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Tab. 02 (Download Report) shows the preliminary results of the channel sampling of the pegmatite along line 52-00 SW. The content corresponds to the nonmagnetic +0.6 mm fraction which consists principally of tantalite/columbite fragments. The matrix minerals of the pegmatite are predominantly composed of muscovite and kaolin (Foto 02 in the Download Report). Therefore its dry specific weight is relatively low.
On the line 52-00 SW we have an average content of 799 g/m3 and 752 g/t (dry) respectively of nonmagnetic heavy minerals, over a pegmatite width of 10.0 m. If the corresponding heavy mineral concentrate would exhibit a Ta2O5-content of 30 %, then the in situ value of 1.0 m3 mineralized material would have a value of US$ 65. –, taking the current price quote of US$ 81.00 pro kg concentrate into account. The cash costs for mining and concentration are roughly estimated to be below US$ 15.-- per m3.
Through the binocular one observes that the tantalite/columbite forms coarse grained mineral aggregates. It occurs only occasionally intergrown with quartz, muscovite or feldspar. Therefore, it should be possible to recover most of it in a gravimetric washing plant without crushing and milling. In the initial business plan an average content of 0.05 % Ta2O5 (dry) was assumed. The mineralization found on the line 52-00 SW corresponds to an average of 0.075 % Ta2O5.
 Planning
The exploration activity will be paused between December the 20th and mid January due to Christmas holidays. A preliminary technical/economic scooping study on the commercial exploitation of tantalite in the Johannes-Colonia project will be prepared until the end of February, which would consider also the recovery of quartz, kaolin and muscovite of the pegmatite.
In December, the management of EMPO S.R.L. will visit the locality of Candelaria, in order to announce the beginning of the exploration work in the Hamburg concession in the dry season of 2009. Until then, exploration data from the nineties will be reprocessed and combined with results of a recent interpretation of satellite images
New project possibilities
Several raw material projects in Angola and Peru for copper, god and base metals have been offered to the company. The available geological information will be reviewed and a list of priorities will be prepared for negotiation with the claim owners and first site visits.
Economic & Political Development
The political situation is calm and the economy continues to be stable. The exchange rate stands at the end of the month by Bs 7.07 for one US-Dollar. The banking system has proven to be quite robust given the world finance crisis.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, December 15th, 2008
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