Centamin PLC Announces Doropo Pre-Feasibility Study Update

Increased resource confidence; exploration upside potential; processing optimisation identified

PERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2022 / Centamin (LSE:CEY)(TSX:CEE) is pleased to provide an update on the pre-feasibility study ("PFS") at its Doropo project located in north-eastern Cote d'Ivoire, including an upgrade to Mineral Resources; details of potential operating and capital cost-saving opportunities within the processing flowsheet; and identified resource growth potential within the license area.

MARTIN HORGAN, CEO, COMMENTED: "The Doropo PFS workstreams are advancing well and delivering positive results. Following the completion of an extensive infill drilling programme through 2021 and 2022, we have now delivered the first mineral resource estimate constrained in pit shells, with 2.5Moz in the Indicated category eligible to be assessed for inclusion in the maiden reserves estimate. The Indicated Resource grade of 1.52g/t Au should support improved project economics given it exceeds the 1.25g/t Au average feed grade assumed in the 2021 PEA. In addition, the exploration team has successfully identified a number of targets for follow-up drilling that show potential to deliver further resource growth.

Furthermore as part of the PFS metallurgical test work programme, we have identified an opportunity to remove the flotation and regrind circuit that was outlined in the PEA, in favour of a whole of ore leach flowsheet. Given the potential to deliver significant capital and operating cost savings, we are undertaking further comparative test work ahead of publishing the outcome of the PFS which is now expected in H1 2023."

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Infill drilling adds 2.4Moz of Indicated Resources for a total of 2.52Moz at a grade of 1.52 grams per tonne of gold ("g/t Au"), constrained within US$2,000/oz pit shells.

  • Indicated Resources represent a 22% increase in grade versus the 2021 preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") average grade of 1.25g/t Au.

  • Resource growth identified, extensions and regional exploration targets have been identified using both new data and reinterpreting old data.

  • The potential for significant capital and operating cost savings are under investigation as part of the pre-feasibility study after encouraging initial metallurgical test work results indicate the opportunity to simplify the processing circuit.

  • ·PFS completion is expected in H1 2023, to enable the inclusion of the results of the mineral processing and metallurgical test work upside opportunity.

DOROPO MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT

Constrained mineral resource demonstrates the potential scale of eventual economic extraction

Over the last 18 months a 124,000 metre reverse circulation ("RC") and core infill drilling programme was completed. PFS infill drilling was undertaken on a 25 metre x 50 metre spacing versus previously wider-spaced drilling of 50 metre x 50 metre. Samples were prepared on-site and sent to independent laboratories in Cote d'Ivoire and Ireland, with industry standard quality assurance and quality control ("QAQC") applied.