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Tanzania

Epanko Project

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Overview

Mine TypeOpen Pit
StageFeasibility
Commodities
  • Graphite
Mining Method
  • Truck & Shovel / Loader
Mine Life... Lock

Owners

SourceSource
CompanyInterestOwnership
EcoGraph Ltd. 100 % Indirect
TanzGraphite (TZ) Ltd. (operator) 100 % Direct
The tenement is 100% owned by Kibaran’s wholly owned subsidiary TanzGraphite (TZ) Limited.

Kibaran Resources renamed itself “EcoGraph Limited” after its wholly-owned subsidiary EcoGraph at the Annual General Meeting on November 29.

Contractors

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Deposit type

  • Metamorphic

Summary:

The Mahenge Project is hosted within a quartz–feldspar graphitic schist, part of a Neoproterozoic metasediment package, including marble and gneissic units. Two zones of graphitic schist have been mapped, named the Eastern Zone and the Western Zone. Mineralisation is believed to be the product of pre-existing carbonaceous sediments subjected to regional metamorphism induced by a north-south regional thrusting event. The graphitic schists contain between 3% and 25% Total Graphitic Carbon.

There is a high level of confidence in the geological interpretation, based upon lithological and structural logging of diamond drill core, and lithological logging of RC chips. Trenches cut orthogonal to the strike of the geology demonstrated the geometry of the deposit, and clearly showed graphitic mineralisation. Deposit scale geological mapping provide a geological framework for the interpretation. Geophysical models (VTEM) support the geological interpretation.

Drill hole intercept logging and assay results (RC and diamond core), structural interpretations from drill core and geological logs of trenches have formed the basis for the geological nterpretation. Assumptions were made on depth and strike extension of the graphitic schists, using drill hole and trench sample assays as anchor points at depth and at intervals along strike. Geological mapping also support the geological interpretation which supports the Mineral Resource estimate.

No alternative interpretations were considered because the exposed geology in outcrop supports the current interpretation.

Graphitic mineralisation is hosted within graphitic schist, which is mapped along its strike within the license area. Total graphitic carbon is assumed to be likewise continuous with the host rock unit. Metallurgical characteristics, principally flake size, has been observed to be of a consistent nature when observed in outcrop, trench exposure and diamond drill core at numerous locations within the license area.

The graphitic schist is open along strike and down dip in Epanko West. The Epanko East deposit is interpreted to be a recumbent fold, open along strike to the north and south. A sub-vertical shear zone offsets the stratigraphy down dip along the lower fold limb.

The TGC mineralisation domains are contained within the graphitic schist lithological domain.

The quality of Epanko Graphite is driven by two geological aspects, firstly the dominant host gangue mineral is a calc silicate mineral with very little deleterious elements and the Epanko rocks have undergone extremely high metamorphic pressure and temperature creating a very high crystallinity.

Weathering domains representing oxide, transitional and fresh were modelled and were used during grade interpolation to constrain grade interpolation, and were allocated different density values.

Lithological domains representing schists, gneisses and marble were interpreted and modelled.

Major structural features, mainly sub-vertical shears and faults, were modelled and used to assess drill data during preparation of the Mineral Resource estimate.

The Epanko West Mineral Resource estimate is approximately 2,150 m in strike, 250 m in plan width and reaches 450 m depth below surface. The Epanko East Mineral Resource is approximately 320 m in strike, 400 m in plan width and reaches 160 m depth below surface.

Reserves

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Mining Methods

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Comminution

Crushers and Mills

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Processing

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Production

CommodityUnitsAvg. Annual
Graphite kt 60
All production numbers are expressed as concentrate.

Operational metrics

Metrics
Annual processing rate 695,000 t *
Annual processing capacity 720 kt *
Stripping / waste ratio 0.4 *
* According to 2017 study.

Production Costs

CommodityUnitsAverage
All-in sustaining costs (sold) Graphite USD 572 / t *  
C1 cash costs (sold) Graphite USD 500 / t *  
Assumed price Graphite USD 1,181 / t *  
* According to 2017 study / presentation.

Operating Costs

Currency2017
OP mining costs ($/t milled) USD 7.93 *  
Processing costs ($/t milled) USD  ....  Subscribe
G&A ($/t milled) USD  ....  Subscribe
* According to 2017 study.

Project Costs

MetricsUnitsLOM Total
Pre-Production capital costs $M USD  ......  Subscribe
Pre-tax NPV @ 10% $M USD  ......  Subscribe
After-tax NPV @ 10% $M USD  ......  Subscribe
Pre-tax IRR, %  ......  Subscribe
After-tax IRR, %  ......  Subscribe
Pre-tax payback period, years  ......  Subscribe

Required Heavy Mobile Equipment

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Personnel

Mine Management

Job TitleNameProfileRef. Date
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Feb 12, 2024

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