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INDUSTRY | COMMENT

Royal Bank of Canada Europe Limited


Leon Esterhuizen (Analyst)
(+44) 207 653-4154;
leon.esterhuizen@rbccm.com

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Arnold van Graan (Associate)


(+44) 207 653-4639;
arnold.vangraan@rbccm.com

Trip Notes - Who Needs What When

Yuen Low (Associate)


(+44) 207 653-4647; yuen.low@rbccm.com

RBC visited several South African PGM and gold projects around the Indaba
Conference. A common theme we discerned was a need to raise funds for
projects; on pages 3-4, we summarise our estimates of each company's
requirements.

Event

Kroondal vs Crocodile River: Successful Contrasts - Aquarius


Platinum's Kroondal and Eastern Platinum's Crocodile River are shallow
UG2 mines that are doing quite well relative to many other PGM
operations. Yet, the two are virtually chalk-and-cheese operationally. At
Kroondal, Aquarius has taken an innovative approach, mechanically-mining
a wide cut and using a Dense Media Separator. Heavily-faulted Crocodile
River is much steeper-dipping, requiring conventional mining. In our view,
good management of dilution, ground conditions and development have
been the keys to success here, achieved in the face of a host of detractors
and nay-sayers.
Fiery Innovation At Jubilee & Sylvania - Jubilee's ConRoast smelting
technology could potentially revolutionise the PGM industry. Intriguingly,
the company is investigating a still-secret "third" downstream refining
technology that could apparently see much higher payabilities than the
more-conventional converting and leaching routes. Jubilee and Sylvania
recently agreed to pool their smelting and tailings retreatment expertise to
exploit resources previously deemed uneconomic (typically low grade
and/or high chrome).
Consolidation Opportunities Abound Around The Pilanesberg Rooderand could potentially be much bigger for Platinum Australia than
current flagship Smokey Hills. To us, consolidation of the various
properties in the northern Pilanesberg area would make economic sense;
myriad deal combinations seem possible, if the parties can agree terms.
New Gold Kids Modder East & Burnstone vs South Deep-zilla - Gold
One's Modder East is a new gold mine in ramp-up; the current mine life is
short, but there are potential life-extending resources to be explored on the
property and around it. Great Basin's larger Burnstone project, soon to
commence production, is trialling longhole stooping. This, if successful,
could yield a range of potential benefits. These mines are relatively-small,
shallow (<500m), low-risk operations compared to Gold Field's
challenging, mammoth South Deep. The mine is targeting 300 koz in FY10
(almost as much as Modder East and Burnstone at steady-state combined)
and >750 koz by FY14. Unusually, South Deep will be applying
mechanised longhole and drift-and-fill methods at depths of 2.5-3 km(!).
The Golden "Oldies" - Last but not least, we also visited DRDGOLD's
ErgoGold, Central Rand Gold's CMR and Pan African's Barberton.
ErgoGold and CMR are mining "old" Witswaterand gold resources, except
that ErgoGold is a large-scale low-risk surface tailings retreatment
operation whereas CMR is trialling innovative mining and processing
techniques virtually under Johannesburg. Barberton, meanwhile, is an old
greenstone belt mine that just keeps on going.
Priced as of prior trading day's market close, EST (unless otherwise noted).
All values in USD unless otherwise noted.
For Required Non-U.S. Analyst and Conflicts Disclosures, see page 39.

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Companies Visited
Aquarius Platinum .....................................................................................................................................................................................5
Eastern Platinum ........................................................................................................................................................................................7
Jubilee Platinum.......................................................................................................................................................................................12
Platinum Australia ...................................................................................................................................................................................16
Platmin.....................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Sylvania Resources ..................................................................................................................................................................................19
Central Rand Gold ...................................................................................................................................................................................21
DRDGOLD..............................................................................................................................................................................................24
Gold Fields...............................................................................................................................................................................................27
Gold One International ............................................................................................................................................................................29
Great Basin Gold .....................................................................................................................................................................................33
Pan African Resources.............................................................................................................................................................................35

Mines & Projects Visited


Kroondal PGM Mine .................................................................................................................................................................................5
Crocodile River Mine ................................................................................................................................................................................7
Mintek 3.2 MV PGM Smelter..................................................................................................................................................................12
Rooderand PGM Project ..........................................................................................................................................................................16
Pilanesberg Platinum Mine ......................................................................................................................................................................18
Samancor Dump Operations ....................................................................................................................................................................19
CMR Trial Mine ......................................................................................................................................................................................21
ErgoGold..................................................................................................................................................................................................24
South Deep Gold Mine ............................................................................................................................................................................27
Modder East Gold Mine...........................................................................................................................................................................29
Burnstone Gold Mine...............................................................................................................................................................................33
Barberton Gold Mine ...............................................................................................................................................................................35

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Who Needs What When


One of the conclusions we drew from these visits is that many companies will need to raise funding for their projects. The situations of
these companies are summarised below.
Aquarius Platinum
(Aquarius)
Eastern Platinum
(Eastplats)

Jubilee Platinum
(Jubilee)

Platinum Australia (PLA)

Platmin

Funding Not Required - We do not currently anticipate Aquarius requiring any external funding unless a
significant acquisition is made.

Eastplats currently has around C$30 million in working capital.

Internal Funding Possible - Crocette, Spitzkop and Mareesburg could be funded from internal cash flows,
according to our model.

Favourable Environment Could Tempt Capital Raising - However, given the rise in Eastplats share price over
recent months, we believe Eastplats could well be tempted to come to the market to speed up Spitzkop and/or
Mareesburg. Should this be the case, we would expect a capital raise in excess of US$100 million.

Enlarged Scope Requires Funding - Jubilee currently has around R240 million in the bank, mostly raised in
2009 for a simpler Middelburg PGM toll smelter project. The projects scope has grown, however, and this
means that additional funds will be required.

Partner Could Contribute - We understand that Jubilee will either get its Middelburg partner (unspecified
major, which will be providing most or all of the feed) to contribute in return for some sort of interest or stake.

Market Alternative The alternative would be to come to the markets to raise the requisite funds, probably
around mid CY10. In our view, Jubilee would look to raise at least R400 million (equity and/or debt), but we
see a figure of R500 million or more as more likely, as Jubilee has other projects to fund.

More Furnaces Further Out Jubilee will have to fund 70% of the capex for the SmeltCo joint venture with
Sylvania. For the moment, we estimate that Jubilees share of plant establishment costs (including one
furnace) would be in the region of US$70 million, and that this funding would have to be raised around mid
CY11.

At the end of Q2-FY10, PLA had just under A$23 million of cash and was projecting an A$19.2 million cash balance for
Q3-FY10.

Small Raise Possible In CY10 - If all goes to plan at Kalplats, assuming Smokey Hills is sufficiently cash-positive
and assuming equity funding of 40% or less, PLA should not need to come to the market in CY10. However,
prudence would suggest a small capital raise (say US$5-10 million). A larger raise would likely be required if the
project scope is significantly enlarged.

Rooderand Raising in CY11, Possibly Even CY10 - PLA could come to the market to raise capital for the
construction of Rooderand in late FY11, or if there is sufficient investor appetite, possibly even in CY10. We
believe the project capex is likely to be around R0.8-1.0 billion.

PLA Might Raise 100% Of Rooderand Funding - PLA is earning into 65% on feasibility study completion, but
could earn a further 5% by arranging financing for the projects completion, which we interpret as meaning that
PLA will raise and lend the black empowerment partner 30% of the project capex.

Platmin is planning to raise capital, but we believe for acquisitions rather than for the Pilanesberg operation.

Sedibelo & Magazynskraal - We believe that that the Pallinghurst Consortium is trying to acquire Sedibelo, and
there is also a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) underway at Magazynskraal (jointly-owned by the Pallinghurst
Consortium and the Bakgatla tribe).

Vending Into Platmin Makes Sense - In our view, it would make sense for Platmin to raise funds externally to
purchase these projects from the Pallinghurst Consortium: there should be operational synergies, plus the
issue of equity to external parties would improve the liquidity of Platmins shares.

Many Variables To Funding Requirements Platmin already has three significant non-Pilanesberg projects on
backburner: Grootboom (which we believe is essentially ready to go), Mphahlele and Loskop. Platmin could
choose to develop them, or to dispose of one or more to reduce its funding requirements.

The amount(s) to be raised would therefore likely to be dependent on a range of variables: the purchase prices, scale
of project(s), whether Platmin decides to build a smelter at Pilanesberg and the proportions of debt and equity to be
issued. We expect that the total cost to Platmin will be at least several billion rand.
Sylvania Resources
(Sylvania)

Grass Valley: A Lot Depends On Timeline - Assuming construction of Grass Valley commences on schedule (H1FY13), we anticipate Sylvania having to raise funds in FY12. Exactly how much will depend on how much cash
the SDO operations amass during that time, and the pace of 100 ktpm plant and 10 MW DC furnace rollouts.
Disregarding any cash on the balance sheet, we estimate that Sylvania would need to raise around R300-400
million to get the project started, including one 100 ktpm plant we assume for now that the remaining plants
can be funded out of cash flow. Sylvania would also have to fund 30% of the cost of the DC furnaces; for the
moment, we estimate that Sylvanias share of plant establishment costs (including one furnace) would be in the
region of US$30 million.

Everest North: Internal Funding Could Be Used For Grass Valley? We currently estimate capex at just under
R400 million, funded entirely from SDO cash flows, with construction starting in late FY11.

Clearly, if Everest North doesnt go ahead, or is delayed significantly, external funding requirements for Grass Valley
could be a lot lower. Of course, if both projects go ahead, Sylvania could opt to fund Grass Valley (mostly, on our
numbers) internally and Everest North externally.

February 19, 2010


Central Rand Gold (CRG)

DRDGOLD (DRD)

PGMs & South African Golds


Trial mining is on-track for a revised Competent Persons Report (CPR) to be issued in Q2-CY10 (March-April).

Fund Raising After CPR - A fund raising will then follow, currently envisaged at CRG to be in the vicinity of
US$25-35 million. This includes US$10 million for a pump station but does NOT include an optical sorter or CIL
upgrade.

Larger Raise Possible - Given trial stoping results to date, should trial processing prove successful, we would
be unsurprised to see the fund-raising figure rise to around US$45-50 million.

DRD is investigating potential synergies between Ergo and DRDs Crown operations. A R290 million pipeline linking the
two is being mooted; total project capex would be R345 million.

Aurora Sales Could Raise Significant Cash - This project was one of the motivating factors behind the sales of
60% of Blyvoor to Aurora for R296 million, and of the ERPM plant for R20 million.

DRD To Study Aurora Tailings - Aurora has paid R5 million towards the ERPM plant purchase and agreed to
allow DRD to conduct a feasibility study on Auroras Grootvlei and Marievale tailings dams near Ergo.

Cash Or Option? - DRD may choose to receive the outstanding R15 million in cash; alternatively, DRD could take
an exclusive 10-year option to retreat those tailings dams, which would require capex spend of R260 million.

Option Exercise Likely To Trigger Fund Raising - Should DRD exercise the Aurora tailings option, we believe
that DRD debt or equity financing will be required, given the companys December 2009 cash balance of R162
million.

Ergo Phase 2 Would Also Require External Funding - We believe that capex for Ergos Phase 2, which is at
feasibility study stage, would be in the order of several billion rand. Therefore, DRD would almost certainly
have to raise equity and/or debt financing should this project be given the go-ahead.

Gold Fields

Funding Not Required - We do not currently anticipate Gold Fields requiring any external funding unless the
company makes a significant acquisition.

Gold One International


(Gold One)

Standby Debt Facility Being Arranged For Convertibles - Gold Ones convertible bondholders have a put
option exercisable on December 12th, 2010. Although GDO was already cash-flow positive in December 2009
(including capital - but not bond interest), we do not expect GDO to have generated sufficient cash in the
unlikely event that all (or a substantial portion) of bondholders elect to exercise. Prudently, GDO is looking to
arrange a debt facility to cover any funding requirements that should arise as a result, which could be up to
around US$60-64 million (depending on bond repurchases in Q1-CY10).

Ventersburg The Bankable Feasibility Study is currently expected in 2011. Ventersburg capex should cost
around US$200-300 million, some of which we expect will be funded by Gold Fields. We estimate that Gold One
would still have to raise around US$100-150 million (or more, depending on Area 1s proportional contribution
to the overall project) in 2011. This amount could be reduced somewhat via the spin-out or sale of Vlakfontein.

Funding Not Required - Great Basin should not require additional funds unless there are significant project
delays or the gold price falls significantly.

Great Basin Gold (Great


Basin)
Pan African Resources
(Pan African)

Pan African currently has around 4.2 million of cash on its balance sheet.

Barberton Cash Cow Barberton is essentially a self-funding cash cow that throws of excess cash (after capex)
of around 4-5 million annually, depending on the gold price.

Phoenix Could Be Funded Internally - The latest capex estimate is R100 million, or 8.5 million at R11.8/.
Additionally, Pan African has agreed with International Ferro Metals (IFM) a fixed price of R80 million (6.8
million) for the Phoenix plant site and acquisition of IFMs 25% Net Profit Interest in the PGMs from tailings
arising from IFMs Lesedi property. Depending on timing, it may be possible for Phoenix to be funded out of
Barbertons excess cash flows, but a small capital raise (5-10 million) in H2-CY10 seems to us more likely.

Manica Too Assuming heap leaching testwork is successful and sufficient oxide resources can be obtained, a
feasibility study could be conducted in FY11. If construction commences in FY12 or later, Pan Africans share of
capex could potentially be funded by cash flows from Barberton and Phoenix.

A potential complicating factor is the level of dividends Pan African decides to pay (if any) dividends on the scale of
that paid in FY09 (2.8 million) would wipe out most of Barbertons free cash flow

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Aquarius Platinum
Kroondal PGM Mine
RBC visited the Bambanani Shaft (formerly 3 Shaft) at Aquarius Platinums (LSE & ASX: AQP; Aquarius) Kroondal mine on
Thursday, February 4th.
About Kroondal
Kroondal, located around 120 km northwest of Johannesburg, is a 50:50 joint venture with Anglo Platinum. It comprises:
Two blocks of ground, Kroondal and Townlands, both immediately up-dip of Anglo Platinums Rustenburg.
Four decline sections: Kopaneng (previously: Central), Simunye (East), Bambanani (No. 3) on the Kroondal block, and K5 at
Townlands. Plans for a second shaft at Townlands, K6, were put on ice during the global downturn.
Two concentrator plants (K1 and K2) with a combined capacity of 570 ktpm; there is a life-of-mine offtake with Anglo Platinum.
In FY09, Kroondal produced 422 koz PGMs, of which 211 koz was attributable to Aquarius representing just under half of
Aquarius overall attributable production.
Mechanised Bulk Mining And DMS Processing - Keys To Kroondals Low Costs
Aquarius mines the UG2 reef at Kroondal Mine. On the property, the UG2 chromitite reef (Main Seam) is typically around 0.8m
thick and grades around 6 g/t (comparable to Anglo Platinums neighbouring Rustenburg property). Above, there is a chromitite
Leader Seam (or Triplets, around 30cm-thick, grading about 3.3 g/t) separated from the Main Seam by an essentially-barren waste
pyroxenite parting approximately 60cm thick.
On many similar properties, only the UG2 reef is mined, usually by conventional mining methods. This results in significant
dilution and high production costs. For example, at Rustenburg, the UG2 reef is typically 0.6m-0.8m thick, whereas the mining cut
is around 0.95m-1.05m, resulting in a reserve grade of around 3.6 g/t.
At Kroondal, the Leader Seam, Parting and Main Seam are all taken as a single package (1.8m average stoping width), via
mechanised bord-and-pillar mining (facilitated by a relatively-gentle dip of around 9). This results in a lower mining cost, but also
a lower head grade of around 2.7 g/t - which would misleadingly tend to suggest high processing costs.
In actuality, the Run-of-Mine (ROM) material is scalped underground (removing waste rock representing around 8% of mass)
before being conveyed to a surface Dense Media Separator (DMS) plant, which removes still further waste (around 30%-35% of
mass). Consequently, very little waste actually goes into the plant, resulting in low plant operating costs.
Kroondals costs are also helped by the fact that mining is shallow, to a maximum depth of around 400m-450m at present.
Downdip Expansion Potential Across The Borders
Intriguingly, all three recently-closed Rustenburg shafts are adjacent to Aquarius mining areas. Notably, Bleskop is downdip of
Kroondal and Brakspruit downdip of Marikana.
We believe there is potential for Aquarius to extend decline-based mechanised mining at Kroondal beyond 2018 by crossing the
mines boundary into unmined ground on the western portion of Anglo Platinums Bleskop shaft.
The deeper depth is likely to raise costs somewhat, but we believe Aquarius methodology should allow the company to maintain
costs far below that which was incurred by Anglo Platinum.

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Exhibit 1: Bord-and-Pillar Mining at Kroondal. Note the width of the reef, parting and stopes (high enough to stand comfortably in!),

the cleaning by LHD and the initial underground scalping of waste via grizzly.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Blue Ridge - Full Cut Being Taken


Following a fall of ground incident in December 2009, Aquarius has decided to mine the full reef at Blue Ridge, rather than taking
just the efficient cut.
Given current metal prices, we believe this not to be a major problem (efficient cut is preferable at times of lower metal prices).
Blue Ridge is expected to reach steady-state by the end of FY10.
Aquarius will be re-working the Shebas Ridge Bankable Feasibility Study in the next few months, but this project will not be a
priority for the company for the immediate future.
Blue Ridges unit cash costs are expected to be similar to Everests, somewhere between Kroondal and Marikana.
Outlook
Anglo Platinums admission of its inability to mine Bleskop profitably we believe represents a golden opportunity for Aquarius to
strike a deal to extend Kroondals life-of-mine.
Milling is set to recommence at Everest by September 2010.
The Ridge Mining acquisition has helped improve Aquarius growth profile. Nevertheless, Blue Ridge is relatively minor in the
grand scheme of things (Aquarius share being half of Blue Ridges projected annual steady-state production of 125 koz 4E).
Shebas Ridge promises to be much bigger, but we are not convinced that this project can be developed in the absence independent
PGM smelting and refining capacities - something Aquarius is unlikely to attempt to develop alone, given its low-risk inclination.
In short, we believe that Aquarius will continue to seek out potential projects with which to add growth.
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February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Eastern Platinum
Crocodile River Mine
RBC visited Eastern Platinums (TSX & AIM: ELR; Eastplats) Crocodile River Mine (CRM) on Tuesday, January 26th.
CRM Targeting 175 ktpm
Eastplats is aiming to maintain steady-state primary mine production at 175 ktpm (2010) at CRM, from H2-2012:
Zandfontein Section Zandfontein is already producing at 100 ktpm (120 koz 6E). The previous plan was to ramp up to 120
ktpm. However, such a rate could not be maintained consistently, which would have adverse plant processing effects; Eastplats has
calculated that it would be better to maintain a consistent 100 ktpm production rate.
Exhibit 2: Conventional Breast Mining At CRM. We travelled down Zandfonteins 450m-deep vertical shaft to visit a panel on 2-level
7-West. Working with stope widths of <1.5m, at dips of 17-18 is not easy, and we believe that the workforce is doing commendably
well.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Maroelabult Production is expected to be 35-40 ktpm (40 koz) for 2-3 years, before falling away (Maroelabult has around 10
years life-of-mine left at the moment).
Crocette Eastplats had just started sinking two declines at Crocette when the global downturn hit. Work was halted and the
declines put on care-and-maintenance. In January 2010, Eastplats decided to restart development, and the declines are currently
being dewatered. Development is scheduled to start in June 2010, with first development ore expected in November 2010. A 40
ktpm steady-state rate (50 koz) should be achieved in H2-2012. The capex for Crocettes development is expected to be around
R50 million and R150 million in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Kareespruit Kareespruit could potentially double CRMs production to 400 koz 6E annually. However, it would require sinking
of deep shafts and new plant. Consequently, Eastplats views this as a long-term project, ranking lowest in priority of the various
projects in CRMs pipeline. There is potential synergy with Zandfontein, which itself will require a deep vertical shaft by 2018
(around 1.2 km deep) - a shared shaft system should save significant capex. Importantly, the shafts would be shallower than many
comparable Majors shafts (often 1.6-2 km deep).
Exhibit 3: Crocette Requires Dewatering; Should Be Completed In H1-2010.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

In the short term, CRM production should be supplemented by dump retreatment - potentially 10-15 kg (4-6 koz) per year. CRM has
approximately 3 Mt of tailings, which at 80-100 ktpm should last for 3-4 years. The dump operations are making use of what had
originally been the CRM plants tertiary circuit.

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Exhibit 4: Dump Retreatment at CRM

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Power No Problem At CRM


CRM-sans-Crocette uses 18 MVA of its current 23 MVA allocation, and various power-saving programmes are being implemented.
Meanwhile, Crocette is expected to use 2-3 MVA at full production, versus Marolelabults 4 MVA. Crocettes lower power
requirement is due to Crocettes envisaged use of hydropower mining systems, la Northam Crocette will effectively be serving as a
hydropower testbed for future vertical shafts at CRM.
In the short-to-medium term, therefore, power is therefore not expected to be a problem for CRM. The mine should cope even if South
African power utility Eskom imposes a 10% cut in future.
CRMs Recoveries Could Improve Still Further
The previous maximum recovery achieved at CRM was 80%. We learnt during the visit that CRM had touched 81% (although it
remains to be seen if this was a welcome blip or something that can be sustained). That said, there is clearly potentially scope to
increase recoveries further (e.g., to 82% or beyond) for relatively little additional capex we noted that Eastplats plant has currentlyunused flotation cells that could be brought into the flow sheet.
Exhibit 5: PGM Flotation At CRM. The Plant Has Currently-Unused Flotation Cells.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Aiming For Q2-09 Costs


CRMs cash cost is currently around R500/t at moment (was R450/t before mid-09 strike). Additional volumes from Crocette should
help reduce costs. Eastplats is hoping to reduce costs 10%, or with luck, 20% (although this would be rather optimistic).

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Spitzkop & Mareesburg Studies Being Dusted Off


Eastplats is currently updating the Spitzkop and Mareesburg feasibility studies; the updated studies could be completed over the next
few weeks. Decisions will then be taken on development timelines and funding; Eastplats anticipated announcing these by June 2010.
Fraction of New Cost - According to Eastplats, a brand-new 200 koz operation would cost around US$1 billion to build today. In
contrast, Eastplats believes it could bring Spitzkop into production for US$200-US$250 million, partly because some work had
already completed prior to the global downturn. Certain long-lead items such as crushers and mills are already on-site.
UG2-Only Scenario Would Save On Capex - Eastplats currently favours mining only UG2 (80-90 ktpm; 100 koz 6E) at
Spitzkop. The Merensky reef here is wide and there is unpredictability of where the grade peaks occur (so it would not be possible
to selectively-mine a portion of the reef). Mining only the UG2 could reduce capex requirements by around 30%.
Two Possibilities for Spare Capacity If Merensky reef is not mined at Spitzkop, we believe the spare plant capacity could be
used to treat Mareesburg UG2 ore (as opposed to having it toll-treated). Alternatively, or in addition, the Merensky decline could be
re-routed to access UG2 at the De Goedeverwachting (DGV) portion of Kennedys Vale (another 18 months or so to reef).
Better Than CRM? - The UG2 at Mareesburg and Spitzkop grades around 1-1.5 g/t higher than at CRM. Recoveries are also
expected be better, circa 82%-85%.
Water No Longer A Constraint? - The De Hoop dam appears set for completion next year, (unusually) a year ahead of schedule.
Production could start at Spitzkop around 18-24 months from a Go decision; i.e., possibly as early as the end of 2011. Consequently,
Eastern Limb production rates could potentially reach 250 koz in 2012 (Spitzkop and Mareesburg) and >300 koz rate in 2013 (>500
koz including CRM!).
Exhibit 6: Merensky and UG2 Portals At Spitzkop. When the project was put on care-and-maintenance, the Merensky decline had

already hit reef; the UG2 decline was three months away from reef.

Source: Eastern Platinum

Chrome Production
The spiral sections in CRMs plant are allowing concentrate chrome levels to be maintained at 1.8%-2%, resulting in relatively-low
chrome penalties.
The chrome spirals do not merely minimize chrome penalties they also generate handsome revenues and profits. CRM is currently
producing UG2 chromite concentrate at a rate of around 320 ktpa at the moment; revenues are around R450/t, versus production costs
of around R25-30/t(!).
We expect that Spitzkop-Kennedys Vale and Mareesburg should boast similar levels of chromite production and profitability.

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February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Exhibit 7: Chrome Spirals at CRM. Unusually, CRM has spirals incorporated into both primary and secondary circuits.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Status Of Key Mining Rights


Eastplats has New Order mining rights for CRM and Spitzkop. A mining right for Mareesburg is expected shortly as the Social and
Environmental plans have been approved.
The Next Aquarius?
Eastplats has survived the recent global economic crisis in good condition. No dilutive equity placings were done or expensive debt
taken on, CRM is constantly breaking records, costs are relatively low, chrome is proving a very nice sweetener and there is plenty of
organic growth potential (possibly 500 koz by 2014).
Eastplats has, however, depleted its previous cash pile and currently has around C$30 million in working capital. Spitzkop and
Mareesburg could be funded from internal cash flows, according to our model. However, given the rise in its share price, we believe
Eastplats could well be tempted to come to the market to speed up these projects.
In short, things are generally looking rosy for Eastplats. In our view, Eastplats could well be the next Aquarius provided, of course,
that the relatively low-capex and low-cost nature of its large (100 Moz) resource base doesnt result in the company being taken out
first.

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February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Jubilee Platinum
Mintek 3.2 MV PGM Smelter
RBC visited Jubilee Platinums (AIM: JLP; Jubilee) 3.2 MW smelter at Mintek on Tuesday, February 2nd. Appropriately enough,
the weather was roasting hot...
What Is ConRoast?
The ConRoast process comprises the sulphur-free reductive smelting of PGMs into an iron-alloy collector in a DC Arc Furnace.
Conventional PGM smelters use AC technology (not DC) and smelt into a sulphide matte (as opposed to an iron alloy).
ConRoast can be thought of as comprising three discrete stages: roasting, smelting and refining. In our view, the first two can be
regarded as proven. Refining options are currently still being studied and finalised, but this final step is not absolutely crucial (see
below).
Exhibit 8: Top Row - Furnace Tapping; Bottom Row - Alloy Ingots, Crushed and Granulated.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

ConRoast Addresses A Variety Of Current Smelting Issues


ConRoast offers a number of benefits to Major and Junior PGM companies (although we point out that many of the benefits to Majors
would also flow through to the Juniors, as will be seen):
Majors - ConRoast effectively overcomes a number of problems plaguing existing conventional PGM smelting operations. Key
ones include:
1) Constraints on Furnace Feed Chrome Levels - The proportion of PGM production from high-chrome UG2 sources is everincreasing as viable Merensky reserves are depleted. Conventional AC furnaces are limited in their chrome tolerances chromite spinel buildup reduces furnaces volumes and traps PGMs in slag, reducing furnace PGM recoveries. DC technology
suffers no such constraint, as conditions in DC furnaces result in chrome dissolving readily in the slag.
2) UG2 is Sulphide-Deficient - As mentioned above, UG2 production is only ever going to increase. UG2 is generally relativelydeficient in sulphides. This is a problem for traditional furnaces, which utilise sulphides as a collector. In contrast, DC
technology uses an iron alloy collector.
3) SO2 Emissions - Limiting SO2 emissions in the face of ever-tougher legislation is much tougher with traditional AC
technology. ConRoast utilises a roaster ahead of smelting and refining, allowing SO2 to be captured more efficiently,
facilitating much-lower SO2 emissions.

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4) Material Containment - In AC furnaces, highly-corrosive superheated matte can burn through furnace walls, leading to smelter
runouts - in DC furnaces, there is no such danger as there is no need to subject material to temperatures that result in
superheating.
In overcoming these problems, ConRoast allows difficult high-chrome materials to be processed, e.g. UG2 concentrates and
smelter reverts. Additionally, PGM recoveries into UG2 concentrate can be increased as there would no longer be a need to try
to minimise concentrate chrome content (efforts at which tend to reduce PGM recoveries).
Juniors - Most Junior projects are based on UG2 reef and/or low-grade resources which yield low-grade PGM concentrates (the
processing of which would displace higher-grade concentrates at Majors furnaces, an opportunity cost). Given Majors smelting
issues, finding a home for concentrates from such sources could be a problem in future. Alternatively, or in addition, Majors could
impose more onerous tolling terms, and/or more punitive penalties where concentrate specifications are breached.
1) Installation of DC technology at Majors operations would circumvent the chrome issue (see above). As mentioned above,
PGM recoveries into UG2 concentrate can be increased as there would no longer be a need to try to minimise concentrate
chrome content. However, where chrome spirals have been installed, this could mean little or no UG2 chromite concentrate
produced. Clearly, companies would have to balance higher PGM recoveries against reduced chromite sales revenues;
hypothetically, if chromite prices rose enough, it might be better to sell more chromite and less PGMs.
2) The establishment of alternative junior toll smelters (e.g., Jubilee) promises an alternative home for low-grade concentrates.
That said, capacity could be limited - this would be dependent on how many furnaces Jubilee builds, or licences others to
build. Limiting DC capacity (own or out-licensed) could actually be advantageous to Jubilee in potentially allowing Jubilee to
extract higher tolling or price participation terms (e.g., Jubilee could well pay Junior companies <80% of the contained metal
value in their products if the Junior companies are desperate). Consequently, ConRoast is by no means a complete panacea for
Junior PGM companies.
Upstream And Downstream Choices
Roasting Not Always Necessary - Roasting is not required if the furnace feed has little or no sulphide content (e.g., PCM
concentrates derived from retreated chrome tails). Consequently, if it is known that a furnaces feed will comprise such materials,
build capex savings can be achieved by deferring or not installing the roaster.
Downstream Choices Aplenty - The other key choices are to do with route and degree of refinement (if any) of the smelter
product. A DC smelter can opt to sell untreated PGM-containing iron alloy, or (semi-)refined products. Generally, the more refined
the final products, the better their payability; also, the more potential customers for a particular product type, the better terms are
likely to be.
Two Main Downstream Routes - There are two main refining routes: pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical. The former is
simpler, using existing converter technology; the resulting semi-refined product can be further processed in existing base metal
refineries. The latter is more complicated, requires more development work (there are two major sub-routes) and more expensive
but could potentially yield more and cleaner products, attract a more diverse range of clients and boast better payability.
We stress that the fact that development work is still on-going on the hydrometallurgical route is not the hurdle or problem that some
might suggest. As pointed out above, the absolute worst case scenario is that smelter matte is sold on to refiners at a steeper discount.
More likely, converting will be used in the short-term, and converter matte is in fact an attractive product for existing PGM refineries.
In short, whether roasting is installed is dependent on what materials a DC furnace is intended to treat. Meanwhile, refining choices
will depend on progress in developing hydrometallurgical refining options and on customer demand for (semi-)refined products.

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Alternative Third Refining Route Could See Much Higher Payability


Jubilees vision for the Middelburg PGM toll-smelter has changed significantly over the last half year or so. In mid-2009, our
impression was that Jubilee would go for a cheap and simple furnace-&-converter setup, with the whole facility requiring a
maximum of 10 MW.
Management is now leaning towards a 16 MW facility (10 MW furnace, operated at 8 MW) including roaster, converter AND
refining facilities (henceforth, refining facilities refers to non-converter routes). Part of the 6 MW capacity for auxiliaries is
actually reserved for a refinery upgrade - Jubilee anticipates expansion to process alloy from the Jubilee-Sylvania joint venture
furnaces on the Northern Limb (see below).
It emerges that a third alternative refining route (i.e., not converting or leaching) has apparently shown significant promise in
pilot plant testwork to date. Not only will the PGMs have much higher payability (we believe possibly up to 97%), but this third
process produces pure nickel and iron, which will have 100% payability. Testwork should be completed in March or April 2010.
A roaster will be included as sulphide-bearing materials are likely to be treated (previously, the thinking was to focus initially on
non-sulphide-containing materials such as chrome-derived concentrates). The converter is being kept in the process sheet as
backup (e.g. during refinery downtime) and/or for treating certain PGM-bearing materials.
Changes And Other Issues Mean Delay, Higher Costs
Middelburg Capex Now Much Higher - The inclusion of a roaster and refinery, plus various additional costs (such as site
refurbishment, security, etc) mean that Jubilees capex estimate has ballooned from R200-R250 million to R420 million excluding
the refinery, or R610 million including the refinery.
Refining Opex Should Be Offset By Higher Payability - Opex is estimated at R1300/t feed for roasting-plus-smelting; refining
could cost around the same again, but it is very early days to be trying to put firm figures to refining opex since the flowsheet
hasnt been finalised (note: this is also the case for refining capex).
Eskom Delays - There have also been delays stemming from negotiations with Eskom (which is to provide 6 MW; the remainder
is to be self-generated from gas supplied by Sasol) and with the owner of the Middelburg brownfield site.
The sum of the above is that a final build decision is now expected only towards the end of H1-CY10, with commissioning now
targeted for Q4-CY11.
More Funds Needed For Enlarged Scope
Insufficient Funds - The much higher capex requirement means that the monies originally raised in 2009 for the simple
smelter will now be insufficient - Jubilee currently has around R240 million in the bank.
but Partner Could Contribute - We understand that Jubilee will either get its Middelburg partner (unspecified major, which
will be providing most or all of the feed) to contribute in return for some sort of interest or stake, or come to the market for more
funds.
Opex Not Key Concern In Jubilees Case
Smelting unit costs will be dependent on furnace size, with smaller furnaces generally being less efficient and more costly to run in
terms of electricity utilisation.
DC furnaces being planned are generally smaller than existing AC ones. They are therefore likely to be slightly less efficient in
electricity usage, but will generally save on other operating costs (e.g., electrodes, fluxing).
For practical purposes, we recommend the assumption of similar unit costs for AC and DC furnaces.
More to the point, we believe an over-emphasis on unit smelting costs to be inappropriate.
What a small DC furnace might lose in higher unit costs should be at least (and probably more than) made up for in better
recoveries at concentrator and smelter levels (and potentially, better sulphuric acid sales).
Larger numbers of smaller furnaces offer better operational flexibility. This is a not unimportant consideration given the electricity
situation in South Africa. More, smaller furnaces could actually run more efficiently and produce better cost performance in times
of electricity cuts and outages.
In any case, we expect that Jubilee would impose on at least a portion of materials treated (certainly low-grade feeds) a fee
structure that recoups its processing costs. (Such a fee structure would cap both downside and upside for a DC smelter, so we
expect that Jubilee would negotiate a payability regime for higher-grade materials in order to participate in any price upside).

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Power Availability More Critical


Power availability currently appears the key constraint on Jubilee expanding its toll smelting business, but this could actually work
in Jubilees favour (in allowing the company to charge more for toll processing or pay less for feed, and/or to be more selective in
the feed grade it accepts).
As alluded to above, South Africas electricity crisis could well come back. In times of electricity cuts and outages, larger numbers
of smaller furnaces (e.g., three 10 MW furnaces rather than one 30 MW furnace) could actually run more efficiently and produce
better cost performance.
Brownfield sites may have existing power allocations that can be used. A variation on this theme would be to convert or replace
existing AC PGM or chrome furnaces with DC furnaces.
Jubilees ConRoast Rights Appear Robust
Jubilee holds exclusive rights to the Mintek ConRoast patent until 2020. A number of companies are trying, or have tried, to
circumvent this patent - but none with any real success to date:
The ConRoast patent still belongs to Mintek - effectively, the South African government. Thus, any company attempting to
circumvent the ConRoast risks incurring the wrath of the South African government.
Barrick had tried to register a similar patent, but backed down when made known of Minteks patent.
Sylvania Resources abandoned attempts to develop alternative technologies and recently announced joint ventures with Jubilee
instead.
No viable legal alternatives to ConRoast have emerged in the last decade; existing workarounds have tended to be uneconomic,
plagued with technical challenges or indeed fail to address the technical issues that ConRoast solves.
In short, all the evidence to date suggests that the ConRoast patent is robust indeed.
One Significant Deal Already, More On The Cards
As noted above, Sylvania Resources has abandoned attempts to develop alternative technologies and is currently concluding a
30:70 smelting joint venture with Jubilee instead (plus a 50:50 tailings retreatment joint venture). The smelter joint venture will see
three 10 MW furnaces built to process concentrate from Sylvanias Northern Limb properties.
We understand that the Majors and Northam have all contributed material for testing in the past. Of these, we see Northam as the
most likely to do a deal in the short-term - Northam requires additional capacity to process Booysendals production and offtake
from Platmin; the preponderance of UG2 production from Northam mine and Booysendal makes DC a logical choice.
Of the Majors, we see Lonmin as most likely to do a deal. Indeed, Lonmin has publicly stated that it is looking at smelter backup
capacity options, to reduce the companys dependence on the No.1 furnace. Lonmin has a particularly high proportion of UG2
production and is short on sulphide sources for the time being.
Impala has stated plans to increase production at Zimplats to 1 Moz in the long-term. We believe that DC technology would be
considered in expanding the Zimplats smelter. In addition, Impala may well be tempted to add a DC furnace to its existing IRS
operations, given that Junior toll feeds will be increasingly from UG2 sources while Impalas Rustenburg mine has problems with
Merensky availability.
Depending on the state of the ferrochrome markets, ferrochrome producers might well consider converting ferrochrome furnaces to
PGM DC ones or building new PGM DC ones, or simply leasing any unused power allocations to Jubilee (so as not to lose
their power allocations).
According to Jubilee, another Sylvania-type deal may be announced this quarter or next. We caution that one can never be sure how
long negotiations will last, but this is good news nonetheless.
Conclusion - Exciting Times, As More Come To The Pot
ConRoast has come far enough that there can be no doubt of the technical viability of the roasting and smelting stages.
That hydrometallurgical refining is not yet proven to the same extent is not a major headache; converting offers a viable
alternative, albeit with slightly-less value add.
Jubilees ConRoast rights appear secure, as evidenced by Sylvanias decision to halt work on alternative technologies and secure a
deal with Jubilee instead.
The delay in getting the Middelburg smelter built and the potential for Jubilee having to come back to the market will be
disappointing to some.
There is considerable potential for deals with other companies, and Jubilee believe one could potentially be announced in Q1 or Q2.
Power availability is the key constraint on Jubilee expanding its toll smelting business, but this could potentially work in Jubilees
favour (e.g., Jubilee can charge more for toll processing or pay less for feed).
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Platinum Australia
Rooderand PGM Project
RBC visited Platinum Australias (ASX: PLA; AIM: PLAA) Rooderand project on Saturday, January 30th.
PLA Earning Into 70%
In May 2009, PLA announced a deal with Bakgatla-related BEE company Atla Mining Resources (Atla) on Portion 2 of farm
Rooderand 46JQ (Rooderand). Rooderand is located just to the north of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Complex, immediately adjacent to
Platmins Tuschenkomst open-pit.
PLA earned an initial 30% interest by paying R13.5 million (A$2 million) after a New Order prospecting right was issued to Atla.
Another 35% will be earned by completing a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS; funded by PLA).
A further 5% can be earned by PLAs arranging financing project for project construction.
Exhibit 9: Note Heavy Faulting At Tuschenkomst (Yellow Triangle) and Platmins Portion of Rooderand (Bottom); Pink Oblong
Roughly Denotes PLAs Portion 2

Source: Platinum Australia, Platmin

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Ambitious Work Programme


PLA commenced drilling in late November 2009, just after the New Order prospecting right was received. The plan is to have 100
holes drilled by Q1-FY11; to this end, a third drill rig is to be added in Q3-FY10.
By the time of RBCs visit, 21 holes had been drilled.
A Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) is to commence in Q3-FY10. Completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) is targeted
for Q1-CY11.
Potentially Bigger Than Smokey Hills
PLA believes that Rooderand could produce 150 koz 4E annually for 20 years, versus Smokey Hills 95 koz for 7 years.
Both Merensky and UG2 reefs outcrop on the property and descend to around 500m.
Previous owner Anglo Platinum delineated Inferred UG2 resources of 11.8 Mt of @ 5.39 g/t 4E (2 Moz) and Merensky resources
of 3.8 Mt @ 7.99 g/t (1 Moz).
Rooderand is stratigraphically very-similar to Platmins Pilanesberg; early drilling results have already indicated the presence of
Merensky, Pseudo and UG2 Reefs.
Where fully-developed, this package can be 20m-30m thick; it should be noted that much (if not all) of Tuschenkomst comprises
the narrower Contact and Pothole facies. We would therefore be unsurprised if this also proved the case at Rooderand.
High-Grade Strategy
Should the go-ahead be given for Rooderand, PLA currently favours processing only high-grade material.
Low-grade material (likely a significant portion of the Pseudo reefs) would be stockpiled for future processing, if PGM prices are
sufficiently favourable.
Consolidation Makes Sense
Nkwe and Platmin own portions of Rooderand to the west of Portion 2, while the Bakgatla own the portion to the east. Additionally,
we believe that it would make sense in the longer-term to extend Platmins Tuschenkomst pit into the northern portion of PLAs
Rooderand.
In our view, this raises the intriguing possibility of consolidative transactions between the parties, which would potentially create a
larger, longer-life operation with lower unit costs.
More ambitiously, it would seem logical to combine the Rooderand portions with Platmins Pilanesberg, what used to be Barricks
Sedibelo (immediately east of Rooderand and Tuschenkomst) and Magazynskraal (immediately east of Sedibelo). A larger
combination of properties could well justify a standalone smelter complex.
Another possibility that suggests itself would be some sort of ground swap. For example, PLA could exchange Portion 2 for
Platmin's Grootboom. Grootboom is very close to Smokey Hills, and could potentially be used to increase Smokey Hills life of
mine and/or annual production.
RBC Expectations
We expect an initial open-pit operation, followed by underground mining should the geology prove amenable (i.e., ground not
overly broken-up by faulting).
Assuming a mining right is received by early FY12, we believe that production could start by mid-FY13.

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Platmin
Pilanesberg Platinum Mine
A View From The Fence
Platmin (TSX & AIM: PPN) is not entertaining visitors at the moment, focusing on righting issues plaguing the ramp-up at
Pilanesberg.
There has been much market chatter about the exact nature of the underlying problem(s), but most appear to concern the DMS.
One line of speculation has been that new CEO Tom Dale has commanded the halting of bulk (low-grade) siliceous mining,
focusing on high-grade material and cutting out the DMS.
On Saturday Jan 30th, we passed the Pilanesberg plant. The Merensky, UG2 and DMS plants all appeared to be operating normally,
so the above contention would appear to be incorrect, in our view.
Exhibit 10: DMS Clearly Operating

Source: RBC Capital Markets

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Sylvania Resources
Samancor Dump Operations
RBC visited the Millsell and Mooinooi plants of Sylvania Resources (AIM: SLV; Sylvania) Samancor Dump Operations (SDO)
on Monday, February 1st.
Background
Sylvanias 74%-owned SDO recovers PGMs from chrome tailings and current arisings from Samancor Chromes mines on the
Bushveld Complexs Eastern and Western Limbs.
Essentially, Sylvania produces (at least a minimum amount of) chromite concentrates for Samancor at cost, and takes the PGMs as
payment.
SDO started with two plants, Millsell and Steelpoort, which came into production in FY08. These were followed by two further
plants in FY09, Lannex and Mooinooi. Two more are in the works: Doornbosch and Tweefontein.
Mooinooi Ramping Up
Mooinooi, located at Samancors Western Chrome Mines some 30 km east of Rustenburg, was commissioned in December 2009. It is
currently in ramp-up, with design production to be reached in late Q3-FY10.
Feed sources potentially include the Mooinooi, Elandsdrift and Buffelsfontein tailings dams, and current arisings from Samancors
Mooinooi plant. Mooinooi will also receive ROM feed from the Buffelsfontein Mine and Mooinooi shaft.
The 37 ktpm plant receives feed at an average feed grade of 1.2 g/t 4E, and planned production is currently around 6.8 koz 4E @
<US$350/oz 4E.
Sylvania is planning to install bead mills in the near future. It appears column cells will be unnecessary, due to the coarser nature of
the chrome here Sylvania expects to be able to produce concentrates grading >160 g/t with <3% chrome.
The Mooinooi dump rights were actually purchased from Lonmin in a recently-concluded transaction. Consequently, Lonmin has first
right of refusal on PGM concentrates from Mooinooi. However, given Lonmins problems with its No.1 furnace and Merensky
shortage, we believe Lonmin is unlikely to take up its rights. Indeed, we understand that Mooinoois concentrates are currently being
toll-treated by Anglo Platinum.
Exhibit 11: Mooinooi Plant.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Millsell Steady As She Goes


Millsell, located at Samancors Millsell plant some 10 km southeast of Rustenburg, was Sylvanias first SDO plant.
Feed sources include the Millsell tailings dam and current arisings from Samancors Millsell plant.
The 37 ktpm plant receives feed at an average feed grade of 1.8 g/t 4E, and planned production is currently around 9.5 koz 4E @
<US$350/oz 4E.
Millsell was apparently the only one of Samancors mines that did not halt production during the recent global downturn.

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Exhibit 12: Millsell Plant.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Joint Ventures With Jubilee Announced


In early February 2010, Jubilee Platinum (Jubilee) and Sylvania agreed to incorporate two joint venture companies within three
months:
The Smelting Company (SmeltCo) SmeltCos ownership will be 70:30 Jubilee:Sylvania, and managed by Jubilee (which will
receive a profitability-related management fee).
The Tailings Processing Company (TailsCo) TailsCos ownership will be 50:50. The company will ostensibly be jointlymanaged, but we understand that Sylvania will receive a management fee.
SmeltCo
SmeltCo is to use Jubilees proprietary ConRoast technology to smelt and refine concentrates from Sylvanias Northern Limb
properties. SmeltCo will also receive any uncommitted concentrate from Sylvanias existing tailings operations, and TailsCo
concentrates.
Subject to a Go decision being taken on Sylvanias Northern Limb properties (expected later in H1-CY10), SmeltCo is expected
to commission the first of two or three 10 MW ConRoast furnaces (with associated refining and other ancillary facilities) within
three years.
Sylvania will receive for its offtake a revenue price not less than that it currently receives from the Majors.
TailsCo
TailsCo is intended to take advantage of any new tailings retreatment opportunities; i.e., Sylvanias and Jubilees existing assets are
excluded.
The logic behind TailsCo is that it provides the PGM industry with a total solution for the processing of high-chrome and/or lowgrade PGM concentrates, which should allow TailsCo to compete for tailings resources more effectively.

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Central Rand Gold


CMR Trial Mine
Positive Initial Trial Mining Results Central Rand Gold (LSE: CRND; CRG) Site Visit, Sunday January 31st.
RBC visited Central Rands CMR trial mine on Sunday, January 31st. Coincidentally, this was the first truly sunny, rain-free day in
whole of the last week of January 2010.
Exhibit 13: Drilling A Strike Gully To Mine Main Reef (Top Row); Note Main Reef Leader Voids (Bottom Row).

Source: Central Rand Gold

Trial Stoping Just Started But Mining Already No Longer The Key Concern
CRG has started trial mining in Trial Stoping Block #1 (Block 1), a longhole stope intended to test the new geotechnical
support system (Cemented Aggregate Fill, or CAF); longhole stoping in Trial Stoping Block #2 (Block 2) intended to test
the mining itself is to be conducted in February 2010 (10 days from today), although the strike gullies have been prepared.
One panel in Block 1 has already been blasted and filled with CAF. Although still early days, Snowden (and CRG) was already
happy that this demonstrated that longhole stoping and the CAF system generally works.
Furthermore, although the panel was taken in a single blast, Snowden is of the opinion that two-blast resue mining will not be any
more problematic.
Strike gully development also demonstrated CRGs ability to develop through areas where the Main Reef Leader (MRL) hanging
wall had come down.
We caution that work still needs to be done on the geotechnical side (mainly to demonstrate that CAF pillars will survive blasting
of panels in between) and on stoping parameters such as dilution and ore modifying factors.
Trial mining should be completed by the end of Q1-CY10.

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Implications Of The Initial Results


In short, CRG has demonstrated that the mining and support methods proposed are practical; the questions that remain mainly
surround completeness of extraction, degree of dilution and exact cost of mining. That said, note that:
CAF is cheaper and much stronger than the previous support system envisaged,
Longhole mining offers the potential for selective extraction of higher grade bands as thin as 50cm (or alternatively, a combination
of bulk mining with optical sorting), and the potential to collect MRL sweepings and vampings at the same time as middling.
Recent drilling has identified the presence of mineralisation in the middling and trial stoping has revealed bands of mineralisation
in the footwall.
The combination of CAF and longhole stoping suggests the possibility that MRL pillars (which carry very high grade) can be
extracted also.
Mechanised development and mining suggest low costs; the high degree of mechanisation also means very few people in stopes
and much lower chances of injuries and fatalities (important given the degree of disruption Section 54 stoppages can cause).
Geologists And Access - Keys To Mining Success
The keys to (degree of) success with CRGs longhole methodology are:
Access (decline driving) - which will determine how many attack points can be exploited at any given time. The new contractor,
ACM from Australia, is achieving rates of 60m/week, versus the 60m/month achieved by CRGs South African ex-contractor
Grinnaker,
Geologists - Chip sampling will be undertaken every 2m to construct vertical grade profiles; grade will direct mining (resue or
whole-blast).
Optical Sorting And CIL Plant - Keys To Processing Success
Wherever ore is bulk mined (i.e., single blast), it will generally be subjected to optical sorting, which will create two streams: a
high-grade one and a low-grade one. (The key exception being that fines will go direct to the CIL plant.) Trials on a low-grade 30t
bulk sample at Mintek were successful.
High-grade ores are to be subjected to direct CIL processing, which has higher recoveries (c95%) but also higher cost/t
processed.
Lower-grade material will be floated (lower recovery - c85%, but lower cost/t processed) and the concentrate sent to the CIL plant.
CIL plant processing is significantly higher-cost than concentrator processing. Putting lower-grade material through the
concentrator first reduces the tonnage that the CIL plant has to treat, resulting in overall cost savings.
In addition, overall gold recoveries should be improved (from 80% to 86%) as much less gold is lost in the concentrator tails. CRG
is proposing to triple CIL capacity to 30 ktpm (US$11.5m), which would increase overall recoveries from 86% to 95%, which
could potentially allow the concentrators to be largely or even entirely bypassed.
The difference in recoveries suggest that where there is a significant grade difference, reef or mineralised bands should perhaps be
mined selectively; conversely, where there is not, a single-blast approach could be applied.
Main Reef Upside Potential Aplenty
According to CRG, results to date appear to confirm the robustness of CRGs data - aside from at the very start, when a couple of
unexpected voids were encountered.
CMR East is lower-grade than CMR West, so it was encouraging to see that there is a very-rich payshoot (including a significant
amount of mineralisation near or at surface) within the mining right area, at Crown. This is currently only an Inferred resource; a
drilling programme is planned for later in CY10.
The catch is that the Crown payshoot area is more densely populated, which could make drilling tricky.
There are also apparently-rich areas in the Robinson/Village tenement, but again, there are more industrial/residential structures.
Furthermore, Robinson/Village is currently held under a prospecting right, rather than a mining right.
CMR is in fact probably the lowest-grade of CRGs properties, but the company started here due to the lack of surface structures.

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Joint Ventures For Other Reefs?


Other companies have apparently approached CRG about the possibility of prospecting other reefs, notably the Birds and
Kimberleys, for gold and uranium.
If CRG agrees, CRG would probably just take royalties on production (circumventing the need to raise capital and the effort of
building mines).
Outlook
Given the above, CRG is targeting a production rate of 55 koz (48 ktpm) by CY11.
According to Snowden and CRG, things are still on track for a revised CPR to be issued in Q2-CY10 (March-April). It should be
noted that the revised CPR will still NOT give CRG any grade in the middling, footwall, sweepings & vampings or other reefs.
Post-CPR, this could change once such mineralisation is included in CRGs resource & reserve statements.
A fund raising will then follow, currently envisaged at CRG to be in the vicinity of US$25-35 million. This includes US$10 million
for a pump station but does NOT include an optical sorter or CIL upgrade.
Given trial stoping results to date, should trial processing prove successful, we would be unsurprised to see the fund-raising figure
rise to around US$45-50 million.
Given the initial trial mining results, CRGs future is now looking decidedly more upbeat. That said, we caution that it is still early
days - we look forward to further positive trial results, particularly with regards blasting between CAF pillars and optical sorting.

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DRDGOLD
ErgoGold
RBC visited DRDGOLDs (JSE: DRD) ErgoGold (Ergo) operations on Thursday, January 28th.
Ergo was founded to retreat up to 1.7 billion tonnes of surface tailings near Benoni, Springs and Brakpan (all located to the east of
Johannesburg), primarily to recover gold.
Over 2008-2009, DRD acquired Mintails 50% in Ergos Phases 1 and 2 for R277 million, giving DRD full ownership of Ergos
Brakpan plant, doubling available capacity and providing DRD full exposure to Phase 2s uranium and sulphuric acid potential.
Exhibit 14: Ergos Brakpan A Giant-Scale Gold Plant.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

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Ramping Up Phase 1
Steady-state production from the gold-only Phase 1 is to be 1.2 Mtpm at an average head-grade of 0.32 g/t and at a cost of R30/tonne.
In Q2-FY10, gold production rose >80% to 9.45 koz, reflecting a 34% throughput build-up to 3.124 Mt (or 1.04 Mtpm) and a 29%
improvement in average yield to 0.09 g/t.
This resulted in cash costs falling 33% to R223,224/kg.
Exhibit 15: Mining The Elsburg Tailings Complex.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Benoni Dump Continues To Be Troublesome, But Not For Too Much Longer
Volumes from the L29 (Benoni) dump have been satisfactory, but recoveries (as low as 0.02 g/t at the start!) have not.
The Benoni dump has previously been re-mined and as a result contains an abnormally high amount of fine preg-robbing carbon.
In August 2009, production commenced from the Elsburg Tailings Complex (ETC) via the second 0.6 Mtpm feeder line. This
has been helping increase head-grade, recoveries and therefore gold production - DRD is essentially diluting Benoni material with
ETC material; a pilot plant was constructed to help determine the optimal blend.
In short, DRD has not been able to truly resolve the L29 problem, and head-grade and recoveries are likely to hit specifications
once Benonis retreatment is completed (around 11-12 months production left).
That said, DRD is continuing to investigate technologies with which to better re-retreat dumps such as Benoni. In addition to
improving current recoveries and profitability, such technologies could potentially unlock vast resources in the form of dumps that
DRD has retreated.
Exhibit 16: Ergo Pilot Plant.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Royalties Payable Or Not?


DRD has applied for conversion of its mining rights from Old Order to New Order ones, but these conversions have yet to take effect.
According to DRD, the royalties payable in relation to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Royalty Act are in fact only payable
on New Order mining rights.
In any case, dump mining does not currently require a mining right (although we believe this situation is likely to change in future),
and DRDs position is that Ergo should therefore not have to pay any royalties (unless legislation is amended).
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Water Cost To Rise


DRD has adequate water for its requirements at the moment, but will have to start purchasing from external sources towards the end of
2010, which will add to costs (currently 3.5% of costs).
That said, DRD should be able to source relatively-cheap water from de-watering operations at ERPM, which could potentially be
available from FY12 but this is dependent on the South African government agreeing plans proposed by the CBEC consortium.
We understand that the government has been dragging its heels. However, given that water levels become critical in 18-24 months,
the government does not have much room to prevaricate.
Ergo Excess Deposition Capacity Is Crown Opportunity
Deposition space is not an issue for Ergo there is 200 Mt of available capacity at the Brakpan tailings dam, and potentially another
300-400 Mt on an adjacent reclaimed area. There is also the Daggafontein facility, which has 150 Mt available.
DRD is investigating potential synergies between Ergo and DRDs Crown operations, particularly given Crowns issues with
depositional capacity.
A R290 million pipeline linking the two is being mooted DRD is intending to piggy-back on railway land, as this is more direct
and therefore results in substantial capex savings over other routes. Total project capex would be R345 million (the additional
capex being required for refurbishment of Brakpans second CIL circuit and for upgrading of tailings dams).
This project was one of the motivating factors behind the sales of 60% of Blyvoor to Aurora for R296 million, and of the ERPM
plant for R20 million.
Aurora Dump Opportunities Would Require Fund Raising
Aurora has paid R5 million towards the ERPM plant purchase and agreed to allow DRD to conduct a feasibility study on Auroras
Grootvlei and Marievale tailings dams near Ergo.
These dams contain 117.2 Mt (1.048 Moz) of Inferred resources; their treatment would require capex spend of R260 million.
DRD may choose to receive the outstanding R15 million in cash; alternatively, DRD could take an exclusive 10-year option to
retreat those tailings dams.
Should DRD exercise the Aurora tailings option, we believe that DRD debt or equity financing will be required, given the companys
December 2009 cash balance of R162 million.
Phase 2 Would Also Require Fund Raising
Ergos Phase 2, which could also see uranium and sulphuric acid production, is at feasibility study stage.
We believe that Phase 2s capex would be in the order of several billion rand, so DRD would almost certainly have to raise equity
and/or debt financing should this project be given the go-ahead.

Conclusion Surface Production Is Preferable To Underground


Ergos surface retreatment operations are:
Low-technical risk,
Low in labour requirements (less chance of safety-related stoppages),
Low in power requirements (as compared to deep mines; important given the expected steep rises in electricity tariffs over the next
few years), and
At steady-state, should be relatively-low cost.
Given the above, we see DRDs rising proportion of surface production as a good thing.

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PGMs & South African Golds

Gold Fields
South Deep Gold Mine
Gold Fields (JSE: GFI) South Deep is a developing, trackless mechanised mine situated some 45 km southwest of Johannesburg. It
has two shaft systems (the Twin shaft and South shaft complexes) and a single plant. The mine has been subdivided into above
current infrastructure (to 110 level; 2,888m) and below current infrastructure (to 135 level; 3,250m).
South Deep exploits the Ventersdorp Contact Reef (VCR) and the Upper Elsburg reef package (which subcrops against the VCR) at
depths of 1,575m-3,500m.
The mine is unusual amongst South Africas deep-level gold mines in being a fully-mechanised operation.
The Main Shaft currently has a 175 ktpm capacity; completion of the Vent Shaft will add 195 ktpm, for a total of 370 ktpm (330
ktpm reef).
GFI is intending that South Deep will be producing at 330 ktpm, or 750-800 koz annually, by mid-FY15.
RBC visited the 95 level (around 2,600m below surface) in the 3-West corridor at South Deep mine on Friday, February 5th. The scale
of mining and equipment was hugely impressive, particularly given the operating depths and despite that the visit (disappointingly)
did not include any long-hole stopes.
Exhibit 17: South Deeps Twin Shaft Complex. The Main Shaft boasts the worlds longest single-drop (2,995m); the winder is the

worlds largest.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Vast Reserves
South Deep has reserves of 29.5 Moz @ 6.1 g/t and resources of 63.8 Moz @ 7.2 g/t (excluding 14.6 Moz in the Uncle Harrys ground).
Life-of-Mine (LOM) is estimated at 43 years; i.e., the current reserves are scheduled to deplete around 2052.
The Upper Elsburg package comprises 93% of the reserves versus the VCRs 7%.
Mining Methods To Suit Orebody Characteristics
The Upper Elsburg package is a wedge that thickens towards the east (up to 130m). In the west, the entire package is being mined
(including internal waste partings). Towards the east, mining of selected reefs will become possible. Accordingly, a variety of mining
methods will be used as appropriate:
Longhole Stoping Cheapest mining method, applied to thickest portions of the orebody (>10 m cut, mainly to the east). Currently
responsible for 20% of tonnage; to reach 60% eventually.
Drift-and-Fill Thinner portions in the west.
Modified Drift-and-Bench Intermediate orebody thickness (5m-10m mining cut).
The Upper Elsburgs sit at around 2,500m-3,500m. Mining such wide cuts at such depths requires that in-situ rock stresses be reduced.
This is achieved by De-stress Mining, which involves mining and backfilling a 2m slice through the Elsburg package. A de-stressed
window of 50m-60 m above and below is created in which rock pressures are reduced from 80 MPa to 30-40 MPa (equivalent to
stresses at 1200m).

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Capex & Opex


GFI estimates an all-in production cost (NCE) at steady-state of R150,000/kg, or around US$625/oz.
In Q2-FY10, 71 koz was produced at an NCE of R394,000/kg (US$1,640/oz) or cash cost of R192,000/kg (US$800/oz).
Capital expenditure for FY10 is estimated at R1.7 billion. Over FY10 thru FY14, R8.4 billion will be spent.
Impressive Recent Safety Performance
In FY09, South Deep recorded no deaths at all. By December 9th, South Deep had achieved 560 fatal-free days (when sadly, a
miner was killed in a locomotive-related accident).
Given the potentially-significant economic impact of safety-related stoppages, it has to be hoped that South Deep is able to
maintain its low fatality rate (generally attributed to the mines high degree of mechanisation).
FULCO Implemented
South Deep commenced Full Calendar Operations (FULCO) in February 2010.
FULCO is described by GFI as a 6-day long-off working cycle. It increases the number of employees (and overall number of
shifts worked) but reduces individuals shifts; employees generally work a six-day week but have a four-day break every fourth
week. Maintenance is incorporated into the FULCO cycle.
GFI believes the FULCO system will yield various benefits, e.g.: better productivity, improved employee morale.
The cost to GFI is a wage premium of 10%, but GFI believes that production would increase 30%-35%.
We have our doubts as to whether FULCO will work, given past failures at other companies. However, GFI believes even in the event
that FULCO fails, South Deep would be no worse off than before. In our view, the key to FULCO is to ensure that head grades are
maintained or improved, in which case FULCO would work very well. However, if tonnages are increased at the expense of grade,
FULCO could prove disastrous not only would GFI have to try to shed labour, but wage rates tend to be sticky (easy to move up,
but not down).
South Shaft Beyond 330 ktpm
South Shaft is linked to the Twin Shafts at 95 level, and is currently contributing 60 ktpm of hoisting capacity. Infrastructure work is
taking place that will see capacity increase to 120 ktpm over 2-2.5 years.
South Shaft has a 1 Moz reserve that was originally planned to be extracted in later years, but GFI now plans to bring South Shaft
into production by July 2010. Initial production rates will be around 20 ktpm @ 4.5-6 g/t, at a capex cost of R55 million and opex
of R380/t.
Ultimately, South Shaft could be contributing production of 150 ktpm by the time the Twin Shafts hit 330 ktpm. Planning is
currently being undertaken to expand the South Deep plant accordingly.
Potential For Future Synergies With Kloof
At some point in the future, South Deep will undergo a Phase 2 expansion.
This will involve driving a decline from 110 level at the bottom of South Deeps Main Shaft to 135 level (around 3.5 km below
surface), in the direction of Kloof 4 Shaft.
The 45 level at Kloofs 4 Shaft is already at a depth equivalent to South Deeps 135 level; the two are separated by around 4 km.
Connecting the two would allow around 150 ktpm to be hoisted via Kloof.
Key Milestones To Watch For
Full-year FY10 production of 300 koz (currently on-track).
The Vent Shaft is to be commissioned by July 2012.
Full production (330ktpm, or 750-800 koz annually) is scheduled for December 2014.
South Shaft should commence some production in FY10-FY11 and be producing at 120 ktpm by FY12-FY13.
We emphasise that South Deeps 330 ktpm target excludes production from South Shaft and from VCR at the Twin Shafts. Actual
production should therefore be just under the 450 ktpm mark if all goes to plan.

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Gold One International


Modder East Gold Mine
RBC visited Gold Ones (ASX & JSE: GDO) Modder East operation on Thursday, January 28th.
Notable Features Of Modder East
First New East Rand Mine - Modder East, located approximately 30km to the east of Johannesburg, was the first new mine on
the East Rand for 28 years. First gold was poured in July 2009 (240 oz), following plant commissioning in June 2009.
Targeting BPLZ - Modder Easts principal target is the 0.5m-wide high-grade Buckshot Pyrite Leader Zone (BPLZ; dips
approximately 3-6 south). The BPLZ is the topmost of three facies that make up the Black Reef. It overlies the 1.3m-thick lowgrade Blanket Facies, which in turn sits above the 3m-wide low-grade Channel Facies.
Shallow - Mining is shallow (300m-500m), using conventional breast stoping. Stope widths are around 1m-1.8m, depending on
reef thickness (or more accurately, depending on grade in the underlying facies).
Mechanised - Mechanised decline and footwall development means more efficiency and less dilution than more-traditional reef
drives. Truck hoisting saves electricity; unlike at most other mines, the (345m) vertical shaft will be used principally to move men,
and for ventilation.
Hydropower Drilling - Hydropower drilling also saves on electricity and is helping keep opex low (hydropower drilling is 30%
cheaper than compressed air drilling; capex is 40% cheaper) and has productivity benefits (e.g., drilling is twice as quick as
pneumatic drills, so less rock drill operators would be required).
Exhibit 18: Mining BPLZ. Gold mineralization is hosted within the buckshot layers.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Ramp-Up Going Well


Commercial Production Declared, Averts Bond Reset - Commercial and continuous production was declared in December
2009. This beat the March 2010 deadline that had been a condition of GDOs US$71.6 million convertible bonds. Missing the
deadline would have resulted in a reset of the bonds conversion price in the favour of the bondholders.
2009 Production In-line - GDO had targeted production of 16-20 koz in 2009 and actually achieved 17 koz, with the December
quarter contributing 10.9 koz. Cash cost for the one month of commercial production in December averaged $593/oz, versus
guidance of $640/oz.
2010 Target Should Be Achievable - Decembers 5.2 koz annualized is 62 koz, so 2010s target rate of 100-120 koz (at
US$330/oz cash cost) should be within reasonably-easy reach. The 2011 (steady-state) target is 180 koz at US$250/oz.
Tonnages and Flexibility Should Improve - Average face advance in the December quarter was 12.8m/month, just shy of the
targeted 14m/month. There will be significantly more reef attack points going forward (e.g., 8 main ends in 2010) than was
enjoyed in 2009 (2 main ends), giving GDO more production flexibility.
Plant to Expand - The plant has been commissioned with an initial 70 ktpm capacity; a secondary crushing circuit is being
installed to increase this to 100 ktpm. Meanwhile, testwork has shown that a gravity circuit should improve recoveries and reduce
opex and gold lock-up. Consequently, a gravity circuit is to be completed by May 2010.
Capex Well-Controlled - Construction capex was $108 million (R814 million), sustaining capex is expected to be $100/oz of
production. EPCM was done mainly in-house and commendably came in R100 million under-budget. This is despite that the plant
and mining equipment are all brand new.
Excellent Recoveries, But Should Fall Going Forward - Recoveries are currently in the order of 92%, versus a BFS value of
87% (95% for UK9A); however, we caution that this is being achieved on lower volumes (25 ktpm) and recoveries could fall as
volumes rise (to 75 ktpm).
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February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Exhibit 19: Conventional Plant. Modder Easts plant essentially comprises a semi-autogenous mill, CIL circuit, and electrowinning

and smelting facilities. The oven shown below is in the plants laboratories, and is not the smelter.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

Potential For More At Modder East


Longer Life Likely - LOM should be longer than official 8 years for Phase 1, as GDO will come back to mine Blanket and
Channel facies (only a small amount of Blanket and no Channel is included in the current resource). Strike gullies are being dug
deeper than necessary to better evaluate these facies; where there are thick areas (up to 4m) of high grade, bulk mining is a
possibility. It should also be noted that gullies and footwall contain at least some grade, whereas these were assigned zero grade in
feasibility studies.
Current Resource Declared At Lower Prices - GDOs 3.7 Moz resource (2.63 Moz Indicated, 1.04 Moz Inferred) was declared
at $658/oz and R6.29/USD, so the resource should be much larger at todays gold price in any case.
Kimberley Upside Potential - Kimberley Reef represents only 300 koz of the current reserve; there is thus potential for upside in
the Kimberleys (which sit at 290m-500m and dip at up to 15-20 south). On current projections, at steady state, around 70% of
production should come from Black Reef (mostly BPLZ facies), and the remainder from Kimberley UK9a reef.
Kimberley Access Soon - Because of the patchy nature of Kimberley mineralisation, GDO intends to conduct further exploration
from underground via exploration drives. The decline is 100m away from where it will branch off to access the Kimberley reef;
GDO expects Kimberley Reef access around March-May of 2011.
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Miscellaneous Issues At Modder East/East Ramd


New Order Mining Right Expected Soon The Old Order right conversion application was submitted a year before deadline;
New Order right expected in next few months.
Largely Unflooded - None of GDOs key mining areas are associated with any flooding.
Power Unlikely To Be A Problem - GDO has never experienced load-shedding and dont expect to in future, as nearby refineries
and pumping at the neighbouring Grootvlei property cannot be shut down.
Electricity Is Small Proportion Of Costs - Electricity is currently 7% of cash costs; three successive 35% annual tariff increases
would bring this to 9% in 2012.
Ventersburg - Next Flagship?
The Ventersburg project is located in the Free State, approximately 25 km southeast of Welkom.
Shallow A-Reef - The project is targeting A Reef, which occurs as a 2 km-wide channel on the property, at depths of 465m-850m;
i.e., relatively-shallow.
Resource Addition Expected Soon - The current resource is 1.44 Moz @ 5.1 g/t Indicated and 1.84 Moz @ 4.24 g/t Inferred.
Second phase drilling commenced July 2009, and a substantial resource addition might occur in early 2010.
GFI Participation Right - GFI has participation right for up to 51%, albeit limited to Area 1 (Areas 2 and 3 have potential).
Timeline - A PFS is being reviewed, and a BFS is expected in 2011. If all goes to plan, development will occur over 2012-2014,
with production to commence in Q4-2014.
Bigger But Lower-Grade Than Modder East - Ventersburg should be bigger (volume-wise) but lower-grade than Modder East.
It would comprise deep shafts with a combination of mechanised and conventional mining. Capex is estimated at US$200-300
million.
East Rand Boundary Projects (ERBP)
The ERBP comprises Holfontein, Turnbridge and the northern part of Modder East.
Some Production Potential - GDO believes there is potential for 50 kg/month from unflooded areas; ore would be delivered to the
Modder East plant (which will be fine-tuned to add extra capacity).
Production Could Start In 2010? - GDO was projecting a two-year lead time and 5-year life-of-mine, although management
recently said that ERBP could be producing as early as 2010.
Vlakfontein - Probable Spin-Off
Deep Project - Vlakfontein comprises two deep shafts, intersecting Kimberley Reef around 600m and Main Reef at 2 km.
Spin-Off Candidate - This contradicts GDOs positioning as a shallow, low-technical-risk producer. Consequently, we believe
Vlakfontein is likely to be spun off.
Tulo
Lake Is Key - Tulo is located in a remote area of Mozambique, 170 km north of Lichinga, close to the shores of Lake Malawi.
River flooding limits road access to around 6 months per year. However, GDO views the lake as potentially providing year-round
access to Tulo, and thereby a key to unlocking the projects potential.
Bulk Sampling In 2010? - There is currently a 32 koz alluvial resource that could potentially be mined in 2010 as a bulk
sampling exercise.
Find The Vein(s)! - GDO believes that the gold in this resource originated from shear-hosted veins, and it is these veins that would
be the real prize at Tulo. To this end, an airborne magnetic survey and exploration drilling are to commence in Q2-10 and 2011,
respectively.
Corporate Strategy
500 koz Target, But No Rush - GDO has set itself an internal target of producing 500 koz in around 5 years. To this end, GDO
will consider acquisitions for growth (beyond Modder East, ERBP and Ventersdorp) when share price is better reflective of what
management believes company is worth. Management believes GDO is currently undermarketed, and does not wish to use
undervalued equity to purchase overvalued companies.
Another Listing Soon? - GDOs shares trade far more actively on the ASX than on the JSE; the percentage of ASX-listed shares
has increased from 5% to >50%. We believe GDO will be looking to list in North America, in the hopes of further improving
visibility and liquidity.
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Debt Facility Being Arranged - GDOs convertible bondholders have a put option exercisable on December 12th, 2010. Although
GDO was already cash-flow positive in December 2009 (including capital - but not bond interest), we do not expect GDO to have
generated sufficient cash in the unlikely event that all (or a substantial portion) of bondholders elect to exercise. Prudently, GDO is
looking to arrange a debt facility to cover any funding requirements that should arise as a result.
Favourable Outlook
Things appear to be going swimmingly for GDO at the moment.
Modder East is ramping up production at a time of high gold prices, and possesses potential production and life-of-mine upside.
A second mine is being lined up in the form of Ventersdorp; there are a number of other projects at various stages in the pipeline.
On the whole, these projects are relatively-shallow and relatively-low technical-risk.

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Great Basin Gold


Burnstone Gold Mine
RBC visited Great Basin Golds (TSX: GBG; Great Basin) Burnstone project on Friday, January 29th.
Burnstone is located around 80 km southeast of Johannesburg and just east of Balfour. It is expected to produce 254 koz annually over
a 19-year mine life, for a capital cost of US$224 million and at a cash cost of around US$319/oz.
Exhibit 20: Longhole Stoping Narrow Kimberley Reef (Middle Row) and Wide Reef (Bottom Row).

Source: RBC Capital Markets, Great Basin Gold

Longhole Stoping Trials Were Proceeding Well


Development is underway at B (already on-reef) and C blocks; longhole stoping trials are already in progress at B block.
Key success factors to longhole stoping are consistently-accurate drilling and appropriate blasting forces.
RBC was able to view two trial stopes (one narrow reef and one wide reef), both of which appeared to have been successfully
mined.
On questioning, RBC learnt that resue mining was being considered for development (to reduce dilution of development ore).
Other Visit Observations
The vertical shaft has nearly reached bottom (around 40m to go). Shaft commissioning should occur around June 2010.
The decline has reached a depth of 350m; it is around 234m from intersecting the vertical shaft (intersection should occur in April
2010).

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The plant site has been prepared; plant construction proper should commence in February. Mill refurbishment was reportedly 88%
complete.
The permanent winder house is already being built and should be completed in February 2010; commissioning of the refurbished
winders should occur in April 2010.
The waste rock dump should be completed in May 2009; GBG is already (temporarily) loading a portion with 60 kt of low-grade
development ore (ready for plant commissioning).
Power Coming
Great Basin currently has 2 MVA of grid power; it also has 12 MVA of generators on-site. GBG expects to receive 25 MVA of grid
power from Q2-CY10, and 52 MVA from Q3-CY10 (60 MVA capacity).
Company Expectations
First gold pour at Burnstone is scheduled for July 2010. This may or may not prove over-optimistic while we view GBGs
proposed timeline as tight-but-not-unachievable, we note that projects such as this have a tendency to slip by up to a few months.
Capex will be $118 million for 2010, and $52 million in 2011.
LOM average cash cost is expected to be $392/oz, with power comprising $25/oz or 7%. Should there be three years of 35% tariff
increases, the proportion of costs attributable to power could rise to 11%.
Lower Opex If Longhole Stoping Successfully Adopted
There is potential for still lower unit cash costs (15% lower; from lower dilution and processing efficiencies) if longhole stoping is
adopted successfully.
Capex would be higher, however, as would wages (fewer workers, but they would be more highly-skilled and highly-paid).
Consequently, total cost/tonne would be similar for both methods.
However, longhole stoping has another key benefit: vastly-improved safety (and therefore lower likelihood of economicallydamaging stoppages).
Exhibit 21: Winder House and Plant Site Being Prepared. Burnstones plant will be a conventional one, essentially comprising semiautogenous and ball mills, CIL circuit, and electrowinning and smelting facilities.

Source: RBC Capital Markets, Great Basin Gold

Conclusion Longhole Trials Looking Good


If longhole stoping trials continue to be as successful as has been the case thus far, we believe the method will almost certainly be
adopted.
The reduced dilution would allow more gold to be produced assuming the same tonnage is put through the plant.
Great Basin is now set to deliver two mines in close succession, and there are short-term intermediate catalysts aplenty.

34

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Pan African Resources


Barberton Gold Mine
On January 25th, RBC visited the 62-11 block at the Fairview Section of Pan African Resources (AIM: PAF; Pan African)
Barberton Mine (the other two sections being Sheba and New Consort), some 500m below sea-level (around 1.4 km below surface).
Access was via an adit from surface, followed by a series of chairlifts to 42 Level, a rail-bound cage (giraffe) in a 45.5-dipping
incline shaft to 62 Level and then a shallow decline to 62-11.
An Atypical South African Gold Mine
Unlike most South African gold mines, Barberton does not mine the reefs of the Witswatersrand Basin; instead, Barberton sits
some 370km east of Johannesburg and 47km southwest of Nelspruit, where it mines the Barberton Greenstone Belt (BGB).
Fairview Section is situated along the central and southern portions of two synclines, Eureka and Ulundi. Most of Fairviews
production comes from the Sheba Fault Zone between the two synclines.
Barbertons orebodies are refractory; much of Barbertons gold production uses a bacterial oxidation process, BIOX (the BIOX
process was in fact developed originally at Fairview).
Deceptively-Small Reserves and Resources Barberton Is The AA-Sized Duracell Of Mines
Current reserves are estimated at 6 years (0.6 Moz); resources, at 20 years (2 Moz). The on-going reserve replacement
programme is aimed at increasing these to 8 and 30 years, respectively.
That said, Barbertons life-of-mine has typically been estimated at around 5-to-10 years since 1885 or so. However, the continual
discovery of new orebodies, a trend we expect is likely to continue, has allowed the mine to continue operating to present day.
At Sheba, a decline is being driven towards the Thomas and Joes Luck orebodies from the Edwin Bray development; there is
potential for more orebodies to be discovered along the way.
Pan African possesses a New Order prospecting right over a large, largely-unexplored and highly-prospective anticlinal structure to
the south of the present mining areas. However, a dispute with park authorities has to be resolved before any work can take place.
Orebody Suits Mechanisation
The steep-dipping nature of Barbertons orebodies facilitates the use of serni-mechanised cut-and-fill as the dominant mining method,
resulting in higher productivity and lower costs.
Cut-and-fill allows veins to be followed more flexibly, improves sidewall stability and reduces waste dilution.
Essentially, 2m cuts are taken from the hanging wall (i.e., the stope back). Waste rock capped with cemented backfill serves as the
working platform for mining further cuts above, thus reducing the amount of waste that has to be hoisted out of the mine. At
Fairview, LHDs load ore onto conveyor belts via ore passes, and the ore is subsequently transferred to the incline rail-bound
conveyances for transport to surface.
In-situ grades can be as high as 100 g/t, although the average reserve and resources grades are just over 8 g/t. Pan African is
targeting the maintenance of a mill headgrade of >10 g/t.
Fairview and Sheba each account for around 40% of Barbertons mined tonnage (a combined 30 ktpm or so, or 90-100 koz annually),
New Consort for the remainder.

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Exhibit 22: Chairlift And Giraffe (Yellow Box) To Cut-and-Fill Stope.

Source: RBC Capital Markets

(Almost) Unique Plant


Much of Barbertons resources are refractory in that gold is often occluded within pyrite and arsenopyrite crystals. There are
essentially two means of liberating gold from these sulphide minerals: roasting and biological oxidation (BIOX). Fairview is one of a
handful plants globally to be using BIOX.
BIOX Advantages Over Roasting These potentially include higher recoveries, no environmentally-unfriendly sulphur dioxide
emissions (saving on acid plant capex), lower opex, ability to operate at lower concentrate sulphur grades (reducing flotation costs
and losses to tailings).
Arsenic No Problem - The presence of arsenopyrites means that arsenic comprises around 4% of the flotation concentrates. The
BIOX effluent contains ferric sulphate; increasing the pH results in the precipitation of highly-stable ferric arsenate, which can be
safely deposited into slimes dams.

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Run-of-Mine (ROM) ore is treated at concentrators located at the respective sections; flotation concentrates are further treated at the
BIOX plant. Gravity and BIOX concentrates are smelted, and are sent for refining at the Rand Refinery.
Recovery at the flotation plants is around 92%-95%; the BIOX plant at Fairview recovers around 97% from the flotation concentrate
fed it. Overall recovery from all operations is around 91%-92%.
Exhibit 23: Ore Is Transported From Fairviews Shaft Head To The Plant By Cable Car.

Source: RBC Capital Markets, Pan African Resources

Capex & Opex


Cash cost in H1-FY10 was R165,000/kg, or around US$670/oz. However, costs were adversely affected by a two-week stoppage
in December 2009 to root out criminal miners. Pan African estimated that had not this operation been undertaken, costs would have
been around 152,000/kg or US$620/oz.
H1-FY10 capex at Barberton was 2.2 million (1.27 million development capex, 0.933 million maintenance capex).
Outlook for Barberton: Improved Performance Expected
Production should increase in H2-FY10 and costs should fall on the back of higher volumes.
At current gold prices, Barbertons cash flows should be sufficient to fund on-going capex requirements, existing growth projects
and exploration programmes.
There remains exploration potential aplenty, despite the operations long production history.
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Companies Mentioned
Aquarius Platinum (ASX & LSE: AQP - 3.57; Outperform, Above Average Risk)
Eastern Platinum (TSX & AIM: ELR - C$1.35; Outperform, Average Risk)
Jubilee Platinum (AIM: JLP - 0.34; Outperform, Speculative Risk)
Platinum Australia (ASX: PLA; AIM: PLAA - A$1.04; Outperform, Above Average Risk)
Platmin (TSX & AIM: PPN C$1.33; Outperform, Above Average Risk)
Sylvania Resources (AIM: SLV - 0.53; Sector Perform, Above Average Risk)
Central Rand Gold (LSE: CRND - 0.15; Outperform, Speculative Risk)
DRDGOLD (JSE: DRD R4.90; Sector Perform, Average Risk)
Gold Fields (JSE: GFI R93.85; Sector Perform, Average Risk)
Gold One International (JSE & ASX: GDO R2.09; Outperform, Above Average Risk)
Great Basin Gold (TSX: GBG C$1.76; Outperform, Average Risk)
Pan African Resources (AIM: PAF - 0.06; Outperform, Speculative Risk)
Impala Platinum (JSE: IMP; R196.20; Sector Perform, Above Average Risk)
Lonmin (LSE: LMI; 18.71; Outperform, Average Risk)
Nkwe Platinum (ASX: NKP; A$0.50; Sector Perform, Speculative Risk)
Northam Platinum (JSE: NHM; R49.00; Outperform, Above Average Risk)
Priced as of market close February 17, 2010 ET.

38

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

Required Disclosures
Non-U.S. Analyst Disclosure
Yuen Low, Leon Esterhuizen, and Arnold van Graan (i) are not registered/qualified as research analysts with the NYSE and/or FINRA
and (ii) may not be associated persons of the RBC Capital Markets Corporation and therefore may not be subject to FINRA Rule 2711
and NYSE Rule 472 restrictions on communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a
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Conflicts Disclosures
This product constitutes a compendium report (covers six or more subject companies). As such, RBC Capital Markets chooses to
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Research Publishing, P.O. Box 50, 200 Bay Street, Royal Bank Plaza, 29th Floor, South Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2W7.
The analyst(s) responsible for preparing this research report received compensation that is based upon various factors, including total
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investment banking activities of the member companies of RBC Capital Markets and its affiliates.

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Sector Perform and Underperform most closely correspond to Buy, Hold/Neutral and Sell, respectively, the meanings are not the same
because our ratings are determined on a relative basis (as described above).

Distribution of Ratings
RBC Capital Markets, Equity Research
Investment Banking
Serv./Past 12 Mos.
Rating
BUY[TP/O]
HOLD[SP]
SELL[U]

Count

Percent

Count

Percent

590
533
67

49.60
44.80
5.60

180
123
9

30.51
23.08
13.43

Conflicts Policy
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correction.
39

February 19, 2010

PGMs & South African Golds

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