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Monday, May 23, 2011 2:58:05 PM
Rare-earth mineralisation identified in tailings
11th March 2011
http://www.miningweekly.com/article/rare-earths-mineralisation-identified-in-tailings-2011-03-11
As a result of its ongoing strategic review pro- cess, mining company Sierra Rutile (previously Titanium Resources Group) reports an initial Joint Ore Reserves Committee- (Jorc-) compliant mineral resource and the identification of potentially value-enhancing rare-earth mineralisation in the Sierra Rutile tailings, in Sierra Leone.
The mineral resource estimate of about 600-million tons confirms Sierra Rutile’s standing as one of the largest natural rutile deposits in the world.
Natural rutile is a premium form of titanium dioxide, which trades at a premium of about 20% to synthetic rutile and at a price five to seven times that of ilmenite.
Given the size and quality of the Sierra Rutile asset, the company is currently examining a number of options to significantly increase its production at the mine and intends to release an updated ore reserve statement and associated expansion plans on completion of these studies.
These expansion plans will be designed to take advantage of this asset and the significant positive market fundamentals for premium heavy minerals products, such as natural rutile.
Rare Earths
As part of management’s strategic review, and an added benefit to preparing the mineral resource, the company identified the presence of significant rare-earth mineralisation in the tailings of the minerals separation plant.
These tailings, which have been stockpiled over more than 30 years of operations, have the potential to add significant value to the company. Studies are ongoing to quantify the type, extent and commercial potential of the mineralisation.
“As part of the ongoing strategic review, Sierra Rutile confirms a substantial 600-million-ton mineral resource at Sierra Rutile, making it one of the largest natural rutile deposits in the world with an in situ value, at current market prices, of almost $8-billion. “The company will be working methodically over the coming months to evaluate a number of options available to expand production and derive maximum value from this substantial resource,” says CEO John Sisay.
Meanwhile, at a 0,8% rutile cutoff grade, the mineral resource is contained within two primary mining licence areas covering about 490 km2, with a further five satellite deposits over an area of 69 km2.
The orebody is up to 25 m thick and comprises sediments mineralised from the surface to the underlying bedrock.
Sisay says that the mineral resource estimation is derived from an extensive geological drill-hole database that has been verified by two separate and independent geological consultants, Mine Development Associates and ACA Howe International.
“Geological sampling has been undertaken using a combination of recognised heavy minerals drilling techniques, namely augering and air-core methods. “Drill spacing varies between 30 m by 30 m for measured resources to grid spacing of above 300 m by 300 m for inferred resources,” he concludes.
11th March 2011
http://www.miningweekly.com/article/rare-earths-mineralisation-identified-in-tailings-2011-03-11
As a result of its ongoing strategic review pro- cess, mining company Sierra Rutile (previously Titanium Resources Group) reports an initial Joint Ore Reserves Committee- (Jorc-) compliant mineral resource and the identification of potentially value-enhancing rare-earth mineralisation in the Sierra Rutile tailings, in Sierra Leone.
The mineral resource estimate of about 600-million tons confirms Sierra Rutile’s standing as one of the largest natural rutile deposits in the world.
Natural rutile is a premium form of titanium dioxide, which trades at a premium of about 20% to synthetic rutile and at a price five to seven times that of ilmenite.
Given the size and quality of the Sierra Rutile asset, the company is currently examining a number of options to significantly increase its production at the mine and intends to release an updated ore reserve statement and associated expansion plans on completion of these studies.
These expansion plans will be designed to take advantage of this asset and the significant positive market fundamentals for premium heavy minerals products, such as natural rutile.
Rare Earths
As part of management’s strategic review, and an added benefit to preparing the mineral resource, the company identified the presence of significant rare-earth mineralisation in the tailings of the minerals separation plant.
These tailings, which have been stockpiled over more than 30 years of operations, have the potential to add significant value to the company. Studies are ongoing to quantify the type, extent and commercial potential of the mineralisation.
“As part of the ongoing strategic review, Sierra Rutile confirms a substantial 600-million-ton mineral resource at Sierra Rutile, making it one of the largest natural rutile deposits in the world with an in situ value, at current market prices, of almost $8-billion. “The company will be working methodically over the coming months to evaluate a number of options available to expand production and derive maximum value from this substantial resource,” says CEO John Sisay.
Meanwhile, at a 0,8% rutile cutoff grade, the mineral resource is contained within two primary mining licence areas covering about 490 km2, with a further five satellite deposits over an area of 69 km2.
The orebody is up to 25 m thick and comprises sediments mineralised from the surface to the underlying bedrock.
Sisay says that the mineral resource estimation is derived from an extensive geological drill-hole database that has been verified by two separate and independent geological consultants, Mine Development Associates and ACA Howe International.
“Geological sampling has been undertaken using a combination of recognised heavy minerals drilling techniques, namely augering and air-core methods. “Drill spacing varies between 30 m by 30 m for measured resources to grid spacing of above 300 m by 300 m for inferred resources,” he concludes.
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