Exploration

The Santa Rita mineralisation is open at depth and the best hole (158m @ 0.99% Ni) is the deepest. There are two principal targets: open-pit mineralisation beneath the existing Northern Zone down to 650m deep (the depth of the current open-pit reserve) and underground mineralization to the north, south and below the current underground resource. Mirabela announced its maiden underground resource in December 2008 (click here to visit the Underground Development page).

In addition, the Company has undertaken work on identifying additional mill feed from other nearby sources such as the Peri Peri project, located 2km to the north-east of the Santa Rita mine, and the Palestina project, located 25km to the south.

Drill out of open-pit and underground resources and exploration of other nearby projects are expected to recommence upon successful ramp-up of the open-pit operations at Santa Rita.