Lundin Mining Announces Neves-Corvo Zinc Expansion Project Feasibility Study Results
1
NEWS RELEASE
Lundin Mining Announces Neves-Corvo Zinc Expansion Project
Feasibility Study Results
Toronto, May 11, 2017 (TSX: LUN; OMX: LUMI) Lundin Mining Corporation (“Lundin Mining” or the
“Company”) is pleased to announce the results of a Feasibility Study completed on the Zinc Expansion
Project (“ZEP”) at the Neves-Corvo mine in Portugal, as well as provide an update on the project progress.
(This news release contains forward-looking information about expected future events and financial and operating performance
of the Company. We refe r to the risks and assumptions set out in our Cautionary Statement on Forward- Looking Information at
the end this release. All currency figures are in US$ unless otherwise stated.)
Highlights
• Annual zinc production forecast to peak in excess of 180,000 tonnes post expansion and average
approximately 150,000 tpa over the period 2020 through 2030, along with a significant increase in
lead production.
• Estimated life of mine C1 cash cost of $0.28/lb copper net of by -product credits, or alternatively ,
$0.29/lb zinc net of by-product credits.
• Incremental post-tax net present value (“NPV”) of €180 million at an 8% discount rate , an internal
rate of return (“IRR”) of 22%, and an estimated payback period of less than four years from production
start. Pre-production capital costs are estimated to be €257 million including a 15% contingency.
• Production is to be maximized from the existing zinc Mineral Reserve estimate and the development
of a deeper higher zinc grade area known as Lombador Phase 2 (“LP2” ) for which maiden Mineral
Reserves, of both zinc and copper, have been estimated.
• The project comprises the installation of a new underground crusher and conveyor system to handle
ore from the Lombador orebody , upgrades to the existing hoisting shaft, exp ansion of the zinc
processing plant to a capacity of 2.5 mtpa and expansions to the Tailings Management Facility (“TMF”)
as well as other site infrastructure.
• Given the positive results of the Feasibility Study, the Company has approved development of the ZEP
subject to the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) and amendments to the
Environmental Licence. The ZEP has recently been granted Project of National Interest (“PIN”) status
by the Portuguese authorities in recognition of its scale and potential contribution to the national
economy.
• In parallel with permitting activities, the Company has formed a project team and has awarded a
contract for engineering and procurement services, and detailed design has started. Critical path
underground development has started. Subject to receipt of environmental approval in Q3 2017, it is
anticipated that surface construction works will commence in Q1 2018 and the expanded zinc plant
will be commissioned and ramped up by the end of 2019.
Corporate Office
150 King Street West, Suite 1500
P.O. Box 38
Toronto, ON M5H 1J9
Phone: +1 416 342 5560
Fax: +1 416 348 0303
2
Mr. Paul Conibear, President and CEO of Lundin Mining stated, “The results of the Feasibility Study on the
Zinc Expansion Project confirm strong project economics and demonstrate significant incremental value
to our Neves -Corvo operations. The project will significantly increase metal production and further
increases the mine’s competitiveness to the continuing benefit of our shareholders, employees and the
local economy. Early project activities are underway to facilitate a rapid start following permit approval,
and, in the meantime, we continue with increased exploration efforts to find additional mineable copper
and zinc mineralization.”
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates
Exploration drilling carried out at Neves-Corvo following acquisition by Lundin Mining in 2006 was highly
successful in delineating additional mineraliz ation and resulted in significant increases in Mineral
Resource estimates, particularly for zinc. Higher grade zinc mineraliz ation was discovered in the deep
Lombador orebody where subsequent drilling allowed the estimation of Indicated Mineral Resources
down to a depth of 1,200 metres below surface. These inc reased Mineral Resource estimates
underpinned the previous decision by the Company to develop the upper part of the Lombador orebody
(“LP1”) and expand the existing zinc plant to its current capacity of approximately 1.2 mtpa. The table
below shows the tot al estimated Neves -Corvo and Semblana Mineral Resources including the full
Lombador orebody.
Total Neves-Corvo and Semblana Mineral Resource Estimate, June 30, 2016
Category
Zinc
Tonnes
(kt)
Zn
(%)
Cu
(%)
Pb
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Copper
Tonnes
(kt)
Zn
(%)
Cu
(%)
Pb
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Measured & Indicated 106,819 6.1 0.3 1.3 58 69,986 1.0 2.7 0.3 45
Inferred 11,386 4.4 0.3 1.0 52 12,758 1.2 1.7 0.4 37
Semblana Inferred 7,807 2.9 25
The Feasibility Study includes an additional Mineral Reserve estimate for LP2, as tabulated below, that is
reported for the first time.
Lombador Phase 2 Mineral Reserve Estimate, June 30, 2016
Category
Zinc
Tonnes
(kt)
Zn
(%)
Cu
(%)
Pb
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Copper
Tonnes
(kt)
Zn
(%)
Cu
(%)
Pb
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Probable 10,640 8.3 0.3 2.3 65 2,477 0.4 2.3 0.1 23
This additional LP2 Mineral Reserve estimate results in the following new total Neves -Corvo Mineral
Reserve estimate.
Total Neves-Corvo Mineral Reserve Estimate, June 30, 2016
Category
Zinc
Tonnes
(kt)
Zn
(%)
Cu
(%)
Pb
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Copper
Tonnes
(kt)
Zn
(%)
Cu
(%)
Pb
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Proven & Probable 34,090 7.5 0.4 1.8 66 28,619 0.7 2.6 0.2 34
3
Mining and Processing
The ZEP Feasibility Study has examined further expanding zinc plant throughput capacity to 2.5 mtpa
coupled with the development of LP2. The forecast increase in zinc ore produ ction will be sourced by
maximizing production from the existing zinc mining areas and by mining from LP2. Access to LP2 will be
by conventional ramp development and mining of both zinc and copper mineralization will be by methods
currently used at Neves-Corvo, namely, bench and fill with some localized areas of drift and fill.
Broken ore from LP1 and LP2 will be extracted using a new materials handling system comprising a crusher
located on the 260 level and a three-leg conveyor system to elevate the ore to the existing shaft hoisting
facilities on the 700 level, as shown in Figure 1. Minor upgrades will take the existing shaft capacity up to
5.4 mtpa. Extensions to the mine’s ventilation, pumping, electrical reticulation and other infrastructure
are also planned.
Figure 1 – Schematic of Neves-Corvo Mine Showing LP2 and the New Materials Handling System
The existing zinc plant will be significantly upgraded. The existing ore st orage are will be modified and
front end loaders employed to feed a new 8.5 MW SAG mill , which had been previously purchased, for
primary grinding. Secondary grinding will be carried out in existing mills ahead of newly installed and
increased lead and the n zinc flotation capacity. Upgrades are also proposed to lead thickening and
filtration, water supply and reagent circuits. The primary electrical feed to site and the existing substation
are capable of handling the increased power demands having been upgr aded during the LP1 project
execution. The additional volumes of tailings to be produced will necessitate an expansion to the tailings
thickening plant while the tailings themselves will continue to be deposited in an expanded TMF.
Capital and Operating Cost Estimates
The estimated pre-production capital cost for the ZEP is € 256.5 million including an overall contingency
of 15%. Mining, including development, mobile equipment and the new materials handling systems and
shaft upgrades, comprise the largest element of the direct costs. The estimated capital costs are tabulated
below.
4
Capital Cost Estimate Breakdown
Area
Estimated Cost
(€ million)
Mining
118.2
Process Plant Facilities, Services, and Site Development
74.3
Indirects 19.5
Owners Cost 11.1
Contingency
33.4
Total Project 256.5
Operating cost estimates have been based on the existing Neves-Corvo operations and budgets, with
adjustments for the impacts of the new materials handling system, grinding methods and increased
throughputs. The operating cost for Neves-Corvo post expansion from 2020 through 2030 is estimated
to average €44.8/t of ore milled. Of this, mining costs are estimated to average €24.1/t of ore mined,
processing costs in the expanded plant of €11.5/t milled, water and tailings management €1.6/t milled,
and G&A €7.6/t milled.
Production Profile
The ZEP production profile for zinc, copper and lea d compared to the existing Neves -Corvo life of mine
plan is shown in Figure 2. Zinc production is forecast to increase from the current 2017 guidance of 72,000-
75,000 tonnes to peak in excess of 1 80,000 tpa post-expansion and average approximately 150,000 tpa
over the period 2020 through 2030. The additional copper mineralization from LP2 improves the copper
production profile over the same period, while lead production is forecast to increase to average
approximately 20,000 tpa.
Figure 2 – Neves-Corvo Estimated Life of Mine Production Schedule with the ZEP and with the Current
Mine Plan (Base Case; BC)
5
Financial Analysis
The Feasibility Study is premised on commencement of underground development immediately following
regulatory approval of the ZEP E IA, which the Company anticipates to receive in early Q3 2017 . Surface
construction is forecast to start in Q1 2018 following receipt of the RECAPE (Relatório de Conformidade
Ambiental do Projeto de Execução) approval and the completion of basic engineering during 2017. Both
surface and underground construction is forecast to be completed by Q3 2019, and production ramp up
completed by the end of that year.
The results of the Feasibility Study demonstrate the viability of executing the ZEP with an estimated
incremental post-tax NPV of €180 million at an 8% discount rate, and an estimated IRR of 22% using long
term metal prices of $1.00/lb zinc and $3.00/lb copper. The forecast payback period is less than four years
from production start and the f orecast average C1 cash cost between 2020 and 2030 is $0.28/lb copper
net of by-product credits or alternatively $0.29/lb zinc net of by-product credits. The breakeven zinc price
for a NPV of zero at an 8% discount rate is $0.71/lb Zn. The key results of the Feasibility Study are tabulated
below.
Feasibility Study Results Summary Unit
Neves-Corvo with ZEP
(2020-2030)
Total ore processed zinc/lead, copper million tonnes
25.0, 17.8
Average grades zinc/lead, copper % 7.5 / 1.9, 2.4
Average recovery zinc/lead, copper % 81.9 / 44.9, 85.3
Approximate average annual production of zinc/lead, copper thousand tonnes 150 / 20, 33
Pre-production capital € millions 256.5
Metal price assumptions from 2020 $/lb Zn 1.10 (2020) then 1.00
$/lb Cu 3.00
Exchange rate assumption €/US$ 1.15
Incremental post-tax NPV8 € millions 180
Incremental post-tax NPV0 € millions 438
IRR % 21.5
Average C1 cash cost $/lb copper or $/lb zinc 0.28 or 0.29
Payback from production start Years <4
Breakeven zinc price, incremental NPV8 = 0 $/lb Zn 0.71
An independently authored National Instrument 43 -101 Technical Report on Neves -Corvo incorporating
the ZEP project will be filed on the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com within 45 days of this
press release.
Permitting and Development Status
The ZEP is subject to environmental review leading to an updated E nvironmental License ( Licença
Ambiental). The EIA was submitted to the regulatory authorities in November 2016. The Company expects
to receive approval of the EIA from the environmental authority APA (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente),
in early Q3 2017. In April 2017, ZEP was granted PIN status by Portuguese authority AICEP ( Agência para
o Investimento e Comércio Externo de Portugal) in view of its scale and potential contribution to the local
and national economy.
6
Following approval of the EIA and review of the project engineering data, APA will issue a final report on
the environmental compliance of the execution project (RECAPE) before construction of surface facilities
can commence. The Company anticipate s that the RECAPE will be granted by year- end 2017 allowing
construction to start in 2018. The RECAPE is not required to advance underground development.
In anticipation of permit approval, a project team has been formed and a contract awarded to a major
engineering firm for the basic and detailed engineering of the process plant and associated facilities. In
parallel, final designs and contract documentation is under preparation for the underground
development, the materials handling system and the shaft upgrades. The critical path to the project is the
underground conveyor ramp and work on this has been mobilized.
In the coming days the Company intends to post a ZEP presentation to its website.
Notes on the Mineral Resource, Mineral Reserve and Feasibility Study
The Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates in this news release have been prepared in
accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI
43-101”), classified in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum’s “CIM
Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves” 2014.
The Neves-Corvo Mineral Resource s and Mineral Reserve s were estimated by the mine’s geology and
mine engineering departments under the guidance of Nelson Pacheco, Chief Geologist and Fernando
Cartaxo, Chief Mine Planning Engineer. The Semblana Mineral Resource estimate was prepared by
Graham Greenway, Group Resource Geologist, Lundin Mining.
The Neves-Corvo and Semblana Mineral Resource estimates are reported above cut -off grades of 1.0%
for copper and 3.0% for zinc and are dated June 30, 2016. The Mineral Resource estimates are inclusive
of those Mineral Resources modified to produce the Mineral Reserve estimates.
The copper and zinc Mineral Reserve estimates have been calculated using variable Net Smelter Return
(NSR) and cut -off values based on area and mining method, and are dated June 30, 2016. The NSR is
calculated on a recovered payable basis taking in to account copper, lead, zinc and silver grades,
metallurgical recoveries, prices and realization costs. The metal prices used for the NSR calculations are
US$2.75/lb copper, US$1.00/lb zinc and US$1.00/lb lead with an exchange rates of €/US$1.25.
For Neves-Corvo, outside of LP2, the copper Mineral Reserve estimates are reported above a site average
cut-off grade equivalent to 1.3% and for zinc Mineral Reserve estimates an average cut -off grade
equivalent to 5.2% is used. For the LP2 area, Mineral Reserves average equivalent cut -offs are 1.6% for
copper and 6.8% for zinc.
The Qualified Persons who have reviewed the Neves-Corvo and Semblana Mineral Resource and Mineral
Reserve estimates are Richard Ellis, CGeol 1013201, Principal Resource Geologist and Phil Newall, CEng
48891 Managing Director respectively, both of Wardell Armstrong International Ltd.
The Qualified Persons who have reviewed and verified the data and estimates in the Neves -Corvo ZEP
Feasibility Study are; Phil Newall, CEng Managing Director; Richard Ellis CGeol, Principal Resource
Geologist; Alex Hill BSc, Technical Director; Philip King BSc FIMMM, Technical Director; Stephen Holley
CEng MIMMM Senior Mining Engineer; Edvard Glücksman PhD CSci, Senior Environmental & Social
Specialist; Veronica Luneva MSc IMC, Senior Financial Analyst, all of Wardell Armstrong International Ltd.
7
About Lundin Mining
Lundin Mining is a diversified Canadian base metals mining company with operations in Chile, the United
States of America, Portugal, and Sweden, primarily producing copper, nickel and zinc. In addition, Lundin
Mining holds an indirect 24% equity stake in the Freeport Cobalt Oy business, which includes a cobalt
refinery located in Kokkola, Finland.
On Behalf of the Board,
Paul Conibear
President and CEO
This is information that Lundin Mining Corporation is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market
Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication,
through the agency of the contact persons set out below on May 11, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
For further information, please contact:
Mark Turner, Director, Business Valuations and Investor Relations: +1-416-342-5565
Sonia Tercas, Senior Associate, Investor Relations: +1-416-342-5583
Robert Eriksson, Investor Relations Sweden: +46 8 545 015 50
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is “forward- looking information” within the meaning of applicable
Canadian securities legislation . All statements other than statements of historical fact in this document constitute forward -looking
information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those in respect of the Neves-Corvo Zinc Expansion Project (or
ZEP), the ZEP Feasibility Study, and the impacts and results thereof, including, without limitation, Mineral Resources, Mineral Reserves,
economics (such as net present value (or NPV), internal rate of return (or IRR) and C1 cash costs), payback and payback perio d, breakeven,
production profile and life of mine, all of which are estimates (and the parameters, expectations and assumptions underlying, and realization
of, such estimates); capital expenditure estimates; metal price assumptions; and permitting and development expectations, and the results
thereof. Words such as “anticipate”, “assume”, “budget”, “contingency”, “estimate”, “expect”, “feasibility”, “forecast”, “guidance”, “post-
expansion “, “potential”, “project”, “schedule”, “study” , viability” and “with ZEP” , or variations of these terms or similar terminology , or
statements that certain actions, events or results “may” or “will” occur or be achieved, or are “subject to”, are identify forward- looking
information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions, estimates and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information
and forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, these statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and are
not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions, and subject to a variety of risks,
uncertainties and contingencies which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.
Such risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, without limitation, those : relating to foreign currency fluctuations; inherent in mining
including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological formations, ground control problems and flooding;
associated with the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral de posits; the
possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company’s expe ctations; the potential for
and effects of labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or shortages of labour or interruptions in production; actual ore mined
varying from estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution and metallurgical and other characteristics; the inherent uncertainty of production and
cost estimates, and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; commodity price fluctuations and volatility of metal pri ces; uncertain
political and economic environments; changes in laws or polic ies or foreign taxation; and delays or the inability to obtain necessary
governmental approvals and/or permits, as well as other risks, uncertainties and contingencies including but not limited to those described
in the Risks and Uncertainties section of the Company’s most recently filed Annual Information Form and in the Managing Risks section of
each of the Company’s full-year 2016 management’s discussion and analysis. Forward-looking information and statements are in addition
based on various estimates, forecasts and projections as well as expectations , beliefs and assumptions including, without limitation, the
expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long term price of copper, zinc, and lead; that the Company can access fi nancing,
appropriate equipment and sufficient labour and that the political environment where the Company operates will continue to support the
development and operation of mining projects. Should one or more of these risks , uncertainties or contingencies materialize, or shoul d
8
underlying estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, beliefs or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from
those described in forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information
or statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information or statements or to
explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward- looking inf ormation or statements, except to the
extent required by applicable law.