Prospecting & Mining Rights

VBKOM offers full prospecting and mining right management solutions taking full cognisance of our Clients’ unique requirements and budgetary considerations.

Activities include the following:

• Applications for various rights
• Renewal of existing rights
• Liaising with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on our Clients’ behalf
• Assisting with compliance to prospecting and mining works programs
• Design of exploration programmes for the duration of prospecting rights
• Management and reporting to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on annual prospecting activities

Exploration Planning & Management

Our geological team has an excellent knowledge of various exploration methodologies and their appropriateness throughout the exploration and Mineral Resources value chain.

We will design exploration programmes to ensure maximum return on invested capital and in line with the requirements as embodied in all major Reporting Code guidelines, including SAMREC (2016), JORC (2012) and NI 43-101 (2011).

VBKOM will also assist in finding appropriate laboratories, where applicable, to conduct high quality analyses for your project as well as with implementing Code-relevant analytical QA/QC procedures. We also readily conduct data management and communications between various exploration vendors, laboratories and the Client in order to ensure smooth progression through the value chain.

Independent Technical Reviews, Due Diligences and Audits

VBKOM is equipped to conduct tailor-made Mineral Resource Technical Audits and Reviews as well as Technical Due Diligences to assist potential investors in making an informed decision when conducting project acquisitions. Existing operators may also use this service to conduct operational/project Gap Analyses to improve their geological and Mineral Resource standards.

VBKOM has developed specialised tools to rate all required aspects of Mineral Resource estimation following the full Mineral Resource value chain from Exploration (including laboratory audits) through to operational grade control.

Mining Geology and Grade Control

We believe that the geological grade control processes adopted at any mine site add significant value to an operation and are directly related to the financial soundness of any mine site. VBKOM can assist with assessing your grade control needs and implementing high quality grade control solutions for your operation in order to maximise mining yield to your plant. We are highly qualified to assist your geological team with training to ensure the value-add of mining geology and grade control is maximised.

Code Compliant Competent Persons’ Reports

The VBKOM geological team has intimate knowledge and understanding of the requirements in terms of Mineral Resource reporting with respect to all the major Reporting Codes, SAMREC (2016), JORC (2012) and NI 43-101 (2011), and can easily relate the differences and the potential pitfalls associated with each. We deliver high-quality Competent/Qualified Person’s Reports suitable for fundraising and submission to the relevant stock exchanges.

Site-specific Tailored Training and Operations Support

VBKOM will gladly assist with onsite operational or exploration field training – right throughout the Mineral Resource value chain (from geological mapping to geological modelling) to Project delivery. We specialise in producing training solutions best suited to your operation and your operational requirements.

In addition, VBKOM can assist in assessing, generating and implementing geologically related Standards of Practice congruent with industry best practice and are in line with the reporting requirements as embodied in the various Reporting Codes.

Geotechnical Logging and Studies

The VBKOM geological team has an excellent understanding of the geotechnical requirements relative to the various levels of Studies from Concept to Feasibility. We conduct upfront planning with regards to drilling and data collection to ensure maximised geotechnical input throughout the project progression. In addition, VBKOM has a ticketed Rock Engineer capable of conducting and modelling geotechnical requirements for your project or operation.  Our Rock Engineer also has extensive skills based on experience and training in slope stability radar systems and data analysis. These skills include slope failure prediction, alarm threshold validation as well as optimal setup and usage recommendations.

Geo-metallurgical Studies

Geo-metallurgy is a growing value-add in the mining industry and involves cross-functional collaboration between geology and metallurgy, resulting in better inputs to mine planning and strategic decision making. Metallurgical design decisions made without full appreciation of the geology or Mineral Resource can limit ability to deal with variability, constraining the process right from design.

VBKOM can assist with understanding variability in the orebody which will enable operational design optimisation and accurate evaluation of extraction methods which maximize value recovery. The VBKOM geology and metallurgy teams work closely together to render meaningful results which mitigate risk to our Clients’ projects and operations.