-
URANIUM PROSPECTING IN THE MAIN KAROO BASIN IN RETROSPECT
VOLUME I
HISTORICAL REVIEW, SUMMARY OF EXPLORATION STATISTICS AND
RESOURCE ESTIMATES ON A COMPANY-BY-COMPANY BASIS AND
ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE MAIN KAROO BASIN
by
P J van der Merwe
ATOMIC ENERGY CORPORATION OF SOUTH AFRICA LTD PRIVATE JAG X256,
PRETORIA, 0001
DECEMBER 1986
ISBN-0 86960-836-3
-
PER-147 PREFACE
Prospecting for sandstone-hosted uranium was carried out in the
Main Karoo Basin for a period of 17 years. The safety of nuclear
power generation fell into disrepute after the Three Mile Island
incident in the USA, and resulted in the curtailment of nuclear
power orojects. Utility selling of stockpiles created an
oversupplled uranium market, and exploration for uranium lost
momentum world-wide. Exploration endeavours in the Karoo did cot
escape these depressed market conditions and were altogether
stopped in early 1985.
As it is not foreseen that uranium prospecting will resume in
the short term, a report entitled 'URANIUM PROSPECTING IN THE MAIN
KAROO BASIN IN RETROSPECT', was compiled to serve as a reference
guide for future investigations. Exploration statistics and
resource estimates were collated and the report consists of 3
volumes as listed below.
Volume I PER-147
Historical review, summary of exploration r catistlcs and
resource estimates on a company-by-company basis and economic
viability of the Main Karoo Basin.
Volume II PIN-854 (B/R)
(a) Overview of exploration programmes - Main Karoo Basic
orebodie8 A-C
(b) Overview of exploration programmes - Main Karoo basin
orebodies D-F
(c) Overview of exploration programmes - Main Karoo Basin
orebodies G-J
(d) Overview of exploration programmes - Main Karoo Basin
orebodies K-L
-
PER-147
(e) Overview of exploration programmes - Main Karoo Basin
orebodles M-P
(f) Overview of exploration programmes - Main Karoo Basin
orebodies R
(g) Overview of exploration programmes - Main Karoo Basin
orebodies S-W
Volume III PIN-855 (B/R)
A farm-by-farm reference guide to exploration company reports in
the Geology Department's GEA filing system.
-
PER-147 - 1 C O N T E N T S
Page
SAMEVATTING/ABSTRACT
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. SOUTHERN KAROO REGION 7 2.1 Historical Review and Exploration
Statistics 7 2.2 Uranium Resources 16
2.2.1 Anglo American Prospecting Services (Pty) Ltd 21 2.2.2
Essex Minerals Co. 26 2.2.3 Esso Minerals Africa Inc. 26 2.2.4
Industrial Development Corporation of
South Africa Ltd 26 2.2.5 Johannesburg Consolidated Investment
Co. Ltd 33 2.2.6 Karba Minerals Inc. (Union Carbide/Goldfields
Joint Venture) 33 2.2.7 Nevmont South Africa Ltd 36 2.2.8 Phelps
Dodge of Africa Ltd 36 2.2.9 Rand Mines Ltd 36 2.2.10 Southern
Sphere Uranium (Pty) Ltd 39 2.2.11 Union Carbide Exploration
Corporation -
Southern Africa 50 2.3 Molybdenum Potential 56 2.4 Economic
Viability 58
2.4.1 Data used for profitability analysis 58 2.4.1.1 Ore
reserves 58 2.4.1.2 Life-of-mine 59 2.4.1.3 Ore sorting 59 2.4.1.4
Metallurgical recovery 59 2.4.1.5 Uranium and molybdenum prices 5?
2.4.1.6 Capital expenditure 59 2.4.1.7 Operating costs 60 2.4.1.8
Taxation 60 2.4.1.9 Discussion 60
-
PER-147 - 11 Page
SOUTHERN ORANGE FREE STATE 63 3.1 Historical Review and
Exploration Statistics 63 3.2 Uranium Resources 63
3.2.1 Rio Tinto Exploration (Pty) Ltd 63
EASTERN ORANGE FREE STATE 64 4.1 Historical Review and
Exploration Statistics 64 4.2 Uraniua Resources 68
4.2.1 Karba Minerals Inc. (Union Carblde/Goldfields Joint
Venture) 68
QWA-QWA 68 5.1 Historical Review and Exploration Statistics 68
5.2 Uraniua Resources 71
5.2.1 Mining Corporation Ltd 71 CONCLUSIONS 74
BIBLIOGRAPHY 78
LIST OF REPORTS 79 8.1 Anglo Aaerican Prospecting Services (Pty)
Ltd 89 8.2 Council for Mineral Technology 80 8.3 Esso Minerals
Africa Inc. 82 8.4 Essex Minerals Company 84 8.5 Industrial
Developoent Corporation of South Africa Ltd 85 8.6 Karba Minerals
Inc. 85 8.7 Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co. Ltd 86 8.8
Mining Corporation (Pty) Ltd 88 8.9 Nuclear Development Corporation
of
South Africa (Pty) T.td 88 8.10 Newmont of South Africa Ltd 94
8.11 Phelps Dodge of Africa Ltd 95 8.12 Rand Mines Ltd 95 8.13 Rio
Tlnto Exploration (Pty) Ltd 96
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PER-147 - iíl
8.14 Southern Sphere Uranlua (Pty) Ltd 98 8.15 Onion Carbide
Exploration Corporation - Southern Africa 98
9. LIST OF MAIN KAROO BASIN MAPS IN THE GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT'S
LIBRARY 101
LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF TABLES DISTRIBUTION LIST
iv vi 122
-
PER-147 - iv
FIGURE l
LIST OF FIGURES
Distribution of the Beaufort Group with the principal uranium
areas indicated
Page 3
FIGURE 2 Stratigraphy of the Karoo Sequence,,with uranium
deposits indicated
FIGURE 3 Annual uranium spot market price against the annual
exploration expenditure in the Main Karoo Basin
FIGURE A Discovery sequence of the major uranium deposits in the
Southern Karoo
8
FIGURE 5 Companies engaged in exploration on an annual basis
FIGURE 6 Annual exploration expenditure in the Southern Karoo
region
11
FIGUKE 7 Breakdown of expenditure on a company-by-company basis
- Southern Karoo
12
FIGURE 8 Metres drilled on a company-by-company basis -Southern
Keioo
13
FIGURE 9 Frequency distribution of the recoverable uranium
resources for the deposits discovered In the Southern Karoo
15
-
PER-147 - v
FIGURE 10 Pie diagram of the RAR -I- EAR uranium resources
recoverable at less than $130/kg U discovered by each company In
the Southern Karoo
Page 18
FIGURE 11 Cumulative frequency distribution of the average grade
of the Southern Karoo uranium deposits
19
FIGURE 12 Cumulative frequency distribution of the uranium grade
of Individual samples from the Southern Karoo
20
FIGURE 13 Uranium resources per grade category -Southern
Karoo
22
FIGURE 14 Three-dimensional presentation of the number of
deposits and their resources per grade range - Southern Karoo
23
FIGURE 15 Locality map of the uranium deposits and occurrences
Xn the Southern Karoo
BACK PAGE OF REPORT
FIGURE 16 Locality map of the uranium deposits in the Southern
Orange Free State
65
FIGURE 17 Locality map of the uranium deposits in the Eastern
Orange Free State
69
FIGURE 18 Locality map of the uranluo anomalies and orebodies In
Qwa-Qwa
72
-
PER-147 - vi Page
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE I Summary of the Individual companies' 14 discovery
statistics - Southern Karoo
TABLE II Uranium resource estimates - Southern Karoo 17
TABLE III Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 24-25
statistics - Anglo American Prospecting Services (Pty) Ltd
TABLE IV Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 27
statistics - Essex Minerals Company
TABLE V Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 28-32
statistics - Es80 Minerals Africa
TABLE VI Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 34
statistics - Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa
Ltd
TABLE VII Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 35
statistics - Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co. Ltd
TABLE VIII Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 37
statistics - Newnont South Africa Ltd
TABLE IX Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 38
statistics - Phelps Dodge of Africa Ltd
TABLE X Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 40 statistics
- Rand Mines Ltd
-
TABLE XI
PER-147 - vli Page
Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 41-49 statistics -
Southern Sphere Uranium (Pty) Ltd
TABLE XII Uranium resource estimates and prospecting 51-55
statistics - Union Carbide Exploration Corporation Southern
Africa
TABLE XIII Summary of the estimated molybdenum resources of the
Southern Karoo
57
TABLE XIV Summary of the production schedule and economic
considerations for the four major deposits east of Beaufort
West
61
TABLE XV Uranium resource estimates and prospecting statistics -
Rio Tinto Exploration (Pty) Ltd
66-67
TABLE XVI Uranium resource estimates and prospecting statistics
- Karba Minerals Inc
70
TABLE XVII Uranium resource estimates and prospacting statistics
- Mining Corporation Ltd
73
TABLE XVIII Uranium resource estimates - Main Karoo Basin 74
TABLE XIX Comparison of the discovery rate and cost per kilcgram
of the different prospecting areas -Main Karoo Basic
75
-
PER-147 - vlll
SAMEVATTING
Prospekterlng na uraanhoudende sandsteenafsettings in die
Karookon het gedurende 1969 'n a. nvang geneen en in 1985 tot 'n
elnde gekom. Alhoevel opsles nog op sekere plase gehou word, word
geen verdere ondersoeke In die nabye toekoms voorsien nie.
Uraanafsettlngs Is in die sedimente van die Onder-Beaufort-groep
en die Elliott - en Molteno-formasie van die Stormberg-groep
ontdek.
Redelik Versekerde en Geraaode Bykooende Hulpbronne herwinbaar
teen 'n koste van minder as Í130/kg U beloop 31 211 t U.
Die Suidelike Karoostreek bevat die grootste deel van die
hulpbronne, nl. 93 X. Die vier hoofertsliggame oos van
Beaufort-Ves, naamlik Rystkuil en Rystkuil-verlengings, Haanekuil,
Kareepoort en De Pannen hou 50 X van die Suidelike Karoo-reserwes.
Hlerdie vier afsettings hou ook 60 X van die mollbdeenreserwes en
vorm die mees lewensvatbare myndistrik in die Karookom.
Die ekonomlese lewensvatbaarheid van bogenoemde vier ertsliggame
is ondersoek, en teen 'n uraanverkoopprys van R78,05/kg U en 'n
Dolibdeenverkoopprys van R13,08/kg Mo in 1985-geldwaarde beloop die
verdiskonteerde kontantvloei-opbrengs op belegglngskoers 16,3 X na
belasting. Hlerdie af settings het 'n leeftyd van 20 jaar teen 'n
jaarlikse produksle van 800 ton uraanmetaal en ongeveer 600 ton
molibdeen. Die molibdeenproduksie is genoegsaam om in die land se
huidige behoeftes te voorsien.
Gesien die feit dat 89 % van die inkooste verkry sal word uit
uraanverkope en die huidige ooraanbod van uraan op die wéreldmark,
is dit onwaarskynllk dat hierdie afsettlngs op kort tot medium
termyn ontgln sal word, tensy 'n drlngende behoefte aan 'n
blnnelandse bron van molibdeen ontstaan.
-
PER-147 - ix ABSTRACT
Prospecting for sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in the Main
Karoo Basin started in 1969 and ceased during 1965 Although some
farms are still under option, no further explcration in the short
term is envisaged.
Uranium deposits were located in sediments of the Lower Beaufort
Group, and Elliot and Molteno Formations of the Stormberg
Group.
Reasonable Assured and Estimated Additional Resources
recoverable at less than $130/kg U amount to 31 211 t U.
The Southern Karoo region has the largest share with 93 2 of the
resources. The 4 major orebodies east of Beaufort West, i.e.
Rystkuil and its extensions, Haanekuil, Kareepoort and De Pannen
contain 50 X of the Southern Karoo's resources. These four deposits
also contain 60 X of the molybdenum resources, and constitute the
single most viable mining district in the Main Karoo Basin.
The economic viability of the four orebodies mentioned above was
investigated and, at a uranium price of R78,05/kg U and a
molybdenum price of R13,08/kg Mo in 1985 money terms, the DCFROR
yield is 16,3 Z after tax. These deposits have a life of 20 years
at an annual production rate of 800 t uranium and approximately 600
t molybdenum. The molybdenum production Is sufficient to supply the
country's current needs.
Taking cognisance of the fact that 89 2 of the revenue is
generated by uranium and the current oversupply of uranium on the
world markets, it is unlikely that these deposits would be
exploited In the short to medium term, unless an urgent need for a
domestic molybdenum source arises.
-
PER-147 - 1
1. INTRODUCTION
Prospecting for sandstone-hosted uranium deposits was carried
out in the Main Karoo Basin for a period of 17 years. Exploration
programmes started out in the Beaufort West District in 1969, and
uranium deposits and occurrences have subsequently been located in
a broad belt stretching from Aberdeen through Beaufort West to
Sutherland in an east-west direction, and from the Southern Karoo
through the Southern Orange Free State to the Eastern Orange Free
State and Qwa-Qwa.
General Geology: Uranium deposits in the Southern Karoo and
Southern Orange Free State occur in rocks belonging to the Adelaide
Subgroup. The sandstone is interbedded with mudstone and slltstone
and the sedimentary sequence forms several megacycles of which the
top three are economically the most important. Several lithofacies
can be recognised and the sandstoue has all the characteristics of
a fluvial depositional environment. Coffinite and uraninlte are the
primary uranlferous minerals and are associated with carbonaceous
debris and sulphides. Volcanic clasts and granitic detritus in
interbedded mudstones presumably released uranium and the
ore-forming fluids migrated along permeable channels in the
sandstone.
Mineralisation generally occurs in the thicker parts of channel
sandstones, especially in the lower part. Mineralised sandstones
are dark grey to black and often calcareous, or less commonly
bleached wnlte or yellowish-brown. Mineralised zones are
discontinuous and seldom exceed a few kilometres in extent. Their
tnicknesses vary from a few centimetres to a maximum of about 7 m.
Within Individual channel sandstones, mineralisation may be
preferentially associated with certain sedimentary structures, and
carbonaceous debris is almost invariably present. Thus, local
permeability differences and the availability of carbonaceous
debris are two of the more Important controls on the location of
mineralisation.
-
PER-147 - 2
Deposits were also discovered In the Nolteno Formation In the
Eastern Orange Free State and the Elliot Formation lz.
ijwa-Qwa.
Fig 1 shows the distribution of the Beaufort Group with the
principal uranium areas indicated.
Fig 2 shows the stratigraphy of the Karoo Sequence, with uranium
deposits indicated.
Exploration techniques: Various exploration techniques were used
by the companies. Local carborne and airborne radiometric surveys
were used to detect anomalous areas, followed by handheld
spectrometry to deliueate drilling targets. During 1976 the
Geological Survey embarked on a major airborne radiometric purvey,
covering the entire Main Karoo Basin, in order to assist the
companies. Other methods Include soil, stream sediment and borehole
water sampling, radon emanom^try, induced polarisation and
resistivity surveys. None of the latter methods proved to be very
effective.
All companies prospecting for uranium have to submit reports to
NUCOR in accordance with the Nuclear Energy Act, No. 92 of 1982
(previously the Atomic Energy Act of 1967, as amended). Numerous
reports regarding the metallurgical aspects and economic
feasibility of these deposits were written by MINTEK officials
(previously the National Institute for Metallurgy).
The Three Mile Island incident during March 1979 in the USA
sparked a lost of confidence in the safety of nuclear power
generation, resulting in more strict regulatory measures, higher
capital costs for nuclear power plants, the curtailment of nuclear
power projects and utility selling of stockpiles. Contributing
further to the slump in the uranium market was an economic
recession in the First World countries during the early 1980s,
causing a d"op in energy demand. A reduction in the oil price did
not help the uranium
-
PER-147 - 3
-
PEB-147 - 4
vuuniai DEPOSIT*
ST0BMBE8S
CLAXaS rOEMATIOB
ST0BMBE8S
CMUP ELLIOT PORMATIOB or»-X»
MOLTEM POnUTIOI Jaaaa'a Joy (Plckabura;) Ed'a Ecstaay
(Boaandal)
TAKKASTAP
SUBCBOUP
TEEKLOOF
PORKATIOH
STEEmUMPSBEKC H B 0 E B
TEEKLOOF
PORKATIOH
OUKLOOr KEMSES Paul's Sfphar
HOEDEMAKtt HEHBEI
POOtTJIE HEHBOt Ualtavoad, Kocktaoar, Sanítat, Biauvvcldfontaln,
Exalfontaln, Kaffarafontain, Oakaarkolk,
•uuroR ADELAIDE Kraaifontaln, Drlafontain, ctogp SUBGROUP
Lyahoak, Attarataland,
Bok • • Maaa, riathoak, fciurkop Croot Tafalbars, I m k f t l t
m , Dawidakolk, D* Pannor., Tiartwk, Zaraepeort, Haanakull,
Svartkop, Oa Coada Hoop, Bondoa, Ko*E«l-fontaln, lyat Cuil.
ABRAHAMSKMAL
ponuTioa HOORDEBAARS SAVDSTOn Taaboerafontain,
Klipbankfkraal,
Daaalcakloof, Tmafontain, Paalhuit, Knoffalfontcln, •
loasfjntaln, Brandavjmtfit, Daaafontaln, Lanslaatt*, Blatkiil l ,
Haterral. Kana l i rar , Buriarahoop.
BCU OROUP •prlnsbok PlaU
BOTE* CBOW
rl|ura J ftrallfraphy of tha Karoo laquanea, with uranlua
dcpoalta Indicated
-
PER-147 - 5
industry either. All these factors contributed to the decrease
in the uranium demand. Contract and spot market prices fell and
resulted in exploration managers not being able to get approval for
urealum exploration budgets. Prospecting programmes in the Main
Karoo Basin ceased during 1985, and although some farms are still
under option, no further exploration ic the short term is
envisaged.
Fig. 3 compares the annual uranium spot market price and the
annual exploration expenditure in the Main Karoo Basin.
The purpose of this report is to summarise the resource
estimates and exploration statistics submitted to the AEC during
the past 17 years. This report should be read in con junction with
the Ph.D thesis of J P le Roux formerly employed by the AEC,
entitled "Palaeochannels and uranium mineralisation in the Main
Karoo Basin of South Africa" which also contains relevant
references. In order to be conservative and prevent the
over-estimation of the resources in the lower cost categories,
resource estimates were cost categorised using an exchange rate of
Rl • $1.
The economic viability of the 4 major orebodies oast of Beaufort
West i.e. Rystkuil and Rystkuil Extensions (Kat Doom Kuil, Kant
Kraal and Klip Stavels) henceforth called Rystkuil Project,
Haanekuil, Kareapoort and De Pannen was investigated. This exercise
was carried out using a uranium selling price of $30/lb U_0fi
(R78,05/kg U) and a molybdenum price of Rl3,08/kg Mo and a
rand/dollar exchange rate of Rl • $1.
A list of confidential reports, submitted by the prospecting
companies, MINTEK and NUCOR officials, being held at the Geology
Department, is also supplied.
-
PBR-147 - 6
50
4 5 -
Q 40J S? |D 3 5 -O
W25-I
20-1
15
o Q io
5-1
• SPOT MARKET PRICE - DOLLAR/POUND URANIUM OXIDE • EXPLORATION
EXPENDITURE - MILLION RAND
iillili
'iffi&Wi#%?-.
'•:••.'-,' •:•••••: > /•'/•••'-, •:/:•;•>••• y y Z v '
.
mÊmmímsm wmmmmm
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983
30
25
20
15
- 10
-5
0 1984
Fig 3 Annual uranium spot market price "against the
annual exploration expenditure in the Main Karoo
Basin.
-
PER-147 - 7
2. SOUTHERN KAROO REGION
2.1 Historical Review and Exploration Statistics
The presence of uranium in the Main Karoo Basin was first noted
in 1967, during radiometric logging of boreholes drilled by the
Southern Oil Exploration Corporation (SOEKOR), In their search for
onland oil and gas deposits. Of the 10 deep boreholes drilled, 6
Intersected anomalous uranium concentrations.
Union Carbide Exploration Corporation was the first exploration
company which showed interest in the Karoo, based on the similarity
between these sediments and those hosting uranium on the Colorado
Plateau in the USA. During a carborne radiometric survey in 1970,
uranium mineralisation was discovered on the farm Grootfontein in
the Beaufort West District. Follow-up operations led to the
delineation of the Rletkuil deposit and the submission of resource
estimates to NUCOR in 1972.
In 1973 there was an announcement in Parliament that uranium had
been discovered in the Southern Karoo. This announcement together
with the predicted oil crisis, initiated large-scale exploration
programmes. As the exploration tempo gathered momentum, the rate of
discovery increased steadily from 1974 onwards.
Fig. 4 shows tbe discovery sequence of the major uranium
deposits In the Southern Karoo.
During 1973 various exploration companies joined the 'uranium
rush', vast areas were taken under option, and the number of
companies searching for uranium escalated rapidly. Fig. 5 shows and
identifies the number of companies engaged in exploration in a
specific year.
-
PER-147 - 8
1972 1973 1074 1075 1976 1077 1078 1979 1980 1981
DISCOVERY SEQUENCE 1072 : Rietkui) 1073 : 1074 :
Vindregersfontein 1075 : Damafontein Kaffcrsfontein 1078 : Ryatkuil
1077 : Tierhok Suurkop Eselfontein
Sandgat Quaggasfonlein 1078 : Bankagaten Bok Se Plaas
Swartkop
Blaauwboogte hlipbankskraal 1070 : Kareepoort De Pannen Kondom
Plathoek
Daasieskloof DR 3 GT - 7 Agtersteland Driefontein De Goedehoop
Krasifontein Paula Sypher
1080 : Nieuwveldafontein Combrinckakraal 1061 : Haanekuil
Daridskolk
Fig 4 Discovery sequence of the majf uranium deposits in the
Southern Karoo.
-
PER-147 - 9
12
11
10
03 u 1 7 flat © o «
í I I
i r i i • t i o f ' l " I " I " I i r
• Union Carbid« • Rand Mine* • Southern Sphere • Easo • IDC • J
C I • Newmont • Union Corporation • US Steel (ESSEX) • Phelps Dodge
• Anglo American • Karba Minerals(Union Carbide / Goldfirld»)
Pig 5 Companies engaged in exploration on an annual basis.
-
PER-147 - 10
A total of R43 million was spend on exploration and development
studies in the Southern Karoo. Fig. 6 shows the annual exploration
expenditure in the Southern Karoo region and Fig. 7 shows a
breakdown of expenditure on a company-by-company basis.
Exploration expenditure peaked in the 1978/79 period and the
post-1980 period saw a dramatic decline in the number of companies
involved in the uranium search*
A total of 1,6 million metres were drilled. Fig. 8 shows a
breakdown of the metres drilled on a company-by-company basis.
Taking only RAR + EAR resources recoverable at less than $130/kg U
Into account, an average of 30,6 kg U,0. was discovered per metre
drilled, and on average R0,89 was spent to discover a kilogram
U.OQ. Table 1 summarises these statistics.
Uranium deposits in the Southern Karoo were discovered in A
stratigraphlc members, i.e. the Moordenaars, Poortjie, Oukloof and
Kroonplaatz Members. The Poortjie with 58 Z of the deposits was
>
-
PER-147 - 11
lO-i
p
O
8
8-
4-
2-
0 -f 1 - i i r 1 r ~ 1 f i 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981
1982 1983 1904
Fig 6 Annual exploration expenditure in the Southern Karoo
region.
-
PER-147 - 12
22
20
16
16
14
ï» z c
5
e
2ÓT5]
JOL 4531-
QJ]
I I I Mil
i « ^ * '
íl g§ P
^
COMPANIES
Fig 7 Breakdown of expenditure on a company-by-company
basis - Southern Karoo.
-
PER-147 - 13
COMPANIES
Fig 8 Metres drilled on a company-by-company basis - Southern
Karoo.
-
PER-147 - 14
TABLE 1 Summary of the Individual companies' discovery
statistics - Southern Karoo
Company Kg U30g/« drilled Cost (R)/Kg U 3 0 g
Esso Southern Sphere JCI AAC Union Carbide IDC Rand Mines
38,49 64,38 23,31 32,81 11,01 139,62 24,74
0,62 1,33 1,19 1,37 2,00 0,58 0,59
Weighted Average 30,60 0,89
To investigate the natural order of distribution of the deposits
discovered in the Southern Karoo, a graph was constructed,
utilising the geometric progression of tonnages (Boldy, 1977). The
results plotted as a frequency distribution curve (Fig. 9) which is
thought to be fairly representative of the total population.
Approximately 50 X of the total tonnage in the Southern Karoo
comes from only four deposits. In addition it is worth noting that
63 X of all deposits have reserves of less than 400 t U, but
cumulatively these deposits account for only 13 X of the total
resources.
-
,TAM80EBSPOMTJ w ERSMOOP. KOEKOEHOCR METKUIl.PAALHUIS
^KNOFFELFONTEIN. KLEIN WATERVAL lUJENWWTElN. BRANOCWYNSGAT ,MANS
RIVtR.STEENROtSWNTEIN. KUPBANKSKRAAl
^ r a ^ | r N X G E L R ) N T E . N . SANOGAT
-OfSSIESKlÓOf
KAFFERSFONTEM
DO MO »0*00500 1000 2000 3000 40» SOOO METRIC TONS U (RAR*EAR
Recoverable at less than $ 130/kgU)
MOO TOM
-
PER-147 - 16
Figure 9 shows that a median deposit with reserves of 180 t
recoverable U occurs with a frequency of 55 Z. A modal deposit with
reserves ot 237 t recoverable U occurs with a frequency of 51 Z,
and an arithmetic average deposit with reserves of 628 t
recoverable U occurs with a frequency of 30 Z. Particular attention
should be paid to the location of the upper decile position with a
frequency of 13,5 Z, as this marks the base of really significant
deposits with reserves In excess of 1 300 t recoverable U.
Assuming that the distribution represents the whole population,
it seems unlikely that high tonnage deposits will be discovered in
the Southern Karoo, as only 2 X of the discovered deposits are of
real economic importance.
2.2 Uranium Resources
The Southern Karoo RAR + EAR uranium resources recoverable at
less than $130/kg U are estimated at 28 996 t U. To account for
mining and metallurgical losses a correction factor of 70 % was
applied.
Table 11 is a summary of the Southern Karoo uranium resources in
the different resource and cost categories. It should be noted that
the resources are attributed to the company that originally
discovered them and do not reflect the 1985 holding status.
Fig. 10 is a pie diagram of the RAR + EAR uranium resources in
the less than $130/kg U cost category, discovered by each company
in the Southern Karoo.
The uranium deposits in the Southern Karoo are lognormally
distributed (Fig. .11) and the average in situ grade was calculated
to be 1,28 kg lUOg/ t (0,76 kg recov. U/t) over a mining width of
one metre. The uranium grade of individual samples does not follow
the lognormal distribution as the cumulative frequency percent
curve (Fig. 12) presents an inflection at 80 Z of the values.
-
TABLB II URAWIUM RESOURCE ESTIMATES - SOUTHER* KAROO
COMPANY
RAR EAR SR
COMPANY
-
PER-147 - 18
Fig 10 Pie diagram of the RAR + EAR uranium resources
recoverable at less than $130/kg U discovered by each company in
the Southern Karoo.
-
6.0 • 5.0 •
-
300
.00
100
e _ s UJ ^ <
50-*0-30.
20-1
< 0£ > < «8
10-
s
3
2 .
1 I V I ' ' ' I I I l i i i l l i i OS 1 2 3 * 5 10 i5 20 25 30
3 5 4 0 ( 5 5055 60 65 70 75 00 85 90
CUMULATIVE FREQUENCY PERCENT i i i — y r — • ^ ^ 95 96 97 90 99
995
•d w x i
o Figure 12: Cumulative frequency distribution of the uranium
grade of individual
samples from the Southern Karoo
-
PER-147 - 21
This is because a lower than expected proportion of high-grade
values is observed. If mining companies accepted the distribution
of grades as lognormal, this could have led to over-estimation of
high-grade blocks.
Fig. 13 shows that 37 Z of the total tonnage discovered falls in
the 0,4 - 0,6 kg 0 recoverable/t range and 39,5 Z of the total
tonnage falls in the 0,6 - 0,8 kg U recoversble/t range.
Fig. 14 is a three-dimensional presentation which compares the
number of deposits per grade range and the cumulative tonnages of
these deposits.
Tables III to XII give a breakdown of resource estimates and
exploration statistics for each deposit on a company-by-company
basis. This should be studied in conjunction with Fig. 15, which is
a locality map stored at the back of this report (geology after
Labuschagne and Cole, Le Roux, Kubler and Stear).
2.2.1 Anglo American Prospecting Services (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Prospecting Services (Pty) Ltd (AAPS) started
prospecting in the Beaufort West and Fraserburg district during
1975. Their relatively low key programme met with commensurate
success and 1 448 t U in the RAR + EAR less than $130/kg U cost
category were discovered. This tonnage comprises 5 Z of the total
uranium discovered in the Southern Karoo sandstone deposits.
AAPS ceased prospecting In the Southern Karoo during 1983 and
abandoned all optioned areas.
Table III is a summary of the resource estimates of the
orebodies discovered by AAPS.
-
PER-147 - 22
12000 |H443.0t
11000
10000
9C00
8000
09 < 7000 > O u w K
g 5000 - f -o
4000
3OC0
2000
1000 I I I [212.0| [223.01 Í422.0J 1511.01 0.0 0.2 0.4 0 6 0.8 1
0 1.2 1.4
RECOVERY GRADE KG U/T 1.6 18 2.0 2.2
Fig 13 Uranium resources per grade category.
-
PEV147 - 23
*0 l V 8 * ^
*t>,
0 .
^ ; ;
8 O 0 Q
• « 3 0 0 ^
; ^ o 0 &
f>o 0 8 Qo
5# ÍF
%
•**> «V :v
Fig 14 Three-dimensional presentation of the number of deposits
and their resources per grade range - Southern Karoo.
-
FER-147 - 24 TABU H I
RESOURCE BSTIHATBS AID STATISTICS
COHPAEY RARE: ABGLO AMERTCAB FROSPBCT1BC SERVICES (PTT) LTD.
nOSPBCT. PABa
•An/iuntn
LOCALITY
SOUTHBBB
KAKOO
S. KABOO
SUAJRKOr
/BLAAUW-
HOOCTB
A 3/A 4
KLIPBARKS-
KBAAL
B 4
KLIPEATO-
KRAAL
B 4
*WMBBIBCn-
KRAAL
A 13
DRILLIHC:
Pros- (•> P r o s . Co*t
-
PER-147 - 25
TABLE I I I
BSSOUBCB ESTIMATES AID STATISTICS
COMPACT HUB: AICLO AKBBICA» PBOSPBCTISC SEBViCES (PTT1 LTD.
PBOSPBCT. rABM SABD- SAID- BZBL- BOB SB BOB SB
•AME/IUKBEB CAT GAT POBTEIBI PLAAS PLAAS
LOCALITY B * B * A t B » B »
DBILLIBC:
P r o s . ( • )
Prof . Coat f t )
BZCAV:
Prog ( M •> Pro». Coat ( • )
AIBB. CtOPH. SUIV:
P r o s , l a
Pros- Coat (B)
OTHEK EXPL. COST:
P r o s . (B)
TOTAL EXPL. COST:
Pro». (B)
OBB TTPE SASDSTOVE
STBAT. HOB. L- BBAUPOBT
AV. THicntss (a) 1 .31 1 .2 l . i a 1 .0» 1 .2 DEPTH BAKE ( • )
2 -45 0 - 1 0 19-29 28-112 2*-33 SPEC CRAVITY 2 . * * 2 , * * 2.«»
2 . * * *,»»
1« ABBA OP OBBBODY (»q • ) i t s « i t 124 0*0 70 72$ 137 442 78
853 • CUT-OPT CBADB k» OjO^/t 0 , 2 0 . 1 0 . 5 0 . 1 0 . 5 B TOES
OBB in a i t u M l 400 39* 000 222 000 398 500 251 700
AV. CBADE 4 0 J l U u «* V s ° t n 0 ,39813 0,5479a 1,121*4 0 .
2 5 1 7 8 3,41905 TOMS UjO g i n a i t u 275 217 249 100 • * 1
OVEBALL BBC. PACTOB (1) 70 70 70 70 70
TOH UJOJ BBCOVBRABU 193 152 174 70 »02
U BBCOVEBABLB CtADB k | U/ t 0 , 2 4 0 . 3 3 0.*7 0 . 1 5 | 2 ,
03 j
0 . 1 5 | 2 , 03
EST. COST/TOB MILLED (B) » 7 , 3 7 »7 ,37 (7.37 » 7 , 3 7
»7,37
T B SSO/kf 0 14«
0 A fSO-130/kS 0 129
B B
B $130-2*0/«« 0 1*3
B l iO/k* U 1 511
U A $80-130/E* 0
> B
B $130-2*0/*» 0 to > B • ISO/a* U
C B fBO-130/ltg 0
$130-2*0/k« 0 1 L
-
PER-147 - 26
2.2.2 Essex Minerals Co.
Essex Minerals Co (Essex) started prospecting In the Southern
Karoo during 1974. No resources were discovered In the RAR -I- EAR
less than $130/kg U cost category and prospecting stopped during
1977.
Table IV Is a summary of the high cost resources discovered by
Essex.
2.2.3 Esso Minerals Africa Inc.
Esso Minerals Africa Inc (Esso) commenced active exploration for
uranium In the Southern Karoo In October 1974. The first land
optioned In February 1975 was the Rystkull farm southeast of
Beaufort West. The Rystkull and Rystkull Extension orebodles were
subsequently discovered In this area.
Esso's exploration programme was highly successful and a total
of 19 737 t 0 in the RAR + EAR less than $130/kg U cost category
were discovered. This tonnage comprises 68 Z of the total uranium
discovered in the Southern Karoo sandstone deposits.
Esso stopped prospecting in the Southern Karoo during 1981 and
abandoned all optioned areas.
Table V is a summary of the resource estimates of the orebodles
discovered by Esso.
2.2.4 Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd
The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd (IDC)
started prospecting In the Southern Karoo during 1974. However,
their exploration endeavour met with virtually no success and only
128 t U in the RAR + EAR less than $130/kg U cost category were
discovered. This tonnage comprises less than 1 X of the total
-
PER-147 - 27 TABU nr
MSOWCt ESTIMTtS AK> STATISTICS
tssn HmMÁis COMPACT
r, rum
LOCALITO
• run
Fro». fro». Cott CU
BEAT: Pro» fat •> Fro*. Cost ( I )
Pro». Cost (I)
OMD EXPL. COST: Pro», (t)
TOTAL D F l . COST:
Pro». (I) 1 394 01»
on TIPS SAWDSTOM K M T . MOt. LOW* BtAOT.
AT. m e m » (•> -DtPTH IAMB ( • ) -S P K . CSATITT -
0 ARSA OP OMBOW («a. • ) -1 COT-OPT CRAM fc» 0 , 0 , / t -i ton
oat in situ 220 345
AT. CUM 1» »ttu k« OjO t/t 0,23 TOM o,o g teJiSa. SI orauu. asc.
PACVM «> 70 TOM 0,0, UCOVntASU 3* 0 RSCOVKRABU «BAM kt V/t
0.14
Mr. COST/TM n u » «) M . l *
1 a tso/k» v 0 A ISO-HO/k* V ! a •
a 1130-2*0/1« V a •
a fso/k» v t
V A fSO-130/kf V 1 a a
8 I130-2»0/k| 0 30 a a S fOO/k» V e a wo-ijo/k» v ' Sl3O-2»0/k«
0
-
PER-147 - 28
TABLB « BESOUBCS ESTIMATES AID STATISTICS
SSSO W E B A L S AFBICA
1 SOUTHBBB
T • , . . - - - . . , - . , — — — .
PBOsPtcv, rum SOUTHBBB 1 BAHB/BWBEB KABOO BTSTXVIL
• EST
BISTKU1L
• BIT
DASSIESXLOOr DASSICSKLOOP •MMVEU
POSTSIB
LOCALITY C 12 C 12 C 3 C 3 A 5
MIIXIK: Prog. (•) S44 4S7 Pro». Cost ( » 10 954 74i
•XCAV:
Pro» (to, • ) 14 523
Pro». Cost (B) SS4 70S
AIM . CBOPH. 8UBV:
Pros , ha »2 212
P r o s . Coat ( 1 ) 11» 150
OTHSB EXPL. COST:
Pros. (B) S 437 71S
TOTAL BXPL. COST:
Pro».
-
PER-K7 - 29
TABU V RESOURCE ESTIMATES ART) STATISTICS
COMPARY EAHE: ESSO MINERALS AFRICA
PROSPECT, FARM RAMB/HUKBEH LOCALITT
DRIIXIRC: Pro». (•' Pro». Coat (I)
EXCAV: Pros SPEC. CTUVITY AREA OP ÚREBODY (to, •) CUT-OFF CSADB
k* OjOj/t TOWS ORE lit tttu AV. CRADE In tltu k( ",0,/t TORS 0jO $
In tltu 0"fKALL EEC. FACTOR !%) TORS U.O. UCOVfKABUt U RECOVERABLE
CRADE k« U/t
EST. COST/TOR HILLED (I)
fSO/kg 0 tso-130/ks r 1130-240/kf 0
180/i, 0 ISO-130/kf V tl30-240/kl C
S f«0/kt U • ISO-130/ks 0
«130-240/k» U
SAJTDSTOHI LOWER BEAUF
1.0 40-200 2.66
«5 720 0.5
174 S14 1,35004
236 70 165 0.*
67,37
DASSIBS-KLOOF C 3
DASSIES-KLOOF C 3
DASSIES-KLOOF C 3
140
1,0 40-200 2.66
27 726 0.2
73 750 0.32
24 70 17
0,1»
67,37
RORDOM B 6
PLATHOEE B 4
14
1.0 40-300 2,66
1 47f 497 0.5
3 933 333 1.2
4 720 70
3 304 0,71
67,37
1.0 40-300 2.66
554 511 0,2
1 475 000 0,32 472 70
330 0,19
47,37
2 tOO
1,24 35-150 2.66
614 49S 0,5
2 027 520 1.07 2 169
70 1 519
0,63474
67,37
1 217
1.1 30-200 2.66
24S 173 0.3
724 153 1.3 944 70 441 0,77
47,37
340
280
-
PER-147 - 30
TABU V RESOURCE ESTIMATES ADD STA1ISTICS
COHPAR NAME: ISSO MINERALS AFRICA
PBOSPICT, PABB SUTHERLAND SUTHERLAND SVTHERLAVD — r
SUTHERLAND
NAME/NUMBER ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL
KOEKEHOEB LYSHOEX
OEE O U ORE OU
LOCALITY B I B * B t B « 1 B ( B (
DRILLING: i Prog. ( • )
Pro». Coat
Pro». Cost ( I )
A I M . GEOPH. SUFV:
Prog, lea ! Pros- Coct (R) !
1 OTHER EXPL. COST:
Prog, ( t )
TOTAL EXPL. COST:
Prog- (B)
OEI TYPE SANDSTONE
Prog- (B)
OEI TYPE SANDSTONE
STEAL HOB. LOWER BEAUP.
AV. THICKNESS
-
PER-147 - 31
TABLE T
USOUtCt ESTIMATES AID STATISTICS
COMMIT «AM tSSO HITP.ALS ATBICA
PtOSPSCT, FASH OB N l t n Dt PABSD KAEUPOOBT KARBEPOOBT
HAAOTKUIL KAAIUUIL
•AMI
LOCALITY B 14 B 1* • 14 B 14 C 13 C 13
O U I U K :
rrot. (•> Pro». Cost ( ! )
EXCAV:
Pro» (»25 547 * S03 BS7 «40 BOO 2 2*7 9*2 427 200
AV. GMDI In s i t u kg OjOj/ t 0 , 9 9 9 * 0 .5*922 1 . 0 0
,40*7 1 . 0 0 .41
TOSS OJOJ In « i t t i 2 21S 413 * «04 2*1 2 2*B 175
OVERALL ISC. PACTOk
-
PER-147 - 32
TAILS V RESOURCE ESTIMATES AID STATISTICS
COHPAIY UIB:
PROSPECT, PAH
1SSO B I I M U AFRICA
LOCALITY
DRILLUG: Pro». (•) Pros. Cost CD
EZCAV: Prog (so, •) Pro*. Cost (I)
AIRB. OIOPM. SUBV: Prog. *» Prog- Co«t (I)
OTHER DPL. COST: Prog. ittu kg V.O.'t T O M UjC g In tltu
OVEBALL EEC. fACTOE (t) TOM UjO. BECOVBIABU U UCOVEBABLS CEADI kg
U/t
TIERHOK
C 3
SAEDSTOVB
LOWEI BEAUT
1 . 1 * 15-200
2 .««
577 E15
0 . 3
1 7S2 905
1,4947»
2 »*5
70
1 »«•
0,19
TIEEHOK SUUEKOP
C 5 C 5
BAVKSCATn
B 5
EST. COST/TO! MILLED (B)
I ISO/kg V A ISO-lJO/k» U
I S l 3 0 - 2 t 0 / k g U
B ISO/kg V
A tSO-130/kg U
• | 130 -2«0 /kg V
« ISO/kg U
I MO-130/kg U
t l 3 0 - 2 t 0 / k g U
1.1 15-200
2.*«
124 OSt
0 .3
3t3 07»
1.3
472
70
330
0 .77
1.09
4-100
2 , t«
309 5»S
0 . 3
•97 «20
1,13199
1 01«
70
711
0.«7
1 .21 10-120
2 , * *
499 2BS
0 . 3
1 »07 009
1,21479
1 952
70
1 347
0 . 7 2
« « . I t
1 5*1
• « , 1 «
2B0
• 4 , 1 «
«03
1
• 4 , 1 «
1 15«
-
PER-147 - 33
uranium discovered In the Southern Karoo sandstone deposits.
The IOC stopped prospecting in the Southern Karoo during 1979
and all optioned areas were abandoned.
Table VI is a summary of the resource estimates of the orebodies
discovered by the IDC.
2.2.5 Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co Ltd
Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co. Ltd. (JCI) commenced
their exploration activities during 1974 in the Sutherland,
Fraserburg, Loxton, Aberdeen, Richmond and Laingsburg
districts.
Three orebodies were discovered with resources totalling 2 753 t
U in the RAR + EAR less than $130/kg U cost category. This tonnage
comprises 9 X of the total uranium discovered in the Southern Karoo
sandstone deposits.
JCI stopped prospecting in the Southern Karoo during 1980 and
abandoned all optioned areas, except for the farms on which the
three orebodies are located.
Table VII is a summary of the resource estimates of the
orebodies discovered by JCI.
2.2.6 Karba Minerals Inc. (Union Carbide/Goldfieids Joint
Venture)
In 1977 Union Carbide Exploration Corporation and Goldflelds of
South Africa Ltd formed a joiat venture called Karba Minerals.
Karba Minerals prospected for uranium in the Aberdeen district in
the Southern Karoo.
-
PER-147 - 34 TABU Tt
KtSOUlCt tSTHATtS ABO STATISTICS
COMPAHY BAB: IBPUSTBIAL PtrSLOPHBsT COBPOSATIOB
LOCAUTT
KOBGBL-POBTBXB D 4
DBISXIBC: PTOB- (•) Pro». Cost (I)
2 tor 5? 713
tZCAV: Pr*t
-
PER-147 - 35
TABU m USOURCt ESTIMATES AK> STATISTICS
COMPACT IAIB: JOHAWESBUBC COKSOLIDATTO t W l S T m W CO. LTP
PBOSPBCT. PABSI
LOCALITY
SOUTMOM DB-3
D 4
DAVIOSSOUC CT-7
B 7
MILLIIC:
Pro». ( • )
Pro» . Coat ( I )
199 10«
1 *M 7*4
EXCAT:
Pros ( « { • )
Prog. Coat (1 )
212 45 251
AIIB. CEOPH. SUIT: Pro», ka Prog. Coat (1) 415 797
OTKEK BXPL. COST:
P r o s . (*>
TOTAL t l P L . COST:
Pro». (1)
O U TYPE
STIAT. HOI.
AT. THICmSS ( • )
MPTH BABOB (a)
•P tC . CUTITT
o AMI OP otnoot (»4 • ) • CUT-OPT CtAOi k« 0 , 0 g / t
• TOSS O U In a l t u
AT. CBAM In « I t u k» U , O g / t
TOSS O j 0 ( to a l t u
3 S5S 52»
5 SOS 35S
SAIDSTOBE
Loun BUUPOBT
OTEIAIX SBC. PACTOI («)
TOSS OJOJ BSCOVnABLB
U nCOTttABLS CIADB k« 0 / t
EST. COST/TOB HILLED
-
PER-147 - 36
The uranium search in the Aberdeen district was unsuccessful and
Karba Minerals stopped their exploration activities at the end of
1982.
2.2.7 Newmont South Africa Ltd
Newmont South Africa Ltd (Newmont) started prospecting in the
Southern Karoo region during 1974.
This company failed to prove an orebody, and stopped prospecting
during 1981. Exploration statistics are summarised in Table
VIII.
2.2.8 Phelps Dodge of Africa Ltd
Phelps Dodge of Africa Ltd (Phelps Dodge) prospected in the
Southern Karoo during the period 1974 to 1976. No resources were
discovered in the RAR + EAR less than $130/kg U cost category.
Table IX is a summary of the high cost resources discovered by
Phelps Dodge.
2.2.9 Rand Mines Ltd
Rand Mines Ltd (Rand Mines) commenced their exploration
activities during 1974 in various parts of the Southern Karoo.
Their exploration endeavour net with limited success and 156 t U
in the RAR + EAR less than $130/kg U was proved. This tonnage
comprises
-
PER-147 - 37
TABU n i l •BSOJKCI ESTIMATES ABO STATISTICS
•BMHOBT SOUTH APBICA LTD.
PBOSPBCT. PABM
Mm/BUNMt LOCALITT
SOUTHEU
DSILUBG: Fro*, (a) Pro». Coat (I)
4 17? 41 057
BXCAT: Pros (so, a) Prog. Cost OBE TYPE STSAT. HOE.
AT. THICOESS (a) DEPTH BAfOI (a) •PEC. eiAVITY
O ABBA OP OtEBOOT
-
PER-147 - 38
TABLI IX
MSOUSCS ESTIMATES A D STATISTICS
COHFAIY U K : PHKLPS DOOCI or AFMCA LTD
Hosracr. PASS
LOCALITT
7 Fi
DBILLIJR: fro». (B) Pros. Cott (•)
BXCAV: Pro» (a* B ) Prog. Co*t (I)
All». GtOPH. SVKV'.
Pros- Cost (I)
OTHD. XXPL. COST: Pros- (1)
TOTAL SXPL. COST: Pro». (I) »73 »00
0 U TIPS
STMT. HOI.
SAIMTOSE
LCtm SBAOP.
A». TKICKSISS (B)
DEPTH IASCS ( • )
SPSC. OAflTT
0 ASIA OP OtnOt>I i tu
OVERALL SIC. FACTO» («)
UjOf ttcornAsu 0 BSCOVEBASLS OADS k» 0 / t
•ST. OOST/TDS KILLSD (S)
I ISO/k» 0
A M O - l M / k t 0
I 1130-2*0/*» V
S MO/k» 0
A MO-130/ t» V
B $130-1*0/1» 0
«13 »00
0 , 2 5
153
70
107
0 , 1 5
M , l »
S ISO/ft» 0
• MO-130/k» «
S130-2»0 /k | 0 • 1
-
PER-147 - 39
less than 1 X of the total uranium discovered in the Southern
Karoo sandstone deposits.
Rand Mines stopped prospecting during 1980 and relinquished all
their options.
Resource estimates for Rand Mines are summarised in Table X.
2.2.10 Southern Sphere Uranium (Pty) Ltd
Southern Sphere Uranium (Pty) Ltd (Southern Sphere) started
exploration in the Beaufort West and Fraserburg districts during
1973 being the second company to enter the field. Several
orebodies, totalling 3 041 t U in the RAR + EAR less than $130/kg U
category, were discovered. This tonnage comprises 10,5 Z of the
total uranium discovered in the Southern Karoo sandstone
deposits.
Southern Sphere maintained their optioned areas throughout the
low demand period and during 1982 optioned areas previously held by
Esso in the Sutherland and Beaufort West districts. Prospecting was
stopped at the beginning of 1985 and in addition to rights that had
been purchased, some properties previously held by Esso were
bought, and Southern Sphere currently controls 66 Z of the
resources discovered In the Southern Karoo.
Table XI is a summary of the resource estimates of the orebodies
discovered by Southern Sphere.
-
TABU I BSSOUBCS ESTIMATES ABD STATISTICS
PER-14? - 40
•ASP rows LTP
nosncT turn sovran sranjun *—n*f"Tr B OPS » KAS00 •ML m t B.
BATAL
LOCALin • l i » l i - -
B B I L U K :
Pro». ( • ) 10 *32
P r o s . CMt H ) 11« SS4
nCAT:
Pros 205
Prog. CMt » ) 2 TOO i A i n . CEOPR. SUIT: ! j
Pr»». l a 9 321 !
Pros . Coat ( • ) 4* 319
OTHn HPL. COST:
Pro». (1 ) 4« *99
TOTAL EKPL. COST:
Pros. Ct) 1*7 001 *t 31t
on TYPE SASDSTOm STBAT. S t » . W W » SEAOP.
AT. nocmss (») 0 .35 0 , 3 7 0 , * 1 0.4A Mpm uses (•> 2 0 -
' 20-50 3 - 3 0 45 -93 S P K . CSATITT 2 , * * 2 . * * ».»•
2.44
0 ASIA OP 0UB00T (•«. • ) 2 721 OM 2 O i l 27* 579 4*3 141 M
9
• CVT-OPr CtADt k« 0 , 0 a / t
t ton on in «itu 2 $33 313 1 97« 300 940 542 20* 700 AT. « A M i
n s i t u to " j O g ' 1 0,14*98 0 ,051 0 . 2 2 S 0 .237
TOO» n O g i n » l t u 3»0 101 214 4*
OVSBALL U C . FACTO! (« ) 70 70 70 70
TOSS UJOJ IEC0VEBA>lS 2t« 71 150 34
U BECOVEIABLE « A M kg «»/t 0 ,0« 0.O3 0 ,13325 o,i4o;«
EST. COST/KM RILL» ( • ) .- . . . «S.OO «S.OO 4 3 , 0 0 « 3 . 0
0
T • MO/kg 0 1
0 A fSO-130/kg V I 1 2 /
• t 1130-2*0/1« V 223 s
t MC/h* o "" "" I V A M 0 - » 0 / t o « ' 29
• •
• f l M - 2 « 0 / k S V i 1
• 0
• • S StO/kg 0 T
i c I tSO-130/ to V • 1130-2*0/1« V 1
-
PER-147 - 41
TABU I I
•SS0U9CB KSTIHATBS AID RATISTICS
COCS-AIX U K : SOUTH!» SPHUI U1ATUII (PTT) LTP
PtOSPBCT. PAH
LOCALITT
SOUTHKU
EJUtOO
KAPTnS
POBTIM
C 10
XAFFEBS
POBTBH
C 10
KAFFBIS
FOIITIII
C 10
HAAHEKUIL
C 13
M I I X I K :
Proa.. ( • )
P r o s . Coat ( 1 )
79 92*
919 359
ncA*. Pro» (aq a )
Pro», coa t ( • )
A I » . CtOPH. SUIV:
f r o g , l a
Pros . Coat ( I )
O m n UPL. COST:
Pro». ( I )
ncA*. Pro» (aq a )
Pro», coa t ( • )
A I » . CtOPH. SUIV:
f r o g , l a
Pros . Coat ( I )
O m n UPL. COST:
Pro». ( I ) 2 933 (94
3 152 255
SAIDSTOn
LOWU BEAUT.
1.0
15-100
2 ,4*
497 394
0 .5
1 929 000
1.0
1 929
70
1 290
0 ,59
TOTAL « P L . COST:
Pro». ( I )
OBI TTP!
STMT. KOI.
2 933 (94
3 152 255
SAIDSTOn
LOWU BEAUT.
1 .12
55
2 . 4 4
47 140
0 , 1 7
140 439
0 , 4 1
9*
70
40
0 , 3 *
1.0
15-100
2 ,4*
497 394
0 .5
1 929 000
1.0
1 929
70
1 290
0 ,59
0
•
IV. THICmSS ( • )
DtTTH EAKI ( a )
IPIC. CUVITT
U U OP OUBODT (aq a)
CVT-OPP C U M k» 0 , 0 , / t
1 0 « OU in a i t u
tV. C U M In a i t u k» 0 0 ( / t
TOBS UjO § in a i t u
OVERALL UK. FACTO! ( I )
roas u}o UCOVBRABLI U MCOVIRABLB C U M k( 0 / t
1.5
C-55
2 . * *
52 943
0 . 4 9
211 322
1 .04
220
70
154
0 . 4 2
1.12
0-35
2 . 4 *
19 174
0 .35
57 124
0 ,41
35
70
1 24
0.34
1 .12
55
2 . 4 4
47 140
0 , 1 7
140 439
0 , 4 1
9*
70
40
0 , 3 *
1.0
15-100
2 ,4*
497 394
0 .5
1 929 000
1.0
1 929
70
1 290
0 ,59
1ST. COST/TO! KILLED ( I ) 52 ,77 52,77 52 ,77
1
52.77
T
0
9
S
0
I
• c
• 190/k» 0
A tSO-130/kf U
1 1130-240/k» 0
131
52,77 52 ,77
1
52.77
T
0
9
S
0
I
• c
• ISO/k» 0
A »10-110/k» V
I f l 30 -240 /k« 0
• 190/k» 0
• ftO-130/kg 0
«130-240/k( U
21
I
1 J
51
1 095
-
PER-147 - 42 TABU XI
BESOURCB KSTIHATIS AID STATISTICS
COKPABX IAMB: SOUTHE1JÍ SPHEBB U1AMI1W (PTt) LTO
PBOSPBCT. PASS OB CBAR BAMS/BVNBSB
LOCALITY
VIVDRAGBItS-
romii DB BAD C 7
VIVDBACBBS-rOMTBIB DI BAD C 7
VIBDBACBBS-POBTEIB 01 BAD C 7
VIVDBACEBS-r o m u DB BAD C 7
1 VIBDBACKBS- VIHDRACEBS-POBTBIB rOBTBIB DB BAD OK BAD C 7 C
7
DEILLIB»: PBOC. (•) PBOC. COSTS (B)
BXCAV: PBOC. (a 3) PBOC. COSTS (B)
AIBB. 6B0PH. SUBV: PBOC. la PBOC. COST (B)
OTMBB EXPL. COST: PBOC. (B)
TOTAL EXPt. COST: PROC. (B)
OBB TYPB STBAT. HOB.
SABDSTOVS LOWBB BEAUT
AV. THICKXES8 ( • )
DBPTH RAKS ( • )
•PIC. 0RAV1TY
UTUUTBD ABBA OP OBBBODT ( a 3 )
CUT-OPT GBADB k« VjO g / t
TOBB OU In » l t u
AV. «BADC In » l t u kt 0 , 0 , / t
TOBB UjO, i n j i l a i
OVBftALL BBC. FACTO* (%)
TOBS UJOJ BBCOVEBABLB
U RECOVEBABLE OBADB
B8T. OOBT/TOB MILLED (B)
1 .33 0-75
2 , * *
1*4 7B0
0 , 4 »
582 9*0
0 . 5 « 344
70
241
0 . 3 5
1 .7» 0-75
2 , « *
100 750
0 .17
47» 709
0 . 3
144
70
101
0.1B
1.33
0-75
2 . * *
73 »95
0.4B
2*1 7B0
0,5«
154
70
101
0.35
• ISO/kt U A ISO-UO/k» U
• $130-2*0/ka U
»7,37
204
»7,37
B«
«7,37
1 .7«
0 -75
2 .*«
124 301
0 , 1 7
591 149
0 , 3
17B
70
124
0 , 1 8
1.33
75
2 . "
284 081
0.48
1 005 020
0 , 5 «
5*3
70
415
0 ,35
1.33
75
2,«*
302 844
0,17
1 071 401
0 ,3
321
70
225
0.18
»7,37 «7,37 »7,37
"~l
B ISO/fcf V
A tSO-130/kt 0
B " 3 O - 2 * 0 / k t 0
•2
10S
8 ttO/ks U
• 180-130/fct 0
$13O-2»0/kI U
352
191
-
PER-147 - 43
TABLE II RSSOURCB ESTIMATES AMD STATISTICS
COMPANY MAKE: SOUTHER» SPHEBI URAMIUH (PTY) LTD
PBOSPBCT, PARK OB CBAR DBIE- DBIE- DRIE- DBIB- ACTEBSTB-
ACTEBSTE-HAKE/MUItBEB POMTRIV POREII /OMTEIH POMTI» LAMD LAMD
LOCALITY A t A t A t A « A « A t
DBILLIK: PBOC. (a) PBOC. COSTS (B)
BXCAV: PBOC (a3) PBOC. COSTS (B)
AIRB. CBOPH. SUBV: PBOC. ka. PBOC. COSTS (B)
OTHBB BZPL. COST: PBOC. (B)
TOTAL BXPL. COST: PBOC. (B)
OBB TYPE SAMDSTOME
PBOC. (B)
OBB TYPE SAMDSTOME STBAT. HOB. LOWER BEAUP.
AV. THICKBBSS (a) O.S2 0,74 1.22 0,74 l.M 0,39 DEPTH RAMCE (a)
0-30 0-30 0-30 0-30 0-40 0-40 SPEC. CBAVITY 2.*» 2,«* 2.** 2.»»
2.** 2,*i
0 ESTIMATED ABU OP OBBBODY (a 3) 75 »4» 172 990 130 295 271 Oil
SI 337 »9 797 B CUT-OPT GBADE k» U,Og/t o.«s 0,35 0.17 0,48 0.4d
0.4S B TOM OBE In »ltu H 5 000 3*0 SI* 422 S33 533 45S 378 «2» 109
540
AV. CRADE }n fltu ki U }O g/t l.li 0.35 0,24 0.48 1.13 2,*5 TOMS
OjO, *n flfci 1*5 119 101 25» 435 290 OVERALL BBC. PACTOB (*> 70
70 70 70 70 70 TOMS UJOJ RECOVERABLE 13* S3 71 179 305 203 U
aECOVERABLE CRADE 0,7 0,21 0.1* 0,28 0.48 1,57
EST. COST/TOB HILLED (B) »7,37 »7,37 »7,37 »7,37 »7,37 »7.37
| T B $80/k( U III 25S 0 A $80-130/ki D 71 1 s
B Sl30-2*0/kt U «0 1 s
E *Sw-"«» « 152 172 u A 180-130/kS U B f
R 1130-2*0/1» 0 B f S *SO/k* U C B ÍIO-130/k» U • $130-2*0/«« 0
1
-
FER-147 - 44
TABU U
KZSOUSCI ISTIHATRS AMD STATISTICS
COMPACT «AM: SOUTHBU SPH1M OBARH» (PTT) LTD
FROSPRCT, FARM OS CBABT DR CORDS PR 60BOR —— — DR C0B3R DS
GORDB
- — • - • - . . » ™ . • • • , . • — .
DR COEDB KRAAX-
RAKR/VUMBBR HOOP HOOP HOOP HOOP HOOP PORTRIB
LOCALITY A 7 A 7 A 7 A 7 A 7 A 8
t U L L I K :
PSOC. ( • )
PBOG. COSTS (B)
RXCAV:
PBOG. COSTS (B)
RXCAV:
PSOC ( a 3 )
PSOC. COSTS ( I )
AIBB. CSOPH. SUBV:
PSOC. ta.
PSOC. COSTS (B)
OTHER KXPL. COST:
PBOC. (1)
TOTAL U P L . COST:
PBOC. ( ! )
ORS TYPS SAVDSTOVS
STRAT. HOB. LOWBR BRAUP.
AV. THicnrsss (•> 0 , 5 8 0 ,50 0,71 0 . 7 5 0 ,75 0,82 DRPTH
RARCB ( • ) 0-2S 0 - i 0 0-80 0-25 0-25 4-59
SPSC. CRAVITY 2 , « 6 2 , * * 2.44 2 .*« 2 .«« 2,««
0 tSTIHATtO ARU OP ORIBODY ( a 3 ) 59 «32 m o«i 82 814 377 «37
77 347 33 737 1 CWT-OFP CRADt k» UjO,/ t o.»s o,*s 0,48 0 , 1 7 0
,17 0,48 1 TORS ORS 1ft l i t u 92 000 227 484 15« 402 753 385 154
308 73 587
AV. CRASS In » H u kt UjOj/t 1 .1S 0 ,97 l . « 9 0 .2« 0 .2«
1,97
«HIS u 3 0, In »ltu 109 221 244 19« 40 138
OVBRALL I S C . PACTOI
-
PER-147 - 45 TABU XI
BISOUBCB ESTIMATES AID STATISTICS
COHPABY IAMB: SOUTHEB1 SPHBBI UBABIMI (PTT) LTD
PBOSPBCT, PAEH OB «AWT "r
KBAAI- KBAAJ- KBAAI- KBAAI- KSAAI-
•An/VUMBEB rOBTEIB FOBTEH POBTBIB POMTBM roRBIB WELCEMOED
LOCALITY A • A • A 8
DBILLIK:
PBOC. ( • )
PBOC. COSTS ( • )
BXCAV:
PBOC. ( a 3 )
PBOC. COSTS (B)
AIHfl. CBOPH. SUBV:
PBOC. ka
PBOC. COST (B)
OTHDt BXPL. COST:
PBOC.
-
PER-147 - 46
TABLB XI
KESOUBCB ISTIHATtS AID STATISTICS
COMPABY BARB: SOUTHKB» SPHKBB PIABIMI CPTY) LTP
nOSPBCI, FASH OB CEABT WELCENOED UBLCBWBD PAUL'S PAUL'S PAUL'S
PAUL'S
lAMX/BUMMB STPHXB SYPMKB SYPHBB SXPHBB
LOCALITY A • A 8 A 7 A 7 A 7 A 7
DBILLIBS:
PBOC. (» )
PtOC. COSTS (B)
KXCAV:
PBOC ( a 3 )
PBOC- COSTS (B)
AIBB. CBOPH. SUBV:
PBOC. ka.
PBOC. COSTS (B)
OTHBX BXPL. COST:
PBOC. (B)
TOTAL BXPL. COST:
PBOC. ( I )
[ OBB TTPB SABDSTOBB
| STBAT. HOB. LOUBX BEAUP
A». THICOBSS (a) l , i 7 l . « 7 1,80 1.5» 1 .5
DSFTH BABCS ( a ) 0 -40 40 0-22 0-22 0 -23
1PBC. CBAVITY 2 . * * 2 ,8* 2,8« 2 .88 2 ,88
0 BSTOUTBD ASIA OP OKBBODT ( a 3 ) 13 OSS 28 178 25 ( 0 0 lO 152
11 830
B CUT-OPT CKADt kg 0 , 0 ( / t 0 . « 0,48 0,48 0 .35 0 ,17 0
.4»
B TOBS OBB JjLl i fa l 5S 140 118 27« 124 483 42 «38 47 200
A». C1ADI In » l t u k« O ^ / t 0 , 4 8 0,48 1,30 1.08 0 , 5
TOBS U , 0 , i n tlVi 2S 3« 182 45 24
OVXBALL BBC. PACTOB ( t ) 70 70 70 70 70
TOBS UjOj BSCOVBBABLt 20 39 113 32 18
0 BBCOVBBABLB CBADB 0 , 2 8 0,28 0,77 0 , 8 3 0 , 3 0 0.2S
•ST. COST/TOB MILLED (B) 8 7 , 3 7 «7 ,37 87,37
«8
« 7 , 3 7 8 7 , 3 7 87,37
t B f80 /kg V
8 7 , 3 7 «7 ,37 87,37
«8
« 7 , 3 7
'
0 A «80 -130 /k t U
B
• B 1130-260/«* 0 B
• B *80/k» V 17
i 27
U A t S 0 - 1 3 0 r t t 0
B t l 3 0 - 2 8 0 / k « 0 14
I
B g ISO/kg U
C a *so-no/*s a 33 70 • I130~280/k( 0
-
PER-147 - 47
TABLI XI RESOURCE ESTIMATES AID STATISTICS
COKPAHY BAKE: SOUTHER» SPWEM URABHJH (PTY) LTD
PROSPECT. PA» 01 CBABT PAUL'S KRAAI- 7SAAI- KEAAI- TAHBOEBS-
TAKBOERS-BAME/BUMBEE 5YPHBB POBTEIB PORTBIB PORTEIB rOBTBIB POBTEIB
LOCALITY
DKIIXIK: PBOC. (a) PROC. COSTS (1)
aXCAV: PBOC (a 1) PBOC. COSTS (B) 1
1 AIBB. CBOPH. SUBV:
PBOC. ka. PBOC. COSTS (B)
OTKEB BXPL. COST: PBOC. (B)
TOTAL BZPL. COST: PBOC.
-
PER-147 - 48
TABU XI
USOUBCI BSTIHATBS AID STATISTICS
COMPACT BANS: SCmtSBB SPHBBS UEAEIUM CPTT) LTP
PBOSPBCT, PABH OB CBABT TAKBOEBS- TAHBOEBS- TAKBOEBS-
WILCEB-
•AME/BUHBEB POHTBIB POREIB rOBTBIB BOSCHKLOOP
LOCALITY B B B S B S A S
DBILLUC:
PBOC. ( • )
PBOC. COSTS ( I )
BXCAV:
PBOC ( a 3 )
PBOC. COSTS (1)
AIBB. CBOPH. SUBV:
PBOC. ka
PBOC. COST (B)
OTHKB BZPL. COST:
PBOC. (B)
TOTAL EXPL. COST:
PBOC. (B)
OBB TYPE SABDSTOBE
STBAT. HOB. LOWEB BEAUT
AV. THICHESS (a ) 2 , 1 2 1,27 1 .5* 2 , 4 « DBPTH BAKE (a) 0
-50 0-50 0-50 30
SPEC. CBAVITX 2 . * * 2 . * * 2 ,«* *.** O ESTIMATED ABBA OP
OBEBODT ( a 3 ) 1 «S3 t 595 S 033 4 «37
i cvt-orr CBAM u » , o $ / t 0 . 3 5 0 .17 0 .4S 0 , 4 8 B TMS
OBB in «ltu 11 23S 22 27S 21 2SS 31 391
AV. CBAM JO f tm H V ,0 , / t 0 . 4 2 0 .25 0 .52 0 . 7 S TMS
UjO§ In «ltu 3 t 11 24 OVBBALL BSC. PACTOB (I) 70 70 70 70 TOMS 11
,0 , EECOVBBASLS 3 * S 17 U BBCOVIRABLS CBADS 0 .2S 0 .15 0 .31 0 ,
4 «
1 S T . COST/TO* RILLID (B) «7 ,37 «7 ,37 «7 .37 « 7 , 3 7
T B tso/k«, D 0 A SSO-130/ks 0
• B l l 3 0 - 2 * 0 / k » D • •
B ISO/kg U
V A ISO- 130/ks V B 1130-2*0/11» 0
3
3
1 B I $S0/k» U C B ISO-130/1« C 7 15
llJO-240/c» 0
-
PER-147 - 49 TULA XI
usouici trruura * » STATISTICS
coMPure u m : SOUTHS— s m u t wuumni ITP
PBOSPBCT, FABI
•ABB bOCAUTI
10 * PiBMS SOVTKKBB KABOO
MUU.IK: Pro». (•) Pro»- Co»t (!)
BXCAT:
Pros- (»') Prat- Co*t (•)
Al l» . CtOPH. SOW:
Pros- *» Pro». Cort (1)
OTHEK EXPL. COST: Pros. (1)
10TAL IZPL. COST:
Pros- (•)
OS! TIPS STBAT. mt.
AV. THICmSS (•) MPTH BABCS (a) SPSC. CUUTT
0 ABBA OP OttaODX («q • )
B cut-orr CUM k» «,o (/t B TOW OBB in altu
AT. CBAM in lit»» k» 0 , 0 , / t TO"» OjOj in i l t o OTBUU.
ISC. nCTOI {*) TOW» 9 , 0 , BBCOVEBASLB U BSCOVBUtLB CBAM ks 0 /
t
1 40» 75» 0,41
57S 70
405 0,24
1ST. COST/TOB BILLSD ' t )
T B SCO/Its V 0 A IBO-130/k» 0 • I fl3C-2*0/k» 0
B MO/k* 0 V A IBO-lM/ta 0
B •130-2*0/1« 9
M , l t 1ST. COST/TOB BILLSD ' t )
T B SCO/Its V 0 A IBO-130/k» 0 • I fl3C-2*0/k» 0
B MO/k* 0 V A IBO-lM/ta 0
B •130-2*0/1« 9
32 32 41
1ST. COST/TOB BILLSD ' t )
T B SCO/Its V 0 A IBO-130/k» 0 • I fl3C-2*0/k» 0
B MO/k* 0 V A IBO-lM/ta 0
B •130-2*0/1« 9
B • 1*0/1» 0 e a sso-130/kt o
•130-2*0/feB 0
4* 52
140
-
PER-147 - 50
2.2.11 Onion Carbide Exploration Corporation - Southern
Africa
Union Carbide Exploration Corporation - Southern Africa (Union
Carbide) discovered uraniua mineralisation In Lower Beaufort
sediments during 1969, and subsequently carried out prospecting in
the Beaufort West and Fraserburg districts. Several orebodies,
totalling 1 733 t U in the RAR + EAR less than il30/kg U cost
category, were discovered. This tonnage comprises 6 X of the total
uranium discovered in the Southern Karoo sandstone deposits.
Union Carbide stopped prospecting in 1979 and bought the mineral
rights of various farms where its prospecting programme was
successful In locating mineralisation.
Table Xll is a summary of the resource estimates of the
orebodies discovered by Union Carbide.
-
PER-147 - 51
TABU XII
USOUKCt tSTIHATIS AID STATISTICS
COMPAVT KAMI: WnOK CAIB1DK UPLOKATIO») COKPOIATIOK SOOTHS»
AFRICA
I PtOSPKCT. PAH
LOCALITY
MILLIK: Pro». (•) Pro*. Coat (1)
KXCAV: Pro» (aq •) Pro». Coat (I)
SOUTHKSK
24* 032 1 «71 AM
47 237
009 •
• •
00« P(l)
a •
AIM. CSOPH. SUIT: Pro(. ka Pros- Coat (•)
OTHIS KXPL. COST: Prog. (I)
TOTAL KXPL. COST: Pro». (I)
OIK TYPS STKAT. HOt.
4» 09«
« 1 « ! 050
5 •*? «3«
AV. menus (•> DKPTH SAKS ( • )
SPIC. CBATITT
AKKA OP OUBODY (aq • )
CUT-OPT CHAM k» U , 0 ( / t
TOMS Oil in altu AT. CIAM in altu k» Oj0,/t TOSS UjOj In »ttu
OVUALL ISC. PACTOI
-
FER-147 - 52 TABU XII
BSSOUtCS ESTIMATES «SO STATISTICS
PAR WHO» CABBIPB EXPLOBATIOS COtfOBATIOB SOUTHS» ATTICA
PBOSPSCT, (ASM 033 P t / 7 033 P10 EXT M4/03S B(S) 00«/01
OBB TTPt
STBAT. BOB.
A*. THicnrtss (a) 1.11 1.2» 1.07 1.1 1.54 O.M DEPTH BABCS ( a )
IS IS 72 10 12 4t
srac. MA*m 2 . « 2.*» 2 . t . 2 , t t 2 . t t 2 . t t 0 ABBA OP
OBtBOOT (a* a ) 52 017 * 5*3 31 440 t 40B t SOI 27 404 B CVT-OfP «
A M kg " j O g / t 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.3 B TOM OBB l a al t t i
133 5S5 32 SIS S» 4SS IB 751 27 S3» tS 322
AT. CBADB l a a i t u kg " j O j / t 1 . « l . t 2.3S 2. t t
2,15 2,11 TOSS 0 } 0 a In » l t u 1*4 53 213 50 to 145 OTBBAIX BBC.
PACTOB ( t ) 70 70 70 70 70 70 TOOT 0 j 0 f tSCOTBBABLB 133 37 14«
35 42 101 0 BBCOVBBASLS CBADB kg 0 / t 0,75 0,»5 1.41 1.5» 1.2S
1.25
BST. COST/TOB « U S D (I) t t . l t S t . l t ' M . l t S t . l
t S t . l t S t . l t
T B ISO/kg 0 12t I 3 0 3t M 0 A MO-130/kg D 113 31
"• •
B I130-2t0/fcg 0 "• •
B ISO/kg V V A MO-UO/kg V
• •
B 1130-240/1« 0 • • • ItO/kg 0 c B fSO-130/kg 0 • Il30-2t0/fcg
B
http://tt.lthttp://St.lthttp://St.lthttp://St.lthttp://St.lt
-
-147 -
T U U I I I
BSTIMTBS «ID STATISTICS
«no» CAMIM BPLOMTIM CMPOMTIM SOUTH APMCA
paosrscr. PAH
LOCALITY
1 01ft - C
: ft ft
n» - A DBS
ft 9
AMITIOML
on
— r AM.
O U
AM.
on
Í AM.
MILUMC:
r r o | . ( • )
Pro» . Coat ( 1 )
1 1 t
|
BXCAT:
P r o s ( « 4 •>
P r a t - Coat
-
PER-14/ - S4
TABU III
tKSCUKt BSTIRAT» AH> STATISTIC»
u r n CAwnt mtaoATio» OOKTOIATIO» SOUTH AHICA
PB0SPBCT, fWM 051-P10 0 3 4 - » M t - 1 M 3 - M 1
LOCALITY
DULLIK:
Tn%. ( a )
Prof. Coat
Pra». Coat ( ! )
Ain. ctora. sunr: Pro», ha
Pre». Coat ( • )
m o HPL. cost: Pro». (ft)
TOTAL tXPL. COST:
Pre» . (1 )
on rot SAIDSTOR SÏBAX. Wat. I M U KAOT.
Af. TMICDUS ( • ) 1 .1» 0 . S 3 I . " 1 . 3
0SPTH t i n ( a ) 10 3 11 37
SPK. c u i m 2 . M 2 . * * 2 . * * 2 .*« O AUA 0P OUMOT (aa, • )
t «72 12 157 7 MS 14 «30
• COT-OPT O A M kg > , 0 a / t 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 , 5
• ion on la aitu 31 M » 2» MO 35 143 50 5*0 AT. C U M l a a i t
u h» " , 0 , / t l . * 0 1 ,17 1 . « 1 .02
TOR 0 . 0 . l a o i t u SI 31 «3 «2
OVERALL U C . PACTOt (*) 70 70 70 70
TOR: o Jo f uoonuBLt 35 22 «4 «4 0 ISCOVnAALS CtADI k» V / t 0
,»5 0 , « * 1.0» 1 .00
nr. cosT/Toi n u n (» M . M M , l * M . M M . l *
1 • fSO/k» 0
M . M M , l *
37 55
o A MO-130/fca. « 30 1« • • 1130-2*0/1« 0 s
1 ItO/k» V
"""~"~~—— ————— -—— ———"——"— — -— - - - - " - — ~ " • • - - -
—
V A MO-'SO/kS 0
* B
• $130-2*0/1« 0
* B • f M/k» 0
c I • •0-130/ka. 0 9130-2*0/1« 0
-
PER-147 - 55
TAILS m
ISSOUKCS BSTIHATBS AID tTATISTICS
BWO» CAHBIDS SZPLOBATI09) C0SP09ÁTI0» SOOTH ATtlCA
l*OSPBCT, FAH
VUIOUS
-- ----—— -
034-P11 O49-M0.
LOCAUTT A S A S
MILLUC:
Trot,
Prof . Cost ( 1 )
A l t t . CSOPM. SOW:
Pro», ha
Pro». CMt ( » )
O i m BXPL. COST:
Pros . (1 )
TOTAL IIPL. COST:
Pros- ( ! )
OSS TIPS SAVDSTOM
STMT. MM. UNtft BSAU7.
AT. THICntSS (•> 0 , 7 * 0 . » * 0 ,71 0 , 9 3 0 . 7 0
1.27
DSPTH IAKS ( • ) 0 - 1 5 0-15 0-15 0-15 21 29
SPSC. CaAVITT i . * « 2 ,9« 2 .9« 3 . « * 2 . 9 * 2 ,9«
O AHA OP OUBODT 13 429 t 033 5 055 57 S97 22 731 15 23)
• cvr-orr CIAC* kt "jOt't 0 . 5 0 . 3 0 , 5 0 , 3 0 . 3 0 .5 •
TO» Ott in s i t u 29 427 20 S12 9 54* 143 225 42 325 51 454
AT. «ADS to a l t u ta 0 , 0 g / t 1 ,23239 0 ,9293* 1,470»S 0
,7490« 1.3< 1.30
TOSS D , 0 ( to « i t u 33 17 14 107 37 47
OVBIAU, U e . PACTOB («) 70 70 70 70 70 70
TOM OJOJ UCOVHtABLS 23 12 10 75 40 47
0 tSCOVCSAKJ eiAOS k( U/t 0 , 7 3 0 . 4 « 0,07 0 .44 0 . 7 9
0.77
tST. COST/TO» HILUD M , 1 S »9 .19 94 ,1« S9 .19 94 ,14
S9.14
f • f S 0 / k | v
S9 .19 94 ,14
0 A I S O - l M / k t 0 I t 34 40
• • »130- 2*0/kt U 10
• • ISO/kt 0
0 A IS0-13O/*s 0 •
B
1
* 1130-240/kt o 94
B
1 s «sorts o C • ISO-UO/kt 0
9130-2*0 ,kt 0
»_« J . _ - J
-
PER-147 - 56
2.3 Molybdenum Potential
Molybdenum mineralisation Is frequently associated with uranium
occurrences in the rocks of the Southern Karoo, unfortunately only
limited data are available, as exploration companies did not always
assay for molybdenum and/or did not submit molybdenum information
to NUCOR. It is however estimated that approximately 28 000 t in
situ Mo is present in the known deposits of the Southern Karoo.
Sixty percent of this figure occurs in the Rystkuil Project,
Haanekuil, Kareepoort and De Pannen deposits.
Table XIII is a summary of the estimated molybdenum resources of
the Southern Karoo.
-
PER-147 - 57
TABLE XIII SUMMARY OF THE ESTIMATED MOLYBDENUM RESOURCES OF THE
SOUTHERN KAROO
DEPOSIT TONS ORE ESTIMATED Mo GRADE TONS Mo in situ kg Mo/t in
situ in situ in situ kg Mo/t in situ
Ezelfontein 222 000 0,616 137 Blaauwhoogte 996 600 0,380 378
Sandgat 396 000 0,604 239 Bok se Plaas 251 700 0,194 49
Klipbankskraal 97 200 0,251 24 Rystkull+Ext 10 996 661 0,675 7 423
Roridom 2 027 520 0,825 1 673 Banksgaten 1 607 009 0,449 721
Plathoek 726 153 0,699 508 Tierhok 2 145 981 1,291 2 770 Suurkop
897 620 1,291 1 159 De Pannen 2 218 768 0,999 2 218 Kareepoort 6
803 887 0,675 4 593 Haanekuil 4 096 962 0,675 2 765 DR-3 1 221 130
0,250 305 GT-7 900 336 0,250 225 Dawldskolk 3 081 000 0,250 770
Kaffersfontein 268 446 0,500 134 Driefontein 1 038 972 0,500 519
Agtersteland 488 166 0,550 268 De Goede Hoop 475 886 0,400 190
Paul'8 Sypher 167 421 1,639 274 Damsfontela 186 400 1,010 188
Bloemfontein 69 165 1,000 69 Waterval 51 454 1,000 51 Braudewyosgat
50 590 0,910 46 Rletkuil 726 463 0,ll8 85
TOTAL 42 209 490 0,658 27 781
-
PER-147 - 58 2.4 Economic Viability
The uranium deposits of the Southern Karoo represent the largest
concentration of uranium outside the Uitwatersrand Basin, and also
the country's only significant viable source of molybdenum.
However, the scattered nature and limited tonnage militate against
the economic exploitation of the individual deposits.
A preliminary feasibility study (Toens et al. 1980) showed that
the Southern Karoo deposits are marginally viable if collective
mining and custom milling techniques are employed. Since then the
resources of the 4 major deposits east of Beaufort West, i.e.
Rystkuil Project, Haanekuil, Kareepoort, and De Pannen, increased
and now comprise 50 Z of the Southern Karoo's total uranium, and 60
X of the total molybdenum resources.
Due to the relatively high tonnage and close proximity of these
4 deposits, this area is regarded as having the biggest potential
to develop into a mining distric.:. The following is a review of
the economic viability of exploiting these deposits on a collective
mining principle, using the same mill and uranium plant.
2.4.1 Data used for profitability analysis
2.4.1.1 Ore reserves
Tons ore kg u 3o 8/t in situ
Tons U recover.
kg Mo/t in situ
Tons Mo in situ
Tons ore kg u 3o 8/t in situ
Tons U recover.
kg Mo/t in situ
Rystkuil Haanekuil De Pannen Kareepoort
10 996 661 4 096 286 2 218 768 6 803 887
1,04095 1,0 0,9996 1,0
6 791 2 430 1 316 4 036
0,675 0,675 0,999 0,6/5
7 423 2 765 2 218 4 593
Total 24 115 602 1,019 14 573 0,7 16 999
-
PER-147 - 59
2.4.1.2 Life-of-mlne
By phasing in the different deposits to keep a constant mine
output of 3 600 tons per day, and a milling rate of 2 200 tons per
day, averaging 350 days per year, the life-of-mine would be 20
years.
2.4.1.3 Ore sorting
Based on testwork by Esso Minerals, both the uranium and
molybdenum grades are improved by 32 Z, if radiometric ore sorting
is utilised.
2.4.1.4 Metallurgical recovery
Pilot plant tests carried out by Esso Minerals showed that the
process recovery for uranium is expected to average 89 Z and for
molybdenum 85 Z. Overall recovery (mining and metallurgical) is
estimated to be 54 Z for uranium, and 52 Z for molybdenum.
2.4.1.5 Uranium and molybdenum prices
A uranium price of $30/lb U.Og at an exchange rate of Rl » $1
was used to determine the revenue per kilogram of uranium metal of
R78,05. This figure is basically the same as using the current
uranium spot market price of $15/lb UJJ- and an exchange rate of Rl
- $0,50.
Two molybdenum price scenarios were used for the purpose of this
report, viz. R10,00/kg Mo, to reflect a low-price scenario and
R13,08/kg Mo, to reflect current price levels.
2.4.1.6 Capital expenditure
Figures obtained from a feasibility study of the Rystkuil
orebody* by Esso Minerals were escalated to obtain the capital
expenditure for the purpose of this report.
-
PER-147 - 60
The capital cost up to the first year of production is expected
to be R110 million over a pre-production period of 3 years. This
figure includes housing, land purchase, aill and nine construction
at the Rystkuil Project. Capital expenditure to construct iolnes at
the other three deposits is as follows: Haanekuil R6 Billion,
Kareepoort RIO million, and De Pannen R4 million.
2.4.1.7 Operating costs
Based on figures obtained from Esso Minerals* and escalated, the
average mining cost is expected to be R16,30 per ton, the sorting
and process cost Rl?,26 per ton, the transport cost R4,00 per ton
and management and administration cv,st R0,80 per ton. Operating
costs were Increased as the other three deposits come on
stream.
2.4.1.8 Taxation
The following tax formula was used to calculate the tax
payments:
480 Tax rate (I) - 6C - x times 100
where x * Taxable income Gross Revenue
Table XIV is a summary of the production schedule and economic
considerations for the four major deposits east of Beaufort West.
Lease payments for the State-owned Kantkraal orebody were not
included In the tax calculations.
2.4.1.9 Discussion
The collective exploitation of the Rystkuil Project, Haanekuil,
Kareepoort and De Pannen deposits in the Southern Karoo is viable
at
* Esso Minerals figures calculated during 1981, were escalated
at 15Z per annum to obtain an estimate for the purpose of this
report.
-
TABLI XIV SUHIAKT OF THE PMOUCTIOV SCHEDULE AID SKOKOHIC
COniDEDATIOm roi THE rOUl MAJOt DEPOSITS EAST OP BEAUFORT WEST
DEHOR m-mncm HSTOIL + BXBBWINB WMMMI1. MBflHXT B M N B
TB* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 U 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23
* - ^ - U 0 3 1260 1260 1260 1260 1260 1260 1260 1260 1260 1260
1260 1260 1260 1260 1260 1260 1260 1260 12CO 173.6
Ika» a l l ta t «W 3 770 770 770 770 770 770 770 770 770 770 770
770 770 77C 770 770 770 770 770 1X1,75
*m~m**. 0 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 I . * 1,32
1.32 1.32 1.32 1.32 1.32 1.32 1.32 1,32 1,32 1.27
t o a t l l l s / t (to 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89
0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 0,89 1,16 1.32 1.27
D IMactfoB 799 799 799 799 799 799 799 799 720 769 769 769 769
769 769 769 769 769 768 107
K, RV&KftlOH 383 585 585 585 585 585 585 585 595 585 585 585
585 585 385 585 585 759 865 121
I * » » M O » 70,0 70,0 70.0 70,0 70,0 70,0 70,0 70,0 63,8 67,6
67,6 67,6 67,6 67,6 67,6 67,6 67,6 69,9 71.3 »,» Ojpltal Bcpad.
telO* -36.67 -36,67 -36.67 -3 -3 -5 -5 -2 -2
Cb«w*« 0*t ««10* -36 -36 -36 -36 -36 -36 -36 -36 -38 -38 -38 -40
-40 -40 -40 -40 -40 -43 -43 -6.3
OwHad l o a UdO» -36,67 -36,67 -36.67 - 1 » -76 -*2 -« f taft t
or l o a telO* -36,67 -36,67 -36.67 -76 -42 -8 26 34 34 31 31 25.8
24,6 24,6 27,6 27,6 27,6 27,6 25.6 25,6 24,9 26,3 3.6
TtaRxlO* -12,24 -17,04 -17,04 -15,24 -15,24 -12,42 -11.52 -11,52
-13,32 -13,32 -13.32 -13,32 -12,12 -12,12 -11,58 -12,36 -1 .M
ATMT « • Oak »la» «-10* -36.67 -36,67 -34,67 3* 3* 34 13,76
16.96 16,96 15,76 13.76 13,38 13.08 13,08 14,28 14,28 14,28 14.28
13.48 13.48 13,32 13,94 l .M
RTVtoO* -31.53 -58.6* - « . 9 3 -63,37 -47,39 -33.65 -28,87
-23,80 -19,44 -15,96 -12,97 -10,78 -8,94 -7.37 -5,88 -4,61 -3,51
-a.57 -1,80 -1.13 -0,59 -0,08 -0,03
-
PER-147 - 62
current price level* of R.78,05 per kilogram U and RJ.3,08 per
kilogram Mo. A Discounted Cash Flow Rate of Return (DCFROR) yield
of 22,55 X before tax, and a yield of 16,3 X after tax render this
a marginally viable investment opportunity. A yield of 14,94 X
after tax was obtained using the same uranium price and a
molybdenum price of R10,00/kg Mo.
An annual uranium production of 800 tons and molybdenum
production of 585 tons Is attainable from these deposits.
However, the current oversupply of uranium overhanging the
market militates against the negotiating of loag-term contracts,
and selling on the spot market, although profitable at current
exchange rate levels, might prove to be too risky in the long run,
because of price and exchange rate uncertainties.
In order to study the effect of the exchange rate on the yield
should the producer sell the uranium on the spot market, a
sensitivity analysis was carried out. If the exchange rate changes
from Rl • $0,5 to Rl - $0,6 and the uranium ard molybdenum prices
stay at the levels quoted previously ($30/lb U.O. and R13,08/kg Mo
respectively) th«> yield drops from 16,3 X to 8,92 I on an
after-tax basis, at Rl • $0,7 the yield drops to 4,43 X. To negate
the effect of an increase in the rand/dollar exchange rate on the
yield, a 20 X Increase in the uranium and molybdenum price is
neccesary for every 0,1 point exchange rate recovery.
Taking cognisance of the above, the Southern Karoo deposits will
not be developed in the short to medium term, unless an urgent need
for the molybdenum content arises. South Africa's current
molybdenum needs arc approximately 600 tons per year, all of which
Is imported to supply the need of steel manufacturers.
-
PER-147 - 63
3. SOUTHERN ORANGE IREE STATE
3.1 Historical Revlev and Exploration Statistics
Uranium exploration in the Southern Orange Free State started
after the discovery of radioactive anomalies in sandstones of the
Lower Beaufort Group.
Apart from limited investigations by Goldfields in the Colesberg
district, other companies, except xor Rio Tlnto, were not
interested in exploration ventures in the Southern Orange Free
State region.
A total of R3 million was spent on exploration and development
studies. Drilling amounted to 188 000 m. Taking only RAR + EAR
resources recoverable at Jesf than $130/kg U into account, an
average of 5,9 kg U.O» was discovered per metre drilled, and R2,75
was spent to discover one kilogram of U,0,,.
3.2 Uranium Resources
The Southern Orange Free State RAR + EAR uranium resources
recoverable at less than t 130 /kg U are estimated at 658 t U. To
account for mining and metallurgical losses a correction factor of
70 Z was applied. The average in situ grade of the deposits was
calculated to be 0,533 kg VJ)Jt (0,316 kg recoverable U/t) over a
mining width of one metre.
3.2.1 Rio Tibto Exploration (Pty) Ltd
During late 1977 Rio Tinto took areas north and east of Edenburg
under option. A detailed investigation of a small uranium
occurrence on the farm Fortuln, together with airborne radiometric
surveys and ground investigations, led to the discovery of the
Mooifontein deposit and several other small occurrences.
-
PER-147 - 64
Fig 16 Is a locality map of the uranium deposits discovered in
the Southern Orange Free State.
After metallurgical testwork and pilot plant feasibility studies
had been carried out on a 100 ton bulk sample from the Mooifontein
deposit, Rio Tinto bought the mineral rights to the Hooifontein and
Plaatjiesfontein deposits and ceased prospecting during 1982.
Table XV is a summary of the resource estimates of the orebodies
discovered by Rio Tinto Exploration (Pty) Ltd.
4. EASTERN ORANGE FREE STATE
4.1 Historical Review and Exploration Statistics
Airborne radiometric reconnaissance surveys during the latter
half of 1976 Indicated a number of radiometric anomalies in the
Senekal, Ficksburg, Fouriesburg and Bethlehem districts. Ground
follow-up located uranium occurrences in the Molteno Formation and
properties were optioned by Karba Minerals Inc. (a joint venture
between Union Carbide Exploration Corporation - Southern Africa and
Goldfields of South Africa (Pty) Ltd).
A total of R5,7 million was spend on exploration and 50 900 m
were drilled. Taking RAR + EAR resources recoverable at less than
$130/kg U into account, an average of 39,2 kg U.0 g was discovered
per metre drilled, and R2,87 was spent to discover one kilogr£(D of
U^Og.
-
Bloemfonttin
&v
IVEDOeRSeURO
f
E v / 3 OUTCROP OF LOWER BEAUFORT
«B> URANIUM DEPOSITS
gure 16. Locality map of the uranium deposits in the Southern
Orange Free State
-
PER-147 - 66 TABU IV
HSOUKCB ESTIMATES AID STATISTICS
COHPAaT BAMZ: »10 TIKTO «XPLOBATIOH tPTT) LTP
PBOSPECT, PAJM
•AM
IDEVBUBC
HOOI-
Foart»
• PLAATJIBS-
POBTBIB A
m
PLAATJIBS-
POBTBIB P
DBILLIBC:
Pro». ( • )
Pro«. Coat ( • )
1B7 947
1 19* «51
•XCAV:
Pros
Prog- Coat ( • )
74*
17 *B0
A I D . CKOPK. SUIV:
Pro». kB
Prog. Coat (8) • 048
OTHta BXPL. COST:
Pro». ( » ) 1 B2S 7S1
TOTAL EXPL. COST
Prog. ( » ) 3 047 330
OU TYPE
STKAT. HOB.
SAVDSTOBE
LOWBX BEAU-
POBT
A*. THicnrass (•) DtPTH BAKB (a)
SPBC. CAAVir.
0 ABBA OP OBBBODV (aq • )
h cvr-orr cBADt k« u 3 o a / t B TOBS OBB In a l t u
AT. CBADB in a i t u kg V } 0 ( / t
TOBI UJOJ i n a i t u
OTBBAU. BBC. PACTOB (%)
TOBS U , 0 § BBCOVEBABLB
V BBCOVBRABLB CRAM kg U/ t
1 .7*
1 0 , 2
2..*
190 *»2
0 . 3
•39 000
0 , ( 5 471
717
70
502
O . i l
1 .11 7 . 0
2 . 5
12 500
0 . 3
34 *»7
0 , ( 3 7 1 3
22
70
IS
0 . 3 »
1.71
25 .9
2 .5
17 S44
0 . 3 75 000
0 ,71*
34
70
3«
0 ,42
1ST. COST/TOB MILLBD ( I ) 70 .00
1 7 0 , 0 0 70,00
T B SBO/kg 0
0 A $»0-130/kg U
• B |13O-2(0/kB 0
423 13
g f aO/kg U
V A fSO-130/kg 0
B $13O-2*0/kg 0
32
B S JI0 /kg U
C B ISO-130/kg U
S130-2*0/kg V
• Hlnaral r i g h t ! bought out
-
PER-147 - 67 TABU I *
BSTIHATBS AMD STATISTICS
»10 TITO PPtOlATIO» (PTT> LTD
nosptct. PAS* SCHOOB-
" " ™ " •AKCMSCOP romuni cBzicm MTHAVT
DBILLIK:
Pro». ( • )
Pro» . Cost ( 1 )
nCAT:
Pro» (of, •>
Pro» Coat ( « )
A l l » . CtOPH. SUE»:
Pro», ka
Pro». Coot ( » )
ran n*L. COST: Pro». ( « )
TOTAL EZPL. COST:
Pro». ( » )
O U TTPt
Pro». ( » )
O U TTPt SAtfDSTOR
STBAT. HOB. LOWn BBAU-
POBT
AT. THICOBSS ( • ) O.M l . » 2 1 ,35 1 . 0
DBPTH BABCS ( • ) 1 4 . 3 Í . 5 1 4 . 2 1 7 . 0
S P K . CBATITI 2 . 5 2 ,5 2 . 5 2 . 5
O ABBA OP OBBBODT (*q • ) ** 477 • S7B 42 5*3 12 500
B CVr-OPT CBADB k» O j O g / t 0 . 3 0 , 3 0 . 3 0 . 3
B TOM OBB In » l t u I t * 531 31 2*7 1 4 ! 750 31 250
AT. CBADff 1» « l t u k» OjOj/ t 0 ,9*401 0,517*2 0 .WS17 0
,4*14
TOM 0 0 . In «lUi 1*2 1» 125 14
OTEBALL BBC. PACTOB
-
PIN-853(B/R)-68
4.2 OranliuB Resources
The Eastern Orange Free State RAR + EAR uranium resources
recoverable at less than i 130/kg U are estimated at 1 182 t D. To
account for mining and metallurgical losses a correction factor of
70 Z was applied. The average in situ grade of the deposits was
calculated to be 1,76 kg U,0g/t (1,04 kg recoverable U/t) over a
nining width of one metre.
4.2.1 Karba Minerals Inc. (Union Carbide/Goldfields Joint
Venture)
Karba Minerals was the only company that prospected in the
Eastern Orange Free State. Operations were carried out since 1<
te 1976 to 1982, after which the areas were abandoned.
Fig 17 is a locality map of the uranium deposits discovered in
the Eastern Orange Free State.
Table XVI is a summary of the resource estimates of the
orebodies discovered by Karba Minerals.
5. QVA-QVA
5.1 Historical Review and Exploration Statistics
During 1979 Mining Corporation Ltd. discovered radiometric
anomalies in Qwa-Qwa during a carborne survey. Follow-up surveys
located several major uranium anomalies 1c the Elliot
Formation.
A total of R335 000 was spend on exploration and drilling
amounted to 16 440 m. Taking only RAR + EAR resources recoverable
at less than $130/k U Into account, an average of 38,4 kg U-0fl was
discovered per metre drilled and R0,53 was spent to discover one
kilogram of U3O0.
-
Figure 17 Locality map of the uranium deposits in the Eastern
Orange Free State
-
PER-147 - 70
TABLt m
RESOURCE ESTIMATES AID STATISTIC*
COHPABY BAKE: KAMA KIEEBALS VK.
PROSPECT, PABH •AMI LOCALITY
DBIU.IK: Prof. (a) Prog. Co»t {«)
•XCAV: Prof («q a) Prof. Cost (I)
AIM. CEOPH. SUKV: Prof. ka Prof. Co«t (1)
OTHER EXPL. COn-.
Prof . (B)
ROSEKDJU.
TOUBLABDS
BOSEEDAL TOVBLABDS
ID'S ECSTACY
EASTERN ORABGE PEES STATB
241 229 3 395 «58
103 OO0
TOTAL BXPL. COST: Prof. (B)
OBB TYPE STBAT. HOB.
AV. THICKVESS (a) DEPTH RABGE (a) SPEC. GRAVITY AREA OP OBEBOOT
(iq a) CVT-Orr CRADB kf ",0,/t TOBS O U in »itu AV. 6IADS in « l t
u kf OjOg/t
TOBS UjO $ in t l t u
OVEBAU BBC. PACTOB
-
PER-147 - 71
Rand Nines carried out an airborne radiometric survey in the
Qwa-Qwa area during 1982. After optioning and limited
investigations, no further work was done.
5.2 Uranium Resources
The Qwa-Qwa RAR + EAR uranium resources recoverable at less than
$130/kg U are estimated at 375 t U. To account for mining and
metallurgical losses a correction factor of 70 Z was applied. The
average In situ grade of the deposits was calculated to be 0,22 kg
ILOg/t (0,13 kg recoverable U/t) over a mining width of one
metre.
5.2.1 Mining Corporation Ltd
Mining Corporation prospected from uranium in Qwa-Qwa during the
period 1979 to 1981, after which all areuS were relinquished.
Five major anomalies, viz. River/Trench, Waterfall, Village, Dam
and Comet were investigated. Resources were proved for the
River/Trench anomaly which is made up of numerous small
orebodies.
Fig 18 is a locality map of the uranium anomalies and orebodies
discovered in Qwa-Qwa.
Table XVII is a summary of the resource estimates of the
orebodies discovered by Mining Corporation Ltd.
-
FGR-1Í? - 72
-
PER-147 - 73
TU< * m i RESOURCE ESTIMATES ABD STATISTICS
c OMPABY BANE: MIBIVC COBPOBATIOB LTD c 1 PBOSPICT. FAB* QWA-QUA
BIVEB /
RIVER LOOT:; BIVEB B+S BIVEB,RIV E
BIV TBBBCM I BIV TBEKCH II
TRBVCH I, TRBW» II, TBEBCH III
VILLAGE
DBIIXIK: Pro», (a) Pros- Coat (8)
1» 440 111 232
TRBVCH I, TRBW» II, TBEBCH III
VILLAGE
EXCAV: Prce 335 000
I 1 i i 1 . . .
OBI TYPI STRAT. HOB.
SABDSTOBB EILICT
AV. THICKHS3 (a) DEPTH BABCE (:.) SPEC. GRAVITY
0 AREA OP OR8BO0V (aq a) • CUT-OPT GRADE k* U }0 (/t • TOES ORE
In altu
AV. GRADE In attu k« 0,-,/t TOES UJOJ In attu OVERALL REC.
PACTOB (1) TOES UJOJ RECOVERABLE 0 RECOVERABLE CRADB M U/t
•.0 05-18,5
2,86 43 590
0.5 4*3 800
0.8 371 70
280 0,47
2,27 13-48 2,(8
34 182 0.2
208 400 0,577
119 70 83
0,34
1.33 1-20 2,«(
58 725 ».2
203 700 0,34
(9 70 48
0,20
1.27 13-38 2.88
58 700 0.2
1*8 300 0,388
72 70 51
0,22
2,5 7-25 i.t»
38 7(7 0,2
257 800 0,4(2 119 70 83
0.27
EST. COST/TOE HILLED (1) (0,00 «C,00 80,00 (0,00 (0,00
T 0 • 8
U
• 1 c
E SSO/ks U A 180-130/*« U 1 1130-260/*» 0
220 71 41 43 T 0 • 8
U
• 1 c
B f80/ks U A 180-130/k* U R «130-2(0/*« U
T 0 • 8
U
• 1 c
8 110/ks U 1 180-130/fcC U
tl30-2(0/k« 0 71
-
PER-147 - 74
6. CONCLUSIONS
Prospecting for sandstone-hosted uranium deposits was carried
out in the Main Karoo Basin over a period of 17 years from 1969 to
1985.
Reasonably Assured and Estimated Additional Resources
recoverable at less than $130/kg U proved by prospecting amount to
31 211 c U. Table XVIII gives a breakdown of resources discovered
in the various regions.
TABLE XVIII URANIUM RESOURCE ESTIMATES- MAIN KAROO BASIN
Region
RAR EAR
Region
-
PER-147 - 75
The discovery rate, i.e. kg U,0„ p