NYSE American: GPL | TSX: GPR
VANCOUVER, March 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - GREAT PANTHER MINING
LIMITED (NYSE American: GPL; TSX: GPR) ("Great Panther", the
"Company") today announced its inaugural Mineral Resource and
Mineral Reserve Estimate (the "MRMR") for its 100% owned Tucano
Gold Mine ("Tucano") in Brazil and
updated Mineral Resource Estimates for the two mines at its
Guanajuato Mine Complex ("GMC") in Mexico. The Company also
provides an update on its Topia Mine in Mexico regarding potential near term
interruption of operations as a result of temporary cessation of
tailings deposition activities at the existing tailings storage
facility.
The MRMR reflects the first mineral resource and reserve
estimate undertaken by the Company for Tucano since the Company's
acquisition of the mine in March 2019. The MRMR has an
effective date of September 30, 2019
and uses a more rigorous approach to mineral resource and reserve
estimation at Tucano compared to the June
30, 2017 estimate of the previous operator. The MRMR
reflects operating experience since acquiring the mine in 2019 and
a better understanding of the mine's geology, and is therefore
expected to improve mine forecasting reliability.
Internationally recognized mining consultants Roscoe Postle & Associates ("RPA") acted as
independent technical qualified persons for the MRMR.
At Tucano, after adjustments for mining depletion since
June 30, 2017, Mineral Reserves are
now estimated to be approximately 646,000 ounces, a decline of
approximately 489,000 gold ounces relative to the June 30, 2017 estimate. Mineral Resources
(excluding Mineral Reserves) declined by approximately 500,000 gold
ounces.
At the GMC, estimated Mineral Resources (Measured and Indicated)
for the Guanajuato Mine were approximately 3.7 million silver
equivalent ounces, up by approximately 1.5 million silver
equivalent ounces from the prior estimate dated August 31, 2017, due to a successful 2019
exploration program (see below for silver equivalency
calculation). The mine was placed on care and maintenance in
December 2018 pending the completion
of a more focused exploration program. The Company believes
that the increase in resources, together with ongoing drilling in
2020, could be the basis for a re-start of operations later this
year.
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources for the San Ignacio
Mine were approximately 5.0 million silver equivalent ounces, a
decline of approximately 6.4 million silver equivalent ounces from
the prior estimate effective August 31,
2017, due primarily to mining depletion of 3.8 million
silver equivalent ounces. The new Mineral Resource Estimates
for the Guanajuato and
San Ignacio mines feature higher
silver equivalent grades as a result of the application of higher
Net Smelter Return ("NSR") cut off values.
"The completion of the MRMR is an important milestone following
our acquisition of Tucano as it provides us with a more solid
foundation for understanding the geology of Tucano," said
Jeffrey Mason, Interim President and
CEO. "While our inaugural update has resulted in a lower
reserve and resource estimate, it provides us with a higher level
of confidence for future mine and operational planning and the
increase in average grades provides additional operational
flexibility."
"Going forward we will be aggressively advancing opportunities
for resource growth and mine life extension on multiple fronts,"
added Mr. Mason. "At Tucano, we are drilling new near-mine
and regional targets in our more than 2,000 square kilometre,
largely under-explored land package. We are also evaluating
the potential for upgrading confidence in resources for conversion
to reserves, and looking to improve and enhance the existing
Prefeasibility Study supporting the development of an underground
mining operation at Tucano. At GMC, in addition to the
potential re-start of the Guanajuato Mine, we are advancing
expanded exploration programs at both the Guanajuato and San
Ignacio mines."
The Company expects to release 2019 financial results and
provide its annual production and cost guidance by the end of March
2020. As part of the completion of its 2019 consolidated
financial statements, and audit of those financial statements by
the Company's independent auditors, the Company will assess the
carrying value of Tucano based on the March
2019 purchase price. The assessment of carrying value
will consider the MRMR which could lead to a material reduction in
the carrying value and a corresponding material charge to the
Company's income statement. Technical reports compliant with
Canada's National Instrument
43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI-43-101")
will be filed on the Company's SEDAR profile within 45 days of this
news release.
Opportunities for Mineral Resource Increases and Mine Life
Extension at Tucano
Based on a preliminary analysis of the updated reserve estimate
(without consideration of resource conversion or underground
mining), the Company estimates that its current open pit Mineral
Reserves will continue to be mined to the fourth quarter of
2021. The Company has identified four key priorities at
Tucano to increase reserves and extend the mine life:
1. Near Mine Exploration
The Company has further refined its previously announced 2020
near mine exploration drilling program of approximately 28,000
metres. The focus of the program will be on replacing ounces
to be mined in 2020 and extending the mine life. This further
refinement involves the prioritization of ten prospective target
areas close to the existing pits. The Company has initiated
drilling and expects to evaluate the results of drilling by
July 2020, noting that material drill
results will be disclosed as received and analyzed. The
evaluation will be used to determine whether to increase the
program and/or reprioritize targets.
2. Potential Conversion of Existing Measured and Indicated
Resources
The Company is pursuing the conversion of resources to reserves
concurrent with ongoing mine planning and optimization. Of
the approximately 150,000 ounces Measured and Indicated Resources
incremental to the Mineral Reserves in table 1.1 below (excluding
underground), the Company believes a portion located just below the
reserve pit designs may prove to be economically viable if gold
prices continue to prevail at or above the current level of
approximately $1,675 per ounce, which
compares favourably with gold prices used in the MRMR. In
addition, the current Brazilian real to US dollar exchange rate is
significantly more favorable than the rate of 3.80 used in the
MRMR.
3. Underground Development
The Company continues to evaluate the potential for development
of an underground mine below the Urucum North pit, which comprises
the 288,000 ounces of underground Tucano Mineral Reserves (see
table 1.3 below). A decision on whether to proceed with a
Feasibility Study for an underground mine is anticipated in the
fourth quarter of 2020, following an underground targeted drill
program.
Current underground Mineral Reserves are based on previous
designs, adjusted for current costs and cut-off grades
("COG"). Mining of up to 400,000 tonnes of ore per annum is
contemplated, at an average grade of 4.13 g/t Au.
4. Regional Exploration
As disclosed in a news release dated February 6, 2020, the Company initiated a
27,000-metre regional exploration drilling program for 2020 on
various concessions that Great Panther holds in an under-explored
land package consisting of more than 2,000 km2.
Beyond currently planned drilling, the Company is further
collating, refining and reviewing all existing data from previous
ownership to prioritize targets according to their geological
potential and proximity to Tucano's mill.
Urucum Central South ("UCS") Pit Update
As noted in the Company's news releases on October 7, 2019 and October 15, 2019, the west wall of the UCS pit
underwent slope displacement on October
6, 2019. Since then, the pit has been closed to mining
and the Company has deployed significant effort and resources
toward a remediation plan with the assistance of the independent
consulting firm Knight Piésold & Co.
Pending completion of the remediation plan, the UCS pit
continues to be included in the Company's MRMR, with a Mineral
Reserve Estimate (Proven and Probable) of approximately 88,000
ounces of gold and potential for further conversion of Measured and
Indicated Mineral Resources at higher gold prices than the Mineral
Resource Estimate's US$1,500 per
ounce. Current estimates for UCS include conservative
adjustments to pit wall configurations based on preliminary
geotechnical findings.
The Company believes that the reserves are recoverable but
cautions that recovery is subject to further evaluation based on
geotechnical data gathering now underway. The data gathering will
include the collection of additional geotechnical information from
five geotechnical core holes to be drilled commencing in
April 2020.
Following completion of data collection, an assessment will be
made as to whether remediation of the UCS pit to mine the current
reserves will be completed. If the remediation plan is
determined not to be feasible, then the current UCS pit reserves
may not be mined.
If the remediation can be implemented as planned, the Company
expects to be in a position to begin remedial work on the west wall
of the UCS pit during the third quarter of 2020 and to resume ore
mining in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Summary of Tucano Mineral Resources
A summary of the estimated 2019 Mineral Resources is shown in
Table 1.1 and a comparison with the 2017 Mineral Resources is shown
in Table 1.2. Summaries of the Measured and Indicated Mineral
Resources are presented in Appendix 1 below.
Table 1.1 Summary of Mineral Resources as at
September 30, 2019, Tucano
Location
|
Cut-off
|
Total Measured
& Indicated
|
Inferred
|
Au
(g/t)
oxide or
fresh
|
Tonnes
('000's)
|
Grade
Au
(g/t)
|
Ounces
('000's)
|
Tonnes
('000's)
|
Grade
Au
(g/t)
|
Ounces
('000's)
|
OPEN PITS OXIDE
AND PRIMARY FRESH
|
Urucum
|
0.40 or
0.55
|
4,364
|
2.08
|
291
|
7
|
3.94
|
1
|
Urucum
East
|
0.40 or
0.55
|
143
|
2.09
|
10
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
Tap AB
|
0.40 or
0.55
|
1,607
|
2.33
|
120
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
Duckhead
|
0.40 or
0.55
|
183
|
2.87
|
17
|
12
|
2.79
|
1
|
Total Open
Pits
|
0.40 or
0.55
|
6,296
|
2.16
|
438
|
18
|
3.21
|
2
|
STOCKPILES
|
Open Pit
|
0.50
|
1,887
|
0.71
|
43
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Spent Ore
|
0.50
|
37
|
0.70
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
ROM
Expansion
|
0.50
|
522
|
0.70
|
12
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Marginal
Ore
|
0.30
|
1,340
|
0.42
|
18
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Total
Stockpiles
|
|
3,786
|
0.61
|
74
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Total Open Pits
&
Stockpiles
|
|
10,083
|
1.58
|
512
|
18
|
3.21
|
2
|
UNDERGROUND
|
Tap AB
|
1.60 or
2.10
|
357
|
4.63
|
53
|
5,767
|
2.13
|
395
|
Urucum -
North
|
1.60 or
2.10
|
3,042
|
4.04
|
395
|
4,664
|
2.12
|
318
|
Urucum -
Central
|
1.60 or
2.10
|
|
|
|
852
|
2.61
|
71
|
Urucum
East
|
1.60 or
2.10
|
|
|
|
100
|
2.11
|
7
|
Duckhead
|
1.60 or
2.10
|
|
|
|
263
|
2.32
|
20
|
Total
Underground
|
|
3,399
|
4.10
|
448
|
11,646
|
2.16
|
810
|
Grand Total
Tucano
|
|
13,482
|
2.22
|
960
|
11,664
|
2.16
|
812
|
|
|
|
Notes:
|
|
|
|
1.
|
CIM Definitions
(2014) were followed for the Mineral Resources
Estimate.
|
|
2.
|
Mineral Resources
are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
|
|
3.
|
Mineral Resources,
which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic
viability.
|
|
4.
|
The quantities and
grades of reported Inferred Resources in this estimation are
uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to
define these Inferred Resources as Indicated or Measured Mineral
Resources and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in
upgrading them to the Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource
categories.
|
|
5.
|
Mineral Resources
are estimated at various cut-off grades depending on envisioned
mining methods and mineralization style.
|
|
6.
|
Mineral Resources
are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,500 per ounce,
and a US$/BRL exchange rate of 3.8.
|
|
7.
|
A minimum width of
3 metres was used for preparation of mineralization
wireframes.
|
|
8.
|
Mineral Resource
statements are prepared using constraining surfaces and volumes for
open pit and underground Mineral Resources,
respectively.
|
|
9.
|
Mineral Resources
for the TAP AB underground include both oxide-hosted and
sulphide-hosted mineralization.
|
|
10.
|
Numbers may not
add due to rounding.
|
Table 1.2 Comparison of Current and Previous Mineral
Resources Estimates, Tucano
|
Measured plus
Indicated
|
Inferred
|
Resource
Estimates
|
Tonnes
('000's)
|
Grade
Au
(g/t)
|
Ounces
('000's)
|
Tonnes
('000's)
|
Grade
Au
(g/t)
|
Ounces
('000's)
|
June 30,
2017
|
40,742
|
1.71
|
2,240
|
16,351
|
2.19
|
1,150
|
Depletion
|
5,681
|
1.49
|
271
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
Depleted June
2017
Model
|
35,061
|
1.75
|
1,969
|
16,351
|
2.19
|
1,150
|
September 30,
2019
|
13,482
|
2.22
|
960
|
11,664
|
2.16
|
812
|
Difference
|
-21,579
|
0.47
|
-1,009
|
-4,687
|
-0.02
|
-339
|
%
Difference
|
-62%
|
27%
|
-51%
|
-29%
|
-1%
|
-29%
|
The 2019 Tucano Mineral Resource Estimate resulted in a 51%
reduction in Measured & Indicated gold ounces after accounting
for a 62% reduction in ore tonnage and a 27% increase in gold
grades.
The 2017 Tucano estimation methodology
The 2017 estimate was made up of eight block models, two of
which used a multiple indicator kriging or "MIK" geostatistical
approach (Urucum and TAP AB open pit models). The other six
block models (all other deposits, including Urucum North
underground) used grade estimation domains and either ordinary
kriging or inverse distance interpolation methods. Refer to
the October 31, 2018 Technical
Report, which was filed on SEDAR (www.SEDAR.com) on November 6, 2018.
The 2019 Tucano estimation methodology
The 2019 geological interpretation of the mineralized zones is
the most significant factor explaining the reduction in resource
tonnage. RPA and Great Panther interpreted mineralized zones
as discrete lodes, which in turn were used to constrain the block
grade estimates. The 2017 resource model used a
geostatistical approach with limited manual interpretation,
partially due to the predominance of oxide ore mining at the time
of the report.
The 2019 tonnage of open pit resources was further reduced at
the resource reporting stage given that the reporting pit shells
optimized on the more laterally constrained 2019 model were
shallower than those used in 2017.
Further reductions are due to changes in the following
areas:
- The use of pit shells to report the Mineral Resources for the
satellite zones, as opposed to an unconstrained approach not using
pit shells in the previous estimate
- Additional drill hole information
- Higher, more conservative COG for creating the mineralization
interpretation that reflects the current operations
- Use of more conservative grade capping to address outlier
assays
- Revised compositing lengths and procedures
Summary of Tucano Mineral Reserves
Mineral Reserves were estimated for open pit and underground
production based on the newly developed 2019 resource model as
described above. Open pit reserves were developed from a
Lerchs-Grossmann optimization algorithm using various gold prices,
and incorporating updated operating cost assumptions, pit slope
angles, dilution and mining loss factors, gold recovery and mining
constraints.
Final designs were developed from selected pit shells in order
to optimize mine design parameters and ore production
schedules.
Underground reserves estimated for the Urucum North Deposit were
based on the AMC PFS. RPA updated the underground COG based
on current operating costs considering the underground operation
running as a stand-alone operation after open pit mining is
complete, and assuming a US$1,250/oz
gold price.
The underground Mineral Reserves are based on the AMC mine
design adjusted for an increase in COG to 2.4 g/t gold (current)
from 1.6 g/t gold (AMC PFS).
Table 1.3 Summary of the Mineral Reserve Estimate as at
September 30, 2019, Tucano
|
Proven
Reserve
|
Probable
Reserve
|
Total Mineral
Reserve
|
Tonnes
('000's)
|
Grade
Au
(g/t)
|
Ounces
('000's)
|
Tonnes
('000's)
|
Grade
Au
(g/t)
|
Ounces
('000's)
|
Tonnes
('000's)
|
Grade
Au
(g/t)
|
Ounces
('000's)
|
Urucum
|
1,212
|
1.79
|
70
|
1,978
|
2.18
|
139
|
3,190
|
2.03
|
208
|
Urucum
East
|
|
|
|
113
|
1.95
|
7
|
113
|
1.95
|
7
|
Tap AB
|
|
|
|
1,070
|
2.11
|
73
|
1,070
|
2.11
|
73
|
Duckhead
|
|
|
|
137
|
3.29
|
14
|
137
|
3.29
|
14
|
Total Open
Pit
|
1,212
|
1.79
|
70
|
3,297
|
2.20
|
233
|
4,509
|
2.09
|
302
|
Open pit
stockpile
|
1,887
|
0.71
|
43
|
|
|
|
1,887
|
0.71
|
43
|
Spent ore
stockpile
|
37
|
0.70
|
1
|
|
|
|
37
|
0.70
|
1
|
ROM
expansion
stock.
|
522
|
0.70
|
12
|
|
|
|
522
|
0.70
|
12
|
Total
Stockpiles
|
2,446
|
0.71
|
56
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
2,446
|
0.71
|
56
|
Total OP &
Stock.
|
3,658
|
1.07
|
126
|
3,297
|
2.20
|
233
|
6,955
|
1.60
|
358
|
Urucum UG
|
189
|
3.78
|
23
|
1,976
|
4.17
|
265
|
2164
|
4.13
|
288
|
Total
UG
|
189
|
3.78
|
23
|
1976
|
4.17
|
265
|
2164
|
4.13
|
288
|
Grand Total
Tucano
|
3,847
|
1.20
|
149
|
5,273
|
2.93
|
497
|
9,119
|
2.20
|
646
|
|
Notes:
|
|
|
|
1.
|
CIM (2014)
definitions were followed for Mineral Reserves.
|
|
2.
|
Open Pit Mineral
Reserves are estimated within designed pits above marginal cut-off
grades that vary from 0.51 to 0.62 g/t Au for oxide ore and 0.65 to
0.72 g/t Au for sulphide ore. The cut-off grades are derived based
on a gold price of US$1250/oz and operating costs sourced
from the current operations and mining contracts at an US$/BR$
exchange rate of 3.8:1.
|
|
3.
|
Mineral Reserves
incorporate estimates of dilution and mineral losses
|
|
4.
|
Underground
Mineral Reserves were estimated using an incremental COG of 2.4 g/t
Au.
|
|
5.
|
A minimum mining
width of 20 m was used for Open Pit Mineral Reserves and 3 m was
used for Underground Mineral Reserves.
|
|
6.
|
Bulk density is
2.19 t/m3.
|
|
7.
|
Numbers may not
add due to rounding.
|
Table 1.4 Comparison of Current and Previous Mineral Reserves
Estimates, Tucano
|
Total Proven and
Probable
|
Reserve
Estimate
|
Tonnes
('000's)
|
Grade (g/t
Au)
|
Ounces
('000's)
|
June 30,
2017
|
24,470
|
1.79
|
1,406
|
Depletion
|
5,681
|
1.49
|
271
|
Depleted June 2017
Model
|
18,789
|
1.88
|
1,135
|
September 30,
2019
|
9,119
|
2.20
|
646
|
Difference
|
-9,670
|
0.32
|
-489
|
%
Difference
|
-51%
|
17%
|
-43%
|
The 2019 Reserve Estimate resulted in a 43% reduction in gold
ounces compared to the 2017 Reserve Estimate as the 51% reduction
in ore tonnes is partly offset by a 17% improvement in average gold
grades.
Tucano Qualified Persons
The estimation of the updated Tucano Mineral Reserves and
Mineral Resources was completed by Reno Pressacco, P. Geo.,
Goran Andric, P. Eng., and
Jason Cox, P. Eng., all of RPA, and
all of whom are independent Qualified Persons as defined by
National Instrument 43-101 and have reviewed, approved and verified
the technical content of this news release.
Unless stated otherwise herein, all Tucano scientific and
technical data contained in this press release has been reviewed,
approved and verified by Mr. Neil
Hepworth, C. Eng. and Fernando A.
Cornejo, P. Eng. of Great Panther, who are Qualified Persons
within NI 43-101. Mr. Hepworth serves as Chief Operating
Officer (COO) and Mr. Cornejo serves as Vice-President, Projects
& Technical Services.
Exploration Drilling Opportunities at GMC
For GMC, as disclosed on January 28,
2020, the Company plans to focus on developing new mineral
resources and testing new targets at the Guanajuato Mine
and to infill drill new mineralized zones and test new targets at
the San Ignacio Mine. The Guanajuato Mine 2020 drilling
exploration program consists of 14,400 metres and the San Ignacio
Mine 2020 exploration drill program consists of up to 8,500
metres.
Summary of Guanajuato Mine Mineral Resources
At the Guanajuato Mine, Measured and Indicated Resources
increased by 129,000 tonnes and silver equivalent average grades
increased to 339 Ag eq g/t from 327 Ag eq g/t driven by higher gold
grades. The changes are mainly attributable to positive
exploration efforts which more than offset mine depletion, the use
of narrower wireframes, and a higher NSR cut-off value (from a
marginal ~US$90/tonne to a full cost
~US$107/tonne).
Over the period of August 31, 2017
to December 31, 2018 (effective dates
of the last Mineral Resource Estimate and suspension of operations,
respectively) a total of 133,189 tonnes (1.3 million silver
equivalent ounces) was mined at the Guanajuato Mine.
The Guanajuato Mine was placed on care and maintenance following
December 31, 2018 in order to conduct
a focused exploration program to increase resources. This
status remains in effect, however, the success of the exploration
drilling has led to a renewed effort to generate a mine plan that
may lead to a re-start of the mine later this year.
Table 2.1: Summary of the Updated 2019 Mineral Resource Estimate
for the Guanajuato Mine
Category
|
Tonnes
|
Ag
(g/t)
|
Ag
(oz)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Au
(oz)
|
Ag eq
(g/t)
|
Ag eq
(oz)
|
Total
Measured
|
256,260
|
206
|
1,693,799
|
1.72
|
4,131
|
343
|
2,824,256
|
Total
Indicated
|
87,476
|
199
|
560,673
|
1.62
|
4,553
|
329
|
924,903
|
Total Measured
and
Indicated
|
343,736
|
204
|
2,254,472
|
1.69
|
8,684
|
339
|
3,749,160
|
Total
Inferred
|
208,609
|
168
|
1,129,416
|
2.32
|
15,561
|
354
|
2,374,341
|
|
Notes:
|
|
|
|
1.
|
Cut-offs are based
on the marginal operating costs per mining area being US$113/tonne
for Cata, US$75/tonne for Santa Margarita / San Cayetano,
US$77/tonne for Los Pozos, US$124/tonne for Guanajuatito,
US$60/tonne for Promontorio, and US$197/tonne for
Valenciana.
|
|
2.
|
Block model grades
converted to US$ value using plant recoveries of 88% Ag, 87% Au,
and net smelter terms negotiated for concentrates.
|
|
3.
|
Bulk Density for
all veins is 2.68 t/m³.
|
|
4.
|
Totals may not
agree due to rounding.
|
|
5.
|
Grades in metric
units; contained silver and gold in troy ounces.
|
|
6.
|
Ag eq oz were
calculated using 80:1 Ag:Au ratio. The ratios are reflective
of average metal prices for 2019.
|
|
7.
|
Minimum true width
0.5m.
|
|
8.
|
Metal Prices
US$15.80/oz silver, and US$1,290 gold (based on 3 year back
averages).
|
|
9.
|
Effective date of
October 31, 2019.
|
Table 2.2: Comparison of Mineral Resource Estimates,
Guanajuato Mine – 2019 versus 2017
Category
|
Tonnes
|
Ag
(g/t)
|
Ag
(oz)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Au
(oz)
|
Ag eq
(g/t)
|
Ag eq
(oz)
|
Total Measured
2019
|
256,260
|
206
|
1,693,799
|
1.72
|
14,131
|
343
|
2,824,256
|
Total Measured
2017
|
170,978
|
227
|
1,245,568
|
1.50
|
8,268
|
333
|
1,829,281
|
Measured
Difference
|
50%
|
-9%
|
36%
|
14%
|
71%
|
3%
|
54%
|
Total Indicated
2019
|
87,476
|
199
|
560,673
|
1.62
|
4,553
|
329
|
924,903
|
Total Indicated
2017
|
43,929
|
215
|
383,530
|
1.25
|
2,088
|
303
|
428,190
|
Indicated
Difference
|
99%
|
-7%
|
46%
|
30%
|
118%
|
8%
|
116%
|
Total M&I
2019
|
343,736
|
204
|
2,254,472
|
1.69
|
18,684
|
339
|
3,749,160
|
Total M&I
2017
|
214,907
|
224
|
1,629,098
|
1.45
|
10,356
|
327
|
2,257,472
|
M&I
Difference
|
60%
|
-9%
|
38%
|
16%
|
80%
|
4%
|
66%
|
Total Inferred
2019
|
208,609
|
168
|
1,129,416
|
2.32
|
15,561
|
354
|
2,374,341
|
Total Inferred
2017
|
158,846
|
136
|
694,917
|
2.04
|
10,432
|
280
|
1,431,334
|
Inferred
Difference
|
31%
|
24%
|
63%
|
14%
|
49%
|
26%
|
66%
|
|
Notes:
|
|
|
|
1.
|
2019 Mineral
Resources Ag eq oz were calculated using 80:1 Ag:Au ratio.
The ratios are reflective of average metal prices for
2019.
|
|
2.
|
2017 Mineral
Resources Ag eq oz were calculated using 70.6:1 Ag:Au ratio and
metal prices of US$17/oz Ag and US$1,200/oz
Au.
|
The above estimates were classified per the CIM Definition
Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and, as such,
are consistent with the requirements of NI 43-101. The
Mineral Resource Estimates were completed using MicroMine 3D
geological software, and the inverse distance cubed estimation
technique for estimation of grade to each of the block model
blocks. The stated Mineral Resources are a categorized
compilation of blocks greater than the full operational costs of
the various mining areas.
Summary of San Ignacio Mine Mineral Resources
At the San Ignacio Mine, Measured and Indicated Resources
decreased by 612,000 tonnes, however, grade increased to 401 Ag eq
g/t from 354 Ag eq g/t. The change is primarily attributable to
mine depletion, the use of narrower wireframes, and an increase in
the Net Smelter Return ("NSR") cut-off from a marginal ~US$71/tonne to a full cost ~US$100/tonne.
Over the period of August 31, 2017
to July 31, 2019 (effective dates of
the last and this Mineral Resource Estimate, respectively) a total
of 382,728 tonnes (3.8 million silver equivalent ounces) was mined
at the San Ignacio Mine, representing the majority of the decrease
in Mineral Resources.
Table 3.1: Summary of the Updated 2019 Mineral Resources
Estimate for the San Ignacio Mine
Category
|
Tonnes
|
Ag
(g/t)
|
Ag
(oz)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Au
(oz)
|
Ag eq
(g/t)
|
Ag eq
(oz)
|
Measured
|
314,863
|
156
|
1,574,848
|
3.06
|
30,984
|
400
|
4,053,537
|
Indicated
|
71,554
|
173
|
398,172
|
2.87
|
6,613
|
403
|
927,201
|
Total
M&I
|
386,417
|
159
|
1,973,021
|
3.03
|
37,596
|
401
|
4,980,737
|
Inferred
|
501,870
|
149
|
2,405,484
|
2.69
|
43,398
|
364
|
5,877,391
|
|
Notes:
|
|
|
|
1.
|
Vein bulk density of
2.64 tonnes / m3.
|
|
2.
|
Measured, Indicated,
and Inferred Mineral Resources are reported at a full cost cut-off
Net Smelter Return (NSR) of US$100/tonne.
|
|
3.
|
Totals may not agree
due to rounding.
|
|
4.
|
Grades in metric
units and contained silver and gold in troy ounces.
|
|
5.
|
A minimum mining
width of 0.50 metres was used.
|
|
6.
|
Mineral Resources are
estimated using metal prices of US$15.80/oz Ag and US$1,290/oz Au
(based on 3 year back averages); and metallurgical recoveries of
88% for Ag, 87% for Au.
|
|
7.
|
2019 Mineral
Resources Ag eq oz were calculated using 80:1 Ag:Au ratio.
The ratios are reflective of average metal prices for
2019.
|
|
8.
|
Report effective date
of July 31, 2019.
|
Table 3.2: Comparison of Mineral Resource Estimates, San
Ignacio Mine – 2019 over 2017
Category
|
Tonnes
|
Ag
(g/t)
|
Ag
(oz)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Au
(oz)
|
Ag eq
(g/t)
|
Ag eq
(oz)
|
Total Measured
2019
|
314,863
|
156
|
1,574,848
|
3.06
|
30,984
|
400
|
4,053,537
|
Total Measured
2017
|
801,468
|
142
|
3,655,447
|
3.09
|
79,724
|
360
|
9,283,955
|
Measured
Difference
|
-61%
|
10%
|
-57%
|
-1%
|
-61%
|
11%
|
-56%
|
Total Indicated
2019
|
71,554
|
173
|
398,172
|
2.87
|
6,613
|
403
|
927,201
|
Total Indicated
2017
|
196,949
|
139
|
878,805
|
2.68
|
16,991
|
328
|
2,078,368
|
Indicated
Difference
|
-64%
|
25%
|
-55%
|
7%
|
-61%
|
23%
|
-55%
|
Total M&I
2019
|
386,417
|
159
|
1,973,021
|
3.03
|
37,596
|
401
|
4,980,737
|
Total M&I
2017
|
998,417
|
141
|
4,534,252
|
3.01
|
96,715
|
354
|
11,362,323
|
M&I
Difference
|
-61%
|
12%
|
-56%
|
0%
|
-61%
|
13%
|
-56%
|
Total Inferred
2019
|
501,870
|
149
|
2,405,484
|
2.69
|
43,398
|
364
|
5,877,391
|
Total Inferred
2017
|
573,431
|
130
|
2,395,220
|
2.44
|
44,911
|
302
|
5,565,972
|
Inferred
Difference
|
-12%
|
15%
|
0%
|
10%
|
-3%
|
21%
|
6%
|
|
Notes:
|
|
|
|
1.
|
2019 Mineral
Resources Ag eq oz were calculated using 80:1 Ag:Au ratio.
The ratios are reflective of average metal prices for
2019.
|
|
2.
|
2017 Mineral
Resources Ag eq oz were calculated using 70.6:1 Ag:Au ratio and
metal prices of US$17/oz Ag and US$1,200/oz Au.
|
Analyses from the Guanajuato
and San Ignacio Mines' underground sampling, operational and
exploration drilling are completed at the Company's GMC
laboratory. Exploration drill core is re-assayed by SGS in
Durango, Mexico.
The Company's QA/QC program for drill-core includes the regular
insertion of blanks, standards, and duplicates into the sample
shipments, diligent monitoring of assay results, and necessary
remedial actions. The GMC laboratory was independently run
and certified by SGS until December
2018 and run by Great Panther qualified personnel
thereafter, consistently using the following analytical techniques:
ASS12B for silver with over-limits (300 g/t) completed by FAG323;
FAA313 for gold with over-limits completed by FAG323; and lead,
zinc, copper, arsenic and antimony analyses completed using atomic
absorption spectroscopy ("AAS"). QA/QC monitoring of the GMC
laboratory includes shipping all exploration drill hole pulps to
SGS-DGO for re-analysis. Statistical comparison using
correlation coefficients shows excellent correlations in both gold
and silver.
Qualified Persons for the Guanajuato Mine and the
San Ignacio Mine
The technical information for the Guanajuato Mine and
the San Ignacio Mine in this news release has been reviewed
and approved by the Company's employees Robert F. Brown, P. Eng., and Mohammad Nourpour,
P. Geo., who are the Qualified Persons for GMC under the meaning of
NI 43-101. Aspects relating to mining and metallurgy are
overseen by Great Panther's COO, Neil
Hepworth, C. Eng.
Update on Topia Mine Operations
Great Panther reports that it has temporarily ceased tailings
deposition at its Topia Mine Phase II tailings storage facility
("TSF"). The Company's decision follows the receipt of a
report on the TSF from the independent tailings management and
geotechnical consultants engaged by the Company to evaluate the
TSF. The report recommended that stacking of tailings of the
Phase II area of the TSF be discontinued based on evidence of mass
movement underlying Phase I and Phase II of the TSF.
The Company has accepted this recommendation pending further
discussions with the geotechnical consultants regarding their
observations and conclusions. These further discussions will
include a review of the consultant's findings and an assessment of
whether mitigation measures are available to permit the continued
use of Phase II of the TSF pending the Company's ability to
commence tailings deposition at Phase III of the TSF.
Phase II of the TSF is currently operating within its design
capacity, which provides for several years of additional tailings
deposition, as recommended and approved by a previous independent
consulting firm. The Company is implementing precautionary
measures to mitigate the risk of movement of the TSF material,
including notification and relocation of certain inhabitants who
moved back to live below the TSF after having previously been
relocated away from the TSF.
Mining and processing activities at Topia are expected to continue at current
levels for several more days, with tailings being deposited at a
permitted alternative location. Thereafter, processing
activities, and potentially mining activities, will temporarily
cease unless an alternative temporary tailings storage solution can
be found. Any temporary tailings storage solution would be an
interim measure pending the Company receiving approval for
depositing tailings on Phase III of the TSF, or recommencement of
stacking on Phase II of the TSF if mitigation measures are
available to permit its continued use.
The Company is in the process of permitting a Phase III TSF site
for continuing operations at Topia
in the longer term. Phase III is above and adjacent to an
existing TSF that has been closed for many years, but has suffered
from erosion and will require remediation as part of Phase III of
the TSF. The Phase III permit is expected to provide several
years of stacking capacity for tailings from Topia, that would enable continued employment
for a workforce of 280 employees and contractors, and would ensure
adequate environmental remediation of the storage facility after
usage.
The Company is reviewing alternatives to store tailings
(permanent or transitionary) until Phase III is permitted. It
will also evaluate the continuation of mining and stockpiling of
ore in the event alternatives are not found and processing is
suspended until Phase III is permitted. While the Company
cannot be certain of the timeline to permit the Phase III TSF, it
expects it can obtain the necessary permit within the next three to
six months.
Topia accounts for
approximately 15% of the Company's consolidated production on a
gold equivalent ounce basis. Great Panther has operated the
Topia Mine continuously since 2005 with the exception of brief
stoppages for upgrades and permitting. In 2017, a filtration
plant was added and the operation transitioned to dry stacking of
tailings. The Company is assessing the impact of potential
lost production on its 2020 production guidance which will be
released at the end of March 2020,
and expects to provide further updates prior to or at that
time.
The Company is developing a new Mineral Resource Estimate for
Topia Mine which it expects to announce by June 30, 2020. This estimate will supersede
a prior estimate which was effective July
31,
2018.
ABOUT GREAT PANTHER
Great Panther Mining Limited is an intermediate gold and silver
mining and exploration company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
trading under the symbol GPR, and on the NYSE American under the
symbol GPL. Great Panther owns an operating gold mine in
Brazil and two operating primary
silver mines in Mexico. It also owns two mines on care and
maintenance, one in each of Mexico
and Peru.
ABOUT ROSCOE POSTLE ASSOCIATES INC.
RPA is a group of technical professionals who have provided
advice to the mining industry for more than 30 years. During this
time, RPA has grown into a highly respected organization regarded
as the specialty firm of choice for resource and reserve work. RPA
provides services to the mining industry at all stages of project
development from exploration and resource evaluation through
scoping, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, financing,
permitting, construction, operation, closure, and rehabilitation.
RPA has extensive experience in estimating, auditing, and reviewing
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves using both manual and
geostatistical methods.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of
Canadian securities laws (together, "forward-looking
statements"). Such forward-looking statements may include,
but are not limited to, statements regarding (i) the accuracy of
the Company's estimated mineral reserves and resources, (ii) the
Company's open pit mine plan for Tucano and plans to re-start the
Guanajuato mine, (iii) the
Company's plans to convert existing resources to reserves and its
future mining plans, (iv) the Company's plans for remediation and
continued mining of the UCS open pit, (v) the completion of a
further feasibility study on the Urucum underground mine, (vi) the
impact on the MRMR reduction on the Company's financial statements;
(vii) the Company's near-mine and regional exploration programs and
ability to discover new resources, (viii) the Company's
expectations that metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal,
title, taxation, socio-economic, political, marketing or other
issues will not materially affect the estimates or mineral reserves
and mineral resources or its future mining plans, and (ix)
expectations regarding the receipt of a permit for the Topia Phase
III tailings facility, ability to find alternatives to store
tailings until Phase III is permitted and continue operations,
and/or mitigation measures for Phase II to address the consultant's
findings.
These forward-looking statements and information reflect the
Company's current views with respect to future events and are
necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while
considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to
significant operational, business, economic and regulatory
uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: the
accuracy of the Company's mineral reserve and mineral resource
estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; ore grades
and recoveries; prices for silver, gold, and base metals remaining
as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated;
capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for
energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including
transportation); all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory
approvals for the Company's operations are received in a timely
manner, including the permit for the Phase III Topia TSF; the Topia
TSF can be remediated as planned and the Company's ability to
comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing
list of assumptions is not exhaustive.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements to be materially different. Such
factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to:
the inherent risk that estimates of mineral reserves and resources
may not be accurate and accordingly that mine production will not
be as estimated or predicted; gold, silver and base metal prices
may decline or may be less than forecasted; fluctuations in
currency exchange rates (including the U.S. dollar to Brazilian
real exchange rate) may increase costs of operations; operational
and physical risks inherent in mining operations (including
pit wall collapses, tailings storage facility failures,
environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents,
equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural
formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather) may result in
unforeseen costs, shut downs, delays in production and exposure to
liability; planned exploration activities may not result in
conversion of existing mineral resources into mineral reserves or
discovery of new mineral resources; potential political and
social risks involving Great Panther's operations in a foreign
jurisdiction; the potential for unexpected costs and expenses;
employee relations; relationships with, and claims by, local
communities and indigenous populations; the Company's ability to
obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in
a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government
practices in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; legal
restrictions related to mining; the inability to remediate the
USC pit at Tucano and the Topia TSF as
planned; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as
properties are mined operating or technical difficulties in mineral
exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be
refined, and other risks and uncertainties, including those
described in respect of Great Panther, in its annual information
form for the year ended December 31,
2018 and material change reports filed with the Canadian
Securities Administrators available at www.sedar.com and reports on
Form 40-F and Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and available at www.sec.gov.
There is no assurance that these forward looking statements will
prove accurate or that actual results will not vary materially from
these forward-looking statements. Although the Company has
attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause
results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended.
Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements and
information are designed to help readers understand management's
current views of our near and longer term prospects and may not be
appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not intend, nor
does it assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking
statements or information, whether as a result of new information,
changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the
extent required by applicable law.
Cautionary Note to US Investors Regarding References to
Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources
This news release has been prepared in accordance with the
requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ from the
requirements of U.S. securities laws. Unless otherwise indicated,
all mineral reserve and resource estimates included in this news
release have been disclosed in accordance with Canadian National
Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
(''NI 43-101'') and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy
and Petroleum Definition Standards. NI 43-101 is a rule developed
by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes
standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific
and technical information concerning mineral projects.
Canadian public disclosure standards, including NI 43-101, differ
significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and information concerning
mineralization, deposits, mineral reserve and resource information
contained or referred to herein may not be comparable to similar
information disclosed by U.S. companies. Investors are
cautioned not to assume that any part of a "measured resource" or
"indicated resource" will ever be converted into a "reserve".
Investors should also understand that "inferred resources" have a
great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great
uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot
be assumed that all or any part of "inferred resources" exist, are
economically or legally mineable or will ever be upgraded to a
higher category.
APPENDIX 1. Summary of Measured and Indicated Mineral
Resources as at September 30, 2019,
Tucano Mine
|
Cut-off
|
Measured
|
Indicated
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Tonnes
('000)
|
Grade
Au
(g/t)
|
Ounces
('000)
|
Tonnes
('000)
|
Grade
Au
(g/t)
|
Ounces
('000)
|
OPEN PIT OXIDE AND
FRESH
|
Urucum Open Pit
Total
|
blend
|
1,775
|
1.76
|
100
|
2,589
|
2.30
|
191
|
Urucum East Open Pit
total
|
blend
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
143
|
2.09
|
10
|
Tap AB Open Pit
total
|
blend
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1,607
|
2.33
|
120
|
Tap C Open Pit
total
|
blend
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Duckhead Open Pit
total
|
blend
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
183
|
2.87
|
17
|
Total Oxide &
Primary Open Pit
|
blend
|
1,755
|
1.76
|
100
|
4,521
|
2.32
|
338
|
STOCKPILE
|
Open pit
stockpile
|
0.50
|
1,887
|
0.71
|
43
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Spent ore
stockpile
|
0.50
|
37
|
0.70
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Rom expansion
stockpile
|
0.50
|
522
|
0.70
|
12
|
|
|
|
Marginal ore
stockpiles
|
0.30
|
1,340
|
0.42
|
18
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Total
stockpiles
|
blend
|
3,786
|
0.61
|
74
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Total Tucano Open
Pit &
Stockpiles
|
blend
|
5,562
|
0.97
|
174
|
4,521
|
2.32
|
338
|
UNDERGROUND
|
Tap AB
Underground*
|
blend
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
357
|
4.63
|
53
|
Urucum Underground
primary -
north
|
1.60
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3,042
|
4.04
|
395
|
Urucum Underground
primary -
central
|
1.60
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Urucum East
Underground
primary
|
1.60
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Duckhead Underground
primary
|
1.60
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Tap C Underground
primary
|
1.60
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Total Tucano
Underground
|
1.60
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3,339
|
4.10
|
448
|
Grand Total
Tucano
|
blend
|
5,562
|
0.97
|
174
|
7,920
|
3.09
|
786
|
|
Notes:
|
|
|
|
1.
|
CIM Definitions
(2014) were followed for the Mineral Resources
Estimate.
|
|
2.
|
Mineral Resources
are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
|
|
3.
|
Mineral Resources,
which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic
viability.
|
|
4.
|
The quantities and
grades of reported Inferred Resources in this estimation is
uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to
define these Inferred Resources as Indicated or Measured Mineral
Resources and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in
upgrading them to the Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources
category.
|
|
5.
|
Mineral Resources
are estimated at various cut-off grades depending on envisioned
mining methods and mineralization style.
|
|
6.
|
Mineral Resources
are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,500 per ounce,
and a US$/BRL exchange rate of 3.8.
|
|
7.
|
A minimum width of
3 m was used for preparation of mineralization
wireframes.
|
|
8.
|
Mineral Resources
statements are prepared using constraining surfaces and volumes for
open pit and underground Mineral Resources,
respectively.
|
|
9.
|
Mineral Resources
for the TAP AB underground include both oxide-hosted and
primary-hosted mineralization.
|
|
10.
|
Numbers may not
add due to rounding.
|
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SOURCE Great Panther Mining Limited