The A4 deposit is located within the Ghanzi-Chobe belt in western Botswana. The stratigraphy in this belt comprises the basal Kgwebe volcanics which are unconformably overlain by Ghanzi Group sediments. The Ghanzi Group is a meta-sedimentary group comprising (in successively higher stratigraphic order) the Kuke, Ngwako Pan, D’Kar and Mamuno Formations.

A4 occupies a similar structural and stratigraphic position to that of the T3 deposit in that it occurs within a NE-SW trending periclinal anticline (“Dome”) with a core of Ngwako Pan Formation sandstone, overlain by a succession of D’Kar Formation shale, sandstone, siltstone and carbonates. All mineralisation modelled and incorporated in the Mineral Resource estimate occurs within the D’Kar Formation.

Second order (parasitic) upright to overturned folds are developed within the axial region of the periclinal anticline. The second order folds are cross-cut and displaced by moderately north-west dipping brittle-ductile, thrust-sense shear zones. These shear zones are characterised by zones of heterogeneous foliation of variable width and intensity. High strain zones have been recognised along which different sedimentary units have been juxtaposed by brittle displacement.

Flat lying to shallow dipping zones of extensional fracture and veining are developed in the footwall of the main shear zone. These extensional zones are interpreted to have formed as shear related extensional structures during t ........

Preliminary mining studies for the A4 deposit have shown that the currently defined Mineral Resource could potentially be economically mined using open-cut methods at the currently reported average Cu grade.

Conventional open pit mining method using backhoe excavators and rigid dump trucks was adopted in line with the mining method at T3. The bench heights and equipment selection were reviewed in parallel with the dilution modelling and confirmed the 2.5 m flitch height for ore mining with blasting on 10 m benches was optimal for mining at A4. A split shell approach for staging of the pit was selected as the preferred option for managing pre-stripping requirements and continuity of ore supply. The mine design used minimum mining width of 20 m and 100 m respectively for pit floor and cutbacks.

The majority of site facilities such as accommodation and other camp facilities, sewerage plant, ROM pad, processing plant, maintenance facilities, tailings storage and Contractor built/supplied workshops were already required for the T3 pit. For the satellite operation at A4, the infrastructure requirements for the open pit operation include dewatering bores, water storage dams, haul roads, satellite workshop for minor servicing and office facilities.

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