This Pre-Feasibility Study for the Cerrado Verde Project presents three independent production scenarios for a multinutrient potassium fertilizer product derived from glauconitic siltstone mineralization in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Report context
This technical report was prepared for Verde AgriTech Plc, with an effective date of May 12, 2022 and issue date of May 26, 2022. It constitutes a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) compliant with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 for the Cerrado Verde Project located in the Alto Paranaiba region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, approximately 39 km east of the city of São Gotardo. The report supersedes the December 2017 PFS prepared by BNA Consultoria e Sistemas and Andes Mining Services Limited. The mineral resource estimate completed in 2014 remains unchanged.
Processing route
Plant 3 Scenario (10 Mtpy)
The report describes a processing configuration for a 10 million tonnes per year scenario designated as Plant 3. A process diagram and master plan are presented for this scenario.
23 Mtpy Scenario
A separate processing configuration is described for the 23 million tonnes per year scenario. A process diagram and master plan are presented for this scenario.
50 Mtpy Scenario
A separate processing configuration is described for the 50 million tonnes per year scenario. A process diagram and master plan are presented for this scenario.
Plants
The report identifies five separate plant components across the scenarios:
Plant A (Crushing, grinding and mixing 3 Mtpy): A plant designed for crushing, grinding and mixing at 3 million tonnes per year capacity.
Plant B (Crushing 10 Mtpy): A crushing plant with 10 million tonnes per year capacity.
Plant C (Crushing 50 Mtpy): A crushing plant with 50 million tonnes per year capacity.
Plant D (Grinding and mixing 10 Mtpy): A grinding and mixing plant with 10 million tonnes per year capacity.
Plant E (Grinding and mixing 10 Mtpy – with rail operation): A grinding and mixing plant with 10 million tonnes per year capacity, designed to operate with rail access.
Historical operating data
The report documents mining concessions and existing plant development history. Mining Concession (Portaria de Lavra) was granted for Mine Pit 1 and Mine Pit 2. A Mining Concession Application (Requerimento de Lavra) was submitted for Mine Pit 3. Processing plant development and expansion history is noted but expansion details are not provided in the processing sections.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Plant 3 Scenario | 23 Mtpy Scenario | 50 Mtpy Scenario | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production rate | 10 Mtpy | 23 Mtpy | 50 Mtpy | Proposed design |
| Plant A capacity | 3 Mtpy | – | – | Proposed design |
| Plant B capacity | 10 Mtpy | – | – | Proposed design |
| Plant C capacity | – | – | 50 Mtpy | Proposed design |
| Plant D capacity | 10 Mtpy | – | – | Proposed design |
| Plant E capacity | 10 Mtpy (with rail) | – | – | Proposed design |
Note: Mineral reserve estimates are reported as 10 Mt and 23 Mt Scenarios (combined reserve) and 50 Mt Scenario (separate reserve), with specific tonnage and grade values presented in Tables 1.7-1 and 1.7-2 of the original report.
Technical qualifications
The report states that the mineral resource estimate remains unchanged from the 2014 estimate. The report includes the following processing-related risks and uncertainties: processing risks are identified in Section 25.2.4 of the report. The report notes that the processing plant development and expansion history is documented but does not provide process flow sheet details, achieved metallurgical recovery rates, or operating performance data for the proposed plants.
Source: NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Technical Report Cerrado Verde Project, Minas Gerais, Brazil, effective May 12, 2022, issue date May 26, 2022, Sections 1.8, 6.4, 6.5, 17.1–17.4, 25.2.4.
