Minefinders Receives Final Audited Resource for Dolores Feasibility Study.VANCOUVER, British Columbia British Columbia, province (2001 pop. 3,907,738), 366,255 sq mi (948,600 sq km), including 6,976 sq mi (18,068 sq km) of water surface, W Canada. Geography -- Minefinders Corporation Ltd. (the "Company") (AMEX AMEX See: American Stock Exchange :MFN MFN abbr. most-favored nation ) (TSX TSX Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE before April, 2002) TSX Transfer from Stack Pointer to Index TSX True Space Extension :MFL MFL Minimum Flows and Levels (ground water) MFL Modern Foreign Language MFL Magnetic Flux Leakage MFL Medium Flood (stage lighting) MFL Manitoba Federation of Labour ), Mark H. Bailey, President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , has received the final report from Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("RPA RPA Remote Patron Authentication RPA Rural Payments Agency (UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) RPA Replication Protein A RPA RNAse Protection Assay RPA Regional Plan Association RPA Random-Phase Approximation ") containing RPA's audited resource estimations for the Company's 100% owned Dolores Dolores (or Delores) was a common given name (until the 1960s in the USA); it is cognate with the English word "dolorous" (meaning sorrowful) and equivalent in meaning. gold and silver project, in Chihuahua, Mexico. The report is a cornerstone of the Dolores bankable bank·a·ble adj. 1. Acceptable to or at a bank: bankable funds. 2. Guaranteed to bring profit: a bankable movie star. feasibility study The analysis of a problem to determine if it can be solved effectively. The operational (will it work?), economical (costs and benefits) and technical (can it be built?) aspects are part of the study. Results of the study determine whether the solution should be implemented. . The following table shows the estimated total measured and indicated Dolores mineral resources Noun 1. mineral resources - natural resources in the form of minerals natural resource, natural resources - resources (actual and potential) supplied by nature at various gold equivalent (total gold and gold equivalent silver) ("AuEq") cut-off grades (see also the attached Appendix for separate measured, indicated and inferred resource data). The RPA report will be filed on SEDAR SEDAR System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval SEDAR Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review shortly (www.sedar.com) and can also be viewed at that time on the Company's website at www.minefinders.com. Measured and Indicated Resource Cut-off Tonnage Au Ag AuEq Au Ag g/t Kt g/t g/t g/t oz oz ------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 3,743 6.06 229.4 8.82 705,000 26,701,000 4.0 5,458 4.99 199.8 7.40 846,000 33,922,000 3.0 9,058 3.83 160.8 5.78 1,079,000 45,307,000 2.0 17,666 2.68 117.5 4.11 1,471,000 64,567,000 1.5 26,775 2.11 96.0 3.28 1,758,000 79,919,000 1.0 39,463 1.67 77.3 2.61 2,045,000 94,919,000 0.9 42,729 1.58 73.6 2.48 2,101,000 97,863,000 0.8 46,841 1.49 69.5 2.33 2,165,000 101,261,000 0.7 52,343 1.38 64.7 2.17 2,241,000 105,255,000 0.6 60,082 1.25 58.9 1.97 2,330,000 110,106,000 0.5 70,805 1.11 52.7 1.75 2,433,000 115,989,000 0.4 85,272 0.96 46.2 1.53 2,548,000 122,612,000 0.3 101,064 0.84 40.8 1.34 2,647,000 128,179,000 An additional inferred resource of 28 million tonnes at a 0.3g/t AuEq cutoff is also confirmed by the audit (see attached Appendix). RPA reports that the Dolores mineral resource estimates meet the definitions of "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" mineral resources contained in NI 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators Canadian Securities Administrators(CSA) is a forum for the 13 securities regulators of Canada's provinces and territories to coordinate and harmonize regulation of the Canadian capital markets. and in the CIM (1) (Computer-Integrated Manufacturing) Integrating office/accounting functions with automated factory systems. Point of sale, billing, machine tool scheduling and supply ordering are part of CIM. Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves Definitions and Guidelines adopted by the CIM Council as of August 20, 2000. In October 2004, Minefinders submitted to RPA the final mineral resource estimates for the Dolores deposit that will be used for all economic modeling and engineering studies comprising the Dolores Feasibility Study. The updated, October 2004 resource estimates show modest increases in tonnage, and ounces for all resource categories over those last announced by the Company, in August 2004. In particular, RPA notes that at a 0.3 g/t AuEq cut-off, measured and indicated gold has increased by 4.1% and silver by 6.4%. The Dolores deposit has now been sufficiently drilled to qualify 98% of the resource material in the area of the projected pit as "measured" or "indicated". As a result, final economic modeling will include nearly all material contained in the 2.5 kilometer long by 800 meter wide planned pit. Since initiating the infill drilling program in July 2002, the Company has completed over 76,000 meters of additional drilling, primarily for the purposes of the bankable-level verifications required for project financing Project financing A form of asset-based financing in which a firm finances a discrete set of assets on a stand-alone basis. . Accordingly, the receipt of the RPA report represents a milestone in the development of the Dolores deposit. Methodology - Resource Estimation Resource blocks are classed as "measured", "indicated", or "inferred", in accordance with the confidence level of the estimate. Estimates were based upon block models, constrained by 3D wireframe An umbrella term for a general outline of some structure. For example, the rough design of Web pages may be called wireframes. See wireframe modeling. models, constructed with Gemcom software. Block grade estimation was performed using inverse distance to the fifth power weighting ("ID5"). RPA re-estimated the block grades using Ordinary Krieging as a check of the interpolation interpolation In mathematics, estimation of a value between two known data points. A simple example is calculating the mean (see mean, median, and mode) of two population counts made 10 years apart to estimate the population in the fifth year. method. In RPA's opinion, "the ID5 block model provides a reasonable estimate of mineral resources at Dolores". Resource classification was determined using the anisotropic Refers to properties that differ based on the direction that is measured. For example, an anisotropic antenna is a directional antenna; the power level is not the same in all directions. Contrast with isotropic. distance to the nearest composite. Composites were capped to 30 g/t Au and 1,000 g/t Ag, prior to grade estimation. Blocks within approximately 17.5 m of the nearest composite were assigned to the measured category. Indicated blocks are between 17.5 m and 35 m from a composite; while inferred blocks are between 35 m and 90 m from the nearest composite. For the purpose of geological modeling and the application of a cut-off grade, Au and Ag grades were rendered into a gold equivalent grade calculated at a gold to silver ratio of 1:75, based on prices of US$300 per ounce of gold and US$5.00 per ounce of silver and metallurgical recoveries of 87.5% for gold and 75% for silver. Methodology - Fieldwork Between 1996 and October 2004, Minefinders completed 347 diamond drill core holes (95,366 m) and 218 reverse circulation holes ("RC") (41,704 m) for a total of 137,070 metres. This total includes two lost holes, six holes drilled as water wells or for geotechnical purposes, three twin holes, and 54 holes that tested outlying targets beyond the resource area. RC drill samples were taken every 1.52 metres (5 feet). Diamond drill core sample length was variable, based on lithology li·thol·o·gy n. 1. The gross physical character of a rock or rock formation. 2. The microscopic study, description, and classification of rock. and mineralization Mineralization The process by which the body uses minerals to build bone structure. Mentioned in: Rickets mineralization, n the bioprecipitation of an inorganic substance. , but was typically 2 meters in length. The core was split with one-half retained for reference. Most of the accessible underground historical workings at Dolores were sampled. Over 13,000 surface rock samples were taken, with 9,882 as continuous 5 m samples along road cuts or lines perpendicular to the deposit trend. These samples have been used to project mineralized min·er·al·ize v. min·er·al·ized, min·er·al·iz·ing, min·er·al·iz·es v.tr. 1. To convert to a mineral substance; petrify. 2. To transform a metal into a mineral by oxidation. 3. envelopes to surface but not to interpolate See interpolation. grade into blocks. Sample data was compiled and stored in a Gemcom database that contains records for 565 drill holes (76,217 samples), 28 underground channels (532 samples), and 213 surface chip sample lines (9,439 samples). Bankable Feasibility Study The Company has now completed most of the work necessary (infill and condemnation drilling, process metallurgy, geotechnical surveys, environmental surveys, social surveys, resource and mine modeling and detailed engineering) to permit its independent engineers and other consultants to generate accurate operating cost assessments, generate optimized pit shells, design and scale process plant and infrastructure, determine mine equipment lists, and complete the environmental impact and other studies and reports that comprise a bankable level feasibility study. Final reports have now been received on various components of the bankable feasibility study, including the RPA mineral resource audit, McClelland Laboratories' final report on metallurgical test results, SGS SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SGS Symantec Gateway Security (appliance) SGS School of Graduate Studies SGS Subgrid Scale SGS Singapore Government Securities SGS Shell Global Solutions Lakefield's report on flotation mill recoveries and cyanide leach processes in the mill circuit, Golder Associates' report on pit slope stability The field of slope stability encompasses the analysis of static and dynamic stability of slopes of earth and rock-fill dams, slopes of other types of embankments, excavated slopes, and natural slopes in soil and soft rock. , and others. All reports support the viability of the planned open-pit mining Open-pit mining, also known as opencast mining, refers to a method of extracting rock or minerals from the earth by their removal from an open pit or borrow. operation. The final feasibility study will be reported when completed. About Minefinders Minefinders is a successful precious metals Precious Metals Valuable metals such as gold, iridium, palladium, platinum, and silver. Notes: Investing in precious metals can be done either by purchasing the physical asset, or by purchasing futures contracts for the particular metal. exploration company, with the advanced Dolores gold and silver deposit in Chihuahua, Mexico and several ongoing exploration projects in Sonora, Mexico and Nevada. The Company is presently completing a bankable feasibility study on the Dolores deposit and conducting exploration drilling programs on its other prospects. Mark H. Bailey, MSc., P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. Minefinders Corporation Ltd. Mark H. Bailey, President and Chief Executive Officer All resource estimates referred to in this disclosure are calculated in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. Securities and Exchange Commission, and resource information reported in this disclosure may not be comparable to similar information reported by United States Companies This is a list of companies from the United States:
: . The terms "resource(s)" does not equate to "reserves" and normally may not be included in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Safe Harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. Statement under the United States Private Securities Litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. Act of 1995: Statements in this release that are forward-looking, including statements relating to the size, and growth in size, of the Company's mineral resources and the timing of the further exploration and development of the Dolores Project, are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified above and in the Company's periodic filings with the Ontario Securities Commission The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is a regulatory agency which administers and enforces securities legislation in the Canadian province of Ontario. The OSC is an Ontario Crown corporation which reports to the Ontario legislature through the Minister of Finance. and the U. S. Securities Exchange Commission. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof, based on information currently available. The Company does not intend to update this information and disclaims any legal liability to the contrary. Appendix to Minefinders Corporation Ltd. News Release Dated December 6, 2004 OCTOBER 2004 MINERAL RESOURCES ESTIMATE Classified mineral resources at a range of cut-off grades are listed below: Measured Resources Cut-Off Tonnage Au Ag AuEq Au Ag g/t AuEq Kt g/t g/t g/t oz oz -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 2,284 6.17 241.1 9.39 438,000 17,126,000 4.0 3,243 5.12 210.7 7.93 516,000 21,254,000 3.0 5,195 3.97 169.9 6.24 641,000 27,452,000 2.0 9,853 2.79 123.3 4.44 855,000 37,787,000 1.5 14,808 2.19 100.3 3.53 1,010,000 46,195,000 1.0 22,238 1.70 79.6 2.76 1,176,000 55,058,000 0.9 24,198 1.61 75.5 2.62 1,210,000 56,825,000 0.8 26,639 1.51 71.1 2.45 1,247,000 58,912,000 0.7 29,639 1.40 66.3 2.28 1,287,000 61,120,000 0.6 33,639 1.27 60.9 2.09 1,332,000 63,719,000 0.5 38,914 1.14 55.1 1.88 1,383,000 66,690,000 0.4 45,899 1.01 49.0 1.66 1,437,000 69,953,000 0.3 53,413 0.89 43.7 1.48 1,485,000 7 2,599,000 Indicated Resources Cut-Off Tonnage Au Ag AuEq Au Ag g/t AuEq Kt g/t g/t g/t oz oz ------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 1,459 5.89 211.0 8.70 267,000 9,575,000 4.0 2,215 4.80 183.9 7.25 330,000 12,667,000 3.0 3,863 3.64 148.6 5.62 437,000 17,854,000 2.0 7,813 2.54 110.2 4.00 616,000 26,779,000 1.5 11,967 2.01 90.6 3.22 747,000 33,723,000 1.0 17,225 1.62 74.4 2.61 868,000 39,860,000 0.9 18,531 1.55 71.2 2.50 891,000 41,038,000 0.8 20,201 1.46 67.4 2.36 917,000 42,349,000 0.7 22,704 1.35 62.5 2.18 953,000 44,135,000 0.6 26,443 1.21 56.4 1.97 997,000 46,387,000 0.5 31,892 1.06 49.7 1.72 1,050,000 49,299,000 0.4 39,373 0.91 43.0 1.48 1,110,000 52,659,000 0.3 47,652 0.78 37.5 1.28 1,161,000 55,580,000 Measured and Indicated Cut-Off Tonnage Au Ag AuEq Au Ag g/t AuEq Kt g/t g/t g/t oz oz ------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 3,743 6.06 229.4 8.82 705,000 26,701,000 4.0 5,458 4.99 199.8 7.40 846,000 33,922,000 3.0 9,058 3.83 160.8 5.78 1,079,000 45,307,000 2.0 17,666 2.68 1 17.5 4.11 1,471,000 64,567,000 1.5 26,775 2.11 96.0 3.28 1,758,000 79,919,000 1.0 39,463 1.67 77.3 2.61 2,045,000 94,919,000 0.9 42,729 1.58 73.6 2.48 2,101,000 97,863,000 0.8 46,841 1.49 69.5 2.33 2,165,000 101,261,000 0.7 52,343 1.38 64.7 2.17 2,241,000 105,255,000 0.6 60,082 1.25 58.9 1.97 2,330,000 110,106,000 0.5 70,805 1.11 52.7 1.75 2,433,000 115,989,000 0.4 85,272 0.96 46.2 1.53 2,548,000 122,612,000 0.3 101,064 0.84 40.8 1.34 2,647,000 128,179,000 Inferred Resources Cut-Off Tonnage Au Ag AuEq Au Ag g/t AuEq Kt g/t g/t g/t oz oz ------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 721 7.41 140.6 9.28 166,000 3,151,000 4.0 998 6.16 133.2 7.94 191,000 4,133,000 3.0 1,589 4.70 117.7 6.27 232,000 5,815,000 2.0 3,303 3.11 86.2 4.25 319,000 8,856,000 1.5 5,364 2.37 69.1 3.29 395,000 11,529,000 1.0 8,724 1.76 55.3 2.49 476,000 15,005,000 0.9 9,643 1.64 52.7 2.35 493,000 15,806,000 0.8 10,710 1.53 50.0 2.20 510,000 16,656,000 0.7 12,282 1.39 46.3 2.01 532,000 17,687,000 0.6 14,665 1.23 41.7 1.79 562,000 19,020,000 0.5 17,908 1.07 37.2 1.57 595,000 20,720,000 0.4 22,223 0.91 32.6 1.35 631,000 22,533,000 0.3 28,089 0.77 28.0 1.14 668,000 24,462,000 Note: Gold equivalence was calculated using a Ag to Au ratio of 75:1 , prices of $300 Au, $5.00 Ag; and recoveries of 87.5% Au and 75% Ag |
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