NI 43-101 Technical report, Surface diamond drilling ... - Iamgold

R a r e E a r t h E l e m e n t E x p l o r a t i o n P r o g r a m M a r c h - 2 0 1 3
W i n t e r - S u m m e r 2 0 1 2 P a g e | 108
Sections 19.2 to 19.9 are required for advanced project only
19.2 Mineral reserves estimates
No mineral reserves estimates were outline for the REE Zone at this stage.
19.3 Mining methods
No mine plan was drawn for the REE Zone. However, the proximity to the existing
IAMGOLD Niobec underground mine makes it an obvious choice as long as the value of the
mineral resources is equal or higher than the niobium ore. The value of the REE Zone
material has been more valuable than the niobium ore recently with the peak in REE prices
but that was not always the case historically. The alternative of mining at surface with an
open pit is also attractive given the facts:
• The REE Zone outcrops or is under less than of 30m Trenton limestone
and overburden;
• it would be a lower cost operation than underground near the surface;
however contemplating a very deep pit is much less attractive;
The REE Zone could be mined from surface and underground at the same time also. But
with the actual works made on the Niobec underground feasibility project (based on a Blocks
Caving method), an underground mining method should be preferred for this project.
19.4 Recovery methods
Preliminary metallurgical test work results of a REO bulk concentrate shows recoveries
between 58% and 70%. Optimization test will continue throughout 2013 and preliminary
leach tests as well as extraction leach tests are ongoing. A final recovery of 53.5% of the
REE is for the moment assumed.
19.5 Project infrastructure
There is no specific project infrastructure for the REE Zone at the moment. However,
IAMGOLD owns Niobec Inc. which operates an underground niobium mine just 1km from
the REE Zone with an on-site mill and tailings disposal facilities.
19.6 Market studies and contracts
This section will be addressed when IAMGOLD produces a preliminary economic
assessment or scoping study.
19.7 Environmental studies, permitting and social impact
This section will be addressed when IAMGOLD produces a preliminary economic
assessment or scoping study.
19.8 Capital and operating costs
This section will be addressed when IAMGOLD produces a preliminary economic
assessment or scoping study.
3400, chemin du Columbium, St-Honoré-de-Chicoutimi, QC G0V 1L0 Canada – tel. : 418 673-4694 Fax : 418 673-3179
E-mail : info.niobec@iamgold.com www.niobec.com