Golden Star Announces Mineral Reserves and Resources Estimates as at December 31, 2012
05.02.2013 | Marketwire
Significant Increases in Mineral Reserves and Resources at WassaTORONTO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/05/13 -- Golden Star Resources Ltd. (NYSE MKT: GSS) (TSX: GSC) (GHANA: GSR) ("Golden Star" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves (collectively "Mineral Reserves") and Mineral Resources as at December 31, 2012.
During 2012 the Company's exploration strategy focused on drilling at Wassa, where the Company increased Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves by 85% to 1.47 million ounces of contained gold, relative to December 31, 2011. At Bogoso, the combination of mining depletion and improved pit design focused on maximization of cash flow and resulted in a reduction in Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves to 2.84 million ounces.
Sam Coetzer, President and CEO of Golden Star, commented: "The excellent drilling results at Wassa and below the existing Wassa pits have almost doubled the reserves at Wassa Main. This resulted in the life of mine being increased to more than 12 years, assuming the current 2.7 million tonnes per year processing rate. The ongoing drilling program at Wassa is utilizing six drill rigs to test the mineralization down plunge where the zone remains open, in addition to infill drilling within the year-end resource pit shells. We are optimistic that reserves will increase further when we update the resource models and pit designs in the second half of 2013. Depending on the results of the ongoing Wassa Expansion Project scoping study, we will undertake a prefeasibility study expected to be published towards the end of 2013. At Prestea Underground, we are nearing completion of the West Reef Feasibility Study, which should enable the Company to report reserves in July 2013.
"These developments at Wassa and Prestea Underground demonstrate the Company's strategy to unlock value by shifting production to sustainable, lower-cost ore with greater processing recoveries."
Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources
The Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates have been estimated by the Company's technical personnel in accordance with definitions and guidelines set out in the Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves published by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum and as required by Canada's National Instrument 43-101.
Mineral Reserves
In 2012, the Company replaced its mined Reserves. The replacement was due largely to the addition of Proven and Probable Reserves at Wassa, which grew by 85%.
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PROVEN and As at December 31, 2012 As at December 31, 2011
PROBABLE
MINERAL
RESERVES
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Property,
Mineral
Reserve Tonnes Gold Grade Ounces Tonnes Gold Grade Ounces
Category (millions) (g/t) (millions) (millions) (g/t) (millions)
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Bogoso/Prestea
Proven
Mineral
Reserves
Non-
refractory 1.3 1.82 0.08 1.3 1.64 0.07
Refractory 7.8 2.52 0.64 8.3 2.72 0.73
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Total Proven 9.2 2.42 0.71 9.6 2.57 0.80
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Probable
Mineral
Reserves
Non-
refractory 4.8 2.35 0.36 6.9 2.31 0.51
Refractory 21.2 2.58 1.76 24.2 2.60 2.02
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Total
Probable 26.0 2.54 2.12 31.1 2.54 2.54
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Total Proven
and Probable
Non-
refractory 6.2 2.23 0.44 8.2 2.21 0.58
Refractory 29.0 2.57 2.39 32.6 2.63 2.75
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Total
Bogoso/Preste
a Proven and
Probable 35.2 2.51 2.84 40.8 2.55 3.34
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Wassa/HBB
Proven
Mineral
Reserves
Non-
refractory 0.8 0.89 0.02 0.6 1.27 0.03
Probable
Mineral
Reserves
Non-
refractory 31.0 1.45 1.45 17.4 1.38 0.77
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Total
Wassa/HBB
Proven and
Probable 31.8 1.44 1.47 18.1 1.38 0.80
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TOTALS
Proven
Mineral
Reserves
Non-
refractory 2.1 1.47 0.10 1.9 1.52 0.10
Refractory 7.8 2.52 0.64 8.3 2.72 0.73
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Total Proven 10.0 2.30 0.74 10.3 2.49 0.82
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Probable
Mineral
Reserves
Non-
refractory 35.9 1.57 1.82 24.3 1.65 1.29
Refractory 21.2 2.58 1.76 24.2 2.60 2.02
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Total
Probable 57.1 1.95 3.57 48.5 2.12 3.31
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Total Proven
and Probable
Non-
refractory 38.0 1.57 1.92 26.3 1.64 1.38
Refractory 29.0 2.57 2.39 32.6 2.63 2.75
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Total Proven
and Probable 67.1 2.00 4.31 58.8 2.19 4.14
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Notes to the Mineral Reserve Statement:
(1) The stated Mineral Reserve for Bogoso/Prestea includes Prestea South, Pampe and Mampon.
(2) The stated Mineral Reserve for Wassa/HBB includes the Hwini-Butre property.
(3) The stated Mineral Reserves have been prepared in accordance with Canada's National Instrument 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and are classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's "CIM Definition Standards -- For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves". Mineral Reserves are equivalent to Proven and Probable Reserves as defined by the SEC Industry Guide 7. Mineral Reserve estimates reflect the Company's reasonable expectation that all necessary permits and approvals will be obtained and maintained. Mining dilution and mining recovery vary by deposit and have been applied in estimating the Mineral Reserves.
(4) The 2011 and 2012 Mineral Reserves were prepared under the supervision of Dr. Martin Raffield, Senior Vice President Technical Services for the Company. Dr. Raffield is a "Qualified Person" as defined by Canada's National Instrument 43-101.
(5) The Mineral Reserves at December 31, 2012 were estimated using a gold price of $1,450 per ounce, which is approximately equal to the three-year average gold price. At December 31, 2011, Mineral Reserves were estimated using a gold price of $1,250 per ounce.
(6) The terms "non-refractory" and "refractory" refer to the metallurgical characteristics of the ore. We plan to process the refractory ore in the Bogoso sulfide bio-oxidation plant and to process the non-refractory ore in the Bogoso and Wassa non-refractory processing plants.
(7) The slope angles of all pit designs are based on geo-technical criteria as established by external consultants. The size and shape of the pit designs are guided by consideration of the results from a pit optimization program. The parameters for the pit optimization program are based on a gold price of $1,450 per ounce, historical and projected operating costs at Bogoso/Prestea, Wassa and Hwini-Butre and Benso. Metallurgical recoveries are based on historical performance or estimated from test work and typically range from 60% to 95% for non-refractory ores and from 70% to 85% for refractory ores. A government royalty of 5% is allowed as are other applicable royalties.
(8) Numbers may not add due to rounding.
Reconciliation of Mineral Reserves
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Tonnes Contained Ounces Tonnes Ounces
(Millions) (Millions) (% of Opening) (% of Opening)
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2011 Reserves 58.8 4.14 100% 100%
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Gold Price (1 & 6) 3.5 0.75 6% 18%
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Exploration Changes 23.6 1.03 40% 25%
(2 & 7)
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Mine Depletion (3) -6.6 -0.49 -11% -12%
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Engineering (4) -12.3 -1.11 -21% -27%
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2012 Reserves (5) 67.1 4.31 114% 104%
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Notes to the reconciliation of Mineral Reserves:
(1) Gold Price Increase represents changes resulting from an increase in gold price used in the Mineral Reserve estimates from $1,250 per ounce in 2011 to $1,450 per ounce in 2012.
(2) Exploration Changes include changes due to geological modeling, data interpretation and resource block modeling methodology as well as exploration discovery of new mineralization.
(3) Mining Depletion represents the 2011 Mineral Reserve within the volume mined in 2012 with adjustments to account for stockpile addition and depletions during 2012 and therefore does not correspond with 2012 actual gold production.
(4) Engineering includes changes as a result of changes in operating costs, mining dilution and recovery assumptions, metallurgical recoveries, pit slope angles and other mine design and permitting considerations.
(5) Numbers may not add due to rounding.
(6) Pit design changes that are primarily due to a higher gold price are included here.
(7) Pit design changes that are primarily due to exploration discoveries are included here.
Non-Reserve -- Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources
Cautionary Note to US Investors concerning estimates of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources
This section uses the terms "Measured Mineral Resources" and "Indicated Mineral Resources." The Company advises US investors that while these terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted intoMineral Reserves.
The Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources reported below are exclusive of the Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves as shown above and have been estimated in compliance with definitions set out in Canada's National Instrument 43-101.
Except as otherwise provided, the total Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources for all properties have been estimated at an economic cut-off grade based on a gold price of $1,750 per ounce for December 31, 2012 and $1,500 per ounce for December 31, 2011 and on economic parameters deemed realistic. The economic cut-off grades for Mineral Resources are lower than those for Mineral Reserves and are indicative of the fact that the Mineral Resource estimates include material that may become economic under more favorable conditions including increases in gold price.
The following table summarizes Golden Star's estimated non-reserves -- Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources as at December 31, 2012 as compared to the totals as at December 31, 2011:
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Measured & Indicated
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Gold
Property Category Tonnes Grade Ounces
(Millions) (g/t) (Millions)
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Bogoso/Prestea Measured 2.9 1.9 0.18
Indicated 16.1 2.2 1.13
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Total 19.0 2.1 1.31
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Prestea Underground Measured 0.0 0.0 0.00
Indicated 1.6 13.2 0.66
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Total 1.6 13.2 0.66
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Wassa HBB Measured 0.0 0.0 0.00
Indicated 20.0 1.3 0.81
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Total 20.1 1.3 0.81
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Father Brown Underground Measured 0.0 0.0 0.00
Indicated 1.2 5.8 0.23
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Total 1.2 5.8 0.23
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Total 2012 41.9 2.2 3.01
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Total 2011 41.3 2.2 2.92
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Notes to the Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources:
(1) The Mineral Resources for Bogoso/Prestea include Pampe and Mampon.
(2) The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the definitions and requirements of Canada's National Instrument 43-101. The Mineral Resources are equivalent to Mineralized Material as defined by the SEC Industry Guide 7.
(3) The Mineral Resources were estimated using optimized pit shells at a gold price of $1,750 per ounce from which the Mineral Reserves have been subtracted. Other than gold price, the same optimized pit shell parameters and modifying factors used to determine the Mineral Reserves were used to determine the Mineral Resources. In 2011, we used a gold price of $1,500 per ounce for the optimized shell. The Prestea Underground resource was estimated using a $1,750 per ounce gold price and operating cost estimates using an economic gold cut-off of 3.0 g/t.
(4) The Mineral Resources are not included in and are in addition to the Mineral Reserves described above.
(5) The Qualified Person reviewing and validating the estimation of the Mineral Resources is S. Mitchel Wasel, Golden Star Resources Vice President of Exploration.
(6) Numbers may not add due to rounding.
(7) The Father Brown Underground Resource has been estimated below the $1,750 per ounce of gold pit shell using an economic gold grade cut-off of 2.9 g/t, which the Company believes would be the lower cut-off for underground.
Non-Reserves -- Inferred Mineral Resources
Cautionary Note to US Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources
This section uses the term "Inferred Mineral Resources." We advise US investors that while this term is recognized and required by National Instrument 43-101, the US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of Inferred Mineral Resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category. In accordance with Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
The Inferred Mineral Resources as at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 have been estimated in compliance with definitions defined by NI 43-101.
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Inferred
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Tonnes Gold Grade Ounces
Property (Millions) (g/t) (Millions)
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Bogoso/Prestea 3.8 3.1 0.37
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Prestea Underground 5.2 7.4 1.24
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Wassa HBB 13.2 1.7 0.70
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Father Brown Underground 1.4 5.2 0.24
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Total 2012 23.6 3.4 2.55
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Total 2011 13.3 3.7 1.57
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Notes to Non-Reserves -- Inferred Mineral Resources:
(1) The Mineral Resources for Bogoso/Prestea include Pampe and Mampon.
(2) The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the definitions and requirements of Canada's National Instrument 43-101. The Mineral Resources are equivalent to Mineralized Material as defined by the SEC Industry Guide 7.
(3) The Mineral Resources were estimated using optimized pit shells at a gold price of $1,750 per ounce from which the Mineral Reserves have been subtracted. Other than gold price, the same optimized pit shell parameters and modifying factors used to determine the Mineral Reserves were used to determine the Mineral Resources. In 2011, we used a gold price of $1,500 per ounce for the optimized shell. The Prestea Underground resource was estimated using a $1,750 per ounce gold price and operating cost estimates using an economic gold cut-off of 3.0 g/t.
(4) The Mineral Resources are not included in and are in addition to the Mineral Reserves described above.
(5) The Qualified Person reviewing and validating the estimation of the Mineral Resources is S. Mitchel Wasel, Golden Star Resources Vice President of Exploration.
(6) Numbers may not add due to rounding.
(7) The Father Brown Underground Resource has been estimated below the $1,750 per ounce of gold pit shell using an economic gold grade cut-off of 2.9 g/t, which the Company believes would be the lower cut-off for underground.
QA/QC:
The technical contents of this press release have been reviewed by S. Mitchel Wasel, BSc Geology, a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Wasel is Vice President Exploration for Golden Star and an active member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
The results for Wassa/HBB quoted herein are based on the analysis of saw-split HQ/NQ diamond half core or a three kilogram single stage riffle split of a nominal 25 to 30 kg Reverse Circulation chip sample which has been sampled over nominal one meter intervals (adjusted where necessary for mineralized structures). Sample preparation and analyses have been carried out at SGS Laboratories in Tarkwa using a 1,000 gram slurry of sample and tap water which is prepared and subjected to an accelerated cyanide leach (LEACHWELL). The sample is then rolled for twelve hours before being allowed to settle. An aliquot of solution is then taken, gold extracted into Di-iso Butyl Keytone (DiBK), and determined by flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Detection Limit 0.01ppm.
The results for Bogoso/Prestea herein are based on the analysis of saw-split HQ sized (64mm) diamond half core or a three kilogram single stage riffle split of a nominal 25 to 30 kg Reverse Circulation chip sample which has been sampled over nominal one meter intervals (adjusted where necessary for mineralized structures). Sample preparation and analyses have been carried out at SGS Laboratories in Tarkwa using a 50 gram assay charge with a flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) finish and a detection limit of 0.01 ppm.
All analytical work is subject to a systematic and rigorous Quality Assurance-Quality Control (QA-QC). At least 5% of samples are certified standards and the accuracy of the analysis is confirmed to be acceptable from comparison of the recommended and actual "standards" results. The remaining half core is stored on site for future inspection and detailed logging, to provide valuable information on mineralogy, structure, alteration patterns and the controls on gold mineralization.
Company Profile
Golden Star holds a 90% equity interest in Golden Star (Bogoso/Prestea) Limited and Golden Star (Wassa) Limited, which respectively own the Bogoso/Prestea and Wassa/HBB open-pit gold mines in Ghana. In addition, Golden Star has an 81% interest in the currently inactive Prestea Underground mine in Ghana, as well as gold exploration interests elsewhere in Ghana, in other parts of West Africa and in Brazil in South America. Golden Star has approximately 259 million shares outstanding.
Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:
Some statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. Such statements include the Company's expectations regarding reserves and resources changes for 2013, the timing for updating resource models in 2013, the timing of undertaking and publishing a pre-feasibility study for the Wassa Expansion Project, the timing of the completion of the West Reef feasibility study and its impact on Mineral Reserves, our 2013 exploration activities and the number of drill rigs conducting such exploration, and our plans for processing refractory ore and non-refractory ore. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual facts to differ materially. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management. Please refer to the discussion of these and other factors in our Form 10-K for 2012. The forecasts contained in this press release constitute management's current estimates, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered thereby. We expect that these estimates will change as new information is received. While we may elect to update these estimates at any time, we do not undertake any estimate at any particular time or in response to any particular event.
For Further Information, Please Contact:
GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD.
Bruce Higson-Smith
Senior Vice President Corporate Strategy
1-800-553-8436
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Jay Pfeiffer
Pfeiffer High Investor Relations, Inc.
303-393-7044
Belinda Labatte
The Capital Lab, Inc.
647-427-0208