| Mon 26 Feb 2001, 0:00 | | Mazal Mining & Exploration Ltd Commences Bulk Samp |
|
MAZAL BREAKS GROUND WITH BULK SAMPLE
MAZAL MINING & EXPLORATION LTD began the first of four bulk samples on their
Paardeberg MK1kimberlite site near Kimberly this week. The Sampling is under
the supervision of Lyndon de Meillon of Paleostone Mineral Consultants and
results are expected shortly.
To date trial mining by the company on MK1 has recovered in excess of 7 500
carats at an average value of $96 per carat. Indications are that the average
grade will vary between 10 - 15 carats per hundred tonnes. "The plant and
equipment is modern and efficient and a systematic exploration programme is
being implemented," says De Meillon, the independent geologist responsible for
overseeing each step in the audit process.
The bulk sampling is the first phase of the competent person's report being
commissioned by the company in order to relocate its listing from the mining
exploration to the diamond sector of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. It will
establish the diamond grade and value thereby determining the value of the
resource. Essentially the audit will entail the procurement of a geological
model, the delineation of the ore body, the determination and establishment of
the diamond grade. Further, the company will be required to verify the
treatment plant with respect to inter alia production capabilities, efficiency,
water supply and suitability in terms of the kimberlite being treated.
"From what I have seen so far, the diamonds recovered are above average for a
kimberlite," says De Meillon. "Prior to this audit, Mazal was recovering
diamonds mainly from xenolithic-rich material close to the surface. The first
audit will draw material that is less xenolithic and an improvement of grade
could be expected although, as the kimberlite is of hypabyssal-facies, a
decrease in grade is also possible," adds Michael Skinner, independent
geologist and world authority on kimberlites, who is consulting to Mazal.
"The Paardeberg find could be a company-maker," says Theo Botoulas, BOE
Investment Banking division, "It could be one of the most significant finds in
the Northern Cape in recent years and could make a significant impact on the
economy of the region in terms of job creation."
Says Botoulas "Mazal has put a lot of work and capital into the mine and is
adopting the correct procedures in exploration of the MK1 pipe. The published
results are awaited with interest."
Detailing the operation, Skinner says "Mazal is using an innovative milling and
crushing circuit at the front end, a double cyclone, dense media separation
(DMS) plant with a Flowsort diamond X-ray sortex system at the back end. This
has been combined with a grease belt to recover any diamonds that do not
respond to the X-ray system. While material from the initial crushing process
goes into the DMS system, through cyclones, material of plus 10mm size is fed
through a secondary crusher before entering the cyclone system to release
diamonds that may have been locked up. The plant is currently operating at
50t/hour capacity, but they will operate optimally at about 200t/hour."
ends
ISSUED BY PR PRODUCTIONS ON BEHALF OF MAZAL MINING & EXPLORATION LTD
CONTACT : ABELENE LLOYD
PR PRODUCTIONS
011-326-4800 / 082 990 5602
CONTACT : DAVID LEVITHAN
MAZAL MINING & EXPLORATION LTD
011-325-6170
