Premium Nickel Resources Ltd. Announces Its Initial Mineral Resource Estimate of 27.7 MT for the Selebi Mines in Botswana Selebi Main Deposit Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 18.89 million tonnes at 3.51% CuEq or 1.70%
Premium Nickel Resources Ltd. Announces Its
Initial Mineral Resource Estimate of 27.7 MT
for the Selebi Mines in Botswana
Selebi Main Deposit
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 18.89 million tonnes at 3.51% CuEq or 1.70%
NiEq
.
Contained metal Inferred - 165,000 tonnes nickel and 319,000 tonnes copper.
Selebi North Deposit
Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 3.00 million tonnes at 2.92% CuEq or 1.42%
NiEq.
Contained metal Indicated - 29,000 tonnes nickel and 27,000 tonnes copper.
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 5.83 million tonnes at 3.11% CuEq or 1.51% NiEq.
Contained metal Inferred - 62,000 tonnes nickel and 52,000 tonnes copper.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 8, 2024) -
Premium Nickel Resources Ltd. (TSXV: PNRL)
("PNRL" or the "Company")
is pleased to report an initial Mineral Resource Estimate ("
MRE
") with
an effective date of June 30, 2024, prepared in accordance with CIM (2014) Definitions Standards
incorporated in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("
NI 43-101
"),
on its past-producing nickel-copper sulphide ("
Ni-Cu
") Selebi Main deposit and its Selebi North deposit
(together, the "
Selebi Mines
") in Botswana. The completed NI 43-101 Technical Report, once finalized,
will be filed on SEDAR+ (
www.sedarplus.ca
) under PNRL's issuer profile within 45 days of the date of
this news release.
Details of the MRE are shown below along with accompanying tables (Tables 1 through 3) and visuals
(
Figure 1
,
Figure 2
,
Figure 3
and
Figure 4
). The updated corporate presentation is accessible by
clicking here
and can also be found on the Company's website at
www.premiumnickel.com
. To view the
3D modeling, please visit the following link
https://vrify.com/decks/16485
.
Key Takeaways
The Selebi Main MRE tonnage is 67% larger than the Historic Resource (as defined herein). In
part, the increase in tonnes can be attributed to increased resource thickness in the southeast
portion of the deposit and the inclusion of a separate lower domain that was not classified as part
of the historic resources by the former operator.
The Selebi North MRE tonnage is 90% larger than the Historic Resource. In part, this increase can
be attributed to PNRL'S drilling success extending mineralization below the N2, N3, and South
Limb up to 400 metres beyond the limits of the historical mineral resource, as well as extending the
strike extent of the N3 mineralization and including a small number of South Limb footwall zones.
Borehole electromagnetic surveys and drilling continue to demonstrate expansion potential down-
dip and down-plunge of existing resources.
Drilling is ongoing at both the Selebi Main and Selebi North deposits with the goal to re-classify the
Inferred resources to Indicated and to expand the resource.
Bench scale metallurgical testing and recovery estimates to be completed to a pre-feasibility
standard at XPS Expert Process Solutions in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
Cobalt, a potentially valuable by-product has not been included in this initial MRE as cobalt
analyses are not consistently available throughout the deposit. Metallurgical studies currently
underway will determine payability of cobalt at the Selebi Mine.
Keith Morrison, CEO of PNRL, commented:
"The Mineral Resource Estimate at the Selebi Mines is
very promising. The results confirm a strong starting resource size and grade which we expect will
expand as we continue our drilling program.
Ongoing borehole electromagnetics and drilling continue to
demonstrate that both deposits extend down dip and down plunge. The MRE also identifies good
mineralization continuity, mineable widths and mining dilution characteristics. Importantly, the contained
copper significantly exceeds nickel in the total combined contained metal in the two deposits 398,000
tonnes to 256,000 tonnes (1.55:1).
This initial Mineral Resource Estimate combined with further drilling could allow PNRL to advance to a
Preliminary Feasibility Study ("PFS") at the Selebi Mine, with a completion target of the end of H1 2025.
We are currently finalizing arrangements for a consultant for this Preliminary Feasibility Study work.
These resources are (i) high grade, (ii) permitted for mining, (iii) have key operational infrastructure (e.g.
shafts, declines, and related equipment) already in place and (iv) are supported by a skilled workforce
critical to the underground resource drilling program and later mining and processing plans. These
attributes are a crucial and positive distinction between PNRL and other mining/development entities.
We will continue to rapidly redevelop the Selebi Mine working towards a potential mine reopening in late
2027.
I want to thank our team for their safe and professional hard work on the Mineral Resource Estimate. It is
a very positive step in the re-development of the Selebi Mines. "
The MRE shown in Table 1 was prepared by SLR Consulting Ltd. ("
SLR
") using a Net Smelter Return
("
NSR
") cut-off value of US$70/tonne and consensus metal pricing (Table 2).
Table 1: Selebi Mines Mineral Resource Estimate -- June 30, 2024
Deposit
Classification
Tonnage
Mt
Ni
%
Cu
%
NiEq*
%
CuEq**
%
Ni
Kt
Cu
Kt
Selebi North
Indicated
3.00
0.98
0.90
1.42
2.92
29.5
27.1
Total Indicated
3.00
0.98
0.90
1.42
2.92
29.5
27.1
Selebi Main
Inferred
18.89
0.88
1.69
1.70
3.51
165
319
Selebi North
Inferred
5.83
1.07
0.90
1.51
3.11
62.4
52.5
Total Inferred
24.7
0.92
1.50
1.65
3.40
227
371
*
NiEq% calculated using the formula Ni%+Cu%*(50.24/103.67) using metal prices and recoveries listed below in Notes
**CuEq% calculated using the formula Cu%+ Ni%*(103.67/50.24) using metal prices and recoveries listed below in Notes
Notes:
1
.
CIM (2014) definitions were followed for mineral resources.
2
.
Mineral resources are estimated at a NSR value of $70/t.
3
.
Mineral resources are estimated using long-term prices of US$10.50/lb Ni and US$4.75/lb Cu and
a US$: BWP exchange rate of 1.00:13.23.
4
.
Mineral resources are estimated using nickel and copper recoveries of 72.0% and 92.4%
respectively, derived from metallurgical studies which consider a conceptual bulk concentrate
scenario.
5
.
Bulk density has been estimated and averages 3.39 t/m
3
at Selebi Main and 3.60 t/m
3
at Selebi
North.
6
.
Mineral resources are reported within conceptual underground reporting shapes considering a
minimum thickness of 1.5 metres.
7
.
There are no mineral reserves.
8
.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
9
.
Totals may not add or multiply accurately due to rounding.
Drilling
At Selebi Main, the Company drilled a total of 15,074 metres in 12 surface drill holes and 2 wedges, and
740 metres in the extensions of two historical holes. Historical drilling, including 28,488 metres in 31
surface drill holes, and 11 wedges and 8,400 metres in 219 underground delineation drill holes, were
combined with the Company drilling for a total drill hole database of 52,702 metres in 277 holes which
support the new MRE at the Selebi Main deposit.
Similarly, at Selebi North, included in the MRE were a total of 29,984 metres in 82 underground holes
drilled by the Company, historical surface drilling (24,504 metres in 21 holes and 9 wedges) and
historical delineation drilling (20,638 metres in 354 holes) for a total drilling database of 75,126 metres
in 466 holes. In addition, the database also included samples from 704 channels over 2,791 metres.
Ongoing underground drilling at Selebi North, totaling 18,042 meters across 33 completed holes with 3
more in progress as of August 6, 2024, is not included in the MRE. This new drilling is a combination of
infill and exploration drilling to follow the extension of the mineralization down dip and down plunge. New
assay results not captured in the MRE will be published as they are received and verified by the
Company.
Mineral Resource Estimate
All mineral resource domains at Selebi Main were defined within Seequent's Leapfrog Geo software,
and sub-block model estimates were completed within Leapfrog Edge software using drilling and
assays results as of June 30, 2024. All Mineral Resource domains at Selebi North were defined within
Leapfrog Geo software and sub-block model estimates were completed within Resource Modeling
Solutions Platform (RMSP) and Leapfrog Edge software. Underground constraining shapes were
optimized using Deswik stope optimizer software.
At Selebi Main, un-composited density measurements and one-meter composites of uncapped nickel
and capped copper sample grades from underground and surface drillholes were estimated into an
oriented sub-blocked model using a multi-pass inverse distance squared (ID2) interpolation approach
and mined out areas were depleted where needed to represent in situ material.
At Selebi North, one-metre composites of capped nickel, copper, and density sample grades from
channels and underground and surface drill holes were estimated into a sub-blocked model using a
multi-pass ordinary kriging (OK) interpolation approach in unfolded space in the main domain and using
a multi-pass inverse distance weighted (ID2) interpolation approach and dynamic anisotropy (no
unfolding) in the footwall domains.
The Selebi North Mineral Resources were estimated using a sub-block model defining one principal
domain and three small footwall domains representing mineralization extension below 150 metre
elevation (approximately 750 metres below surface), where adjacent and below (mostly below) existing
historical mine workings. The estimate uses all information available as of June 30, 2024.
Domain orientation and morphology have been informed by underground mapping, channel sampling,
and surface and underground drilling completed by historical operators as well as by PNRL. The
structures mimic the mined-out areas with respect to orientation and form and have been confirmed to
continue down plunge through drill core observations and downhole geophysics.
In addition to standard database validation techniques, wireframe and block model validation
procedures including wireframe to block volume confirmation, statistical comparisons with composite
and nearest neighbour estimates, swath plots, visual reviews in 3D, longitudinal, cross section and plan
views, as well as cross software reporting confirmation, were completed. In addition to SLR's internal
peer and senior review processes, PNRL's technical team have reviewed the MRE.
Blocks were classified following CIM Definitions (2014) as Indicated and Inferred using drill hole spacing
based criterion.
Inferred mineral resources at Selebi Main were defined where drill hole spacings of up
to approximately 200 metres was achieved. Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources at Selebi North
were defined where drill hole spacings of up to approximately 50 metres and 150 metres were achieved,
respectively, modified in some areas to reflect geological and grade uncertainty. At both deposits,
Mineral Resources are reported within conceptual underground reporting shapes (resource panels)
defined using a minimum thickness of 1.5 metres and a NSR cut-off value of US$70/t. All blocks within
the resource panels have been included within the Mineral Resource estimate. Mined-out areas were
depleted where needed to represent in-situ material, and resource panels in the crown pillar area at
Selebi North were excluded from the estimate.
NSR and Mineral Resources Cut-off Value
NSR values have been estimated for an operating scenario that includes production of a bulk nickel-
copper sulphide concentrate for both the Selebi Main and Selebi North deposits. Metal prices are based
on long-term forecasts from banks, financial institutions and other sources.
The metal prices and other
input parameters used in development of a unit NSR value for each block are provided in Table 2.
Table 2: NSR Value Calculation
Commodity
Metal
Prices
(USD$/lb)
Net
Metallurgical
Recovery (%)
Refining Cost
(USD$/lb)
Transport Cost/wmt
(Bulk Con)
Treatment Cost/dmt
(Bulk Con)
Royalty
Nickel
$10.50
72.0%
$0.96
US$150
US$220
2.00%
Copper
$4.75
94.4%
$0.45
US$150
US$220
2.00%
For the purpose of mineral resource reporting, underground constraining shapes were developed using
the Deswik Stope Optimizer (DSO) based on an NSR cut-off value of US$70/tonne.
Parameters used to
calculate the cut-off grade are given in Table 3.
Table 3: The cut-off parameters, based on previous study work
Parameter
Unit
Value
Mining (Underground)
US$/t milled
$48.00
Processing
US$/t milled
$20.00
G&A
US$/t milled
$4.92
Total Unit Operating Cost
US$/t milled
$67.94
Quality Control
The underground drilling program is being carried out through an agreement with Forage Fusion Drilling
Ltd. of Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada, who have provided three Zinex U-5 drills for purchase and training
of local operators. Drill core samples are BQTK (40.7 mm diameter). All samples are ½ core cut by a
diamond saw on site. Half of the core is retained for reference purposes. Samples are generally 1.0 to
1.5 metre intervals or less at the discretion of the site geologists. Sample preparation and lab analysis
was completed at ALS Chemex in Johannesburg, South Africa. Commercially prepared blank samples
and certified Cu/Ni sulphide analytical control standards with a range of grades are inserted in every
batch of 20 samples or a minimum of one set per sample batch. Analyses for Ni, Cu and Co are
completed using a peroxide fusion preparation and ICP-AES finish (ME-ICP81).
Qualified Persons
The mineral resource estimate described in this news release was reviewed and approved by Valerie
Wilson, M.Sc., P.Geo. (Ontario) SLR Consulting Ltd. Principal Resource Geologist, who is independent
of PNRL and a "qualified person" for purposes of NI 43-101.
Verification included a site visit to inspect mineralization in underground workings, active drilling,
mineralized core, logging, density measurement procedures and sampling procedures, and a review of
the control sample results used to assess laboratory assay quality. In addition, 100% of samples
collected by PNRL have been verified against independently accessed assay certificates and a random
selection of historical database results have been compared against original paper and digital records.
The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Sharon
Taylor, Vice President Exploration of the Company, who is a "qualified person" for the purposes of NI
43-101.
Historic Resource Estimate
The historical mineral resource estimate referenced herein (the "
Historical Resource
") was calculated
for the Selebi North, Selebi Main, Phikwe South and Southeast Extension deposits in accordance with
the South African Mineral Resource Committee (SAMREC), in 2016, and does not comply with NI 43-
101.
PNRL is not treating the historical mineral estimates as current mineral resource estimates. To that
end, the Historical Resource is considered to be historical in nature and should not be relied upon as a
current mineral resource estimate. In addition, the Historical Resource has been superseded by the
MRE reported herein.
About Premium Nickel Resources Ltd.
PNRL is a mineral exploration and development company that is focused on the redevelopment of the
previously producing nickel, copper and cobalt resources mines owned by the Company in the Republic
of Botswana.
PNRL is committed to governance through transparent accountability and open communication within
our team and our stakeholders. Our skilled team has worked over 100 projects collectively, accumulating
over 400 years of resource discoveries, mine development and mine re-engineering experience on
projects like the Company's Selebi and Selkirk mines. PNRL's senior team members have on average
more than 20 years of experience in every single aspect of mine discovery and development, from
geology to operations.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Keith Morrison
Director and Chief Executive Officer
Premium Nickel Resources Ltd.
For further information about Premium Nickel Resources Ltd., please contact:
Jaclyn Ruptash
Vice President, Communications and Government and Investor Relations
+1 (604) 770-4334
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian
securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news
release. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause
actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those
expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. For the purposes of this release, forward
looking information includes, but is not limited to: the ability of the Company to implement its drilling,
geoscience and metallurgical work on its properties and work plans generally; the implementation of the
objectives, goals and future plans of the Company including the proposed advancement of the Selebi
Mine as currently contemplated; the ability of exploration activities (including drill results) to accurately
predict mineralization; management's belief that the Selebi and Selebi North deposits may be
connected at depth; the timing and ability of the Company to publish a prefeasibility study (by H1 2025 or
at all); the timing and ability of the Company to publish the MRE technical report in accordance with NI
43-101; any discrepancies between the MRE technical report and the scientific and technical information
in this news release; the timing to release of the remaining assay results; the ability of the Company to
implement its drilling, geoscience and metallurgical work on its properties and work plans generally; the
implementation of the objectives, goals and future plans of the Company including the proposed
advancement of the Selebi Mine as currently contemplated; the ability of the Company to define
additional or upgrade existing mineral resource estimates on the Selebi Mine in accordance with NI 43-
101; the productivity rates for underground drilling at Selebi North; drilling results confirming the legacy
fold pattern continues at depth; the effective targeting activities proposed by the Company; the ability to
identify additional mineralization down plunge of existing workings and the ability of such findings to be
used to complete a MRE and/or to support further economic studies; the ability and timing of advancing
the underground drilling program at Selebi North as contemplated (if at all); the ability to expand the
resource potential at the Selebi Mine; the results of the drill program on Selebi North and the timing and
disclosures of the Company regarding same; the relationships between, and continuity of, the various
deposits (if any); the benefits of the Company's approach to exploration; management's belief that the
Historic Resource could be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the deposits; and the
anticipated benefits of the Company's approach to the resource development plan. These forward-
looking statements, by their nature, require the Company to make certain assumptions and necessarily
involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, capital
and operating costs varying significantly from estimates; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test
results; the ability of exploration results to predict mineralization, prefeasibility or the feasibility of mine
production; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project
approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in
equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; the
other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the
Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (
www.sedarplus.com
) under PNRL's issuer profile.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking
information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such
information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that
such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
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 news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other
regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
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Figure 1. Long Section of the Selebi Main and Selebi North Mineral Resource Estimate as
defined by wireframes of mineralized zones
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Long Section Showing Modeled BHEM Plates
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Figure 2. Selebi Main Initial MRE and Modeled BHEM Plates
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Figure 3:
Selebi North Initial MRE, PNRL and Historic Drill Hole Traces, Underground
Infrastructure, Historic Resources and Modeled BHEM Plates
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Figure 4:
Location of Ongoing Selebi North Underground Drill and BHEM Programs
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