Madagascar
The Ambodilafa project in Madagascar is a joint venture between Jubilee Platinum, its local subsidiary, Mineral Resources of Madagascar and Impala Platinum, which currently holds a 30% earned-in interest in the project, The partners have agreed to extend Impala’s earn-in right to acquire 51% of the project by spending $5 million until 04 April 2012.
The project forms part of the Vohipaha ultramafic/mafic complex and is an arcuate layered mafic-ultramafic intrusion. The prospect area covers some 98km2 and is located 160km south east of the capital. Access is by way of a 90km road from the eastern coastal port of Nosy Varik.
Airborne surveys and follow-up surface exploration work over the past couple of years has identified several nickel anomalies in the area over an indicated 17km long north-west strike, as targets for exploratory drilling. Preliminary geological analysis indicates that structurally the anomalous zones dip at 75o to the west. A local Madagascan drilling company has been contracted to drill a limited 4-borehole programme to depths of 500 metres.
The venture continues to enjoy the support and cooperation of the Madagascan authorities. The National Office for the Environment has accepted Jubilee’s environmental impact proposals and has issued the relevant environmental permit (Cahier des Charge) needed for drilling to proceed.