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Jervois Global: Updated RAM Resource Offers Opportunity to Extend ICO Mine Life

Australia - TheNewswire - 19 April 2023 - Jervois Global Limited (“Jervois” or the “Company”) (ASX:JRV) (TSX-V:JRV) (OTC:JRVMF) advises an updated (April 2023) Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) for its 100% owned Idaho Cobalt Operations (“ICO”) in the United States (“U.S.”) is now complete and surmised below.

Highlights

  • 2023 updated Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) for the RAM deposit at the Idaho Cobalt Operations (“ICO”) incorporates 10,000 metres (“m”) of new drilling comprising six (6) resource expansion drillholes and sixty-two (62) infill drillholes1 

  • Updated ICO Measured and Indicated (“M”) MRE at 3.78 million metric tonnes (“Mt”) grading 0.52% cobalt (“Co”), 0.84% copper (“Cu”) and 0.54 grams per metric tonne of gold (“g/t Au”), reported at a cut-off grade (“CoG”) of 0.20% Co; update broadly consistent with previous (2020) MRE 

  • Updated Inferred Resources increased grade, relative to the previous (2020) MRE, with updated tonnage of 1.59Mt @ 0.51% Co, 0.92% Cu and 0.65 g/t Au; at a 0.20% Co CoG.  Co, Cu and Au grades improved 21%, 84% and 18%, respectively  

  • Inferred Resources represent significant opportunity with respect to resource/reserve development through potential conversion to MI classification with further drilling 

  • RAM orebody remains open at depth and along strike; Jervois has identified Exploration Targets beyond the limits of the current MRE that represent between 0.5-0.7Mt of mineralisation ranging from 0.63% to 0.79% Co, 0.69% to 0.79% Cu and 0.45 to 0.53 g/t Au 

  • Drilling results provide confidence that the updated RAM resource has potential to ultimately support extended mine life when utilised to update Mineral Reserves and incorporated into a revised Life of Mine plan 

  • United States (“U.S.”) Department of Defense (“DOD”) intends to award Jervois US$15 million under Defense Production Act (“DPA”) Title III programme; proceeds can accelerate drilling, aimed at increasing ICO mineral resource and reserve, and assess construction of a cobalt refinery in the U.S.; both can proceed as planned despite the recently announced suspension of the ICO mine2 

Mineral Resources

 

An updated MRE for the RAM deposit is presented below (Tables 1 and 2) at a series of cut-off grades (“CoGs”) that includes a 0.15% Co CoG, which was the reported CoG for the previous 2020 MRE, as well as the 0.20% Co CoG that has been selected for current reporting, due to a revised evaluation of anticipated mining and processing costs.  

 

The global resource (mineralised envelope) comprising the RAM deposit at ICO remains open both at depth and along strike.  Jervois is confident there is significant continued potential for resource expansion.  Encouragingly, the 10,000 metres (“m”) of new drilling completed since the previous (2020) ICO MRE, has increased both statistical and geological confidence based on the consistency of the new drilling results.  In particular, no significant offsets or other grade discontinuities were identified.

 

The current ICO mineral resource estimation work incorporates revised geological modelling that more accurately represents Co-Cu mineralisation within the RAM deposit.  The revised modelling approach, along with modified resource categorisation criteria, has resulted in a minor decrease in tonnage (-11%) of the 2023 total Measured and Indicated (“M&I”) resources relative to the previous (2020) MRE.  However, these changes have also resulted in corresponding increases in Co and Cu grades of +6% and +12%, respectively.  Figures further illustrating the comparison between the previous (2020) and the current ICO MRE are presented below (Figures 1-4).

    

Table 1: Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources (Inclusive of Mineral Reserves)

 

Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources (Inclusive of Mineral Reserves)

 
 

2023 MRE

2020 MRE

 

Co Cut-off (%)

Metric

tonnes

Co (%)

Co        (lbs)

Cu (%)

Cu          (lbs)

Au    (g/t)

Au (Oz*)

Metric

tonnes

Co (%)

Co          (lbs)

Cu (%)

Cu            (lbs)

Au (g/t)

Au (Oz*)

 
 

0.15

4,350,000

0.48

45,750,000

0.79

76,270,000

0.50

70,354

5,230,000

0.44

50,100,000

0.69

80,060,000

0.53

89,260

 

0.20

3,780,000

0.52

43,540,000

0.84

69,820,000

0.54

65,299

4,260,000

0.49

46,300,000

0.75

70,080,000

0.60

82,300

 

0.25

3,260,000

0.57

40,990,000

0.87

62,680,000

0.57

59,447

3,500,000

0.56

42,600,000

0.79

61,270,000

0.65

73,220

 

0.30

2,780,000

0.62

38,110,000

0.92

56,180,000

0.61

54,211

2,920,000

0.61

39,100,000

0.83

53,620,000

0.68

64,220

 

0.35

2,410,000

0.67

35,420,000

0.95

50,330,000

0.64

49,390

2,440,000

0.66

35,600,000

0.86

46,520,000

0.73

57,450

 

*Troy ounce

Table 2: Inferred Mineral Resources

 

Inferred Mineral Resources

 
 

2023 MRE

2020 MRE

 

Co Cut-off (%)

Metric

tonnes

Co (%)

Co           (lbs)

Cu (%)

Cu                  (lbs)

Au    (g/t)

Au  (Oz*)

Metric

tonnes

Co (%)

Co          (lbs)

Cu (%)

Cu            (lbs)

Au (g/t)

Au     (Oz*)

 
 

0.15

1,940,000

0.45

19,330,000

0.83

35,550,000

0.58

36,156

1,570,000

0.35

12,000,000

0.44

13,820,000

0.45

22,490

 

0.20

1,590,000

0.51

17,990,000

0.92

32,250,000

0.65

33,053

1,110,000

0.42

10,300,000

0.50

11,100,000

0.55

19,520

 

0.25

1,370,000

0.56

16,880,000

0.98

29,660,000

0.69

30,558

830,000

0.49

8,900,000

0.56

9,300,000

0.62

16,380

 

0.30

1,160,000

0.61

15,580,000

1.05

26,800,000

0.75

27,885

610,000

0.57

7,600,000

0.65

7,930,000

0.72

14,070

 

0.35

970,000

0.67

14,280,000

1.09

23,420,000

0.80

24,877

450,000

0.65

6,400,000

0.71

6,390,000

0.72

10,500

 

*Troy ounce

          

Table 3: ICO Underground Constrained Mineral Resource Estimate @ 0.20% Co CoG

Classification

Tonnes

Co

(%)

Co

(lbs)

Cu

(%)

Cu

(lbs)

Au

(g/t)

Au

(Oz*)

Measured

460,000

0.70

7,100,000

1.16

11,800,000

0.783

11,500

Indicated

3,320,000

0.50

36,500,000

0.79

58,000,000

0.504

54,000

M&I

3,780,000

0.52

43,600,000

0.84

69,800,000

0.538

65,500

Inferred

1,590,000

0.51

18,000,000

0.92

32,300,000

0.645

33,000

*Troy ounce

 

Notes:

  1. Mr. Andrew Turner, P.Geol. of APEX Geoscience Ltd., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and a Competent Person as defined by JORC, is responsible for the completion of the updated mineral resource estimation, with an effective date of April 1, 2023. 

  2. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 

  3. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. 

  4. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve.  It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could potentially be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. 

  5. The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council. 

  6. The cut-off grade of 0.20% Co is based on an estimated process cost and GA cost of US$123.17/t, and metal prices of US$25.00/lb Co, US$3.00/lb Cu, and US$1750/troy oz Au, with process recoveries of 91.0% Co, 95.4% Cu, and 84.9% Au. An average contribution of 22% to Co payable values from Cu and Au has been assumed based upon the relative concentrations of the payable metals within the reported MI resources.  

  7. The reported mineral resources are constrained by manually created wireframe solids (mineable shapes) that encapsulate contiguous blocks demonstrating reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction within the minable shapes. 

Estimation parameters used to calculate the new 2023 ICO MRE are discussed in greater detail below and differ in a number of ways from those used in the 2020 ICO MRE.  The current MRE uses 4-ft composites, while the historical MRE utilized 2-ft composites.  Density data is also handled differently, as the current MRE utilizes single density values for each estimation domain based upon a statistical analysis of the individual density measurements contained within each domain.  In comparison the 2020 MRE used a Co+Cu linear regression equation and the available density measurement data to estimate a density value for each composite.  Estimation methodologies differ as well with the updated MRE utilising ordinary kriging and the 2020 MRE employing inverse distance squared.

 

As discussed above, the slight decrease in the total 2023 M&I resource tonnage, relative to the 2020 MRE, was accompanied by modest Co and Cu grade increases that have resulted in only a minor decrease in contained Co (-6%) and effectively no change in the contained Cu.  In combination there was a significant increase in the 2023 Inferred MRE tonnage at ICO, relative to the 2020 MRE, increasing tonnes by more than 40%, up to 1.59Mt @ 0.51% Co, 0.92% Cu, 0.65 g/t Au.  This gain in Inferred resources was largely driven by results of the 2,300m of resource expansion drilling completed in 2022 that tested down-dip extents of the RAM deposit.  The RAM orebody remains open at depth, and also along strike.

  

Figure 1: 2023 vs 2020 MRE M&I Resource Tonnage Comparison


Click Image To View Full Size

 

Figure 2: 2023 vs 2020 MRE M&I Resource Contained Cobalt Comparison

 
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Figure 3: 2023 vs 2020 MRE Inferred Resource Tonnage Comparison


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Figure 4: 2023 vs 2020 MRE Inferred Resource Contained Cobalt Comparison


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The Company’s long-term forecasted metal prices, used for the evaluation of the reporting cut-off grade for the 2023 MRE, remain unchanged from those utilized in the 2020 ICO MRE and Bankable Feasibility Study (“BFS”), which are tabulated below (along with 2-year and 3-year trailing average metal prices for comparison).

 

Table 3: US$ Metal Prices for Resource CoG Determination

Metal

Values (US$)

Unit

Cobalt

$25.00

/lb

Copper

$3.00

/lb

Gold

$1,750

/tr.oz.

 

Metal

2 Year Average

3 Year Average

Cobalt/lb

$28.28

$24.47

Copper/lb

$4.12

$3.68

Gold/tr. oz

$1,800

$1,792

   
 

Resource expansion work at ICO has focussed on down-dip extension of the RAM deposit, targeting beneath the central and southern extents of the 2020 MRE.  Recent resource expansion drilling extended the vertical extents of the RAM deposit within targeted zones between 115m and 215m down-dip to an elevation of approximately 1,750m (see Figure 5).

 

Figure 5: RAM Resource Long Section


Click Image To View Full Size

 

Future expansion drilling will focus on expanding the Indicated and Inferred depth continuity of the RAM MRE down-dip of the deposit’s central zone and along strike to the north.

 

In-fill drilling within the 2020 M&I Resources has provided strong indications of continuity in mineralisation across the south-central to central domains of the RAM deposit, which has increased confidence that is reflected in the estimation methodology implemented in production of the current MRE.  Additional definition drilling available to the MRE has also increased confidence along the deposit margins, resulting in a greater level of accuracy across all resource categories.  Furthermore, the geological continuity established within the updated M&I Resources of the RAM deposit provides confidence with respect to the mineability of the orebody due to the observed absence of significant offsets, gaps or other grade discontinuities.  This is also likely to benefit an ability to upgrade newly defined Inferred Mineral Resources in an effort to extend mine life at ICO.

 

As noted previously, the RAM deposit remains open at depth and along strike to the north.  As a result, JORC Exploration Targets proximal to the updated RAM deposit MRE have been identified that range between 0.5 and 0.7Mt with anticipated grades ranging from 0.63% to 0.79% Co, 0.69% to 0.79% Cu and 0.45 g/t to 0.53 g/t Au.  These Exploration Targets are located between 100m and 150m from existing drillhole intercepts along the periphery of the current RAM deposit, an examination of which was used to establish the estimated ranges of tonnages and grades.  This represents further upside potential for mine life expansion at the ICO, although it should be noted that Exploration Targets are conceptual in nature, with insufficient exploratory data to be included as part of a formal MRE, and are thus not included with the currently reported ICO MRE3.

 

MRE Methodology

 

Modelling was conducted in local Mine Grid coordinates (in US feet).  The MRE block model utilised a rotated block size of 12 ft (X) x 12 ft (Y) x 4 ft (Z) to honour the mineralisation wireframes.  The percentage of the volume of each block below the bare earth surface and within each mineralisation domain was calculated using 3D geological models and a 3D surface model.

 

The ICO drillhole database consists of 158 drillholes that intersect the interpreted mineralisation wireframes.  The Co, Cu, and Au assays were composited to 4-foot composite lengths and the estimation utilised 1469 composited samples.  A total of 0.4% of the total drilled metres inside the interpreted mineralisation wireframes were not sampled, assumed to be waste, and assigned a nominal waste value of half the detection limit of modern assay methods (0.005 % Co, 0.005 % Cu, 0.0005 g/t Au).

Estimation of Co, Cu, and Au grades was completed using Ordinary Kriging.  The search ellipsoid size used to estimate each metal was defined by the modelled variograms.  Block grade estimation employed locally varying anisotropy, which uses different rotation angles to define the principal directions of the variogram model and search ellipsoid on a per-block basis.  Blocks within estimation domains are assigned rotation angles using a modelled 3D mineralisation trend surface wireframe, which allows structural complexities to be reproduced in the estimated block model.  The number of variogram structures, contributions of each structure, and their ranges are set per estimation domain and do not vary within the estimation domain.

 

A total of 3466 bulk density samples are available from the ICO drillhole database, of which, 639 are within the modelled estimation domains.  Jervois’s geological adviser, APEX Geoscience Ltd (“APEX”) performed exploratory data analysis of the bulk density samples available and the density was assigned for each domain at the ICO.  The density of the deposits ranged from 2.86 g/cm3 to 3.11 g/cm3.  The non-mineralised country rock was assigned a density of 2.83 g/cm3.

 

There are no other factors or issues of which the JORC Competent Person (“CP”), NI 43-101 Qualified Person (“QP”), is aware that would materially affect the current ICO MRE other than normal risks faced by all mining projects.  The ICO is subject to the same types of risks that large base metal projects experience at an early stage of development in U.S..  The nature of the risks relating to ICO will change as the mine evolves and more information becomes available.  The Company has engaged experienced management and specialized consultants to identify, manage and mitigate those risks.

 

U.S. Department of Defense Award Status

 

As previously announced, the U.S. Department of Defense (the “DOD”) has advised that it intends to award Jervois an immediate need for Defense Production Act (“DPA”) Title III with US$15 million of funding through a Not to Exceed Technology Investment Agreement.  The DOD award would be subject to Jervois successfully completing required documentary steps including agreement to terms and conditions of the award.  These steps continue to advance towards completion.

 

Whilst ICO site has been demobilised and Jervois’ Salmon workforce restructured, the Company’s local geology team has been retained, and it is preparing to remobilise once DOD award monies are available.  Detailed 2023 drilling plans have been prepared and the Company stands ready to execute in partnership with the U.S. Government to ensure that ICO can meaningfully contribute to improving the robustness of the U.S. critical mineral supply chain as it pertains to cobalt.  ICO continues to offer potential to contribute in managing both U.S. energy transition and national security risks.

Quality Assurance

 

All drill core samples are sent to ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division), an independent and fully accredited laboratory (ISO 9001:2008), in Vancouver, Canada, for analysis for gold by Fire Assay and multi-element Induction Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy.  Jervois employs a regimented Quality Assurance, Quality Control (“QA/QC”) program where at least 10% duplicates, blanks and certified reference material are inserted into each sample shipment.  An examination of the QA/QC data associated with the recent resource expansion and in-fill drilling completed at the ICO  was conducted by APEX as part of its initial drilling database validation work and no issues were identified.

 

On behalf of Jervois Global Limited

 

Bryce Crocker, Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

 

Investors and analysts:

James May

Chief Financial Officer

Jervois Global

james.may@jervoisglobal.com

  

Media:

Nathan Ryan

NWR Communications

nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au

Mob: +61 420 582 887

 

Competent Person’s Statement

The information in this release that relates to Mineral Exploration is based on information compiled by Andrew Turner, P.Geol. who is a consultant for the company and a member of The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.  Andrew Turner has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’.  Andrew Turner consents to the inclusion in the release of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears.

 

Qualified Person’s Statement

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Turner, P.Geol., a consultant for the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule”, “expected” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to conversion of Inferred Mineral Resources to Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources at ICO, the outcome of future drilling program, timing of updated Mineral Reserves, the mine life of ICO and certain other factors or information. Such statements represent Jervois’ current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Jervois, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Jervois does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

  

Appendix 1:

 

JORC Code, 2012 Edition – Table 1

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria

JORC Code explanation

Commentary

Sampling techniques

  • Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. 

          
  • Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. 

 
  • Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. 

  
  • In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m 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. 

  • Sampling is by diamond drill coring. 

All drill core was sampled contingent on geology and core recovery:

Core was collected directly from the core barrel into core boxes, and drill core was cut in half by diamond saw, with one half of the core collected for laboratory analysis and the other half retained as reference core in the tray. Core trays were clearly labelled with the hole number, tray number and depth intervals marked.

 

A “cut-line” was drawn by the logging geologists along the length of the drill core as a guide for the core sawing.  The half-core was sampled, ensuring that the same side is consistently sampled, and placed into sample bags labelled with the assigned sample number.  Downhole measurements are recorded using a Reflex OMNI Gyro at 30 metre intervals down each hole and at 1.5 metre intervals continuously at the end of every hole.  

 

Field sampling followed Jervois protocols including industry standard quality control procedures.

Samples were sent to: ALS Geochemistry-Vancouver, an independent and fully accredited laboratory in Vancouver, Canada (“ALS”) for analysis for gold by 30g Fire Assays with wet chemical finish (ICP) and by multi-element Induction Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (“ICP”).  Jervois also has a regimented Quality Assurance, Quality Control (“QA/QC”) program where at least 10% standards and blanks are inserted into each sample shipment.

  • Sample representivity is ensured by: 

Diamond Core: core samples are “representative” (and not “selective”) in that each sample comprised half (cut) core that was collected along the entire length of each sample interval.

Handheld XRF instruments were used to spot check drill core for mineralization, however those results were not relied on.  All sample results reported on are from ALS, an independent laboratory.

 

All of the drilling was diamond drill core (HQ/NQ).  Typically, drill core was sampled on nominal 3 foot (~1m) half core samples for HQ/NQ.

All sample analyses were completed at ALS .  ALS operates independent laboratories globally, which are ISO accredited.

Samples are received at the laboratory:  Bar codes are scanned and logged; samples are weighed and dried; samples are crushed to 70% less than 2mm, the crushing product is riffle split to collect a 250g split, which is pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns; aliquots from the pulverized split (the sample “pulp”) are analysed for 34 elements using ICP analysis and for gold by 30 gram Fire Assay with ICP-AES finish.  Any samples with initial “over-limit” results for specific metals, including gold, copper, cobalt and arsenic are re-analysed accordingly to achieve complete results.    

Drilling techniques

  • Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). 

The 2022 underground drilling comprised HQ and NQ sized core, with reduction of hole size where appropriate.

Holes were generally angled from -55 to -90 degrees at varying azimuths.

Drill sample recovery

  • Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. 

 
  • Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. 

 
  • Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. 

All holes are logged for basic geotechnical characteristics including measurements and calculations for core recovery and RQD values.  Core recovery is recorded as a percentage equivalent to the length of core recovered, as a percentage of the drill run (interval length).

Excellent recoveries were obtained from the 2022 diamond drilling.

 

There is no bias noted between sample recovery and grade.  Excellent recoveries were obtained from Diamond drilling other than in faulted zones which were not sampled.

Logging

  • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. 

  
  • Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. 

 
  • The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. 

Diamond drilling:

Drill core is photographed and logged prior to sampling;

Core has been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail appropriate to support mineral resource estimation and mining studies.

 

Logging has been conducted both qualitatively and quantitatively; full description of lithologies, alteration and comments are noted, as well as percentage estimates on veining and sulphides.

 

The total length of all holes drilled in 2022 was 10,302m.  All depths of relevance to this release are listed in the table in the body of the text.  All drillholes are logged in their entirety.  

Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation

  • If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. 

     
  • If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. 

  • For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. 

 
  • Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. 

 
  • Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. 

 
  • Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. 

All core was half-cut lengthwise using a diamond saw.  The HQ/NQ core half-core was sampled.

 

Samples are received at the laboratory: sample ID bar codes are scanned and logged; samples are weighed and dried; samples are crushed to 70% less than 2mm, the crushing product is riffle split to collect a 250g split, which is pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns; aliquots from the pulverized split (the sample “pulp”) are analysed for 34 elements using ICP analysis and for gold by 30 gram Fire Assay with ICP-AES finish.  Any samples with initial “over-limit” results for specific metals, including gold, copper, cobalt and arsenic are re-analysed accordingly to achieve complete results.

 

For core sampling the same side is consistently sampled, half-core is retained in the tray for HQ/NQ.  The assay sub- sample is placed into sample bags labelled with the assigned sample number.

One in 20 samples is duplicated where the core is quartered and a quarter cut sample is analysed as a duplicate.  The remaining quarter samples is retained in the tray.

 

Sample sizes of 2-3 kg are appropriate for the grain size of material.  The sample preparation technique and sample sizes are considered appropriate to the material being sampled.

Quality of assay data and laboratory tests

  • The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. 

 
  • For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. 

 
  • Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. 

The ICP-AES and Fire Assay (30 gram) analytical techniques are considered total and are high quality and appropriate for the mineralization being tested.

  

Jervois has a regimented Quality Control protocol which has consisted of systematic submission of blanks, standards and duplicates in addition to those conducted at the laboratory.

  

Precision levels for all blanks, standards and duplicate samples fell within acceptable ranges.  

 

Verification of sampling and assaying

  • The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. 

 
  • The use of twinned holes. 

 
  • Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. 

  
  • Discuss any adjustment to assay data. 

Significant intersections are alternatively verified by the CP and QP of the company.

 

No holes have been twinned in this drill programme.

 

Data is collected using a PostGRE SQL database custom-built for Idaho Cobalt Operations and incorporates historic MS Excel templated data.  The database software includes data validation algorithms.  The database software also allows for the direct importation of digital data files from the laboratory.  Data is backed up on the cloud hosted server on and off site.

 

All assay/analytical data returning “below detection limit” results have been entered in the project database as one half of the detection limit value.

Samples received damaged at the laboratory, or with insufficient sample weight for analysis had the interval or location left blank.  

Location of data points

  • Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drillholes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. 

 
  • Specification of the grid system used. 

 
  • Quality and adequacy of topographic control. 

All surface drilling collars were surveyed by licensed surveyors and by trained geologists in the underground.  Down-hole surveys were routinely carried out on all holes using a Reflex OMNI Gyro at 30 metre intervals down each hole and at 1.5 metre intervals continuously at the end of every hole.  Holes were setup on collar using a Reflex TN14 Gyro.

All datum is collected and recorded in a localized ICO Mine Grid.

The 3D location of the individual samples is considered to be adequately established, consistent with accepted industry   standards.

Data spacing and distribution

  • Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. 

  
  • Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. 

 
  • Whether sample compositing has been applied. 

To date, due to the exploratory nature of the drilling, the spacing is wide. Assay results for only two holes have been received.  Further intervals have been sampled but the assays are not yet available.

 

The intervals released are proximal to the existing RAM deposit MRRE and are interpreted as representing an extension of the RAM deposit.  As a result, this data, along with the results from the 4 remaining holes with pending analyses, will be used in a planned mineral resource update later this year.

 

The reported drillhole data comprises length-weight averaged core interval grade values.  Data compositing is completed during Mineral Resource Estimation, but has not been applied to the data reported in this release.

Orientation of data in relation to geological structure

  • Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. 

 
  • If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. 

Drilling sections are orientated perpendicular to the strike of the host rocks.  Drillholes were inclined between -55° and -90° to optimize intercepts of mineralisation with respect to thickness and distribution.

 

Drilling with angled holes in most instances provides a representative sample across the stratigraphy.

Sample security

  • The measures taken to ensure sample security. 

All individual samples are placed in plastic sample bags sealed with a cable tie.  Then groups of samples are bagged in poly-woven sacks also sealed with a cable tie.  The samples are sent by courier to the lab and tracked.  To date, no sample shipments have had reported problems and/or a breach in security.  

Audits or reviews

  • The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. 

Jervois protocols consist of a regimented internal QA/QC which match or exceed global industry standards.  APEX Geoscience Ltd. has been retained as independent geological consultants and have reviewed and approved the ICO sampling protocols and procedures and will be conducting a thorough review of the drill data, including the QA/QC data, prior to the initiation of resource update.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria

JORC Code explanation

Commentary

Mineral tenement and land tenure status

  • Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. 

 
  • The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. 

ICO consists of 358 unpatented mineral claims totalling 7390 acres.  The claims are 100% owned by Jervois subsidiary Jervois Mining USA Ltd. and are in good standing.

Unpatented Mineral Claims:

Ownership of unpatented mining claims in the U.S. is in the name of the holder, with ownership of the minerals belonging to the United States of America, under the administration of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Under the Mining Law of 1872, which governs the location of unpatented mining claims on federal lands, the locator has the right to explore, develop and mine minerals on unpatented mining claims without payments of production royalties to the federal government.  Annual claim maintenance and filing fees paid before September 1st each year are the only federal encumbrances to unpatented mining claims.  Exploration plans are permitted and administered by the Unites States Forestry Service.

The United States Department of Agriculture Salmon Challis National Forest (the Forest Service) issued a revised Record of Decision (the “ROD”) for the ICO in January 2009. The ROD described the decision to approve a Mine Plan of Operations (“MPO”) for mining, milling and concentrating mineralized material from the ICO.  The ROD was subsequently affirmed by the Forest Service in April 2009.  The Plan of Operations at the ICO mine and mill remained unchanged and the ROD remains in place.  In December 2009, the Forest Service approved the MPO allowing for the commencement of ICO construction.

There are no known encumbrances.  

Exploration done by other parties

  • Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. 

The ICO came under Jervois management following the merger with eCobalt in 2019.  Prior to this merger, the area has a long history of copper and cobalt exploration and mining.  Copper mineralization in the Blackbird Creek area was discovered in 1892, and the area was soon explored as both a copper and gold prospect.  The area was first mined by Union Carbide at the Haynes-Stellite Mine located south of the present ICO claim block, during World War I.  Union Carbide mined approximately 4,000 tons of cobalt-bearing ore before ceasing operations. From 1938 to 1941, the Uncle Sam Mining and Milling Company operated a mine at the south end of the present Blackbird mine and reportedly mined about 3,600 tons of ore.

Calera Mining Company, a division of Howe Sound Company, developed and mined the Blackbird deposit between 1943 and 1959 under a contract to supply cobalt to the U.S. government.  Calera stopped mining when the government contract was terminated in 1960.

Machinery Center Inc. mined from the district between 1963 and 1966, when Idaho Mining Company (owned by Hanna Mining Company) purchased the property.  Noranda optioned the property from Hanna in 1977 and carried out extensive exploration, mine rehabilitation and metallurgical testing.  In 1979 Noranda and Hanna formed the Blackbird Mining Company (BMC) to develop the property.  BMC completed an internal feasibility study of their property at the time, including material from the Sunshine deposit in 1982.  BMC allowed perimeter claims to lapse in 1994, and eCobalt restaked much of that ground.  From 1995 to the present, eCobalt completed surface geochemical sampling and drilled 158 diamond drillholes on the ICO ground.

Geology

  • Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. 

Deposit Types:

Whilst the deposits in the Idaho Cobalt Belt have been studied over many years the deposit types are still a subject of debate.  Prior to 2005 the overriding opinion was that the deposits are sedimentary exhalative and are referred to as the Blackbird Sediment Hosted Cu-Co.  And have been described as stratabound iron-, cobalt-, copper-, and arsenic-rich sulphide mineral accumulations in nearly carbonate-free argillite/siltite couplets and quartzites.

Post 2005 the discovery of high concentrations of rare earth elements (“REE”) lead to the postulation that the deposits are not volcanogenic massive sulphide or sedimentary exhalative deposits but instead are iron oxide-copper-gold (“IOCG”) deposits.

Geological Setting:

The ICO is situated in the Idaho Cobalt Belt, a 50- to 55-kilometre long metallogenic district characterized by stratiform/tabular copper-cobalt deposits.  The deposits are hosted by a thick, dominantly clastic sequence of Middle Proterozoic age sandwiched between late Proterozoic quartz monzonitic intrusions.  The clastic sediments were deposited in a large fault-bounded basin, probably as large submarine fan complexes and/or deltaic aprons that were frequently “drowned” by continuing subsidence within the basin.  All significant copper-cobalt deposits and occurrences are found in the Proterozoic Apple Creek Formation, which constitutes the base of this sequence.  This formation was originally correlated with Pritchard Formation metasediments of the Belt supergroup to the north, its age being constrained by dates of 1.37 Ga for adamellites intruding the sequence and 1.7 Ga from mafic dykes and sills emplaced along the basin margin faults.

The structure of the Apple Creek Formation is dominated by the regional rift structure.  Cobalt-copper-gold mineralization occurs along a northwest-southeast trending structure parallel to and west of the central axis of the rift.

There is a series of northerly trending faults that are considered to represent initial growth faults, reactivated by Laramide and younger events.  The district has also been affected by north-easterly structures of the Trans-Challis Fault Zone.

The ICO is hosted in Proterozoic age meta-sediments found on the east side of the central Idaho Batholith comprising granitic-to-granodioritic rocks.  The Idaho Cobalt Belt represents a distinct district dominated by stratabound cobalt + copper ± gold mineralization, with a remobilized constituent.  The district is underlain by strata of the middle Proterozoic-age Apple Creek Formation, which is an upward-thickening, upward-coarsening clastic sequence at least 14,900 metre thick that represents a major basin-filling episode and was formerly considered part of the Yellow Jacket Formation.

The Apple Creek can be divided into three units.  The lower unit of the Apple Creek Formation is over 4,500 metre thick and consists mainly of argillite and siltite, with lesser occurrences of fine-grained quartzite and carbonates.  Graded bedding and planar to wavy laminae are common in the lower unit, which is locally metamorphosed to phyllite.  The middle unit of the Apple Creek Formation is up to 1,100 metres thick and comprises several upward-coarsening sequences of argillite, siltite, and quartzite, with distinctive biotite-rich interbeds that generally have a direct correlation to mineralization.  The middle unit hosts the majority of the known cobalt, copper and gold occurrences in the Idaho Cobalt Belt.  The upper unit exceeds 3,000 metres in thickness and is predominantly composed of thin- to thick bedded, very fine- to fine-grained quartzite.

Mafic tuffs within the Apple Creek Formation are the oldest igneous rocks exposed in the Sunshine-Blackpine district.  They are accompanied by felsic tuffs and carbonatitic tuffs. Some mafic dikes and sills intrude the Apple Creek Formation and may be comagmatic with the mafic tuff beds.  Several small lamproitic diatremes may also be coeval with mafic volcanism.

The Apple Creek Formation has undergone varying degrees of regional metamorphism, ranging from greenschist facies in the southern part of the district to amphibolite grade facies in the northern part of the district.  Several types of mafic dikes and sills, ranging from 1m to 30m thick, intrude the Apple Creek Formation and are interpreted as feeders to the exhalative mafic tuffs, which are most abundant in areas of intrusive activity.

Style of Mineralization:

Mineralization at the ICO is characterized as syngenetic, stratiform/tabular exhalative deposits within, or closely associated with, the mafic sequences of the Apple Creek Formation.  This mineralization is dominantly bedding concordant and the deposits range from nearly massive to disseminated.  Some crosscutting mineralization is present that may be in feeder zones to the stratiform mineralization or may be due to remobilization locally into fracture quartz veins and/or crosscutting structures.

Dominant minerals include cobaltite (CoAsS) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), with lesser, variable occurrences of gold. Other minerals present in small quantities are pyrite (FeS2), pyrrhotite (FeS), arsenopyrite (FeAsS), linnaeite ((Co Ni)3S4), loellingite (FeAs2), safflorite (CoFeAs2), enargite (Cu3AsS4) and marcasite (FeS2).

Recently, rare-earth minerals have been identified in samples from the deposit as monazite, xenotime and allanite.  At this time, these minerals have not been considered for potential recovery as by-products of the Co-(Cu-Au).

The RAM is the largest and best-known deposit in the ICO area.  It consists of a Hanging-wall Zone with 3 primary and 4 minor horizons, a Main Zone comprising 3 horizons, and a Footwall Zone with 3 horizons.  These sub-parallel horizons generally strike N15oW and dip 50o – 60o to the northeast.  Most of the significant Co mineralization is associated with exhalative lithologies i.e. biotitic tuffaceous exhalate (BTE), siliceous tuffaceous exhalate (STE), and quartzite with impregnations of biotitic tuffaceous exhalate (QTZ/BTE) or siliceous tuffaceous exhalate (QTZ/STE).

Drillhole Information

  • A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drillholes: 

    • ooeasting and northing of the drillhole collar 

    • ooelevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in metres) of the drillhole collar 

    • oodip and azimuth of the hole 

    • oodown hole length and interception depth 

    • oohole 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. 

No Exploration data is being reported in this release.

Data aggregation methods

  • In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. 

  • Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. 

  • The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. 

In previous reports weighted averaging has been used in reported composite intervals and individual results are also listed, no grade truncations etc. has been used.

Aggregate intercepts are reported using a grade metre calculation.  For example: ((assay x meter interval sampled) + (assay x meter interval sampled) + (assay x meter interval sampled) / divided by total number of meters in the interval).  Individual sample intercepts are also shown.

Calculated true widths determined for the composited intercept mid-point, perpendicular to the down-dip projection of the RAM deposit.

No metal equivalent values have been reported.

Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths

  • These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. 

  • If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drillhole angle is known, its nature should be reported. 

  • If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg ‘down hole length, true width not known’). 

Downhole lengths are reported.

Diagrams

  • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drillhole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. 

Refer to figures and tables in the body of the text.

Balanced reporting

  • Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. 

Calculated true widths determined for the composited intercept mid-point, perpendicular to the down-dip projection of the RAM deposit.

Other substantive exploration data

  • Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. 

There is no other substantive exploration data.

Further work

  • The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). 

  • Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. 

Jervois plans to continue to undertake infill and expansion drilling to upgrade resource categories as well as to test the footwall horizons discovered during the 2019 drill program.

 
   

Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources

(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this section.)

Criteria

JORC Code explanation

Commentary

Database integrity

  • Measures taken to ensure that data has not been corrupted by, for example, transcription or keying errors, between its initial collection and its use for Mineral Resource estimation purposes. 

  • Data validation procedures used. 

  • Jervois utilizes a robust database system for analytical data management that involves multiple cross-checks between digital datafiles provided by the laboratory and the archived data files.  Additionally, APEX Geoscience Ltd. (“APEX”), geological consultants to Jervois, conducted additional data validation checks involving examinations of analytical certificates, provided directly to APEX by ALS (analytical laboratory), and no issues were identified. 

 

Following data validation checks, APEX deemed the ICO drilling and analytical databases, provided by Jervois, to be suitable for use in the geological modelling and resource estimation work that is the subject of this release.  

Site visits

  • Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Competent Person and the outcome of those visits. 

  • If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why this is the case. 

  • APEX was initially contracted by Jervois to provide geological services at the ICO shortly after underground development at the project was initiated in the fall of 2021.  The Competent Person, Andrew J. Turner, P.Geol. (Canada), has visited the ICO on many occasions since that time and has personally observed and sampled mineralization in the underground, thus verifying the nature of the main mineralized zone that is the subject of this release.  Additionally, Mr. Turner has been supervising the core logging and sampling process that has resulted in a significant portion of the data that was utilized in the Mineral Resource Estimate discussed in this release.    

Geological interpretation

  • Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of ) the geological interpretation of the mineral deposit. 

   
  • Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made. 

      
  • The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on Mineral Resource estimation. 

  • The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral Resource estimation. 

       
  • The factors affecting continuity both of grade and geology. 

  • There is a relatively high degree of confidence in the geological model underlying the MRE which is supported by underground mapping and continued infill drilling at ICO. 

  
  • The data utilized in the geological modelling of the ICO mineralization is based on geological logging of surface exploration and underground in-fill drilling, as well as mapping in underground developments.  The only assumptions made concern the exact orientation of several minor faults that were observed in drillholes and explain several minor offsets in the ICO mineralization. 

 
  • There are no viable alternative geological interpretations of the ICO mineralization. 

  • The mineralisation at the ICO is interpreted according to the established model for Sediment-hosted Co-Cu deposits, which includes stratabound, replacement-style mineralization.  As a result, the interpreted geology is an important control on the interpreted mineralization.  However, there does not appear to be a perfect correlation between a specific geological unit and the ICO mineralisation.  Instead, the Main Mineralized Horizon at the ICO has been interpreted as a grade shell constrained within the gently east-dipping ICO stratigraphy. 

 
  • Other than the normal geological controls on mineralizing fluids, there are no other unusual controls on grade continuity at the ICO.  Grade continuity throughout the RAM deposit at the ICO is supported by extensive drilling, including the results of the 62-hole 2022 infill drill program (see ASX Announcement dated 8 February 2023).  There is no evidence of any significant structural controls on mineralization at the ICO.  As a result, the RAM deposit remains open along strike and down-dip.  

 

Dimensions

  • The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan width, and depth below surface to the upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource. 

  • Strike Length: 1160m (3800ft) 

  • Down-Dip Extent: 175-600m (500-2000ft) from surface  

  • Thickness ~1-38m (4-124 ft), averaging ~5-10m 

Estimation and modelling techniques

  • The nature and appropriateness of the estimation technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including treatment of extreme grade values, domaining, interpolation parameters and maximum distance of extrapolation from data points. If a computer assisted estimation method was chosen include a description of computer software and parameters used. 

  • The availability of check estimates, previous estimates and/or mine production records and whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate account of such data. 

  • The assumptions made regarding recovery of by-products. 

  • Estimation of deleterious elements or other non-grade variables of economic significance (eg sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisation). 

  • In the case of block model interpolation, the block size in relation to the average sample spacing and the search employed. 

  • Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining units. 

  • Any assumptions about correlation between variables. 

  • Description of how the geological interpretation was used to control the resource estimates. 

  • Discussion of basis for using or not using grade cutting or capping. 

  • The process of validation, the checking process used, the comparison of model data to drillhole data, and use of reconciliation data if available. 

  • The ICO drill database comprises 8327 samples, of which 2498 are non-waste samples occurring within the modelled estimation domains, which have a mean sample length of 2.27 ft (0.69 m).  The cobalt, copper, and gold analytical data for these samples was composited to 4-foot composite lengths and the estimation considered 1469 composited samples.  To prevent overestimation of metal grades due to “outlier” values, composites are capped to maximum values, as determined from the examination of probability plots for each element. 

 
  • Cobalt, copper, and gold estimation was completed using Ordinary Kriging.  Block grade estimation employed locally varying anisotropy, which uses different rotation angles to define the principal directions of the variogram model and search ellipsoid on a per-block basis.  Blocks within estimation domains are assigned rotation angles using a modelled 3D mineralisation trend surface wireframe, which allows structural complexities to be reproduced in the estimated block model. To maintain the proper volume-variance relationship, kriges relation is utilized to tune each metals estimation kriging and search parameters.  Two estimation passes were used, a maximum of 30 conditioning data points are considered during estimation, two composites are required for the first pass, and the number of composites considered per drillhole are limited to two and four for cobalt and silver’s first pass, respectively.  Two estimation passes were utilized with maximum ranges varying from 300-900; 180-400; and 14-30 feet in the major, minor, and vertical directions.  Given the planned mining methods, a SMU size of 12 x 12 x 4 feet was selected to define the block model populated with estimated metal values which is much less than 25% of the data spacing.  Metals are estimated independent of each other.  Swath plots verify that the estimated block model honours directional trends and identifies potential areas of over- or under-estimation in grade. 

 
  • In addition to Co, Cu and Au, other elements/values of interest (including iron, total sulphur, sulphur speciation data) were estimated using the same strategy outlined for the primary metals of interest. 

 
  • The majority of the resource is constrained within a wireframe that encapsulates a unit defined as the MMH (Main Mineralized Horizon) that represents a discreet stratigraphic interval that hosts the majority of the Co-Cu-Au mineralization comprising the Ram deposit.  Thinner and more discontinuous (parallel) mineralized zones occur in the hanging wall and footwall to the MMH.  

 
  • The updated (current) ICO MRE was compared in detail to the 2020 MRE in order to understand their differences as a way to validate the updated estimate.  

Moisture

  • Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with natural moisture, and the method of determination of the moisture content. 

  • The ICO MRE is estimated on a ‘dry basis’, as moisture content is not a significant factor at the ICO.   

Cut-off parameters

  • The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality parameters applied. 

  • Although Co prices have dropped in recent months, the 2-year and 3-year trailing average prices for Co (US$28.28 and US$24.47, respectively) continues to support Jervois’ long-term forecast price of US$25.00/lb Co, which was also used in the 2020 ICO Feasibility Study (“FS”) (Sletten et al., 2020) and is used here to evaluate the 2023 ICO MRE reported Cut-off Grade (“CoG”).  

  • The 2020 ICO Feasibility Study estimated total mining costs (mining, processing, GA) at approximately US$111.86/short ton or ~US$123.30/tonne. 

  • At 0.20% Co and US$25.00/lb and 91% recovery, each tonne of “ore” would contain approximately US$100.30 of Co. 

  • Using the average grades of Co, Cu and Au in the combined Measured and Indicated resource categories, Jervois’ forecast prices of $3.00/lb Cu and $1750/oz Au, and their respective recoveries of 95.4% and 84.9%, it is anticipated that Cu and Au will contribute an additional 22% to the payable metal value of each tonne of “ore”, which is expected to be on the order of US$120-125/ tonne, which is essentially equivalent to the estimated mining cost from the 2020 FS. 

  • As a result, a CoG of 0.20% Co was used for reporting purposes for the RAM deposit MRE that is the subject of this release / announcement.    

 

Mining factors or assumptions

  • Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods, minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if applicable, external) mining dilution. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential mining methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining methods and parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the mining assumptions made. 

  • The dominant mining method proposed for the ICO is overhand longitudinal short hole back stoping from 12 ft high sills spaced 36 ft vertically (Stetten et al., 2020). 

  • With respect to the MRE that is the subject of this release / announcement, APEX conducted an evaluation of the resource block model for its reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction that involved a review of grade continuity relative to “mineable shapes”, both in the X-Y plane, as well as the Z direction relative to a presumed minimum mining width of approximately ~2.5m (8 ft).  This analysis resulted in the exclusion of a small number of “discontinuous” blocks with Co values above the cut-off grade. 

Metallurgical factors or assumptions

  • The basis for assumptions or predictions regarding metallurgical amenability. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential metallurgical methods, but the assumptions regarding metallurgical treatment processes and parameters made when reporting Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the metallurgical assumptions made. 

  • The 2020 ICO Feasibility Study utilized average recoveries of 91.0% for Co, 95.4% for Cu and 84.9% for Au, which were factored into the Cut-off Grade calculation (see above). 

Environmen-tal factors or assumptions

  • Assumptions made regarding possible waste and process residue disposal options. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider the potential environmental impacts of the mining and processing operation. While at this stage the determination of potential environmental impacts, particularly for a greenfields project, may not always be well advanced, the status of early consideration of these potential environmental impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have not been considered this should be reported with an explanation of the environmental assumptions made. 

  • Tailings and Waste Rock management are all discussed in detail in the 2020 ICO Feasibility Study (Sletten et al., 2020), which includes minimal surface storage of “process residue” and waste rock as the majority of both will be returned to the underground as paste backfill and CRF (concrete rock fill), respectively. 

  • A fully lined TWSF (Tailings and Waste rock Storage facility has been constructed at the ICO  

Bulk density

  • Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the basis for the assumptions. If determined, the method used, whether wet or dry, the frequency of the measurements, the nature, size and representativeness of the samples. 

  • The bulk density for bulk material must have been measured by methods that adequately account for void spaces (vugs, porosity, etc), moisture and differences between rock and alteration zones within the deposit. 

  • Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates used in the evaluation process of the different materials. 

  • The 2023 MRE included the modelling of 5 estimation domains.  Bulk density values were established as the median Specific Gravity (SG) value for each domain based on a statistical analysis of the available density data within each. 

Domain   Group

(n)

Density

 

 (g/cm3)

(ston/ft3)

MMH

186

2.93

0.0915

North (HG)

353

3.00

0.0936

FW/HW

66

2.86

0.0893

South (HG)

34

3.11

0.0971

Country Rock

2827

2.83

0.0883

 
  • SG measurements were made by the logging geologist/geotech in the field, primarily from whole core prior to cutting and sampling, using the wet/dry weight method (Archimedes’ principle). 

  • Only competent (and geologically representative) pieces of core were selected for SG testing and no significant issues with respect to voids or vugs were noted (either in the SG samples are elsewhere in the core).  

  • APEX has reviewed the available density data and has not identified any issues that might affect the results of density testing and has accepted the density dataset for use in the mineral resource estimation work that is this subject of this release/announcement.  

Classification

  • The basis for the classification of the Mineral Resources into varying confidence categories. 

              
  • Whether appropriate account has been taken of all relevant factors (ie relative confidence in tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data, confidence in continuity of geology and metal values, quality, quantity and distribution of the data). 

 
  • Whether the result appropriately reflects the Competent Person’s view of the deposit. 

  • The Updated ICO Mineral Resource is stated in accordance with both the JORC Code 2012 and the Canadian Securities Authority (CSA”) NI 43-101 rules for disclosure and was estimated in accordance with the CIM “Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines” dated November 29, 2019, and CIM “Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves” dated May 10, 2014. 

 
  • Resource Categorization (classification) was determined for each block based on its proximity to supporting data using a multiple-pass strategy (independent from estimation) that consists of a sequence of runs that flag each block with a run number if the block meets certain search restrictions. With each subsequent pass, the search restrictions are decreased, representing a decrease in confidence and classification from the previous run. The following criteria were used to define the classification categories assigned to each block within the ICO Resource: 

Measured: 150 x 80 x 23 feet ellipsoid, at least 3 drillholes

Indicated: 300 x 160 x 23 feet ellipsoid, at least 2 drillholes

Inferred: 400 x 250 x 23 feet ellipsoid, at least 1 drillhole

  • A categorical smoothing algorithm written by APEX (maximum a-posteriori selection LVA; MAPS-LVA) is utilized to remove the “spotted dog” effect that is a common by-product of multiple pass strategy classification approaches. 

  • The updated ICO Mineral Resource Estimate utilized Jervois’ ICO drilling database, which was examined and validated by APEX prior to the initiation of geological modelling and resource estimation.  APEX is not aware of any other data-related factors that would adversely affect the resource estimation process.   

 
  • The Competent Person considers that the updated RAM deposit mineral resource, which is the subject of this announcement, accurately reflects the global mineral resource at the ICO. 

Audits or reviews

  • The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral Resource estimates. 

  • An internal resource audit was conducted by APEX personnel, wherein each stage of the workflow completed by an individual is subsequently reviewed by a different team member.  Jervois also conducts an exhaustive review of the methodologies, estimation domains, and statistical data produced by APEX, ensuring a thorough audit and validation of the entire process. 

Discussion of relative accuracy/ confidence

  • Where appropriate a statement of the relative accuracy and confidence level in the Mineral Resource estimate using an approach or procedure deemed appropriate by the Competent Person. For example, the application of statistical or geostatistical procedures to quantify the relative accuracy of the resource within stated confidence limits, or, if such an approach is not deemed appropriate, a qualitative discussion of the factors that could affect the relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate. 

  • The statement should specify whether it relates to global or local estimates, and, if local, state the relevant tonnages, which should be relevant to technical and economic evaluation. Documentation should include assumptions made and the procedures used. 

  • These statements of relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate should be compared with production data, where available. 

  • The Competent Person considers that the updated RAM deposit mineral resource, which is the subject of this announcement, accurately reflects the global mineral resource at the ICO. 

  • The resource classification applied to the updated RAM resource reflects the Competent Person’s confidence in the estimate. 

  • There has been no commercial production at ICO to date. 

 

1 See ASX announcements “Jervois drilling de-risks RAM resource” and “Expansion drilling consolidates RAM deposit extension at Jervois’ ICO” dated 8 February 2023 and 20 February 2023 (Australia).

 

2 See ASX announcement “Jervois suspends final construction at Idaho Cobalt Operations” dated 29 March 2023 (Australia).

3 Exploration targets calculated using density ranging from 2.8 to 2.9 g/cm3 and projected widths ranging from 3 to 4 metres per observed deposit characteristics.