The Nachu project is situated in graphitic schist with associated dolomites and gneisses.

The majority of EM modelling and geological intercepts indicate open folded anticlines with various dips to fold limbs in each resource Block.

The graphite mineralization is mostly associated with the schist, and is metamorphic (meta- sedimentary) in origin.

The Nachu deposit comprises five mineralized areas, being Blocks B, D, F, F South Limb, and J.

These deposit cover a combined strike length of 5.5 km and an average plan width of up to 300 m for B,D,J, F South and 800 m for F (often comprising multiple mineralized horizons separated by barren or low grade horizons), to depths between 150 m and 250 m below surface.

The mineralization occurs at or near surface.

Orelogy Consulting (Orelogy) completed a mine planning study in August 2022, largely updating the work performed by Orelogy for the BFS. The updated parameters included:
- costs of processing, sales and mining;
- processing recovery;
- concentrate grade; and
- product pricing.

The mining scope included pit optimisation, mine design, scheduling and cost estimation.

The 2022 optimisation analysis demonstrated that the 2016 F and FS shells were still valid (i.e. demonstrated sufficient value) and therefore the 2016 mine plan (pit designs, mining and processing schedules, ore reserves) could be adopted for the current 2022 study.

Mine Design
Pits, waste dumps and haul roads were designed for the life of the Project as part of the 2016 BFS and these were carried over into the 2022 update. The design criteria governing slope designs, ramp widths and minimum mining widths remained valid. Locations for Run of Mine (RoM) and low grade ore stockpiles were also allocated.

The life-of-mine strip ratio is estimated at 1.5:1. Mining is set to be undertaken by the relatively conventional open pit mining method of drill, blast, shovel and truck. Base mine planning involves the use of 90 tonne excavators and 40 tonne articulated trucks. However ramp construction design parameters allow for the use of larger 90 tonne trucks.

Designs and cutbacks have been designed to suit 100t excavators and 91t payload rigid dump ........

- subscription is required.