お知らせ • Mar 05
Global Atomic Corporation Updates Its Dasa Project Feasibility Study
Global Atomic Corporation announced the results of the updated Dasa Project Feasibility Study (the 2024 Study) replacing the previous Phase 1 Feasibility Study (Phase 1 Study). The 2024 Study has extended the Dasa Mine Life from 12 to 23 years, Mineral Reserves have increased by 50% to 73 million pounds U3O8, and uranium production from Dasa has increased by 55% to 68.1 million pounds. The Dasa Project is defined in three Phases, with the Phase 1 comprising the shallow high-grade Fank Zone, Phase 2 comprising several ore bearing zones at lower depths and the Phase 3 surface mineralization that could be mined as an open pit. The 16,000-meter drill program conducted during 2021/22 resulted in significant resource conversion from Inferred to Indicated. The previous 2019 MRE had been based on both an open pit and underground mine, while the current MRE is based solely on an underground mine. The MRE was revised in a news release dated May 23, 2023. The new MRE was calculated by AMC Consultants, (AMC), of Perth, Western Australia. The 2024 Study was completed by METC Engineering Pty Ltd. (METC), who also completed the Phase 1 Study. The economic analysis for the 2024 Study was done with a discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on a uranium price of $75 per pound U3O8. Sensitivity analysis was applied at intervals from $60 per pound to $105 per pound. The DCF includes the current tax regime and royalty requirements in Niger. Net present value (NPV) figures are calculated using a range of discount rates. The discount rate used for the base-case analysis is 8% (NPV8). NPV is based on discounting to commissioning date, January 1, 2026, less undiscounted remaining capital costs. The process plant has been designed for a throughput of 1,200 tonnes per day. Long lead equipment has been purchased with delivery expected late summer through the fall of 2024. In view of the on-site construction schedule, cold commissioning is expected to be complete in Fourth Quarter 2025 and hot commissioning beginning in early 2026. Procurement and construction of supporting infrastructure is underway. The processing plant recovery is forecast to be 94.15% in steady state. In the Phase 1 Study, development and commissioning of the mine and processing plant were projected over 16 and 19 months, respectively, with costs integrated into the ongoing capital. The 2024 Study revises this timeline, extending mine development from 2022 through the end of 2025, a total of 48 months, to align with the processing plant's commissioning schedule. This adjustment results in more comprehensive development work and, consequently, an increase in cumulative costs, including a rise in owners' and indirect expenses due to the extended development phase. Some of the key capital cost increases are due to the following: Extended support for site and Niamey staff over 48 months, a $22 million increase. Prolonged mine development period contributing an additional $36 million. Enhanced EPCM and project team expenses due to increased complexity and extended duration, for an extra $12 million. Shift from a power purchase agreement to a grid connection with Dasa having its own power station, adding $20 million in upfront capital. A larger mine camp increases costs by $8 million. Additional site support buildings necessary for an extended mine life, adding $21 million. The 2024 Feasibility Study incorporates a range of contingencies to address potential risks and uncertainties. These provisions ensure the project's resilience and flexibility, safeguarding against unforeseen events and enabling adaptive responses to market fluctuations and operational challenges. By proactively integrating these measures, the study underscores commitment to project viability and stakeholder confidence. Due to slower transport via the port of Lomé in Togo through Burkina Faso, project timelines have been extended by 1.5 months. Utilizing the Cotonou route will eliminate additional site and Niamey costs and advance the Project delivery timelines. Power costs are carried at an average cost of $0.26/kwh over the production period. As power requirements ramp up over the first 5 years, the power source mix of grid connection and own power station should result in lower costs. Local contractors have been identified for site development and construction. The 2024 Study assumes international construction contractors for all site work which would result in higher costs. Reagent costs for the mill are assumed to be transported through the Togo – Burkina Faso rather than the traditional route via the port of Cotonou in Benin. Initial capital costs include a general contingency provision of 12% for the mill and infrastructure. A 15% contingency has been included for all mine development and capital costs. The mill has been designed for 1,200 tonnes per day throughput, however cash flows for the 2014 Study are based on 1,000 tonnes per day. If plant availability is 92%, similar to the experience of other Niger uranium mills, fixed costs for the mill and infrastructure will be reduced. Mine dilution has been increased to 10% in the 2024 Study compared to 5% in the Phase 1 Study.