Myanmar Metals (ASX:MYL) recently completed a site visit to the Bawdwin Zinc-Lead-Silver-Copper Mine in Myanmar.
The site visit was conducted by the board who were hosted by the company’s in-country development partners Win Myint Mo Industries Co Limited (WMM).
The visit reaffirms the board’s view that the Bawdwin Mining Complex represents a clear opportunity to build and develop a tier-1 base metals mine.
The project has access to existing local and regional infrastructure and there is significant scope to use some existing mine complex infrastructure to cost-effectively fast-track mine development.
The release of the JORC resource estimate to support Bawdwin open pit mine studies is expected shortly.
John Lamb, CEO, commented
“Before visiting the site, I was firmly of the view that we were targeting a globally significant deposit at Bawdwin.
“Following the visit, I now also know that we have a genuine opportunity to practically build and operate a mining project in that location which takes full advantage of this outstanding tier-1 deposit.
“Importantly, we have established a very strong relationship with our in-country partners, namely WMM, and we look forward to working closely with them over the coming months.
“As already flagged, the release of the JORC-compliant mineral resource is our next milestone and we anticipate a steady flow of updates thereafter.”
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Bawdwin background
The Bawdwin lease covers 38 square kilometres and includes the historical Bawdwin Mine as well as a large halo of lower-grade material, some of which is amenable to open pit mining.
The historical Bawdwin Mine was reputedly one of the richest mines in the British Empire before World War II.
The mining reserve in 1938 was reported at 10.8 million tonnes at 14% zinc, 23% lead, 1% copper and 670 g/t silver.
Bawdwin was a world-class mine when in production and occurs in a volcanic complex that has never experienced systematic modern exploration.
Site visit key findings
The historical Bawdwin mining complex consists of a village, mine offices, 1980s flotation plant and the Marmion headframe and winder house; all located near the Bawdwin open pit.
The board recognises that there is significant scope to utilise some of the historical infrastructure.
For ore transportation, this includes the tiger tunnel, railway corridor and rail infrastructure.
For ore processing, this includes the existing industrial land at Bawdwin, at the tiger camp and at the Namtu township where the old mill and smelter complex is located.
Bawdwin is self-sufficient for water and electricity is supplied at 33KV from the nearby hydroelectric plant, owned and operated by WMM.
Drilling and sampling program results
During September, the company received and reviewed results from the drilling and channel sampling program carried out at Bawdwin from November 2016 to July 2017.
The high‐grade and laterally extensive surface channel and diamond drilling results highlight the potential of the Bawdwin Project to be redeveloped as a large‐scale mining operation.
The forthcoming JORC resource and scoping study will further assess this potential.