Modern Mining June 2023

currently investigating a range of scalable through put rates to determine which is the best option for the Kobada project, including establishing whether to develop a plant with a smaller throughput and higher-grade profile and then ramp up to larger throughput or to develop a plant with a large throughput at the onset.” Targeted drilling In line with firming and expanding the Kobada resource, Russo explains that historical drilling has,

production through our study work and improved market traction, we will begin to turn our attention to the next phases of the project, such as project funding scenarios and continued exploration efforts,” explains Russo. Options analysis study “Toubani Resources’ near-term strategy is two pronged – the first is linked to project exploration and optimisation and the second to closing the valu ation gap with our peers.” The company is currently investigating various scenarios to determine the best route to production. Russo explains that while the current DFS life-of mine plan contemplates 3 mtpa throughput of oxide ore feed for the first eight years followed by a combi nation of oxide and fresh run-of-mine, and stockpiled feed from years nine to 16, there exist near-term levers, such as reducing life-of-mine AISC, that will positively impact overall project economics. According to Russo, trade off studies are under way to quantify the various throughput, capex, grade, and cost scenarios with the goal of optimising these parameters and presenting a robust and attractive development project. A key component of the options analysis study entails investigating the overall mining schedule as there exists a significant level of >1.0g/t material within the Kobada Main Kobada pit. Although the overall resource within the Kobada Main pit sits at 0.95g/t, a significant inventory of higher-grade material exists at increased cut-off grades. The Kobada deposit characteristics (high proportion of oxide mineralisation), in combina tion with extensions of strike across existing and new shear structures, offer appealing development optionality. “Our study is to validate the most optimal execu tion approach to getting Kobada into production considering the current market dynamics. We are

Above: Field inspection at Kobada East.

Left: Kobada main pit looking north.

Chief geologist, Landoure Maman, with the drill core.

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