10.4 million ounces ("Moz") Palladium
Equivalent ("PdEq1") Measured + Indicated, and
5.0 Moz PdEq1 Inferred
VANCOUVER, BC, February 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Bravo
Mining Corp. (TSXV: BRVO) (OTCQX: BRVMF), ("Bravo" or
the "Company") is pleased to report the results of its 2025
Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") at its 100% owned Luanga
palladium + platinum + rhodium + gold + nickel deposit ("Luanga
deposit" or "Luanga PGM+Au+Ni deposit"), located in the
Carajás Mineral Province, Pará State, Brazil. The 2025 MRE shows substantial
improvements over the previously reported 2023 MRE (See press
release October 22, 2023) using the
same metal prices and similar other assumptions.
Highlights of Bravo's 2025 MRE at a 0.50 g/t
PdEq1 cut-off grade:
-
- 154% increase in Measured + Indicated contained
PdEq1 ounces
- 117% increase in Measured + Indicated tonnes
- 17% increase in Measured + Indicated PdEq1
grades
- 34% increase in Inferred PdEq1 grade
- Measured & Indicated Resources now make up 67% of total
resources
- Measured + Indicated resources total 158 million tonnes
("Mt") grading 2.04 grams per tonne ("g/t")
PdEq1, for a total of 10.4 Moz of
PdEq1 contained.
The MRE introduces Measured mineral resource for the first time.
The combined Measured + Indicated tonnes have improved by 117% as
compared to the Indicated tonnes in the 2023 MRE, while grade has
improved by 17%, resulting in a 154% increase in contained
PdEq1 ounces.
- Inferred Resources of 78 Mt grading 2.01 g/t
PdEq1 for 5.0 Moz
PdEq1.
Tonnes of Inferred resources
decreased, as most of previous Inferred tonnages were reclassified
to higher-confidence categories while new Inferred resources were
added beyond the limits of the prior MRE, and grades improved by
34% in the Inferred category.
- Measured & Indicated Resources now make up 67% of total
MRE, a significant improvement from the 2023 MRE where 38% of
the mineral resource was in the Indicated category.
- Relative percentages of each metal by
PdEq1 value contribution to the MRE, are
estimated at: 47% Pd, 25% Pt, 13% Rh, 13% sulphide Ni, and 2%
Au.
- 2025 MRE outcome was achieved using the same metal prices as
the prior MRE, somewhat more conservative metallurgical
recoveries and otherwise similar modifying factors.
- The MRE remains open at depth along the 8.1km strike of the
deposit, with many of the areas below current drilling depths
are considered l within potential open pit extraction depths.
"The delivery of our 2025 MRE update is a significant
achievement by our team. We have exceeded our own expectations for
resource growth in declared tonnes, grade and contained metal, with
a considerable increase to the confidence levels in resource
categories. The 2025 MRE firmly establishes our Luanga Project as
one of the few large-scale, multi-million-ounce, open-pit PGM
deposits available globally, in mining friendly, geopolitically
favourable locations", said Luis
Azevedo, Chairman and CEO. "Centrally located in the
Americas and within reach of major PGM consumers, Luanga also
stands out for having access to all essential infrastructure for
mining development and operations, including access to
cost-efficient renewable power, highways, rail, ports and a skilled
mining workforce. With strong community support, as evident in our
successful recent public hearing for the permitting process, Bravo
Mining is well positioned for continued success, complemented by
our continuing copper exploration."
_________________________________
|
1
|
For grades by
individual metals, see Table 1 below, where the footnotes also
detail the basis of the PdEq1 calculation
|
2025 MRE Details:
Bravo's 2025 pit constrained MRE has an effective date of
February 18, 2025, and it is
comprised of 158 Mt grading 2.04 g/t
PdEq1 for a total of 10.4 Moz of PdEq1
in the Measured + Indicated category, and 78 Mt grading 2.01 g/t
PdEq1 for 5.0 Moz PdEq1 in the Inferred
category. Table 1 shows a breakdown of the MRE by tonnage, grade
and metal content for each metal, weathering type, and resource
classification category. Mineral resources that are not mineral
reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no
certainty that all mineral resources will be converted into mineral
reserves. This MRE includes Inferred Mineral Resources which have
had insufficient work to classify them as Indicated mineral
resources. It is uncertain but reasonably expected that Inferred
mineral resources could be upgraded to Indicated mineral resources
with continued exploration.
Resource
Classification
|
Weathering
|
Average Grades and
Contained Metal Estimates
|
Tonnes
|
PdEq1
|
Pd
|
Pt
|
Rh
|
Au
|
Ni
|
Mt
|
g/t
|
Oz
|
g/t
|
Oz
|
g/t
|
Oz
|
g/t
|
Oz
|
g/t
|
Oz
|
%
|
Tonnes
|
Measured
|
Oxide
|
4
|
1.51
|
197
|
0.90
|
117
|
0.88
|
115
|
0.12
|
15
|
0.05
|
7
|
—
|
—
|
High talc
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Fresh Rock
|
32
|
2.06
|
2,144
|
0.97
|
1,009
|
0.67
|
694
|
0.08
|
88
|
0.04
|
46
|
0.11
|
35,282
|
Total
|
36
|
2.00
|
2,340
|
0.96
|
1,126
|
0.69
|
809
|
0.09
|
104
|
0.04
|
53
|
0.10
|
35,282
|
Indicated
|
Oxide
|
6
|
1.51
|
314
|
0.97
|
200
|
0.73
|
151
|
0.11
|
23
|
0.04
|
9
|
—
|
—
|
High talc
|
2
|
1.83
|
146
|
1.12
|
89
|
0.54
|
43
|
0.08
|
6
|
0.11
|
9
|
0.13
|
3,160
|
Fresh Rock
|
113
|
2.09
|
7,599
|
0.99
|
3,583
|
0.59
|
2,133
|
0.09
|
318
|
0.05
|
193
|
0.14
|
156,406
|
Total
|
122
|
2.06
|
8,058
|
0.99
|
3,872
|
0.59
|
2,326
|
0.09
|
348
|
0.05
|
210
|
0.13
|
159,566
|
Measured +
Indicated
|
Oxide
|
10
|
1.51
|
510
|
0.94
|
317
|
0.79
|
266
|
0.11
|
38
|
0.04
|
15
|
—
|
—
|
High talc
|
2
|
1.83
|
146
|
1.12
|
89
|
0.54
|
43
|
0.08
|
6
|
0.11
|
9
|
0.13
|
3,160
|
Fresh Rock
|
145
|
2.08
|
9,743
|
0.98
|
4,592
|
0.60
|
2,827
|
0.09
|
407
|
0.05
|
239
|
0.13
|
191,688
|
Total
|
158
|
2.04
|
10,399
|
0.98
|
4,998
|
0.62
|
3,135
|
0.09
|
451
|
0.05
|
262
|
0.12
|
194,848
|
Inferred
|
Oxide
|
3
|
1.57
|
130
|
0.88
|
73
|
1.04
|
86
|
0.13
|
11
|
0.05
|
4
|
—
|
—
|
High talc
|
0.1
|
1.76
|
5
|
1.08
|
3
|
0.53
|
2
|
0.07
|
0
|
0.10
|
0
|
0.14
|
133
|
Fresh Rock
|
75
|
2.02
|
4,878
|
0.97
|
2,344
|
0.58
|
1,389
|
0.08
|
191
|
0.05
|
123
|
0.13
|
97,586
|
Total
|
78
|
2.01
|
5,013
|
0.97
|
2,421
|
0.59
|
1,476
|
0.08
|
202
|
0.05
|
128
|
0.13
|
97,719
|
Table 1: MRE Declaration at a Cut-off of 0.5g/t
PdEq1*
* Notes:
|
1.
|
The MRE has been
prepared by Bernardo Horta de Cerqueira Viana, Geologist, BSc
(Geology), FAIG, CEO of GE21 Consultoria Mineral Ltda. and Porfírio
Cabaleiro Rodriguez, Mining Engineer, BSc (Mine Eng), FAIG, CKO of
GE21 Consultoria Mineral Ltda., both independent Qualified Person
("QP") for the purposes of National Instrument
43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI
43-101"). The effective date of the MRE is 18 February
2025.
|
2.
|
Mineral resources
are reported using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards and were
estimated in accordance with the CIM 2019 Best Practices
Guidelines, as required by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of
Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").
|
3.
|
The MRE Estimate is
reported/confined within an economic pit shell generated by
Dassault Geovia Whittle software, using the following
assumptions:
|
|
- Generated from work completed by Bravo and
historical test work:
- Metallurgical recovery in sulphide
material of 77% Pd, 81% Pt, 51% Rh, 48% Au, 50% Ni to a Ni-PGM
concentrate.
- Metallurgical recovery in oxide material
of 81% Pd, 23% Pt, 54% Rh, 90% Au to a PGM ash residue (Ni not
applicable).
- Metallurgical recovery in
high-talc sulphide material of 51% Pd, 55% Pt, 27% Rh, 27% Au,
50% Ni to a Ni-PGM concentrate.
- Independent Geotechnical Testwork –
Overall pit slopes of 40 degrees in oxide and 50 degrees in Fresh
Rock.
- Densities are based on
27,170 drillhole core and 112 in situ samples density
measurements. The Mineral Resources are reported on a dry density
basis.
- External downstream payability has not
been included, as the base case MRE assumption considers
internal downstream processing, with operating costs for downstream
processing included in the calculation of the 0.5g/t
PdEq1 cut-off used for
the declared MRE.
- Payable royalties of 2%.
- Metal Pricing
- For the 2025 MRE, the same pricing
regime has been used, as there have been no significant changes in
prices. This also allows for a direct comparison between the new
2025 MRE and the now superseded 2023 model (a 10-year trailing
average - 2014-2023): Pd price of US$1,380/oz, Pt price of
US$1,100/oz, Rh price of US$6,200/oz, Au price of US$1,500/oz,
Ni price of US$7.10/lb.
- Palladium Equivalent ("PdEq1") Calculation:
- The PdEq equation is:
PdEq1 = Pd g/t + F1 +
F2 + F3 + F4
- Where: F1 = (Ptp*PtR)/(Pdp*PdR) Ptt F2 = (Rhp*RhR)/(Pdp*PdR) Rht F3 = (Aup*AuR)/(Pdp*PdR) Aut F4 = (Nip*NiR)/(Pdp*PdR) Nit
- P = Metal Price
- R = Metallurgical Recover
- Costs are taken from comparable projects
in GE21's extensive database of mining operations in Brazil, which
includes not only operating mines, but recent actual costs from
what could potentially be similarly sized operating mines in
the Carajás. Costs considered a throughput rate of ca.
10Mtpa.
- Mining costs: US$2.00/t oxide, US$3.00/t
Fresh Rock. Processing costs: US$9.00/t fresh rock, US$7.50/t
oxide. US$1.50/t processed, for General & Administration.
US$1.00/t processed for grade control. US$0.50/t processed
for rehabilitation.
- Several of these considerations
(metallurgical recovery, metal price projections for example)
should be regarded as preliminary in nature, and therefore
PdEq1 calculations
should be regarded as preliminary in nature.
|
4.
|
The current MRE
supersedes and replaces the Previous Estimate (2023), which should
be no longer relied upon.
|
5.
|
The QP is not aware
of political, environmental, or other risks that could materially
affect the potential development of the Mineral Resources other
than those typical for mining projects at this stage of
development, including those listed in the Technical Report dated
October 22nd, 2023 and
in the Company's Annual Information Form dated April 22nd, 2024.
|
6.
|
Totals may not sum
due to rounding.
|
Luanga Mineral Resource Estimate
The Luanga deposit mineral resource database consists of 531
drillholes (Bravo + historic drilling) inside the Luanga deposit,
with 108,343 metres of drilling between 1992 to 2025. This database
includes 107,516 metres of assayed drill intervals at an average
interval of approximately 1m per
assay interval.
All assayed drill interval lengths of core used in the
mineralized domains are HQ diameter diamond drill core in
the oxide and NQ2 diameter diamond drill core in fresh
rock.
All historic data used for the MRE has been validated
statistically to show no significant bias, either by twinned
drillholes, extensive re-sampling and assaying of historic drill
core, statistical comparison of historical data with Bravo
drilling, and by field validation of collar locations. In addition,
the MRE included sample assay results from 45 trenches for 8,714
metres and 9,355 assays at an average sampling interval
approximately to 1m.
Thirteen mineralized style domains were generated based on
position in deposit and geological and metallurgical behaviour,
with most of the tonnage contained within the Main Sulphide
Zone.
There are no known issues that materially affect the MRE, other
than the usual risks faced by any mining project in Brazil or other jurisdictions, such as the
risks and uncertainties inherent in mineral exploration and
development, environmental, permitting, taxation, socio-economic,
marketing, political factors or any additional risks listed in the
Technical Report dated October 22nd,
2023, the Company's Annual Information Form April 22nd, 2024 and "Forward-Looking
Statements" section in this news release.
The metallurgical recovery assumptions for the 2025 MRE have
been based on results generated from multiple phases of
laboratory-scale metallurgical test work including approximately
150 flotation tests conducted for Bravo Mining (2022 – 2025) at
independent laboratories in Brazil
and Canada.
Oxide recoveries used in the MRE calculation are based on
results generated from exploratory and detailed parameter leaching
programs (2022 - 2024) performed for Bravo through independent
laboratories in Brazil. Refer to
Schedule 2 of this press release for further details.
Metal price assumptions were previously derived in the 2023 MRE
from the 10-year trailing price averages to smooth out volatility
and price cycle movement in each of these metals. For the 2025 MRE,
the same pricing regime has been used, as there have been no
significant changes in prices. This also allows for a direct
comparison between the new 2025 MRE and the now superseded 2023
model.
The current 2025 MRE supersedes and replaces the previous
estimate (2023), which should be no longer relied upon.
For illustration purposes, the pie chart below (Figure 1) shows
the relative percentages of metal value contribution to the Luanga
MRE using 'grade x metallurgical recovery x metal price' for each
metal.
Based on recoveries and GE21's estimates of costs, a cut-off
grade ("COG") of 0.5 g/t PdEq1 was determined for
reporting the base case of the MRE. Refer to Schedule 1 of this
press release for further details on the factors contributing to
the COG estimate. A sensitivity analysis of the COG on the MRE,
from 0.1 to 1.0 g/t PdEq1, in increments of 0.1 g/t is
shown in Table 2.
MEASURED +
INDICATED
|
INFERRED
|
PdEq1
Cut-off
grade
|
Tonnes
|
Recovered
Pd/Eq1
|
PdEq1
Cut-off
grade
|
Tonnes
|
Recovered
Pd/Eq1
|
(g/t)
|
Mt
|
(g/t)
|
(g/t)
|
Mt
|
(g/t)
|
0.1
|
165
|
1.97
|
0.1
|
80
|
1.96
|
0.2
|
164
|
1.99
|
0.2
|
79
|
1.97
|
0.3
|
162
|
2.00
|
0.3
|
79
|
1.98
|
0.4
|
161
|
2.02
|
0.4
|
79
|
1.99
|
0.5
|
158
|
2.04
|
0.5
|
78
|
2.01
|
0.6
|
147
|
2.15
|
0.6
|
74
|
2.07
|
0.7
|
134
|
2.30
|
0.7
|
67
|
2.23
|
0.8
|
124
|
2.43
|
0.8
|
57
|
2.48
|
0.9
|
118
|
2.52
|
0.9
|
54
|
2.59
|
1.0
|
115
|
2.55
|
1.0
|
53
|
2.61
|
Table 2: MRE Sensitivity (grade/tonnes/cut-off) with
a 0.5g/t PdEq1 selected for the base case.
*Notes:
|
|
- See footnotes below Table 1 on Page 2.
- The PdEq1 calculation (as defined by the
formula in the footnotes below Table 1) includes metallurgical
recovery for each metal. Therefore, the PdEq1 grade is one that has a
reasonable expectation of what can be recovered after allowing for
mining and processing costs and recoveries.
|
Mineral Resource growth potential
The Company believes that there is further potential to
increase this updated MRE at Luanga, as follows:
- The mineralization is open at depth along the entire 8.1km of
strike.
- The 2025 MRE generally extends to drilled depths that align
with the depths of the Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4 drilling, typically up
to 400m below surface in the Central
Sector (Figure 4) and approximately 250 metres from surface in the
North (Figure 4) and Southwest Sectors and is largely untested
below those depths.
- This depth potential can be seen in section in Figure 4, where
modelling of Inferred resource block on this section is supported
by deeper drilling on the sections on either side, leaving
opportunity to further extend mineralization at depth and, on this
section (Figure 4), the opportunity to convert Inferred resources
to a higher category with infill drilling.
- There are few drill holes that extend below the 2025 MRE
constraining pit shell. Drilling in the Phase 1 (completed) program
targeted the depth extent of historical drilling (typically up to
~150m), while the Phase 2, 3 and 4 programs tested the extensions
of mineralization to >250m below
surface. To date, only the Central Sector drilling has reached
depths of >300m below surface,
with the constraining pit shell still reaching or passing the limit
of the drill data (Figure 4). The section shown in Figure 4 in the
Central Zone is one of the deepest parts of the 2025 MRE
constraining pit shell.
- The cross-section in Figure 5 (Southwest Sector) also shows how
the lack of data at depth is restricting the potential for MRE
extensions at depth.
- Similarly, in Figure 3, the interpreted continuation of
mineralization at depth (unclassified, coloured grey) also
demonstrates where deeper drilling is required.

- Many of the deeper drill holes completed by Bravo, the deepest
on their individual sections (See examples in press release
February 10, 2025), intersected wider
and higher-grade mineralization intervals than typical of the MRE.
This indicates potential for higher grades and greater widths of
mineralization below the limit of the current MRE, with potential
for additional tonnage.
- Some of Bravo's drilling has also intersected mineralized
horizons stratigraphically above or below the Main Sulphide Zone
("MSZ"). However, existing drilling in the 2025 MRE does fully test
some of these other zones, or their extensions at depth (Figure 5).
As a result, they are relatively minor contributors to the 2025
MRE, and present further opportunity, as these mineralized zones
may develop into more significant contributors in the future.
About Bravo Mining Corp.
Bravo is a Canadian and Brazil-based mineral exploration and
development company focused on advancing its PGM+Au+Ni Luanga
Project, as well as our Cu-Au exploration opportunities in the
world-class Carajás Mineral Province, Para State, Brazil.
Bravo is one of the most active explorers in Carajás. The team,
comprising of local and international geologists and engineers, has
a proven track record of PGM, nickel, and copper discoveries in the
region and elsewhere. The individuals in the team have successfully
taken a past IOCG greenfield project from discovery to development
and production in the Carajás.
The Luanga Project is situated on mature freehold farming land
and benefits from being located close to operating mines and a
mining-experienced workforce, with excellent access and proximity
to existing infrastructure, including road, rail, ports, and
hydroelectric grid power. Bravo's current Environmental, Social and
Governance activities includes planting more than 30,000 high-value
trees in and around the project area in the past 30 months, while
hiring personnel and contracting services locally.
Technical Disclosure
Technical Disclosure and Qualified Persons
Bernardo Horta de Cerqueira
Viana, Geologist, BSc (Geology), FAIG, CEO of GE21
Consultoria Mineral Ltda. and Porfírio Cabaleiro Rodriguez, Mining
Engineer, BSc (Mine Eng), FAIG, CKO
of GE21 Consultoria Mineral Ltda., both are an Independent QP as
defined in NI 43-101 and are responsible for the MRE. Independent
peer reviews were carried out internally within the GE21 Group,
over the complete MRE process.
The technical assurance program developed and implemented for
the 2023 MRE process (See press release for details October 22, 2023), has operated continuously,
with the same procedures and protocols in practice since
implementation, and thus applied here to the 2025 MRE.
Mr. Cabaleiro has reviewed and approved the scientific and
technical information related to the MRE contained in this news
release.
Technical information in this news release has been reviewed
and approved by Simon Mottram,
F.AusIMM (Fellow Australia Institute of Mining and Metallurgy),
President of Bravo Mining Corp. who serves as the Company's
"qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").
Mr. Mottram has verified the technical data and opinions contained
in this news release.
Details of the MRE will be provided in a technical report
with an effective date of February 18,
2025, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, which will be
filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile within 45 days of this
news release.
For further information about Bravo, please visit
www.bravomining.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of
this release.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information which
is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information
is characterized by words such as "believes", "substantial",
''improve", ''increase", ''significant", ''expectations ",
''considerable", ''increase", ''favourable", ''well-positioned",
''success ", ''potential ", ''opportunity", variants of these words
and other similar words, phrases, or statements that certain events
or conditions "could", "may" or "will" occur. This news release
contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Company's
2025 MRE update; that the mineral resource remains open at depth,
the potential for future MRE growth from deeper drilling, and/or
additional zones and/or drilling of geophysical targets; potential
repeatability and improvements to the economic assumptions and/or
to metallurgical recoveries used in the MRE; the potential to
convert some or all of the MRE to mineral reserves through economic
studies and the results of any such studies; the assumption that
onsite downstream processing will be technically and economically
feasible; the outcomes of future economic studies and the Company's
plans in respect thereof. Forward-looking information
involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause
actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from
those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to,
unexpected results from exploration programs, changes in the state
of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices,
delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals,
environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage; and
other risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration
and development industry. Forward-looking information in this news
release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management
considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not
limited to, the assumption that the assay results confirm that the
interpreted mineralization contains significant values of nickel,
PGMs and Au; that the mineralization remains open at depth, that
PGM and/or Ni grades and mineralized thicknesses are improving at
depth; that activities will not be adversely disrupted or impeded
by regulatory, political, community, economic, environmental and/or
healthy and safety risks; that the Luanga Project will not be
materially affected by potential supply chain disruptions; and
general business and economic conditions will not change in a
materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the
assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking
information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance
should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any
intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
information, other than as required by applicable securities
laws.
Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral
Resources
This news release has been prepared in accordance with the
requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of
United States securities laws. The
terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated
mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in
and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are
not defined terms under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") modernization rules, known as "S-K 1300", and are normally
not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements
filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all
or any part of an "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral
resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be upgraded to a
higher category or converted into mineral reserves in accordance
with S-K 1300. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of
uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to
their economic and legal feasibility. Under Canadian rules,
estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of
feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases.
Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an
inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally
mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a mineral resource is
permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC
normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does
not constitute "reserves" by SEC S-K 1300 standards as in place
tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly,
information contained in this News Release contain descriptions of
the Company's mineral deposits that may not be comparable to
similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the
reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and
the rules and regulations thereunder.
Schedule 1: Key Assumptions and Methods Used for the
MRE
Variography and Interpolations
Grade estimation for sulphide material was completed using the
E-type post-processing of the conditional TBS for each element and
each domain. 50 simulations with 400 bands were performed. Raw
Variography and raw histogram were validated according to the TBS
simulation. No grade variables were capped. The simulations are
compared and validated with the OK methodology and Nearest Neighbor
Estimation.
The conditional TBS was performed in a block size of
2.5mx2.5mx2.5m and was upscaled for a parental block model of
25mx25mx5m. The parental block model was then sub-blocked with a
minimum block size of 3.125m m x
3.125 m x 1.25
m. Grade estimation for oxide material was completed using
the OK technique for each element and each domain in the parental
block size.
Cut-off Grade
The PdEq1 COG of 0.5 g/t was calculated by taking the
all-in cost (oxide and fresh rock) and dividing them by the value
of one gram of Pd multiplied by metallurgical recovery. From this a
global average COG of 0.5 g/t PdEq1 was calculated.
COG
(PdEq1)
|
Oxide
|
Units
|
Costs
|
14.0
|
US$/t
|
DGV1
|
31.95
|
US$/g
|
Cut-Off
|
0.43
|
PdEq1/
g/t
|
Downstream OPEX
allowance
|
14
|
%
|
2025 Cut-off
|
0.49
|
PdEq1/
g/t
|
High
Talc
|
Units
|
Costs
|
16.0
|
US$/t
|
DGV1
|
35.5
|
US$/g
|
Cut-Off
|
0.44
|
PdEq1/
g/t
|
Downstream OPEX
allowance
|
14
|
%
|
2025 Cut-off
|
0.50
|
PdEq1/
g/t
|
Fresh
|
Units
|
Costs
|
16.0
|
US$/t
|
DGV1
|
35.5
|
US$/g
|
Cut-Off
|
0.44
|
PdEq1/
g/t
|
Downstream OPEX
allowance
|
14
|
%
|
2025 Cut-off
|
0.50
|
PdEq1/
g/t
|
Avg
Cut-off
|
0.5
|
PdEq1/ g/t
|
1 Deposit Grade Value ("DGV") =
(P-Pd/31.1035) * R-Pd
Where: P-Pd = Palladium Price in US$/oz,
R-Pd = Palladium Metallurgical Recovery
|
Classification of Mineral Resource
A study of spatial continuity for Pd was conducted using
variography and conditional simulation to classify mineral
resources.
This study established a continuity zone suitable to consider as
"Measured Mineral Resources," with a drilling grid of approximately
45m x 45m, requiring a minimum of 3 drillholes in
perpendicular sections.
Establishing a continuity zone of "Indicated Mineral Resources"
was considered with a drilling grid of approximately 75m x 75m, with a
minimum of 2 drillholes in perpendicular sections. Subsequently,
manual post-processing was undertaken to construct wireframes
representing the volumes categorized as Measured and Indicated
while considering the blocks within the resource pit shell. Any
remaining blocks within the resource-limiting pit were classified
as "Inferred Mineral Resources."
Reasonable Prospect for Eventual Economic
Extraction
The reported MRE is pit-constrained, using Whittle software to
create a pit shell with reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction. Relevant parameters used in the MRE are shown below the
MRE table and include commodity prices used, metallurgical
recoveries, geotechnical assumptions, and cost structures.
Further, no known environmental or community matters are likely
to constrain the future extraction of the reported MRE.
Schedule 2: Metallurgical Analysis
Metallurgical recoveries used in the MRE calculation are as
follows:
- Sulphide (Fresh rock) recovery inputs: Pt 81%, Pd 77%, Rh
51%, Au 48%, Ni 50% (for an ≥80g/t concentrate).
- High talc recovery inputs: Pt 55%, Pd 51%, Au 27%, Rh
27%, (for an ≥80g/t concentrate).
- Oxide recovery inputs: Au 90%, Pd 81%, Rh 54%, Pt 23% (for
an ≥80g/t concentrate).
Fresh rock recoveries used in the 2025 MRE calculation are based
on results generated from multiple phases of laboratory flotation
testwork performed by Bravo (117 flotation tests) and three
programs of historical flotation testwork, including two historical
pilot plant tests. Results indicate that Luanga mineralization has
the metallurgical character to potentially produce saleable PGM +
sulphide Ni concentrates at grades in line with grades achieved for
PGM operators in established jurisdictions around the world,
including concentrate grades of ≥80g/t PGM, 5-10% Ni +
Sulphur of 15–20%, at the feed grade range of 2g/t PGM.
Bravo testwork considered geospatially representative samples
with feed grades ranging from 0.9 – 7.0 g/t PdEq1. Final
concentrate grades produced in the Bravo test work ranged from
37–475 g/t PGM. Metallurgical recovery assumptions are based on
target concentrate grade of 80g/t.
Input assumptions for the generation of the MRE constraining pit
were derived from a grade-recovery curve based on relevant results
generated from the 2022 – 2024 test work programs. Where
applicable, specific recoveries have been assigned to geological
domains that demonstrate materially different metallurgical
character and performance relative to the general mineralization
observed across the Luanga deposit.
Mini plant tests were also conducted to generate a wide spectrum
of concentrate chemistries for pyrometallurgical evaluation.
Metallurgical data generated from the mini plant tests were further
incorporated into the MRE assumptions. The sample source for the
mini plant were inherited, historical, large diameter diamond
cores, drilled into a localized, high talc zone in the SW sector of
the Luanga deposit. Recoveries achieved were broadly in line with
current assumptions (73% 4E PGM) but due to high talc
contamination, target concentrate grade was not achieved under the
utilised circuit configuration (35g/t). Recovery assumptions for
the high talc zone were domained separately, while recoveries for
all other zones are based on an 80g/t concentrate.
The resultant reduced metallurgical recovery assumption of 51%
(4E PGM) was assigned to the high talc domain.
Oxide recoveries used in the MRE calculation are based on
results generated from two programs (2022 - 2024) of conventional
leaching test work performed for Bravo.
The conceptual oxide processing flowsheet has been validated at
each processing stage through testwork, including: PGM and Au
solubility in the presence of cyanide at ambient
temperature/pressure and within reasonable reagent dosage
conditions; PGM and Au adsorption onto carbon; Final product
generation as saleable high grade PGM ash residue ("ashing" or
"ashed" is the burning of the loaded carbon for final mass
reduction to an ultra-high grade ash residue) with an assayed
average grade of 119,100g/t PGM (or 11.91% PGM). Bravo's current
data demonstrates a reasonable probability for economic recovery of
PGM from oxide material at Luanga through conventional cyanide
leaching, carbon-in-leach extraction, and high grade 'ashed'
residue production. The recommendations for oxide metallurgical
input into the MRE are based on laboratory-generated data for each
stage of processing to a final product, from the Luanga 2022 - 2024
programs. Key factors that have contributed to successful recovery
of PGM from oxide material include:
- Intense host rock weathering in oxide and a high degree of
naturally liberated PGM, contributing to lower mining and
comminution costs.
- High degree of solubility in cyanide, particularly for Pd and
Au.
- High PGM absorption kinetics and recovery for PGM onto
carbon.
Details of the metallurgical programs and their results will be
documented in the Technical Report prepared in accordance with NI
43-101, which will be filed under the Company's SEDAR profile
within 45 days of this news release.
Schedule 3: Geological Interpretation
The Luanga Complex is a 6km long and up to 3.5km wide (~18km²)
mafic-ultramafic layered intrusion that belongs to the Neoarchean
Large Igneous Province ("LIP") of the Carajás Mineral Province.
Host rocks of the Luanga Complex consist of highly foliated
gneisses and migmatites of the Xingu Complex and mafic volcanics
plus iron formations of the Grão Pará Group. The igneous layers
have consistent steep dips to the SE in the Central and
Southwestern portions of the complex, indicating that the layered
sequence is tectonically overturned. The Luanga complex is up to
3,500m thick in the central portion
of the complex, which is likely to represent the axial portion of
the original magma chamber. Metamorphic assemblages are at the
transition of greenschist to amphibolite facies and commonly
replace the primary igneous minerals of the Luanga complex. This
metamorphic alteration is heterogeneous, largely preserving primary
textures, bulk rock compositions and the compositional domains of
igneous minerals, thus allowing the identification of primary rocks
throughout the intrusion. The layered sequence is subdivided based
on the different type and/or proportion of cumulus minerals in
three zones, Ultramafic Zone ("UZ"), Transition Zone ("TZ") and
Mafic Zone ("MZ").
The UZ is up to 800m thick and
consists of wehrlite (Olivine ("Ol") + Clinopyroxene ("Cpx")
cumulates) and lesser dunite and Cpx. The contact of the UZ with
the stratigraphically overlying TZ is indicated by a few meters
thick upward transition from Cpx bearing cumulates to Opx bearing
cumulates (orthopyroxenite ("Opx") and minor harzburgite("Hz")) in
the TZ. Typically, ultramafic rocks of the TZ are partially to
extensively altered, consisting mainly of serpentinites. The UZ
follows the stratigraphy of the Luanga complex but at the northern
portion the UZ occurs as discordant irregular zones of variably
altered ultramafic cumulates within host rocks.
The TZ consists of an up to 500m
thick pile of interlayered ultramafic and mafic cumulate rocks.
Interlayering of different rock types is a distinctive feature of
the TZ. Cumulate rocks have variable textures, from adcumulate to
orthocumulate, and variable assemblages of cumulus and intercumulus
minerals. The most common rock types are Opx and lesser
interlayered norite and Hz. Chromitite layers with variable
thickness (commonly 10cm but up to 60cm) and textures occur mainly
in the upper portions of the TZ and the lowermost portion of the
MZ. Chromitites are fine- to medium-grained chromite cumulates with
variably altered intercumulus plagioclase ("Pl") and
orthopyroxene.
The MZ, about 5km long and up to 1.5km thick, comprises a thick
monotonous pile of noritic rocks. Norite (Opx + Pl cumulate)
consists of medium-grained massive rocks variably altered to
fine-grained aggregates consisting mainly of amphiboles
(hornblende-actinolite), chlorite and epidote-group minerals. Minor
interlayered ultramafic rocks in the MZ, including Opx and minor
chromitite, have petrographic features like those described in the
TZ.
The Luanga mineralized envelope is continuous along the
arc-shaped structure of the mafic-ultramafic complex, striking for
approximately 8.1km. The deposit is subdivided into three separate
mineralized sectors, named North, Central and Southwestern. The
mineralized envelope of the Luanga Complex hosts several PGM
mineralized zones, including the Main Sulphide Zone ("MSZ"), which
hosts the bulk of current mineral resources. Other mineralized
zones are identified within the UZ, the TZ, as well as
mineralization hosted in chromitites layers or lenses distributed
within the TZ and the immediate contact with the overlying MZ.
Mineralized zones of the Luanga complex are grouped into six
different styles of PGM mineralization: (1) MSZ; (2) Low Sulphide
Zone ("LSZ"); (3) Chromite-associated Zone ("Chr-PGM"); (4) Ni-Rh
Sulphide Zone ("Ni-Rh"); (5) Sulphide Zone ("SZ") and (6) Massive
Sulphides ("MASU").
- MSZ: PGM mineralization associated with disseminated
sulphides in the MSZ hosts the bulk of PGM+Au+Ni mineral resources
of the Luanga complex. The stratigraphic interval hosting the MSZ
consists of a 10–50m thick interval with disseminated sulphides
located along the contact of the UZ and TZ. The MSZ is
stratabound-style PGM mineralization consisting of interstitial
sulphides (~1-5 vol.%) hosted by Opx and minor Hz. The MSZ is
characterized by very high Ni tenors (10-15%) and Pt-Pd (up to 100
ppm) tenors (content of 100% sulphides), Pt/Pd < 0.5, and Pd/Rh
~0.05.
- Low Sulphide Zone ("LSZ"). The LSZ style of
mineralization comprises PGM-mineralized rocks devoid of base metal
sulphides and/or abundant chromite. The LSZ mineralization of the
Luanga Complex consists of up to 30m
thick stratabound zones across the TZ. These zones do not show
extensive lateral continuity and commonly occur at the contact
between layers of distinct cumulate rocks. The host rocks, mainly
Hz and Opx, do not show any distinctive texture or change in modal
composition that characterizes the PGM enrichment. The LSZ is
characterized by very low Ni content, Pt-Pd contents < 1-2 ppm,
and Pt/Pd ~ 1.0-2.0. Pt-Pd show moderate to strong positive
correlation.
- Chromite-associated Zone ("Chr-PGM"). Chr-PGM
mineralization occurs as chromitite pods (< 60cm thick) closely
associated with intersections containing disseminated clusters of
chromite within Opx, Hz and norite. The Chr-PGM style of
mineralization is characterized by very low Ni content, high Pt/Pd
ratio (~4.0), and Rh/Pt ~0.3.
- Ni-Rh Sulphide Zone ("Ni-RhZ"). The Ni-RhZ mineralized
zone has been identified only within the UZ and occurs as lenses of
disseminated to net-textured sulphides (up to 25%) interstitial to
cumulus Cpx and Ol or their pseudomorphs. Ni-Rh zones have variable
thicknesses (up to 40 m) and are
commonly hosted by interlayered wehrlite and dunite, and minor
clinopyroxenite. Ni-RhZ mineralization has Pt/Pd and Rh/Pd ratios
of around 0.15 and 0.20, respectively. The high modal percentage of
pentlandite (i.e. around 30-40% of the total sulphides) indicates
very high Ni tenor (~10-12%) for the Ni-Rh zones.
- Sulphide Zone ("SZ"). The SZ mineralization style is
recognized exclusively in the Northern sector, characterized by
mineralized bands of variable thickness hosted in rocks of the
TZ. SZ occurs as several irregular north-south trending zones
of disseminated sulphides hosted mainly in Opx. The SZ is
characterized by moderate to high PGM contents (30-40 m intercepts with 2-3 g/t of Pt + Pd) with
predominantly low Pt/Pd ratios (commonly < 0.5, but up to 1.0)
and variable Ni contents (up to 0.20%). Weak positive correlation
between Pd-Ni and Pd-Rh possibly results from variably altered
sulphides.
- (vI) Massive Sulphide Zone ("MASU"). The MASU is a new zone and
style of mineralization identified by Bravo during infill drilling.
A robust intercept of MASU (DDH22LU047 - 11m at 4.24 g/t 3PGM+Au, 2.04% Ni, 1.23% Cu)
occurs within a hydrothermal alteration zone at the eastern border
of the North sector. Host rocks and the footwall sequence of the
MASU intercepted in DDH22LU047 consist of massive rocks with
variable proportions of amphibole-garnet-biotite-magnetite, and
banded iron formation. Sulphide-bearing Opx and interlayered norite
occur above the MASU and in adjacent drill holes. Cumulate rocks
close to the alteration zone are partially to pervasively replaced
by Fe-Ca-K hydrothermal minerals, including MASU to semi-MASU
breccias. Sulphides consist mainly of pyrrhotite (~80-90%) and
pentlandite (~10-20%) with local chalcopyrite-rich domains (up to
60-70% cpy). Pentlandite occurs mainly associated with po as
fine-grained exsolutions (e.g., flames, flakes). MASU has variable
contents of Ni, Cu and PGM, generally with Ni>Cu and Pd>Pt.
Except for the broad positive correlation between Ni and Pd,
correlations between metals are only subtle, including Pd-Pt, Ni-Cu
and Pd-Rh. Contents of Ni (< 6.0%), Pd (< 6.0 ppm), Pt (<
2.5 ppm) and Rh (0.2 ppm) in samples of MASU provide approximate
tenors for these metals in this style of mineralization.
The bulk of the world's PGM resources are mined from
mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions, commonly from stratiform
mineralized layers located near the transition from mafic to
ultramafic cumulate rocks. Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGM sulphides formed by
the accumulation of immiscible sulphide liquid, that scavenged
chalcophile elements from a coexisting silicate magma. Textural
relationships between sulphides and their host silicates are key
evidence for their origin as immiscible sulphide liquids. The
magmatic origin of the Luanga deposit is supported by textural and
mineralogical features described in different styles of PGM
mineralization, particularly the MSZ, Ni-Rh and SZ. In these
different PGM zones, sulphide blebs consisting of pyrrhotite +
pentlandite ± chalcopyrite are interstitial to cumulus olivine
and/or pyroxene. In addition, sulphide blebs enclosed in cumulate
crystals, as well as their rounded/corroded faces, provide
unequivocal evidence for a magmatic origin of sulphides and PGM.
Variable litho-chemical features in PGM zones located in distinct
stratigraphic horizons of the Luanga complex, including different
metal tenors, as well Pt/Pd and Rh/Pd ratios, indicate that several
events of mineralization occurred during the magmatic evolution of
the Luanga complex. The occurrence of several mineralized horizons
in the Luanga complex, including PGM mineralization hosted in
chromitites, has remarkable similarity with reef-type productive
deposits (e.g., Bushveld and Stillwater).
The widespread alteration of rocks from the Luanga complex has
partially disrupted their primary magmatic features. In the Luanga
complex, magmatic silicates are partially altered and commonly
occur as pseudomorphs. The magmatic sulphides have also been
partially altered during the widespread alteration. The most common
alteration of primary sulphides (pyrrhotite - pentlandite -
chalcopyrite) consists of their replacement by magnetite and
Fe-hydroxides. Because this alteration is heterogeneous at
different scales (from mineral crystals up to several hundred
meters thick zones) and largely preserves primary textures and
compositions of cumulate rocks and PGM mineralized zones, magmatic
features can be recognized throughout the layered intrusion.
Schedule 4: Assay Methodologies and QAQC
Samples follow a chain of custody between collection,
processing, and delivery to the SGS Geosol laboratory in
Parauapebas, state of Pará, Brazil. The drill core is delivered to the
core shack at Bravo's Luanga site facilities and processed by
geologists who insert certified reference materials, blanks, and
duplicates into the sampling sequence. Drill core is half cut and
placed in secured polyurethane bags, then in security-sealed sacks
before being delivered directly from the Luanga site facilities to
the Parauapebas SGS Geosol laboratory by Bravo staff. Additional
information about the methodology can be found on the SGS Geosol
website (SGS) in their analytical guides. Information regarding
preparation and analysis of historic drill core is also presented
in the table below, where the information is known. Historical
drilling used a similar QAQC procedure, and as described in the
section "Luanga Mineral Resource Estimate". Data generated by this
work has been validated statistically to show no significant bias,
prior to inclusion.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control ("QAQC") is
maintained internally at the lab through rigorous use of internal
certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates. An
additional QAQC program is administered by Bravo using certified
reference materials, duplicate samples and blank samples that are
blindly inserted into the sample batch. If a QAQC sample returns an
unacceptable value an investigation into the results is triggered
and when deemed necessary, the samples that were tested in the
batch with the failed QAQC sample are re-tested.
Bravo SGS Geosol
|
Preparation
|
Method
|
Method
|
Method
|
Method
|
For All Elements
|
Pt, Pd, Au
|
Rh
|
Sulphide Ni
|
Trace Elements
|
PRPCLI (85% at
200#)
|
FAI515
|
FAI30V
|
AA04B
|
ICP40B
|
Historic Drill Assaying SGS
Geosol
|
Preparation
|
Method
|
Method
|
Method
|
Method
|
For All Elements
|
Pt, Pd, Au
|
Rh
|
TOTAL Ni
|
Trace Elements
|
Crushed to <200
mesh
|
FA30A
|
FA30B
|
ICP-117
|
ICP-117
|
SOURCE Bravo Mining Corp.