Altiplano Reports Results For Bulk Sample At Farellon Copper Gold Mine

 

EDMONTON - Altiplano Metals Inc. reported the results of the 5,000 tonne bulk sample of the 395M northeast zone at the historic Farellon Copper Gold Mine near La Serena, Chile. During the last quarter, the Company concluded the Bulk Sample with a total of 4,453 tonnes of copper-bearing material having been extracted from the 395M level. This material was sent to various processing facilities and sold as either copper-bearing material or copper concentrate. The average grade of this material was 1.77% Cu. The proceeds generated on the sale of copper-bearing material or concentrate from the Bulk Sample averaged approximately US$71 per tonne.

Prior to these results, based on results from the initial 2,000 tonne bulk sample and an evaluation of its cost structure, APN had determined that private toll processing and producing concentrate for sale was the best option going forward.

Under these new operating parameters, APN has continued extraction and testing from the 395M level beyond the Bulk Sample stage, proceeding to open up and commence extraction and testing on the 401M and 414M levels. With these adjustments, the average grade of copper shipped for processing in the last month has increased to 1.91% Cu. The Company continues to improve its grade control and extraction procedures to adapt within the lower price environment by both lowering costs and increasing productivity going forward.

CEO John Williamson said, "With innovation and rapid application of lessons learned through bulk sampling, progress is consistently being made on our projects at the historic Farellon mine. As our technical team continues to show flexibility in adjusting to market conditions, the Company is progressing with a 6 month business plan and working towards an updated resource model in the coming months.  We expect copper prices to stabilize and our ability to work within the constraints of tighter copper prices will enhance our prospective when copper prices readjust to supply and demand".