Sensitivity Analysis on Recently Updated Atlanta Gold Ni-43-101 Resource Estimate Indicates Upgrading Opportunity
TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Atlanta Gold Inc.
announces that in light of its decision to focus on environmental permitting and the engineering and economic studies required to bring the Company's Atlanta Project to production, P&E Mining Consultants Inc. has prepared a preliminary gold cut-off grade sensitivity analysis on the Project's recently updated NI 43-101 open-pit resource.The open-pit contains 74.3% of the total NI 43-101 open-pit and underground resources, reflecting the density of diamond drilling in the upper portion of the resource. P&E has prepared a preliminary sensitivity analysis on the open-pit resource, which indicates that by increasing the open-pit cut-off grade from 0.035 opt (1.20 gpt) Au used in the January 2012 NI 43-101 resource estimate to 0.060 opt (2.06 gpt) Au, the potential exists to increase the average gold equivalent grade of that resource by 23.5% percent (from 0.102 opt (3.50 gpt) to 0.126 opt (4.32 gpt) Au, while decreasing the tonnage by 30.7% (from 8.62 to 5.97 million tons).
The impact of using higher cut-off grade sensitivity to the open-pit resource is shown in the table below.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
| | SELECTED | | | | |
| | CUT-OFF | | | | |
| | GRADES | TONS | GOLD | SILVER | GOLD EQUIVALENT |
| |___________|______|___________________|____________________|_______________________|
| | | |(000s)| Grade | | Grade | | Grade | |
| | | | |____________| |____________| |____________| |
| | | | | |Grams|Ounces| |Grams|Ounces |Ounces|Grams|Equivalent|
| | | | |Ounces| Per | of |Ounces| Per | of | Per | Per |Ounces of |
| | Au | Au | | Per |Tonne|Gold | Per |Tonne|Silver | Ton |Tonne| Gold |
| |(opt)|(gpt)| |Ton Au| Au |(000s)|Ton Ag| Ag |(000s) | AuEq |AuEq | (000s) |
|_________|_____|_____|______|______|_____|______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|__________|
| |0.060| 2.06| 4,729|0.114 | 3.97| 541|0.278 | 9.69| | 0.120| 4.18| 566|
| | | | | | | | | | 1,314| | | |
|Indicated|_____|_____|______|______|_____|______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|__________|
| | | 1.27| 7,140|0.091 | 3.13| 652|0.218 | 7.47| | 0.096| 3.35| 682|
| |0.035| | | | | | | | 1,556| | | |
|_________|_____|_____|______|______|_____|______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|__________|
| |0.060| 2.06| 1,239|0.143 | 4.98| 177|0.308 |10.74| 381| 0.149| 5.19| 184|
|Inferred |_____|_____|______|______|_____|______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|__________|
| |0.035| 1.20| 1,478|0.127 | 4.36| 188|0.275 | 9.43| 407| 0.133| 4.64| 196|
|_________|_____|_____|______|______|_____|______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|__________|
Lower grade material would be stock-piled and eventually processed when a later phase of potential production comes on stream.
Detailed economic studies will be required to optimize the cut-off grade, however, this preliminary sensitivity analysis indicates the potential to improve the Net Present Value of the Project by creating a higher grade alternative, which would be expected to reduce operating costs per ounce, raise recoveries and concentrate grades, and reduce capital costs and the environmental footprint of the Project.
P&E's updated NI-43-101 resource estimate as at January 31, 2012 (see news release dated February 9, 2012) estimated an open-pit and underground Indicated mineral resource of 752,000 gold ounces within 7.77 million tons at an average grade of 0.097 ounces per ton ('opt') and an Inferred mineral resource of 385,900 gold ounces within 2.72 million tons at an average grade of 0.142 opt.
Details of P&E's NI 43-101 resource estimate as at January 31, 2012 are provided in the following table:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
| | GOLD | SILVER | |
|____________________|____________________________|_______________________________| |
| | | | Grade | | Grade | | | |
|____________| | |____________| |____________| | | |
| | | | | | | | | |Ounces of | TOTAL |
| | |Cut-Off|Ounces|Grams|Ounces |Ounces|Grams|Ounces | Silver |EQUIVALENT|
| Area | | Grade| Per | Per | of | Per | Per | of | as Gold |OUNCES OF |
| | Tons | Au | Ton |Tonne| Gold | Ton |Tonne|Silver |Equivalent| GOLD |
| |(000's)| (opt)| Au | Au |(000's)| Ag | Ag |(000's)| (000's) | (000's) |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
|OPEN -PIT: | | | | | | | | | | |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
|Indicated | 7,140 | 0.035 |0.091 |3.13 | 652.4 |0.218 |7.47 |1,556.4| 29.6 | 682.0 |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
|Inferred | 1,478 | 0.035 |0.127 |4.36 | 188.2 |0.275 |9.43 | 406.5 | 7.8 | 196.0 |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
|UNDERGROUND:| | | | | | | | | | |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
|Indicated | 633 | 0.098 |0.157 |5.40 | 99.6 |0.163 |5.59 | 103.2 | 3.4 | 103.0 |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
|Inferred | 1,239 | 0.098 |0.160 |5.47 | 197.7 |0.153 |5.25 | 189.6 | 3.6 | 201.3 |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
|TOTAL: | | | | | | | | | | |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
|Indicated | 7,773 | |0.097 |3.32 | 752.0 |0.214 |7.32 |1,659.6| 33.0 | 785.0 |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
|Inferred | 2,717 | |0.142 |4.87 | 385.9 |0.219 |7.52 | 596.1 | 11.4 | 397.3 |
|____________|_______|_______|______|_____|_______|______|_____|_______|__________|__________|
1. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources
may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal,
title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant
issues.
2. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred resources in this
estimate are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient
exploration to define these Inferred resources as an Indicated or
Measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further
exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or
Measured mineral resource category.
3. The mineral resources in this news release were estimated using
the CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions
and Guidelines prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve
Definitions.
4. AuEq was calculated such that one ounce of Au = 50.35 ounces Ag.
Metal prices used were the January 31, 2012 two-year trailing
average for Au at US$1,419/oz and Ag at US$28.18/oz with
respective mill recoveries of 83% for gold and 88% for silver.
Prevailing metal prices at January 31, 2012 were US$1,744.00 per
ounce of gold and US$33.60 for silver.
5. The historically mined tonnage from historic operations was
removed from the block model.
6. Gold cut-off grades of 0.035 opt (1.20 gpt) for open pit and 0.098
opt (3.36 gpt) for underground resources were established from
metal prices, expected recoveries, and estimated operating costs.
Operating costs for the open pit resource estimate cut-off grade
calculation were mining costs of $2 per ton, G&A expenses of $8
per ton and processing and concentrate shipping and smelter
charges of $32 per ton. Operating costs for the underground
resource estimate cut-off grade calculation were mining costs of
$60 per ton, G&A expenses of $8 per ton and concentrate shipping
and smelter charges of $42 per ton.
Measure of Concentration
1 troy ounce per short (Imperial) ton = 34.2857 grams per metric tonne or 34.2857 parts per million
Quality Control and Assurance
Exploration program drill samples were handled and assayed in accordance with NI 43-101 standards. Assaying was done by Inspectorate America Corporation of Sparks, Nevada, U.S.A. Inspectorate is a well known international laboratory that has operated in Nevada for more than 10 years. Samples were 30-gram fire assays of split NQ-sized core (4.76 centimetres in diameter). The NQ diameter drill-core samples were split in half; one half was retained in its original core box and the second half was sent to Inspectorate. Quality control and assurance of the analytical results were monitored by inserting standards, blanks, and duplicates into the sample run, for approximately every 30 samples at the project site.
Qualified Persons
The independent Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101 for the purpose of this news release regarding the Atlanta Project resource update are Fred Brown, CPG, Tracy Armstrong P.Geo., and Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., all of P&E Mining Consultants Inc. of Brampton, Ontario. The contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Mr. Puritch. P&E Mining Consultants Inc. is an established and internationally recognized geological and mine engineering consulting firm specializing in resource estimates, scoping, pre-feasibility studies and participation with other consulting firms on feasibility studies, with over 130 projects undertaken in the last seven years. P&E has Certificates of Authorization from the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario, Professional Engineers of Ontario and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan and Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Mr. Fred Brown CPG, PrSciNat, of P&E is a Certified Professional Geologist (#11015) with the American Institute of Professional Geologists and a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (#400008/04), and has over 25 years of worldwide experience in mining resource and reserve assessments and related work.
Ms. Tracy Armstrong, P.Geo., a graduate of Queen's University at Kingston, Ontario with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Geological Sciences (1982), is a geological consultant currently licensed by the Order of Geologists of Québec (License 566), by the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (License 1204) and by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (Licence 34720). She is an independent geological consultant contracted by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and has worked as a geologist continuously since her graduation from university.
Mr. Eugene Puritch, P.Eng. (Haileybury School of Mines, Queen's University), President of P&E, has more than 30 years experience in mine evaluation and resource estimating for some of Canada's largest mining companies. He has undertaken more than 300 resource estimates and mine designs in his career, many of which formed the basis for feasibility studies and subsequent production decisions. Prior to co-founding P&E, Mr. Puritch was regularly under contract to provide his services to Micon International Ltd., Aker Solutions Canada Inc., A.C.A. Howe International Ltd. and Strathcona Mineral Services.
About the Company
Atlanta Gold Inc. holds through its 100% owned subsidiary, Atlanta Gold Corporation, leases, options or ownership interests in its Atlanta properties which comprise approximately 2,159 acres (8.74 square kilometres) located 90 air kilometres north-east of Boise, in Elmore County, Idaho. A long history of mining makes Atlanta very suitable for development of new mining projects. The Company is focused on advancing its core asset, Atlanta, towards mine development and production.
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively 'forward-looking statements') within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. We use words such as 'may', 'intend', 'will', 'should', 'anticipate', 'plan', 'expect', 'believe', 'estimate' and similar terminology to identify forward-looking statements, including with respect to resource estimates, recovery rates, the impact of changes in cut-off grades on operating and capital costs and the environmental footprint of the Project and mining methods. Such are based upon assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. These assumptions include those concerning the accuracy of historical records, the accuracy of the Company's resource estimates and of the geological, metallurgical and price assumptions on which the estimates are based, the availability of adequate financing and the ability to achieve operating cost estimates. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on those statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include, but are not limited to, the speculative nature of mineral exploration, development and mining (including uncertainties with respect to the interpretation of geology, continuity, size and grade estimates and recoverability of mineral reserves and resources); insufficient funding or delays in raising additional financing on satisfactory terms; operational and technical difficulties which could increase operating and/or capital costs; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, changes in laws or regulations and the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; the outcome of ongoing environmental litigation involving the Company's subsidiary; fluctuations in resource prices and in currency exchange rates; changes in general economic conditions and in the financial markets; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in the Company's annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other Company filings with securities and regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Should one or more risks and uncertainties materialize or should any assumptions prove incorrect, then actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on those statements.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors are not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein or in any other documents filed with securities regulatory authorities, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Reserves and Resources
The mineral resource estimates reported in this news release were prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ('NI 43-101'), as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities. For United States reporting purposes, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') applies different standards in order to classify mineralization as a reserve. In particular, while the terms 'measured,' 'indicated' and 'inferred' mineral resources are required pursuant to NI 43-101, the SEC does not recognize such terms. Canadian standards differ significantly from the requirements of the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories constitute or will ever be converted into reserves. In addition, 'inferred' mineral resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and their economic feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Atlanta Gold Inc.
CONTACT: Atlanta Gold Inc.:
Bill Baird
Vice-President and CFO
Telephone: (416) 777-0013
Fax: (416) 777-0014
E-mail: info@atgoldinc.com
P&E Mining Consultants Inc.:
Eugene Puritch
Principal
Telephone: (905) 595-0575
Fax: (905) 595-0578
E-mail: gene@peconsulting.ca
CHF Investor Relations:
Juliet Heading
Senior Account Manager
Telephone: (416) 868-1079, ext. 239
Fax: (416) 868-6198
E-mail: juliet@chfir.com
