Ore characterisation of the orebody was identified in the prefeasibility as a critical item to address.  With the commencement of the feasibility study, the initial focus is on reviewing the geological and metallurgical characteristics of the Massawa orebodies. The bimodal populations of gold that were identified in the statistical evaluation of the ore have been mapped out in the core. These consist of a thin zone of coarse gold associated with hematite and silicification, surrounded by an envelope of disseminated arsenopyrite and pyrite associated with lower grades.  The metallurgical sampling will now be split into these different domains to determine the different metallurgical characteristics.  We have also commenced a detailed quantitative gold deportment analysis of the ore to determine the proportion of gold associated within the various sulphide phases.  This work has been sent to AMTEL in Canada where analysis has been completed on the various screen sizes to identify the proportion of gold amenable to gravity and flotation.  Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) will also be used to determine if there is any gold in solid solution with the various sulphide phases. 

Based on the ore characterisation and quantitative gold deportment analysis, a dedicated metallurgy drilling programme has commenced to collect sufficient samples required for the test programme.

A geohydrological drill programme is also underway to generate a numerical groundwater model that will be used to determine groundwater inflows, dewatering cone and required pumping capacities.

The field studies for the EIA were completed during the quarter and we expect to complete the full report by July this year.