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TSX-V: AFF
AIM: AFF
LONDON, UK, May 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Afferro Mining Inc.
("Afferro" or the "Company"), the TSX-V (AFF) and AIM (AFF) listed
exploration and development company, is pleased to announce
metallurgy results for its iron ore project at Ntem, located in
south west Cameroon.
Highlights
- High grade concentrate ranging between 68.5% and 65.2% iron
obtained from a grind size of 75µm to 150µm (P80),
respectively
- Excellent mass recovery and iron recovery of 46.7% and 81.6% at
150µm, respectively
- Results obtained from pilot-scale tests (Low Intensity Magnetic
Separation, "LIMS") of composite 15kg samples
- Testing designed to accurately reflect large-scale
processing
- Marketable product with low deleterious elements
- Davis Tube Recovery ("DTR") tests on 125 samples show that an
average 81.7% of iron is present as magnetite phase
- High level of consistency between LIMS and DTR testwork
provides further confidence in LIMS results
Table 1: Results of pilot-scale LIMS testing of
Ntem samples |
Grind Size
(µm P80) |
Feed
Fe % |
Mass
Rec % |
Fe
Rec % |
Fe % |
SiO2 % |
Al2O3
% |
P % |
S % |
75 |
37.4 |
44.2 |
80.9 |
68.5 |
4.25 |
0.12 |
0.01 |
0.00 |
106 |
37.2 |
44.9 |
81.2 |
67.2 |
6.14 |
0.17 |
0.01 |
0.00 |
150 |
37.3 |
46.7 |
81.6 |
65.2 |
8.55 |
0.24 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
Luis da Silva,
Chief Executive of Afferro, commented:
"Ahead of the Mineral Resource Estimate
("MRE"), these excellent metallurgy results highlight the potential
for a low-cost mining operation at Ntem, delivering a highly
marketable iron ore product. Strategically located only 80km from
the deep-water port being constructed south of Kribi, we believe
that the economics of a small-scale operation at Ntem could be very
exciting. We have now completed the first two phases of drilling at
Ntem and we remain on track to complete the MRE and the
infrastructure scoping study results during Q2 2013. We believe
that Ntem could add significant value to our portfolio of assets,
providing a potential low capex opportunity to enter early stage
production generating cash flow to support our strategy to bring
the large-scale Nkout iron ore project to production."
LIMS Testwork
The magnetite banded iron formation ("BIF")
samples had an average head grade of 37.3% iron ("Fe"),
representative of the deposit at the Fe08 target at Ntem. The
samples were all 15kg composite samples taken from core from four
holes across the deposit. The LIMS testwork was completed at the
SGS laboratory in Perth,
Australia. The results are highly encouraging and are
consistent with DTR and Davis Tube Wash ("DTW") testing. LIMS
testwork is pilot scale and uses a low magnetic field strength. It
is therefore more representative of bulk processing. The results
show that at a coarse grind size of a P80 of 150µm a
high grade concentrate of 65.2% iron is attained at high recovery
rates with mass recovery of 46.7% and iron recovery of 81.6%. The
product also has very low deleterious materials, with only 0.24%
alumina ("Al2O3") and 0.01% phosphorous ("P")
present. The silica ("SiO2") content ranges from 4.25%
to 8.55% at grind sizes of 75µm to 150µm respectively.
DTR Testwork
The magnetite BIF samples had an average head
grade of approximately 36% iron, with 125 composite samples being
selected for DTR test work. Assay pulps from the fresh magnetite
were used to produce 8m down-hole length composite samples. The DTR
test work was completed at the SGS laboratory in Perth, Australia. The results are highly
encouraging with a very high grade concentrate averaging 70.9% Fe,
0.08% Al2O3, 1.42% SiO2 and 0.002%
P attained at an average mass recovery of 41.8%, at a grind size
P80 of less than 45µm. The DTR results show that on
average 81.7% of the Fe within the BIF relates to a magnetite
mineral phase. As the DTR tests were conducted on samples from
across the deposit, they add confidence to the results of the more
specific LIMS data.
DTW Testwork
DTW test work was carried out on the same
composite sample as used for the LIMS test work and was used to
identify at which grind sizes the LIMS test work should be carried
out. The testing was completed at the ALS laboratory in
Perth, Australia. The data is
shown below and there is a good level of correlation with the LIMS
results.
Table 2: DTW Results from Ntem |
Grind Size
(µm P80) |
Mass
Rec % |
Fe Rec
% |
Fe % |
SiO2 % |
Al2O3 % |
P % |
S % |
500 |
56.5 |
84.2 |
54.8 |
21.7 |
0.45 |
0.023 |
0.009 |
250 |
50.1 |
82.9 |
61.3 |
13.5 |
0.31 |
0.014 |
0.010 |
150 |
46.2 |
84.5 |
67.2 |
6.0 |
0.18 |
0.009 |
0.011 |
106 |
43.8 |
80.5 |
69.4 |
3.3 |
0.11 |
0.007 |
0.008 |
75 |
43.2 |
81.9 |
70.4 |
1.9 |
0.08 |
0.005 |
0.012 |
45 |
42.1 |
79.8 |
71.1 |
1.2 |
0.07 |
0.003 |
0.009 |
38 |
42.2 |
79.0 |
71.0 |
1.2 |
0.08 |
0.005 |
0.009 |
About Afferro Mining Inc.
Afferro is an established exploration and development company
listed on the TSX-V (AFF) and AIM (AFF). Afferro's portfolio
includes the 100% owned Nkout, Ntem and Akonolinga iron ore
projects (subject to government rights). It also holds a 70%
interest in the Ngoa project, an exploration target bordering
Nkout. Nkout comprises a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI
43-101") compliant Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 1.19Bt at
32.9% Fe and an Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 1.33Bt at
30.3% Fe. The Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term
deposits totaling $89m on the
31 December 2012.
Qualified Person
Howard Baker
(MAusIMM(CP)) has 19 years' experience in the mining industry and
10 years' experience in the exploration, definition and mining of
iron ore mineral resources. Mr Baker is a full-time employee of
SRK, an independent consultancy, and has sufficient experience
which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of
deposit under consideration, and to the type of activity which he
is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person in accordance with
National Instrument 43-101 and a Competent Person as defined in the
June 2009 Edition of the AIM Note for
Mining and Oil & Gas Companies. Howard
Baker consents to the inclusion in the announcement matters
relating to the geology, exploration results and mineral resources
in the form and context in which it appears and confirms that this
information is accurate and not false or misleading.
Forward-looking Statements
This announcement includes certain
forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements
of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements
that involve various known and unknown risks and uncertainties as
well as other factors. Such forward looking statements are subject
to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results or events to differ materially from current expectations,
including delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required
regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such
statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
statements.
Information about the risks and uncertainties of
the Company's business is provided in its disclosure materials,
including its Annual Information Form and the MD&A for the 12
months ended 31 December 2012,
available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors
that could cause actions, events or results to differ materially
from those described in forward looking information, there may be
other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as
anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that
forward looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The
forward-looking information contained herein, speaks only as of the
date hereof (unless stated otherwise) and, except as may be
required by applicable law, Afferro disclaims any obligation to
update or modify such forward-looking statements, either as a
result of new information, future events or for any other
reason.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE Afferro Mining Inc.