cash flow effects of the mining schedule and process plant.
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The Net Present Value (“NPV”) and Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) estimates are base case only and reflect robust EBITDA performance, debt funding of initial pre-production capital costs with payback within three years and US$102 million in forecasted corporate tax payments to the Australian government.
• Cash flows were modelled on a ‘real’ basis with no cost escalation, no sales price escalation, and no inflation. In addition, a discount rate of 7% was applied for the calculation of the Project NPV. The discount rate applied reflects the weighted average cost of capital expected from debt funding the Project.
| Financial Metrics | Financial Metrics | |||||
| Item | Value | Financials | Value | |||
| LOM revenue | US$853M | Receipts from customers | US$853M | |||
| LOM post-tax net cash flow | US$240M | Payments to suppliers and employees | (US$426M) | |||
| LOM EBITDA | US$426M | Income tax paid | (US$102M) | |||
| Average annual EBITDA | US$30.6M | Pre-production capital cost | (US$61M) | |||
| Operating cost per tonne of product (CIF) | US$573/t | Sustaining capital | (US$25M) | |||
| Pre-production capital cost | US$61M | Cash inflows from financing | US$62M | |||
| Pre-tax NPV (7% discount rate) | US$172M | Cash outflows to financing | (US$62M) | |||
| Pre-tax IRR | 36.4% | |||||
| Post-tax NPV (7% discount rate) | US$111M | |||||
| Post-tax IRR | 30.0% | |||||
| Post-tax payback period | 2.7 years |
5
MINERAL COMMODITIES GLOBAL OVERVIEW
Munglinup
Skaland
Flake Graphite
Production – Ore grades of ~28% Carbon at 10ktpa flake graphite concentrate production
Graphite Development
Ore Reserve (Probable) of 4.24Mt at 12.8% TGC supporting mine life of 15 years with anticipated production of ~52ktpa of >95% purity graphite concentrate. Mineralisation open in all directions.
Tormin
Mineral Sands
Production - 2.4Mtpa Processing facility producing: garnet, ilmenite, zircon and rutile concentrates.
Xolobeni
Mineral Sands Development
JORC Compliant Resource 346Mt @ 5% THM
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Perth
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Corporate Headquarters
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6
BACKGROUND & INTENT
MRC’s wholly owned subsidiary MRC Graphite Pty Ltd (“MRCG”) entered into a Joint Venture Agreement on 17 November 2017 with Gold Terrace Pty Ltd (“Gold Terrace”), to Farm-In to the Munglinup Graphite Project. The Stage 1 Agreement gave MRC an initial 51% interest in the Project. In addition, there were provisions that allowed for the acquisition of a further interest in the Joint Venture.
Stage 1 Joint Venture Farm-In to 51%:
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AU$3.2M cash payment representing acquisition cost to date incurred by Gold Terrace; and
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MRC issuing 10M ordinary shares.
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Stage 2 Joint Venture Farm-In Agreement to acquire a further 39% Interest (from 51% to 90%):
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Completing a DFS by 17 November 2019*; and
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AU$0.8M cash payment and MRC issuing 30M ordinary shares to the Vendor.
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Stage 3 Joint Venture Farm-In Agreement to acquire a further 10% (from 90% to 100%).
Vendor can elect that MRC acquires remaining 10% interest for full MRC ownership by:
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MRC issuing 10M ordinary shares; or
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MRC granting the Vendor a 1% gross royalty on all minerals produced; or
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Otherwise standard vendor contribution or watering down provisions to apply.
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Due to delays, MRC requested and was granted from Gold Terrace an extension for the completion of the original DFS. The extension was granted until 31 December 2019.
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7
MUNGLINUP DEFINITIVE FEASIBILITY STUDY - OVERVIEW
The Munglinup Graphite Project (“the Project”) lies along the border of the shires of Esperance and Ravensthorpe on Western Australia's Fitzgerald Coast approximately 640km southeast by road from Perth. The Project is 4km north of the township of Munglinup on the South Coast Highway, 107km west of Esperance and 81km east of Ravensthorpe.
The Port of Esperance handles bulk grain and mineral exports and currently supports the export of nickel concentrates and iron ore from mining operations in Western Australia. Esperance has a regional airport with 3 flights per day to and from Perth. The flight time is approximately one and a half hours. The Project is 610km by road from the Port of Fremantle, where it would export its graphite concentrate product.
The Pre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) was completed in May 2018 and was predicated on the Project to mine and process 400ktpa of graphite ore grading 15.9% TGC over 9 years, producing a nominal 54ktpa of flake graphite concentrate resulting in an ore reserve of 3.4Mt at 15.9% TGC. The financial metrics from the PFS demonstrated robust project economics.
Following completion of the PFS, MRC made the decision to proceed directly to a Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) based on the same project sizing as developed during the PFS.
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8
CAPITAL COST
Prepared by BatteryLimits Pty Ltd, Mondium and MRCG, with the capital cost estimate for the process plant, infrastructure, associated equipment and project management costs at +15/-5%. The financial model allocated capital costs as either development capital, sustaining capital or pre-strip costs. Development capital reflects initial capital requirements to construct the process plant, project infrastructure and indirect capital requirements. Annual sustaining capital cost has been set at 3% of development and pre-strip capital.
Capital Cost
| Capital | Project Total US$M |
|---|---|
| Development Capital | 56.3 |
| Sustaining Capital | 25.5 |
| Pre-Strip Capital | 4.3 |
| Total | 86.1 |
Sustaining Capital
| Capital | Project Total US$M |
|---|---|
| Sustaining Capital | 25.5 |
| Total | 25.5 |
Project Development Capital
| Capital | Project Total US$M |
|---|---|
| Construction Distributables | 4.3 |
| Treatment Plant Costs | 21.5 |
| Reagents & Plant Services | 7.0 |
| Infrastructure | 8.5 |
| Management Costs | 8.1 |
| Owner’s Project Costs | 6.9 |
| Total | 56.3 |
Pre-Strip Capital Expenditure
| Capital | Project Total US$M |
|---|---|
| Clear/Topsoil Removal | 2.3 |
| Haul Roads | 0.9 |
| Mob/Establishment | 0.8 |
| Owner’s Costs | 0.3 |
| Total | 4.3 |
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9
OPERATING COST
The Project operating cost estimate includes costs associated with mining, processing, infrastructure and site-based general and administration costs.
| Operating Costs | US$ M | US$/t Sold | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mining | 135.4 | 182 | |||
| Processing | 140.1 | 188 | |||
| Indirect Production Costs | 30.8 | 41 | |||
| Trucking | 60.0 | 80 | |||
| Total (FOB Fremantle) | 366.3 | 491 | |||
| Shipping | 14.0 | 19 | |||
| Royalties | 46.7 | 63 | |||
| Total (CIF) | 427.0 | 573 |
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Financial model functional currency of US$ and operating cost estimates have been converted at an exchange rate of ~AU$1.00=US$0.70.
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The operating cost estimate has been prepared to an accuracy of +15/-5%.
10
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
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Sensitivity Analysis
Assumption Sensitivity Tornado Diagram
Flake Graphite Pricing - Real 80% base 120% base
Opex -20% +20%
Flake Graphite Recovery 80% base 110% base
USD/AUD Exchange Rate AUD 0.80 AUD 0.60
Discount rate 10% 5%
Capex Spend -20% +20%
Capex Timing + 6 mths - 12 mths
-80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80
Negative NPV Impact Positive NPV Impact
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Sensitivities of the NPV to changes in key assumptions were analysed. These were run on the following key model assumptions: flake graphite pricing, flake graphite recovery, exchange rate, discount rate, operating costs, capital costs and construction schedule (capex timing).
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In each case, the effect of the sensitivities were considered based on historical observation of mining projects.
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The tornado diagram above shows the variance to the base case post-tax NPV for the Project (US$111M). The most sensitive metrics are flake graphite pricing, opex and flake graphite recovery.
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The upside case for the flake graphite pricing forecast (120% base pricing forecast from Roskill) demonstrates a post-tax NPV at US$174M. The downside case (80% base pricing forecast from Roskill) demonstrates a post-tax NPV of US$48M.
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11
GEOLOGY & RESOURCE
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MRC has undertaken two additional drilling programs and re-estimated the Mineral Resource since acquiring the Project. The latest Mineral Resource has been prepared in accordance with the 2012 JORC Code and is estimated at 7.99 million tonnes at 12.2% TGC using a 5% cut-off.
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The graphite deposits are located in the northern foreland of the AlbanyFraser Orogen and are hosted by paragneisses of the Munglinup Gneiss. Structurally the prospect is located adjacent to the intersection between the northeast trending Fraser Range Fault and the northwest trending Merredin Fault.
Mineral Resource[1] Statement
| Classification | Cut-off (%) |
Resource Mt | Total Graphitic Carbon (%) |
Contained Graphite kt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indicated | 5 | 4.49 | 13.1 | 588 kt |
| Inferred | 5 | 3.50 | 11.0 | 383 kt |
| Total | 5 | 7.99 | 12.2 | 971 kt |
- Mineral Resource estimated at a 5% TGC cut-off
| Tenement | Area | Holder | Granted | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M74/245 | 685 ha | MRC Graphite Pty Ltd Gold Terrace Pty Ltd |
26/08/2010 | 25/08/2031 |
| E74/565 | 48 BL | MRC Graphite Pty Ltd | 05/08/2015 | 04/08/2020 |
| E74/505 | 2 BL | MRC Graphite Pty Ltd Gold Terrace Pty Ltd |
23/10/2012 | 22/10/2022 |
| L74/55 | 129 ha | MRC Graphite Pty Ltd | 11/07/2019 | 10/07/2040 |
| L74/56 | 21 ha | MRC Graphite Pty Ltd | Pending | |
| G74/9 | 26 ha | MRC Graphite Pty Ltd | 11/07/2019 | 10/07/2040 |
The Munglinup graphite deposits occur as discrete layers in a zone of graphitic schists within a sequence of hornblende and hornblende-garnet gneisses. The rocks have been broadly folded about a WNW/ESE axis, with superimposed minor anticlinal and synclinal flexures. Complex small-scale folding and faulting is common in the relatively incompetent graphitic rocks and the enclosing competent hornblendic gneisses appear to be less deformed.
Targeted graphitic mineralisation occurs within saprolite consisting of clays, quartz, graphite (up to 42% flake) and goethite. Weathering extends down to at least 60m.
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12
MINING & ORE RESERVE
-
The graphite distribution at Munglinup is well constrained and outcrops at surface. The mineralised zones lie within the weathered horizon, generally dipping to the east at around 50°. Material hardness measurements show that the deposit is free-dig with possible blasting required at the base of the deepest pits.
-
The general mine layout has been developed so that dumps and infrastructure do not encroach on areas of likely continuing mineralisation that have yet to be drilled. Exclusion areas have also been established around significant environmental and heritage areas.
-
Inferred material that is within the designed pits was included in the mine schedule using the same variable cut-off grade as the Ore Reserve. This material is generally included in designed cutbacks and predominantly scheduled later in mine life. This material will be upgraded by further drilling as part of the continuing resource development program.
-
The optimised shells selected comprised 6 open pit areas, mined over 2 stages, which initially target the higher value areas earlier in the mining plan. The stage 1 pits were optimised on the Measured and Indicated material while stage 2 optimisations include Inferred material.
-
Ore Reserve uses a variable cash flow cut-off grade
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----- Start of picture text -----
Northern Dump
McCarthy West
Munglinup
River
Halberts
Main Whites
Harris 1 & 2 McCarthy East
Western
Dump
Halberts Main Main Dump ML 74/245
Mini Boundary
Halberts South
Mini
TSF
Buttress Tailings
Storage
Dump
Facility
(TSF)
Halberts
South
Southern Dump
Ore Reserve [1]
Category Mt TGC (%)
Current mine life
Proven - -
stands at 14 years with
Probable 4.24 12.8
the mineralisation
Total 4.24 12.8 open along strike and
at depth
In Pit Resources [2]
Category Mt TGC (%)
Inferred 2.75 11.1
----- End of picture text -----
- In-Pit Resources comprise Inferred material inside the designed pits using a variable cash flow cut-off grade and do not constitute part of the Ore Reserves.
13
MINING & ORE RESERVE
Continued.
-
The mining method adopted is based on open pit mining and was evaluated assuming a traditional truck and hydraulic excavator operation.
-
The operational philosophy is to only operate the mine during day shift, on a 5/2 roster. Run of Mine (“ROM”) operations will continue 24/7 and be owner operated, managed by the process plant. This arrangement will reduce noise/light issues and be more attractive to potential employees. This will also enable employees to reside in Esperance and operate on a daily busin/bus-out plan.
-
Annual material movement is planned to be limited to 3.5Mt per annum for the first 3 years of operation then reducing to a maximum of 3Mt per annum.
Total Inventory
| Total Tonnes | Ore Tonnes | Waste Tonnes | Strip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41,864,276 | 6,987,996 | 34,876,280 | 4.99 |
Annual Ore Feed by Material Classification
Annual Material Movement
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Grade and Distribution of Final Graphite Product
| Flake Size | Sieve Size µm |
BF1059 Bench Scale Test |
BF1059 Bench Scale Test |
BF1065 Bulk Test | BF1065 Bulk Test | Schedule Estimate | Schedule Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Dist’n (%) |
TGC Grade (%) |
Mass Dist’n (%) |
TGC Grade (%) |
Mass Dist’n (%) |
TGC Grade (%) |
||
| Super Jumbo |
> 500 | 1.56 | 97.8 | 0.43 | 97.0 | 2.1 | 94.0 |
| Jumbo | 300 – 500 | 9.42 | 97.1 | 5.30 | 95.3 | 11.6 | 94.0 |
| Large | 180 - 300 | 17.6 | 96.7 | 16.0 | 97.5 | 20.8 | 94.0 |
| Medium | 150 - 180 | 8.88 | 96.2 | 12.5 | 98.2 | 8.4 | 94.0 |
| Small | 75 - 150 | 30.2 | 95.1 | 33.3 | 98.1 | 27.7 | 94.0 |
| Fine | < 75 | 32.4 | 90.5 | 32.5 | 96.0 | 29.4 | 94.0 |
| Calculated P80 (µm) and TGC Grade(%) |
238 | 94.2 | 193 | 97.2 | 193 | 94.0 | |
| 14 |
METALLURGY
-
Significant historical metallurgical testwork exists with more than 20 metallurgical studies undertaken on the Munglinup Graphite mineralisation. These studies focused on maximising the recovery of coarse flake by minimising grinding and using multi-stage leaching to upgrade the concentrate grade.
-
Samples and head assay - The DFS Master Composite was formed from 86 intervals obtained from Halberts Main and Halberts South. The resulting composite contained 18% ironstone ore type and approximately 10% of near surface material.
-
Variability testwork program - results showed that the high-grade final concentrates can be consistently produced with TGC grades ranging from 95.0% to 98.3% after multiple stages of cleaner flotation.
-
The DFS Master Composite was prepared and underwent large batch flotation tests in order to produce concentrate for vendor and marketing purposes. The flotation scheme was based on optimisation test work and utilised larger laboratory equipment.
-
A 480kg bulk run produced a concentrate with a distribution close to that achieved in the smaller bench scale tests. The coarse flake fraction contained 48.6% of the mass with a TGC grade averaging 95.8%. The fines accounted for 51.4% of the mass with a TGC grade averaging 96%.
Final Bulk Concentrate Size and Grade Distribution
| Flake Size | Micron (µm) | Mesh | Bulk sample Test BF1287 | Bulk sample Test BF1287 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass(%) | AssayTGC(%) | |||
| Jumbo | 300 – 500 | 50 | 17.7 | 96.0 |
| Large | 180 – 300 | +80 -50 | 24.5 | 95.5 |
| Medium | 150 – 180 | +100 -80 | 6.43 | 96.1 |
| Small | 75 – 150 | +200-100 | 24.6 | 97.8 |
| Fines | – 75 | -200 | 26.8 | 94.4 |
| Calculated P80 (µm) and TGC Grade(%) | 289 | 95.8 |
Flotation Results for the DFS Master Composition
| Test ID | Final Concentrate | Final Concentrate | Final Concentrate | Final Concentrate | Final Concentrate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +150 µm (Coarse) | -150 µm (Fine) | Total TGC Recovery |
|||
| % Mass | % TGC Grade |
% Mass | % TGC Grade | ||
| BF1273 | 44.0 | 97.3 | 56.0 | 93.9 | 88.7 |
| BF1281 | 48.4 | 97.7 | 51.6 | 94.2 | 86.6 |
| BF1282 | 56.2 | 95.2 | 43.8 | 91.0 | 89.4 |
| BF1289 | 57.0 | 95.7 | 43.0 | 97.2 | 86.4 |
| BF1304 | 47.7 | 96.5 | 52.3 | 94.1 | 87.1 |
| BF1305 | 46.4 | 96.5 | 53.6 | 98.3 | 84.9 |
| BF1306 | 54.1 | 97.4 | 45.9 | 97.9 | 84.6 |
| BF1334 | 51.4 | 95.1 | 48.6 | 97.6 | 85.8 |
| BF1360 | 83.9 | ||||
| BF1363 | 49.3 | 97.1 | 50.7 | 95.6 | 67.0 |
| BF1371 | 57.9 | 89.7 | 42.1 | 97.1 | 86.3 |
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15
PROCESS PLANT
-
The Process Plant is designed to initially treat 400ktpa of ore, increasing to 500ktpa in 2027.
-
ROM ROM ore will be primary crushed and stockpiled.
• Crushed ore is reclaimed from the stockpile and fed to a scrubber. Scrubber
-
Scrubber discharge is screened, with the oversize sent to a closed circuit, variable speed ball mill.
-
Milling Screen undersize is conditioned and pumped to rougher flotation. • The flotation circuit consists of rougher flotation and multiple stages of cleaner flotation.
-
Flotation The rougher concentrate is reground in a polishing mill. • A coarse concentrate product will be screened out in the later stages of the cleaner flotation.
-
Screening
-
The concentrate from each cleaner stage (aside from the last stage) are reground in stirred media
-
Polishing mills prior to the subsequent cleaner flotation stage. • The final concentrate is dewatered and dried.
-
Drying • The dried concentrate is screened into multiple size fractions and bagged.
-
Bagging
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16
INFRASTRUCTURE & LOGISTICS
- Power The power requirements for the main process plant have been calculated at a total installed load of 5.3MW including all duty and standby equipment with an estimated average demand of the project being 2.5MW with a peak of 2.8MW.
Power is proposed to be supplied by a 4.0MW power station supplying power to the plant at 415V. The location of the power station and the plant MCCs have been optimised to eliminate the need for high voltage transmission and transformers. The power station will be fuelled by trucked LNG based on an onsite storage and vaporisation facility with a storage capacity design allowance of a nominal 10-11 days.
Water - A bore field with several production bores has been drilled and pump tested to ensure that the bore field will support the operation.
Buildings - Plant, administration, and infrastructure areas will be modular/prefabricated or containerised. An onsite laboratory will be constructed to support the operation. Accommodation for personnel is planned to be available in nearby townships.
Logistics - Product will be transported via road train travelling 610km for delivery to the Port of Fremantle. Product will be loaded into bulka-bags with a nominal weight of one tonne prior to transport via tautliner trailers. Approximate product weight per trip is 60-65 metric tonnes. It is estimated that approximately 3 triple road-train combinations will transport product to Port of Fremantle each day on a 5 day per week basis.
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17
HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY
Land Use - The Project is situated within Mining Reserve R24714 which is vested to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (“DMIRS”).
Tenure – MRCG and Gold Terrace are the tenement holders for tenure associated with the Munglinup Graphite Project. Four tenements are required to develop the Project under the Mining Act 1978 (WA). Project tenure includes the granted M74/245 and General Purpose Lease G74/9, and two Miscellaneous Licences, L74/55 and L74/56.
- Native Title Native Title has been found to be extinguished within the Mining Reserve.
Status of Environmental Approvals
Following directions from the WA Environmental Protection Authority and the Commonwealth Department of Energy and Environment in July 2019, additional studies are required for EPA and EPBC Assessment. These studies cover:
-
Level 2 terrestrial fauna
-
Level 2 SRE fauna assessment
-
Additional hydrology and hydrogeological assessment
-
Supplementary flora assessment
-
Additional dieback assessment
Community Development - A comprehensive Community Engagement Plan has been developed which identifies key stakeholders and interest groups on which the Project may have an impact or could provide a social or economic benefit to, and how MRCG plans to interact and communicate with them.
- Ecological linkage assessment
It is expected these additional studies will be completed in March 2020 and that a final submission to the EPA would be made shortly thereafter. Providing there are no issues, the EPA and EPBC approvals for the Project will be completed in Q3 2020.
| Role | Persons |
|---|---|
| Site Management and Administration | 8 |
| Owner’s Mining Team | 2 |
| Processing | 35 |
| Maintenance | 10 |
| Subtotal Plant Workforce 55 |
|
| Laboratory Contractor 3 |
|
| Total Workforce 58 |
Human Resources - total operational workforce is estimated to comprise 55 personnel, of which 21 will be employed on a continuous shift-based roster and the remaining will be employed on a Monday to Friday, daytime only roster. Mining will be undertaken by an additional mining contractor. Workforce recruitment for the Project will focus around the Esperance Shire and surrounding regional areas with a bus service to site daily to mitigate risks arising from fatigue.
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18
MARKETING
-
Average 52,000tpa graphite concentrate production commencing Q4 2021.
-
Concentrate Flake distribution
-
- 58% <150µm
-
- 34% >180µm
-
Flake <150µm product utilised for Battery Anode Material production
-
MRC is positioning itself to be a Specialty and High Value Graphite Producer
| Product | Price (USD/t ) | Quantity | Total (US$'000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S Jumbo | $2,787 | 15,273 | 42,561 |
| Jumbo | $1,990 | 86,548 | 172,269 |
| Large | $1,130 | 155,053 | 175,228 |
| Medium | $1,077 | 62,851 | 67,712 |
| Small | $930 | 206,588 | 192,189 |
| Fine | $927 | 218,708 | 202,641 |
| Total | 745,022 | 852,600 | |
| Weighted Average Price | $1,144 |
Proposed Standard Products Size Product 500µ / +35 # MRC35/MRC Super Jumbo 300µ / +50# MRC50/MRC Jumbo 180µ / +80 # MRC80/MRC Large Flake 150µ / +100 # MRC100/MRC Flake 75µ / +200 # MRC-100/MRC Fines 25µ / +550 #
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19
TRADITIONAL V BATTERIES NATURAL FLAKE GRAPHITE MARKET
10 year forecast – Traditional natural flake graphite demand is forecasted to grow just 12%. Battery demand will grow by 483%.
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----- Start of picture text -----
12% Total Growth
TRADITIONAL APPLICATIONS
1.12% CAGR
1000
CAGR
900
5%
800
-1%
700
1.3%
600 2.6%
500 1.9%
400
300
-0.3%
200
100
0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Refactories Foundries Lubricants
Friction Products Recarburising Other
----- End of picture text -----
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----- Start of picture text -----
483% Total Growth
+ BATTERY APPLICATIONS
19% CAGR
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
743 767 776
600 695
613
519
400 483%
427
19% CAGR
339
200
253
193
133
0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Batteries Refactories Foundries Lubricants
Friction Products Recarburising Other
----- End of picture text -----
Source: Roskill, Base case, World Forecast demand for natural graphite by application, 2018-2028. Roskill Natural & Synthetic Graphite, Outlook to 2028, 12[th] Edition. July 2019.
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YoY Growth 45% 31% 34% 26% 22% 1%
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20
KEY DOWNSTREAM VALUE PHASES
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Ongoing
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PURIFICATION 1
Purification of high grade fines using nonHF chemical approach being developed within CRC-P and alternatives to produce BAM feed. Produce high value ‘low ash’ expandables feed and higher grade refractory coarse flakes.
2
VALUE ADD TO EXISTING CONCENTRATE
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3
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4
EXPANDABLES
Evaluate expansion characteristics of coarse concentrates (both standard grade and purified samples). Development of expandables strategy from Graphite Intercalated Compounds (“GIC”) to expanded graphite sheets and foils.
SPHERONISATION
BATTERY ANODE MATERIAL (“BAM”)
Ongoing evaluation of micronising and spheronising the fines concentrate into unpurified spherical graphite onsite leveraging existing infrastructure to produce battery anode precursor materials.
Electrochemical evaluation of batteries produced from micronised, spheronised and coated purified fines concentrate. Production of samples for customer evaluation.
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21
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
A Project Execution Plan (PEP) provides certainty in terms of Project delivery schedule and cost.
Three Phase Project Execution Strategy
Project Schedule/Milestone
1. Phase 1 – ECI : An initial Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)
EPC Contractor will work in collaboration with the DFS Consultants to define the project scope – COMPLETED Q4 .
2. Phase 2 – FEED : Post-DFS
Engineering Project Management (EPM) works to generate detailed pricing including engagement of Early Works Contractors and ordering long lead equipment items until the finalisation of permitting and decision to mine.
3. Phase 3 - EPC Delivery :
| Description | Target |
|---|---|
| Decision on EP Act & EPBC Act Referral | Mar 2019 |
| Completion of Feasibility Study | Jan 2020 |
| Supplementary EP Act Submissions | Apr 2020 |
| Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) | Jul, 2020 |
| Decision on Environmental Approval | Aug 2020 |
| Start Construction and Earthworks | Q4, 2020 |
| Commissioning | Q3, 2021 |
| Production and Ramp-up | Q4, 2021 |
Based on either a Fixed Price Contract (FPC) or Target Cost Estimate (TCE).
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22
FOCUS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS
MRCG strategy going forward
MUNGLINUP
A DIVERSIFIED CARBON BUSINESS
-
Finalise DFS (Nov 19)
-
• Secure Permitting (Q3 20)
-
• Complete Downstream (Q3 20) PFS/DFS
-
• (March 21) Complete Marketing (Q4 20) Agreements, FID
-
Construction and (Q4 20) Commissioning
-
SKALAND
-
• Complete transaction (Oct 19) • Increase grade of fines (Q2 20)
-
• Increase percentage of (Q2 20) coarse (+150 micron) concentrate
-
• Increase nameplate (Q2/Q3 20)
-
production
-
Unpurified spheronised (Q3/Q4 20)
-
graphite
MARKET ANALYSIS
Comprehensive market analysis to establish optimal product suite based on fundamental analysis of end users’ current and forecasted demand
CONCENTRATE STUDY WORK
Purification, micronisation, expandable, spheronisation and coating study work of concentrate material to identify most cost effective and profitable product suite to meet demands of end users
CONSTRUCTION
Construction of downstream purification and micronisation plant
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23
ASX ANNOUNCEMENTS
11/09/2017 MRC to acquire 51% interest in Munglinup Graphite Project 13/09/2017 Further Resource Information - Munglinup Graphite Project 27/11/2017 Munglinup Graphite Project Scoping Study Results 13/12/2017 MOU with Doral - Spheroidisation & Purification of Graphite 08/02/2018 Munglinup Met Tests Confirms Premium Flake Graphite 08/05/2018 Munglinup Expandable Graphite Testwork Results Positive 10/05/2018 Additional Expandable Graphite Testwork Results Information 30/05/2018 MRC Munglinup Graphite PFS Confirms Robust Project 05/06/2018 High Grade Extension Drilling Results At Munglinup 08/06/2018 MRC Acquires Strategic EL Adjacent to Munglinup 06/09/2018 Munglinup Testwork Delivers Positive Variability Results 22/10/2018 Positive Munglinup Graphite Optimisation Testwork Results 17/12/2018 MRC and Doral Extends Downstream Graphite Processing MOU 27/03/2019 MRC Awards Early Start Engineering Contract To Mondium 17/04/2019 Up to 49.3% TGC High Grade Results at Munglinup
24
JORC Code, 2012 Edition – Table 1, Munglinup Graphite Deposit
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections)
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling | | The current resource database consists of 161 air core holes, 26 RC holes and |
| techniques | 46 diamond holes representing 8,332m of drilling and 3,569 analysed drill | |
| samples. | ||
| | Air core (undertaken by Graphite Australia) ore zone intervals were sampled | |
| every meter using a scoop spear and the material bagged and numbered. | ||
| Waste was not sampled except for a small buffer either side of the | ||
| mineralisation. | ||
| | Diamond drilling (undertaken by Graphite Australia) ore zone intervals were | |
| sampled every meter except for ore boundaries where a longer or shorter | ||
| interval was taken. Waste was not sampled except for a small buffer either side | ||
| of the mineralisation. | ||
| Drilling | | Diamond drilling was done using HQ triple tube. |
| techniques | | The mineralisation occurs from surface and drilling was done to a maximum of |
| 91m depth. | ||
| Drill sample | | No continuous data was recorded on core or chip recovery. Only poor sample |
| recovery | quality and recovery was recorded for air core. | |
| | Due to the style of the deposit it is considered that any material loss is not | |
| significant to the estimation of mineralisation. However, statistical analysis of | ||
| core recovery is still to be completed. | ||
| Logging | | Holes were initially logged by on-site geologists. Diamond core was relogged |
| and resampled in 2016. | ||
| | The data and results obtained from the 2012-2013 (Graphite Australia) drilling | |
| campaign were compared with the new logging and lab results from 2016 | ||
| (AEMCO) as well as the historical logging and grades from the 1986 diamond | ||
| holes by Sons of Gwalia. The two datasets were correlated to an acceptable | ||
| level. | ||
| | A comprehensive logging system was developed and included alteration (type, | |
| style and intensity), grain size, rock type / lithology, colour, minerals, textures, | ||
| fabric, parent rock (where fresh), sedimentary setting and, graphite class and | ||
| grade. | ||
| | Geotechnical aspects in the form of RQD parameters were also recorded for | |
| the diamond core as well as specific structures and details in this regard, e.g. | ||
| alpha angles. | ||
| Sub-sampling | | Air core was sampled using a scoop spear. |
| techniques and | | Diamond core was cut by a diamond impregnated blade core saw and half core |
| sample preparation |
sampled. Re-sampling of the remaining core in 2016 for data validation purposes (422 core samples including 26 duplicates and 19 repeat samples) used quarter core. |
|
| | Duplicates (quarter core) were taken every 20 meters during the Graphite | |
| Australia drilling program. |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of assay | | Standards were inserted every 20 meters. No blanks were used in addition to |
| data and | normal laboratory QA/QC protocols. | |
| laboratory tests | | Sample analysis was undertaken by Nagrom in Perth for the Graphite Australia samples. |
| | The graphite content is reported as Total Graphitic Carbon (TGC). Prepared | |
| samples are dissolved in HCl over heat until all carbonate material is removed. | ||
| The residue is then heated to drive off organic content. The final residue is | ||
| combusted in oxygen with a Carbon-Sulphur Analyser and analysed for TGC. | ||
| | Sample analysis was undertaken by Analabs in Perth for the Gwalia Minerals NL | |
| samples. Two methods were used: | ||
| | Fixed carbon (>40%C) – C graphite is determined as an expression of fixed | |
| carbon, which is calculated by subtracting the sum of the percentages of | ||
| moisture in the sample, volatile matter and ash from 100 (BS1016 | ||
| methodology). | ||
| | Fixed carbon (<40%C) - the sample is washed with organic solvents, filtered | |
| and washed with NaOH solution. The sample is then attacked with hot 1:1 HCL | ||
| to remove carbonates, washed and dried at 105°C, the residue is analysed for | ||
| carbon by converting the carbon to CO2 in a Leco furnace and measuring by | ||
| infra-red. | ||
| | Eleven check samples (pulps) from Analabs were sent to Classic Laboratories | |
| for cross checks. Classic Laboratories washed the samples with dilute HCL to | ||
| remove carbonates, ash at 450°C to remove organic carbon and assay by Leco | ||
| furnace for the remaining fixed carbon / C graphite. Check assays (>10% fixed | ||
| carbon) were all within ±10% of the original Analabs assay. Analabs assays | ||
| within the range 5% - 10% fixed carbon was approximately 15% lower than | ||
| Classic’s check assays. | ||
| Verification of | | Four twin holes were drilled by Graphite Australia near (8-14m) the historical |
| sampling and | diamond holes by Sons of Gwalia. | |
| assaying | | The database containing drilling data and results was provided by Graphite Australia. A review of the data was done by the project field geologist Mr Luke |
| Forti and the accuracy of the data was discussed with him during a number of | ||
| meetings with AEMCO during 2015. Confirmation on the integrity and accuracy | ||
| of the data was provided. | ||
| | A visual review of the diamond core was then done by AEMCO in 2016 to | |
| confirm the historical logging by Graphite Australia. Any outstanding | ||
| information was recovered from the diamond core and updated geological | ||
| logs were created. | ||
| | Diamond core was relogged and resampled in 2016. 422 core samples were re- | |
| analysed by Nagrom during April 2016, including 26 duplicate and 19 repeat | ||
| samples to confirm grade results. GGC01, GGC08 & GGC09 standards were | ||
| used. | ||
| | The data and results obtained from the 2012-2013 (Graphite Australia) drilling | |
| campaign were compared with the new logging and lab results from 2016 | ||
| (AEMCO) as well as the historical logging and grades from the 1986 diamond | ||
| holes by Sons of Gwalia. Any discrepancies or errors were either corrected or | ||
| the results rejected. | ||
| Location of data | | All exploration drillhole collars were re-surveyed to 0.05m accuracy by |
| points | Esperance Surveys in July 2016. In total 90% (179 holes) were re-surveyed to | |
| confirm location integrity. Average variation from the original field survey in all | ||
| directions was less than 2m. |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| | Holes drilled since 2016 have had their collars picked up by GPS. These hole | |
| collars will be surveyed in the future. | ||
| | Air core holes were down hole surveyed at the end of the hole only. Diamond | |
| drill holes were surveyed at 30m depth and the end of hole. | ||
| | Local grids were established at each of the prospects then later converted to | |
| GDA94. Hole collars were originally surveyed by GPS only. | ||
| Data spacing and | | Drill spacing: |
| distribution | oHalberts Main Zone: (Drill Grid 40 x 20m to 50 x 20m). |
|
oHalberts South Zone: (Drill Grid 40 x 20 & 40 x 10 infill) |
||
oHarris Area: (Drill Grid 40 x 20m) |
||
oWright West Area: (Drill Grid 40 x 20) |
||
oWright East (Mcarthy) Area: (Drill Grid 40 x 10) |
||
| Orientation of | | The deposits were drilled at approximately -60° to intersect the mineralised |
| data in relation to | zones approximately orthogonal to the interpreted dip and strike of the | |
| geological | geological units. | |
| structure | ||
| Sample security | | Graphite Australia followed a disciplined QA/QC process as is evident from |
| their database and chain of command documents. AEMCO followed the same | ||
| procedure and personally took all resampled material to Nagrom and | ||
| recovered the processed sample material for storage with the remaining core | ||
| and air core samples at a secured location in Welshpool, WA. | ||
| Audits or reviews | | An audit was conducted by Coffey Mining Pty Ltd in 2011 prior to the |
| additional drilling undertaken by Graphite Australia. The review stated: | ||
| “Resources and reserves are assessed to be non-JORC compliant, given the age | ||
| and the lack of available core. However, given the level of documentation | ||
| provided, and the extent to which an auditable trail exists in relation to the | ||
| modelled resources and reserves, the metrics presented are credible and serve | ||
| as the basis for project decision-making.” | ||
| | The 2012-2013 exploration work done by Graphite Australia was reviewed and | |
| completed by AEMCO in 2015 and 2016 and from this review a maiden JORC | ||
| 2012 resource was determined. |
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section)
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral tenement | | The tenements (M74/75 & E74/505) are situated on the Ravensthorpe SI 51-5 |
| and land tenure | and North-Over 3031, 1:250,000 and 1:100,000 geological sheets respectively. | |
| status | | Mining Lease 74/245 was granted on 26 August 2010 for a term of 21 years. |
| The Lease is 685 hectares in area. | ||
| | Exploration License 74/505 of 2 block size was granted on 23 October 2012 for | |
| a period of 5 years. | ||
| | Gold Terrace Pty Ltd are the current registered owners of the Munglinup | |
| Mining Lease (M74/245) and Exploration License E74/505. | ||
| | There is a caveat on the tenements relating to a 2% gross royalty liability with | |
| Adelaide Prospectingas the beneficiary. |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| | The fully granted mining lease is valid to August 2031. | |
| | The tenements are located in a fully gazetted mining reserve, with no native | |
| title or private land ownership issues. | ||
| Exploration done | | Metals Exploration NL – (1971-1972) |
| by other parties | | Norseman Gold Mines – (1979-1980) |
| | Pioneer Concrete – (1985-1986) | |
| | Gwalia Minerals NL – (1988 – 1989) | |
| | Sons of Gwalia – Gwalia Minerals: Feasibility Studies – (1989 to 1991) | |
| | Adelaide Prospecting – (2007-2010) | |
| | Graphite Australia (2010-2013) | |
| | Gold Terrace (2014–2016) | |
| Geology | | The Munglinup area comprises Archean to Paleoproterozoic, metamorphosed |
| granitic and other metamorphic rocks of the Albany–Fraser Orogen, typically | ||
| hornblende (± garnet) gneiss and migmatite. | ||
| | Within the gneissic rock mass, rocks containing the Munglinup graphite | |
| deposits consist of a succession of tightly folded metasedimentary rocks with a | ||
| consistent dip from north north east to the south. | ||
| | The classification scheme most widely accepted for graphite deposits was | |
| introduced by Cameron (1960). It classifies known graphite deposits into five | ||
| categories reflecting the different types of graphite. | ||
| | Using this classification scheme, it is most likely that the Munglinup deposit | |
| can be characterised as a type 1, disseminated flake graphite in silica-rich | ||
| meta-sediments deposit. | ||
| Drill hole | | No exploration results are being reported. |
| Information | ||
| Data aggregation | | No exploration results are being reported. |
| methods | ||
| Relationship | | Inclined air core and diamond drilling (HQ3) was done to try and intersect the |
| between | different graphite zones as close to true width as possible. Average dip angle | |
| mineralisation | was 60°. | |
| widths and | ||
| intercept lengths | ||
| Diagrams | | No exploration results are being reported. |
| Balanced | | No exploration results are being reported. |
| reporting | ||
| Other substantive | | No exploration results are being reported. |
| exploration data | ||
| Further work | | To be announced to the market in the near future. |
Section 3 Reporting of Mineral Resources
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section)
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| Database integrity | | Data is currently stored in a secure third party (Maxwell Geoscience) cloud |
| hosted and maintained geological database solution (WebShed). A review of | ||
| the data was done by the project field geologist Mr. Luke Forti and the | ||
| accuracy of the data was discussed with him during a number of meetings with | ||
| AEMCO during 2015. Confirmation on the integrity and accuracy of the data | ||
| was provided. | ||
| | A visual review of the diamond core was then done by AEMCO in 2016 to | |
| confirm the historical logging by Graphite Australia. Any outstanding | ||
| information was recovered from the diamond core and updated geological | ||
| logs were created. | ||
| | Diamond core was relogged and resampled in 2016. 422 core samples were re- | |
| analysed by Nagrom during April 2016, including 26 duplicate and 19 repeat | ||
| samples to confirm grade results. GGC01, GGC08 & GGC09 standards were | ||
| used. | ||
| | The data and results obtained from the 2012-2013 (Graphite Australia) drilling | |
| campaign were compared with the new logging and lab results from 2016 | ||
| (AEMCO) as well as the historical logging and grades from the 1986 diamond | ||
| holes by Sons of Gwalia. Any discrepancies or errors were either corrected or | ||
| the results rejected. | ||
| Site visits | | No site visit was undertaken as all drilling, survey work and site rehabilitation |
| had been completed before this resource assessment started. | ||
| Geological | | The overall continuity of the graphitic schist is very strong yet local geometric |
| interpretation | complexity can be high. | |
| | Geological logging, and to a minor degree assay, have been used to generate | |
| estimation domains. Unassayed intervals have been set to zero before | ||
| estimation. The minimum interpreted thickness of mineralisation and internal | ||
| waste was 1m. | ||
| | The strike and dip of the deposit is well understood. The mineralisation is | |
| sometimes tabular but can also be geometrically complex. Mineralisation | ||
| pinches and swells and bifurcates. There may also be small scale faulting and | ||
| faulting which is still not well understood and, while probably not impacting on | ||
| global tonnes and grade, can impact significantly on the local geometry. | ||
| Dimensions | | The mineralised zones consist of numerous thin (2-20m wide) steeply dipping |
| folded zones reflecting a cover nappe system with late stage granite and | ||
| pegmatite intrusions. | ||
| | Halberts Main Zone: | |
oLength: 730m |
||
oWidth: 90-130m |
||
oDepth: surface to -90m |
||
| | Halberts South Zone: | |
oLength: 560m |
||
oWidth: 20-50m |
||
oDepth: surface to -60m |
||
| | Harris Area: | |
oLength: 435m |
||
oWidth: 30-70m |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
oDepth: surface to -35m |
||
| | McCarthy West Area: | |
oLength: 290m |
||
oWidth: 100-110m |
||
oDepth: surface to -55m |
||
| | McCarthy East Area: | |
oLength: 260m |
||
oWidth: 12-20m |
||
oDepth: surface to -30m |
||
| Estimation and | | Leapfrog Geo was used to model the lithology-based estimation domains. |
| modelling | | Exploratory data analysis and variography was completed in Isatis while |
| techniques | | estimation occurred in Minesight. 1m composites were used for estimation. The total graphitic carbon has a low |
| coefficient of variation of about one and top cuts were required. | ||
| | Kriging was into 5m x 5m x 5m blocks while the drill hole spacing was generally | |
| 40x10m to 40x20m. Small blocks were required because the modelled | ||
| mineralisation can be as narrow as 1m. | ||
| | Sample to block distances are generally with 20-30m for Indicated while | |
| Inferred resources are generally within 50m. | ||
| | Domain boundaries were treated as hard during estimation. | |
| | Anisotropic search distances were used. | |
| | Minimum of six composites to estimate a block except for the Halberts Main | |
| area where the minimum was reduced to 3 so that all blocks could be | ||
| estimated. | ||
| | No quadrant or octant searching was used. | |
| | Maximum number of 30 composites to estimate a block except for the | |
| McCarthy area where this reduced to a maximum of 15. | ||
| | Discretisation of 5x5x5. | |
| | Search dimensions of 300m x 300m x 50m. | |
| | The kriged estimate was validated by alternative nearest neighbour, inverse | |
| distance and kriged estimates. | ||
| | Estimate was visually checked against composite grades and swath plots were | |
| generated. | ||
| | No biproducts are present. | |
| | No deleterious elements have been estimated. | |
| Moisture | | The resource tonnages are based on a dry basis at a Bulk Density of 1. |
| Cut-off | | The current reported resource was declared at a cut-off grade of 5%. The |
| parameters | industry standard median grade for commercial graphite mine development is | |
| considered to be approximately 7-10% TGC. The cashflow model developed | ||
| for mine optimisation included some blocks as low as circa 6% TGC as | ||
| economic, given favourable metallurgical response estimations and material | ||
| location (i.e. short haul distances). | ||
| Mining factors or | | Mining of the deposit will be by open pit surface mining methods involving |
| assumptions | standard truck and haul mining techniques. | |
| | It has been assumed that no drill and blast will be required given the | |
| weathered nature of the deposit and corresponding weak material strength. |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| Metallurgical | | Extensive metallurgical testing has been done on the deposit which include the |
| factors or | following studies: | |
| assumptions | |
Amdel (for Picon) – 1986 Leach and Flotation test work – Chemistry Centre – 1990 |
| | Settling Tests – Chemistry Centre – 1991 | |
| | Flotation Tests – Chemistry Centre – 1991 | |
| | Screening Test – Chemistry Centre - 1992 | |
| | Coffey Mining - 2011 | |
| | Metallurgical study – TF Brittliffe – 2011 | |
| | Nagrom tests 2011-2016 and Petrographical studies by Roger Townend and | |
| Associates | ||
| | BatteryLimits supervised testwork at ALS Metallurgy labs in Perth – 2018 | |
oSee Section 4 for more detail |
||
| Bulk density | | The bulk density is based on historical density calculation for the material at |
| | 2.0 g/cm3 | |
| | The host geology comprises weathered metamorphic material. Visual | |
| inspection of core indicates little loss of material due to vugs or discontinuities. | ||
| | All material within the mineralisation domains were assumed to be a | |
| combination of graphitic gneiss, graphitic ironstone and graphitic magnesite. | ||
| Classification | | Classification is Indicated for 40m spaced drilling. |
| | Inferred resources are up to 100m from the nearest drill hole but extrapolation | |
| distances of 30-50m would be more common. Inferred resources are generally | ||
| in areas where the mineralisation is considered thicker and more continuous. | ||
| | These resource classifications are considered appropriate by the competent | |
| person for the style of mineralisation and quality of data. | ||
| Audits or reviews | | No formal review or audit of the Mineral Resource model has been completed. |
| | The model was informally reviewed by Mr. Andrew Scogings of CSA Global | |
| who is a highly experienced geologist with expert knowledge of industrial | ||
| minerals exploration, mining and processing, product development, market | ||
| applications and commercialisation processes. Andrew has published several | ||
| papers on the requirements of JORC 2012 Clause 49 and is an AIG Registered | ||
| Professional Geologist specialising in industrial minerals. | ||
| Discussion of | | The Munglinup graphite deposit has been mapped, drilled, mined and |
| relative accuracy/ | investigated numerous times over the past 100 years. The high-grade nature of | |
| confidence | the resource and its potential is well documented. | |
| | While large scale continuity of the mineralised domain is good, variogram | |
| ranges are short and local estimation accuracy is often low. | ||
| | The resource estimate compares favourably with historical production grades | |
| of 19%. | ||
| | Conditional simulations of total graphitic carbon were generated in 2019 for | |
| Halberts Main. The indicated resource was divided into three elevation-based | ||
| zones each equating to about 12 months production. The uncertainty in | ||
| predicted tonnes of graphite was ± 14%. This, however, does not include | ||
| uncertainty for the geological interpretation and density which may be | ||
| significant. |
Section 4 Estimation and Reporting of Ore Reserves
(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in sections 2 and 3, also apply to this section.)
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Resource | | The Mineral Resource was updated in April 2019. Mr. Chris De-Vitry is the |
| estimate for | Mineral Resources Competent Person for the purposes of the Mineral Resource | |
| conversion to Ore | Estimate as defined and in accordance with the JORC Code 2012. | |
| Reserves | | Leapfrog Geo was used to model the lithology-based estimation domains. |
| | Exploratory data analysis and variography was completed in Isatis while | |
| estimation occurred in Minesight. | ||
| | 1m composites were used for estimation. The total graphitic carbon has a low | |
| coefficient of variation of about one and top cuts were required. | ||
| | Kriging was into 5m x 5m x 5m blocks while the drill hole spacing was generally | |
| 40x10m to 40x20m. Small blocks were required because the modelled | ||
| mineralisation can be as narrow as 1m. | ||
| | Sample to block distances are generally with 20-30m for Indicated while | |
| Inferred resources are generally within 50m. | ||
| | Domain boundaries were treated as hard during estimation. | |
| | Anisotropic search distances were used. | |
| | Minimum of six composites to estimate a block except for the Halberts Main | |
| area where the minimum was reduced to 3 so that all blocks could be | ||
| estimated. | ||
| | No quadrant or octant searching was used. | |
| | Maximum number of 30 composites to estimate a block except for the | |
| McCarthy area where this reduced to a maximum of 15. | ||
| | Discretisation of 5x5x5. | |
| | Search dimensions of 300m x 300m x 50m. | |
| | The kriged estimate was validated by alternative nearest neighbour, inverse | |
| distance and kriged estimates. | ||
| | Estimate was visually checked against composite grades and swath plots were | |
| generated. | ||
| | No biproducts are present. | |
| | No deleterious elements have been estimated. | |
| Site visits | | Numerous site visits have been undertaken since October 2017. The nearby |
| Towns of Ravensthorpe and Esperance have also been visited to assess | ||
| regional infrastructure and support capabilities. Historical core from the site | ||
| has also been examined at various times by both the Mineral Resource and Ore | ||
| Reserve CP’s. | ||
| | Surface mineralisation was examined along with locating of previous drill | |
| collars and review of recent drilling programs while being conducted. Access | ||
| and exploration of possible mining issues were assessed along with a general | ||
| geographic overview of the area. | ||
| Study status | | This study is assessed as being at a Definitive Feasibility Study Level. |
| | Historical study work on the Munglinup Deposit is extensive. | |
| | The Definitive Feasibility Study evaluated Geology and Resource, Mining, | |
| Metallurgy, Process Plant and Tailings, Infrastructure and Logistics, | ||
| Environment and Permitting, Human Resources, Marketing, Implementation | ||
| Plan and Schedule, Capital and Operating Costs, Financial Assessment, Risk | ||
| Management and other activities/issues that could impact the proposed | ||
| operation as contained in the DFS report. |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| | The Definitive Feasibility study considered the technical, engineering and cost | |
| components, as well as the health and safety, and social and community | ||
| impacts | ||
| | Metallurgical test work shows that an acceptable minimum level of recovery | |
| and concentrate grade can be obtained with confidence. | ||
| Cut-off | | A simplified cashflow script was developed to generate at a block level all of |
| parameters | the required attributes to calculate the cashflow grades for the proposed | |
| processing permutation for subsequent use in pit optimisation and strategic | ||
| mine schedule optimisation. | ||
| | The basis for the application of the cut-off grade is a simplified variable cash | |
| flow per tonne. This approach provides the most mathematically efficient | ||
| inputs to solve the objective function as used consistently in the optimisation | ||
| models developed, which is to maximise the real, pre-tax NPV. | ||
| | The cash flow script provides the linkage between the block model, the | |
| metallurgy models and the scheduling models and therefore needs to | ||
| accurately reflect the input assumptions. The cash flow script, and the cash flow | ||
| grade which it generates is current industry best practice, and supersedes other | ||
| forms of cut-off grade such as a graphite break-even estimation as used in the | ||
| historical studies. | ||
| | The cash flow script was built with the current economic assumptions to | |
| accurately reflect the proposed operating cost profiles. The throughput and | ||
| recovery calculation steps were based on the ALS testwork throughput and | ||
| recovery estimations. | ||
| | Blocks where the cash flow per tonne is positive are designated ore and | |
| negative blocks designated waste. | ||
| Mining factors or | | The pit shells were developed in Whittle 4x using the variable cashflow cut-off |
| assumptions | grade estimated in the block model. The optimisation shells selected | |
| comprised 13 open pits, mined over 2 stages, which initially target the higher | ||
| value areas earlier in the mining plan. The stage 1 pits are optimised on the | ||
| Measured and Indicated material while stage 2 optimisations include Inferred | ||
| material. | ||
| | A revenue factor of 1 was used for the stage 1 shells and 0.45 was used for the | |
| stage 2 shells. The lower revenue factor used in the stage 2 shells was deemed | ||
| appropriate given the lower geological confidence. This resulted in selection of | ||
| inferred material that is likely well above the cut-off grade and robust in terms | ||
| of remaining economic within the variability of other modifying factors. | ||
| | Dilution was set to 5% and ore recovery at 3% | |
| | All the selected pit shells had detailed pit designs created which aligned with | |
| the shells while retaining the geotechnical recommendations provided by | ||
| Mining One. | ||
| | The deposits will be mined in multiple stages using conventional open pit | |
| operation and will utilise conventional load-haul mining methods. Each bench | ||
| will be mined using 130 tonne to 150 tonne class excavators and 100 tonne | ||
| class rigid frame trucks. | ||
| | A minimum mining width for pits of 35 meters based on the use of CAT 777 | |
| class rigid frame trucks. | ||
| | Haul road widths designed to 22m for dual lane traffic and 15m for single lane, | |
| based on the use of CAT 777 class rigid frame trucks, with all ramp gradients to | ||
| be limited to 1:10 (10%). |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| | Mineralisation extends to surface so only limited pioneering and soil collection | |
| works are required. There is no pre-strip. | ||
| | The high-grade nature of the deposit results in pit optimization shell sizes | |
| increasing incrementally with revenue factor. | ||
| | Access to the area is straight forward with council maintained roads available | |
| to within 2 kilometers of the mining area. | ||
| | The topography is gently undulating rises and it is anticipated that no | |
| significant issues associated with mining are likely. | ||
| | Historical work included a systematic examination of drill core to assess the | |
| requirement for drill and blast during mining and to assess open pit stability. | ||
| The examination was based largely on RQD parameters and concluded that | ||
| drill/blast of the ore zone was unlikely to be necessary or desirable. Drill and | ||
| blast of the west wall gneiss may however be required at depth. This has been | ||
| costed in the contract mining proposals but not included in the financial model | ||
| at this stage. Further detailed work on material hardness at depth will be | ||
| conducted when appropriate. | ||
| | Infrastructure requirements for the selected mining method are minimal. | |
| Annual material movement is planned to be limited to 3.5Mt per annum for the | ||
| first 3 years of operation then reducing to a maximum of 3Mt per annum. | ||
| | This level of mining activity is minor and will only require the most basic of | |
| infrastructure such as a small workshop, office, crib and ablution block and | ||
| equipment hard stand. | ||
| | The average strip ratio is 5:1 (waste:ore). | |
| | Based on the block model, the total mined mine waste rock volumes are | |
| expected to be approximately 35.3 million tonnes over a 15-year mine life. This | ||
| equates to 19.3 million cubic meters of loose material at an average in-situ | ||
| bulk density of 2.45 and a swell factor post mining of 35%. | ||
| | Halbert’s Main will be required for waste dumping once the pit has been | |
| finalised at the end of 2026. Available volume in Halbert’s Main is 6.3 million | ||
| cubic meters. Total waste material remaining post completion of the Halbert’s | ||
| Main pit is 9.79 million loose cubic meters. | ||
| Metallurgical | | The metallurgical process proposed is comprised of standard graphite flotation |
| factors or | processing. Flotation is a standard processing method for graphite flake | |
| assumptions | | deposits. Flotation technology is well tested and understood. |
| | Significant historical metallurgical testwork has been undertaken. Overall, | |
| more than 20 specific metallurgical studies were undertaken on the Munglinup | ||
| Graphite mineralisation, predominantly in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. In | ||
| 2017 a metallurgical testwork program was undertaken at ALS Laboratory (ALS) | ||
| in Perth to assess the ore’s amenability to beneficiation by gravity and froth | ||
| flotation. The results from this testwork program were used to support the | ||
| process design and engineering for the 2017 PFS. In 2018 and 2019 further | ||
| drilling was conducted to generate samples for additional metallurgical | ||
| testwork programs to support the DFS. | ||
| | An 8t bulk sample was extracted from the Halberts Main deposit to be used for | |
| metallurgical test work undertaken by Nagrom in 2011. This sample does | ||
| include material from the three mineralisation types. The sample has ultimately | ||
| been deemed only partially representative as it does not include material from | ||
| depth. Future metallurgical testwork is utilizing a master composite derived | ||
| from historical drilling core and that has been selected to provide high | ||
| representivityof the deposit. |
| Criteria | Commentary |
|---|---|
| The 2018 PFS testwork utilised core that had been drilled in 2013 in Halberts Main and Halberts South areas. The variability program utilised core from eight drill holes from the 2018 program, located at Halberts Main and Halberts South at varying depths and lithology. Sample ID TC (%) TGC (%) SiO2 (%) S(t) (%) Al (%) Ca (%) Fe (%) Mg (%) PFS Master Composite 19.2 16.9 33.0 0.06 4.28 1.20 13.6 3.68 Var1 11.9 7.20 17 0.04 4.96 1.00 19.0 9.36 Var2 36.2 31.5 36.4 0.04 5.72 1.30 2.00 1.32 Var3 27.6 24.9 42.4 0.04 7.28 1.00 3.68 0.84 Var4 16.8 16.5 45.6 <0.02 5.72 <0.01 11.4 1.12 Var5 28.3 27.3 39.4 0.08 4.48 <0.01 10.5 0.40 Var6 17.4 16.8 41.2 0.06 5.00 0.20 15.5 0.64 Var7 13.6 14.0 45.4 0.1 4.96 0.30 14.7 0.76 Var8 23.4 22.1 43.4 0.04 8.92 <0.01 3.86 1.6 Var9 27.5 24.6 48.2 0.16 7.04 0.40 2.18 0.84 Var10 22.7 21.9 44.8 0.02 6.76 0.30 3.82 0.28 Var11 28.9 26.3 40.6 0.04 6.96 0.30 6.96 0.40 Var12 10.3 9.51 10.4 0.06 0.76 1.50 42.1 2.88 Var13 8.67 6.81 12.6 0.04 2.20 1.10 41.4 2.08 Var14 33.2 33.0 39.6 0.04 6.44 1.60 2.40 1.24 Var15 16.9 16.7 49.8 0.62 8.72 0.30 2.66 0.2 Var16 15.9 14.6 44.2 0.02 7.32 0.20 0.48 3.68 Var17 18.2 16.8 22.4 0.02 9.68 0.10 10.0 3.36 Var18 9.36 8.79 14.2 0.04 4.4 0.40 33.2 0.48 Var19 24.8 24.3 27.2 0.04 9.04 <0.01 9.76 0.12 Var20 13.2 12.8 41.8 2.34 6.32 0.20 6.50 0.64 DFS Master Composite 16.3 14.3 33.0 0.23 6.64 2.00 9.86 2.96 Comminution testwork was undertaken on the Master Composite, near surface scrubber feed samples that were relatively soft, and additional samples targeted to provide more spatial variability as well as more competent material based on visual selection of the core. The tests included: oSAG Mill Comminution test (SMC) oBond Ball Work Index (BBWi) oBond Rod Work Index (BRWi) oBond Abrasion Index (Ai) The ore is naturally very friable, weathered and can generally be considered to be soft. Initial flotation testwork was undertaken on the variability composites of Halberts Main and Halberts South at varying depths and lithology. The TGC recoveries were variable ranging from 56.0 to 97.5 % within the distribution. The composites withpoor recoveries were either those in the ironstone-rich or |
Criteria
Commentary
-
near surface zones. A size analysis of the final concentrates showed that all these composites contained little amounts of coarse flakes with most of the material in the -75 µm size fraction.
-
The feed size P100 of 1000 µm was selected as the primary grind for the rougher circuit. Generally, the test procedure involved desliming the ground material at 25µm followed by rougher flotation. The rougher concentrate then underwent a secondary grind, as there were some coarse composites that needed to be liberated, before undergoing multiple cleaning stages. Prior to each cleaning stage the concentrate was reground in a stirred mill using ceramic media. This procedure aimed to increase graphite particle liberation whilst trying to avoid the break-up of coarser flakes.
-
The flotation reagent scheme was relatively simple, consisting of kerosene as the collector, and a frother. All flotation tests were carried out at natural pH.
-
The TGC recoveries were variable ranging from 56.0% to 97.5 %. The results showed that the high-grade final concentrates can be consistently produced with TGC grades ranging from 95.0% to 98.3% after 5 stages of cleaner flotation.
-
The results showed that the coarse flake fraction (+150µm) can be maintained at around 50% proportion of the concentrate at high average TGC grades (up to 97.7%) and that high-grade fines (-150µm) concentrate can be produced with up to an average of 98.3% TGC.
| Test ID | Final Concentrate | Final Concentrate | Final Concentrate | Final Concentrate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +150 µm (Coarse) | -150 µm (Fine) | Total TGC Recovery |
|||
| % Mass | % TGC Grade |
% Mass | % TGC Grade |
||
| BF1273 | 44.0 | 97.3 | 56.0 | 93.9 | 88.7 |
| BF1281 | 48.4 | 97.7 | 51.6 | 94.2 | 86.6 |
| BF1282 | 56.2 | 95.2 | 43.8 | 91.0 | 89.4 |
| BF1289 | 57.0 | 95.7 | 43.0 | 97.2 | 86.4 |
| BF1304 | 47.7 | 96.5 | 52.3 | 94.1 | 87.1 |
| BF1305 | 46.4 | 96.5 | 53.6 | 98.3 | 84.9 |
| BF1306 | 54.1 | 97.4 | 45.9 | 97.9 | 84.6 |
| BF1334 | 51.4 | 95.1 | 48.6 | 97.6 | 85.8 |
| BF1360 | 83.9 | ||||
| BF1363 | 49.3 | 97.1 | 50.7 | 95.6 | 67.0 |
| BF1371 | 57.9 | 89.7 | 42.1 | 97.1 | 86.3 |
-
In 2019 further drilling was conducted to generate samples for a metallurgical testwork program to support the DFS.
-
A DFS Master Composite was produced and test work focused on optimising the flake size distribution and final grades of the concentrate. The testwork also investigated adjusting reagents addition rates, the number of cleaning and recleaning flotation stages, the number of polishing grinds, alternate reagents and intermediate screening. Processing was generally in Perth water with additional tests conducted using site water.
-
Criteria Commentary The results showed that the coarse flake fraction (+150µm) can be maintained at around 50% proportion of the concentrate at high average TGC grades (up to 97.7%) and that high-grade fines (-150µm) concentrate can be produced with up to an average of 98.3% TGC.
-
A 480 kg bulk sample of the DFS Master Composite was prepared and underwent large batch flotation tests in order to produce concentrate for vendor and marketing purposes. The flotation scheme and was based on the optimisation test work and utilised larger laboratory equipment. The coarse flake fraction was contained 48.6% of the mass with a TGC grade averaging 95.8%. The fines accounted for 51.4% of the mass with a TGC grade averaging 96.0%.
| Flake Size | Micron (µm) | Mesh | Bulk sample Test BF1287 | Bulk sample Test BF1287 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass (%) | Assay TGC (%) |
|||
| Jumbo | 300 – 500 | 50 | 17.7 | 96.0 |
| Large | 180 – 300 | +80 -50 | 24.5 | 95.5 |
| Medium | 150 – 180 | +100 -80 | 6.43 | 96.1 |
| Small | 75 – 150 | +200-100 | 24.6 | 97.8 |
| Fines | – 75 | -200 | 26.8 | 94.4 |
| Calculated P80(µm) and TGC Grade (%) | 289 | 95.8 |
-
Test work also included scrubbing, thickening, filtration, and rheology.
-
Thickener testwork results indicated that both tailings and concentrate can be thickened by high rate thickening over a range of fluxes. The tailings reached densities up to 50.2% solids (w/w) while the final concentrate reached densities up to 36.8% solids (w/w).
-
Comparative filtration testwork found that the most efficient method was pressure filtration over vacuum filtration. A final cake moisture of around 15% w/w was achieved with extensive air blowing.
-
Graphite flake size distribution is set using a Rosin-Rammler Regression model.
-
Analysis of the variability test work data shows that the n (dispersion) parameter on the Rosin-Rammler TGC feed distribution is a good predictor of the TGC Recovery.
==> picture [331 x 177] intentionally omitted <==
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| | The distribution was also used to determine the product flake size distribution. | |
| This estimation also correlated well with the variability test work data. | ||
| | No specific allowances have been made for deleterious elements. Any non- | |
| graphite material that reports to the graphite concentrate is deemed to be | ||
| dilutionary in nature only and does not attract any specific penalties beyond | ||
| the reduction in concentrate price based on the graphite concentrate purity as | ||
| is standard in the industry. | ||
| | Both historical and recent work has been done on the mineralogy of the | |
| deposit. The latest petrographical study was conducted on 12 samples from | ||
| drill core that are representative of the deposit. The petrographical nature of | ||
| the graphite mineralisation at Munglinup is well understood and shows that | ||
| the final product will be able to meet the required specifications | ||
| mineralogically. | ||
| Environmental | | Significant environmental assessment work has been undertaken. The deposit |
| lies entirely within a granted mining lease and information from the DMR | ||
| suggests that only limited additional information will be required to proceed | ||
| with operations. | ||
| | The potential mine waste associated with the Project is dominated by Non- | |
| Acid Forming (NAF) and uncertain material, a small proportion of the waste is | ||
| Potentially Acid Forming (PAF). The PAF material will need to be managed | ||
| during operations. The Project wastes were also found to contain metals above | ||
| local soil concentration that can be potentially harmful to the environment | ||
| such as arsenic, copper, lead, nickel and zinc, however only copper, nickel and | ||
| lead are of concern and may require specific management during operation | ||
| and closure. No metals were found to exceed health investigation level. All | ||
| materials tested were found to have Exchangeable Sodium Percent (ESP) values | ||
| >15% indicating that the wastes are strongly sodic and potentially dispersive. | ||
| | Flood assessments for a 1-in-100 and 1-in-2000-year flood events are not | |
| envisaged to impact on the Project, with the exception of a small creek line | ||
| adjacent to the Halberts Main pit | ||
| | Results of geochemical characterisation associated with two tailings solids and | |
| one tailings liquor. The results indicate that the Munglinup tailings are | ||
| Potentially Acid Neutralising (PAN), and that Molybdenum and Selenium are | ||
| potential constituents of concern in leachate from drytailings. |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| | Seven soil types have been identified and mapped within the Project area. The | |
| majority of soil types within the Project are nutrient deficient, and typically very | ||
| shallow (2-5cm) with an organic material layer which included leaf litter and | ||
| degrading material with topsoil. Four of the soil types show high exchangeable | ||
| sodium percentage (ESP), and have a higher clay content and high sodium | ||
| levels, which indicates that these soils are potentially dispersive (ISPL 2018). The | ||
| most common soil type within the Project area is the Brown Loam Duplex, with | ||
| the majority of available growth medium likely to come from this soil type (ISPL | ||
| 2018). | ||
| | The Project lies within the Esperance Coast Topographic Drainage Division and | |
| the Munglinup River sub-catchment, with drainage trending southwards via | ||
| two main features, the Munglinup River and its tributary, Clayhole Creek. | ||
| | A Munglinup River Assessment Report was completed by Wetland Research | |
| and Management in 2018. Concentrations of heavy metals are mostly below | ||
| the limit of detection and are not of ecological concern. | ||
| | Two vegetation survey have been completed over the proposed Project area, | |
| one by Ecologia Environment in 2014 and the second by Woodman | ||
| Environmental in 2018 | ||
| | In 2018, a Phytophthora Dieback assessment was completed within the main | |
| Mining Area. This assessment found no Phytophthora Dieback infestations, | ||
| however the majority of the vegetation within the Project was mapped as | ||
| uninterpretable due to an insufficient coverage of reliable indicator species | ||
| (Glevan Consulting 2018). | ||
| | No known groundwater users are expected to be impacted by the Project | |
| groundwater abstraction. | ||
| | Three fauna surveys have been completed across the Project Area, one in 2014 | |
| by Ecologia Environment and two by Red Dog Environmental in 2018. Field | ||
| records from fauna surveys and database records determined the 85 fauna taxa | ||
| were recorded from direct sightings and indirect evidence (scats, tracks and | ||
| calls). Two conservation significant species have been recorded in the area, one | ||
| an endangered species - Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo and the second a priority 4 | ||
| species – Quenda. | ||
| Infrastructure | | The mining lease is currently devoid of any structures or buildings. Access to |
| the site from Munglinup township, 4km to the south, is by gravel road either | ||
| from the west across the Munglinup River or by station tracks from the east. | ||
| Both access roads are in need of an upgrade. | ||
| | The power requirements for the main process plant have been calculated at a | |
| total connected load of 5.3 MW including all duty and standby equipment with | ||
| an estimated average demand of the project being 2.5MW with a peak of | ||
| 2.8MW. This running load was determined from the estimated plant load plus | ||
| allowances for losses. | ||
| | Power is proposed to be supplied by POWERWEST with a 4.0 MW power | |
| station comprising 4 x containerised Jenbacher J320 - 1,057kWe reciprocating | ||
| generator sets (gensets) operating with an n+1 strategy. The power station will | ||
| supply power to the plant at 415V. | ||
| | The power station will be fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplied by | |
| EVOL LNG (a division of Wesfarmers), based on an onsite storage and | ||
| vaporization facility comprising a single 135 tonne LNG storage tank, | ||
| associated ancillary equipment and telemetry systems with a storage capacity | ||
| design allowance of a nominal 10-11 days. |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| | The Project will transport product via road train combinations travelling 610 km | |
| from the Project via a third-party logistics provider (3PL) for storage, handling, | ||
| packing of containers for export, and delivery to the Port of Fremantle (POF). | ||
| Product will be loaded into bulka-bags with a nominal weight of one tonne | ||
| prior to transport via tautliner trailers. Approximate product weight per trip is | ||
| 60-65 metric tonnes. | ||
| | The Esperance-Goldfields region has a deep pool of mining trained employees | |
| engaged primarily in the gold sector but also in other mining projects. It is | ||
| planned that employees will be recruited to a base location in Esperance. | ||
| | The Project is located approximated 105 km west of Esperance. Site access is | |
| proposed via the South Coast highway; | ||
oNorth on Farmer Rd - 8.8 km |
||
oWest on Clayhole Rd - 3.6 Km |
||
oPrimary site access eastern road – 6 km |
||
oSecondary site access western road |
||
| | The new site access roads will be constructed in accordance with appropriate | |
| Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) requirements. In addition, both Farmer and | ||
| Clayhole roads will be upgraded as required to comply with RAV road | ||
| standards. | ||
| | A borefield location has been investigated with several production bores drilled | |
| and pump tested to ensure that the borefield will support the operation. | ||
| Water from the bores will be pumped to the raw water storage. | ||
| | Generally, the project benefits from excellent infrastructure requiring only | |
| minimal additional expenditure. | ||
| | Tailings will be thickened and pumped to a conventional paddock type TSF. | |
| The TSF will require storage of approximately 5.25 Mt of non-acid forming | ||
| tailings produced at a rate of 0.35 Mtpa for a design life of 14 years. | ||
| | The stability analysis of the Munglinup Graphite TSF embankment was carried | |
| out using the 2D limit equilibrium slope stability analysis software SlopeW | ||
| (Geostudio 2018). Models were constructed for sections through both the | ||
| South Western corner and Western embankments. Two representative cross- | ||
| sections were analysed using the Morgenstern-Price method. The results of | ||
| the stability analyses indicate that the estimated Factor of Safety against failure | ||
| is greater than the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) | ||
| (2012) recommended minimum values. | ||
| | A simplified dam break flow path assessment and hazard categorising was | |
| carried out for the TSF. The TSF is classified as a Category 1 dam according to | ||
| DMIRS (2013). This classification is based on a High C hazard rating as defined | ||
| in ANCOLD (2012b) and an embankment height greater than 15m. | ||
| Costs | | Mondium has prepared a preliminary capital cost estimate for the Munglinup |
| Graphite Project | ||
| | The Project includes engineering, design, procurement and construction of a | |
| 400,000 tpa graphite concentrator, using conventional crushing, scrubbing, | ||
| screening, milling, flotation, drying, sizing and packaging technologies. | ||
| | The capital estimate has been prepared by Battery Limits Pty Ltd, Mondium and | |
| MRC Graphite, with the capital cost estimate for the process plant, | ||
| infrastructure, associated equipment and project management costs at | ||
| +15/-5%. |
| |
Capital | Project Total US$M |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Capital | 55.5 | ||
| Sustaining Capital | 25.5 | ||
| Pre-Strip Capital | 4.3 | ||
| Total | 85.3 | ||
| Capital | Project Total US$M |
||
| Construction Distributables | 4.3 | ||
| Treatment Plant Costs | 21.5 | ||
| Reagents & Plant Services | 7.0 | ||
| Infrastructure | 8.5 | ||
| Management Costs | 8.0 | ||
| Owners Project Costs | 6.2 | ||
| Total | 55.5 |
| Criteria | Commentary | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Costs US$ M US$/t Sold Mining 135.4 182 Processing 140.1 188 Product Logistics (CIF) 74.0 99 Royalties 46.7 63 Indirect Production Costs 30.8 41 Total (CIF) 427.0 573 Royalties have been calculated conservatively using a WA mineral royalty rate of five percent payable to the Western Australian government and a trailing residual royalty rate of an additional one percent payable to the original mining rights owners. Royalty payments are expected to be paid net of logistics expenditure. All amounts have been modelled in US dollars with foreign estimated inflows/ outflows converted to US dollars at an average exchange rate forecast for the relevant transaction year. The forecast exchange rate used reflects long term exchange forecasts from a third-party foreign exchange provider and range from USD/AUD 0.68 to 0.70 over the life-of-mine. |
Operating Costs | US$ M | US$/t Sold |
| Mining | 135.4 | 182 | |
| Processing | 140.1 | 188 | |
| Product Logistics (CIF) | 74.0 | 99 | |
| Royalties | 46.7 | 63 | |
| Indirect Production Costs | 30.8 | 41 | |
| Total (CIF) | 427.0 | 573 | |
| Revenue factors Revenue from the project is derived from the sale of graphite product. Testwork has established that the Munglinup graphite product can be produced at a minimum of 94% graphite and, if produced to a minimum of 94% graphite in product, can expect to receive premium or near premium pricing levels. Head grade delivered to the processing plant was derived from the underlying block model. A calculated recovery was used based on previous metallurgical testwork. Testwork to date shows that there are no by-products, co-products or deleterious elements in the concentrate. Revenue estimates are based on independent market pricing and life-of-mine concentrate production of 745,022t at an average 52,000 tpa of production. Prices are expected to rise in the long-term with rapid growth in demand from the lithium-ion battery industry underpinned by uptake of electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The basket price used in the model has been calculated based on pricing obtained from Roskill Information Services Ltd’s latest market report: “Natural and Synthetic Graphite: Outlook to 2028, 12th Edition” (“Roskill Report”). Forecast prices (real) for natural flake graphite (94-97% carbon) 2018-2028 for fine, medium and large flake were incorporated into the model. Graphite prices were modelled from 2029 onwards in line with the 2028 forecast. Prices for small flake product were modelled conservatively to largely reflect fine product pricing. Prices for jumbo size flake graphite carry a 50-100% price premium over the published price of 94-97% carbon large size flake, with a 75% premium modelled. |
-
Criteria Commentary Super jumbo products have been modelled with a further 40% premium on jumbo product.
-
Revenue estimates are base case only, reflecting average graphite grades of 95%.
-
MRC will continue test work to optimise grade performance towards 99% carbon concentrate production. Per the Roskill Report prices of 99% carbon grade flake typically attract 55-65% higher prices than those of 95% carbon, representing significant upside to MRC.
| Criteria Commentary Super jumbo products have been modelled with a further 40% premium on jumbo product. Revenue estimates are base case only, reflecting average graphite grades of 95%. MRC will continue test work to optimise grade performance towards 99% carbon concentrate production. Per the Roskill Report prices of 99% carbon grade flake typically attract 55-65% higher prices than those of 95% carbon, representing significant upside to MRC. |
Criteria Commentary Super jumbo products have been modelled with a further 40% premium on jumbo product. Revenue estimates are base case only, reflecting average graphite grades of 95%. MRC will continue test work to optimise grade performance towards 99% carbon concentrate production. Per the Roskill Report prices of 99% carbon grade flake typically attract 55-65% higher prices than those of 95% carbon, representing significant upside to MRC. |
Criteria Commentary Super jumbo products have been modelled with a further 40% premium on jumbo product. Revenue estimates are base case only, reflecting average graphite grades of 95%. MRC will continue test work to optimise grade performance towards 99% carbon concentrate production. Per the Roskill Report prices of 99% carbon grade flake typically attract 55-65% higher prices than those of 95% carbon, representing significant upside to MRC. |
Criteria Commentary Super jumbo products have been modelled with a further 40% premium on jumbo product. Revenue estimates are base case only, reflecting average graphite grades of 95%. MRC will continue test work to optimise grade performance towards 99% carbon concentrate production. Per the Roskill Report prices of 99% carbon grade flake typically attract 55-65% higher prices than those of 95% carbon, representing significant upside to MRC. |
Criteria Commentary Super jumbo products have been modelled with a further 40% premium on jumbo product. Revenue estimates are base case only, reflecting average graphite grades of 95%. MRC will continue test work to optimise grade performance towards 99% carbon concentrate production. Per the Roskill Report prices of 99% carbon grade flake typically attract 55-65% higher prices than those of 95% carbon, representing significant upside to MRC. |
Criteria Commentary Super jumbo products have been modelled with a further 40% premium on jumbo product. Revenue estimates are base case only, reflecting average graphite grades of 95%. MRC will continue test work to optimise grade performance towards 99% carbon concentrate production. Per the Roskill Report prices of 99% carbon grade flake typically attract 55-65% higher prices than those of 95% carbon, representing significant upside to MRC. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Price US$/t |
Quantity (t) |
Total US$’000 |
||
| Super Jumbo | 2,787 | 15,273 | 42,561 | ||
| Jumbo | 1,990 | 86,548 | 172,269 | ||
| Large | 1,130 | 155,053 | 175,228 | ||
| Medium | 1,077 | 62,851 | 67,712 | ||
| Small | 930 | 206,588 | 192,189 | ||
| Fine | 927 | 218,709 | 202,640 | ||
| 1,144 | 745,022 | 852,599 | |||
| Market assessment Graphite, a form of pure Carbon, has two main types - Natural and Synthetic. The combined Natural and Synthetic graphite has a market size of some 2.52 million tonnes (2018). Natural graphite accounts for 38% of this market. The graphite market is an opaque market where most information is not readily available and market analysis is based on some available data combined with estimations. Production of Natural Graphite, including all three forms of it (Amorphous, Flake, Vein), is 0.95 million tpa. China, with 60% share, is the biggest producer and seller. The refractory market still has the biggest share in graphite consumption and graphite mainly goes into Magnesia Carbon bricks for iron and steel production. It is estimated that around 0.5 kg of natural graphite is consumed per tonne of steel, besides the given market share of 28%. In reality it is estimated that refractories consume 600,000 tonnes of graphite every year. Total graphite market size could be beyond what was reported. It should be also considered that different graphite types could potentially substitute each other, and natural flake graphite is the only graphite type that could possibly substitute all other types of graphite, including synthetic graphite. Battery markets, especially Lithium-ion Batteries, represent the fastest growing market and their main demand driver is Electric Vehicles. Both synthetic and natural graphite are mainly used as anode material in LiBs. Natural graphite requires spheroidization, purification and coating processes before being used in batteries. To produce one tonne of natural spherical graphite, an average of two tonnes of natural graphite concentrate is required, mainly because of the rejection of non-spheroidized material during the process. Natural spherical graphite and synthetic graphite are generally used together in the LiBs, with a mixture of 60% natural and 40% synthetic. It is also estimated that 1 kgofgraphite is required for each 1kWh of batteries. |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| | Global production of LiBs was some 146 GWh in 2018. Roskill forecasts this | |
| level to grow to some 1,771 GWh in 2028. As a result, the demand for graphite | ||
| is forecast to grow substantially. | ||
| | Roskill forecasts that demand for natural graphite will grow from 947kt in 2018 | |
| to 1,686kt in 2028 – a CAGR of some 5.9% p.a. | ||
| | Prices for natural graphite with higher carbon content declined through the | |
| second half of 2018 and into 2019 with increasing supply, mainly from Africa, | ||
| and a temporary slowdown in demand for lithium-ion batteries. Despite the | ||
| decline they remain relatively high when compared to recent protracted lows. | ||
| | Growing supply coupled with existing overcapacity in China is expected to | |
| push prices even lower through 2019. More supply will be available to come | ||
| online through the early 2020s from the ramp-up/expansion of existing | ||
| operations and potentially from some of the new projects currently under | ||
| construction, although start-ups will likely be hindered by the current climate | ||
| of weakening prices. | ||
| | Such is the high level of forecast demand from lithium-ion batteries, however | |
| that prices could begin to strengthen again as early as 2021-22 with the market | ||
| becoming tight in specific grades preferred for use in batteries. | ||
| | Rising prices through the early 2020s could encourage a second wave of new | |
| projects, many of which are already well developed and might take it into | ||
| production with the correct investment and offtake contracts in place. The | ||
| release of new supply into the market could then result in a downwards | ||
| recovery in prices towards 2028. | ||
| | Based on MRC’s market approach, the main focus will be: | |
oPossible value additions to our product, producing high purity |
||
| graphite, developing expandable production etc | ||
oSpecialty product markets, targeting Alkaline batteries, Lubricants, |
||
| Powder Metallurgy, Conductive additives, etc | ||
oDiversified and customer specific products, closely engaging with |
||
| customers and developing the right products for the customers’ | ||
| requirements | ||
oTotal value proposition: packaging, logistics, offering short delivery |
||
| times, fast response times, consistent quality etc | ||
| | Short-Term (1 to 3 years) – Selling concentrates with the highest possible price | |
| and developing value-added products and markets. Expansion could be | ||
| considered in the short-term | ||
| | Mid-Term (3 to 7 years) – Supplying the value-added product market (BAM) | |
| | Long-Term (>7 years) – New and downstream products (graphene for energy | |
| storage, coated spherical graphite etc). | ||
| Economic | | A discount rate of 7% (real). The discount rate applied reflects the weighted |
| average cost of capital expected from debt funding the project. | ||
| | Sensitivities of the NPV to changes in key assumptions have been analysed. | |
| These were run on the following key model assumptions: flake graphite pricing, | ||
| flake graphite recovery, exchange rate, discount rate, operating costs, capital | ||
| costs and construction schedule (capex timing). | ||
| | In each case, the sensitivities run were regarded as a possible downside | |
| scenario and a possible upside scenario based on the historic experience of | ||
| mining projects. |
Criteria
Commentary
==> picture [330 x 132] intentionally omitted <==
-
The upside case for the flake graphite pricing forecast (120% base pricing forecast from Roskill) demonstrates a post-tax NPV at US$174M. The downside case (80% base pricing forecast from Roskill) demonstrates a posttax NPV of US$48M.
-
All cashflows have been prepared in real terms, assuming 2019 dollars, with no inflation of graphite concentrate prices.
-
Social ML74/245 is a mining lease in the Esperance area granted on 26 August 2010 for a term of 21 years, expiring on 25 August 2031.
-
There are no plaints of other applications currently registered with respect to the tenement and no native title claims.
-
The tenement is in a Mining Reserve specifically set aside from agricultural release. The surrounding land use is primarily farmland. Proximal to mining lease 74/17A are reserves set aside for timber, recreation, water supply, parklands (recreation) and rubbish disposal.
-
An Archaeological Heritage survey across M74/245 identified five archaeological features, two ethnographic features and an additional 35 isolated finds. Following submission to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) for assessment, the Munglinup River (Site Id 37695), Mungan Wilgie Koort (Site ID 37631) and Munglinup Standing Stone (Site Id 37798) were registered as an Aboriginal Site (Applied Archaeology Australia 2018).
-
The two ethnographic features lie outside of the required Munglinup development envelope.
-
A section 18s application was submitted to the ACMC and subsequently granted to enable development of the project in areas registered as Aboriginal sites.
-
The Munglinup deposit (Munglinup) is located with the Shire of Esperance, a predominantly rural area with a population in the order of 14,242 residents. The closest town to the Project is Munglinup, which is 4km to the south. Esperance is the main town and administrative centre for the region, located approximately 105 km to the east.
-
Whilst the Munglinup operations will be new, the local community is generally familiar with the characteristics of mining, processing and product transport, as other resource extraction operations occur within the Shire. Stakeholder consultation conducted to-date has identified that the majority of the community are supportive of the Project. During the public consultation period for the Project referral, four submissions where received, suggesting that the community is not concerned about the Project.
| Criteria | Commentary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | | The Company is currently undergoing review of the environmental impact | ||
| submission by the EPA and EPBC under an accredited process to gain an | ||||
| environmental operating permit. | ||||
| | As there is a Mining Lease in place, no economic evaluation or justification is | |||
| required. | ||||
| Classification | | The current Mineral Resource classifies all mineralisation at Munglinup as | ||
| Indicated and inferred only. | ||||
| | Given predominantly the proposed mining rate and uncertainty of | |||
| mineralisation at the local scale, no measured material has been defined | under | |||
| the JORC guidelines. | ||||
| | Currently, 100% of the Ore Reserve has been derived from Indicated Mineral | |||
| Resources. | ||||
| | A comprehensive resource development and grade control drilling program | |||
| has been developed and is planned for execution upon granting of project | ||||
| environmental permits. | ||||
| | Pit optimisations and the proposed mining schedule are cognisant of the | |||
| Mineral Resource classification. | ||||
| | The first 6 years of ore feed is almost entirely classified as probable with the | |||
| current schedule, including inferred material as “In-Pit Resources” in later years | ||||
| of production. The inferred material will be upgraded to indicated or | ||||
| measured prior to the third year of production. | ||||
| Ore Feed by Material Classification - High R&R Conversion | ||||
| 600,000 | ||||
| 400,000 500,000 |
||||
| 0 100,000 200,000 300,000 Material Movement (tonnes) |
||||
| 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 |
2036 | |||
| Period (Year) | ||||
| Indicated Inferred Capacity |
||||
| Audits or reviews | | Only internal reviews of the Ore Reserve methodology and estimates have | ||
| been done. | ||||
| | Metallurgical and process design has been reviewed by Orway Metallurgical | |||
| Consultants (OMC). | ||||
| | Capital and operating costs were reviewed by Lycopodium and Monadelphous | |||
| personnel prior to approval by Mondium. | ||||
| Discussion of | | A degree of uncertainty is associated with the Geological and Mineral Resource | ||
| relative accuracy/ | estimates and the Ore Reserve classification also reflects the level of confidence | |||
| confidence | in the Mineral Resources. The Mineral Resource model is an implicit model that | |||
| has been translated to a conventional, regularized block model for | ||||
| optimisation and mineplanning purposes. Anyconversion of this type of a |
| Criteria | Commentary | |
|---|---|---|
| geological model, will introduce minor inconsistencies due to the change | ||
| estimation and reporting methodology. At all stages the model was reconciled | ||
| back to the previous model to ensure any variability was understood and | ||
| acceptable. | ||
| | The design, schedule and financial model on which the Ore Reserves are based | |
| has been completed to a Definitive Feasibility Study standard with a | ||
| corresponding level of confidence (+15%/-5%). | ||
| | There is a degree of uncertainty regarding estimates of material hardness at | |
| depth, geotechnical rock mass characterisation and mineralisation at the local | ||
| scale. This has been accounted for in the Mineral Resource and subsequent Ore | ||
| Reserve material categorisation. The Competent Person is satisfied that a | ||
| suitable margin exists that the Ore Reserve estimate would remain | ||
| economically viable with any negative impacts applied to these factors or | ||
| parameters. | ||
| | There is a degree of uncertainty in the commodity price used, however the | |
| Competent Person is satisfied that the assumptions used to determine the | ||
| economic viability of the Ore Reserves are based on reasonable current data. |