 | | | Publié le 17 mai 2007 | 's Thakadu Drill Results a Positive Step Toward Delineating a Second Are |
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| PRESS
RELEASE |
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| May 17, 2007 |
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| African Copper's Thakadu Drill Results a Positive Step Toward Delineating a
Second Area of Significant Mineralisation |
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(CCNMatthews - May 17, 2007) - African Copper ("African Copper" or the "Company") (TSX:ACU)(AIM:ACU)(BSE:AFRICAN COPPER) -
- 100% owned Thakadu deposits are African Copper's most advanced exploration targets in the large Matsitama Belt
- Exceptionally high grade copper-silver intersections reported from the first round of drilling done by African Copper. Selected intersections include:
-- 3.53% copper and 40 g/t silver over 32.67 metres
-- 3.49% copper and 36 g/t silver over 31.81 metres
-- 4.20% copper and 40 g/t silver over 24.44 metres
-- 2.41% copper and 24 g/t silver over 19.84 metres
- Surface trenches show outcropping mineralisation of similar tenor. Selected intersections include :
-- 3.74% copper and 23 g/t silver over 20 metres
-- 3.27% copper and 21 g/t silver over 19 metres
-- 3.72% copper and 37 g/t silver over 11 metres
- A resource estimate is underway and is expected to be completed in June 2007
- Drilling is currently underway on priority targets in the vicinity of Thakadu
African Copper ("African Copper" or the "Company") (TSX:ACU)(AIM:ACU)(BSE:AFRICAN COPPER) announces drill results from a 10,000-metre delineation drilling programme completed on its Thakadu-Makala exploration properties ("Thakadu deposits"). These two project areas, part of African Copper's Matsitama Exploration Project, are located approximately 70 kilometres to the southeast of the Company's Dukwe Copper Mining Project, where an open pit and copper processing facility are currently under development. All of African Copper's active exploration and mine-development projects lie within the Matsitama Schist Belt. The drill programme was supervised and managed by RSG Global Consulting ("RSG"), a company independent of African Copper.
Selected drill results from mineralisation within the depth of a potential open pit include (see Tables 1 and 2 for full results and linked Figures 1 through 4 at the end of this press release for plan and representative cross-sections. Additional information may be found on the African Copper website at www.africancopper.com):
- 3.53% copper and 40g/t silver over 32.67 metres
- 4.20% copper and 40g/t silver over 24.44 metres
- 3.49% copper and 36g/t silver over 31.81 metres
- 2.41% copper and 24g/t silver over 19.84 metres
- 3.61% copper and 42g/t silver over 6.29 metres
"The results of our drilling from Thakadu are significant for African Copper," commented Joe Hamilton, CEO, "in that they represent the first drilling we have undertaken on a deposit other than at the Dukwe Mining Project. The Thakadu deposits are our most advanced exploration targets and represent exciting possibilities for growing production beyond Dukwe."
Assay results from this new drilling support results from a twin-hole drill programme that was completed in Q3 2006 (see African Copper press release dated 30 October 2006). Historic drill results will be incorporated with the most recent drilling in order to complete a mineral resource estimate. This estimate is underway by RSG and is expected to be completed in June 2007.
The primary sulphide minerals at Thakadu are chalcopyrite (85-90%) and bornite (10-15%) with minor pyrite adjacent to the copper-bearing material. The upper 50 metres of the deposits are characterized by secondary zones of oxidation where the primary sulphides are replaced by chalcocite, malachite and cuprite-tenorite together with traces of native copper and marcasite. Previous operators completed extensive metallurgical tests that showed a copper recovery of 90 to 96% can be achieved by flotation of the sulphides producing a sulphide concentrate containing 28% to 32% copper and approximately 250 g/t silver.
The deposits at the Thakadu Project show striking similarities to the sedimentary-hosted copper deposits of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The structural setting, age of mineralisation and associated rock types and mineralogy are almost identical to those found in some of the larger copper deposits with equivalent grade. The Thakadu Project contains sediment-hosted stratabound disseminated sulphide zones in an amphibolite grade sedimentary sequence with minor volcanic and volcaniclastic units.
Thakadu lies at the eastern end of a 40-kilometre long mineralized belt which contains numerous showings of sedimentary hosted copper-silver, copper-lead-zinc and zinc-silver. Historic drilling has concentrated on two deposits that are approximately 2000 metres apart but only sporadic exploration has been conducted between the two deposits: Thakadu and Makala. Surface geochemistry and geophysics, as well as geologic mapping and trenching, indicates that the folded stratigraphy is probably continuous between the two deposits although the degree of shearing increases to the northwest. This shearing probably accounts for the thinner intersections experienced at Makala as compared to Thakadu. Drilling is currently underway on a number of high priority geophysical and geochemical targets to the south of Thakadu and Makala. These deposits are five to ten kilometres from the Francistown-Orapa paved highway.
The Thakadu deposits represent an advanced exploration project that have the potential to develop into a mining project in its own right or, alternatively, as a complementary project running either in parallel or in series with the Dukwe Mining Project. A preliminary economic assessment of the capital costs required to bring the Thakadu deposits to production indicate that another deposit of similar size and grade is likely required in the immediate area in order to justify the construction of a stand-alone plant. Drilling in the vicinity of Thakadu is on-going. Results will be released as they become available.
Table 1
Thakadu Drill Results
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Drillhole From To Length Copper Silver
(m) (m) (m) (%) g/t
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TB01 Not intersected
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TB02 22.15 25.65 3.50 2.64 11
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TB03 41.29 47.58 6.29 3.61 42
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TB04 30.64 50.48 19.84 2.41 24
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TB04 51.37 57.45 6.08 1.48 7
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TB05 Not intersected
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TB06 128.35 129.33 0.98 0.83 9
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TB07A 61.13 92.94 31.81 3.49 36
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TB08 Not intersected
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TB09 Not intersected
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TB10 Not intersected
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TB11A 264.91 271.96 7.05 2.62 27
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TB11A 272.57 282.87 10.30 1.83 17
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TB12 356.46 359.49 3.03 2.45 32
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TB13 No significant mineralisation
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TB14 441.99 445.20 3.21 0.58 6
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TB15 No significant mineralisation
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TB16 No significant mineralisation
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TB17 No significant mineralisation
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TB18 458.52 462.37 3.85 1.17 9
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TB19 No significant mineralisation
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TB20 No significant mineralisation
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TH26A 77.72 84.76 7.04 1.18 8
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TH26A 88.78 113.22 24.44 4.20 40
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TH32A 215.62 219.82 4.20 2.40 60
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TN11.7A 11.84 46.30 34.46 3.51 35
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TN11.7B 15.36 48.03 32.67 3.53 40
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TN11.7B 49.19 65.85 16.66 3.57 28
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TN11.9B No significant mineralisation
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Previously released Thakadu Drillholes (October 2006)
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Drillhole From To Length Copper Silver
(m) (m) (m) (%) g/t
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TH15AD1 131.96 156.87 24.91 2.10 11
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TH32B 210.58 216.46 5.88 1.62 27
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TN10.95A 19.33 27.53 8.20 1.06 5
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TN10.95A 31.20 57.05 25.85 4.18 45
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Thakadu Trenches
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Trench From To Length Copper Silver
(m) (m) (m) (%) g/t
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TR01 25.00 44.00 19.00 3.27 21
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TR02 6.00 17.00 11.00 3.72 37
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TR02 18.00 32.00 14.00 3.01 15
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TR03 20.00 40.00 20.00 3.74 23
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TR04 25.00 26.00 1.00 0.58 12
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TR04 28.00 44.00 16.00 2.12 9
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TR05 No significant mineralisation
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TR06 No significant mineralisation
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TR07 No significant mineralisation
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Table 2
Makala Drill Results
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Drillhole From To Length Copper Silver
(m) (m) (m) (%) g/t
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PE10B 199.76 207.19 7.43 3.24 32
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MB01 188.32 191.63 3.31 3.98 117
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MB02 273.72 274.82 1.10 1.30 24
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MB03 262.12 264.65 2.53 1.80 25
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MB03 376.62 378.43 1.81 1.03 18
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MB04 164.20 166.22 2.02 1.13 21
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MB05 163.33 166.08 2.75 1.92 68
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MB06 201.78 202.54 0.76 1.44 36
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MB07 278.63 280.60 1.97 1.58 39
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MB08 364.07 367.06 2.99 1.31 29
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MB09 401.92 406.00 4.08 3.06 61
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MB10 122.32 124.15 1.83 1.19 38
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MX15A 59.40 66.81 7.41 2.19 70
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MX18A 40.09 42.75 2.66 0.26 5
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MX18A 51.51 56.02 4.51 0.24 5
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MX18A 170.73 171.79 1.06 0.33 6
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Previously Released Makala Drillholes
(Oct 2006)
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Drillhole From To Length Copper Silver
(m) (m) (m) (%) g/t
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MA16A 276.12 278.52 2.40 3.96 83
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MA19A 170.89 172.03 1.14 2.11 31
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MA19A 174.06 175.43 1.37 1.43 16
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MA20A 173.99 186.17 12.18 2.15 48
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PE6A 82.42 90.57 8.15 1.78 20
------------------------------------------------------------Note for Tables 1 & 2: These intersections are not true widths since all holes are drilled to the northeast into the mineralized zone that dips to the southwest. Samples of half core were cut and placed into sealed bags at the Thakadu exploration camp under the direct supervision of RSG Global Consulting ("RSG"). These were transported weekly by commercial carrier to Johannesburg. All sample preparation and analyses were completed at ALS Chemex laboratories in Johannesburg (ISO 17025 accredited and independent of African Copper and RSG). Copper assays are completed using standard preparation of crushing to 70% less than 2 mm followed by splitting and pulverizing to 85% less than 75 micron. Analyses are generally completed utilizing 27 element four-acid ICP-AES in addition to a four-acid ore-grade element digestion followed by ICP-AES. Any overlimit analyses are reanalyzed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with AA or ICP-AES finish. QA/QC procedures included the submission by RSG of systematic duplicates, blanks and both low-grade and high-grade standard samples within the sample batches submitted to ALS Chemex. Control samples comprise 20% of all samples submitted. The results of the RSG QA/QC programme for copper analyses have been reviewed by RSG. Mr. Joseph Hamilton, P.Geo. and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, has reviewed the results presented above for accuracy.
African Copper, PLC
African Copper is a tri-listed (AIM, TSX, Botswana Stock Exchange) international exploration and development company. African Copper is developing its first copper mine at the Dukwe Mining Project scheduled to commence production in the first quarter of 2008. The flotation concentrator at Dukwe has been designed for a 3,000 tonne-per-day throughput producing approximately 44 million pounds of copper in concentrate annually at full production. Initial production is expected to be from open pit, followed by underground mining of sulphides.
The Company's other interests are the Matsitama Exploration Project concessions adjacent to the Dukwe Mining Project. In addition to the Thakadu deposits, the Matsitama area contains a further 9 high priority drill-ready targets and 35 lower priority targets. Additional information with respect to Matsitama is contained in a technical report prepared by A.C.A Howe International Limited dated March 30, 2006 and entitled "Technical Report on the Dukwe Copper Project and Matsitama Prospecting Licences, Botswana, Africa". A copy of this technical report can be obtained from the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. African Copper has approximately 131.2 million shares outstanding.
Mr. Joseph Hamilton, P.Geo. and Chief Executive Officer of African Copper, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101. This press release has been prepared under Mr. Hamilton's supervision. Mr. Hamilton has reviewed the data disclosed in this press release for accuracy.
This press release contains or refers to forward-looking information, including statements concerning exploration and mine development plans, timing of the development of the Company's projects in Botswana, exploration resuls , metallurgical test results, and other statements which are not historical facts. When used in this press release, words such as "schedule", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "believe", "intend", "may" and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include risks related to failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the grade and recovery of ore which is mined varying from estimates, future prices of copper, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, delays in the development of projects, conclusions of economic evaluations, potential risks arising from operating in Africa, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and other factors that could case actual results to differ materially from expected results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or to revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
To view FIGURE 1 - THAKADU PLAN please click on the following link: http://www.ccnmatthews.com/docs/FIGURE1-THAKADUPLAN.pdf
To view FIGURE 2 - THAKADU CROSS SECTION please click on the following link: http://www.ccnmatthews.com/docs/FIGURE2-THAKADUCROSSSECTION.pdf
To view FIGURE 3 - MAKALA PLAN please click on the following link: http://www.ccnmatthews.com/docs/FIGURE3-MAKALAPLAN.pdf
To view FIGURE 4 - MAKALA CROSS SECTION please click on the following link: http://www.ccnmatthews.com/docs/FIGURE4-MAKALACROSSSECTION.pdf |
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INDUSTRY: Manufacturing and Production - Mining and Metals
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Données et statistiques pour les pays mentionnés : Botswana | Tous Cours de l'or et de l'argent pour les pays mentionnés : Botswana | Tous
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African Copper Plc
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CODE : ACU.L |
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African Copper est une société de production minière de cuivre basée au Royaume-Uni. African Copper est en développement de projets de cuivre et d'argent au Botswana, et détient divers projets d'exploration au Botswana. Son principal projet en production est MOWANA MINE au Botswana, son principal projet en développement est THAKADU au Botswana et son principal projet en exploration est MATSITAMA au Botswana. African Copper est cotée au Canada, au Royaume-Uni, aux Etats-Unis D'Amerique et en Allemagne. Sa capitalisation boursière aujourd'hui est 44,6 millions GBX (40,1 millions €). La valeur de son action a atteint son plus haut niveau récent le 20 juillet 2007 à 97,50 GBX, et son plus bas niveau récent le 05 juin 2015 à 0,03 GBX. African Copper possède 1 485 110 016 actions en circulation. |
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