Vast Resources PLC (LON:VAST) said it appointed environmental, engineering and mining consultancy Wardell Armstrong to verify the increased JORC resource targeted by an upcoming exploration drilling campaign at its Baita Plai mine in Romania.
The company said the objective of the drilling campaign is to target the downdip extension of the Antonio skarn from 19 level to 22 level and to convert part of the exploration target of between 3.2–5.8mln tonnes with copper (Cu) range of 0.50–2.00%, gold (Au) range of 0.20–0.80 grams per tonne (g/t) and silver (Ag) range of 40-80 g/t to a JORC classification.
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Vast added that exploiting the Antonio skarn at planned production capacity to a 21 level elevation would provide sufficient mineralisation for an approximate 7 to 8 year period and is the focus of a continuation of the incline access beyond 19 level. The firm said it also plans to expand exploration drilling to the Antonio North skarn in early 2022 with the objective of converting part of the exploration target assigned to the skarn, which stands at between 1.4–2.8mln tonnes, to JORC classification.
In conjunction with the appointment of Wardell, Vast said the consultancy has confirmed that the mineral resources estimate (MRE) can be considered a reasonable reflection of the mineral resources of the previously published existing MRE of 608,000 tonnes at 2.58% Cu equivalent, which it said underpins the initial mine production life of approximately 3-4 years of in-situ 15,695 tonnes copper equivalent available for mining and exploration targets.
“Wardell Armstrong is an internationally acclaimed and trusted mining consultancy and we are delighted to appoint the firm to our advisory team for Baita Plai. Building on the work that they have successfully concluded relating to our existing MRE, we look forward to working with them as we unlock the further potential of this significant mine in tandem with the production and sales that we continue to deliver during the ramp up phase. We look forward to reporting results of the exploration drilling campaign during [the second half of 2021]”, Vast chief executive Andrew Prelea said in a statement.