Metals Acquisition Limited Reports Drill Results Including 19.2m @ 10.4% Cu, 16.0m @ 10.4% Cu and 3m @ 13.9% Cu
Metals Acquisition (NYSE: MTAL) provides a market update on the exploration and resource development at the CSA Copper Mine. The 2023 Resource and Reserve estimate is set for release in Q2 2024. Results from various sections of the mine show promising copper grades. CEO Mick McMullen highlights the success of ongoing exploration and plans for mine expansion.
The recent exploration updates from Metals Acquisition Limited at the CSA Copper Mine highlight significant findings that could potentially impact the company's resource base and future production capabilities. The reported high-grade copper intersections, such as the 19.2m @ 10.4% Cu, are indicative of a robust mineralization profile, which is critical for the mine's long-term viability and profitability. In the mining industry, the conversion of Inferred Resources to Measured and Indicated categories is a positive step towards de-risking mining projects and enhancing their value. The presence of high-grade zinc and lead zones also suggests the possibility of diversifying the mine's output, potentially reducing the risk associated with commodity price fluctuations.
Furthermore, the mention of incremental resources adjacent to existing infrastructure implies a lower capital requirement for resource extraction, which could lead to improved return on investment for shareholders. The company's strategic focus on near-mine exploration, leveraging the recent capital raise, suggests an aggressive growth strategy that could position it favorably in the copper market. Investors would be keen on the upcoming Resource and Reserve estimate as it will provide a clearer picture of the mine's potential and may influence the company's stock performance.
From a financial perspective, the exploration results reported by Metals Acquisition Limited could have a significant impact on the company's valuation. High-grade copper results, such as those from the QTS North and QTS Central zones, typically translate into lower production costs and higher margins. This is particularly relevant given the current copper market conditions, where demand is driven by electric vehicle production and renewable energy infrastructure, resulting in bullish sentiment for copper prices.
The capital raise associated with the company's ASX listing provides the necessary funds to accelerate exploration and development activities. The efficiency of these investments will be critical in determining the company's future cash flows and financial health. Investors and analysts will closely monitor the cost of adding incremental resources and the speed at which these resources can be brought into production, as these factors directly affect the company's earnings potential.
The geological insights provided by the drilling results at the CSA Copper Mine are of substantial interest. The delineation of high-grade lenses, especially in the QTS Central region and the discovery of a high-grade zinc lens in QTS South Upper A, point to a complex orebody with significant exploration upside. The geological continuity and the grades reported are exceptional and they suggest that the CSA Copper Mine could be one of the higher-grade copper projects globally.
Geologically, the increase in tonnes per vertical meter as drilling progresses down dip at QTS North indicates the potential for a sizable and high-grade resource at depth. The implications of this for the mine's life and operational strategy could be profound. Additionally, the company's efforts to digitize and validate historical data above 850m could reveal further mineralization prospects, potentially expanding the mine's resource estimate significantly.
03/19/2024 - 06:30 AM
ST. HELIER, Jersey--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Metals Acquisition Limited (NYSE: MTAL) (ASX:MAC):
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240319036286/en/
Figure 1 – CSA Copper Mine Long Section (Graphic: Business Wire)
Metals Acquisition Limited (“MAC” or the “Company”) today provides a market update on the continuing exploration and resource development at the CSA Copper Mine:
Highlights
The 2023 Resource and Reserve estimate is scheduled for release in Q2 2024
All results reported in this release are after the cut-off date (August 31, 2023) for the 2023 Resource and Reserve and will be incorporated in the subsequent Resource and Reserve Estimate update.
Results from QTS North (“QTSN”) include:
14m @ 7.9% Cu from 159m in UDD20139
16m @ 10.4% Cu from 102m in UDD23024
19.2m @10.4% Cu from 114.8m in UDD23025
Results from QTS Central (“QTSC”) include:
11.5m @ 11.8% Cu from 180.5m in UDD22052
6.9m @ 11.3% Cu from 114.5m in UDD22040
25.6m @ 6.1% Cu from 152.4m in UDD22049A
14.5m @ 9.0% Cu from 146.5m in UDD22054
Results from the near surface QTS South Upper A (“QTSSUA”) include:
1.7m @ 21.3% Cu from 281.2m in QSDD057C
3.0m @ 13.9% Cu from 268.7m in QSDD059
4.3m @ 14.2% Zn, 3.9% Pb and 0.8% Cu from 294.4m in QSDD060
Discussion
MAC has continued drilling since acquiring the CSA Copper Mine in June 2023 with a view to expand it’s high quality resource base to underpin a new reserve estimate and mine plan. Due to the lead time required to complete a full reserve estimate and mine plan the data cut off for the 2023 Resource and Reserve Statement is August 31,2023. All results reported in this release are after that cut off.
Results are reported as down hole widths. A complete list of post-August 2023 resource drilling is contained in Table 1 at the end of this report.
MAC CEO, Mick McMullen commented “These results continue to showcase why we think the CSA Copper Mine has a long future with continued exploration success converting the Inferred Resource to Measured and Indicated, together with adding new mineralisation to the inventory. QTS North continues to demonstrate good continuity at depth with what is in line with observed CSA Copper Mine widths and grades such as the 19.2m @ 10.4% Cu in UDD23025.
QTS Central appears to be getting wider with the new drilling which is very encouraging from what is already our highest margin ore. The shallow high-grade results from QTS South Upper A are very encouraging and work is underway in incorporating this into a resource estimate for mine planning purposes. The presence of a high-grade Zn lens in this area is interesting and drilling is underway on the shallow potions of the nearby East and West lodes to determine what mineralisation may not have been mined historically.
Following the recent A$325m capital raise associated with the ASX listing, the Company is accelerating its in mine and near mine exploration efforts given that most of the ore bodies are open. The grades at the CSA Copper Mine are high and the return on capital from adding incremental resources adjacent to existing infrastructure is compelling.”
CSA Copper Mine
The CSA Copper Mine is a world class mine that consists of a series of mineralized lenses that extend from surface to a depth of over 2.3km. The main deposits are QTSN, QTSC, QTSS, East and West lenses with additional mineralisation in the near surface QTSS Upper A zone. Approximately 75% of the resources are contained in QTSN.
The resource model for QTSN commences approximately 850m below surface, with all data above that in hard copy and not in the digital database. Work is underway to digitize and validate this data and will be incorporated into a future resource update. Based on the initial information it would appear that there are reasonable prospects for additional mineralisation in the top 850m of the mine.
Refer to Figure 1 below for the location of the various deposits.
Exploration Results
Figure 1 – CSA Copper Mine Long Section
Drilling has been targeting conversion of Inferred resource to Measured and Indicated for inclusion in the Reserve Estimate, as well as the known mineralized lenses to add incremental resources.
The location of the significant drill results is shown in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2 – QTSN and QTSC Long Section
At QTSN, the most recent drilling has confirmed the location of the Inferred Resource and enabled it to be upgraded as well as confirmation of the smaller mineralized lenses adjacent to the existing resource. This can be seen in Figure 3. QTSN is characterised by a series of high-grade lenses (grading plus 5% Cu) that can range in width from 10-35m surrounded by a lower grade halo on the footwall.
As drilling has progressed down dip it would appear that tonnes per vertical metre are increasing.
Figure 3 – QTSN Cross Section
QTSC is located adjacent to QTSN and is centred around a depth of 1.4km and is open both up and down dip. QTSC is typically narrower than QTSN but higher grade. As seen in Figure 4 the most recent drilling continues to confirm the presence of the high-grade mineralisation below the current working level through the Inferred Resource and into mineralised material that will extend the resource beyond its current limits.
Figure 4 – QTSC Cross Section
QTSS Upper A is a narrow (1.5 to 3m) but a high-grade zone of mineralisation that is much shallower than the rest of the mine. This lens starts approximately 120m below surface and extends to approximately 350m below surface. Drilling from surface was targeting upgrading the confidence level of the mineralization to allow inclusion in the new 2023 Resource and Reserves Estimate and for mine planning purposes.
This lens is narrower than the average QTSN and QTSC lenses but share a higher grade with QTS Central. In a mine known for high grade copper material the QTSS Upper A lens stands out based on intercepted grades of 1.7m @ 21.3% Cu in QSDD057C and 3m @ 13.9% Cu in QSDD059. These are truly exceptional Cu grades and even with diluted stope shapes for mining purposes the grade from this lens is high.
Of note also is the intercepted 4.3m @ 14.2% Zn, 3.9% Pb and 0.8% Cu in QSDD060 immediately downhole of the 0.5m @ 9.1% Cu in the same hole. The CSA Copper Mine started life as a high-grade Zn, Pb, and Cu mine in the upper portions of the mine and there exists high grade Zn and Pb zones immediately in the footwall of the higher grade Cu zones that require further investigation.
Competent and Qualified Person Statement(s)
The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results at the CSA Copper Mine is based on information compiled or reviewed by Patrick Adams, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr. Adams is employed by Cube Consulting Pty Ltd. Mr. Adams has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code. Mr. Adams has given (and not withdrawn) written consent to the inclusion in the report of the results reported here and the form and context in which it appears. Mr. Adams is also a Qualified Person as defined by S-K 1300 rules for mineral deposit disclosure. Mr. Adams further consents as Qualified Person to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears.
This announcement is authorised for release by Mick McMullen, Chief Executive Officer and Director.
About Metals Acquisition Limited
Metals Acquisition Limited (NYSE: MTAL; ASX:MAC) is a company focused on operating and acquiring metals and mining businesses in high quality, stable jurisdictions that are critical in the electrification and decarbonization of the global economy.
Cautionary and Forward Looking Statements
This press release has been prepared by Metals Acquisition Limited (“Company” or “MAC”), has been prepared in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 Edition and includes “forward-looking statements.” The ‘forward-looking information’ is based on the Company’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date on which the statements were made.
MAC’s actual results may differ from expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward- looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, MAC’s expectations with respect to future performance of the CSA Copper Mine and anticipated financial impacts and other effects of the proposed business combination, the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the proposed transaction and the timing of the completion of the proposed transaction. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside MAC’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things; the supply and demand for copper; the future price of copper; the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures and requirements for additional capital; cash flow provided by operating activities; unanticipated reclamation expenses; claims and limitations on insurance coverage; the uncertainty in mineral resource estimates; the uncertainty in geological, metallurgical and geotechnical studies and opinions; infrastructure risks; and dependence on key management personnel and executive officers; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus relating to the business combination that MAC filed with the SEC, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and in MAC’s other filings with the SEC. MAC cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. MAC cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. MAC does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
More information on potential factors that could affect MAC’s or CSA Copper Mine’s financial results is included from time to time in MAC’s public reports filed with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or MAC’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that MAC does not presently know, or that MAC currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect MAC’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. MAC anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while MAC may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, MAC specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward- looking statements should not be relied upon as representing MAC’s assessment as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
Table 1 – Significant Drill Results QTSN, QTSC and QTSS Upper
Hole
East
North
RL.
EOH
Azimuth
Dip
From
To
Length
Cu %
Ag g/t
System
UDD20139
5873.06
3864.05
8474.16
310.0
74.0
-49.0
47.6
52.5
4.9
3.4
19.2
QTS North
74.0
77.0
3.0
3.4
14.3
QTS North
82.0
86.0
4.0
4.1
25.0
QTS North
159.0
173.0
14.0
7.9
40.4
QTS North
UDD20142
5873.07
3863.36
8474.09
360.0
91.5
-50.0
89.1
98.9
9.8
3.8
25.0
QTS North
UDD22113
5845.08
4217.82
8515.13
380.5
57.0
-35.0
274.3
277.4
3.1
4.1
126.2
QTS North
UDD23001
5873.25
3862.57
8474.70
330.0
108.9
-37.1
115.0
119.0
4.0
3.7
14.0
QTS North
UDD23002
5873.27
3862.43
8474.25
250.0
110.7
-47.4
124.6
129.2
4.6
3.7
18.5
QTS North
UDD23005
5873.09
3862.29
8474.16
239.0
115.6
-36.0
111.3
118.6
7.3
3.0
19.2
QTS North
UDD23006
5873.29
3862.18
8474.25
276.1
116.4
-44.5
91.8
94.8
3.0
3.7
0.0
QTS North
UDD23012
5872.74
3862.43
8474.11
332.0
117.2
-57.6
25.3
28.3
3.0
3.3
16.0
QTS North
117.6
124.0
6.4
5.4
29.5
QTS North
202.7
206.0
3.3
4.4
0.0
QTS North
UDD23004
5873.10
3863.80
8474.16
294.5
79.5
-46.5
75.7
79.0
3.3
2.9
0.0
QTS North
84.5
93.2
8.7
3.7
19.8
QTS North
UDD23010
5872.93
3861.10
8474.13
282.0
122.3
-43.6
83.0
87.5
4.5
3.0
17.0
QTS North
100.8
105.2
4.4
2.9
20.5
QTS North
125.0
129.0
4.0
3.1
15.3
QTS North
155.1
159.7
4.6
5.8
39.5
QTS North
UDD23014A
5903.21
3961.92
8417.48
126.0
120.0
-65.5
51.4
56.8
5.4
2.6
12.0
QTS North
UDD23024
5904.02
3963.50
8418.80
180.0
78.0
-15.5
76.3
80.4
4.1
6.9
24.9
QTS North
102.0
118.0
16.0
10.4
38.6
QTS North
UDD23029
5873.24
3862.88
8474.70
225.0
101.5
-31.0
77.8
80.9
3.1
6.0
26.7
QTS North
UDD20144
5873.32
3862.20
8474.16
400.0
116.5
-47.0
87.5
91.5
4.0
3.5
0.0
QTS North
102.4
107.0
4.6
6.7
30.9
QTS North
128.8
133.8
5.0
4.5
17.6
QTS North
161.5
166.4
4.9
7.5
34.7
QTS North
UDD21096
5843.38
4211.32
8514.51
190.0
89.0
-7.5
169.7
176.2
6.5
5.7
30.0
QTS North
UDD22124
5843.99
4216.46
8513.45
460.7
46.0
-42.0
313.4
319.2
5.8
3.2
6.3
QTS North
UDD22125
5844.10
4216.17
8513.48
440.0
52.6
-44.5
310.9
314.3
3.4
8.7
27.6
QTS North
UDD22131
5844.12
4218.35
8513.69
510.9
32.5
-20.0
358.8
363.0
4.2
4.2
8.5
QTS North
UDD23003
5873.26
3862.81
8474.29
390.4
102.6
-47.2
95.1
101.3
6.2
3.2
0.0
QTS North
152.5
155.6
3.1
3.3
17.0
QTS North
UDD23007
5873.21
3861.87
8474.26
259.8
121.5
-35.3
120.0
125.7
5.7
3.3
17.0
QTS North
135.9
139.7
3.8
2.8
14.7
QTS North
146.0
149.9
3.9
4.0
21.7
QTS North
UDD23025
5903.75
3963.52
8418.14
218.3
79.0
-37.0
64.1
67.9
3.8
7.5
0.0
QTS North
72.0
78.0
6.0
3.7
0.0
QTS North
82.1
89.1
7.0
4.4
0.0
QTS North
114.8
134.0
19.2
10.4
31.7
QTS North
UDD23030
5873.25
3863.42
8474.89
260.0
92.5
-33.0
189.8
195.0
5.2
3.6
0.0
QTS North
UDD23031
5872.95
3863.21
8474.10
295.0
94.0
-53.0
82.6
96.1
13.5
4.6
22.2
QTS North
UDD22041
6055.77
3624.71
8702.39
165.6
96.0
-47.3
98.0
106.7
8.7
3.0
5.9
QTS Central
UDD22043
6056.02
3624.32
8702.36
162.5
103.8
-46.3
99.9
108.4
8.5
4.2
11.5
QTS Central
116.2
119.6
3.4
7.2
0.0
QTS Central
UDD22044
6055.69
3624.18
8702.44
181.8
109.3
-51.7
107.9
111.9
4.0
4.7
8.4
QTS Central
117.0
121.1
4.1
4.0
23.5
QTS Central
UDD22047
6055.45
3624.21
8702.38
200.0
108.6
-57.5
133.0
150.0
17.0
4.7
0.0
QTS Central
UDD22051
6054.00
3626.20
8703.20
225.0
134.7
-52.6
153.3
159.1
5.8
4.4
4.4
QTS Central
UDD22052
6054.81
3623.19
8702.41
266.4
139.6
-55.6
180.5
192.0
11.5
11.8
38.9
QTS Central
UDD22042
6055.67
3624.09
8702.46
185.0
94.6
-53.4
116.5
121.2
4.7
4.6
0.0
QTS Central
128.5
140.0
11.5
4.5
16.0
QTS Central
UDD22045
6055.50
3624.09
8702.39
200.0
95.4
-58.6
151.0
156.1
5.1
3.5
6.5
QTS Central
UDD22048
6055.33
3624.16
8702.39
213.0
109.6
-60.3
160.2
165.4
5.2
4.4
9.7
QTS Central
UDD22053
6055.21
3623.07
8702.40
213.0
135.2
-46.8
143.9
149.3
5.4
5.1
0.0
QTS Central
151.5
158.5
7.0
4.5
8.3
QTS Central
UDD22023
6056.73
3623.30
8702.41
162.0
115.0
-32.4
93.9
102.2
8.3
5.6
27.6
QTS Central
110.9
115.5
4.6
4.8
10.0
QTS Central
UDD22039
6056.26
3623.81
8702.49
160.0
111.0
-40.3
98.0
109.7
11.7
4.8
7.9
QTS Central
UDD22040
6055.79
3623.32
8702.47
160.5
124.0
-37.5
95.3
99.5
4.2
4.0
0.0
QTS Central
102.8
109.0
6.2
7.5
0.0
QTS Central
114.5
121.4
6.9
11.3
28.3
QTS Central
UDD22049A
6054.00
3626.20
8703.20
222.8
125.7
-58.4
152.4
178.0
25.6
6.1
21.7
QTS Central
UDD22054
6055.32
3622.80
8702.47
196.4
137.4
-39.6
136.6
143.0
6.4
5.1
17.7
QTS Central
146.5
161.0
14.5
9.0
26.6
QTS Central
QSDD056
6440.22
2988.00
10258.06
321.4
268.6
-57.2
268.4
269.2
0.8
3.5
10.0
QTSS Upper A
QSDD057C
6438.24
2959.60
10257.83
301.2
266.8
-59.9
281.2
282.9
1.7
21.3
72.3
QTSS Upper A
QSDD059
6433.27
2900.58
10257.56
294.5
272.1
-57.0
268.7
271.6
3.0
13.9
43.3
QTSS Upper A
QSDD060
6437.03
2841.27
10257.29
320.1
270.1
-59.0
293.1
293.6
0.5
9.1
90.0
QTSS Upper A
Hole
From
To
Length
Cu %
Ag g/t
Pb %
Zn %
System
QSDD060
294.40
298.70
4.3
0.8
27.7
3.9
14.2
QTSS Upper A
APPENDIX 1
JORC Code, 2012 Edition – Table 1: CSA Mineral Resource, February 2024
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)
Criteria
JORC Code explanation
Commentary
Sampling techniques
Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.
Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.
Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay’). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.
Mostly NQ and NQ2 diamond drill holes using standard tube although in 2023 all underground drilling was NQ3 size. Minor sampling from HQ, BQ, LTK48 and LTK60 sized diamond core holes. Prior to mining, the mineral resource is typically defined by drilling on a 20mN x 20 mRL for all systems; however, QTS North is drilled at it tightest to a 20 mN x 37.5 mRL grid. Hole spacing increases to 40 mN x 40 mRL at depth and to 40 mN x 75 mRL below this.
Drillhole collars were picked up by site underground surveyors and hole paths by downhole magnetic surveys. Diamond core is used to obtain high quality samples that are logged for lithological, structural, geotechnical and other attributes.
Half core samples are mostly 1m in length with sample weights averaging 1.9kg. The cutting and sampling process is carried out at CSA Mine. These samples are crushed and pulverised to produce a sub sample for analysis by aqua regia digestion and ICP-AES analysis for a suit of elements including Cu, Ag, Pb, Zn, Au, Fe and S. High-grade assays are re-analysed to ensure maximum Cu recovery. Sample preparation and assaying is carried out by independent laboratory, Australian Laboratory Services (“ALS”) in Orange, NSW.
Drilling techniques
Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).
Mostly NQ and NQ2 diamond drill holes using standard tube with conversion to NQ3 exclusively in 2023. Minor sampling from HQ, BQ, LTK48 and LTK60 sized diamond core holes.
Drill sample recovery
Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.
Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.
Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.
Core recovery is measured during the logging process. Driller depth markers and core presentation is checked and corrected where necessary.
Core is reconstructed into continuous runs -depths are checked against the depths recorded on the core blocks.
Overall, core recovery is 97.5% . Low core recovery does not impact the quality of the CSA data set.
Logging
Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.
Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography.
The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.
Geotechnical logging has been carried out on diamond holes since 2002 to aid in the mine design process. Geological logging of diamond drill core, to a level suitable for the: a) interpretation of domains based on geology and sulphide content. b) for metallurgical sample selection.
Core is logged in full by geologists for lithology, mineralogy, structure, RQD. Core is photographed wet prior to sampling.
All drillholes are logged in full.
Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation
If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.
If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.
For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.
Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.
Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.
Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.
Sample intervals of typically 1m lengths are marked on the core by the Geologist. Core is cut in half using an Almonte core saw. Sample intervals are marked in the tray prior to placing half core in calico sample bags. Prior to 2017, bulk density was measured using the Archimedes method at a rate of one interval per core tray Since January 2017, every second hole had a specific gravity determination (via the Archimedes method) at the ALS assaying laboratory.
Not applicable – all drilling is diamond core.
Sample preparation of diamond core follows industry best practice involving coarse crushing of half core samples down to 70% passing 2mm followed by pulverization of the entire sample to a grind size of 85% passing 75 micron.
All QAQC assay data is interrogated upon return from the laboratory using standard QAQC practices. There are strict procedures for processing of the core from markup to placing in a sample bag.
Field QC procedures involve the use of certified reference material as assay standards, along with blanks, duplicates and barren waste. The insertion rate for standards and field duplicates (second half core) is 1 in 30.
Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the semi-massive to massive style of sulphide mineralisation. Mine reconciliation data supports this.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests
The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.
For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.
Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established.
ALS procedure ME-OG46 is followed and is considered to report total Cu recovery. The analytical technique uses aqua regia to digest the sample followed by conventional ICP-AES analysis for a list of elements including Cu, Ag, Pb, Zn, Fe and S. Most of the assay records from holes drilled prior to 2000 have been assayed using an unknown assay technique and are flagged as such in the acQuire database. Assessment of the potential impact of these assays on the resource estimate indicates that the only likely significant effect is on the Eastern and Western Systems mineral resource above 9070 mRL and 9300 mRL. respectively.
No geophysical tools were used to determine element concentrations used in the resource estimation.
Sample preparation checks at the crushing and pulverizing stage were carried out by the laboratory as part of their internal procedures. Laboratory QAQC involves the use of internal lab standards using certified reference material as part of the in- house procedures. Field duplicates have been collected since 2002, the difference between the mean Cu values on an annual basis is 0.02% Cu and correlation co-efficient value of 0.99 confirming no global bias. For Ag the mean duplicate values on an annual basis have a difference 0.05 g/t and correlation co-efficient value of 0.96; there is no global bias, however bias is often attributed for the higher values and is treated using top- cuts. Overall, there are 14 types of standards in the database. During 2023, eight Certified Reference Material standards with values ranging from blank to 14.7% Cu were inserted into the sample stream.
Verification of sampling and assaying
The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.
The use of twinned holes.
Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.
Discuss any adjustment to assay data.
Infill drilling prior to level development and geological mapping is used to verify high grade Cu zones. Chalcopyrite mineralogy is quantified visually during logging and provides a valid tool for assay correlation. Zones of Western and Eastern mineralisation defined by historic drilling were re-drilled to improve estimation quality.
Twinned holes are not routinely drilled – mapping and reconciliation data is used to track grade accuracy and repeatability.
Primary data was collected on paper log sheets and Excel templates. All data was imported into the on-site acQuire database which runs a series of internal validation procedures.
No adjustments or calibrations were made to any assay data used in the estimate.
Location of data points
Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.
Specification of the grid system used.
Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
Hole collars were picked up by site underground surveyors. A small proportion of hole collars are based on design coordinates and do not have final survey coordinates. The holes are considered to have an error of <2.0m in the east-west orientation – subsequent infill drilling confirms mineralisation continuity and location of the holes with un-surveyed collars. Drillholes are routinely surveyed downhole using a multi-shot camera at 30m intervals. At the end of a drillhole, a multi-shot is run from end of hole to the collar at 3m intervals.
A mine grid coordinate system is used – survey data is captured using the mine grid coordinates, therefore a grid transfer process is not required for the resource estimation process.
The surface topography is adequately defined and includes the location of mine infrastructure.
Data spacing and distribution
Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.
Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.
Whether sample compositing has been applied.
Prior to mining the mineral resource is typically defined by drilling on a 20 mN x 20 mRL for all the systems; however, QTS North is drilled at tightest to a 20 mN x 37.5 mRL grid. Hole spacing increases to 40 mN x 40 mRL at depth and to 40 mN x 75 mRL below this. Hole spacing is in important factor in final resource classification.
A guide to assay grade continuity was done by comparing sample grades with mapping. Assay grade continuity is quantified by variography studies and built into the resource model using copper kriging metrics to assist classification in accordance with the 2012 JORC Code.
Samples are composited to 1m intervals for estimation purposes.
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure
Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.
If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
Drillholes generally intersect mineralisation orthogonally. The steep plunge of the mineralisation means deeper holes often follow down plunge trends.
De-clustered assay mean grades are compared to grade estimates to ensure the influence of de-clustering is minimised in the estimation. Clustering in the deeper parts of the resource has been considered in the resource classification process.
Sample security
The measures taken to ensure sample security.
Chain of custody is managed by CSA. Samples are stored at the mine site and delivered by a contract transport company to the ALS laboratory in Orange, NSW. Tracking sheets are used by the mine and laboratory to communicate dispatch and arrival details for each batch.
Audits or reviews
The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.
Snowden Mining Industry Consultants reviewed the CSA mineral resource estimation and reporting procedures in 2005 and assisted with improvements. Xstract Mining Consultants assisted with the preparation of the June 2010 mineral resource including improvement recommendations. A CMPL Corporate audit was completed in 2015. All of the above audits/reviews included sections on data collection techniques. Early in 2017, Optiro Pty. Ltd completed a study on the QTS North resource, focused on determining the optimum drill spacing.
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
Criteria
JORC Code explanation
Commentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status
Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.
The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.
The CSA Mine is located on Consolidated Mining Lease No 5 (1992) (CML5), which is owned and operated by Cobar Management Pty Limited (CMPL). CMPL is wholly owned by Metals Acquisition Limited. CMPL holds Exploration Licence No 5693 (EL5693), which encompasses CML5 and Exploration Licence No 5983 (EL5983), which lies 7km north of the CSA Mine.
The expiry date for CML5 is 24th June, 2028.
Exploration done by other parties
Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.
Other parties have not been involved on exploration activities.
Geology
Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.
CSA Mine mineralisation style is a classic Cobar style deposit. Mineralisation is shear hosted within the CSA Siltstone occurring as steeply plunging dilation zones containing veined, semi-massive and massive sulphides. The major ore bearing sulphide is chalcopyrite with lesser cubanite. Pyrrhotite is the principal sulphide gangue.
Drill hole Information
A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes:
easting and northing of the drill hole collar
elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar
dip and azimuth of the hole
down hole length and interception depth
hole length.
If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.
See table below.
All drill holes have been reported – no information has been excluded.
Borehole Intersections - Sep 1st 2023 to Feb 29th 2024
Hole
East (MG)
North (MG)
RL. (MG)
EOH
Azimuth
Dip
From
To
Length
Cu %
Ag g/t
System
UDD20139
5873.06
3864.05
8474.16
310.0
74.0
-49.0
47.6
52.5
4.9
3.4
19.2
QTS North
74.0
77.0
3.0
3.4
14.3
QTS North
82.0
86.0
4.0
4.1
25.0
QTS North
159.0
173.0
14.0
7.9
40.4
QTS North
UDD20142
5873.07
3863.36
8474.09
360.0
91.5
-50.0
89.1
98.9
9.8
3.8
25.0
QTS North
UDD22113
5845.08
4217.82
8515.13
380.5
57.0
-35.0
274.3
277.4
3.1
4.1
126.2
QTS North
UDD23001
5873.25
3862.57
8474.70
330.0
108.9
-37.1
115.0
119.0
4.0
3.7
14.0
QTS North
UDD23002
5873.27
3862.43
8474.25
250.0
110.7
-47.4
124.6
129.2
4.6
3.7
18.5
QTS North
UDD23005
5873.09
3862.29
8474.16
239.0
115.6
-36.0
111.3
118.6
7.3
3.0
19.2
QTS North
UDD23006
5873.29
3862.18
8474.25
276.1
116.4
-44.5
91.8
94.8
3.0
3.7
0.0
QTS North
UDD23012
5872.74
3862.43
8474.11
332.0
117.2
-57.6
25.3
28.3
3.0
3.3
16.0
QTS North
117.6
124.0
6.4
5.4
29.5
QTS North
202.7
206.0
3.3
4.4
0.0
QTS North
UDD23004
5873.10
3863.80
8474.16
294.5
79.5
-46.5
75.7
79.0
3.3
2.9
0.0
QTS North
84.5
93.2
8.7
3.7
19.8
QTS North
UDD23010
5872.93
3861.10
8474.13
282.0
122.3
-43.6
83.0
87.5
4.5
3.0
17.0
QTS North
100.8
105.2
4.4
2.9
20.5
QTS North
125.0
129.0
4.0
3.1
15.3
QTS North
155.1
159.7
4.6
5.8
39.5
QTS North
UDD23014A
5903.21
3961.92
8417.48
126.0
120.0
-65.5
51.4
56.8
5.4
2.6
12.0
QTS North
UDD23024
5904.02
3963.50
8418.80
180.0
78.0
-15.5
76.3
80.4
4.1
6.9
24.9
QTS North
102.0
118.0
16.0
10.4
38.6
QTS North
UDD23029
5873.24
3862.88
8474.70
225.0
101.5
-31.0
77.8
80.9
3.1
6.0
26.7
QTS North
UDD20144
5873.32
3862.20
8474.16
400.0
116.5
-47.0
87.5
91.5
4.0
3.5
0.0
QTS North
102.4
107.0
4.6
6.7
30.9
QTS North
128.8
133.8
5.0
4.5
17.6
QTS North
161.5
166.4
4.9
7.5
34.7
QTS North
UDD21096
5843.38
4211.32
8514.51
190.0
89.0
-7.5
169.7
176.2
6.5
5.7
30.0
QTS North
UDD22124
5843.99
4216.46
8513.45
460.7
46.0
-42.0
313.4
319.2
5.8
3.2
6.3
QTS North
UDD22125
5844.10
4216.17
8513.48
440.0
52.6
-44.5
310.9
314.3
3.4
8.7
27.6
QTS North
UDD22131
5844.12
4218.35
8513.69
510.9
32.5
-20.0
358.8
363.0
4.2
4.2
8.5
QTS North
UDD23003
5873.26
3862.81
8474.29
390.4
102.6
-47.2
95.1
101.3
6.2
3.2
0.0
QTS North
152.5
155.6
3.1
3.3
17.0
QTS North
UDD23007
5873.21
3861.87
8474.26
259.8
121.5
-35.3
120.0
125.7
5.7
3.3
17.0
QTS North
135.9
139.7
3.8
2.8
14.7
QTS North
146.0
149.9
3.9
4.0
21.7
QTS North
UDD23025
5903.75
3963.52
8418.14
218.3
79.0
-37.0
64.1
67.9
3.8
7.5
0.0
QTS North
72.0
78.0
6.0
3.7
0.0
QTS North
82.1
89.1
7.0
4.4
0.0
QTS North
114.8
134.0
19.2
10.4
31.7
QTS North
UDD23030
5873.25
3863.42
8474.89
260.0
92.5
-33.0
189.8
195.0
5.2
3.6
0.0
QTS North
UDD23031
5872.95
3863.21
8474.10
295.0
94.0
-53.0
82.6
96.1
13.5
4.6
22.2
QTS North
UDD22041
6055.77
3624.71
8702.39
165.6
96.0
-47.3
98.0
106.7
8.7
3.0
5.9
QTS Central
UDD22043
6056.02
3624.32
8702.36
162.5
103.8
-46.3
99.9
108.4
8.5
4.2
11.5
QTS Central
116.2
119.6
3.4
7.2
0.0
QTS Central
UDD22044
6055.69
3624.18
8702.44
181.8
109.3
-51.7
107.9
111.9
4.0
4.7
8.4
QTS Central
117.0
121.1
4.1
4.0
23.5
QTS Central
UDD22047
6055.45
3624.21
8702.38
200.0
108.6
-57.5
133.0
150.0
17.0
4.7
0.0
QTS Central
UDD22051
6054.00
3626.20
8703.20
225.0
134.7
-52.6
153.3
159.1
5.8
4.4
4.4
QTS Central
UDD22052
6054.81
3623.19
8702.41
266.4
139.6
-55.6
180.5
192.0
11.5
11.8
38.9
QTS Central
UDD22042
6055.67
3624.09
8702.46
185.0
94.6
-53.4
116.5
121.2
4.7
4.6
0.0
QTS Central
128.5
140.0
11.5
4.5
16.0
QTS Central
UDD22045
6055.50
3624.09
8702.39
200.0
95.4
-58.6
151.0
156.1
5.1
3.5
6.5
QTS Central
UDD22048
6055.33
3624.16
8702.39
213.0
109.6
-60.3
160.2
165.4
5.2
4.4
9.7
QTS Central
UDD22053
6055.21
3623.07
8702.40
213.0
135.2
-46.8
143.9
149.3
5.4
5.1
0.0
QTS Central
151.5
158.5
7.0
4.5
8.3
QTS Central
UDD22023
6056.73
3623.30
8702.41
162.0
115.0
-32.4
93.9
102.2
8.3
5.6
27.6
QTS Central
110.9
115.5
4.6
4.8
10.0
QTS Central
UDD22039
6056.26
3623.81
8702.49
160.0
111.0
-40.3
98.0
109.7
11.7
4.8
7.9
QTS Central
UDD22040
6055.79
3623.32
8702.47
160.5
124.0
-37.5
95.3
99.5
4.2
4.0
0.0
QTS Central
102.8
109.0
6.2
7.5
0.0
QTS Central
114.5
121.4
6.9
11.3
28.3
QTS Central
UDD22049A
6054.00
3626.20
8703.20
222.8
125.7
-58.4
152.4
178.0
25.6
6.1
21.7
QTS Central
UDD22054
6055.32
3622.80
8702.47
196.4
137.4
-39.6
136.6
143.0
6.4
5.1
17.7
QTS Central
146.5
161.0
14.5
9.0
26.6
QTS Central
Note:
Borehole intersects criteria based on Copper grade >2.5% and >3m.
Hole
East (MG)
North(MG)
RL. (MG)
EOH
Azimuth
Dip
From
To
Length
Cu %
Ag g/t
System
QSDD056
6440.22
2988.00
10258.06
321.4
268.6
-57.2
268.4
269.2
0.8
3.5
10.0
QTSS Upper A
QSDD057C
6438.24
2959.60
10257.83
301.2
266.8
-59.9
281.2
282.9
1.7
21.3
72.3
QTSS Upper A
QSDD059
6433.27
2900.58
10257.56
294.5
272.1
-57.0
268.7
271.6
3.0
13.9
43.3
QTSS Upper A
QSDD060
6437.03
2841.27
10257.29
320.1
270.1
-59.0
293.1
293.6
0.5
9.1
90.0
QTSS Upper A
Note:
The intersects criteria is not apply to QTSS Upper A due to its mineralisation style as narrow vein.
Zinc Results
Hole
Sample ID
From
To
Length
Cu %
Ag g/t
Pb %
Zn %
QSDD060
CU157624
285.50
286.10
0.6
0.0
2.0
0.6
1.0
QSDD060
CU157632
293.60
294.40
0.8
1.6
31.0
0.2
1.7
QSDD060
CU157633
294.40
295.20
0.8
0.6
24.0
7.0
16.8
QSDD060
CU157634
295.20
295.90
0.7
0.6
16.0
2.5
25.2
QSDD060
CU157637
297.70
298.70
1.0
1.2
64.0
9.7
30.0
Data aggregation methods
In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.
Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.
The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.
The Exploration Results criteria for borehole intersects is based on Cu grade > 2.5% and > 3m. This criteria is not apply for QTS South Upper A due to its mineralization style as narrow vein. Cu and Ag grade calculated by length weighted average.
No top-cut (grade capping) has been used.
No metal equivalent values are used.
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths
These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.
If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.
If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg ‘down hole length, true width not known’).
Overall, the mineralisation structures are trending North-South and vertical.
The drilling programs are considering drillhole with azimuth oriented to improve the intercepted angle between mineralization structures and drillhole.
Only down hole length is considered for reporting purposes.
Diagrams
Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.
See figures below.
Balanced reporting
Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.
All exploration results are reported with all drill holes and significant intercepts listed in the included table above.
Other substantive exploration data
Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
There is no other substantive exploration data.
Further work
The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).
Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
Drill holes are planned to test lens extensions along strike and vertical axis.
The long section above shows QTS North and QTS Central resource as targets for drilling activities.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240319036286/en/
Mick McMullen
investors@metalsacqcorp.com
Morne Engelbrecht
Source: Metals Acquisition Limited
Metals Acquisition 's ticker symbol is MTAL.
The 2023 Resource and Reserve estimate is set for release in Q2 2024.
The CEO of Metals Acquisition is Mick McMullen.
Notable results from QTS North include 14m @ 7.9% Cu, 16m @ 10.4% Cu, and 19.2m @ 10.4% Cu.
The main deposits at the CSA Copper Mine are QTSN, QTSC, QTSS, East, and West lenses.
Patrick Adams, a Competent Person employed by Cube Consulting Pty , is responsible for the Exploration Results at the CSA Copper Mine.
