Hello JP
Good summary, however, at the end of the day, its not about what's gone, but what's left, and while you're quite right, root zones tend to be lower grade, that is only relevant to the kimberlite being evaluated, not necessarily in comparison to others. Root zone grades may be lower than the original (eroded) pipes but that may still be economically attractive.
The bottom line, is what's left wide & deep enough with a high enough grade/stone value ($/tonne) to be mined at a profit with all of the associated variables that entails.
The RSA is full of very deeply eroded pipes which have been mined economically for decades and are still producing, so while we should consider age and erosion, that is only one of numerous factors to evaluate for home run potential.
At only 2 hectares, if A154 had been found near Drumondville, Aber would not have needed four more pipes to make a mining decision, and it certainly would not have cost 1.5 billion to build!
BHP wanted 60mt before a go was given and I believe DB's wants 40mt for Kenady Lake (allthough their taking a second look at 5024 now due to apparent possibility or fairly frequent large/high value goods).
Bottom line is and will always be $/tonne and tonnage. Everything else only serves to fleece johny-come-lately speculators.
Good luck in 2002
Regards
Vaughn
P.S. Gooooo SeaHawks! (now you know I like underdogs...) |
