Provides Mineral Reserves & Resources Update
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--February 13, 2020--New Gold Inc. (“New Gold” or the “Company”) (TSX and NYSE American: NGD) reports results of the updated Life of Mine plans for the Rainy River (“Rainy River”) and New Afton (“New Afton”) Mines. A National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) Technical Report for each operation will be filed within 45 days. (All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated). The Company is also providing updated Mineral Reserves and Resources as of December 31, 2019. A technical session will be webcast directly following the Company’s fourth quarter earnings call, which is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time. (webcast details are provided at the end of this press release. The Technical Session presentation is available on the Company’s website at newgold.com).
Over the past year, the Company has undertaken a comprehensive mine optimization study for the Rainy River Mine that included a review of alternative open pit and underground mining scenarios with the overall objective of improving the return of investment and creating a life of mine plan that secures optimal profitability at a mineral reserve gold price of $1,275 per ounce. The Company is also releasing results of an integrated New Afton B3 and C-zone optimization life of mine study that is focused on de-risking the execution of the C-zone project, primarily targeting mine plan optimization and subsidence control, confirming capital requirements, finalization of the tailings disposal plan, dewatering and stabilization of the historic tailings area and advancing permitting efforts while maintaining a self-funded approach.
“Over the past number of months we have evaluated numerous scenarios for the Rainy River Mine and are pleased to release an updated life of mine plan that delivers a solid open pit and underground mine plan that positions the operation for profitability and free cash flow generation beginning in Q4 2020 that continues over the balance of the mine life.” said Renaud Adams, CEO. “We have also released an integrated mine plan that optimizes the self-funded development of New Afton’s B3 and C-Zone that could deliver significant free cash flow of more than 1 billion dollars over the life of mine. We now have a clear and profitable path forward for New Gold, a path that we are confident will create value for our shareholders.”
Rainy River Life of Mine Highlights
Over the past year, the Company worked diligently on creating a new operating vision for the Rainy River Mine with the objective of creating a mine plan that optimizes the return on investment, while achieving profitability at an early stage of the plan. Consistent with that objective, the Company has evaluated various open pit and underground mining scenarios that prioritized mining in areas that generate positive margins and drive meaningful cash flow over the balance of a shorter, but more profitable mine life. In future years, there remains potential to extend the underground mine life beyond 2028 should the prevailing gold price support the development of additional mining areas during that period and/or exploration efforts increase the resource inventory.
Rainy River Life of Mine Highlights | ||
| Life of Mine1,3 | Sensitivity2 |
Tonnes ore mined open pit (Mt) | 67.5 | 67.5 |
Open pit mined grade (gold g/t) | 0.91 | 0.91 |
Tonnes ore mined underground (Mt) | 4.1 | 4.1 |
Underground mined grade (gold g/t) | 4.17 | 4.17 |
Mill production (ktpd) | 25.8 | 25.8 |
Milled grade (gold g/t) | 1.06 | 1.06 |
Gold recovery (%) | 89 | 89 |
Total gold eq. production (k oz) | 2,388 | 2,384 |
Avg. annual gold eq. production (k oz) | 289 | 289 |
Cash costs per gold eq. oz. ($/oz) | $665 | $670 |
AISC per gold eq. oz. ($/oz) | $967 | $973 |
Sustaining capital ($M) 4 | $586 | $586 |
Growth capital ($M) 4 | $56 | $56 |
Cumulative total cash flow ($M) | $5573 | $1,096 |
After-tax NPV5% | $421 | $859 |
Totals may not compute exactly due to rounding. | ||
New Afton Mine
In early 2019, the Company reinvested in the future of the New Afton Mine by re-launching a self-funded development strategy for the C-zone, which extends mine life to 2030, including processing of stockpiled ore, with robust economics. Over the past year, the Company has focused on de-risking the execution of the C-zone, including the finalization of the mine design, tailings disposal plan, subsidence and stabilization and advancing permitting efforts. The updated mine plan also provides technical and cost updates for the life of mine.
New Afton Life of Mine Highlights | |||
| Life of Mine1,4 | Sensitivity2 | |
Tonnes ore mined (Mt) | 48.1 | 48.1 | |
Head grade mined (gold g/t) | 0.68 | 0.68 | |
Head grade mined (copper %) | 0.77 | 0.77 | |
Avg. Mill production (ktpd) | 13.3 | 13.3 | |
Gold recovery (%) | 86 | 86 | |
Copper recovery (%) | 89 | 89 | |
Total gold production (oz) | 917.8 | 917.8 | |
Total copper production (Mlb) | 745.7 | 745.7 | |
Avg. annual gold eq. production (k oz) | 260.2 | 221.1 | |
Cash costs per gold eq. oz. ($/oz) | $610 | $717 | |
AISC per gold eq. oz. ($/oz) | $681 | $801 | |
Sustaining capital ($M)3 | $175 | $175 | |
Growth capital ($M)3 | $460 | $460 | |
Cumulative total cash flow ($M) | $1,051 | $1,092 | |
After-tax NPV | $735 | $766 | |
Totals may not compute exactly due to rounding. | |||
Mineral Reserves and Resources (as at December 31, 2019)
As at December 31, 2019, New Gold is reporting Mineral Reserves and Resources as summarized in the table below. Detailed Mineral Reserve and Resource tables follow at the end of this press release.
Mineral Reserves and Resources Summary1
| As at December 31, 2019 | As at December 31, 2018 | ||||
Gold koz | Silver koz | Copper Mlbs | Gold koz | Silver koz | Copper | |
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves | ||||||
Rainy River | 2,636 | 6,266 | - | 4,186 | 12,116 | - |
Open Pit | 1,748 | 3,602 | - | 2,554 | 5,993 | - |
Underground | 549 | 1,034 | - | 1,021 | 2,728 | - |
Low grade and stockpile | 339 | 1,629 | - | 610 | 3,395 | - |
New Afton | 1,005 | 2,844 | 802 | 1,077 | 3,280 | 903 |
Blackwater | 8,170 | 60,800 | - | 8,170 | 60,800 | - |
Total Proven and Probable Reserves | 11,811 | 69,909 | 802 | 13,433 | 76,136 | 903 |
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources (exclusive of Mineral Reserves) (1) | ||||||
Rainy River | 1,914 | 5,120 | - | 2,139 | 7,321 | - |
Open Pit | 245 | 789 | - | 1,361 | 5,133 | - |
Underground | 1,669 | 4,331 | - | 778 | 2,188 | - |
New Afton | 1,118 | 3,754 | 933 | 1,061 | 3,645 | 891 |
Blackwater | 1,402 | 8,915 | - | 1,400 | 8,733 | - |
Total Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources | 4,434 | 17,788 | 933 | 4,600 | 19,699 | 891 |
Total Inferred Mineral Resources | 754 | 3,124 | 121 | 1,001 | 3,860 | 132 |
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Consolidated gold Mineral Reserves decreased by approximately 1,622,000 gold ounces as compared to 2018. This decrease includes approximately 280,000 gold ounces of mining depletion at the Rainy River Mine and approximately 85,000 gold ounces of mining depletion at the New Afton Mine. Mining depletion was partially offset by approximately 29,900 gold ounces of positive resource to reserve conversion resulting from 2019 drilling and the updated and operational plan at the New Afton Mine.
Consolidated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources decreased by approximately 166,000 gold ounces due to the decrease in open pit Mineral Resources at the Rainy River Mine, partially offset by increased underground Mineral Resources at the Rainy River and New Afton Mines.
Consolidated Inferred Mineral Resources decreased by approximately 226,000 gold ounces due to the decrease at Rainy River and Inferred Mineral Resources at the New Afton Mine and at Blackwater remain materially unchanged as compared to year end 2018.
Technical Information and Qualified Persons
The technical information was developed through the combined efforts of the Company’s internal technical team and independent consultants including:
Technical Session Webcast
On February 13, 2020, a technical session will be webcast to discuss the updated life of mine plans. The webcast will immediately follow the Company’s fourth quarter and year-end earnings conference call and webcast scheduled to begin at 12:00 pm Eastern Time. Details for the fourth quarter earnings and technical session webcast are provided below:
About New Gold Inc.
New Gold is a Canadian-focused intermediate gold mining company with a portfolio of two core producing assets in Canada, the Rainy River and New Afton Mines as well as the 100% owned Blackwater development project. The Company also operates the Cerro San Pedro Mine in Mexico (in reclamation). New Gold’s vision is to build a leading diversified intermediate gold company focused on Canada that is committed to environment and social responsibility. For further information on the Company, visit www.newgold.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained in this news release, including any information relating to New Gold's future financial or operating performance are "forward looking". All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that New Gold expects to occur are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "targeted", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "projects", "potential", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation of such terms. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements with respect to: guidance for production, operating expenses per gold ounce sold, total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs and the factors contributing to those expected results, including the timing of filing new technical reports for the Rainy River and New Afton mines, timing of the implementation of the new life of mine plans, the Company’s positioning for profitability and sustainable free cash flow beginning in Q1 2020, the development of New Afton’s B3 and C-zone and the free cash flow expected from that development, statements under the heading “Rainy River Life of Mine Highlights” and “New Afton Mine”, and estimations of the Company’s Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources.
All forward-looking statements in this news release are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are subject to important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond New Gold's ability to control or predict. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements are discussed in this news release, New Gold's latest annual management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A"), Annual Information Form and current technical reports filed atwww.sedar.comand on EDGAR atwww.sec.gov. In addition to, and subject to, such assumptions discussed in more detail elsewhere, the forward-looking statements in this news release are also subject to the following assumptions: (1) there being no significant disruptions affecting New Gold's operations; (2) political and legal developments in jurisdictions where New Gold operates, or may in the future operate, being consistent with New Gold's current expectations; (3) the accuracy of New Gold's current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; (4) the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar, and to a lesser extent, the Mexican Peso, being approximately consistent with current levels; (5) prices for diesel, natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and other key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (6) equipment, labour and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with New Gold's current expectations; (7) arrangements with First Nations and other Aboriginal groups in respect of the Rainy River, New Afton and Blackwater being consistent with New Gold's current expectations; (8) all required permits, licenses and authorizations being obtained from the relevant governments and other relevant stakeholders within the expected timelines and the absence of material negative comments during the applicable regulatory processes; (9) metals and other commodity prices and exchange rates being consistent with those estimated for the purposes of 2019 guidance; (10) the qualified persons being able to complete the new technical reports within 45 days; and (11) the Company’s ability to implement the new life of mine plans on the timing described herein or at all.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation: significant capital requirements and the availability and management of capital resources; additional funding requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for metals and other commodities; fluctuations in the international currency markets and in the rates of exchange of the currencies of Canada, the United States and, to a lesser extent, Mexico; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, between actual and estimated Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources and between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; risks related to early production at the Rainy River Mine, including failure of equipment, machinery, the process circuit or other processes to perform as designed or intended; fluctuation in treatment and refining charges; changes in national and local government legislation in Canada, the United States and, to a lesser extent, Mexico or any other country in which New Gold currently or may in the future carry on business; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which New Gold does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining and maintaining the validity and enforceability of the necessary licenses and permits and complying with the permitting requirements of each jurisdiction in which New Gold operates, the lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems, which may not be immune from the influence of political pressure, corruption or other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; the uncertainties inherent to current and future legal challenges New Gold is or may become a party to; diminishing quantities or grades of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources; competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; uncertainties inherent to mining economic studies; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion losses and risks associated with a mine with relatively limited history of commercial production, such as Rainy River, (and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks) as well as the "Enterprise Risk Management and Risk Factors" section of the MD&A, included in New Gold's Annual Information Form, previous MD&A and other disclosure documents filed on and available atwww.sedar.comand on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results and future events could materially differ from those anticipated in such statements. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. New Gold expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Technical Information
The scientific and technical information relating to Mineral Reserves contained herein has been reviewed, verified and approved by Mr. Andrew Croal, Director, Technical Services of New Gold. The scientific and technical information relating to Mineral Resources and exploration activities and results contained herein has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Michele Della Libera Director, Exploration of New Gold. All other scientific and technical information contained herein has been reviewed and approved by the persons named under the heading “Technical Information and Qualified Persons” with respect to the technical and scientific information noted for each name. Mr. Croal is a Professional Engineer and member of the Association of Professional Engineers Ontario. Mr. Della Libera is a Professional Geoscientist and a member of Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia and Professional Geoscientists Ontario. Mr. Croal, Mr. Della Libera and the persons named under the heading “Technical Information and Qualified Persons” are "Qualified Persons" for the purposes of NI 43-101. No limitations were imposed on these Qualified Persons with respect to the verification of the data contained herein. Further detail about the mineral resource and reserve estimates, including assumptions, parameters, risks and data verification measures, will be available in the updated technical reports to be filed by the Company within 45 days following the date of this news release.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers Concerning Estimates of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources
Information concerning the properties and operations of New Gold has been prepared with Canadian standards for reporting of mineral resource estimates, which differ in some respects from United States standards. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms “inferred mineral resources,” “indicated mineral resources,” “measured mineral resources” and “mineral resources” used or referenced in this MD&A are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines, May 2014 (the “CIM Standards”). Until recently, the CIM Standards differed significantly from standards in the United States. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These amendments became effective February 25, 2019 (the “SEC Modernization Rules”) with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that were included in SEC Industry Guide 7, which will be rescinded from and after the required compliance date of the SEC Modernization Rules. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources”. In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of “proven mineral reserves” and “probable mineral reserves” to be “substantially similar” to the corresponding definitions under the CIM Standards, as required under NI 43-101. Accordingly, during this period leading up to the compliance date of the SEC Modernization Rules, information regarding mineral resources or mineral reserves contained or referenced in this MD&A may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies.
Readers are cautioned that “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 an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances. The term “resource” does not equate to the term “reserves”. Readers should not assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. Readers are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
MINERAL RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES
New Gold’s Mineral Reserve estimates as at December 31, 2019, is presented in the following table.
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| MINERAL RESERVES |
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Metal grade | Contained metal | ||||||
Tonnes | Gold | Silver | Copper | Gold | Silver | Copper | |
RAINY RIVER | |||||||
Open Pit Mineral Reserves | |||||||
Direct processing | |||||||
Proven | 15,700 | 1.21 | 2.4 | - | 612 | 1,187 | - |
Probable | 30,675 | 1.15 | 2.5 | - | 1,136 | 2,416 | - |
Open Pit P&P (direct proc.) | 46,375 | 1.17 | 2.4 | - | 1,748 | 3,602 | - |
Low grade | |||||||
Proven | 5,702 | 0.35 | 1.9 | - | 65 | 341 | - |
Probable | 15,470 | 0.35 | 2.2 | - | 172 | 1,076 | - |
Open Pit P&P (low grade) | 21,172 | 0.35 | 2.1 | - | 237 | 1,417 | - |
Stockpile | |||||||
Proven | 5,928 | 0.53 | 1.1 | - | 102 | 211 | - |
Probable | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Open Pit P&P (stockpile) | 5,928 | 0.53 | 1.1 | - | 102 | 211 | - |
Open Pit P&P Total Mineral Reserves | 73,476 | 0.88 | 2.2 | - | 2,087 | 5,231 | - |
Underground | |||||||
Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Probable | 4,096 | 4.17 | 7.8 | - | 549 | 1,034 | - |
Underground P&P (direct proc.) | 4,096 | 4.17 | 7.8 | - | 549 | 1,034 | - |
Combined Direct proc. & Low grade | |||||||
Proven | 27,331 | 0.88 | 2.0 | - | 779 | 1,740 | - |
Probable | 50,241 | 1.15 | 2.8 | - | 1,857 | 4,526 | - |
Rainy River Total Mineral Reserves | 77,572 | 1.06 | 2.5 | - | 2,636 | 6,266 | - |
NEW AFTON | |||||||
A&B Zones | |||||||
Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Probable | 20,213 | 0.55 | 1.9 | 0.73 | 357 | 1,234 | 323 |
C Zone | |||||||
Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Probable | 27,088 | 0.74 | 1.8 | 0.80 | 648 | 1,610 | 478 |
New Afton Total Mineral Reserves | 47,302 | 0.66 | 1.9 | 0.77 | 1,005 | 2,844 | 802 |
BLACKWATER | |||||||
Direct processing Reserves | |||||||
Proven | 124,500 | 0.95 | 5.5 | - | 3,790 | 22,100 | - |
Probable | 169,700 | 0.68 | 4.1 | - | 3,730 | 22,300 | - |
P&P (direct processing) | 294,300 | 0.79 | 4.7 | - | 7,510 | 44,400 | - |
Low grade Reserves | |||||||
Proven | 20,100 | 0.50 | 3.6 | - | 330 | 2,300 | - |
Probable | 30,100 | 0.34 | 14.6 | - | 330 | 14,100 | - |
P&P (low grade) | 50,200 | 0.40 | 10.2 | - | 650 | 16,400 | - |
Combined Direct proc. & Low grade | |||||||
Proven | 144,600 | 0.88 | 5.3 | - | 4,110 | 24,400 | - |
Probable | 199,800 | 0.63 | 5.7 | - | 4,050 | 36,400 | - |
Blackwater Total Mineral Reserves | 344,400 | 0.74 | 5.5 | - | 8,170 | 60,800 | - |
TOTAL PROVEN & PROBABLE MINERAL RESERVES |
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| 11,811 | 69,909 | 802 | ||
Notes to the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates are provided below. | |||||||
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources Mineral Resource estimates as at December 31, 2019, are presented in the following tables: MEASURED & INDICATED MINERAL RESOURCES (Exclusive of Mineral Reserves) |
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| Metal grade | Contained metal | |||||
Tonnes | Gold | Silver | Copper | Gold | Silver | Copper | ||
RAINY RIVER |
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High and Medium grade Mineral Resources | ||||||||
Open Pit | ||||||||
Measured | 695 | 1.46 | 2.9 | - | 33 | 64 | - | |
Indicated | 4,813 | 1.18 | 3.4 | - | 182 | 531 | - | |
Open Pit M&I (high and med. grade) | 5,508 | 1.21 | 3.4 | - | 214 | 596 | - | |
Underground | ||||||||
Measured | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
Indicated | 14,866 | 3.49 | 9.1 | - | 1,669 | 4,331 | - | |
Underground M&I | 14,866 | 3.49 | 9.1 | - | 1,669 | 4,331 | - | |
Low grade Mineral Resources | ||||||||
Open Pit | ||||||||
Measured | 293 | 0.34 | 1.9 | - | 3 | 18 | - | |
Indicated | 2,460 | 0.34 | 2.2 | - | 27 | 175 | - | |
Open Pit M&I (high, medium and low grade) | 2,753 | 0.34 | 2.2 | - | 30 | 193 | - | |
Combined M&I | ||||||||
Measured | 989 | 1.13 | 2.6 | - | 36 | 82 | - | |
Indicated | 22,139 | 2.64 | 7.1 | - | 1,878 | 5,037 | - | |
Total Rainy River M&I | 23,127 | 2.57 | 6.9 | - | 1,914 | 5,120 | - | |
NEW AFTON |
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A&B Zones |
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Measured | 17,013 | 0.63 | 1.7 | 0.83 | 346 | 940 | 312 | |
Indicated | 9,759 | 0.44 | 2.6 | 0.71 | 138 | 825 | 154 | |
A&B Zone M&I | 26,773 | 0.56 | 2.1 | 0.79 | 484 | 1,765 | 466 | |
C-zone | ||||||||
Measured | 6,116 | 0.78 | 2.0 | 0.94 | 154 | 401 | 126 | |
Indicated | 12,727 | 0.71 | 2.1 | 0.83 | 292 | 852 | 233 | |
C-zone M&I | 18,843 | 0.74 | 2.1 | 0.86 | 446 | 1,254 | 359 | |
HW Lens | ||||||||
Measured | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
Indicated | 11,362 | 0.51 | 2.0 | 0.44 | 187 | 738 | 109 | |
HW Lens M&I | 11,362 | 0.51 | 2.0 | 0.44 | 187 | 738 | 109 | |
Combined M&I |
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Measured | 23,154 | 0.67 | 1.8 | 0.86 | 500 | 1,345 | 438 | |
Indicated | 33,854 | 0.57 | 2.2 | 0.66 | 617 | 2,409 | 495 | |
Total New Afton M&I | 57,008 | 0.61 | 2.1 | 0.74 | 1,118 | 3,754 | 933 | |
BLACKWATER |
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Direct processing Mineral Resources | ||||||||
Measured | 288 | 1.39 | 6.6 | - | 13 | 61 | - | |
Indicated | 45,440 | 0.84 | 4.7 | - | 1,227 | 6,866 | - | |
M&I (direct proc.) | 45,728 | 0.84 | 4.7 | - | 1,240 | 6,927 | - | |
Low grade Mineral Resources | ||||||||
Measured | 11 | 0.29 | 7.4 | - | - | 3 | - | |
Indicated | 15,831 | 0.32 | 3.9 | - | 162 | 1,985 | - | |
M&I (low grade) | 15,842 | 0.32 | 3.9 | - | 162 | 1,988 | - | |
Total Blackwater M&I | 61,570 | 0.71 | 4.5 | - | 1,402 | 8,915 | - | |
TOTAL M&I MINERAL RESOURCES |
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| 4,434 | 17,788 | 933 | |
Notes to the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates are provided below. | ||||||||
Inferred Mineral Resources
INFERRED MINERAL RESOURCES | |||||||
| Metal grade | Contained metal | |||||
| Tonnes | Gold | Silver | Copper | Gold | Silver | Copper |
RAINY RIVER |
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High and Medium grade Resources | |||||||
Open Pit | 2,015 | 0.61 | 1.8 | - | 39 | 114 | - |
Underground | 1,297 | 3.76 | 3.5 | - | 157 | 146 | - |
Total Direct Processing | 3,312 | 1.84 | 2.4 | - | 196 | 260 | - |
Low grade Resources | |||||||
Open Pit | 167 | 0.35 | 1.4 | - | 2 | 8 | - |
Rainy River Inferred | 3,479 | 1.77 | 2.4 | - | 198 | 268 | - |
NEW AFTON |
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A&B Zones | 6,367 | 0.34 | 1.3 | 0.35 | 70 | 272 | 49 |
C-zone | 7,650 | 0.41 | 1.3 | 0.47 | 101 | 316 | 71 |
HW Lens | 3 | 0.49 | 0.6 | 0.19 | - | - | - |
New Afton Inferred | 14,022 | 0.38 | 1.3 | 0.42 | 172 | 589 | 121 |
BLACKWATER |
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Direct processing | 13,933 | 0.76 | 4.0 | - | 341 | 1,792 | - |
Low grade Resources | 4,225 | 0.32 | 3.5 | - | 44 | 475 | - |
Blackwater Inferred | 18,158 | 0.66 | 3.9 | - | 385 | 2,267 | - |
TOTAL INFERRED MINERAL RESOURCES |
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| 754 | 3,124 | 121 | |
Notes to the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates are provided below. | |||||||
Notes to Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates
1. New Gold’s Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources have been estimated in accordance with the CIM Standards (2014), which are incorporated by reference in NI 43-101.
2. All Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates for New Gold’s properties and projects are effective December 31, 2019.
3. New Gold’s year-end 2019 Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources have been estimated based on the following metal prices and foreign exchange (FX) rate criteria:
| Gold $/ounce | Silver $/ounce | Copper $/pound | FX CAD:USD |
Mineral Reserves | $1,275 | $17.00 | $3.00 | $1.30 |
Mineral Resources | $1,375 | $19.00 | $3.25 | $1.30 |
4. Cut-offs for the Company’s Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are outlined in the following table:
Mineral Property | Mineral Reserves Lower cut-off | Mineral Resources Lower Cut-off | |
Rainy River | O/P direct processing: | 0.46 – 0.49 g/t AuEq | 0.44 – 0.45 g/t AuEq |
| O/P low grade material: | 0.30 g/t AuEq | 0.30 g/t AuEq |
| U/G direct processing: | 2.20 g/t AuEq | 2.00 g/t AuEq |
New Afton | Main Zone – B1 & B2 Blocks: | US$21.00/t | All Resources: 0.40% CuEq |
| B3 Block & C-zone: | US$24.00/t | |
Blackwater | O/P direct processing: | 0.26 – 0.38 g/t AuEq | All Resources: 0.40 g/t AuEq |
| O/P low grade material: | 0.32 g/t AuEq | |
5. New Gold reports its Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources exclusive of mineral reserves. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred Mineral Resources have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and technical feasibility, do not have demonstrated economic viability, and are likewise exclusive of Mineral Reserves. Numbers may not add due to rounding.
6. Mineral Resources are classified as measured, indicated and inferred based on relative levels of confidence in their estimation and on technical and economic parameters consistent with the methods considered to be most suitable to their potential commercial extraction. The designators ‘open pit’ and ‘underground’ may be used to indicate the envisioned mining method for different portions of a resource. Similarly, the designators ‘direct processing’ and ‘lower grade material’ may be applied to differentiate material envisioned to be mined and processed directly from material to be mined and stored separately for future processing. Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing and other risks and relevant issues. Additional details regarding Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimation, classification, reporting parameters, key assumptions and associated risks for each of New Gold’s material properties are provided in the respective NI 43-101 Technical Reports, which will be available at www.sedar.com within 45 days of this press release.
7. The preparation of New Gold's consolidated statement and estimation of Mineral Reserves has been completed under the oversight and review of Mr. Andrew Croal, Director of Technical Services for the Company. Mr. Croal is a Professional Engineer and member of the Association of Professional Engineers Ontario. Preparation of New Gold’s consolidated statement and estimation of Mineral Resources has been completed under the oversight and review of Mr. Michele Della Libera, Director, Exploration for the Company. Mr. Della Libera is a Professional Geoscientist and member of the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and of the Engineers and Geoscientist of British Columbia. Mr. Croal and Mr. Della Libera are "Qualified Persons" as defined by NI 43-101.
Anne Day
Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: +1 (416) 324-6003
Email: anne.day@newgold.com
