On-site activities in preparation for the start of drilling and trenching at ASX-listed junior miner Mustang Resources’ Montepuez ruby project, in Mozambique, are on schedule, says company MD Christiaan Jordaan.

He points out that Mustang has established an exploration base camp, mobilised critical processing equipment and completed the refurbishment of access roads.

Jordaan remarks that, following the completion of the first phase of the work programme, Mustang intends to start a bulk sampling programme at Montepuez, targeting the initial processing of at least 600 t/d of material.

“We are very satisfied with the level of on-site progress made to date, as we advance towards an exciting phase in the development of a potential ruby mining operation at Montepuez.

“As part of our preparatory activities, Mustang representatives have had numerous consultations with the appropriate Mozambique governmental departments and communities, with the accepted formalities and protocols having been successfully carried out,” he states.

Further, Jordaan comments that the company believes that the upcoming work programme will play “a critical role” in unlocking the significant underlying value at Montepuez.

Mustang’s operational team is currently in the final stages of preparing to start Phase 1 of the work programme at Montepuez.

The company has also started setting up the processing plant in preparation for the commencement of bulk sampling in the third quarter of this year.

Jordaan elaborates that the design and layout of the project and the positioning of the processing plant incorporate a number of strategic advantages, including reducing trucking distances, which will save on time and diesel expenses.

He highlights that Mustang has prioritised the setting up of the processing plant for bulk sampling, with completion targeted for the end of June.

The tasks which are currently on track to be undertaken in the coming weeks include a trenching and auger drilling programme to delineate sampling targets and establish the extent of prospective geology for ruby mineralisation.

Additionally, a water borehole for the processing plant will be built and procurement and transportation of a scrubber and dewatering screen from South Africa will be completed.

Further, the procurement and construction of the sort house as well as the assembly and commissioning of the processing plant will soon be initiated.

Moreover, Jordaan states that, while the operational team completes the assembly and commissioning of the sampling plant, field work will continue, with delineation of further bulk sampling targets being the main intention.

He says that the company intends to establish a clear understanding of the geology and the stratigraphy prior to initiating the bulk sampling programme.

Jordaan says that Paul Allan has joined its exploration team as the competent person and consulting geologist for the project.

“Allan has an intimate knowledge of the Montepuez area and his experience and insight are a valuable addition to the strong operational team. He has over 25 years’ experience in multicommodity geology, predominantly precious stones exploration and evaluation,” he enthuses.

Jordaan adds that Allan’s experience includes performing kimberlite mineral chemistry and petrography for Anglo American Research Laboratories, serving as exploration manager for SouthernEra Diamonds and as senior project geologist for Firestone Diamonds.

“Also, notably, Allan was a geologist for Gemfields, where he was instrumental in the initial development of the ruby project in Mozambique from the start of the bulk sampling programme in 2012 up to 2014, as part of the team proving up the world’s largest known ruby deposit, which has recorded gem sales of about $150-million from the exploration programme to date,” he concludes.