Serabi exceeds production guidance for 2022
January 17 2023 - 3:15AM
For immediate release
17 January
2023
Serabi Gold
plc(“Serabi” or
the “Company”)
Serabi exceeds production guidance for
2022
Serabi Gold plc (AIM:SRB, TSX:SBI), the Brazilian-focused gold
mining and development company, is pleased to report operational
results for the final quarter of 2022 and provide a review of its
development and exploration activities.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Fourth quarter gold
production totalled 7,798 ounces, taking annual production to
31,819 ounces, exceeding the annual production guidance of 30,000
ounces. • The Coringa mine development
continued to progress well, with 1,791 metres of development
completed during the year, approximately 1,000 metres of which was
in ore. The main ramp has now reached the 290mRL, which is under
development.
Mike Hodgson, CEO of Serabi,
commented:
“The company has ended the year with a very
satisfactory 7,800 ounces produced for this final quarter, which
sees the total gold produced for the year just short of 32,000
ounces, comfortably ahead of the revised 2022 guidance of 30,000
ounces. The fourth quarter has been somewhat transitional as we
have been moving some mining crews and fleet from the Sao Chico
orebody over to Coringa. To date, the Coringa deposit has been in a
development phase and as we begin 2023 will we see the first
production from stoping, and this will result in an increase in the
level of Coringa ore being delivered to the Palito plant. It was
therefore particularly pleasing to maintain steady mine output from
Palito Operations, even with reduced levels of manpower and
equipment.
“It is an exciting time for the Company, and we
look forward to 2023 being a year of improving production. Having
‘flat-lined’ for the past 2 years, 2023 should see Coringa really
begin to contribute as well as improved output from Palito
operations. The rate of the Coringa production growth remains
subject to the on-going licencing process. Over the year, we have
drilled over 17,000 metres of underground exploration drilling in
and around the Palito mine, stepping out and down on known veins.
As a result, it is our intention to publish an updated Independent
NI 43-101 Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimate during the
first half of the year. In addition, we will be keeping
stakeholders updated on progress with the planned greenfield
exploration programmes following the discovery of the Matilda
copper-molybdenum porphyry during 2022.”
OPERATIONAL RESULTS
Total production for the fourth quarter of 2022
was 7,798 ounces, bringing total production for the year to 31,819
ounces, which includes a fourth quarter and annual contribution
from Coringa of 443 and 1,013 ounces respectively.
Total ore mined from the Palito Complex during
the fourth quarter was 38,293 tonnes at 6.20 grammes per tonne
(“g/t”) compared to 43,180 tonnes at 6.28 g/t of gold for the third
quarter of 2022. Total ore mined for the year was 163,506 tonnes at
6.15 g/t, compared with 170,261 tonnes at 6.59 g/t for 2021.
Development ore produced from Coringa generated a total of 7,654
tonnes at 4.78 g/t in the year.
42,692 tonnes of run of mine (“ROM”) ore were
processed through the plant during the final quarter, with an
average grade of 6.05 g/t of gold, compared with 44,867 tonnes at
6.34 g/t in the third quarter. 172,404 tonnes of ROM at 6.14 g/t
were processed for the year, which included 5,729 tonnes of Coringa
ore with a grade of 5.68 g/t.
A total of 2,245 metres of horizontal
development has been completed at Palito during the final quarter
of which 1,233 metres was ore development. The balance is the ramp,
cross cuts and stope preparation development. Horizontal
development at Coringa totalled 645 metres during the fourth
quarter.
SUMMARY PRODUCTION STATISTICS FOR 2022 AND
2021 |
|
|
Qtr 1 |
Qtr 2 |
Qtr 3 |
Qtr 4 |
Full Year |
Qtr 1 |
Qtr 2 |
Qtr 3 |
Qtr 4 |
Full Year |
2022 |
2022 |
2022 |
2022 |
2022 |
2021 |
2021 |
2021 |
2021 |
2021 |
Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
production (1)(2) |
Ounces |
7,062 |
8,418 |
8,542 |
7,798 |
31,819 |
8,087 |
9,048 |
9,035 |
7,678 |
33,848 |
Mined
ore |
Tonnes |
40,606 |
44,008 |
46,863 |
42,264 |
173,741 |
40,371 |
43,051 |
42,240 |
44,599 |
170,261 |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
5.95 |
6.26 |
6.22 |
6.01 |
6.14 |
6.27 |
7.12 |
7.18 |
5.81 |
6.59 |
Milled
ore |
Tonnes |
41,357 |
43,488 |
44,867 |
42,692 |
172,404 |
41,462 |
43,679 |
41,995 |
43,663 |
170,799 |
|
Gold
grade (g/t) |
5.72 |
6.43 |
6.34 |
6.05 |
6.14 |
6.27 |
7.09 |
7.20 |
5.90 |
6.61 |
Palito Complex |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
production (1)(2) |
Ounces |
7,062 |
8,418 |
7,972 |
7,355 |
30,807 |
8,087 |
9,048 |
9,035 |
7,678 |
33,848 |
Mined
ore |
Tonnes |
40,606 |
44,008 |
43,180 |
38,293 |
163,506 |
40,371 |
43,051 |
42,240 |
44,599 |
170,261 |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
5.84 |
6.26 |
6.28 |
6.20 |
6.15 |
6.27 |
7.12 |
7.18 |
5.81 |
6.59 |
Milled
ore |
Tonnes |
41,357 |
43,488 |
42,257 |
39,573 |
165,502 |
41,462 |
43,679 |
41,995 |
43,663 |
170,799 |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
5.72 |
6.43 |
6.30 |
6.17 |
6.14 |
6.27 |
7.09 |
7.20 |
5.90 |
6.61 |
Horizontal development |
Metres |
2,938 |
3,353 |
2,458 |
2,245 |
10,994 |
3,573 |
2,961 |
2,842 |
3,318 |
12,694 |
Coringa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
production (1)(2) |
Ounces |
|
|
570 |
443 |
1,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mined
ore |
Tonnes |
|
|
3,683 |
3,971 |
7,654 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
|
|
5.46 |
4.15 |
4.78 |
|
|
|
|
|
Milled
ore |
Tonnes |
|
|
2,610 |
3,119 |
5,729 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
|
|
7.00 |
4.58 |
5.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
Horizontal development |
Metres |
212 |
302 |
632 |
645 |
1,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
- The table may not
sum due to rounding.
- Production numbers are subject to
change pending final assay analysis from refineries.
Mine performance in the final quarter of 2022 was impacted by
reduced output from the Sao Chico orebody reflecting the decision
taken mid-year to move some crews and fleet to Coringa in readiness
for increased Coringa production in 2023. Whilst planned output
from the Palito orebody was increased to offset the Sao Chico
output, total mined tonnage from Palito Operations nonetheless
reduced by 4,900 tonnes for the quarter.The extensive underground
exploration drilling programme of 2022 has seen over 17,000 metres
of drilling completed. Large step outs have been tested on the
veins of Chico de Santa, G3 Central, G3 North and Senna at depth.
The plan has been to drill at least 250 metre depth extensions
below all sectors, as well as strike extensions where access has
been possible. As a result, a significant effort has been made
during the second part of 2022 to compile these results and update
the drill hole database and the geological models for the ore zones
at Palito and Sao Chico. The company is working with consultant NCL
who will prepare a new NI 43-101 Technical Report comprising
updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates during the
first half of 2023. FINANCE UPDATE Cash balances
at the end of December 2022 were US$7.2 million with a further cash
receipt of US$2.2 million being received in early January for a
sale of copper/gold concentrate completed in December. This
compares with a cash balance of US$10.3 million at the end of
September 2022. 2023 PRODUCTION GUIDANCE The
Company forecasts combined production from the Palito Complex
operations and Coringa Project of between 33,500 and 35,000 ounces
of gold during 2023. The information contained within this
announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside
information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU)
No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of the
European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. The person who arranged for
the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was Clive
Line, Director. Enquiries: Serabi Gold plc Michael
Hodgson Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 Chief Executive Mobile: +44
(0)7799 473621 Clive Line Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 Finance Director
Mobile: +44 (0)7710 151692 Email: contact@serabigold.com Website:
www.serabigold.com Beaumont Cornish LimitedNominated Adviser and
Financial Adviser Roland Cornish / Michael Cornish Tel: +44 (0)20
7628 3396 Peel Hunt LLPJoint UK Broker Ross Allister / Alexander
Allen Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 9000 Tamesis Partners LLPJoint UK Broker
Charlie Bendon / Richard Greenfield Tel: +44 (0)20 3882 2868
Camarco Financial PR
Gordon Poole / Emily Hall Tel: +44(0) 20 3757 4980 Copies of this
announcement are available from the Company's website at
www.serabigold.com. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, nor any
other securities regulatory authority, has approved or disapproved
of the contents of this announcement. See
www.serabigold.com for more information
and follow us on twitter @Serabi_GoldGLOSSARY OF
TERMS “Ag” means silver.
“Au” means gold. “assay” in
economic geology, means to analyse the proportions of metal in a
rock or overburden sample; to test an ore or mineral for
composition, purity, weight or other properties of commercial
interest. “CIM” means the Canadian Institute of
Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. “chalcopyrite”
is a sulphide of copper and iron. “Cu” means
copper. “cut-off grade” the lowest grade of
mineralised material that qualifies as ore in a given deposit; rock
of the lowest assay included in an ore estimate.
“dacite porphyry
intrusive” a silica-rich igneous rock with larger
phenocrysts (crystals) within a fine-grained matrix
“deposit” is a mineralised body which has been
physically delineated by sufficient drilling, trenching, and/or
underground work, and found to contain a sufficient average grade
of metal or metals to warrant further exploration and/or
development expenditures; such a deposit does not qualify as a
commercially mineable ore body or as containing ore reserves, until
final legal, technical, and economic factors have been resolved.
“electromagnetics” is a geophysical technique tool
measuring the magnetic field generated by subjecting the
sub-surface to electrical currents. “garimpo” is a
local artisanal mining operation “garimpeiro” is a
local artisanal miner. “geochemical” refers to
geological information using measurements derived from chemical
analysis. “geophysical” refers to geological
information using measurements derived from the use of magnetic and
electrical readings. “geophysical
techniques” include the exploration of an area by
exploiting differences in physical properties of different rock
types. Geophysical methods include seismic, magnetic, gravity,
induced polarisation and other techniques; geophysical surveys can
be undertaken from the ground or from the air.
“gossan” is an iron-bearing weathered product that
overlies a sulphide deposit. “grade” is the
concentration of mineral within the host rock typically quoted as
grams per tonne (g/t), parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion
(ppb). “g/t” means grams per tonne.
“granodiorite” is an igneous intrusive rock
similar to granite. “hectare” or a
“ha” is a unit of measurement equal to 10,000
square metres. “igneous” is a rock that has
solidified from molten material or magma. “IP”
refers to induced polarisation, a geophysical technique whereby an
electric current is induced into the sub-surface and the
conductivity of the sub-surface is recorded.
“intrusive” is a body of rock that invades older
rocks. "Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of
a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities,
shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of
confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of
technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and
evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate
is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing
information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations
such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are
spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be
reasonably assumed. "Inferred Mineral Resource” is
that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or
quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and
limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified,
geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited
information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques
from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill
holes. “Inferred Mineral Resource” ‟ is that part
of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can
be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited
sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and
grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and
sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations
such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.
“mineralisation” the concentration of metals and
their chemical compounds within a body of rock.
“mineralised” refers to rock which contains
minerals e.g. iron, copper, gold. "Mineral
Resource” is a concentration or
occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or
natural solid fossilized organic material including base and
precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals in or on the Earth's
crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that
it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location,
quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a
Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific
geological evidence and knowledge. “Mineral
Reserve” is the economically mineable part of a Measured
or Indicated Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a
Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate
information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and
other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting,
that economic extraction can be justified. A Mineral Reserve
includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may
occur when the material is mine
“Mo-Bi-As-Te-W-Sn”
Molybdenum-Bismuth-Arsenic-Tellurium-Tungsten-Tin
“monzogranite” a biotite rich granite, often part
of the later-stage emplacement of a larger granite body.
“mt” means million tonnes. “ore”
means a metal or mineral or a combination of these of sufficient
value as to quality and quantity to enable it to be mined at a
profit. “oxides” are near surface bed-rock which
has been weathered and oxidised by long term exposure to the
effects of water and air. “ppm” means parts per
million. “Probable Mineral Reserve” is the
economically mineable part of an Indicated and, in some
circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least
a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate
information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and
other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting,
that economic extraction can be justified. “Proven Mineral
Reserve” is the economically mineable part of a Measured
Mineral Resource. A Proven Mineral Reserve implies a high degree of
confidence in the Modifying Factors “saprolite” is
a weathered or decomposed clay-rich rock.
“sulphide” refers to minerals consisting of a
chemical combination of sulphur with a metal.
“vein” is a generic term to describe an occurrence
of mineralised rock within an area of non-mineralised rock.
“VTEM” refers to versa time domain
electromagnetic, a particular variant of time-domain
electromagnetic geophysical survey to prospect for conductive
bodies below surface. Assay ResultsAssay results
reported within this release include those provided by the
Company's own on-site laboratory facilities at Palito and these
will not have been independently verified. Serabi closely monitors
the performance of its own facility against results from
independent laboratory analysis for quality control purpose. As a
matter of normal practice, the Company sends duplicate samples
derived from a variety of the Company's activities to accredited
laboratory facilities for independent verification. Since mid-2019,
over 10,000 exploration drill core samples have been assayed at
both the Palito laboratory and certified external laboratory, in
most cases the ALS laboratory in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. When
comparing significant assays with grades exceeding 1 g/t gold,
comparison between Palito versus external results record an average
over-estimation by the Palito laboratory of 6.7% over this period.
Based on the results of this work, the Company's management are
satisfied that the Company's own facility shows sufficiently good
correlation with independent laboratory facilities for exploration
drill samples. The Company would expect that in the preparation of
any future independent Reserve/Resource statement undertaken in
compliance with a recognised standard, the independent authors of
such a statement would not use Palito assay Qualified
Persons StatementThe scientific and technical information
contained within this announcement has been reviewed and approved
by Michael Hodgson, a Director of the Company. Mr Hodgson is an
Economic Geologist by training with over 26 years' experience in
the mining industry. He holds a BSc (Hons) Geology, University of
London, a MSc Mining Geology, University of Leicester and is a
Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a
Chartered Engineer of the Engineering Council of UK, recognising
him as both a Qualified Person for the purposes of Canadian
National Instrument 43-101 and by the AIM Guidance Note on Mining
and Oil & Gas Companies dated June 2009. Forward
Looking StatementsCertain statements in this announcement
are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward
looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases
such as ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘could’’, “should” ‘‘envisage’’,
‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘may’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘will’’ or the
negative of those, variations, or comparable expressions, including
references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not
based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current
expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth,
results of operations, performance, future capital and other
expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding
thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and
opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the
Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on
information currently available to the Directors. A number of
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the
results discussed in the forward-looking statements including risks
associated with vulnerability to general economic and business
conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory
changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of
capital markets, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and
underinsured losses and other factors, many of which are beyond the
control of the Company. Although any forward-looking statements
contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors
believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure
investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward
looking statements. ENDS
- Q4 2022 Operational Update v7
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