15.08.2007 06:00:00
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Uruguay Mineral Exploration Inc Announces Results for the Quarter and Full Year Ended May 31, 2007
Uruguay Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSX VENTURE:UME) (LSE:UGY):
Summary of Results Gold production was 29,265 ounces for the fourth quarter,
bringing year to date production to 96,420 ounces.
Cash costs were $US 273 per ounce for the quarter and $US 294
for the full year, compared with $US 243 and $US 210 for the
comparable periods last year. Cash costs increased due to a higher
strip ratio, general industry cost increases, a more abrasive work
index for ore mined and processed and marginally lower production
compared with the previous year.
Net profit after tax for the fourth quarter was $US 6.4 million
or $US 0.13 basic earnings per share, with net profit for the full
year of $US 14.5 million, up 37% year-on-year, or $US 0.30 basic
earnings per share.
Cash flow from operations before non-cash working capital
movements was $US 11,356 million for the fourth quarter and $US 24,177
million for the year to date, up 18% year-on-year.
The higher average realized gold price for the fourth
quarter of $US 658 per ounce resulted in increased sales of $US
21.8 million for the quarter, resulting in sales for the full year of
$US 63.1 million, up 23% year-on-year, with an average price of $US
610 per ounce for the full year.
A final dividend of C$ 3.5 cents per share proposed to be paid
on 26 October, 2007 to all shareholders on the register as at 12
October, 2007.
3 Months to Full Year to May 2007 May 2006 May 2007 May 2006 Operating Review
Gold produced
Ounces 29,265
25,350
96,420
101,287
Average cash cost
US$/oz 273
243
294
210
Average price received
US$/oz 658
543
610
482
Financial Review
Revenue
US$ ‘000s 21,840
15,992
63,056
51,206
Net income for the period
US$ ‘000s 6,337
4,077
14,554
10,583
Cash flow from operations*
US$ ‘000s 11,356
7,445
24,177
20,515
Basic earnings per share
US$ 0.13
0.090
0.30
0.23
Cash at the end of the period
US$ ‘000s 13,978
8,931
13,978
8,931
Total debt at the end of period
US$ ‘000s 3,385
4,225
3,385
4,225
* before non-cash working capital movements
Tony Shearer, Chairman commented: "The past
year has been a very active and successful one for the Group, under the
leadership of David Fowler and his mostly new management team.
Production is going very well at the rate of about 96,000 ounces a year,
though the cash costs per ounce for 2006/7 were higher than we had
expected. Gold exploration has already delivered significant results in
replacing and increasing reserves and resources, with very promising
opportunities to expand them in the year ahead. Exploration at Lascano
is going very well and the long odds of this being a commercially
successful project are reducing. The first steps have been taken to plan
for the expansion of the plant at San Gregorio, when exploration results
justify the cost and tell us where to expand the production. In summary,
the Group has progressed from being a small exploration company into an
entity of substance with competent employees and a very strong
management team. I believe that the Group is now exceptionally well
placed to develop on these strong foundations.” CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT Financial Performance
UME reported a net profit after tax for the year ended 31st
May 2007 of $US 14.5 million or $US 0.30 basic earnings per share. The
increase in earnings for the current year is attributed to the higher
realized sales price for gold sold. As shown in the chart below
operating costs increased due to a higher strip ratio, general industry
cost increases, more abrasive work index for ore mined and processed and
marginally lower production this financial year than last. Despite this
increase in cash costs UME remained, at $ 294 per ounce, below the
average cash costs for the gold mining industry.
Expenses include a non-cash charge of $2.1 million in respect of the
write off of exploration costs incurred in previous years on projects
that we are no longer actively progressing.
Description
$US per Ounce
Cash cost 2005/06 financial year
$ 210
Change in strip ratio
20
Other cost increases
50
Impact of lower production
14
Cash cost 2006/7
$ 294
Operational cash flows of $ 25.4 million generated during 2007 allowed
us to pay $ 2.3 million back to shareholders as dividends, re-invest $
19.4 million in plant, equipment and exploration and increase our cash
position by $ 5.0 million to $ 14.0 million. UME had no hedging and $
3.5 million debt at 31 May 2007.
Operations
I am pleased to report that we have achieved our production goals while
improving our safety performance with important reductions in the lost
time injury frequency and accident severity rates. During the year we
had a number of independent environmental audits. While there is always
room for improvement these audits confirmed that our environmental
performance continued to be of a high standard.
The final production figure for the financial year was a creditable
96,420 ounces of gold. A pit wall slip at Arenal early in 2006 deferred
access to higher grade ore in the first half of the 2006/07 year, and
resulted in production of only 39,234 ounces for the half. While
anticipated, the recovery of production to 57,186 ounces in the second
half of the year resulted from a concerted effort to develop new ore
sources in addition to the recovery in Arenal grade as we mined areas of
the pit that had not been accessible earlier in the year due to the pit
wall slip. Of the second half production 19,353 ounces came from Veta A
and Veta Sur, neither of which was included in reserves at the half year.
The San Gregorio operations team was restructured in the second half of
the year with Terry Butler promoted to Operations Manager, Simon
Hillyard appointed as Mining Manager and Ernesto Lamilla appointed as
Technical Services Manager. These changes are giving additional focus to
improving productivity and now provide us with the appropriate level of
technical skills to improve planning and convert resources into
reserves. Additionally they give John Sadek as Vice President Operations
more time for the strategic development of the business.
An important milestone was achieved in the first quarter of the 2007/08
financial year with the diversion of the Arroyo Corrales. This was a
major civil engineering feat to plan, permit and execute in its own
right, requiring a considerable degree of skill and expertise. It is a
tribute to our staff and management that this $4 million project was
completed largely as planned. Accordingly, from the end of July 2007, we
have been extracting ore from the expanded Arenal pit, and expect to
produce approximately 95, 000 ounces of gold from all sources in the
financial year ended 31st May 2008 at a cost of
approximately $ 345 per ounce.
Reserves and Resources
As confidence in our reserves and resources position is fundamental to
UME’s future success we took three important
decisions at the beginning of the year. They were to:
use external, independent consultants to evaluate all published
resources.
convert inferred resources into the higher confidence categories of
measured and indicated to allow economic assessments to be made on the
resources.
form a Resources and Reserves Board Committee to oversee the process
of evaluating reserves and resources.
Our resource drilling in 2007 was therefore initially focused on
upgrading resources and the independent review of those resources.
Updated reserves and resources were published as at November 2006 and a
further update has again been published effective 1 June 2007. In the
November 2006 statement an initial resource of 95,000 and 28,700 ounces
was added for Argentinita and the Vetas respectively while resources for
Sobresaliente and Zapucay were downgraded.
A summary of the movements in Reserves and Resources from 1st
November 2006 to 1 June 2007 is summarised below:
Contained ounces Proven and Probable Reserves Measured and Indicated Resources Inferred Resources
June 1, 2007
353,000
885,900
133,640
November 1, 2006
322,000
659,300
250,700
Increase/(decrease)
31,000
226,600
(117,060)
While the grade of reserves reduced an overall increase of 31,000 ounces
was achieved while producing 63,945 ounces in the same period. Measured
and indicated resources increased by 226,600 ounces. Part of this
increase reflects an upgrade of inferred resources with increases for
San Gregorio and Vetas A and Sur. The San Gregorio resource increase
reflects additional drilling and an updated geological interpretation
that joins the areas of San Gregorio, Rieles and the East Extension.
Most of our resource drilling over the past year has been focused on
near mine projects to consolidate our medium term mine life. While this
will continue we will increasingly focus on new targets that have the
potential to build more significant resources. The strengthening of the
exploration management team over the last 6 months gives me the
confidence to believe that this can be achieved.
Exploration
There has been a significant change over the last year in the level of
intensity and quality of our exploration effort. An increase in the
number of geologists from 18 at May 2006 to 30 at May 31 2007 has been
accompanied by clear leadership from George Schroer and two, newly
appointed, experienced Regional Exploration Managers in Alex Raab and
Devin Den Boer. The eight teams that have been formed have been given
specific objectives for each project and a timeframe in which these
objectives are to be achieved. As our internal teams have been built we
have also brought in outside experts on structure, geophysics,
petrology, geochemistry and quality control to challenge our ideas and
accelerate our progress.
One of UME’s most significant assets is the
database of geological information for Uruguay. While we have a
significant amount of data, it was not in a consistent format and lacked
quality control. Over the past year we have audited the majority of the
Company’s data, upgraded from spreadsheets to
a database and as a result new targets are now being identified.
Our understanding of the San Gregorio mine system and the western half
of the Isla Cristalina belt has increased significantly as a result of
bring in an experienced consultant in structural geology and organizing
the data so it can be used interactively. The first target that we
developed as a result of this work was the Vetas A and Sur (veins in
Spanish). Originally gold mineralisation in these deposits was thought
to be confined to the veins. As drilling progressed during the second
half of the year it became clear that mineralisation was contained,
along with the veins, in north east trending shear structures that
intersect the main mineralised trend at San Gregorio. During the year we
mined 20,738 contained ounces from these deposits and have defined a
further 68,600 contained ounces in indicated and inferred resources. The
shears hosting these deposits although restricted by infrastructure in
some areas remain largely unexplored to the south.
In the Zapucay district at Argentinita we defined an initial indicated
and inferred resource of 2.2 million tonnes at 1.41 g/t for 100,000
ounces before we stopped drilling to work up additional targets within
the district to build further resources. Drilling will continue in this
district during 2008 to build additional resources and scoping studies
have commenced on how these resources will be developed.
Our greenfields programme in the eastern end of the belt is also
starting to define specific targets that we expect to progress to
drilling in 2008. Our goal is to build resources in the Isla Cristalina
belt to 1,500,000 ounces over the next 2 years and convert 750,000 of
these ounces to reserves.
We now have 11 geologists working in the Don Feliciano and Florida
Belts. The first step has been to review historical work and produce
good geological maps for each project. This work and follow-up sampling
has now been done on the initial projects such as Crucera/Casupa,
Presidente Terra and Nueva Helvecia with new drill targets being
defined. We have started drilling at Crucera/Casupa and will continue to
dedicate one to two rigs to projects in these Belts over the next year.
Our goal is to define sufficient resources over the next two years on at
least one project in the Don Feliciano and Florida belts to justify a
new operation.
Last year we successfully completed an airborne geophysical survey at
Lascano that resolved the initial 30 kilometer by 70 kilometer gravity
anomaly into three separate circular gravity and magnetic anomalies,
each approximately 20 kilometers in diameter. This year we drilled 4
holes that averaged over 800 meters in depth in and around the central
circular feature. These holes were designed to improve our understanding
of the rock units causing the anomaly and establish whether these rocks
were altered or mineralised.
While all of the 4 holes drilled to date have contributed to our
understanding of the geology the second hole we drilled was the most
important. This hole showed hydrothermal alteration, characterized by
potasic and iron oxide metasomatism that included weak copper
mineralisation over a zone of 125 meters thick. This alteration and
mineralisation is believed to be consistent with that found in a
porphyry copper or IOCG systems. Similar but weaker alteration was also
evident in both of the two holes that were drilled on the rim of the
circular feature. These results mean that the significant geophysical
anomaly at Lascano is now associated with a potentially large
hydrothermal system with copper mineralisation. We are very encouraged
by results to date and believe that they have significantly enhanced the
potential of the project to produce a discovery. We expect to finishing
analysing the results from the current programme, including a fifth
drill hole, in September and intend to drill a further 7,000 to 10,000
meters commencing in October 2007 using contract drillers. This drilling
will initially be focused on steps outs from hole 2 looking for stronger
alteration and mineralization and will then also test other targets.
Our diamond exploration programme this year was focused on developing
the project to a point where it could be divested. This programme was
successful in identifying kimberlite pipe targets from aeromagnetic,
airborne gravity and structural datasets. These anomalies are associated
locally with positive indicator minerals including a micro-diamond, G9
and G10 garnets and chrome spinels in the area. Our objective is to
divest the diamond project during 2008.
We have spoken to a number of parties about our base metal projects, but
to date have not reached agreement for a farm-in on acceptable terms.
Generally the projects have been regarded as green field projects with
good potential but insufficiently advanced. We have brought in an
experienced nickel consultant to evaluate the projects and recommend, if
justified, a focused exploration programme to progress the best projects
to a more advanced stage.
Our exploration drilling capacity increased during the year with the
addition of the UDR 200 diamond rig and the second DM45 reverse
circulation rig. We have also moved most of the rigs to two shifts. This
rapid growth has however reduced productivity as inexperienced crews are
added and has impacted our capacity to maintain the equipment. Our focus
for 2008 will therefore be on improving productivity on our own rigs and
supplementing our own capacity with contractor rigs.
With a strengthened exploration team supported by key external advisors
and better management of geological information we are generating the
targets needed to add resources. Our challenge is to now explore these
targets in a disciplined manner and convert the best of them into
resources and reserves as quickly as we can.
Future Development
During the year UME commenced a number of conceptual studies that will
assist us in the future development of our business in Uruguay. The
purpose of these studies is to allow rapid development of our business
as resources and reserves are built. These studies have examined the
capital and operating costs of expanding the throughput of our existing
plant, building a new processing plant or heap leach operation and the
development of underground resources. These initial scoping studies
indicate that we could;
expand production by 50 per cent at San Gregorio to 1.9 million tonnes
per annum at a capital cost in the region of $ 20 million with a
milling unit cost reduction of approximately 10%.
build a second plant with a similar production facility with annual
capacity of 1,250,000 tonnes per annum at a capital cost in the order
of $ 50 million.
build a heap leach operation with the capacity to process 750,000
tonnes of ore a year at a capital cost in the order of $ 25 million.
establish an underground mining operation at a depth of between 200
and 400 meters at a capital cost of the order of $15 million and an
operating cost of the order of $ 25 a tonne. A grade of 2.3g/t would
allow production at a cash cost of $ 400 per ounce.
These options are not mutually exclusive, and which of them we follow
will depend on the results that the exploration team produces, the
optimisation of operating plans and the conclusion of more definitive
studies. Metallurgical test work will be performed in the first half of
2007/08 to complete the scoping studies. Drilling to test the down dip
extensions of San Gregorio and Arenal will commence in the first quarter
of 2008.
As part of our objective of increasing our production profile we have
started to evaluate the acquisition of gold development projects in
other South American countries. Our focus will be on acquiring projects
with measured and indicated resources that have the potential to be put
into production within three years.
Uruguay Business Environment
With effect from 1st July 2007 a major tax
reform was passed into law in Uruguay. We believe that these changes
will, on the whole, have a neutral effect on the Group.
We have regular contact with the Uruguay Government and community
leaders at many levels. We are grateful for their openness in dealing
with us, the access and support they provide, and their constructive
interest in our activities. Whilst inevitably there are areas of
disagreement and frustration, on the whole we believe that our
relationship is constructive and supportive.
Conclusion
I would like to thank all of those who have committed to the success of
UME. Our employees and consultants, shareholders, the local communities
in which we operate and the Uruguayan Government have all supported the
Company over the last year and we look forward to building on this in
the coming year.
David Fowler, Chief Executive Officer
STATEMENT ON RESERVES AND RESOURCES
As at June 1, 2007 the Company had Measured and Indicated Resources of
20,921,000 tonnes at 1.32 g/t, containing 885,900 ounces of gold in the
Isla Cristalina Belt. This compares to the previous disclosure as at
November 1, 2006 of 13,590,000 tonnes at 1.51 g/t, containing 659,000
ounces of gold. Primarily as a result of conversion to higher resource
categories, Inferred Resources have decreased from 5,619,000 tonnes at
1.4 g/t, containing 250,700 ounces at November 1, 2006 to 3,736,000
tonnes at 1.1 g/t containing 133,640 ounces of gold.
Proven and Probable Reserves as at June 1, 2007, and wholly within the
stated Resources, were 6,933,000 tonnes at 1.58 g/t, containing 353,000
ounces of gold. This compares to the previous disclosure of 5,671,000
tonnes at 1.77 g/t, containing 322,000 ounces of gold. Therefore, the
comparative increase of contained gold has been 31,000 ounces of
reserve, whilst producing 63,945 ounces during the intervening period.
The significant changes in the current Resource and Reserve position
compared to the previous disclosure are summarised in the table below:
Deposit Change
Arenal
Resource updated for excavated topography
Reserve has been updated for excavated topography
The completed diversion of the Corrales Stream has now enabled
access to the reserve of 2.6 Mt at 1.9g/t Au previously qualified
San Gregorio
Inclusion of data from the latest drilling campaign that has
increased resource and upgraded inferred resource to measured
and indicated category.
Updated geological interpretation that joins the areas of San
Gregorio, Rieles and the East Extension
Updated independent resource estimation
Pit optimisation and design based upon gold price of US$ 550/oz
Argentinita
Inclusion of data from the latest drilling campaign that has
increased resource and upgraded inferred resource to the
indicated category.
Updated geological interpretation
Updated independent resource estimation
Pit optimisation and design based upon gold price of US$ 500 oz.
Vetas A & Sur
Inclusion of data from the latest drilling campaign
Updated geological interpretation
Updated independent resource estimation
Updated excavated topography
Pit optimisation and design based upon gold price of US$ 600/oz
A significant increase in resources of the San Gregorio deposit has
resulted in only a modest increase in its reserves since most of the
additional resources are of lower grade near the surface. Other high
grade zones are at depths requiring uneconomic quantities of waste
removal in an open pit configuration. We will be doing more work in this
area over the next year, to target additional mineralization and to
determine whether other processing or operating conditions would convert
these resources into reserves.
The deposit of Veta A lies adjacent to and partially under the Tailings
Storage Facility (TSF) currently in use. Although still open at depth,
the mineralisation that is situated under the TSF has been included in
the Mineral Resource estimation to the limit of the existing exploration
drilling. Pit optimisation and engineering has shown that the removal of
tailings is economically feasible to allow extraction of the underlying
mineralisation. However, the interference of the operational TSF is
problematical in the near term and therefore that portion of the Veta A
resource has been excluded from reserve estimation at this time. Future
conversion to reserve would be dependent upon extended operation at the
San Gregorio project that encompasses the construction of an additional
TSF superseding the existing facility.
The Company is performing several scoping studies to evaluate process
alternatives (plant expansion and heap leaching) as well as the
viability of underground mining. These studies will ensure that resource
conversion is maximised and assist in the development of exploration
programmes.
Qualified Person’s Statement
The technical information presented in this Statement has been reviewed
and verified by Mr John Sadek, Vice President Operations and a Mining
Engineer, and Mr. George Schroer Vice President Exploration and a
Certified Professional Geologist. Mr. Schroer is the Qualified Person
for the purposes of the AIM Guidance Note on Mining, Oil and Gas
Companies dated March 2006. Mr. Schroer has a Masters of Science in
Geology from Colorado State University and is a member of SEG and AIPG.
He has over 20 years of international experience in exploration. Mr.
Sadek is the Qualified Person for the purposes of the AIM Guidance Note
on Mining, Oil and Gas Companies dated March 2006. Mr Sadek has a
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) from the University of Sydney and is a
member of the AusIMM and SME. He has over 20 years of international
experience in mining.
Uruguay Mineral Exploration Inc. (UME) discloses the following update of
its Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves as at 1 June 2007. These
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, as well as the terms used in
this disclosure, are fully compliant with NI 43-101 requirements and CIM
Definition Standards all resources and reserves are quoted at a cut off
of .5 g/t Au, except for Sobresaliente where 0.7 g/t Au has been used.
Measured Resources Indicated Resources Total Measured and Indicated Inferred Resources
Notes
†
Tonnes
(000’s)
Grade
(g/t Au)
Contained
Ounces
Tonnes
(000’s)
Grade
(g/t Au)
Contained
Ounces
Tonnes
(000’s)
Grade
(g/t Au)
Contained
Ounces
Tonnes
(000’s)
Grade
(g/t Au)
Contained
Ounces
Isla Cristalina Belt
Arenal
2
993
2.52
75,700
5,241
1.46
253,800
6,354
1.62
329,500
2,932
1.1
105,000
San Gregorio
2
718
1.24
28,600
8,074
1.04
270,200
8,792
1.06
298,800
3
1.0
80
Santa Teresa
2
497
1.14
18,200
1,434
1.09
50,200
1,931
1.10
68,400
7
0.8
160
Ombú
1
-
-
-
687
1.33
29,000
687
1.33
29,000
38
0.9
1,000
Sobresaliente
1
-
-
-
431
1.16
16,000
431
1.16
16,000
61
0.9
1,800
Veta A
1, 5, 6
-
-
-
507
2.07
34,000
507
2.07
34,000
33
1.5
1,600
Veta Sur
1
-
-
-
492
1.65
26,000
492
1.65
26,000
160
1.3
7,000
Argentinita
1
-
-
-
1,701
1.52
83,000
1,701
1.52
83,000
502
1.0
17,000
Stockpiles
4
-
-
-
26
1.43
1,200
26
1.43
1,200
-
-
-
Total
2,148
1.77
122,500
18,773
1.26
763,400
20,921
1.32
885,900
3,736
1.1
133,640
Proven Reserves Probable Reserves Total Proven and Probable
Notes
† ‡
Tonnes
(000’s)
Grade
(g/t Au)
Contained
Ounces
Tonnes
(000’s)
Grade
(g/t Au)
Contained
Ounces
Tonnes
(000’s)
Grade
(g/t Au)
Contained
Ounces
Isla Cristalina Belt
Arenal
4
870
2.54
71,100
2,234
1.7
123,500
3,104
1.95
194,600
San Gregorio
4
381
1.35
16,600
1,931
1.2
72,500
2,312
1.20
89,100
Santa Teresa
4
269
1.24
10,700
787
1.2
29,200
1,056
1.17
39,900
Veta A
4, 7
127
2.2
9,100
127
2.23
9,100
Veta Sur
4
34
1.9
2,100
34
1.91
2,100
Argentinita
4
272
1.9
17,000
272
19
17,000
Stockpiles
4
26
1.43
1,200
26
1.44
1,200
Total
1,520
2.01
98,400
5,412
1.46
254,600
6,933
1.58
353,000
Notes: † - Totals may not be exact due to rounding
‡ - Mineral Reserves are completely within
the stated Mineral Resources with mining factors applied.
1 - Qualified Persons Steven Ristorcelli (C.P.Geo) of Mine Development
Associates (MDA) and Peter Ronning (P.Eng) an associate of MDA
2 - Qualified Person for Mineral Resources Dr Marcelo Godoy of Golder
Associates
3 - Qualified Person for Mineral Resources George Schroer of UME Inc.
4 - Qualified Person for Mineral Reserves John Sadek of UME Inc.
5 - Includes 336kt @ 1.94gpt of Indicated Resource situated under the
operating Tailings Storage Facility
6 - Includes 29kt @ 1.17gpt of Inferred Resource situated under the
operating Tailings Storage Facility
7 - Excludes all Mineral Resources situated under the operating Tailings
Storage Facility
EXPLORATION REPORT FOR 2007
A full version of this report and the operations report for the 2007
financial year including images is available on the company’s
website at www.uruguayminerals.com.and
at www.sedar.com
Uruguay has considerable potential for gold, nickel, zinc, copper and
diamond discoveries. The prospective terrains include the Isla
Cristalina Belt, Florida Belt, Arroyo Grande Belt, Don Feliciano Belt,
Rivera Diamonds project and the Lascano project in the Marin Basin.
The Company has researched, acquired and developed mineral projects
during its 10 years in Uruguay and has reached a stage where future cash
flow from operations allows the aggressive exploration and development
of these projects. UME has invested $US 7 million in exploration in
2006/07 which included 60,000 meters of drilling and the company,
intends to spend a similar amount in 2007/8. Details of the drilling
results are available in quarterly press releases.
Isla Cristalina Belt Description of Geology and Projects
The Isla Cristalina Belt is located 450 km from Montevideo in Northern
Uruguay and hosts the Company’s one operating
gold mine at San Gregorio, in the Minas de Corrales District. This belt
is an erosional window of crystalline Proterozoic basement rocks of
northern Uruguay, approximately 110km in length and 40 km in width. The
belt is composed of Proterozoic granites and greenstones ranging in
metamorphic grade from greenschist to amphibolite facies. Anomalous gold
mineralization exists along the entire 110 km strike length of the belt.
The San Gregorio Operation in the northwest end of the belt is dominated
by production from the Arenal deposit. Arenal and two historic deposits,
San Gregorio and Santa Teresa host the largest concentration of gold
that has been found to date in the district and are located along the
same west north-west trending structural system. Several smaller
deposits occur between the larger deposits and the most important
currently are the shear hosted, "Veta A”
and "Veta Sur”
deposits. These trend northeast at nearly right angles to the main
structural trend and, have been intensely explored and mined during in
the past year. These deposits are characterized by low to moderate dip
angles to the southeast and do not appear to cross the main San Gregorio
thrusts.
The Zapucay district is located 20 kilometers to the southeast of the
San Gregorio Operation and is the second most important district to date
in the Isla Cristalina Belt. Gold mineralization is hosted in two main
deposits, Argentinita and Zapucay. Historic production from the Zapucay
deposit was 35,700 ounces at an average grade of 2.1 g/t and the
Argentinita deposit presently has an indicated and inferred resource at
31 May 2007 of 100,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.41 g/t. Both
deposits lie within the same low angle shear structure that cut gneissic
augen granite. The hosting structure dips gently to the northeast and
strikes to the north-northwest. Limited historical drilling has been
performed on the anomalous 1.5Km long structural trend between Zapucay
and Argentinita and at other prospects in the district such as Tito
Lopez, Lavadero and Papagayo.
Progress in 2007
Devin Den Boer was appointed as Exploration Manager for the Isla
Cristalina Belt in the second half of the 2007 financial year and four
separate exploration teams have been formed to focus on exploration in
the near mine, central, eastern and western regions of the Belt. A fifth
team is dedicated to data management and resources estimation.
Additional experienced expatriates and local geologists were recruited
during the year to complete staffing for all teams.
The structural setting of the western half of the Isla Cristalina Belt
including the San Gregorio system was re-interpreted during the year.
The bulk of the economic gold mineralization discovered to date is
hosted in low to moderate angle thrust structures that trend west
northwest. Minor gold mineralization also occurs in northeast as well as
northwest trending structures. The high angle Rivera shear system that
cuts the belt from east to west is believed to be younger than other
structures and is spatially associated with the anomalous gold
mineralization.
A closed spaced ground magnetic survey of 5,900 line kilometers was
completed covering most of the western half of the belt. This survey,
combined with the historical airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys,
has provided important assistance in mapping the low angle thrust system
and other structures.
During the year all historical data including geochemistry, geophysics,
drilling, mapping and structural data were validated and integrated into
one common access database for the entire Isla Cristalina Belt.
The Veta A and Veta Sur deposits were the first projects to be
re-evaluated as part of our structural re-interpretation work. Drilling
defined 68,000 ounces in resources in addition to the 20,700 ounces
mined during the year. Whilst the zones drilled to date have not been as
wide as the main San Gregorio shear package there is good scope for
further resource expansion. These shears have been mapped for up to
three kilometers to the south and our database shows gold anomalies
associated with these structures.
An initial indicated and inferred resource of 100,000 ounces was defined
at Argentinita during the year. Drilling during 2008 will focus resource
expansion on the 1.5 kilometer anomalous zone between Argentinita and
Zapucay.
New teams focusing on the under explored parts of the Isla Cristalina
belt have commenced with more detailed stream sediment sampling and
regional mapping. Targets generated from stream sediment sampling in the
east near Vichadero have defined an anomalous area of approximately ten
sq.km. In the west of the Isla Cristalina mapping and sampling have
defined the 1 km long vein system at Veta Rodrigo that has returned rock
chip values of up to 5.1 g/t gold.
We enter 2008 with a renewed confidence about our ability to make
further discoveries in the Isla Cristalina Belt and increase our
reserves and resources. We now have a better understanding of the system
that is hosting our major gold deposits having mapped the geology for
over 40 kilometers in the western end of the belt. Recent work has
demonstrated the potential for further resource expansion in and around
the existing operations and we have a number of advanced targets that
are ready for drilling. Green field exploration is also generating new
targets.
Don Feliciano Belt and Florida Greenstone Belts Description of Geology and Projects
The southern end of the Don Feliciano mobile belt lies 95 kilometers
east of Montevideo and trends north-northwest. The belt is exposed for
over 250 kilometers along strike, with 40-50 kilometers in width and
comprises structurally deformed Proterozoic meta-sediments, greenstones
and granitoids which are bound on the east and west by two major north
trending shears. This mobile terrain formed as a result of the collision
between South America and Africa at the end of the Proterozoic period
and has seen limited historic precious and base metal production. A
number of UME’s precious metal projects
including Presidente Terra, Bragado, and Texas are located in the belt
as are the lead, zinc and nickel properties by Retamosa, Isla Patrulla
and Maria Albina.
Presidente Terra, the primary exploration property in the Don Feliciano
Belt is characterized by granite, quartzite and meta-sediments which are
cut by northeast trending high-angle shear zones. These shear zones are
sub parallel to the main belt-bounding fault located just east of the
property. Gold mineralization is found associated with the shears and
hosted in the granite and at the contact between the granite and the
quartzite. Historic and recent samples have defined mineralization over
a strike length of 9 kilometers with values reported up to 336 g/t Au on
outcrop. One third of the 250 samples taken on the property have
reported gold assay results above 1 g/t.
The lead and zinc prospects located within the belt are characterized by
replacement bodies within limestone units and can be classed as
Mississippi Valley type. Limited work has identified small pod shaped
replacement bodies and UME is presently seeking partnerships with base
metal companies to take the projects forward.
The Florida and Arroyo Grande greenstone belts are composed of
Proterozoic meta-volcanic and meta-sedimentary rocks interspersed
through granitic terrain and occupy the southwestern third of the
country (also referred to as the Piedra Alta Terrain). These rocks are
exposed for 240 kilometers from the western side of the Don Feliciano
Mobile Belt to nearly the western border of Uruguay and from the coast
line near Montevideo to a point 175 kilometers northwards where they are
covered by younger Paleozoic and Mesozoic sediments and basaltic lava
flows. UME projects in the Piedra Alta Terrain include Casupa/Crucera,
Paso de Lugo, and Nueva Helvecia. Projects are hosted in granitic rocks
as well as green-stone terrains.
The Casupa/Crucera projects are 20 kilometers apart and located 110 to
130 kilometers north of Montevideo. Both projects are characterized by
multiple high angle veins and shears that cut granitic host rock and
individually range in width from 1 to 15 meters. High grade samples have
been reported from both project areas from quartz veins and associated
shear zones.
The Mal Abrigo and Cerros Negros nickel prospects also with in the
Piedra Alta Terrain, 120 kilometers northwest of Montevideo are
contained within layered mafic complexes of gabbro and norite. The
intrusive bodies clearly show cumulate layering and weak disseminated
sulphide mineralization in outcrop and from drill hole samples. Some of
the sulfidic outcrops are weekly anomalous in Cu and Ni and chalcopyrite
has been noted along with phyrrohotite. These properties with other Ni
projects are currently under review by a consulting geological group who
specializes in nickel deposits. An exploration plan will be developed
from this work and then UME will seek partnership to advance the project
through the next phase of exploration.
Progress in 2007
An experienced Regional Exploration Manager for the Florida and Don
Feliciano Belts, Alex Raab was appointed in November 2006. Since then,
three separate exploration teams have been formed, two for the Florida
Belt and one for the Don Feliciano Belt. Six new geologists have been
recruited to complete the staffing for these teams.
At Presidente Terra mapping and structural interpretation over the full
9 km strike length of the project have better defined controls to the
mineralization with new exploration targets being developed. Recent
sampling has expanded the Au mineralization to the southwest by two
kilometers. Veins hosting grades greater than 10 g/t have been
identified with visible gold reported locally. Trenching and drill
programmes have been designed to test anomalous areas during the later
half of the 2007 calendar year.
Mapping, surface sampling, a detailed ground magnetic programme,
trenching and drilling have been completed at Crucera during the year.
The vein system has been surface mapped for over 750 meters and ground
geophysics indicate a continuation of the structure hosting the
mineralisation for over 5 kilometers. Drilling during the year confirmed
mineralisation extending further down dip within the hosting structure
and an initial resource calculation for the district is expected to be
completed in the coming year. At Casupa, 20 kilometers south of Crucera
seven vein sets are being mapped and sampled. Mineralization is strong
with up to 100 g/t Au reported from sampling this year
During the year all historical data including geochemistry, geophysics,
drilling, mapping and structural data were integrated into an access
database for each project with a common set of co-ordinates. Significant
additional data relating to the Florida belt was purchased from Delcosur
and will be integrated into the UME project databases. Historical
exploration information, representing approximately $US 5 million in
expenditure, was also purchased from the previous explorers of prospects
in the Paso de Lugo Belt. This information will be reviewed and
integrated into UME databases in the first half of 2008.
UME and previous explorers have historically generated a significant
number of quality exploration projects in the Florida and Don Feliciano
Belts and the initial focus has been to re-evaluate these historical
projects such as Presidente Terra and the Casupa/Crucera area. This work
has involved more intense mapping and sampling that is generating good
targets. Concurrently the team is generating new projects from the
database many of which have encouraging early field results. The
corporate objective is to generate a significant, stand alone mining
operation in one of the southern mineral belts.
Lascano Geophysical Anomaly Description of Project
The Lascano project is based on a large geophysical anomaly located in
the department of Rocha 240 kilometers northeast of Montevideo. The
Lascano project area is approximately 70 kilometers long and 40
kilometers wide and covers a large magnetic and gravity composite
feature that was originally discovered in the late 1980’s
during a government performed regional geophysical survey. The anomaly
sits in a major northeast structural corridor, and has been interpreted
to be caused by a large cluster of intrusive bodies. There is no surface
expression of the anomaly due to a thick cover of coastal plain alluvial
material.
In June 2002 UME, in conjunction with BHP drilled a 450 meter deep,
diamond drill hole that intersected conglomerate and basalt that did not
adequately explain the anomaly. During 2006 UME completed a detailed
airborne gravity gradient and magnetic survey comprising 10,400 line
kilometers flown at a line spacing of 400 meters. The survey defined
three large circular geophysical features each of which is about 20
kilometers in diameter.
Progress in 2007
A programme of 4 diamond drill holes was designed to test the rock units
causing the strongest of the circular geophysical anomalies. The results
of this programme are described below.
LASDDH-01 was drilled into the northern rim of the central anomaly.
The hole reached 927.55 meters and in the upper portion encountered
intrusive units including gabbro, pyroxene bearing granite,
quartz-monzonite and quartz-feldspar porphyry. These rocks are
underlain by basalt lava flows which exhibit weak biotite, chalcedony
and carbonate alteration. LASDDH-03, 13.5 kilometers to the west on
the rim of the anomaly, cut similar rocks as the first hole and was
terminated at 827 meters.
LASDDH-02, which was drilled to 690.7 meters in the interior of the
central geophysical anomaly., Rocks encountered in this hole are
predominately intermediate to mafic in composition and consist of
quartz-monzonite to gabbro intruded into a pile of amygdaloidal
basaltic lava flows. Alteration occurs in all of these units and is
most intense between 200 and 375 meters. The alteration types are
moderate to strong potassic with associated quartz-chalcedony veins
and replacement silicification. Mineralization associated with this
alteration is characterized by moderate to abundant magnetite and
hematite veinlets and replacements (iron oxide metasomatism) along
with trace to 2% sulphides. This sulphide mineralization is
characterized by pyrite and/or chalcopyrite. Visible gold
mineralization has been identified in one sample hosted in chalcedony
veins. The intercept between 201 and 327 meters was geochemicaly
anomalous and averaged 168 ppm Cu. with a higher grade intercept
between 295 and 303 meters averaging 543 ppm Cu. The highest
individual value was 0.1 % Cu. No significant gold values were
reported. The alteration and mineralization assemblage encountered to
date has similarities to iron oxide copper gold and porphyry copper
mineralized systems.
The fourth hole, LASDDH-04, was drilled to 825.3 meters just outside
of the central geophysical anomaly and in a gravity and magnetic low
to investigate its cause. The hole encountered less magnetic and lower
density rocks. The first 486 meters was dominated by conglomerates and
sandstones with local interbeds of basalt. The remainder of the drill
hole was composed of intermediate to felsic volcanics and sub
volcanics. These units are predominately different than those units
intercepted in the drill holes located with in the geophysical anomaly
and help define the geophysical signature.
Results from this drill programme and petrographic and geophysical
studies have further defined the anomaly and indicate that:
the circular magnetic feature along the northern boundary of the
anomaly is at least partially due to an edge effect of highly magnetic
rocks encountered within the anomaly (LASDDH-001, 002, and 003) and
the, relatively non-magnetic, clastic rocks encountered in LASDDH-004
outside the anomaly.
a dense, most likely intrusive rock lies underneath the predominantly
basaltic package of rocks which make up the centre of the anomaly.
These rocks as a whole are dense relative to the rocks encountered
outside the anomaly in hole LASDDH-004. The gravity anomaly is
partially due to this density contrast.
the intrusion of the basalts by granites to gabbros and their
subsequent alteration indicate intrusive units most likely underlie
the basaltic package of rocks encountered in the centre of the anomaly.
the hydrothermal alteration and mineralisation encountered in
LASDDH-002 and the similar weaker alteration in LASDDH-001, 12.5
kilometers to the northeast demonstrate that the system has the
potential to host mineralised bodies. `The area around the LASDDH-002
drill hole provides a priority target for copper and or gold
mineralisation. Follow up drilling of this target will help define the
hydrothermal system and potentially lead to a discovery. Results from
this drilling will be used to further define the appropriate
geophysical technique to explore the area.
Analysis and interpretation of the results from this years programme,
including the fifth hole will be completed in September. A further
programme of 7000 to 10,000 meters will then be scheduled to commence
October 2007.
Cinco Rios Diamond Project Description of Geology and Projects
The Cinco Rios diamond project is located on the Rio de la Plata craton
in the departments of Rivera and Tacuarembo in northern Uruguay,
approximately 500 kilometers north of Montevideo. The Rio de la Plata
Craton, which is considered to be Paleo-Proterozoic age, in northern
Uruguay, hosts kimberlites and related rocks in southern Brazil and
Paraguay. The Cinco Rios project area which consists of Upper Palaeozoic
and Mesozoic sediments, and which borders the Cretaceous Parana Basin,
is considered prospective for diamondiferous kimberlites.
The potential for kimberlite discovery in northern Uruguay is shown by
the reported historic recovery of alluvial micro- and macro-diamonds. In
addition peridotitic and eclogitic garnets and chrome spinels were
recovered during the period 1993 – 2004.
These results are spatially associated with a prominent
northwest-southeast trending structural corridor. Kimberlite emplacement
typically occurs within these types of structural corridors, and at the
intersection of such structures.
Progress in 2007
A regional exploration programme during the March to November 2006
period covering Rivera, Tacuarembo and Cerro Largo collected a total of
310 stream samples. The results of this programme indicate the Rivera
region is the most prospective for diamondiferous kimberlites. A
decision was therefore taken to cease regional exploration work in other
areas and focus on Rivera.
Stream and soil sampling in the second half of the year was focused on
closer spaced sampling in areas that had previously returned encouraging
indicator minerals. A total of 418 samples were collected which have
reported one micro-diamond, and G9 and G10 garnets, together with chrome
spinels, some of which have chemistry indicative of the diamond
stability field.
The gravity and magnetic survey completed during 2006 and the magnetic
survey acquired from Southern Era were analysed for prospective targets
with a total of 43 priority targets identified for ground investigation.
A further 18 targets were also generated from an air photo
interpretation. Many of the targets identified are located within a
northwest-southeast trending structural corridor.
Detailed ground magnetic surveys have been completed over the primary
exploration area defined by positive sample results with coincidental
airborne magnetic survey anomalies. Further ground magnetic surveys are
planned for the first half of 2008 with follow-up drilling planned.
It is our intention to spin this project out, by issuing existing
shareholders in the Group with new shares in a listed company that is
dedicated only to diamond exploration. UME is in the early stages of
talks with a number of parties and, whilst no guarantees can be given,
it is hoped that alternative funding can be achieved for this project in
2008.
EXPLORATION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 MAY 2007
This report provides details of gold exploration activities during the
quarter ending 31 May 2007. It should be read in conjunction with the
exploration Report contained in the company’s
2007 Annual Report. Detailed comments on the progress of Lascano,
diamonds and other non gold exploration projects have been provided in
the Exploration Report in the 2007 Annual report available on the company’s
website.
Highlights
Devin Den Boer commenced as Exploration Manager for the Isla
Cristalina Belt in the fourth quarter of 2006/07.
Additional resources have been defined from drilling at Veta A and
Veta Sur Projections of the structures to the south have indicated
that historic soil anomalies may be associated with the structures.
Drilling will target mineralization along these structures and down
dip in the first half of 2008.
A new structural interpretation of the western end of the Isla
Cristalina Belt has been made. The importance of this work has been to
identify the structural setting that hosts the most productive gold
deposits. All gold deposits discovered to date are associated with a
low angle thrust system. This work has re-focused exploration efforts
in the district with respect to the correct geologic setting. On going
research into the structural controls to mineralization continues to
refine the model.
New exploration targets were developed at Cerro Papagayo during the
quarter. Drilling is planned for the first quarter of the new
financial year.
Regional stream sediment and rock chip sampling continued at Vichadero
with a prospective area of 10 km2 identified for detailed soil
sampling in the first half of 2008.
Sampling of Veta Rodrigo, in the western end of the belt returned
anomalous values along the 1 km strike length of the vein. Drilling is
planned for the first half of 2008.
New anomalous gold mineralization zones have been discovered at
President Terra in the southern third of the property. This
mineralization is hosted in quartz veins within granites that trends
north northeast parallel to the main shear zone. . These veins report
up to 10 g/t Au and locally report visible gold. This mineralization
is associated with hematite, pyrite and magnetite within veins and
breccia.
Mapping and trenching at Crucera and 20 km to the south at Casupa has
identified a number of new veins targets. Drilling at Crucera during
the quarter extended mineralization down dip with the first step out
of 100 meters encountering additional mineralization.
Isla Cristalina Gold Exploration Veta A and Veta Sur
Exploration drilling continued to define resource within Veta A and Veta
Sur. It has become apparent that these deposits are located in low angle
thrusts which are oblique to the main San Gregorio mineralized
structural system and were over looked by previous mining operations. An
inferred resource of 28,700 ounces was estimated for these veins as of
January 2007 and has been updated to 34,000 in Veta A and 26,000 Veta
Sur ounces of indicated resource at a 0.5 g/t cut off as of 31 May 2007.
While the deposits are restricted by present infrastructure it is clear
from the results that mineralization in these mineralized structures
continue along strike and down dip. The following table lists the most
significant results in the last quarter.
Veta Sur
Hole From Intercept Au g/t
VSRC-039
53
4m @ 4.5
VSRC-036
30
3m @ 4.2
VSRC-041
43
5m @ 4.0
VSRC-042
50
2m @ 7.3
VSRC-047
61
5m @ 2.8
VSRC-055
19
2m @ 6.7
VSRC-056
40
8m @ 5.9
Veta A
Hole From Intercept Au g/t
VARC-067
30
5m @ 4.1
VARC-068
25
15m @ 3.0
VARC-071
29
7m @ 5.0
VARC-072
22
8m @ 2.7
VARC-073
65
5m @ 4.0
VARC-074
54
10m @ 2.3
VARC-083
74
8m @ 12.2
VARC-084
41
7m @ 15.6
VARC-086
41
7m @ 11.2
VARC-087
66
4m @ 4.3
(intercepts are drill hole composites
using 0.5 g/t cut) Argentinita District
Drilling during the quarter was predominantly infill and geotechnical in
nature. Prospecting permits are being converted into exploration permits
to allow drilling between Zapucay and Argentinita, as well as Tito
Lopez, Lavadero and Papagayo prospects. Drilling is expected to
recommence in the first quarter of 2007/2008 to test these targets.
Re-logging of drill holes was completed to better define the mineralized
zones. All holes have been re-logged and entered into the database and
used in the year end resource estimate update. An update of resource
estimates has been completed and has reported a combined indicated and
inferred resource of 100,000 ounces averaging 1.4 g/t.
Drill results for the quarter include:
Argentinita Hole ID From Intercept Au g/t RCARG-242 132 11m @ 5.9 RCARG-243 170 1m @ 5.1 RCARG-243 174 1m @ 3.5 RCARG-244 139 1m @ 7.8 RCARG-244 157 2m @ 1.1 RCARG-244 161 1m @ 5.3 RCARG-244 164 1m @ 3.3 RCARG-244 166 1m @ 2.2 RCARG-257 5 1m @ 1.3 RCARG-257 8 2m @ 1.3 RCARG-268 164 3m @ 1.9 RCARG-268 178 1m @ 1.4 RCARG-272 154 1m @ 0.7 (intercepts are drill hole composites
using 0.5 g/t cut)
Mapping, surface rock chip and soil sampling has been progressed in the
Papagayo prospect. It has been confirmed that mineralization is
associated with low to moderate angled thrust system similar to the San
Gregorio District. Results during the period have further defined the
anomaly. First pass exploration drilling is planned for the prospect in
September 2007.
Significant surface rock chip results for the quarter
Prospect Sample ID Au g/t
Cerro Papagayo
CP0780
6.28
Cerro Papagayo
CP0724
2.75
Cerro Papagayo
CP0773
1.91
Cerro Papagayo
CP0746
1.87
Cerro Papagayo
CP0518
1.26
Cerro Papagayo
CP0752
1.03
Isla Cristalina Belt - Regional Exploration
Devin den Boer was appointed as Exploration Manager for the Isla
Cristalina Belt. Devin has been selected to lead the exploration efforts
through out the belt. Devin brings 10 years of international exploration
experience to the on site management of the belt. His experience ranges
from green field to production geologist. This experience fits well with
the challenges faced in the Isla Cristalina Belt.
Completion of an all encompassing database has been completed for the
district. Mining of this information has led to the discovery of
additional exploration targets and areas which less obvious before the
compilation was completed. Further refinements of the database will be
made in the coming year. Quality assurance of the data we currently use
is part of the process of database compilation and management. The
process has led to a better control on quality assurance as well.
Dr. Rod Holcomb has continued his research in the Isla Cristalina Belt
and has prepared a new regional geologic map and structural setting for
the mineralized deposits. The larger mineralized bodies are all hosted
within low to moderately dipping thrust faults which predate the Rivera
high-angle shear system. The definition of the structural setting has
refocused exploration efforts into the proper structural setting.
Mapping has been completed between the San Gregorio mining district and
Zapucay. The thrust system has been defined and confirms the corridor
between San Gregorio and Zapucay as being highly prospective for similar
deposit types. This would include Laurales and Papagayo.
During the forth quarter a new exploration team was formed to work on
the 20 kilometer section of the belt west and north of the San Gregorio
Operation. An initial structural and geological map has been prepared
for this area. This map has more effectively identified the western
strike extension of the thrust/shear package that hosts the San Gregorio
system. Resent sampling have confirmed ore grade values of 5.1 g/t.
Exploration efforts have been concentrated around the Veta Rodrigo vein
system. The vein has been mapped and sampled on surface for over 1.0
kilometer and is anomalous along its entire exposed NNW strike length.
Visible gold has been observed in surface samples with values up to 5.14
g/t Au reported. Historic results have reported Au assays of up to 36
g/t. This vein sits in the low angle thrust system approximately 10
kilometers east of the San Gregorio operations.
Regional exploration work continued in the fourth quarter in the extreme
eastern end of the belt around the Vichadero prospect. Stream sediment
sampling confirmed historic results and follow up sampling has started.
A total of 67 stream sediment samples were taken and results received.
This programme is approximately 50% complete. The most significant
results from surface sampling for the quarter are presented below.
Quarter results Rock Chip
District Sample ID Au g/t
Vichedero
10050
4.0
Vichedero
10409
5.2
Quarter results Stream Sediments
District Sample ID Au ppb
Vichedero
20469
125.8
Vichedero
20116
174.3
Vichedero
20085
201.5
Vichedero
20079
249.6
Vichedero
20043
328.3
Other Gold Projects outside the Isla
Cristalina belt Florida and Don Feliciano Belts Au
Exploration continued in the southern projects at an accelerated pace
compared to previous years. Three exploration teams are currently
exploring the region. Four projects have been evaluated during the
quarter.
Presidente Terra
More detailed mapping and sampling has been completed across the
Presidente Terra prospect. Results obtained to date have confirmed
historic sampling results. Mapping and sampling have confirmed the
existence of a 7 km NNE trending mineralized trend that parallels the
contact between meta-sediments and granitic rock. Over a third of the
samples collected along this trend report Au values above 1 g/t. Au
mineralization has been discovered 2 km south of the main trend Detailed
mapping has been completed over these areas. Mineralization in the
southern third of the property is hosted in quartz veins within granites
and trend parallel to the main shear zone which trends NNE. Visible gold
has been discovered in a number of the veins in this sector and report
assay values of greater then 10 g/t Au locally. This mineralization is
associated with hematite, pyrite and magnetite within veins and breccia.
Trenching and followed up drilling will take place once exploration
permits are granted. This should take place in the first half of the
financial year. The most significant results received this quarter are
reported below.
District Sample ID Au g/t
Pte. Terra
EX10707
23.2
Pte. Terra
EX10618
1.0
Pte. Terra
EX10617
7.4
Pte. Terra
EX10584
11.4
Pte. Terra
EX10582
1.1
Pte. Terra
EX10558
5.0
Pte. Terra
EX10557
4.0
Pte. Terra
EX10531
6.8
Pte. Terra
EX10530
2.2
Pte. Terra
EX10529
5.6
Pte. Terra
EX10503
336.2
Pte. Terra
EX10502
35.8
Pte. Terra
EX10501
16.3
Crucera / Casupa
These properties are located in Piedra Alta terrain which hosts the
Florida Belt. Mapping has been completed over the main vein/shear system
at Crucera. Drilling commenced in late April to further define the known
resource and increase the resource down dip and 100 meters along strike.
Mapping and sampling have discovered additional veins on the property
which will be drilled tested in the first half of the new financial
year. The table below reports the most significant intercepts
encountered in the last quarter.
Hole ID From Intercept Au g/t
CR_07_002
90
12m @ 2.2
CR_07_003
87
5m @ 2.4
CR_07_004
87
3m @ 2.3
CR_07_005
84
2m @ 1.9
CR_07_006
78
2m @ 1.7
CR_07_007
85
2m @ 0.8
CR_07_008
98
1m @ 1.6
CR_07_009
37
1m @ 2.6
CR_07_009
66
1m @ 1.8
CR_07_011
144
5m @ 2.2
CR_07_012
60
1m @ 1.0
CR_07_013
42
2m @ 3.2
CR_07_014
38
3m @ 5.6
CR_07_015
38
3m @ 2.0
CR_07_016
37
1m @ 0.9
CR_07_017
74
1m @ 4.5
A number of vein sets have been identified in the south of Crucera in
Casupa. Results are encouraging and drilling of defined targets is
planned before the end of the fiscal year. The most significant surface
and trench sampling results from this quarter are presented in the table
below.
Project Sample ID Au g/t Type Project Sample ID Au g/t Type
Chamizo
EX11005
0.8
Surface
Crucera
EX11375
6.5
Trench
Chamame
EX11251
1.7
Surface
Crucera
EX11453
6.0
Trench
Chamame
EX11107
1.2
Surface
Crucera
EX11434
5.7
Trench
Chamame
EX11149
1.0
Surface
Crucera
EX11359
5.0
Trench
Chamame
EX11109
0.6
Surface
Crucera
EX11290
4.1
Trench
Casupa
EX11129
13.8
Surface
Crucera
EX11358
4.0
Trench
Casupa
EX11130
10.8
Surface
Crucera
EX11299
3.9
Trench
Casupa
EX11131
10.0
Surface
Crucera
EX11430
3.3
Trench
Casupa
EX11112
7.7
Surface
Crucera
EX11362
2.9
Trench
Casupa
EX11101
6.7
Surface
Crucera
EX11452
2.8
Trench
Casupa
EX11127
6.2
Surface
Crucera
EX11291
2.6
Trench
Casupa
EX11128
5.8
Surface
Crucera
EX11373
2.6
Trench
Casupa
EX11254
4.6
Surface
Crucera
EX11455
2.4
Trench
Casupa
EX11089
3.3
Surface
Crucera
EX11437
2.3
Trench
Casupa
EX11253
1.1
Surface
Crucera
EX11451
2.1
Trench
Casupa
EX11226
0.6
Surface
Crucera
EX11454
2.0
Trench
Crucera
EX11140
1.8
Surface
Crucera
EX11287
1.7
Trench
Crucera
EX11094
0.9
Surface
Crucera
EX11429
1.4
Trench
Crucera
EX11456
10.4
Trench
Crucera
EX11457
1.2
Trench
Crucera
EX11374
10.3
Trench
Crucera
EX11376
1.2
Trench
Crucera
EX11436
9.8
Trench
Crucera
EX11361
1.0
Trench
Crucera
EX11360
9.1
Trench
Crucera
EX11295
0.9
Trench
Crucera
EX11431
6.7
Trench
Crucera
EX11433
0.7
Trench
Crucera
EX11286
0.6
Trench
Bragado
At the Bragado prospect, located in the province of Treinta y Tres,
exploration activity has identified a number of targets for follow up
trenching and drilling. Mineralization is associated with NE to E-W
striking veins in association with a gabbroic intrusion into the folded
meta-sediments. Drilling is planned in the first half of 2008 designed
to test the veins and the contacts between the gabbro and
meta-sediments. The most significant results are presented below.
District Sample ID Au g/t
Bragado
EX 10559
22.7
Bragado
EX 10562
8.7
Bragado
EX 10563
5.3
Bragado
EX 10604
0.5
Bragado
EX 10658
0.6
Qualified Person’s Statement
The technical information presented in this press release has been
reviewed and verified by Mr. John Sadek, Vice President Operations and a
Mining Engineer, and Mr. George Schroer Vice President Exploration and a
Certified Professional Geologist. Mr. Sadek and Mr. Schroer are the
Qualified Persons for the purposes of the AIM Guidance Note on Mining,
Oil and Gas Companies dated March 2006. Mr. Sadek has a Bachelor of
Engineering (Mining) from the University of Sydney and is a member of
the AusIMM and SME. He has over 20 years of international experience in
mining. Mr. Schroer has a Masters of Science in Geology from Colorado
State University and is a member of SEG and AIPG. He has over 20 years
of international experience in exploration.
Conference Call Details
The management of Uruguay Mineral Exploration inc. will host a
conference call to discuss the results at 11.00 EDT, 16.00 BST on
Wednesday 15th August 2007. The dial-in numbers
are: +44 (0)20 7138 0824 / +1 416 915 1269 and participants should give
the following code to access the call: 7640957. A live audio stream of
the conference call can also be accessed at www.uruguayminerals.com.
Please dial in / log on five minutes prior to the start of the call to
allow time for registration. A recording of the conference call will be
available for 7 days afterwards, from approximately 1 hour after the
live call has finished, on : +44 (0)20 7806 1970 / +1 718 354 1112,
access code:7640957#. A recording will also be available at www.uruguayminerals.com.
ENDS
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Editor’s note: Uruguay Mineral Exploration
Inc. is a gold producer and exploration company focused on identifying
and developing mineral opportunities in Uruguay. UME is a fully
integrated mining company, possessing the skills necessary to explore
and develop its discoveries. The Company operates the only producing
gold mine in the country (San Gregorio), and is also the leading mineral
exploration company in Uruguay having assembled an exploration portfolio
based on gold, base metals (copper, nickel, lead, zinc) and diamond
prospects. In the first half of 2003, the Company discovered the Arenal
deposit, currently the largest known gold resource in Uruguay.
Uruguay Mineral Exploration Inc. is quoted in Canada (TSXV) and London
(AIM) and Collins Stewart Europe Limited is the Nominated Adviser and
broker.
Uruguay Mineral Exploration Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets
Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated
As at May 31 2007
2006
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 13,978
$ 8,931
Accounts receivable (Note 3)
2,275
1,699
Inventories (Note 4)
8,484
8,108
Prepaid expenses
647
612
25,384
19,350
Property, plant and equipment and development costs (Note 5)
25,885
22,896
Deferred exploration and evaluation (Note 6)
16,316
11,184
Future income tax assets (Note 13)
2,387
1,855
Other assets and deferred costs (Note 7)
4,969
4,723
Total assets $ 74,941
$ 60,008
Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$ 6,238
$ 5,076
Current portion of long term debt (Note 8)
1,231
2,058
Unrealized fair value of derivatives (Note 15)
-
2,317
7,469
9,451
Long term tax payable (Note 13(d))
2,414
1,486
Long term debt (Note 8)
2,154
2,167
Asset retirement obligation (Note 9)
2,036
1,665
Total liabilities
14,073
14,769
Equity instruments (Note 10)
34,592
32,670
Warrants (Note 10)
12
188
Contributed surplus (Note 11)
3,297
1,625
Cumulative translation adjustment
(19)
(19)
Retained earnings
22,986
10,775
Total shareholders’ equity
60,868
45,239
Total liabilities and shareholders’
equity $ 74,941
$ 60,008
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Approved on behalf of the Board:
David Fowler, Director Tony Shearer, Director These Consolidated Balance Sheets should be read in conjunction with
the Full Notes to the Financial Statements which are available at www.sedar.com
and www.uruguayminerals.com. Uruguay Mineral Exploration Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings
Thousands of United States Dollars, except for earnings per share
amounts and weighted average number of shares outstanding
For the years ended May 31 2007
2006
Sales
$63,056
$51,206
Net profit interest
-
(635)
Net sales 63,056
50,571
Operating expenses
31,537
22,014
Amortization, depletion and accretion
8,752
8,742
Operating expenses 40,289
30,756
Sub-total 22,767
19,815
Other expenses (gains)
Stock based compensation
975
1,453
Fair value adjustment for derivatives
(2,317)
2,138
Exploration written off
2,129
-
General and administrative
4,347
3,483
Interest and financing fees
314
339
Gain on settlement of net profit interest
-
(888)
Interest and other income
(510)
(64)
Foreign exchange loss
225
128
5,163
6,589
Income before taxes 17,604
13,226
Current income taxes (Note 13)
3,582
2,711
Future income taxes (Note 13)
(532)
(68)
Net income for the year 14,554
10,583
Retained earnings beginning of year 10,775
192
Dividend distribution (2,343)
Retained earnings end of year $ 22,986
$10,775
Basic earnings per share (Note 10.g) $ 0.30
$0.23
Diluted earnings per share (Note 10.g) $ 0.30
$0.22
Basic weighted average number of shares
48,258,892
46,661,234
Diluted weighted average number of shares
48,668,269
48,548,859
These Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings should
be read in conjunction with the Full Notes to the Financial Statements
which are available at www.sedar.com
and www.uruguayminerals.com. Uruguay Mineral Exploration Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated
For the years ended May 31 2007
2006
Operating activities
Net income for the year
$14,554
$10,583
Adjustments for non cash items:
Amortization, depletion and accretion
8,752
8,742
Exploration written off
2,129
-
Accretion of net profit interest acquisition liability
159
-
Future income taxes
(531)
(68)
Deferred stripping
(391)
(3,870)
Tax deferred payment (Note 13.d)
928
1,486
Fair value adjustment of derivatives
(2,317)
2,137
Stock based compensation
975
1,453
Others
(81)
52
24,177
20,515
Net change in non-cash working capital balances (Note 16)
1,181
(2,129)
25,358
18,386
Financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of share capital
1,515
1,473
Proceeds from borrowings, net of costs
106
457
Lease/Loan payments
(163)
-
Dividends payments
(2,343)
-
(885)
1,930
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and development costs
(12,401)
(12,058)
Sales of capital assets
51
650
Payments for exploration
(7,076)
(5,478)
(19,426)
(16,886)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
5,047
3,430
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
8,931
5,501
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 13,978
8,931
These Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows should be read in
conjunction with the Full Notes to the Financial Statements which are
available at www.sedar.com and www.uruguayminerals.com.
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