Project status

Previous exploration on the Booysendal project was conducted by Anglo Platinum, and included the drilling of 282 holes, and a pre-feasibility study. Northam has also commissioned an independent review of the project area’s resource base, and has reviewed the previous pre-feasibility study. The Booysendal competent person’s report (1.45MB), was issued in May 2008.

The feasibility study, currently in progress, includes a review of the geology and resource base; an investigation of mining method and production options; the determination of the principal project elements including metallurgy, bulk infrastructure, engineering and services; human resources and environmental issues and permitting. 11 production scenarios have been investigated, ranging in scale from 120 000 to 480 000 tpm and based on Merensky and UG2 reef standalone mining, and also on a combination of production profiles from both reefs. Initial findings from the pre-feasibiity review process suggests that production from the UG2 reef horizon should possibly be prioritised, while a modular production build-up in units of 120 000 tpm offers flexibility, and mitigates potential risks associated with power and water. The feasibility study is due for completion in the latter half of 2009.