TIDMAMC

RNS Number : 4781H

Amur Minerals Corporation

18 August 2016

18 August 2016

AMUR MINERALS CORPORATION

(AIM: AMC)

Maly Kurumkon / Flangovy 2016 Drilling Enters Final Stage

900 Metres Of Mineralised Strike Length Added to Reserve Potential

Amur Minerals Corporation ("Amur" or the "Company"), a far east Russian sulphide nickel copper explorer, is pleased to provide an update on the 2016 drill results from its Maly Kurumkon / Flangovy ("MKF") drill programme at Kun-Manie.

An early start to the drilling season, combined with higher than planned drill rates, has enabled the Company to complete a total of 54 holes (11,978.3 metres) as of 1 August 2016. A total of 34 resource definition holes have been completed and 2,100 metres of the current MKF 2,500 metre length is now considered to be completely drilled for resource and reserve determination (based on parameters previously used by SRK Consulting Ltd ("SRK"). This 2,100 metre length also includes 400 metres of newly discovered resource extension located at the western limit of the deposit.

All of the planned 20 metallurgical drill holes (3,959 metres) have also been completed, providing a 6.9 tonne bulk metallurgical sample. A full 3 months ahead of schedule, these samples have already been airlifted off the project site and are being inventoried and sorted in the Company's core storage facility in Khabarvosk.

This bulk metallurgical sample will be used for the evaluation of the metallurgical response of the MKF ore, which is a key element for the Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS"). This metallurgical testwork leads to the defining of recoveries, flowsheet design, process plant design, assessment of the final composition of the concentrate and determination of the suitability of the Company to construct its own smelter / furnace for the generation of a salable product on the international market.

The remainder of the drill season will focus on the eastern end of the MKF deposit. Drilling will target further Inferred resource upgrade of as much as 9.2 million tonnes of ore to Indicated, as well as potential resource expansion eastward of the last drill section toward the Gorny deposit. A sufficient tonnage of fuel was delivered to site to allow for an estimated 18,000 metre drill programme, and as such drilling will continue until either the fuel supply is exhausted or early winter conditions set in.

Highlights:

-- The length of MKF has been extended an additional 400 metres bringing the total length of MKF to 2,500 metres.

-- In less than 3 months, the Company has drilled 11,978.3 metres in 54 holes. Drilling is now considered to be complete in two of the three planned MKF drill targets.

-- A total of 34 holes have been drilled for resource definition. The average mineralised thickness per hole intersecting ore is 24.8 metres averaging 0.74% nickel and 0.20% copper. The average thickness per intercept interval is 16.1 metres. These represent suitable thicknesses and grades for mining in both the open pit and underground mine production environments.

-- The entire westernmost 2,100 metre length of MKF has now been drilled to a spacing used by SRK Consulting Ltd ("SRK") to assign Indicated resources. Previously, the Indicated resource was established to be 1,300 metres in length. This represents an increase of 62% over the previously identified Indicated resource strike length.

-- Resource expansion will be derived from the discovery of the new resource westward. An additional 400 metres have been drilled at the SRK Indicated spacing. No mineral had previously been identified in the area. At a cutoff grade of 0.2% nickel, the average thickness is 21.0 metres having an average grade of 0.74% nickel and 019% copper.

-- Infill drilling within the western Inferred resource block (300 metres) confirms existing drill results previously used to define the resource understated the mineralised thickness by as much as 78%.. The average infill drill results indicate a thickness of 34.8 metres per hole at 0.74% nickel and 0.21% copper based on a 0.2% nickel cutoff grade.

-- All planned metallurgical drill holes (3,959 metres) have been completed and the bulk metallurgical sample totals 6.9 tonnes for the ore intervals. The samples from these holes have already been airlifted from the project site and are being inventoried and sorted in the Company's core storage facility located in Khabarovsk. This has been completed 3 months ahead of schedule as transport was available sooner than anticipated. Additional metallurgical holes may be drilled based on future drill results.

-- Drilling was initiated on the last target area as scheduled (3 August 2016). Presently the easternmost block of Inferred resource is being drilled to convert it to an Indicated category of resource for reserve definition. Using a 0.2% cutoff grade, the area presently contains 9.2 million tonnes of ore averaging 0.58% nickel and 0.17% copper. At a cutoff grade of 0.5%, the mineralised tonnage is 5.7 million tonnes averaging 0.76% nickel and 0.20% copper.

-- The aggressive and highly successful drill programme may preclude portions of the step out drilling planned in Area C due to the availability of fuel. A sufficient tonnage of fuel was delivered to site to allow for nearly 18,000 metres to be drilled. Hence, drilling will proceed until the drilling fuel supply is exhausted or an early winter creates unsafe drill operating conditions.

-- Alex Stewart Laboratories ("ASL") has now delivered its analytical results from the first two batches of drill samples. Totaling 1,048 samples, the results reported within this RNS reflect the final analytical results suitable for resource estimation. Presently only three holes have not been analysed by ASL. These 76 samples are now in transit to Moscow.

Robin Young, CEO of Amur Minerals, commented:

"This year's drill season has already produced remarkable results in less than 90 days of drilling. We have been able to identify new resources at the western limits of Maly Kurumkon / Flangovy and drill these out to what we anticipate to be Indicated by JORC standards based on parameters used by SRK Consulting. Infill drilling has also resulted in attaining a drill spacing where the next resource update should convert these to Indicated as well, not to mention much greater thicknesses and higher grades have been identified to be present within the zone. The combination of these two efforts has now substantially enhanced the reserve potential over a length of nearly 700 metres adding substantially to the reserve inventory for inclusion in the Definitive Feasibility Study.

"Having completed the planned metallurgical drill programme is a major milestone and its extraction from site almost 3 months ahead of schedule is a real credit to logistical staff. This presents us with the potential to initiate metallurgical test and design work for the Definitive Feasibility Study earlier than anticipated."

 
    Company         Nomad and Broker      Public Relations 
  Amur Minerals    S.P. Angel Corporate     Yellow Jersey 
      Corp.            Finance LLP 
  Robin Young          Ewan Leggat        Dominic Barretto 
       CEO            Laura Harrison       Harriet Jackson 
  +74212755615      +44(0)2034700470      +44(0)7544275882 
 

For additional information, visit the Company's website, www.amurminerals.com.

Please follow the link at the end of this RNS to view figures showing MKF drill hole location map.

Notes to Editors

The information contained in this announcement has been reviewed and approved by the CEO of Amur, Mr. Robin Young. Mr. Young is a Geological Engineer (cum laude), a Professional Geologist licensed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, and is a Qualified Professional Geologist, as defined by the Toronto and Vancouver Stock Exchanges. An employee of Amur for 12 years, previously Mr. Young was employed as an exploration and mine geologist, mining engineer, construction manager of a mine startup as well as independent consultant with Fluor Engineers, Fluor Australia and Western Services Engineering, Inc. during which time his responsibilities included the independent compilation of resources and reserves in accordance with JORC standards. In addition, he has been the lead engineer and project manager in the compilation of numerous studies and projects requiring the compilation of independent Bankable Studies utilised to finance small to large scale projects worldwide. Mr. Young is responsible for the content of this announcement which includes information derived by SRK Consulting Ltd and Alex Stewart Laboratories.

For further information, see the Company website at www.amurminerals.com.

Link for graphical presentation: http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/4781H_-2016-8-17.pdf

The 2016 MKF Drill Programme Design and Objectives

Amur's 2016 drill programme of 15,000 metre is focused on the Maly Kurumkon / Flangovy ("MKF") deposit, the largest of five drill defined deposits at its Kun-Manie nickel - copper sulphide deposit.

Selection of the deposit for this year's drilling is based on its containing 59% of the Kun-Manie Global Measured and Indicated resource, its containing a substantial and continuous (2,500 metres long) high grade zone averaging more than 0.75% nickel, potential for resource expansion at both its western and eastern drilled limits and its location being nearest the planned ore processing site.

As such, MKF represents the primary source of ore production during the early stage (anticipated to be approximately 5 to 6 years of production at 6 million ore tonnes per annum) of the planned operation. Additional Measured and Indicated resources exist at the deposits of Ikenskoye / Sobolevsky, Kubuk and Vodorazdelny that will be considered in the life of mine production schedule for the Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS").

 
                               Global Resource - All Deposits 
                         Zero Cutoff Grade (Includes Internal Waste) 
  Resource      Tonnes      Ni      Ni       Cu      Cu       Pt      Pt      Pd      Pd 
  Category    (millions)   (%)    Tonnes    (%)    Tonnes    g/t      Kg     g/t      Kg 
-----------  -----------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
  Measured       18.3      0.51   93,300    0.14   25,600    0.19   3,400    0.20   3,700 
-----------  -----------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
 Indicated       88.7      0.44   390,900   0.12   111,100   0.11   9,600    0.11   10,200 
-----------  -----------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
 Sub-total      107.0      0.45   484,100   0.13   136,600   0.12   13,000   0.13   13,900 
-----------  -----------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
  Inferred       57.7      0.44   255,900   0.13   76,200    0.13   7,700    0.14   7,800 
-----------  -----------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
   Grand 
    Total       164.7      0.45   740,100   0.13   212,900   0.12   20,600   0.13   21,700 
-----------  -----------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  -------  -----  ------- 
 

The MKF 2016 drill plan has been divided into three geographical targets located along the MKF deposit. Each contains unique drill objectives. The targets are identified as Area A (the westernmost), Area B (the central) and Area C (the easternmost). This year's drilling has been and will continue to be conducted using the Company owned Boart Longyear drill rigs (LF70 and LF90C). The Q1 2016 programme was planned and has been advanced from west to east to allow for efficient logistical support of both drill rigs working proximate one another. The drill objectives by Area include the following:

-- Area A: Infill drilling to convert existing Inferred resource to that of Indicated resource. Limited step out drilling intended to define the limits of mineralisation. Metallurgical drill sample collection for use in the determination of the metallurgical responses of the ore, allow for the definition of the process flowsheet design of the process plant, establish to composition of the concentrate and assist in the evaluation of the construction of a Company owned smelter / furnace for the generation of a final salable product.

-- Area B: Limited drilling to define up and down dip limits of mineralisation along drill sections where mineralisation is not yet adequately defined. The bulk of the metallurgical drill sample effort.

-- Area C: Infill drilling to convert existing Inferred resource to that of Indicated. Step out drilling to define additional mineralisation toward the Gorny deposit. Metallurgical drill sample collection.

Beyond this year's drill programme, future substantial drill targets have already been identified at Ikenskoe / Sobolevsky ("Iken") indicating the potential for resource expansion and at Kubuk where an upgrade of the Inferred resource to Indicated is likely and resource expansion in the east, west and down dip directions is available.

2016 Drill Productivity Report

In Q1 2016, the 2016 drill programme was designed to test three geographical areas located along the MFK deposit. The 15,000 metre drill plan was to be completed over a five month period (a typical length to the drill season) with drill start up set for the first week of June and completion at the end of October. The planned programme follows.

2016 Drill Plan

 
                             Area    Area    Area 
           Drill               A       B       C     TOTAL 
         Objective            (m)     (m)     (m)      (m) 
--------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------- 
   Resource Verification 
        (Indicated)           800    500*      -     1,300 
--------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------- 
    Resource Conversion 
  (Inferred to Indicated)    1,200    -*     4,500   5,700 
--------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------- 
    Resource Expansion        600      -     2,000   2,600 
--------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------- 
   Metallurgical Sample 
         Collection           700    2,500   2,200   5,400 
--------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------- 
      Planned Metres         3,300   3,000   8,700   15,000 
--------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------- 
                                              31 
   Scheduled Completion      1 Jul   1 Aug    Oct 
--------------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------- 
 

*Previously reported as Resource Conversion, it is now considered to be Resource Verification.

As of 1 August 2016, 54 holes containing 11,978.6 metres have been completed. All drilling has been located within Areas A and B is now complete. A drill of the completed work by Area and objective is provided below.

Drill Progress As Of 1 August 2016

 
                                    Area       Area     Area 
             Drill                    A          B        C     TOTAL 
            Objective                (m)        (m)      (m)      (m) 
-------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -----  --------- 
     Resource Verification 
           (Indicated)             702.5     1344.0**    -      702.5 
-------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Resource Conversion (Inferred 
          to Indicated)           1,321.8*     - **      -     2,665.8 
-------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -----  --------- 
       Resource Expansion         4,651.3*               -     4,651.3 
-------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -----  --------- 
      Metallurgical Sample 
           Collection             1,512.0    2,447.0     -     3,959.0 
-------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -----  --------- 
        Total Completed           8,187.6    3,791.0     -     11,978.6 
-------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -----  --------- 
        Completion Date           21 July    31 July 
-------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 

* In Area A, 683.0 metres of drilling has been reassigned from Resource Conversion to Resource Expansion.

** Reassigned from Resource Conversion to Resource Verification

Drilling using both rigs has been initiated on the final target (Area C) and on schedule. After a two day care and maintenance cycle completed at the end of every calendar month, drilling was initiated on 3 August 2016.

With regard to total drill metres, 6,600 metres were scheduled for completion in Areas A and B as of 1 August, however actual Area A and B drilling totals 11,978.6 total metres (nearly double the planned metres). The substantial increase is because of the discovery of a continuous 400 metre extension of new mineralisation at the west end of MKF. Limited surface geological information had indicated little potential for successful step out drilling to expand the resource and had therefore not been budgeted.

Discovery of the new mineral extension resulted in the Company's decision to substantially increase the drilling in Area A to allow for comprehensive evaluation of the newly identified mineral extension by drilling newly discovered mineral to the drill spacing allowing for its classification as an Indicated resource. In addition, unplanned metallurgical holes were completed within the new mineral for inclusion in the DFS bulk sample. This approach precludes the Company from having to return to the area for resource drilling in the future.

Drilling of nearly twice the planned metres would typically have substantially delayed the startup of drilling in Area C. However, the Company has been able to maintain its scheduled start up in Area C as a result of drilling having started a full three weeks ahead of schedule and a substantially greater daily drill rate of 138 metres per day has been attained. This is 38 metres per day more than used during the planning phase.

Area A- Drilling Complete

As of 21 July, drilling was completed within Area A covering a total length of 900 metres of mineralisation. A total of 37 holes have been completed containing 8,187.6 metres whilst a total of 3,300 metres had been planned.

Area A Final Drill Summary

 
             Drill                  May      June      July      TOTAL 
            Objective               (m)       (m)       (m)       (m) 
-------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
     Resource Verification 
           (Indicated)             702.5       -         -       702.5 
-------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Resource Conversion (Inferred 
          to Indicated)            859.8     462.0       -      1,321.8 
-------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
       Resource Expansion          683.0    2,607.1   1,361.2   4,651.3 
-------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
      Metallurgical Sample 
           Collection              198.0     456.0     858.0    1,512.0 
-------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
          Area A Total            2,443.3   3,525.1   2,219.2   8,187.6 
-------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

The substantial increase in drilled metres was the direct result of the identification that mineralisation was continuous for an additional 400 metres in the westward direction where it had not been anticipated to exist. Drilling was completed at the spacing SRK Consulting Ltd ("SRK") has utilised to define Indicated resources. In addition, metallurgical holes were completed along the extension for evaluation of the metallurgical recovery potential of the newly defined ore. This approach should sufficiently allow for the determination of Indicated resource available for the identification of reserves. A benefit to this approach is the Company will not have to return to the area for further resource drilling in the future and the potential to define reserves is now available to the Company.

Independently derived analytical results from Alex Stewart Laboratory ("ASL") are now available for all but one drill hole within Area A. . The newly acquired ASL results take precedence over those previously reported Company derived results using its Niton XL2 500 X-Ray Fluorescence units ("RFA"). Results reported herein include the ASL results received at the end of July and into the first week of August.

Detailed results and milestones from Area A follow:

-- As the Company compiles its DFS, drilling is intended to identify the limits of mineralisation to assist in mine planning and scheduling. Therefore, up dip and down dip limits of mineralisation are now an important component of the ongoing and future drill programmes. In Area A, a 100 metre wide segment of Indicated resources located at its eastern limit was drilled to establish mineralised limits. Holes completed in the up dip direction from the interpreted mineralised zone did not intersect economic mineralisation as anticipated and were considered to be condemnation holes allowing for the determination of the footwall open pit limit. Two holes completed down dip of the deepest mineralised limits intersected mineralisation located approximately 100 metres down dip from previously completed holes. These holes contained an average mineral thickness of 10.2 metres averaging 0.73% for nickel and 0.17% for copper at a 0.2% nickel cutoff grade. Given the depth, this material could fall within an underground production scenario.

-- Infill drilling of a 300 metre wide Inferred resource block to the spacing suitable to reassign the mineralisation to that of the Indicated category has been successfully completed. At a 0.2% nickel cutoff grade, the Inferred resource is estimated to contain 3.4 million tonnes of ore with an average estimated grade of 0.55% nickel and 0.16% copper as reported in April 2016. Using a higher cutoff grade of 0.5% nickel, the Area A Inferred resource block is projected to contain 2.1 million ore tonnes averaging 0.74% nickel and 0.21% copper.

The 2016 infill drill results indicate that the historical results used to compile the Inferred resource estimate could substantially understate the resource. The eight infill holes (1,321.8 metres) contain substantially greater mineralised thicknesses and higher grade intersects for both nickel and copper than previous intersected within the block. The 2016 drill results intersected an average mineralised thickness per hole of 34.8 metres averaging 0.74% nickel and 0.21% copper (based on a 0.2% nickel cutoff grade). High grade intervals in excess of 0.5% nickel are present within seven of the infill holes averaging 28.1 metres in thickness with grades of 0.87% nickel and 0.25% copper.

Based on the results from four holes available to compilation of the Inferred resource (reported in April 2016), the thickness of the mineralisation was indicated to average 15.8 metres containing 0.81% nickel and 0.21% copper using a 0.5% cutoff grade. For this cutoff grade, the 2016 infill drill results indicate an increase in thickness of 12.3 metres (78%).

These results indicate that the resource tonnage within this portion of the block model likely understates both the mineralised tonnage and total contained metal. Future resource updates are anticipated to define an Indicated resource allowing for reserve expansion for inclusion in the DFS.

-- A 16 drill hole step out effort has resulted in the extension of the MKF deposit an additional 400 metres in the westward direction. The limits of the mineralisation have been successfully identified and drilled at the spacing used by SRK to define Indicated resources. Twelve of the holes confirm the mineralisation is continuous over the entire length. The average thickness of the mineralisation at a 0.2% cutoff grade is 21.0 metres containing 0.74% nickel and 0.19% copper. Eight of the twelve holes contain high grade mineralisation in excess of 0.5% nickel. These average 22.4 metres in thickness with a nickel grade of 0.89% and a copper grade of 0.23%.

Based on highly positive results derived within the step out phase of the Area A drill programme and due to the fact this mineralisation has been drilled at the SRK established Indicated resource spacing, a substantial increase in the resource and its associated potential to add reserves is likely. This extension brings the total mineralised length of MKF to 2,500 metres.

-- As a part of the DFS, eight metallurgical sample collection holes (1,512.0 metres) spaced at 100 metre intervals along strike have been completed for the purpose of obtaining a metallurgical sample. This is an expansion over that planned for drilling and now includes samples collected from the newly discovered 400 metre long mineral

See link to view a plan view map of Area A. A comprehensive summary of the drill hole results is presented at the end of this RNS.

Area B - Drilling Complete

Area B contains an Indicated resource inventory covering a total length of 1,200 metres. The majority of the planned 3,000 metres of drilling within this area was intended for the acquisition of metallurgical sample for use in the determination of the flowsheet for inclusion in the DFS. A total of 2,500 total metres were scheduled for metallurgical sample collection with an additional 500 metres budgeted to define the dip limits of mineralisation for mine limit determination and mine design purposes. Area B drilling was initiated in late May (ahead of schedule) and was completed on 31 July 2016. A total of 17 holes (3,791.0 metres) have been completed.

Area B - Drill Summary

 
             Drill                 May     June      July      TOTAL 
            Objective              (m)      (m)       (m)       (m) 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
     Resource Verification 
           (Indicated)            270.0    390.0     684.0    1,344.0 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Resource Conversion (Inferred 
          to Indicated)             -        -         -         - 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
       Resource Expansion           -        -         -         - 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
      Metallurgical Sample 
           Collection               -      843.0    1,604.0   2,447.0 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
          Area A Total            270.0   1,233.0   2,288.0   3,791.0 
-------------------------------  ------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Resource verification drilling of Area B was initiated in May and completed in July. A total of five holes were drilled along existing drill section to establish up dip and down dip mineralisation which had not been fully defined in this direction.

Four of the five holes targeted mineralisation located approximately 100 metres down dip of existing mineralised intercepts. Of these holes, three intersected mineral in excess of 0.2% nickel and averaged 0.70% nickel and 0.19% copper with an average intersect thickness of 18.8 metres. Located at depths in excess of 230 metres, the mineralised intercepts represent potential underground production targets. The fifth hole tested up dip mineralisation and was barren. The additional information from these holes provides key information for reserve definition and mine planning. It is noted that approximately the analytical results for two of the three holes intersection mineralisation are based on site generated RFA results. The remaining samples have been shipped to ASL for analysis on 14 August.

The preponderance of drilling in Area B was focused on the completion of 12 drill metallurgical holes intended to gather sample for metallurgical test work for flowsheet design of the plant. This work has been completed 31 July and a total of 2,447.0 metres were drilled.

Drilling in Area B is now complete and the Company anticipates that no further drilling for resource expansion is required.

See link to view a plan view map of Area B. A comprehensive summary of the drill hole results is presented at the end of this RNS.

Area C - Drilling Initiated 3 August

After a two day monthly maintenance period, drilling of Area C was begun on 3 August and on schedule. Originally planned for a total of 8,700 metres, the drill programme on Area C may be reduced. The ice road resupply of the site in March included sufficient fuel for approximately 17,500 metres of drilling.

Drill priority has been given to infill drilling for resource conversion from Inferred to Indicated. Successful drilling will result in the upgrade of a 400 metre long block of Inferred resource to that of Indicated which is beneficial to the DFS. The Inferred resource totals 9.2 million tonnes of ore averaging 0.58% nickel and 0.17% copper using a cutoff grade of 0.2% nickel. Using a 0.5% cutoff grade, the tonnage to be targeted is estimated to be 5.7 million tonnes of ore averaging 0.76% nickel and 0.20% copper.

Limited metallurgical sample drilling is also planned. Should time and sufficient fuel supplies be available, step out drilling will be undertaken for resource expansion eastward toward Gorny.

Area C Planned Drilling

 
           Drill             Drilling 
         Objective              (m) 
--------------------------  --------- 
   Resource Verification 
        (Indicated)             - 
--------------------------  --------- 
    Resource Conversion 
  (Inferred to Indicated)     4,500 
--------------------------  --------- 
    Resource Expansion        2,000 
--------------------------  --------- 
   Metallurgical Sample 
         Collection           2,200 
--------------------------  --------- 
      Planned Metres          8,700 
--------------------------  --------- 
                                31 
   Scheduled Completion         Oct 
--------------------------  --------- 
 

See link to view a plan view map of Area C and the defined drill targets.

2016 Metallurgical Drill Programme

The Company has completed the planned metallurgical drill sample collection programme. Holes twinning existing resource holes have been drilled on 100 metre intervals along the entire strike of the deposit within Areas A and B as planned. A total of 6.9 tonnes of metallurgical core have been accumulated from 20 holes (3,959.0 metres) and will provide the necessary sample for evaluation of the metallurgical responses of the MKF ore over a length of 2,100 meters, flowsheet design, plant design, analysis of the concentrate and assessment of the feasibility of the construction of an owner operated furnace designed to produce a final salable product. This is a key element for the completion of the DFS.

Additional metallurgical holes (up to four) may be drilled within the Area C infill drill target should successful drilling confirm the continuity of the mineralisation within this 400 metre long Inferred resource zone.

See link to view a plan view map of the metallurgical dill hole locations. A comprehensive summary of the metallurgical drill holes is presented at the end of this RNS.

On Site Generated Analytical Results - Cautionary Comment

Analytical results within this RNS (76 total samples) for have been derived by the Company using two Niton XL2 500 X-Ray Fluorescence units ("RFA"). Use of these units provides the Company with a rapid turnaround allowing for knowledgeable decisions to be made in the field and to assist in the siting of drill holes. The information related to these specific results is not without risk if a unit has not been rigorously tested and calibrated. The Company utilises the standards provided with the units, existing samples that have been analysed by external facilities and samples from the types of ore that are to be encountered to calibrate the units. Both units are calibrated at the beginning of the season and are tested daily at the start and end of each shift to ensure that there is no drift during the course of the shift or damage to the Niton units thereby introducing erroneous information. The reported RFA results provide reasonable but not definitive results and for this reason, the Company reports RFA results with this cautionary comment. This rigorous calibration process allows the Company to report preliminary but reasonable results in advance of obtaining the final externally derived results which require from 6 weeks and to 10 weeks from ASL based in Moscow, Russia.

Alex Stewart Laboratory Results

Results have been acquired for all drill samples except for three drill holes (76 samples) reported within this RNS. The samples from these holes have been sent to ASL in Moscow on 14 August 2016.

The turnaround time from when a mineralised core sample is recovered at the drill rig to obtaining the final analytical result is dependent upon multiple factors. The Company provides a monthly helicopter flight to the site to provide fresh food stuffs, undertake staff changes and provide required spares. On the return flight, the sample pulps are delivered to Khabarovsk staff and then are transshipped by rail to ASL's Moscow, Russia facility. On receipt of the ASL analytical results, the Company carefully examines the data to ensure that the external results are accurately reported. This is accomplished by analysis of results determined by ASL for Company inserted blind known and blank samples. If there is any notable difference within the reported results from these hidden samples, the Company will request a re-assay of the samples. Once samples are verified as representative, these become the master result available for future use in resource estimation and metallurgical test work. These externally derived results require a minimum of 6 and up to 10 weeks to be obtained from ASL.

End Of Message

2016 Drill Results - Maly Kurumkon / Flangovy

As of 1 August 2016

 
  Hole             0.2% Nickel Cutoff                     0.5% Cutoff Grade 
                          Grade 
-------  -------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
          From     To     Length    Ni     Cu    From     To     Length    Ni     Cu 
           (m)     (m)      (m)     (%)    (%)    (m)     (m)      (m)     (%)    (%) 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C400     No 
           Ore 
  C401    199.5   205.3    5.8     0.88   0.20   201.0   205.3    4.3     1.09   0.24 
------- 
          214.4   219.0    4.6     1.09   0.20   214.4   217.8    3.4     1.40   0.24 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C402     No 
           Ore 
------- 
  C403    129.0   139.0    10.0    0.61   0.15   130.5   139.0    8.5     0.66   0.16 
------- 
 
  C406    23.5    61.7     38.2    0.70   0.17   23.5    49.0     25.5    0.80   0.19 
                                                 53.5    61.7     8.2     0.63   0.13 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C404    50.9    76.0     25.1    0.74   0.19   53.9    72.8     18.9    0.84   0.25 
------- 
 
          83.5    109.0    25.5    0.74   0.21   83.5    87.5     4.0     0.65   0.14 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C405    131.9   140.9    9.0     0.51   0.15   131.9   134.9    3.0     0.94   0.26 
------- 
          154.9   163.0    8.1     0.49   0.14   157.9   162.0    4.1     0.68   0.18 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C407    74.9    143.3    68.4    0.93   0.24   74.9    98.2     23.3    0.92   0.23 
------- 
                                                 102.3   143.3    41.0    1.00   0.26 
-------  ------ 
  C408    155.0   165.5    10.5    0.74   0.22   155.0   164.0    9.0     0.79   0.24 
------- 
          174.4   183.3    8.9     0.51   0.15   177.5   183.3    5.8     0.60   0.16 
-------          ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C409    135.8   201.1    65.3    0.83   0.24   135.8   154.3    18.5    0.85   0.28 
------- 
                                                 157.3   199.6    42.3    0.87   0.25 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C415    233.7   244.1    10.4    0.57   0.15   235.1   241.1    6.0     0.75   0.28 
          253.1   259.0    5.9     0.41   0.15   253.1   256.1    3.0     0.60   0.24 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C326    14.5    19.0     4.5     0.23   0.11 
          31.0    46.0     15.0    0.47   0.23   37.0    40.0     3.0     0.70   0.23 
          56.6    74.1     17.5    0.79   0.18   59.5    74.1     14.6    0.89   0.20 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C327    94.0    98.5     4.5     0.27   0.07 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C410    227.3   230.3    3.0     0.22   0.16 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C411    181.1   187.0    5.9     0.26   0.12 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C412    211.9   241.0    29.1    0.71   0.18   211.9   222.3    10.4    0.95   0.20 
                                                 228.7   239.0    10.3    0.71   0.23 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C413    152.0   158.0    6.0     0.49   0.21 
  C414    236.3   251.3    15.0    0.91   0.23   236.3   251.3    15.0    0.92   0.23 
          260.3   296.7    36.4    0.88   0.22   260.3   294.6    34.3    0.91   0.23 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C416    227.2   237.5    10.3    0.70   0.22   227.2   237.5    10.3    0.70   0.22 
          244.0   254.7    10.7    0.48   0.14 
  C417    288.1   297.1    9.0     0.75   0.19   288.1   292.6    4.5     1.20   0.28 
          303.1   313.6    10.5    0.35   0.16 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C418    274.5   292.6    18.1    0.90   0.22   274.5   290.6    16.1    0.96   0.24 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C419    207.0   211.1    4.1     0.28   0.12 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C420    237.7   243.4    5.7     0.73   0.21   237.7   243.4    5.7     0.73   0.21 
          246.8   288.6    41.8    0.79   0.21   246.8   261.8    15.0    0.75   0.21 
                                                 266.3   285.6    19.3    0.98   0.25 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C421    305.1   332.6    27.5    0.82   0.14   305.1   318.6    13.5    0.88   0.25 
                                                 321.6   331.1    9.5     1.00   0.18 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C422     No 
           Ore 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C423     No 
           Ore 
-------                                         ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C424    98.4    110.6    12.2    0.88   0.23   100.0   112.3    12.3    0.93   0.23 
          174.2   180.4    6.2     0.51   0.16   177.3   180.4    3.1     0.76   0.20 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C425     No 
           Ore 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C426     No 
           Ore 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C324    231.7   243.7    12.0    0.59   0.20   231.7   235.7    4.0     1.06   0.25 
          248.5   252.1    3.6     0.79   0.19 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C325     No 
           Ore 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C328     No 
           Ore 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C329    337.4   351.3    13.9    0.81   0.21   337.4   346.8    9.4     1.04   0.26 
          359.7   372.0    12.3    0.65   0.16   360.8   372.0    11.2    0.69   0.17 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
  C330    253.3   267.8    14.5    0.71   0.19   254.7   263.1    8.4     1.00   0.22 
-------  ------  ------  -------  -----  -----  ------  ------  -------  -----  ----- 
   Total Mineralised 
         Metres           645.0    0.74   0.20                   458.7    0.88   0.23 
-----------------------  -------  -----  -----                  -------  -----  ----- 
       Avg Metres 
        Per Hole           24.8    0.74   0.20                   458.7    0.88   0.23 
-----------------------  -------  -----  -----                  -------  -----  ----- 
       Avg Metres 
      Per Interval         16.1    0.74   0.20                   458.7    0.88   0.23 
-----------------------  -------  -----  -----                  -------  -----  ----- 
 

Results for C324, C329 and C330 are RFA generated by the Company.

All remaining results are derived from ASL final analyses.

Metallurgical Holes - As of 1 August 2016

 
  Hole    Area   Drilled   Rig    Metres 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  149T     A       May     LF90    116 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
 105T1     A       May     LF70     83 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  147T     B      June     LF70    217 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  404T     A      June     LF70    112 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  407T     A      June     LF70    142 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  409T     A      June     LF70    202 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  318T     B      June     LF70    115 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
 202-1T    B      June     LF70    226 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  311T     B      June     LF70    285 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  310T     B      July     LF70    351 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  412T     A      July     LF90    256 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  414T     A      July     LF90    301 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  420T     A      July     LF90    301 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  302T     B      July     LF90    223 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  319T     B      July     LF70     73 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
 143AT     B      July     LF70     70 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  309T     B      July     LF90    370 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  141T     B      July     LF70     74 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  197T     B      July     LF70     67 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
  307T     B      July     LF90    376 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
 Total                            3,959 
-------  -----  --------  -----  ------- 
 

Glossary

DEFINITIONS OF EXPLORATION RESULTS, RESOURCES & RESERVES

EXTRACTED FROM THE JORC CODE: (December 2012) (www.jorc.org)

A 'Mineral Resource' is a concentration or occurrence of material of intrinsic economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories.

An 'Inferred Mineral Resource' is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a low level of confidence. It is inferred from geological evidence and assumed but not verified geological and/or grade continuity. It is based on information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes which may be limited or of uncertain quality and reliability.

An 'Indicated Mineral Resource' is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical characteristics, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a reasonable level of confidence. It is based on exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. The locations are too widely or inappropriately spaced to confirm geological and/or grade continuity but are spaced closely enough for continuity to be assumed.

A 'Measured Mineral Resource' is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical characteristics, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a high level of confidence. It is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. The locations are spaced closely enough to confirm geological and/or grade continuity.

An 'Ore Reserve' is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments and studies have been carried out, and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction could reasonably be justified. Ore Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Ore Reserves and Proved Ore Reserves.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

DRLSFAFIWFMSEIA

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August 18, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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