Feasibility

Prefeasibility Studies

Preliminary Feasibility Studies require development of a mine plan based on Measured and Indicated Resources and can lead to the definition of Mineral Reserves. The Preliminary Feasibility Study should result in capital and operating cost estimates with an accuracy of ±25–30%. This requires a good geological model, a mature mine plan, written quotes on major components, and advanced permitting and marketing studies. AAI has completed several Preliminary Feasibility Studies for projects for underground coal, copper, borate, trona, and potash mines and for solution mines in potash and trona. AAI’s team has experience in mine planning and costing in a variety of minerals using multiple mining methods. AAI is supported by subcontractors, independent consultants, and engineers to provide expertise in underground and surface mining, processing and infrastructure, in electrical, civil and mechanical disciplines, and in permitting. At the Prefeasibility level, trade-off studies may be utilized to evaluate alternative approaches and to optimize the planned operation.

Feasibility Studies

Feasibility Studies are completed to support project financing and are considered “bankable documents.” They are detailed and accurate to at least ±20%.  Supporting mine plans show detailed sequencing and schedules which anticipate production and ore grade on an annual basis. Ore processing is based on extensive test work and material balances and is supported by detailed flow sheets. AAI has completed Feasibility level projects for coal, copper, and potash mining. AAI’s team has experience in detailed mine planning and costing in a variety of minerals using multiple mining methods. AAI is supported by subcontractors, independent consultants, and engineers to provide expertise in all phases of underground and surface mining, processing and infrastructure, in electrical, civil and mechanical disciplines, and in permitting. AAI has extensive networking contacts with construction contractors and mining equipment manufacturers for facilitating cost estimates and quotes. We have completed Feasibility Studies in the US and abroad that comply with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) S-K 1300 and Industry Guide 7, the Canadian National Instrument 43-101, and the Australian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC).

Experience Counts

Mr. Tim Ross and Mr. Chris Ross have over 25 years of combined mining experience, both domestic and international. During that time, they have coordinated and prepared many prefeasibility and feasibility studies for coal, copper, borate, trona, and potash mines. They are supported by numerous in-house and subconsultant Qualified Persons with experience in everything from geology and permitting to detailed resource/reserve modeling and processing design.