Norfolk Metals Ltd (ASX:NFL) (Norfolk or the Company) is pleased to report on its activities during the 3-month period ended 31 March 2024.
ORROROO URANIUM PROJECT
ROGER RIVER GOLD PROJECT
CORPORATE UPDATE (including activities subsequent to quarterly period end)
Orroroo Uranium Project, South Australia
Norfolk Metals Ltd (Norfolk or the Company) is pleased to advise the maiden drill program was completed with a further 5 holes drilled across EL6552 being drilled in Phase 2 of the program in January 2024, taking the total number of holes completed in the maiden program to seventeen (17) (Figure 1). Phase 2 of the program sought to test the palaeochannel model at the Wongway Creek Target (formerly Target 1) where suitable drill access was available. A total of three (3) holes were drilled along the river traverse of the Wongway Creek Target testing both upstream and downstream regions. One (1) hole was drilled downstream of the No Name Creek Target (formerly Target 3) as well as the Rankin Rd Target (formerly Target 4). The completion of the maiden drill program has successfully delineated uranium in ten (10) of the seventeen (17) holes providing data for the Company to further develop a geological model of the Walloway Basin (Figure 3). Most importantly, the interpreted uranium bearing floodplain intersected upstream of Wongway Creek gives Norfolk confidence in the palaeochannel model and future exploration efforts can be planned accordingly. Peak grade of 796ppm pU308 was intersected in ORMR007.
*peak grade(s) noted are the direct detection of pU308 over a 0.02m interval by Prompt Fission Neutron downhole logging within a composite intersection with a cut-off grade greater than 100ppm pU308.
Figure 1. All drill collars completed in maiden drill program with Section A-A reference for Figure 3
Floodplain Interpretation
The pre-drilling model was targeting the presence of prospective palaeochannels approximately 100 to 150 metres to the south of the modern-day creeks associated with uranium intersected in historical Linc Energy Wells. Drilling results from Phase 1 indicated that the uranium in the Linc Energy Wells appeared to be associated with a secondary permeability created by downward displacement of the sediments resulting from basement faulting or soft sediment deformation. Phase 2 drilling continued to test the targeted prospective palaeochannels located to the south of the modern-day creeks at closer than expected distance of 50m. Younger palaeochannels were seen south of the modern-day creeks in ORMR004 (Walloway Creek Target) and ORMR016 (Rankin Rd Target) at the base of the regolith. This further supports the model of palaeochannels occurring south of the modern-day creeks due to a change in regional slope.
Drillhole ORMR015A was drilled 50m south of the modern-day creek at Wongway Creek Target. Drilling upstream from previous holes enabled easier location of the targeted prospective and potentially wider palaeochannel. This hole encountered what appears to be a silt dominated floodplain with minor gravel and two elevated gamma anomalies signifying uranium towards the top of this unit as well as the base of this unit (Figure 2). This unit appears to be the middle section of a palaeochannel between the sand and gravel dominated incising part of a palaeochannel and the clay dominated edge of a floodplain.
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Norfolk Metals (ASX:NFL) is an ASX-listed exploration company focused on its uranium in South Australia and Argentina. The company’s flagship property is the Orroroo uranium project in South Australia. It also holds a gold-copper project, the Roger River Property in Tasmania. Norfolk Metals is currently focused on advancing its uranium project and evaluating uranium assets for acquisition. In April 2024, the company announced it is acquiring the Las Altares uranium project in Argentina, through an exclusivity agreement with Green Shift Commodities.
Uranium prices have been on an upward trajectory since 2023, with prices rising from less than $50/lb to over $100/lb in 2024. The prices are currently hovering around $90/lb and could increase further, driven by a supply deficit. Kazatomprom, the world's largest uranium miner, announced in February 2024 that it is reducing uranium production. The company said production levels at its operations in Kazakhstan are anticipated to remain 20 percent lower, chiefly attributed to the sulfuric acid shortage prevailing in the country. Cameco, the world’s largest publicly traded uranium supplier, has provided a 2024 production guidance which is also not very bullish.
While the supply remains challenging, the demand continues to ramp up. The surge in uranium demand has been predominantly fueled by heightened utility contracting, a trend that offers robust support and sustainability to elevated price levels. The World Nuclear Association’s Nuclear Fuel Report indicates that global nuclear reactor demands are projected to almost double by 2040, rising from 65,650 tU in 2023 to 130,000 tU in 2040. According to Sprott, utilities have nearly 1.5 billion pounds of uncovered uranium requirements through 2040, compared to current annual production of around 150 Mlbs. Further, substantial underinvestment in new mining projects has exacerbated an already constrained supply side, leading to prolonged strain in the years ahead.
The uranium market appears to remain firmly in an uptrend driven by rising demand and constrained supply. Elevated prices also enhance the prospects for junior miners to progress their projects and potentially secure future supply agreements with utilities.
Norfolk Metals boasts uranium assets in a tier-1 mining jurisdiction of South Australia. The recent maiden drill program at the Orroroo project intersected a uranium-bearing floodplain, boosting confidence in the potential of the project.
Norfolk continues to review complementary projects with plans to expand its uranium project suite. In 2024, the company signed an exclusivity agreement with Green Shift Commodities (TSXV:GCOM) to acquire Las Alteras uranium project in Argentina. Las Alteras is surrounded by non-JORC foreign estimates at URAmerica’s Meseta Central deposit (19.1 Mlbs U308), CNEA’s Cerro Solo deposit (11.49 Mlbs U308), ISO Energy’s Laguna Salada deposit (10.1 Mlbs U308), along with the Cerro Condor and Los Adobes historical uranium mines.
The Orroroo uranium project consists of three exploration licenses - EL6552, EL6814, and EL6948 - spanning a total of 723 square kilometers, situated roughly 274 kilometers northwest of Adelaide, South Australia. The large land holding is divided into three project areas named Orroroo, Johnburgh and Black Rock.
Orroroo lies within the Walloway Basin, an underexplored uranium region characterized by sediments of similar age to those found in the nearby Frome Embayment, where Boss Energy’s Honeymoon project is located.
Norfolk Metals completed a two-phase drilling program at Orroroo Project (EL6552), identifying uranium in 10 of 17 holes with grades reaching as high as 796 parts per million (ppm). Phase 2 of the drill program also identified a uranium-bearing floodplain 50 meters south of the Wongway Creek Target. The confirmation of uranium-bearing floodplain deposits upstream of Wongway Creek has strengthened confidence in the paleochannel model. Crucial drill holes, including ORMR015A and ORMR017, have offered valuable insights into floodplain features and the identification of kaolinitic clay marker beds, crucial for unraveling the basin’s geological evolution.
Drill samples from ORMR015A showing the kaolonitic clay marker unit from 121-130 metres and floodplain silt from 130-137 metres.
ORMR015A intersected what seems to be a floodplain dominated by silt, with minor gravel and two elevated gamma anomalies indicating uranium at both the top and bottom of this unit. In ORMR017, there was a heightened gamma response at approximately 132 meters depth, aligning with the top of the floodplain identified in ORMR015A. This suggests that the paleochannel may be situated just meters away from the target. Additionally, the detection of a mustard-colored limonite-rich fluid in certain drilling locations suggests potential uranium sources.
The identification of paleochannels offers geologists precise targets for uranium exploration. By mapping geological characteristics and comprehending past river systems, exploration endeavors can be concentrated on regions with an increased probability of harboring uranium deposits.
The maiden drill program has further substantiated Orroroo as a potential emerging uranium district within the renowned Walloway Basin in South Australia. Norfolk is moving forward on the future planning and approvals for Orroroo with a focus on the uranium-bearing floodplains intersected near the Wongway Creek target.
In 2024, Norfolk will begin operations on exploration permit EL6814, which is adjacent to the north and south of EL6552. The initial activities on EL6814 will be planned based on the findings and analysis from the inaugural drilling program at EL6552.
The company remains optimistic about the potential of the Walloway Basin beyond EL6552 (Orroroo project), particularly in areas such as the northern region (Johnburgh Project) and the southern region (Black Rock Project), where significant portions have yet to undergo geophysical surveys or drilling operations.
Through an exclusivity agreement with Green Shift Commodities (GCOM) Norfolk has rights to 22 claims totaling 60,396 hectares comprising the Las Alteras uranium project to the west and east of the 11.49M lbs (Reasonably Assured Resource) Cerro Solo uranium deposit.
Las Alteras is surrounded by UrAmerica’s Meseta Central deposit (19.1 Mlbs eU308), CNEA’s Cerre Solo deposit (11.49M lbs U308), and ISO Energy’s Laguna Salada deposit (10.1 Mlbs U308). The project is also close to two historical mines, Cerro Condor and Los Adobes.
Norfolk plans to complete a due diligence on the project and pursue completion of the acquisition of the property from Green Shift Commodities.
The Roger River Project comprises two granted exploration licenses encompassing a total area of 261 square kilometres. Positioned 410 kilometres northwest of Hobart, Tasmania, the project is deemed prospective for gold and copper.
During 2023, Norfolk continued its exploration program to obtain a better understanding of the copper and gold mineralization to guide the next exploration phase and potential drilling. The exploration work included a soil sampling program. The soil program entailed the collection of new surface samples and the re-analyses of selected historical soil samples over the White Water and A2 prospects which were submitted for Cu analysis.
Fresh surface samples were gathered on a grid measuring 200 by 100 meters around A2, totaling 98 samples. This sampling covered an area of roughly 1.2 kilometers by 1.5 kilometers along the interpreted splay from the Roger River Fault. The findings reveal a persistent copper anomaly surrounding the A4 and A5 prospects, situated along the interpreted fault splay originating from the Roger River Fault.
The historical samples re-analyzed revealed a continuous copper anomaly around the A4 and A5 prospects located along the interpreted fault splay from the Roger River Fault.
Ben Phillips brings over 15 years of experience in commercial negotiations across diverse industries, including oil and gas, resources, medical technology, software-as-a-service and defense. He guides departments spanning from R&D and exploration to production, commercialization, and sales. Previously, Phillips served as a non-executive director at Bronson Group (ASX:BGR) and later at Mandrake Resources (ASX:MAN). In his current role as a corporate executive at Ironside, he focuses on sourcing, structuring, funding and managing requirements for small-cap companies, both private and public. Phillips has been with Ironside Capital since its inception, previously serving at Merchant Corporate Finance.
Leo Pilapil has over 30 years of experience as a geoscientist. Throughout his career, he has held director positions at numerous junior companies across Australia, Africa and Turkey. In these roles, he has been primarily responsible for technical project evaluations, project acquisitions, project management and business development. Pilapil's notable achievements include the discovery of the Harlequin Gold Deposit (1 Moz) under salt lake conditions in Norseman, Western Australia. Additionally, he has played a key role in the extension and discovery of several ore deposits in Australia, Africa and Turkey. Pilapil has served as a geological consultant for numerous companies across the globe, including Aditya Birla in Australia, Alacer Gold Corporation in Turkey, African Uranium in Namibia, and NIKKI Lao in Lao PDR.
All amounts expressed in US dollars
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) said today it was making significant progress in building a business for the future with a peerless Tier One 1 focused asset portfolio and a strategy that continues to uncover and unlock value, while also fostering productive partnerships in its host countries.
Speaking in New York to investors at an in-depth presentation on the group's position, achievements and plans, president and chief executive Mark Bristow said that since the merger, Barrick had generated $23 billion in operating cash flow, invested $15 billion in its operations and growth projects — effectively recapitalizing operations for the next 10 years or more — reduced the net debt by nearly $4 billion and returned over $5 billion to shareholders. 2
"Our world-class projects are set to deliver a new growth phase and our targeted exploration programs are on course to maintain Barrick's unmatched record of reserve replacement, which allows us to project a 10-year production profile," he said.
Barrick is opening up exciting new frontiers in Chile, Peru and Ecuador while also exploiting value-creating opportunities within its current asset portfolio. "In Nevada, we're making significant progress with mine extension projects at Leeville, Goldrush, Hanson, Robertson, Swift and new extensions to Turquoise Ridge. The newly permitted Goldrush mine is ramping up production and the adjacent Fourmile, which is currently 100% owned by Barrick, is turning out to be a truly world-class asset," Bristow said.
Barrick has completed a preliminary economic assessment at Fourmile using conservative mining rates and costs, all of which draw directly from the current Goldrush mine plan. The results highlight the potential for annual operating cash flows that are at least 70% higher than the already world-class Goldrush project. 3
Bristow said Barrick's holistic approach to sustainability is central to every aspect of its value-driven business. "It enables us to make the most of the highest-quality gold assets in the industry while building a world-class copper business. It supports the evolution of a partnership model that benefits all stakeholders. It is key to the management of the mines that generate the free cash flow to fund our organic growth projects and build the strong balance sheet that enables a disciplined return to shareholders. Not least, it attracts the best and the brightest new employees because it resonates with their own values," he said.
The webcast of today's Investor Day presentations is available at www.barrick.com .
Enquiries:
| President and CEO Mark Bristow +1 647 205 7694 +44 788 071 1386 | Senior EVP and CFO Graham Shuttleworth +1 647 262 2095 +44 779 771 1338 | Investor and Media Relations Kathy du Plessis +44 20 7557 7738 Email: barrick@dpapr.com |
Website: www.barrick.com
Endnote 1
A Tier One Gold asset has the potential for +5Moz and +10 years of production at +500kozpa at $1400/oz reserve prices, with all in sustaining costs per ounce in the lower half of the industry cost curve. A Tier One Copper Asset has potential for +5Mt contained copper and +20 years of production of +200ktpa at $3/lb reserve prices, with costs per pound in the lower half of the industry cost curve. Tier One Assets must be located in a world class geological district with potential for organic reserve growth and long-term geologically driven addition.
Endnote 2
Returns to shareholders include dividends, return of capital distributions and share buybacks.
Endnote 3
Fourmile financial metrics and production metrics are based upon Barrick's internal preliminary economic assessment which is conceptual in nature because it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. The preliminary economic assessment for Fourmile is based upon $1,900/oz mineable stope optimizer. The assumptions outlined within the preliminary economic assessment have formed the basis for the ongoing study and are made by a Qualified Person. Fourmile is currently 100% owned by Barrick. As previously disclosed, Barrick anticipates Fourmile being contributed to the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture, at fair market value, if certain criteria are met.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "progress", "continue", "target", "ramp up", "potential", "project", and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: Barrick's forward-looking production guidance, including our ten-year outlook for gold and copper and anticipated production growth from Barrick's organic project pipeline and reserve replacement; our expected progress with respect to our growth projects, including our mine extension projects at Leeville and the Pipeline region and the ramp up at Goldrush; our exploration strategy; the potential for Fourmile to become a world-class asset and anticipated annual operating cash flows from the project; Barrick's sustainability strategy; and expectations, regarding future price assumptions, financial performance and other outlooks or guidance.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to political instability in certain of the jurisdictions in which Barrick operates; risks associated with projects in the early stages of evaluation and for which additional engineering and other analysis is required; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, or the other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; failure to obtain key licenses by governmental authorities; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations related to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
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All amounts expressed in US dollars
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) today updated its mineral resource estimate for its wholly-owned Fourmile project in Nevada, resulting in a 192% increase in indicated resources (1.4 million ounces grading 11.76gt), a 137% increase in inferred resources (6.4 million ounces grading 14.1gt) and a 35% increase in grade relative to Barrick's 2023 year-end mineral resource estimate 1 .
The increases reflect the addition of 25 new drill holes to the 2023 mineral resource estimate across the southernmost portion of the orebody, immediately adjacent to the Goldrush project at Cortez which is part of the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture (NGM).
Speaking today at Barrick's Investor Day in New York , president and chief executive Mark Bristow said that the Fourmile project was a truly world-class asset and could be compared to the original Goldstrike deposit, the foundational asset of Barrick which is now part of NGM's Carlin.
"Our strategy of investing in organic growth through exploration and mineral resource management has set us apart from the industry. We believe in creating real value through discovery and development rather than relying on an increase in the gold price to justify high-premium mergers and acquisitions," he said.
"Since the formation of the NGM joint venture in 2019, we have added more than 19Moz of proven and probable mineral reserves to the life of mine plan on a 100% basis 2 . This does not yet reflect the additional exploration upside that we see today, including Greater Leeville and Hanson in Cortez Underground," said Bristow.
Mineral resource management and evaluation executive Simon Bottoms added that the updated mineral resource estimate for Fourmile only covers approximately one-third of the overall orebody as defined by drilling to date.
"To illustrate the potential value that a truly world-class orebody like Fourmile has, we have completed a preliminary economic assessment using conservative mining rates and costs, all of which draw directly from the current Goldrush mine plan. The results highlight the potential for annual operating cash flows resulting from Fourmile to be more than 70% higher than the already world-class Goldrush project 3 . For the next stage of the project, we plan to start a three-year prefeasibility study in 2025, which will not only continue to define substantial resources and reserves across the entire orebody from surface drilling, while the northern Bullion Hill access is permitted and developed, but will also undertake pilot autoclave and roaster test work," Bottoms said.
Enquiries:
| President and CEO Mark Bristow +1 647 205 7694 +44 788 071 1386 | Senior EVP and CFO Graham Shuttleworth +1 647 262 2095 +44 779 771 1338 | Investor and Media Relations Kathy du Plessis +44 20 7557 7738 Email: barrick@dpapr.com |
Website: www.barrick.com
Technical Information
The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Craig Fiddes, SME-RM, Lead, Resource Modeling, Nevada Gold Mines; Simon Bottoms, CGeol, MGeol, FGS, FAusIMM, Mineral Resource Management and Evaluation Executive; John Steele, CIM, Metallurgy, Engineering and Capital Projects Executive; and Joel Holliday, FAusIMM, Executive Vice-President, Exploration—each a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects .
All mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates are estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects . Unless otherwise noted, such mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates are as of December 31, 2023 except Fourmile, which is as of November 22, 2024.
Endnote 1
Estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities.
| Fourmile 2024 Gold Mineral Resources 1, 2,3,4,5 | |||||||||||||
| As at November 22, 2024 | MEASURED (M) 6 | INDICATED (I) 6 | (M) + (I) 6 | INFERRED 7 | |||||||||
| Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | Contained ozs | Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | ||||
| Based on attributable ounces | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Moz) | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | |||
| Fourmile underground (100%) | — | — | — | 3.6 | 11.76 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 14 | 14.1 | 6.4 | |||
| TOTAL | — | — | — | 3.6 | 11.76 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 14 | 14.1 | 6.4 | |||
| See "Mineral Reserves and Resources Endnotes". | |||||||||||||
| Fourmile 2023 Gold Mineral Resources 1,2,3,4,5 | |||||||||||||
| As at December 31, 2023 | MEASURED (M) 6 | INDICATED (I) 6 | (M) + (I) 6 | INFERRED 7 | |||||||||
| Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | Contained ozs | Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | ||||
| Based on attributable ounces | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Moz) | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | |||
| Fourmile underground (100%) | — | — | — | 1.5 | 10.04 | 0.48 | 0.48 | 8.2 | 10.1 | 2.7 | |||
| TOTAL | — | — | — | 1.5 | 10.04 | 0.48 | 0.48 | 8.2 | 10.1 | 2.7 | |||
| See "Mineral Reserves and Resources Endnotes". | |||||||||||||
Endnote 2
Proven and probable reserve gains at Nevada Gold Mines calculated from cumulative net change in reserves from year end 2019 to 2023, as shown in the table below (100% basis):
| Year | P&P Reserves (Moz) | Acquisition & Divestments (Moz) i | Depletion (Moz) | Net Change (Moz) | |
| 2019 a | 48 | - | (4.5 | ) | 4.5 |
| 2020 b | 45 | - | (4.0 | ) | 0.85 |
| 2021 c | 50 | 0.38 | (4.3 | ) | 9.0 |
| 2022 d | 48 | - | (3.7 | ) | 1.8 |
| 2023 e | 47 | - | (3.5 | ) | 2.7 |
| 2019 – 2023 Total | N/A | 0.38 | (20 | ) | 19 |
Totals may not appear to sum correctly due to rounding.
All estimates are estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities.
a Estimates as of December 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted. Proven reserves of 160 million tonnes grading 4.24 g/t, representing 22 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 410 million tonnes grading 2.02 g/t, representing 26 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
b Estimates as of December 31, 2020, unless otherwise noted. Proven reserves of 150 million tonnes grading 4.23g/t, representing 21 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 360 million tonnes grading 2.11g/t, representing 24 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
c Estimates as of December 31, 2021, unless otherwise noted. Proven mineral reserves of 99 million tonnes grading 4.82g/t, representing 15 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 420 million tonnes grading 2.58g/t, representing 35 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
d Estimates as of December 31, 2022, unless otherwise noted. Proven mineral reserves of 83 million tonnes grading 5.24g/t, representing 14 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 500 million tonnes grading 2.12g/t, representing 34 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
e Estimates as of December 31, 2023, unless otherwise noted. Proven mineral reserves of 52 million tonnes grading 4.42g/t, representing 7.5 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 530 million tonnes grading 2.35g/t, representing 40 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
Endnote 3
Fourmile financial metrics and production metrics are based upon Barrick's internal preliminary economic assessment which is conceptual in nature because it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. The preliminary economic assessment for Fourmile is based upon $1,900/oz mineable stope optimizer. The assumptions outlined within the preliminary economic assessment have formed the basis for the ongoing study and are made by a Qualified Person. Fourmile is currently 100% owned by Barrick. As previously disclosed, Barrick anticipates Fourmile being contributed to the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture, at fair market value, if certain criteria are met.
Mineral Reserves and Resources Endnotes
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "progress", "continue", "target", "ramp up", "potential", "project", and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: Barrick's forward-looking production guidance, including our ten-year outlook for gold and copper and anticipated production growth from Barrick's organic project pipeline and reserve replacement; our expected progress with respect to our growth projects, including our mine extension projects at Leeville and the Pipeline region and the ramp up at Goldrush; our exploration strategy; the potential for Fourmile to become a world-class asset and anticipated annual operating cash flows from the project; Barrick's sustainability strategy; and expectations, regarding future price assumptions, financial performance and other outlooks or guidance.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to political instability in certain of the jurisdictions in which Barrick operates; risks associated with projects in the early stages of evaluation and for which additional engineering and other analysis is required; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, or the other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; failure to obtain key licenses by governmental authorities; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations related to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
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