Overview
| Stage | Pre-Feasibility |
| Mine Type | Open Pit |
| Commodities |
|
| Mining Method |
|
| Processing |
- Carbon in leach (CIL)
- Merrill–Crowe
|
| Mine Life | 10 years (as of Jan 1, 2017) |
A positive pre-feasibility study was completed for the Brecha Principal deposit in March 2017. Following additional drilling in 2017 mainly at Agua Amarga, Salares Norte reflects a significant improvement in Resource model resolution and confidence and is now at 95% Indicated (SAMREC) for gold metal. An interim phase feasibility study for Brecha Principal and Agua Amarga using advanced mining study modifying factors will be completed in Q1 2018, to be followed by EIA submission. |
Source:
p. 40
| Company | Interest | Ownership |
|
Gold Fields Ltd
|
100 %
|
Indirect
|
|
Minera Gold Fields Salares Norte Ltda
|
100 %
|
Direct
|
The Salares Norte Project is owned by Minera Gold Fields Salares Norte Ltda (MGFSNL)
Summary:
The Salares Norte Project is located in the northern part of the Maricunga Belt, an area with a predominance of Cenozoic volcanic rocks, comprised of eroded strato-volcanos, volcanic domes and pyroclastic rocks. Mineralisation at Salares Norte is contained in a high sulphidation epithermal system, hosted mainly by a breccia complex along the contact of two volcanic domes of andesitic and dacitic composition. Mineral resources have been delineated by drilling in two separate deposits, Brecha Principal and Agua Amarga, which are located about 500 metres apart. Most of the mineralisation known to date is oxidised. The sulphide mineralisation contains mainly pyrite.
Summary:
The project envisages open-pit operations.
Processing Technologies
- Carbon in leach (CIL)
- Merrill–Crowe
Summary:
A processing plant includes both CIP and Merrill Crowe processes, due to the high silver content of the ore.
Projected Production:
| Commodity | Units | LOM |
|
Gold Equivalent
|
M oz
| 3.5 |
All production numbers are expressed as payable metal.
Operational Metrics:
| Metrics | |
|
Mine annual capacity
| ......  |
* According to 2017 study.
- Subscription is required.
Reserves at December 31, 2017:
| Category | Tonnage | Commodity | Grade | Contained Metal |
|
Indicated
|
21 Mt
|
Gold
|
5.2 g/t
|
3.491 M oz
|
|
Indicated
|
21 Mt
|
Silver
|
72.1 g/t
|
48.573 M oz
|
|
Inferred
|
2.3 Mt
|
Gold
|
2.3 g/t
|
0.172 M oz
|
|
Inferred
|
2.3 Mt
|
Silver
|
11.7 g/t
|
0.885 M oz
|
|
Total Resource
|
23.3 Mt
|
Gold
|
4.9 g/t
|
3.663 M oz
|
|
Total Resource
|
23.3 Mt
|
Silver
|
66 g/t
|
49.458 M oz
|
Commodity Production Costs:
| | Commodity | Units | Average |
|
All-in sustaining costs (AISC)
|
Gold Equivalent
|
USD
|
......  *
|
* According to 2017 study / presentation.
- 'Investor' subscription is required.
2017 Study Costs and Valuation Metrics :
| Metrics | Units | LOM Total |
|
Total CapEx
|
$M USD
|
......
|
- 'Investor' subscription is required.
- 'Supplier or 'Investor' subscription is required.