Mansfield Minerals Inc.: Mining Permit Granted, Lindero Gold Deposit, Salta Province, Argentina
Work on the bankable feasibility study is ongoing with completion anticipated by Q1 - 2012.
Different production options are being assessed from a standard 10 year life of mine production plan to more selective mining approaches that would allow for initial processing of higher grade ore at reduced throughput, to reduce initial capital cost, followed by scaling up of the operation utilizing the early project cash flow. This strategy, if pursued, would reduce the initial project financing requirement and the associated capital risk and payback period. On completion of the bankable feasibility study in early 2012, Mansfield believes the deposit could progress to production by Q4 - 2013.
The ongoing feasibility study followed completion of a NI 43-101 compliant pre-feasibility study for Lindero by AMEC Americas Limited and Kappes Cassiday & Associates in March 2010. Highlights from the pre-feasibility study (see the Company's March 22, 2010 press release) included:
- Measured and indicated resources at 0.20 g/t cut off grade of 2.20 million oz plus inferred resources of 0.75 million oz
- Proven and probable reserves at 0.19 g/t cut off grade: 1.92 million oz
- Gold production (average, first five years) of 161,000 oz/year of gold at cash cost of US$373/oz
- Average life of mine (average, 11 years) gold production of 124,000 oz/year at cash cost of $407/oz
- Capital costs: $213 million initial plus $15 million sustaining, or $168/payable oz
- Pre-tax NPV (6%, $1,100/oz gold): $416 million
- IRR ($1100/oz gold): 44.1%
Notes:
1. CIM definitions were followed for estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
2. Mineral Resources were constrained within an economic open pit shell, generated using a gold price of US$890 per ounce of gold, a processing cost of $3.07 per tonne, a mining cost of $1.10, a sales cost of $12 per ounce and a metallurgical recovery of 70%.
3. Mineral Reserves are estimated using a cut-off grade of 0.19 g/t Au, based on a gold price of US$775 per ounce.
4. Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
5. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
This news release has been reviewed by Gordon P. Leask, P.Eng., President of the Company, and a Qualified Person ('QP') as defined by National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects).
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Gordon P. Leask, P.Eng.
President and CEO
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed 'forward-looking statements'. All statements in this discussion, other than statements of historical facts, that address future exploration drilling, exploration activities, anticipated metal production, internal rate of return, estimated ore grades, commencement of production estimates and projected exploration and capital expenditures (including costs and other estimates upon which such projections are based) and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include metal prices, exploration success, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
This news release and the information contained herein does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States and securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or exemption from registration.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Mansfield Minerals Inc.
Gordon P. Leask, President and CEO
(604) 681-4462
info@mansfieldminerals.com
www.mansfieldminerals.com