Alkane Advances Near-Mine Kendal Deposit with High Grade Antimony-Gold Intercepts at Costerfield

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Price assumptions are:

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  • Au US$/oz = 2,500 (Au US$/gram = 80.39); and
  • Sb US$/t = 19,000 (Sb US$/10kg = 190).

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Recovery assumptions are:

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  • Au Recovery = 91%; and
  • Sb Recovery = 92%

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The Au recovery assumption and Sb recovery assumption is based on established processing and sales in respect of Costerfield.

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It is the Company’s opinion that all elements included in the metal equivalent calculation have a reasonable potential to be recovered and sold.

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2.   Composites that are not interpreted to be connected to a named vein and are below 2 g/t AuEq when diluted to 1.8m are not considered significant and are not recorded here.

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Drill hole collar details from modern Kendal drilling at Costerfield:

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Hole IDNorthingEastingElevationDepthAzimuthDipDate Completed
AG0196734152061193360.4498-4129/01/2019
AG0206528155371195287.68307-385/02/2019
AG02367731537495989.6646516/09/2019
AG247W1645415186967323.06501828/09/2025
BC0016724152031193394.30111-418/07/2014
BC0036873154121190160.0098-4522/07/2014
BC003A6873154121190144.40100-4531/07/2014
BC0047069154241195160.20106-3811/08/2014
BC005698815463119790.10103-4120/08/2014
BC0086749156351190500.30276-3815/12/2017
BC0097061152881192249.90114-3612/12/2017
BC0107062152881192329.9093-513/01/2018
BC0126770154521187251.60285-415/01/2018
BC0186569152611190402.00122-6126/02/2018
BC098703015269886279.50621227/04/2020
BC108701215354923229.9146143/07/2020
BC112A689115357937170.00932529/05/2020
BC113689015357937210.00943410/06/2020
BC114688915357938224.801293625/06/2020
BC122709215280860252.00561424/06/2020
BC12567941538095360.3765118/07/2020
BC12667941538095451.48851910/07/2020
BC128701315355925232.3049344/08/2020
BC129701115355924192.6181377/08/2020
BC130701015354924215.901094213/08/2020
BC1426751153221191208.30121-3228/08/2020
BC1436756153221191311.0355-3114/09/2020
BC307672515377969153.501015211/04/2022
BC308672415377969150.00784016/04/2022
BC31168791540795374.60113334/07/2022
BC31268801540795380.9078166/07/2022
BC31368791540795374.90112177/07/2022
BC314672415377970150.00694918/04/2022
BC325672515377969113.801314516/06/2022
BC326672415377969137.301463524/06/2022
BC328673415374969117.78553227/06/2022
BC353A666215299962180.75851021/09/2022
BC354666315299963202.70582118/09/2022
BC358665915298963226.00146239/09/2022
BC359673415374969100.10523027/09/2022
BC360672315376969110.50924022/09/2022
BC36167221537596873.001191924/09/2022
BC397701215353922200.0029-429/06/2024
BC398701215354922125.434232/07/2024
BC404701215354923300.07351019/07/2024
BC406701215355923162.00521623/07/2024
BC408701315353923216.0040616/08/2024
BC409701215354923220.00501028/08/2024
BC414A675915354961120.00662528/09/2024
BC415675915354961118.45551521/09/2024
BC416675915354960145.44511525/09/2024
BC417675915353960194.30431016/09/2024
BC418701315355924370.6056294/01/2025
BC419701215355925350.30432119/01/2025
BC420701315354924200.57342422/01/2025
BC421701315353923390.0624271/02/2025
BC422701315353923248.0029104/02/2025
BC423701315354924197.2040269/02/2025
BC424701315354923284.17361617/02/2025
BC425701115355925162.11672912/02/2025
BC426701315355924195.5952193/03/2025
BC427701315353924329.10272025/02/2025
BC428701015354924149.89833128/02/2025
BC429701315353923250.0023157/03/2025
BC430701215355925262.82603316/05/2025
BC431701315355924251.43472621/05/2025
BC434701315355924244.80933525/05/2025
BC437689015358938147.4986277/06/2025
BC438688915357938218.051023211/06/2025
BC439688815357939181.201103725/06/2025
BC440688815357938143.701163115/06/2025
BC441688815356938194.101323319/06/2025
BC441A688715356938149.701303321/06/2025
BC442688815356938278.03140332/07/2025
BC443688715356938232.921483118/08/2025
BC444688715355938210.091552921/07/2025
BC445701015354925221.73100421/06/2025
BC446689115357939235.72704030/07/2025
BC447689115357939244.74713426/07/2025
BC448689115357937191.11732413/07/2025
BC449689215356938229.60322514/08/2025
BC450689015357939166.2787366/07/2025
BC451689015357938175.6581309/07/2025
BC452689015357940218.90824731/08/2025
BC453689115357939222.7058373/08/2025
BC454689115356938215.0057286/08/2025
BC455689115356937247.00542010/08/2025
BC456688815357939292.601234227/08/2025
BC457688815356940280.001394823/08/2025
BC458688715356939301.411434119/08/2025
BC459688715356939350.231523717/10/2025
BC460688715355938295.811603222/10/2025
BC461688715356939233.10139385/09/2025
BC462688815357938197.16122285/10/2025
BC463688715356937195.87136258/10/2025
BC464688715356939281.721474429/10/2025
BC465688815356939277.50130442/11/2025
BC466A689115357937250.28592120/11/2025
BC467689115356937296.57471926/11/2025
BC468689115357938272.08643015/11/2025
BC469689015357940250.0073481/12/2025
BC470689115357940256.0962446/12/2025
BC475688715356939271.401534311/12/2025
BC476688715356939314.471543921/12/2025
BC477688815356939249.501354214/12/2025
BC481689115357939277.5055442/02/2026
BC482689215356938328.77383110/01/2026
BC483688915357940235.00895029/12/2025
KD52967591534495982.8080626/07/2019
KD53067581534495981.001031528/07/2019
KD55367651538396144.3078229/09/2019
KD55667731537495870.0065-226/09/2019
KD55767731537395882.00591223/09/2019
KD57467401537496970.00621722/10/2019
KD57667401537496990.45401323/10/2019
KD58067951539995135.00672425/10/2019
KD58867351539697034.90135118/11/2019
KD681701115355922115.4063228/02/2020
KD682701215355922127.905443/03/2020
KD683701215354922129.0053-210/03/2020
KD684701215354922145.5043-130/03/2020
KD68868241539995239.15123311/04/2020
KD696701115355923110.10691620/04/2020
KD698701015355923114.60922321/04/2020
KD700704115339895150.0048318/05/2020
KD701700915354923110.00104237/05/2020
KD702704115339895144.0052919/05/2020
MA0016754153231191239.53108-359/10/2020
MA0026755153231191257.1791-383/12/2020
MA0046753153221191256.40118-3822/10/2020
MA0056501155311188230.10290-416/11/2020
PD14467371537496959.481032013/09/2024
PD15268191541395612.751102317/01/2024
PD15368191541295624.03492719/01/2024
PD22068181541295624.40672831/05/2024
PD221A68181541295768.2362385/06/2024
PD221AB68181541295768.2362385/06/2024
PD22268171541295622.83924631/05/2024
PD22468041541095834.7676426/06/2024
PD23267991541095720.73164-1228/06/2024
PD25467361537496990.6451222/09/2024
PD25567361537496967.7373254/09/2024
PD25667361537496960.00862210/09/2024
PD25767361537496980.0372386/09/2024
TP0096402152701187135.6088-4515/02/2014
TP0186465152901188312.60114-453/06/2014

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Notes:

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  1. Coordinate System: Local Costerfield Mine Grid

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Appendix 2 – JORC Code, 2012 Edition – Table 1

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Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

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CriteriaJORC Code explanationCommentary
Sampling techniques
  • Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.
  • Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.
  • Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.
  • In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay’). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.
Sampling of Au and Sb mineralisation is from diamond drill core (HQ2, HQ3, NQ2, BQ and LTK48) using standardised Alkane processes that have been in place for over a decade.

Due to the discrete mineralisation of the deposit, not all diamond drill core was required to be sampled. Sample intervals were determined and marked on the core by Alkane geologists using the following general rules:

  • All stibnite-bearing veins are sampled.
  • Intersections of polyphase breccias, stockwork veins, laminated quartz veins or massive quartz veins were routinely sampled.
  • A waste sample is taken either side of the mineralized vein (30–100 cm).
  • Siltstone is sampled where disseminated arsenopyrite is prevalent.
  • Fault gouge zones were sampled at the discretion of the geologist.

Diamond core sampling intervals were standardised wherever possible and ranged from 5 cm to 1 m in length. Diamond drill core samples have been cut in half using the orientation line or cut line, with a consistent side of the cut core selected for assay to ensure unbiased sampling. Whole core was sampled for LTK48 core. The methodology was validated by the Costerfield QA/QC protocols. No sampling instruments required calibration.

Drilling techniques
  • Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.).
Diamond Drilling was undertaken using predominantly LM90 drill rigs, with NQ2 used in underground drilling and HQ2 and NQ2 on surface. HQ3 was employed where ground conditions or noise considerations required. Diamond Drilling from ore-drives and grade control drilling utilised a Kempe or Diamec rigs drilling in LTK48. A LM30 drilling BQ was used for a short period in 2020.

Core orientation was undertaken using the Axis or Reflex digital orientation kits.

Drill sample recovery
  • Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.
  • Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.
  • Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.
Diamond drilling was routinely checked for core loss during both drilling and sampling. Where zones of poor recovery were encountered, core loss was assigned at 0.1m intervals. Core loss blocks were added by drillers and then checked by geologists or field technicians when the core was measured, and depth marks made. If problems were encountered with recovery and core block depths, the drill shift supervisor was advised and depth marking stopped until the issue was rectified.

No relationship between grade and sample recovery has been established. Reported intervals reflect full recovery or composites with core-loss assigned a zero grade value. Mineralsiation zones with poor recovery are redrilled until a representative sample is achieved.

Logging
  • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.
  • Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography.
  • The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.
All drill core was geologically logged as full core for the relevant rock quality designation, lithology, weathering, alteration, mineralsiation, structural data, and sample intervals.

Logging is qualitative in nature for the geology, and quantitative for rock quality designation.

The total length of the intersections logged is 27,688m (being 100%).

Data capture was digital into the AcQuire software using validated codes.

All drill core was photographed wet with high resolution photographs stored on the site’s server, which is routinely backed-up.

Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation
  • If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.
  • If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc., and whether sampled wet or dry.
  • For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.
  • Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.
  • Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.
  • Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.
Diamond core sampling intervals were standardised wherever possible and ranged from 5 cm to 1 m in length. Diamond drill core samples have been pre-dominantly sampled by being cut in half using the orientation line or a cut line, with a consistent side of the cut core selected for assay to ensure unbiased sampling. Smaller diameter BQ and LTK48 core was sampled whole.

The following sample preparation activities were undertaken by Alkane staff for both diamond drill core and underground channel samples:

  • Sample information and characteristics were measured, logged, recorded in the acQuire database and assigned a unique sample ID.
  • Sample material was placed into a calico bag previously marked with the unique sample ID.
  • Calico bags were loaded into plastic bags such that the plastic bags weighed less than 10 kg.
  • An assay submission sheet was generated and placed into the plastic bag.
  • Plastic bags containing samples were sealed with a metal or plastic tie and transported to On Site in Bendigo via private courier or Alkane staff.

The following sample preparation activities were undertaken by On Site staff:

  • Samples were received and checked for labelling, missing samples, etc. against the submission sheet.
  • If the sample batch matched the submission sheet, sample metadata were entered into On Site’s LIMS. In the event that discrepancies were noted, Alkane was contacted by On Site to resolve the discrepancy prior to further work commencing. Records of all discrepancies and corrective actions taken are recorded by the Alkane database administrator.
  • A job number was assigned, and worksheets and sample bags were prepared.
  • Samples were placed in an oven and dried overnight at 106°C.
  • Samples were weighed and recorded.
  • The entire dried sample was crushed using a Rocklabs Smart BOYD Crusher RSD Combo with a jaw closed side setting of 2 mm.
  • If the dried sample weight was less than 3 kg, the entire sample was retained for pulverisation. If the dried sample weight was greater than 3 kg, the sample was spilt to 3 kg using the rotary splitter that is incorporated in the BOYD crusher.
  • Rejects from splits greater than 3 kg were retained as coarse rejects in labelled calico bags and returned to Mandalay Resources.
  • The 3 kg sample was then pulverised in an Essa LM5 Pulverising Mill to 90% passing 75 µm.

For fire assay and base metal samples:

  • The 3 kg pulverised samples were then subsampled to take a master ~200 g pulp split for assay by a manual scooping procedure across the full width and depth of the mill bowl and loaded sequentially into labelled pulp packets.

For all methods:

  • For every 21 primary samples, a sample was randomly selected by LIMS and a duplicate 200 g split for fire assay or second jar for photon assay was submitted for analysis using the same analytical procedure as the primary sample.
  • The remaining pulp was returned to its sample bag and then returned to Mandalay Resources for retention following the completion of assay.

A quarterly check-assay program is in place to monitor the representative nature of sampling and assay methodology.

Sample sizes are considered appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.

Quality of assay data and laboratory tests
  • The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.
  • For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.
  • Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established.
The assaying protocols used at Costerfield have been developed to ensure expected levels of accuracy and precision are met for the style of mineralisation tested.

Samples were assayed for gold, antimony, arsenic, and iron using representative partial digest methodologies:

  • Gold grades were determined either by a 25g charge with lead flux fire assay and an AAS finish.
  • Antimony, iron and arsenic concentrations were determined using an aqua regia based acid digest with an AAS finish.

Assaying techniques are considered total for gold and antimony.

The quality control procedures utilised at Costerfield used CRMs prepared by commercial laboratories Geostats and OREAS.

CRMs were either prepared using Costerfield material or were otherwise matrix matched to ensure a representative nature.

At least one CRM was submitted with every batch of diamond core samples and typically at a rate of 1 standard per 25 samples. Up to six CRMs covering the expected ranges of gold and antimony mineralisation were in rotation during routine sampling.

An assay result for a CRM was considered acceptable when the returned assay fell within three standard deviations of the CRM certification grade. Outside this range, the CRM assay was considered to have failed and all significant mineralised samples within the batch were re-assayed, where significant grades were defined as mineralised samples that may have a material-impact in future resource estimates. All actions or outcomes were recorded as comments in the QA/QC register.

Alkane submitted uncrushed samples of basalt as blank material sourced from Geostats into assay sample lots, at a rate of 1 in every 30 samples, to test for contamination during sample preparation.

The failure threshold for gold is 0.10 g/t, which was chosen since it represents ten times the detection limit of 0.01 g/t for AAS. The failure threshold for antimony is 0.05%, which was chosen for being five times the detection limit of 0.01% for AAS.

Pulp duplicates were collected routinely at a rate of 1:22 by On Site and submitted with the primary sample for analysis. Precision was in line for the expected a variance in both gold and antimony.

Umpire laboratory checks to three additional commercial assay laboratories are completed each year covering all new assays generated at the property.

Verification of sampling and assaying
  • The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.
  • The use of twinned holes.
  • Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.
  • Discuss any adjustment to assay data.
Sampling intervals and numbering were validated by geologists prior to cutting, with pre-numbered sampling bags systematically used by the field technicians to ensure the correct sample was submitted under each ID.

Internal validation of significant intercepts was completed by the exploration and senior geologists. Photographs, logging, sample weights and assay results were checked to ensure manual errors were eliminated.

Key intercepts at Costerfield were also validated by the Resource Geologist and Competent Person during the interpretation and modelling or the Costerfield resource estimation.

Assay and sampling data was automatically uploaded into the Acquire database system and QA/QC validated at the point of upload. Any issues were entered into a QA/QC register and resolved before data acceptance.

Alkane staff conduct periodic visits to the On Site Laboratory in Bendigo and meet regularly with the Lab managers. In early 2023 a review was conducted by a third party (RSC Consulting Pty Ltd) to ensure the practices are appropriate. Nothing of major concern was found.

Twinned holes are typically only drilled intentionally to get full recovery of an ore zone when the initial hole has core loss. There are inadvertent twinned intercepts within the database, particularly when the collar position is close to the mineralisation. Twinned intercepts provide consistent correlation of structure and mineralisation character however due to the short range grade variability common structurally controlled gold systems, may not have the same mineralisation tenor. No adjustment has been made to the assay data.

Location of data points
  • Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and downhole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.
  • Specification of the grid system used.
  • Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
Drill hole collar locations have been determined by differential GPS or theodolite surveying methods, either by external surveyors or Alkane surveyors. A digital report is created and entered into the acQuire Database. Data entry accuracy is validated against a LiDAR topographic map and high-resolution satellite imagery. Topographic control is considered adequate.
A local mine grid system is in use at Costerfield. The MGA94 (Zone 55) coordinates can be obtained from the Costerfield Mine Grid (CMG) coordinates from the following:

MGA ‘E’ = (CMG ‘E’ x 0.945671614) – (CMG ‘N’ x 0.325123399) + 291068.619

MGA ‘N’ = (CMG ‘E’ x 0.325123399) + (CMG ‘N’ x 0.945671614) + 5905061.714

Where CMG north is +29o and +17.6 o from Magnetic North and True North respectively.

Downhole surveys were conducted using either the digital Reflex EZ-TRAC tool in both single-shot (30 m while drilling) and multi-shot mode (3 m spacing at end of hole) where required, or Axis Gyro (2024 onwards) in both over-shot and continuous modes as required.

All downhole survey data is digitally uploaded to the Reflex hub or Axis Connect respectively and automatically imported into the acQuire database.

Data spacing and distribution
  • Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.
  • Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.
  • Whether sample compositing has been applied.
The Kendal drilling reported in this announcement comprises infill and extension drilling at spacings that vary across the deposit as complexity dictated. In infill areas, drill spacing is approximately 40m by 40m. In extension areas, drill spacing is approximately 100m by 100m.

This approach is considered appropriate for establishing a geological and grade continuity acceptable for either an Inferred or Indicated Mineral Resource Estimation.

Where modelled veins or mineralisation zones were sub-sampled, a full-length composite of variable thickness has been reported.

Orientation of data in relation to geological structure
  • Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.
  • If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
Drill holes at Kendal are designed to ensure an Alpha angle greater than 30°, indicating that the orientation of the drill holes (and therefore samples) are appropriate for the structure.

The drilling orientation compared to that of key mineralised structures is not considered to have introduced any sampling bias as the structures are currently interpreted.

Sample security
  • The measures taken to ensure sample security.
All drill core was delivered to the Brunswick site, which is securely gated, with video surveillance, and time stamped swipe card access.

Drill core logging and sampling was completed in this secure facility.

Sample bags containing sample material are placed in heavy duty plastic bags in which the sample submission sheet is also included. The plastic bags are sealed with a metal twisting wire or heavy-duty plastic cable ties.

The bags are taken to a storage area that is under constant surveillance.

A private courier collects samples daily and transports them directly to On Site in Bendigo, where they are accepted by laboratory personnel.

Sample pulps from On Site are returned to Alkane for storage. The pulps are stored undercover, wrapped in plastic.

Audits or reviews
  • The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.
Internal reviews of the exploration process and procedures are completed by senior geologists.

Routine monthly lab visits and reviews are conducted by site personnel and make up part of the QA/QC protocols.

RSC Consulting Pty Ltd reviewed the sampling and QA/QC procedures and practices in early 2023. There were no major outcomes related to sampling techniques and data.

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Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

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Criteria listed in the Section 1 also apply to this section.

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CriteriaJORC Code explanationCommentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status
  • Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.
  • The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.
Alkane manages the Costerfield Operation and holds a 100% interest in licences MIN4644, MIN5567, EL5432, EL5519, EL6842, EL6847, EL8320 and RL007485 which comprise the Property. There are no advanced projects in the immediate vicinity of the Property, and there are no other Augusta-style antimony-gold operations in production within the Costerfield district.

Drilling activities and the associated Kendal veining, this report, were located on MIN4644.

There are currently no known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. Alkane (or its predecessors) has been conducting both exploration activities and mining activities on mining lease MIN4644 since 2006.

Exploration done by other parties
  • Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.
The Costerfield Property has been explored using modern methods since 1966. Previous exploration by Mandalay Resources (2009–2025), prior to its merger with Alkane, represents the most significant period of exploration having discovered Cuffley, Youle and Shephard lodes in that time. No Exploration Results prior to Mandalay Resources have are reported in this release.
Geology
  • Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.
Narrow vein, antimony-gold and gold-only lodes are the targeted deposit styles at the Costerfield Property. Economic lode material consists of either a ‘typical’ gold-bearing quartz and carbonate with massive stibnite, or gold-only quartz and carbonate veining as seen in the Shepherd system. The Kendal deposit is situated in the western limb and hinge of the north-striking Costerfield Anticline, individual veins are controlled by the sub-vertical axial fabric imposed on the host siltstones during compression/folding, exploiting weakly developed cleavage and north-south shears in an approximately 50-70m wide zone. From structural observations it is currently thought that the mineralisation formed under an extensional stress regime, after the host structural framework was set up. Bedding-parallel faults with laminated quartz fill are common throughout the stratigraphic sequence and often offset individual veins westward with depth (up to 2-3m in the Kendal area), the offset being an apparent one as antimony-gold mineralisation post-dates most movement on the faults. The footwall of the Kendal system is complex, but generally lies on the No. 4 Fault which forms an anastomosing thrust ramp system with the below No. 3 Fault which breaches the Costerfield Anticline. The Kendal mineralisation progressively increases in westward dip with depth and finally becomes the Youle Lode within the No. 4 Fault.
Drill hole Information
  • A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes:
    • easting and northing of the drill hole collar
    • elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar
    • dip and azimuth of the hole
    • downhole length and interception depth
    • hole length.
  • If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.
Refer to Appendix 1 for the summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results from the modern Kendal drilling at Costerfield.
Data aggregation methods
  • In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.
  • Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.
  • The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.
Reported Exploration Results are intercept length weighted with no truncation of minimum and/or maximum grade applied.

Exploration Results have been reported to represent the discrete structural shear or vein as determined by the resource geologist and Competent Persons. There is no cut-off grade for the inclusion of drill intercept if it is on structure.

Aggregates are full-width of target structures/lodes and limited in true width to underground ore development widths of mining of 4.5 m and rely on structures being interpreted as parallel in orientation and representative in nature of the continuous vein.

Gold is the dominant element of value and exploration results are reported as gold equivalent (AuEq) where:

And the AuEq factor of 2.39 is calculated:

  • at a gold price of US$2,500/oz = US$80.39/gram
  • an antimony price of US$19,000/t = US$190/10kg
  • with assumed metal recoveries of 91% Au and 92% Sb.

The Au recovery assumption and Sb recovery assumption is based on established processing and sales in respect of Costerfield. All elements included in the metal equivalent calculation have an established potential to be recovered and sold.

Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths
  • These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.
  • If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.
  • If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. ‘downhole length, true width not known’).
Exploration Results that have been included in this announcement have been reported as drill widths and estimated true widths. Mineralisation was modelled as sub-vertical veins that were broadly north-south in strike and consistent with historical plans and sections of the Costerfield Mine. Estimated true widths were determined from assigned dip domains for each of the modelled veins. Estimated true widths from associated mineralisation was determined using an average vein orientation of 88 degrees dip, with a dip direction of 280 degrees.
Diagrams
  • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.
Refer to following diagrams included in the body of this announcement:
  • Figure 1 – Regional map of the Costerfield Project
  • Figure 2 – Geological cross section of the Costerfield gold-antimony vein system
  • Figure 3 – Costerfield / Kendal area plan view
  • Figure 4 – Long section of the Kendal 501 Vein
  • Figure 5 – Long section of the Kendal 520 Vein
  • Figure 8 – Cross section looking north at mine northing 7120N
  • Figure 9 – Cross section looking north at mine northing 6780N
Balanced reporting
  • Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.
For veins that are interpreted though multiple drill holes all intercepts are tabulated in Appendix 1 and illustrated in the images within the body of this announcement. Any intercepts that are not interpreted at this stage, to be part of a wider structure are tabulated in Appendix 1 if the sampled grade is above 2g/t when diluted to 1.8m.
Other substantive exploration data
  • Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
Additional exploration data used to assist and validate interpretations at Costerfield include the use of surface geological mapping and a 2D seismic line.

Bulk density work using the immersion methodology was completed in 2021 on similar lode and waste material at the Costerfield deposit.

A regression formula is used for the BD of lode material:

Kendal:

  • If (Sb%>1) BD=((1.3951 × Sb%)+(100-(1.3951 × Sb%)))/(((1.3951 × Sb%)/4.56)+((100-(1.3951 × Sb%))/2.69) )
  • If (Sb%<1) BD= (0.05661 × Fe%) + 2.5259

Where:

  • Empirical formula of stibnite: Sb2S3.
  • Sb%: Antimony assay as a percentage by mass.
  • Molecular weight of antimony (Sb): 121.757.
  • Molecular weight of sulfur: (S): 32.066.
  • 1.3951 is a constant calculated by 339.712/243.514 where 339.712 is the molar mass of Sb2S3, and 243.514 is the molar mass of antimony contained in one mole of pure stibnite.
  • BD of pure stibnite: 4.56.
  • BD of unmineralised gangue: 2.69, representing a ratio of 1:3 siltstone to quartz.
  • Fe%: Iron assay as a percentage by mass.

The host rock BD of waste rock is 2.76 g/cm3.

There are no material occurrences of deleterious elements or contaminating substances.

Further work
  • The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).
  • Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
The Exploration Results reported in this document refer to areas of the Costerfield Property already in production as well as potential future production areas. Future exploration will be focused on advancing these areas through to an Indicated Resource, if drilling is successful. In addition, exploration will be conducted on the margin of currently operating areas to increase mine life where possible.
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