The Jiama deposit is a structurally controlled stratiform skarn-type copper-polymetallic system. The majority of high grade mineralisation is associated with shear zone contacts between the Duodigou and Linbuzong formations and shear related folding. The zone of mineralisation within fault hosted skarn alteration measures kilometres in both strike and dip and remains open at depth to the northeast.

Mineralisation is also associated with granite porphyry dykes intruding the ‘Duodigou Marble’ and observed within the overlying hornfels of the Linbuzong Formation.

Although both deposit types are of lower grade than that of the skarn, the hornfels style of mineralisation may potentially be of further economic value in the future.

Three types of copper-polymetallic mineralisation are recognised in the project area, these include skarn, hornfels and porphyry hosted deposits.

High grade copper-polymetallic mineralisation is associated with skarn type alteration within shear zone contacts between the Duodigou and Linbuzong formations. This stratiform fault zone is tabular to lenticular in shape, has a variable dip, strikes west-northwest and hosts the primary lode.

The mineralised body itself has a 60° near surface dip angle which flattens to an average dip of 10° with depth. Thicknesses vary between 2 m to 240 m, averaging 33 m, its strike length is approximately 2,400 m and its length down dip ranges between 150 to 1,900 m. It ........

Conventional mining methods have been proposed for the open pit and underground operations.

China Gold currently mine the Jiama deposit as an open pit and underground mine and intend to continue and expand both operations. The Jiama underground workings are currently accessed via declines and adits, with future plans to include a conveyor drive for ore haulage, vertical shaft for waste haulage and decline expansion for improved access. The current mining activity is limited to hand-held air leg mining for both development and stoping.

Conventional selective mining methods using truck and shovel are planned to be employed to extract the mineralised material from the proposed open pits. Mining is planned to occur on shallow flitches, typically 3m to 4m high, which will enable better grade control of the mineralised zones.

The open pits are the Jiaoyan and South Pit. The Jiaoyan pit will be mined in two stages and South pit four stages.

Mining of Phase II will commence in two open pits and an extensive underground mine including; Jiaoyan Pit, South Pit and the underground mine respectively. The open pits and underground expansion will be developed simultaneously. The Open pits will be separated from the underground operation by a crown pillar that will be maintained between the base of South Pit and the upper Underground Mine. Stope voids will be progressively backfilled beneath the base of the pit floor to reduce the potential for o ........

- subscription is required.

- subscription is required.