Metals Exploration first became involved with the Runruno deposit in 2005 and undertook extensive scientific and geological surveys. In May 2010 the Company announced the results of the Runruno project Feasibility Study which confirmed the viability of the project. The Runruno project is a surface mine operation using a proven BIOX® and carbon in leach processes to recover gold.
Overview
Runruno is located 205km north of Manila in the mineral rich province of Nueva Viscaya. The area has been known to be prospective in gold and other precious metals since the early 1960s and has enjoyed a varied exploration history.
The deposit is located within a large alkaline volcanic complex, approximately 3.5km in diameter.
For a full resource estimate please see the Runruno Resource page.
Keypoints
- The Runruno project comprises one granted Exploration Permit (EP-II-13) and is located some 205km to the north of Manila in Northern Luzon.
- The deposit is located within a large alkaline volcanic complex, approximately 3.5km in diameter.
- Work to date has defined a resource of 1.73 million ounces (Moz) of gold, and 45.58 million pounds (Mlb) of molybdenum with 900,000oz gold reporting to the Measured and Indicated categories and 780,000oz gold within the Mining Proven & Probable Reserve category.
- Metals Exploration’s focus at Runruno is the continued development of gold and molybdenum resources.
- Since 2005, Metals Exploration’s staff have undertaken a structural analysis of the deposit, field mapping, general sampling, and the extensive sampling of small scale miners’ tunnels. This has led to a series of resource upgrades – for more details please see the History page.
- Metals Exploration has established strong links with the community through the Company’s Society Development and Management Program, which provides education, skills training and infrastructure development to the local people.
Location and infrastructure
Runruno Gold Project is located 205km north of Manila in the mineral rich province of Nueva Vizcaya in the Philippines. Nueva Vizcaya is a landlocked province located on the island of Luzon, which is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. The project lies immediately downstream from the village of Runruno.
The majority of tributaries in the area flow into the main Sulong River, which passes through the western part of the Runruno mine area. The creeks are mostly steep V-shaped valleys while the rivers Alluvial plains widen progressively as they progress downstream before flowing into the Magat river. The Runruno area is characterised by a reasonably rugged topography with an alluvial flood plain located to the north. The elevation of the area ranges from 1507 meters ASL at Mt. Palali, the highest peak in the district, down to 240 meters ASL, at the confluence of the Magat River with the Sulong River to the north of Runruno. The site is principally situated within Forest Lands, while the lowland areas consisting of the alluvial plains being classified as “Alienable & Disposable” comprising titled lands. Only a few large mother trees remain while much secondary forest growth has occurred due to the previous commercial logging operations.
The region experiences a tropical climate with both a wet season (July-February) and a hot dry season (March-June). Tropical cyclones (Typhoons) are commonplace and are seen from July-December, and occasionally also in the dry season.
All the necessary infrastructure is in place including power, water, and all the needed roads and communication networks are in place. Runruno’s road infrastructure is serviced via a national secondary road which is 26km from the regional town of Solana. Solana is serviced by concrete surfaced national roads with access to Manila and local ports. Grid power comes from the Bayambong (national grid switch yard) c. 36km by transmission line to Runruno (69Kv). Site infrastructure consists of accommodation, camp, contractor facilities, workshops and offices. Back up water supply and diesel power are also in place.
