EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT

Myanmar scopes China zinc venture

Feasibility work on US$200M starter project to undertaken through 2019

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Cashflow from the 13-year China mine will be used to fund further open pit and underground mining at Bawdwin, with Myanmar making the point that it will fund "life-of-mine infrastructure while consuming only 26% of the current indicated and inferred mineral resources".

China will yield 1 million tonnes of zinc concentrate grading 52% zinc, as well as 1.6Mt of concentrate grading 63% lead, 2% copper and 1554 grams per tonne silver.

More than 80Mt will be mined, of which 21Mt will be ore.

Processing will be at a rate of 1.8Mt per annum.

Total operating costs per tonne processed are estimated at $84/t.

Myanmar aims to complete prefeasibility and full feasibility studies by the end of next year.

The company didn't disclose revenue, operating earnings, NPV, IRR, payback period and other financial metrics, saying it was taking "a conservative approach, in consideration of the scoping study" nature of the assessment undertaken.

In terms of funding, Myanmar pointed out it has previously received a non-binding letter of financial support from Perilya, its cornerstone investor, for up to $150 million for future construction. 

Perilya holds about 20% of Myanmar, with famed Australian-based prospector Mark Creasy having a 12% stake.

Share in Myanmar were up 1.5% to A6.9c in morning trade, capitalising the company at $86 million.

Myanmar started the current quarter with $16.6 million cash, with about $35 million raised earlier this year when new shares were issued at 6c each.

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