Modern Mining May 2018

MINING News

Exploration ramps up at Kunene project Namibia Rare Earths Inc, listed on the TSX‑V, has contracted SkyTEM Surveys ApS to carry out a detailed airborne electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic survey covering all the previ- ously identified cobalt targets on its Kunene cobalt-copper project in northern Namibia. The survey will cover over 600 km 2 and com- prises 3 700 line kilometres to be flown with a helicopter-borne time domain electromag- netic system at a flight line spacing of 200 m. The objectives of the survey are to detect conductive horizons and sulphide accu- mulations associated with cobalt-copper mineralisation to depths of 300-400 m, and to assist with geological mapping and struc- tural interpretations. The system is being mobilised from Denmark and the survey is scheduled to be completed by the end of June this year.

tation of the orebody above the 4 100 m RL target area. In 2016 the Feasibility Study was sub- jected to a competent independent review process which identified no fatal flaws but made recommendations for additional work to be undertaken. The FSU incorporates a much larger mine than previously anticipated and min- ing throughput will be increased from 3 to 16,84 Mt/a at BC44, 6 to 16,84 Mt/a at BC42 and BC40 at PFS level. This increase in throughput required the redesign of the underground material handling system, process plant, associated infrastructure, and overland concentrate and tailings transport pipelines. In setting out the updated business case for the FSU, WorleyParsons RSA drew on SmartPlant design technology that utilises rapid prototyping, and other innovative processes such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to create a sophisticated digital project design platform and pre- pare for project execution as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. 

“We are in the early stages of exploration of what may well be an emerging cobalt district,” comments Don Burton, President of Namibia Rare Earths. “As global attention focuses on diversification of cobalt supply outside of the DRC and on where to secure conflict-free sources of cobalt, Namibia clearly offers the opportunity for the discov- ery of world class primary cobalt deposits. “This phase of our programme at Kunene is all about discovery. Having closed our C$4 million financing, we are well-funded to carry out the necessary exploration programmes. Our SkyTEM survey will be the first airborne EM survey over this highly prospective area. Sediment-hosted cobalt-copper deposits should respond well to electromagnetic methods. Based on what the surface geo- chemistry is showing us, the SkyTEM survey will undoubtedly deliver multiple targets for the budgeted drilling campaign.” The Kunene property was one of several acquired fromGecko Namibia in a deal final- ised earlier this year. 

Preliminary data will be delivered on site to allow for immediate ground follow-up by field teams which are being deployed in advance to carry out geological mapping and sampling over the primary target areas.

May 2018  MODERN MINING  9