Brilliant Mining Corp.: Resource and Exploration Update, Lanfranchi Nickel Mine, Kambalda District of Western Australia
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA- Brilliant Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE:BMC - News; “Brilliant” or the “Company”) today reported an updated Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource and an exploration update from its 25% owned Lanfranchi Nickel Mine, located in the world class Kambalda Nickel District of Western Australia.
Key Point Summary:
- 3.71 Mt at 2.58% Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource for 95,516t (210.5 MLbs) of Ni metal
- 1,62 Mt at 1.84% Inferred Resource for 29,846t (65.8 Mlbs) of Ni Metal reported at the Lanfranchi Mine as at June 30, 2008
- 2008/09 underground exploration focused on adding to mineral resource and reserve base with Deacon down-plunge drill program to commence in September 2008
- AU$8 million, 56,000m, 82 drill hole aggressive surface program
“The significant global resource reported at the Lanfranchi Mine reflects the future longevity of the operation,” states John Williamson, CEO of Brilliant Mining, “That has the potential to be increased even further through the aggressive surface and underground exploration program which we have initiated.”
Lanfranchi Project - Resource Update
An updated Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource as at 30 June 2008 for the Lanfranchi Project is reported in the following table (Table 1).
Table 1: Lanfranchi Project Estimated Mineral Resource at 30 June 2008
————————————————————————–
————————————————————————–
As at June 30 2008 As at June 30 2007
————————————————————————–
Tonnes Ni Ni Metal Tonnes Ni Ni Metal
——————————————————-
Resource Category (,000) (%)(tonnes) (Mlbs) (,000) (%)(tonnes) (Mlbs)
————————————————————————–
————————————————————————–
Deacon Indicated 1,783 2.88 51,365 113.2 1,607 3.09 49,692 109.6
——————————————————-
Inferred 460 2.64 12,186 26.9 303 2.77 8,389 18.5
————————————————————————–
Helmut Measured 216 2.85 6,172 13.6 457 2.44 11,138 24.6
South ——————————————————-
Indicated 38 2.58 973 2.1
————————————————————————–
Winner Indicated 82 5.67 4,673 10.3 112 6.16 6,879 15.2
————————————————————————–
Lanfr- Measured 11 4.11 471 1.0
anchi ——————————————————-
Indicated 67 5.79 3,887 8.6 99 3.04 3,002 6.6
——————————————————-
Inferred 11 5.24 552 1.2 35 4.25 1,476 3.3
————————————————————————–
Schmitz Indicated 75 4.55 3,412 7.5 75 4.55 3,412 7.5
——————————————————-
Inferred 11 3.58 376 0.8 11 3.58 376 0.8
————————————————————————–
Martin Indicated 44 3.88 1,722 3.8 44 3.88 1,722 3.8
——————————————————-
Inferred 6 3.50 208 0.5 6 3.50 208 0.5
————————————————————————–
Cruik- Indicated 1,139 1.41 16,025 35.3 1,139 1.41 16,025 35.3
shank ——————————————————-
Inferred 931 1.33 12,397 27.3 931 1.33 12,397 27.3
————————————————————————–
Remnant Indicated 253 2.69 6,816 15.0 253 2.69 6,816 15.0
——————————————————-
Inferred 203 2.03 4,127 9.1 203 2.03 4,127 9.1
————————————————————————–
————————————————————————–
Total Measured 227 2.93 6,643 14.6 457 2.44 11,138 24.6
——————————————————-
Indicated 3,481 2.55 88,873 195.9 3,328 2.63 87,548 193.0
——————————————————-
Inferred 1,622 1.84 29,846 65.8 1,489 1.81 26,973 59.5
—————————————————————————
Notes:
1. Resources estimated at 1.0% Ni cut-off and 1.6% cut-off for Schmitz
2. All mineralised zone interpretations were reviewed and modified where
necessary by BM Geological Services Pty Ltd (BMGS) in consultation with
Lanfranchi Joint Venture staff prior to resource estimation
3. BMGS believes that the current geological models are fundamentally sound
and provides an appropriate basis for mine planning and project evaluation
4. Remnant Resources reflect ore remaining post historical mining by WMC
5. The Schmitz, Martin, Cruikshank and Remnant Resource estimates are
unchanged from the Company’s 43-101 technical Report on the Lanfranchi
Nickel Project dated August 2007 and filed on SEDAR
6. Additional notes detailing the Resource Estimation Parameters utilized
are listed at the bottom of this press release
After production of 7,303 tonnes (16.1 MLbs) of contained Ni metal from the Lanfranchi mine in 2007/08 the measured and indicated mineral resources for the project decreased by approximately 3,170 tonnes (7.0 MLbs) of Ni metal compared to the mineral resource as at 30 June 2007. The principal decrease in mineral resource was due to ore sourced from the Helmut South and Winner orebodies throughout the 07/08 mine production year. A relative gain was reported in the Deacon Resource estimate from the recent detailed delineation drill program.
In 2008/09 underground exploration activities will be focused on replenishing and adding to our mineral resource and reserve base by drilling the down plunge extensions at Deacon, Helmut South, Schmitz, and Lanfranchi.
Deacon Down Plunge Delineation Drill Program
The Deacon 5920 hanging wall exploration drill drive commenced during the quarter and is on schedule for a resource delineation drill program to commence in September. The first phase of drilling will target the existing 11,500 tonne of Ni metal currently classified as an Inferred Mineral Resource at the base of the Deacon Ni channel with the intent to upgrade it to an Indicated Resource and then convert to Reserves. This drill campaign has the potential to significantly add to mine life in the Reserve category.
The second phase of drilling will be to target a further 150m to 200m down plunge of the Inferred Resource limits with the intent to add new material into the resource base at the mine. A high level of confidence exists for the down plunge continuation of the Deacon mineralisation as evidenced by the strong geophysical conductor identified by parallel EM drilling performed during the last quarter of 2007 (see company press release dated November 1, 2007).
To view Figure 1, please click on the following URL: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Brilliant%20Figure%201.pdf
Winner Down Plunge Extension
As part of the latest resource definition drill program, drill hole WD084 was completed to enable geophysics to test the down plunge potential of the Winner Ni channel. The down hole EM survey produced a strong EM response indicating a high confidence level for the continuation of the Winner mineralisation an additional 25 to 30m down plunge of the interpreted resource limits.
Drilling to test this extension is planned when the Winner decline has progressed sufficiently to enable the development of a suitably positioned underground drill station.
Lanfranchi Down Plunge Extension
The latest resource definition drill program has increased the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource at Lanfranchi by 45% or 1,356 tonnes (3.0 MLbs) of Ni metal. The Lanfranchi Ni channel remains open to depth.
Tramways Tenements - Surface Exploration Update
The Lanfranchi Joint Venture has embarked on an aggressive surface exploration program on the Tramways Tenements host to the producing high-grade Lanfranchi Nickel Mine. The current 82 hole 56,000 metre drill program is budgeted at AU$8 million and will test various prospective areas across the property as is shown in Fig 2.
To view Figure 2, please click on the following URL: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Brilliant%20Figure%202.pdf
Northern Dome Drill Area
An AU$2.5 million, 12,000 metre, 24 hole drill program is budgeted for the Northern Tramways Dome. The completed program will entail infill drilling and deeper drill traverses within the high priority “channel facies” ultramafic corridor along the interpreted overturned continuation of the Winner-Schmitz and Helmut-Deacon Ni channels. In addition, a 100 metre spaced drill fence is planned further to the west towards the projected overturned position of the main Lanfranchi orebody.
To date, 19 drill holes have been completed for a total of 5,376m of RC and 4,349m of diamond drilling with down hole EM surveys completed in 13 of the drill holes.
To view Figure 3, please click on the following URL: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Brilliant%20Figure%203.pdf
The drilling continues to provide strong evidence of the potential for the area to host a nickel sulphide discovery. Multi-element geochemistry continues to provide support for the overturning of the ultramafic/basalt contact on the northern margin of the Tramways Dome and identification of two high priority ‘nickel channel facies’ corridors in the projected overturned position of the Winner-Schmitz and Helmut-Deacon Ni channels. In addition, multiple high grade nickel sulphide intercepts have been identified (as previously reported on April 22, 2008).
One significant assay was received for the Northern Tramways area during the quarter, 0.25m grading 9.27% nickel, for the previously reported massive sulphide intercept in TD8043 (from 285.72m). Geophysical anomalies reported from the down hole EM surveys typically have related to either previously reported mineralisation or sediment layers. However one hole, TD8064 reported an off-hole anomaly from 420m within ultramafic that is recommended for follow-up drilling.
Lanfranchi West Drill Area
A program of surface drilling has commenced in the Ham-Edwin area focused on the down plunge extents of the Ham to Edwin Ni channel mineralisation. To date 16 RC pre-collars (TD8067-TD8083) have been completed for a total of 6,082m. Towards the end of the quarter diamond drilling commenced with 6 diamond tails (TD8067-TD8072) for 747m completed.
The results of the drilling have been encouraging with mineralisation intersected in two holes as follows:
- 6.35% Ni over 1.0m in TD8069 (458m); and
- 1.84% Ni over 0.25m in TD8072 (563.35m)
Additionally, the drill results to date indicate significant variation in the basal contact topography and hence provide the environment favorable for nickel-bearing troughs or embayments.
The drill spacing remains broad at 100m and allows ample room for an Edwin style orebody. Down hole geophysics is pending on all holes.
To view Figure 4, please click on the following URL: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Brilliant%20Figure%204.pdf
The project is supervised by John Williamson, P.Geol., of Edmonton, Alberta. Mr. Williamson is CEO and a Director of Brilliant, and is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
(ii) Table 1 Notes:
The Deacon Mineral Resource Estimate, which is JORC-compliant, has been prepared by BM Geological Services Pty Ltd and Lanfranchi Nickel Mines personnel; and has been reconciled to the mineral resource and mineral reserve categories as set out by and adopted by the CIM Council. The estimate is based on a 3D Surpac block model utilizing a block size of 10m NS x 10m EW x 2m vertical with 5.0m x 5.0m x 1.0m sub-cells. The model comprises 107 underground diamond drill holes for a total of 14,338m of diamond drilling with a total of 4,898 core samples collected. All holes have been accurately located using theodolite survey instruments and down-hole “Reflex EZ Shot” survey cameras. Grade interpolation is by Inverse Distance techniques using an oriented search ellipse based on the geometry of the mineralization. Models for validation and verification have also been completed using Ordinary Kriged interpolations.
The tonnes and grade of the Mineral Resource estimate is the material constrained within the interpreted mineralization wireframes which were constructed on sectional interpretations at 50m centres to a 1.0% Ni cut-off grade. The Deacon resource cut-off was reduced from the previous reiteration due to the selection of a bulk mining method supporting the 0.8%Ni economic cut-off for reserves. When present, high grade massive nickel sulphide mineralization was domained separately.
The Deacon Mineral Resource is largely classified as Indicated due to the good continuity of the mineralization, the adequate drill hole spacing and the confidence gained from QA/QC checks and data validation. A small zone of mineralization at the extremities of the resource has been classified as Inferred due to the lack of sample support and/or poor continuity of grade and lithological controls.
The Lanfranchi Mineral Resource Estimate, which is JORC-compliant, has been prepared by BM Geological Services Pty Ltd and Lanfranchi Nickel Mines personnel; and has been reconciled to the mineral resource and mineral reserve categories as set out by and adopted by the CIM Council. The estimate is based on a 3D Surpac block model utilizing a block size of 5.0m x 5.0m x 1.0m cells. The model comprises a total of 57 diamond holes for 7,058m of diamond drilling and a total of 1,194 core samples collected. All holes have been accurately located using theodolite survey instruments and down-hole “Reflex EZ Shot” survey cameras. Grade interpolation is by Inverse Distance techniques using an oriented search ellipse based on the geometry of the mineralization. Models for validation and verification have also been completed using Ordinary Kriged interpolations.
The tonnes and grade of the Mineral Resource estimate is the material constrained within the interpreted mineralization wireframes which were constructed on sectional interpretations at 10m centres to a 1.0% Ni cut-off grade.
The Lanfranchi Mineral Resource is largely classified as Measured and Indicated due to the good continuity of the mineralization, the adequate drill hole spacing and the confidence gained from QA/QC checks and data validation. A small zone of mineralization at the extremities of the resource has been classified as Inferred due to the lack of sample support and/or poor continuity of grade and lithological controls.
The Winner Mineral Resource Estimate, which is JORC-compliant, has been prepared by BM Geological Services Pty Ltd and Lanfranchi Nickel Mines personnel; and has been reconciled to the mineral resource and mineral reserve categories as set out by and adopted by the CIM Council. The estimate is based on a 3D Surpac block model utilizing a block size of 5.0m x 2.5m x 0.5m cells. The geological framework used for the June 2008 resource estimate incorporates the mineralisation and structural model developed from new drilling as well as the previous interpretation completed in November 2007 based on 43 surface RC and diamond drill holes. All holes have been accurately located using theodolite survey instruments and down-hole “Reflex EZ Shot” survey cameras. Variograms were calculated on multiple orientations to test for optimal grade continuity within the Winner mineralisation. The variogram that represented the highest continuity orientation was selected, which in turn also supported the geological strike of the mineralisation. Grade interpolation was completed using Ordinary Kriging methods.
The tonnes and grade of the Mineral Resource estimate is the material constrained within the interpreted mineralization wireframes which were constructed on sectional interpretations at 10m centres to a 1.0% Ni cut-off grade as well as a second wireframe with a cut off grade of 0.7% Ni to incorporate lower grade, disseminated marginal material identified on the edges of the orebody.
The Winner Mineral Resource is largely classified as Indicated due to the good continuity of the mineralization, the adequate drill hole spacing and the confidence gained from QA/QC checks and data validation. A small zone of mineralization at the extremities of the resource has been classified as Inferred due to the lack of sample support and/or poor continuity of grade and lithological controls.
The Helmut South Mineral Resource Estimate, which is JORC-compliant, has been prepared by BM Geological Services Pty Ltd and Lanfranchi Nickel Mines personnel; and has been reconciled to the mineral resource and mineral reserve categories as set out by and adopted by the CIM Council. The estimate is based on a 3D Surpac block model utilizing a block size of 5m NS x 1m EW x 5m cells. The geological framework used for the June 2008 resource estimate incorporates the mineralisation and structural model developed from new drilling as well as the previous interpretation completed in August 2007 based on 90 underground diamond drill holes. All holes have been accurately located using theodolite survey instruments and down-hole “Reflex EZ Shot” survey cameras. Grade interpolation is by Inverse Distance techniques using an oriented search ellipse based on the geometry of the mineralization. Models for validation and verification have also been completed using Ordinary Kriged interpolations.
The tonnes and grade of the Mineral Resource estimate is the material constrained within the interpreted mineralization wireframes which were constructed on sectional interpretations at 10m centres to a 1.0% Ni cut-off grade. The Helmut South Mineral Resource is largely classified as Measured due to the good continuity of the mineralization, the adequate drill hole spacing and the confidence gained from QA/QC checks and data validation.
All core samples collected have been half cored using a diamond saw. The minimum sample size was set at 20cm and the maximum sample size was set at 1.00m. KalAssay Laboratories in Kalgoorlie (KalAssay) have completed all assaying of the samples collected by LNM. The analytical technique employed to analyze all samples is a 4 acid digest with an ICP finish.
About Brilliant Mining Corp.
Brilliant Mining Corp. is focused on the production, development and exploration of nickel opportunities world wide. The Company currently has a 25% interest in the producing Lanfranchi Nickel Mine in Western Australia and has active nickel projects in Canada, including the Michikamau property in central Labrador.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Mike Sieb, B.Sc., MBA, President
Brilliant Mining Corp.
For further information about Brilliant Mining Corp., or this news release, please visit our website at www.brilliantmining.com.
Certain disclosures in this release, including management’s assessment of Brilliant’s plans and projects, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to Brilliant’s operation as a mineral exploration company that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Brilliant expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contact:
Mike Sieb
Brilliant Mining Corp.
President
(604) 646-4525
Email: mikes@brilliantmining.com
Derek Iwanaka
Brilliant Mining Corp.
Investor Relations
(604) 646-4524
Email: info@brilliantmining.com
Website: www.brilliantmining.com
Source: Brilliant Mining Corp.
No comments:
Post a Comment