Geological mapping has delineated so far two consistent linear pegmatite bodies which extend over 1.9 km and 1.1 km, respectively. The maximal observed thickness is 55.0 m. This indicates that the potential tantalite mineral resource might be much larger than assumed in the initial business plan.
Conclusions
It is well known that similar pegmatite deposits of complex composition in eastern Bolivia contained occasionally massive ore pockets of more then100 kg weight.
The evaluation of tantalite resources through conventional sampling is in such cases difficult. It is alternatively recommended to process bulk samples in a pilot washing plant in order to analyse the pre-concentrate chemically for Ta.
Within the next weeks, the field team is going to sample the coluvial overburden and the caolinized part of the pegmatite mineralization to delineate sections of higher tantalite/columbite content. In a following step bulk samples are to be taken and processed for the determination of the tantalum concentration.
Environmental Impact Study
Empresa Minera (Bergbau) A.G. received also a technical proposal by the environmental engineer Hugo Heymann for the elaboration of an environmental impact study for operating an industrial washing plant. The cost is US$ 2.200.-- for obtaining the environmental categorisation of the project; and US$ 16,000.-- and US$ 32,000.-- respectively, for a detailed environmental impact study depending on the previously obtained categorization.
Planning
Because of the fact that the pegmatite structure is being longer and thicker than initially assumed, the excavation and the geological mapping of the exploration trenches has to be prolonged until the middle of November. For the next weeks, an additional engineer and two experienced samplers will support the sampling of the pegmatite.
The gossan and BIF chip samples that have been taken in the last months will be taken in October to the ALS Laboratory Group assay facilities in Oruro for preparation and analysis of precious and nonferrous metals.
Economic & Political Development
The month of September was full of political events. The population of the departments of eastern Bolivia demonstrated against a cutback of gas royalties by blocking roads and occupying governmental institutions. This situation eased when talks between the central government and the oppositional departments under the supervision of a neutral facilitator were commenced. By the end of the month the US$ exchange rate was situated at Bs 7.11. |
