Wrap Text
Spectacular High-Grade Copper Intercept at Okiep Copper Project, Flat Mines Area
Orion Minerals Limited
Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Australia
Australian Company Number 098 939 274
ASX share code: ORN
JSE share code: ORN
ISIN: AU000000ORN1
Spectacular High-Grade Copper Intercept at Okiep Copper Project, Flat Mines Area
49m at 4.89% Cu including 10.23m at 12.47% Cu
- Outstanding initial results from diamond drilling at Flat Mine East, part of the Okiep Copper Project in the
Northern Cape Province, South Africa:
• Drill hole OFMED153: 49m at 4.89% Cu from 231m down hole, including 10.23m at 12.47% Cu.
- This is the highest-grade drill intercept ever reported at Flat Mines and confirms the high-grade copper
intercepts returned from drilling completed in 1995 by the previous owners, Goldfields.
- Flat Mine East, which is a virgin discovery that is blind to surface, will form a key part of Orion's early
production plan for the Okiep Copper Project.
- The wide, high-grade massive sulphide zone is within a larger intrusive body that hosts lower grade
disseminated or blebby sulphide mineralisation.
- The intersections achieved to date support geological and grade distribution interpretations and were
taken into account for the mineral resource modelling and estimation.
- Eleven diamond drill holes totalling 5,800m are planned at Flat Mine East, Flat Mine South and Flat Mine
North to confirm historical drilling results, provide geotechnical information and generate material for
additional confirmatory metallurgical test work.
Orion's Managing Director and CEO, Errol Smart, commented:
"This standout intercept is one of the highest-grade intercepts reported in South Africa for the past 40 years. While
it is always exciting to drill such spectacular intersections, they are not unexpected at Okiep. The high-grade
copper zones confirmed by our drilling are an important, known feature in the district and at Flat Mines. Our
Okiep Mine is reported to have milled 907,000 tonnes grading 21% copper from hand-sorted ore."
"For me as a geologist, this underscores the huge potential of Orion's 641km² mineral right holdings which contain
literally hundreds of mapped, outcropping mineralised bodies. Previous owners Newmont and Goldfields,
intersected strong copper mineralisation in dozens of bodies with scout drilling but never completed drilling out
the discoveries, due to low copper prices at the time, which resulted in management decisions to curtail
exploration."
"This has created a huge opportunity for Orion, in a district which produced over 2 million tonnes of contained
copper metal historically. The Okiep region, which has lain dormant for decades, is now undergoing a major
revitalisation with the application of modern exploration and mining technologies."
"Following our announcement on 17 April 2024, that we are moving to completion of the acquisition of the
mineral rights at Okiep, we are itching to get drills turning to demonstrate the untapped potential of the district,
while we get our foundational operation at Flat Mines into production."
"This confirmation drilling and metallurgical test work program is being carried out at the request of the
appointed debt finance advisor's independent technical expert and is the last remaining matter to be
concluded before finalisation of the Bankable Feasibility Study."
Orion Minerals Limited (ASX/JSE: ORN) (Orion or Company) is pleased to report results from its confirmation
diamond drilling program in the Flat Mines area at the Okiep Copper Project (OCP) in the Northern Cape, South
Africa.
The OCP ground holdings of 641km² cover the majority of the area where a total of 105Mt is reported to have
been mined in the district over the past 100 years (refer ASX/JSE release 21 May 2021). The Flat Mines area and
the current drilling program fall entirely within the executed Mining Right.
Results received to date from the first two completed holes have confirmed historical information from drilling by
Goldfields of South Africa (GFSA) in the 1990's, used in the Mineral Resource update (refer ASX/JSE release 28
August 2023) where 9.4Mt at 1.3% Cu was reported for the Flat Mines area including 4.4Mt at 1.3% Cu at Flat Mine
East (FME).
Hole OFMED153 intersected 49.00m at 4.89% Cu, including 10.23m at 12.47% Cu. This intersection is located
approximately 13m west of a historical intersection in FME035, drilled by GFSA in 1995, which returned an intercept
of 59.10m at 3.55% Cu including 10.12m at 9.83%.
Flat Mines Drilling Program
A diamond drilling program commenced in the Flat Mines area of the OCP in February 2024. A total of eleven
diamond core drill holes have been planned at FME, Flat Mine South (FMS) and Flat Mine North (FMN) comprising
a total of 5,800m.
The program has been designed to confirm historical drilling information and resultant interpretations, provide
geotechnical information, and provide additional material for confirmatory metallurgical test work.
The planned program comprises five holes at FME, four holes at FMS and two holes at FMN (Figures 1 and 3). The
holes have been specifically designed to best cover the areas that contribute most significantly to the overall
estimated Indicated Mineral Resource.
Two holes have been completed at FME, with the remaining three holes currently in progress. The first two holes
are currently in progress at FMS. All holes include a deflection (or wedge) through the mineralisation to provide
the additional material for confirmatory metallurgical test work.
Assay results from the first two completed holes at FME have been received and are summarised in Table 1. A
total of 149 split core samples were submitted to ALS for analysis by aqua regia ICP-AES method (ALS codes ME-
ICP41a and MEOG-46).
Drill hole OFMED151 returned 25.22m at 0.97% Cu from 260.00m, including 10.22m at 1.35% Cu from 275.00m
(Figure 4, Table 1). This is all within a broad zone of elevated copper of 40.22m at 0.80% Cu from 245.00m.
Drill hole OFMED153 intersected 49.00m at 4.89% Cu from 231.00m to 280.00m, including 10.23m at 12.47% Cu
(Figure 5, Table 1). One highly mineralised sample of 0.35m length from 280.00m at the bottom of the intersection
is pending reporting of assay results.
An interpretive cross-section is shown in Figure 5. The OFMED153 intersection compares well to the intersection
in historical hole FME035 approximately 13m to the east where 59.10m at 3.55% Cu was reported including 10.12m
at 9.83%.
The OFMED153 core shows the presence of significant stockwork vein style to massive bornite, and chalcopyrite
developed over 11m (Figure 6).
Significant widths of waste granitic material are included within the 49.00m intersection in OFMED153 (Figure 5),
providing opportunities for upgrading of material through modern XRF ore sorting techniques to reject internal
waste before milling.
On completion of the drilling program, the geological and mineralisation envelope interpretations will be
reviewed and adjusted where necessary, followed by an update of the Mineral Resource estimate including the
new information. New geotechnical information will be used for input for mine design.
Planned confirmatory metallurgical test work includes comminution, flotation optimisation, locked cycle tests,
tailings characterisation and XRF sorting.
Figure 1: Plan showing historical and Orion drill holes, mineralisation envelope interpretations and extent of the Mining Right.
Figure 2: Discovery drilling contractors at FME.
Figure 3: Plan view of FME, with sectional view inset, showing historical and Orion drill holes and mineralisation envelope
interpretations.
Figure 4: Section through OFMED151. View corridor 20m either side of section line.
Figure 5: Section through OFMED153. View corridor 20m either side of section line.
Figure 6: OFMED153 drill core showing bornite and chalcopyrite mineralisation.
Assay Results
Results received are summarised in Table 1 below. Further results are pending.
Table 1: Summary table of drill results to date for FME prospect (a minimum cut-off of 0.7% Cu with maximum 3m internal
waste allowed). Intersections and inclusions with grades mostly above 1% Cu are tabulated. The data was not capped.
Note widths are drill widths.
Mineralisation
Hole ID
Notes From (m) To (m) Interval (m) % Cu
260.00 285.22 25.22 0.97
OFMED151
Including 275.00 285.22 10.22 1.35
231.00 280.00 49.00 4.89
Including 231.00 250.00 19.00 2.14
OFMED153 Including 253.84 256.25 2.41 1.82
Including 258.69 266.78 8.09 8.18
Including 269.77 280.00 10.23 12.47
Comparable grades are reported for OFMED153 and the nearest historical hole FME035 intersection located
approximately 13m to the east (Figure 5, Table 4). Internal waste zones also show a broad correlation over this
separation (Figure 5).
This strongly supports geological and grade distribution expectations for the zones drilled that were taken into
account for mineral resource modelling and estimation.
Table 2: Comparison of % Cu grades and widths for OFMED153 and nearest neighbour holes FME035, FME037 and FME124.
Including internal waste Internal Excluding Internal Waste
Waste
From To Intersection Average Max Internal Mineralised Average Distance
Hole ID (m) Waste from
(m) (m) Width (m) Material (m)
% Cu % Cu % Cu OFMED153
(<=0.5% Cu) % Cu (>=0.5% Cu) (m)
OFMED153 231.00 280.00 49.00 4.89 22.80 9.27 0.06 39.73 6.03 ---
FME035 250.52 309.62 59.10 3.55 16.74 25.91 0.07 33.19 6.32 13.00
FME037 305.26 312.64 7.38 5.51 11.10 --- --- 7.38 5.51 30.00
FME124 223.00 249.50 26.50 3.02 8.28 --- --- 26.50 3.02 45.00
The comparative grades of mineralised mafic rock (excluding internal waste zones of granitic country rock
xenoliths) compares very well in this zone of the intrusive. These zones are expected to be amenable to the same
ore sorting techniques that were tested with success on Flat Mine North mineralisation, to discard waste from run
of mine ore before milling. Core from a deflection drilled from OFMED153 is currently being tested for ore sorting,
followed by confirmatory flotation metallurgical test work.
For and on behalf of the Board.
Errol Smart
Managing Director and CEO
22 April 2024
ENQUIRIES
Investors Media JSE Sponsor
Errol Smart – Managing Director & CEO Nicholas Read Monique Martinez
Denis Waddell – Chairman Read Corporate, Australia Merchantec Capital
T: +61 (0) 3 8080 7170 T: +61 (0) 419 929 046 T: +27 (0) 11 325 6363
E: info@orionminerals.com.au E: nicholas@readcorporate.com.au E: monique.martinez@merchantec.com
Competent Persons Statement
The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results is based on information compiled by Mr Paul Matthews
(Pr.Sci.Nat.), a Competent Person who is a member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals, a
Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO). Mr Matthews is a full-time employee of Orion. Mr Matthews has sufficient
experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being
undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the JORC Code. Mr Matthews consents to the
inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
Disclaimer
This release may include forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include, among other things,
statements regarding targets, estimates and assumptions in respect of metal production and prices, operating costs and
results, capital expenditures, mineral reserves and mineral resources and anticipated grades and recovery rates, and are or
may be based on assumptions and estimates related to future technical, economic, market, political, social and other
conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and beliefs concerning future
events. Forward-looking statements inherently involve subjective judgement and analysis and are necessarily subject to risks,
uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Orion. Actual results and developments may vary
materially from those expressed in this release. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance
on such forward-looking statements. Orion makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking
statements made in this release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. All information in respect of
Exploration Results and other technical information should be read in conjunction with Competent Person Statements in this
release (where applicable). To the maximum extent permitted by law, Orion and any of its related bodies corporate and
affiliates and their officers, employees, agents, associates and advisers:
• disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to the information to reflect any change in
expectations or assumptions;
• do not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the
information in this release, or likelihood of fulfilment of any forward-looking statement or any event or results expressed
or implied in any forward-looking statement; and
• disclaim all responsibility and liability for these forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, liability for
negligence).
Appendix 1: Drill hole collar information and assay results from drill program at Flat Mine East
Table 3: Drill hole collar information for FME prospect. Coordinates in WGS84 Hartebeesthoek 94 L017
Depth
Hole ID Easting Northing RL Azimuth Dip (m)
OFMED151 78,421 -3,270,401 971 180 -73 346.99
OFMED153 78,571 -3,270,399 978 180 -75 301.03
Table 4: Historical hole FME035 and Orion hole OFMED153 intersections.
FME035 OFMED153
From (m) To (m) Interval (m) % Cu From (m) To (m) Interval (m) % Cu
246.52 247.52 1.00 0.21 230.00 231.00 1.00 0.36
247.52 248.52 1.00 0.51 231.00 232.00 1.00 0.66
248.52 249.52 1.00 0.59 232.00 233.00 1.00 0.91
249.52 250.52 1.00 0.52 233.00 234.00 1.00 0.97
250.52 251.52 1.00 1.84 234.00 235.00 1.00 0.95
251.52 252.13 0.61 0.86 235.00 236.00 1.00 1.18
252.13 252.40 0.27 0.00 236.00 237.00 1.00 1.57
252.40 253.40 1.00 1.40 237.00 238.00 1.00 1.77
253.40 254.40 1.00 8.42 238.00 239.00 1.00 2.76
254.40 255.40 1.00 0.50 239.00 240.00 1.00 2.76
255.40 256.40 1.00 0.51 240.00 241.00 1.00 2.65
256.40 257.40 1.00 0.44 241.00 242.00 1.00 3.45
257.40 258.40 1.00 0.42 242.00 243.00 1.00 4.24
258.40 259.40 1.00 1.88 243.00 244.00 1.00 3.50
259.40 260.40 1.00 0.29 244.00 245.00 1.00 2.48
260.40 261.40 1.00 0.27 245.00 246.00 1.00 3.02
261.40 262.51 1.11 0.47 246.00 247.00 1.00 3.00
262.51 271.10 8.59 0.00 247.00 248.00 1.00 0.50
271.10 272.10 1.00 2.97 248.00 249.00 1.00 1.38
272.10 273.10 1.00 3.44 249.00 250.00 1.00 2.99
273.10 274.10 1.00 2.41 250.00 251.00 1.00 0.06
274.10 275.10 1.00 5.45 251.00 252.00 1.00 0.01
275.10 276.10 1.00 4.17 252.00 253.00 1.00 0.00
276.10 277.10 1.00 3.15 253.00 253.84 0.84 0.00
277.10 278.14 1.04 3.95 253.84 254.51 0.67 0.55
FME035 OFMED153
From (m) To (m) Interval (m) % Cu From (m) To (m) Interval (m) % Cu
278.14 282.88 4.74 0.00 254.51 255.00 0.49 1.32
282.88 283.50 0.62 0.00 255.00 256.25 1.25 2.69
283.50 283.75 0.25 0.00 256.25 257.00 0.75 0.03
283.75 284.44 0.69 0.00 257.00 258.00 1.00 0.05
284.44 285.44 1.00 5.69 258.00 258.69 0.69 0.18
285.44 286.14 0.70 6.00 258.69 260.33 1.64 10.15
286.14 288.60 2.46 0.00 260.33 261.23 0.90 2.95
288.60 289.60 1.00 8.17 261.23 262.00 0.77 9.41
289.60 290.60 1.00 9.44 262.00 263.00 1.00 12.80
290.60 291.60 1.00 6.30 263.00 264.00 1.00 5.83
291.60 292.60 1.00 5.47 264.00 265.00 1.00 5.49
292.60 293.60 1.00 7.37 265.00 266.00 1.00 9.37
293.60 294.60 1.00 7.12 266.00 266.78 0.78 7.87
294.60 295.52 0.92 4.94 266.78 268.00 1.22 0.16
295.52 297.18 1.66 0.00 268.00 269.00 1.00 0.06
297.18 298.18 1.00 11.44 269.00 269.77 0.77 0.06
298.18 299.18 1.00 5.47 269.77 271.00 1.23 18.15
299.18 300.18 1.00 5.65 271.00 272.00 1.00 10.95
300.18 301.18 1.00 16.74 272.00 273.00 1.00 10.50
301.18 302.18 1.00 6.92 273.00 273.54 0.54 10.35
302.18 303.18 1.00 9.28 273.54 274.28 0.74 2.42
303.18 304.18 1.00 6.10 274.28 275.00 0.72 8.70
304.18 305.18 1.00 14.29 275.00 276.00 1.00 12.05
305.18 306.18 1.00 15.90 276.00 277.00 1.00 7.13
306.18 307.30 1.12 6.87 277.00 278.00 1.00 17.60
307.30 308.82 1.52 0.00 278.00 279.00 1.00 10.60
308.82 309.62 0.80 11.62 279.00 280.00 1.00 22.80
Table 5: OFMED151 assay results.
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) % Cu
OFMED151 240.00 241.00 1.00 0.23
OFMED151 241.00 242.00 1.00 0.33
OFMED151 242.00 243.00 1.00 0.28
OFMED151 243.00 244.00 1.00 0.38
OFMED151 244.00 245.00 1.00 0.39
OFMED151 245.00 246.00 1.00 0.61
OFMED151 246.00 247.00 1.00 0.52
OFMED151 247.00 248.00 1.00 0.46
OFMED151 248.00 249.00 1.00 0.47
OFMED151 249.00 250.00 1.00 0.53
OFMED151 250.00 251.00 1.00 0.47
OFMED151 251.00 252.00 1.00 0.31
OFMED151 252.00 253.00 1.00 0.35
OFMED151 253.00 254.00 1.00 0.36
OFMED151 254.00 255.00 1.00 0.51
OFMED151 255.00 256.00 1.00 0.71
OFMED151 256.00 257.00 1.00 0.39
OFMED151 257.00 258.00 1.00 0.68
OFMED151 258.00 259.00 1.00 0.55
OFMED151 259.00 260.00 1.00 0.62
OFMED151 260.00 261.00 1.00 0.83
OFMED151 261.00 262.00 1.00 0.89
OFMED151 262.00 263.00 1.00 0.30
OFMED151 263.00 264.00 1.00 0.68
OFMED151 264.00 265.00 1.00 0.30
OFMED151 265.00 266.00 1.00 0.70
OFMED151 266.00 267.00 1.00 0.97
OFMED151 267.00 268.00 1.00 2.05
OFMED151 268.00 269.00 1.00 0.70
OFMED151 269.00 270.00 1.00 1.33
OFMED151 270.00 271.00 1.00 0.15
OFMED151 271.00 272.00 1.00 0.19
OFMED151 272.00 273.00 1.00 0.72
OFMED151 273.00 274.00 1.00 0.35
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) % Cu
OFMED151 274.00 275.00 1.00 0.60
OFMED151 275.00 276.00 1.00 0.76
OFMED151 276.00 277.00 1.00 0.74
OFMED151 277.00 278.00 1.00 1.08
OFMED151 278.00 279.00 1.00 1.87
OFMED151 279.00 280.00 1.00 1.41
OFMED151 280.00 281.00 1.00 1.36
OFMED151 281.00 282.00 1.00 1.22
OFMED151 282.00 283.00 1.00 2.22
OFMED151 283.00 284.00 1.00 1.43
OFMED151 284.00 285.22 1.22 1.41
OFMED151 285.22 286.00 0.78 0.04
OFMED151 286.00 287.00 1.00 0.03
OFMED151 287.00 288.00 1.00 0.01
OFMED151 288.00 289.00 1.00 0.01
OFMED151 300.30 301.30 1.00 0.61
OFMED151 301.30 302.30 1.00 0.34
OFMED151 302.30 303.30 1.00 0.10
OFMED151 303.30 304.10 0.80 0.01
Appendix 2: The following tables are provided in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) requirements for the reporting of Exploration Results from the
Okiep Copper Project.
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sampling techniques • Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or • Sampling was carried out using industry standard procedures. NQ-size
specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to diamond drill cores were longitudinally split in half using a diamond core
the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or cutting machine.
handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as • HQ core size was only drilled in the upper weathered portion and no HQ
limiting the broad meaning of sampling. core was sampled.
• Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity • One-metre sample length was taken in most cases. Sample lengths
and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems were varied to honour geological and mineralisation boundaries, with
used. a maximum sample size of 1.77m and a minimum sample size of 20cm.
• Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the • Areas of sampling were selected based on visual observations and
Public Report. readings from a handheld Niton XL3t 500 XRF instrument (standard
• In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be analytical range >25 elements from S to U with additional elements Mg, Al,
relatively simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m Si and P via helium purge).
samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire
assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where
there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual
commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may
warrant disclosure of detailed information.
Drilling techniques • Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air • Diamond core drilling was undertaken.
blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or • HQ and NQ size core was drilled using a standard tube. HQ core size
standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, was only drilled in the upper weathered portion of approximately 6m. No
whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). Cu mineralisation was visually identified in the HQ core and no HQ core
was sampled.
• Core was oriented using a Reflex ACT III™.
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Drill sample recovery • Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries • Core 'stick-ups' reflecting the depth of the drill hole are recorded at the rig
and results assessed. at the end of each core run. A block with the depth of the hole written
• Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure on it is placed in the core box at the end of each run. At the core yard,
representative nature of the samples. the length of core in the core box is measured for each run. The measured
• Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade length of core is subtracted from the length of the run as recorded from
and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential the stick-up measured at the rig to determine the core loss.
loss/gain of fine/coarse material. • Core recovery was found to be very good (>98%) within the mineralised
zone.
• Ground conditions below the weathered zone were very good.
• No obvious relationship exists between sample recovery and grade.
• No core/sample loss or gain which could result in sample bias.
Logging • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and • Core of the entire hole length was geologically logged by qualified
geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate geologists.
Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical • The core was logged to a level of detail that is sufficient to support
studies. appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and
• Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or metallurgical studies.
costean, channel, etc) photography. • Geological logging was qualitative and was carried out using a
• The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. standard sheet with a set of standard logging codes to describe
lithology, structure and mineralisation. The logging sheet allows for free-
form description to note any unusual features.
• Geological logs were captured electronically.
• All cores were photographed before and after sampling.
• Two diamond holes, totalling 642.96m core were logged. Of this,
approximately 180m are ultramafic/mafic lithologies primarily hosting the
Cu mineralisation.
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sub-sampling • If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core • NQ core was cut, and half core was taken as sample with quarter core
techniques and taken. for duplicates.
sample preparation • If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and • HQ core size was only drilled in the upper weathered portion and no HQ
whether sampled wet or dry. core was sampled.
• For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the • Sample preparation was undertaken at ALS Laboratory Johannesburg
sample preparation technique. (ALS), an ISO accredited laboratory, and is considered appropriate. ALS
• Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to utilises industry best practice for sample preparation for analysis
maximise representivity of samples. involving drying of samples, weighing samples, crushing to <2mm if
• Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ +85% passing through 75 microns.
material collected, including for instance results for field • Crushing and pulverising QC tests were applied by ALS and found
duplicate/second-half sampling. acceptable.
• Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material • Quarter core field duplicates were taken for 8 samples.
being sampled. • All sample sizes are deemed appropriate.
Quality of assay data • The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and • Samples submitted to ALS were analysed for base metals and gold.
and laboratory tests laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered • All samples were analysed by an appropriate high-grade aqua regia
partial or total. ICP-AES method, ALS code ME-ICP41a.
• For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the • Samples where assays returned >5% Cu were re-assayed by aqua regia
parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make digestion and ICP-AES method, ALS code MEOG-46.
and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their • Samples were assayed for gold by fire assay and AAS, ALS code AU-
derivation, etc AA25 method.
• Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, • Orion inserted CRMs every 10th sample. A total of nineteen CRMs were
duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable inserted. CRMs were alternated throughout the sample stream and
levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been where possible matched to the sample material being analysed.
established. • Three CRMs were used. AMIS0399 (1.014 %Cu), AMIS0809 (2.97 %Cu) and AMIS088
(0.3 %Cu).
• All nineteen CRMs returned acceptable results within two Standard
Deviations of the CRM average.
• Chip blanks are inserted at the beginning of each batch and after any
sample that may be considered high grade. A total of ten blanks were
used. Acceptable results were returned indicating no contamination.
• The laboratory conducts their own checks which are also monitored.
The accuracy and precision of the geochemical data reported on has
deemed to be acceptable.
• No external laboratory checks have been carried out at this stage.
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Verification of • The verification of significant intersections by either independent or • Orion's exploration geologist personally supervised the drilling and
Sampling and assaying alternative company personnel. sampling along with a team of experienced geologists.
• The use of twinned holes. • Due to the high degrees of deviation in both dip and azimuth of the
• Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data historical holes, twin holes were not planned. However, with the high
verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. density of historical drilling in some areas, some Orion drilled holes will
• Discuss any adjustment to assay data. intersect mineralisation in relative proximity to historical intersections.
• Considering the irregular nature of the intrusive related mineralisation,
it can be noted that the intersections in the two Orion holes broadly
correlate with the historical drilling.
• The intersection in OFMED153 is approximately 13m from an
intersection in historical hole FME035. Grades and widths in these
intersections are comparable (Tables 2 and 4).
• The CP has reviewed the raw laboratory data and confirmed the
calculation of the significant intersections.
• No adjustments have been made to the assay data.
Location of data points • Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and • Collar positions of the Flat Mine East prospect holes were located using a
down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in hand-held Garmin GPS.
Mineral Resource estimation. • On completion drill collars are capped and labelled and will be
• Specification of the grid system used. surveyed by a qualified surveyor.
• Quality and adequacy of topographic control. • The local South African Lo17 WGS84 (Hartebeesthoek 94) grid system is
used.
• All the Flat Mine East holes were surveyed down-hole. A north seeking
Reflex SPRINTIQ gyro tool was used for the down-hole surveys.
Data spacing and • Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. • Holes were drilled along 50m spaced drill lines.
distribution • Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the • Due to the irregular intrusive nature of the mineralisation, the historical
degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the drill spacing was kept relatively tight.
Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and • The spacing for Orion holes was designed to confirm historical
classifications applied. information, provide geotechnical information, and provide additional
• Whether sample compositing has been applied. samples for confirmatory metallurgical test work. The drill spacing is
considered sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade
continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve
estimation and classifications.
• No samples were composited.
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Orientation of data in • Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of • To achieve unbiased sampling, drilling is oriented as close as practically
relation to geological possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the possible to perpendicular, or at a maximum achievable angle, to the
structure deposit type. attitude of the mineralisation. Drill holes were inclined between -70° to -
• If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of 78° degrees.
key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a • No sampling bias is anticipated as a result of drill hole orientations.
sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
Sample security • The measures taken to ensure sample security. • Chain of custody is managed by the Company. Samples were stored
on site in a secure locked building and then freighted directly to the
laboratory.
Audits or reviews • The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. • No audits or reviews have been carried out to date.
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Mineral tenement and • Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including • The mineral rights to the properties are vested in the State and the
land tenure status agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, Minerals and Petroleum Development Act, 2002, (MPRDA) regulates
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, the exploration and mining industry in South Africa.
wilderness or national park and environmental settings. • A mining right, NC30/5/1/2/2/10150MR (Mining Right), in accordance
• The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any with section 23 of the MPRDA; was granted to Southern African
known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. Tantalum Mining (Pty) Ltd (SAFTA) to mine for a period of fifteen years
on 28 July 2022 and executed on 14 December 2022. On receipt of
Permission to cede from the Minister, the Mining Right was ceded to an
Orion subsidiary, New Okiep Mining Company (Pty) Ltd (NOMC) on 11
December 2023.
• The right is for copper and tungsten ore for a portion of portion 3, a
portion of portion 13, a portion of portion 14 and a portion of portion
21 of the farm Nababeep No 134 situated within the administrative
district of Namaqualand. The total area measures 1,214Ha in extent.
• A prospecting right, NC30/5/1/1/2/12850PR (Prospecting Right), for the
same area was granted to SAFTA on 27 June 2023 in accordance with
section 17 of the MPRDA for 3 years for 26 additional minerals including
gold and silver. An application for permission to cede to NOMC has
been submitted to the authorities.
• The area was mined historically for copper.
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Exploration done by • Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. • Previous explorers in the region includes Newmont, Gold Fields of SA and
other parties • Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. SAFTA. Exploration was focussed on Cu.
Geology • The tenements are located over the Central and Western parts of the
Okiep Copper District. The style of mineralisation is mafic hosted
orogenic Cu-mineralisation.
• Copper mineralisation is primarily associated with irregular, elongated
and steeply dipping Koperberg Suite mafic intrusives.
• The Koperberg Suite intrusives are mainly restricted to so-called "Steep
Structures" of extensive strike lengths and steeply dipping to the north.
• The Koperberg Suite consists of anorthosite, diorite and norite
intermediate to mafic rock types.
• Mineralisation usually occurs as blebs to disseminated Cu mineral
assemblages bornite > chalcopyrite > chalcocite and less pyrite and
pyrrhotite.
• The more mafic and magnetite-rich lithologies generally host the bulk of
and higher-grade mineralisation.
• The OCD has a long exploration and mining history, and the geology is well
known and understood.
Drill hole Information • A summary of all information material to the understanding of the • Refer to Table 3 in Appendix 1 for collar details of drill holes reported.
exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for
all Material drill holes:
o easting and northing of the drill hole collar
o elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above
sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar
o dip and azimuth of the hole
o down hole length and interception depth
o hole length.
• If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the
information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the
understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly
explain why this is the case.
Data aggregation • In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, • A minimum 0.7% Cu cut-off was used to calculate intercepts.
methods maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high • Allowance was made for 3m internal waste.
grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. • A cut-off of 1.0% Cu was used for the higher-grade inclusions.
• Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for • Weighted grades were calculated as follows; %Cu x sample length(m)
such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of • The CP is of the opinion that the above aggregation methods are
such aggregations should be shown in detail. acceptable for this type of deposit.
• The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values • No metal equivalents are reported.
should be clearly stated. • No capping of assay results was required.
Relationship between • These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of • Drilling is generally oriented perpendicular, or at a maximum
mineralisation widths Exploration Results. achievable angle to, the attitude of the mineralisation.
and intercept lengths • If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole • Generally, drill hole inclinations ranged between -70° to -78° while the
angle is known, its nature should be reported. mineralisation is expected to dip close to 700.
• If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should • Only down holes lengths are reported.
be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not
known').
Diagrams • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of • Refer to body of the announcement for plans, sections and tables.
intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being • Drilling data was incorporated and monitored in Micromine™
reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill software together with interpretation models based on the available
hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. historical drill data.
Balanced reporting • Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not • In the Competent Person's opinion, the Exploration Results reported in this
practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades announcement have been reported in a balanced manner.
and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of
Exploration Results.
Other substantive • Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported • The Company's previous ASX releases have detailed exploration works.
exploration data including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey • A high-resolution drone magnetic survey was carried-out and will assist in
results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of future planning of additional drill holes.
treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, • Drone (DJI 600M Pro) magnetics were done at 30m AGL and 50m line
geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or spacing.
contaminating substances. • Historical detailed surface mapping is interpreted and utilised during drill
hole planning.
• Where possible, bulk density measurements were made over the full
length of each individual sample of split core. Where not possible due to
incompetent (crushed or broken) core, a minimum of 80% of the (half-
core) sample was used. The bulk density is determined by measuring
and subtracting the wet weight from the dry weight using an electronic
scale. Care is taken to clean and zero the scale between each weighing.
The intact sample portion is first weighed in air and the weight recorded.
The sample is then weighed, while completely submerged in clean
water within a measuring container. The mass of container and water
are deducted for net submerged weight and volume displacement
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
read on measuring container. The sample is then removed and placed
back into the core tray in the correct position and orientation. The
procedure is repeated for each geological sample interval. The data
were recorded in the bulk density Data Sheet. The bulk density is
calculated for each sample using the formula:
BD = weight of sample
(weight of sample in air – weight of the sample in water)
Further work • The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral • Historic resource confirmatory Drilling is continuing on Flat Mine East,
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Flat Mine South and Flat Mine North prospects.
• Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including • Further surface geophysical surveys may inter alia include ground,
the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided drone and/or airborne EM, gravity and radiometrics.
this information is not commercially sensitive.
Date: 22-04-2024 08:20:00
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