BASE METALS

Myanmar Metals scopes China zinc venture

Scoping work has shown Myanmar Metals will likely need to find in the order of US$200 million to develop the China pit at its Bawdwin zinc project in Myanmar, with the aim being to kick off production in the second half of 2021.

 Bawdwin zinc project in Myanmar

Bawdwin zinc project in Myanmar

Cashflow from the 13-year China mine will be used to fund further openpit and underground mining at Bawdwin, with Myanmar making the point that it will fund "life-of-mine infrastructure while consuming only 26% of the current indicated and inferred mineral resources".

China will yield 1 million tonnes of zinc concentrate grading 52% zinc, as well as 1.6Mt of concentrate grading 63% lead, 2% copper and 1,554 grams per tonne silver.

More than 80Mt will be mined, of which 21Mt will be ore.

Processing will be at a rate of 1.8Mt per annum.

Total operating costs per tonne processed are estimated at $84/t.

Myanmar aims to complete prefeasibility and full feasibility studies by the end of next year.

The company didn't disclose revenue, operating earnings, NPV, IRR, payback period and other financial metrics, saying it was taking "a conservative approach, in consideration of the scoping study" nature of the assessment undertaken.

In terms of funding, Myanmar pointed out it has previously received a non-binding letter of financial support from Perilya, its cornerstone investor, for up to $150 million for future construction. 

Perilya holds about 20% of Myanmar, with famed Australian-based prospector Mark Creasy having a 12% stake.

Shares in Myanmar (ASX: MYL) were up 1.5% to A6.9c in morning trade, capitalising the company at $86 million.

Myanmar started the current quarter with $16.6 million cash, with about $35 million raised earlier this year when new shares were issued at 6c each.

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