QUALIFIED PERSON, DATA VERIFICATION AND QUALITY CONTROL/QUALITY ASSURANCE
Richard Montjoie has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information contained on this website and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Montjoie is the CEO & VP Exploration of the Company and is not, therefore, independent of the Company. Mr. Montjoie is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) membership number 400131/09. Mr. Montjoie holds a M.Sc. Honors in Economic Geology from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, and is fellow of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA).
The analytical work reported on herein was performed by SGS South Africa Proprietary Limited in Randfontein, South Africa, an internationally recognized analytical services provider that is independent of the Company. Samples were analysed for Ni using a nitric acid leach and sodium peroxide fusion, followed by an ICP-AES finish; and Au, Pt, Pd by lead fusion followed by an ICP-AES finish; and for Rh using palladium collection followed by ICP-OES finish. The sample size varies for the four different targets, however, all samples are quarter core: Target 1 (“ZEB 1”) – 2 meter samples; Target 2 – 1 meter samples and 0.50 centimeter samples with increase sulfides; Target 3 – 0.50 centimeters samples; Target 4 – 1 meter samples. Samples sizes vary to get better definition on mineralised intervals. The Company has not identified drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data disclosed.
A full Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) program was conducted on all assay results, and all reported assays were deemed to be acceptable. The program was designed and implemented by Dr. Matthew McCreesh. The QA/QC program is implemented by using Certified Reference Materials (CRM) to verify Laboratory testing equipment calibration, sample homogenisation, repeatability of values and to determine limits of detection. Blanks are inserted to check for sample cross-contamination or instrument contamination. On site sample weights are compared to laboratory sample weights, possible sample swaps are detected when sample weights do not correspond. Field duplicates are pulp samples from the previous assay batches with known analytical results, which are add to the batches and are re-analysed and in theory should be similar in grade to the previous results. Duplicate samples contain all levels of error: natural variability, field sampling, sample size reduction in the prep laboratory, and subsampling at the pulp, plus the analytical error and analytical precision. A Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) or duplicate sample is inserted per 10 field samples. The CRMs are sourced from AMIS (African Mineral Standards) have been tested on a round robin across 25 or more laboratories. Analytical results received from the laboratory must verified immediately upon arrival. Blank samples reporting grade and standards falling above or below 2 standard deviations should be flagged and re-assayed by the laboratory if necessary. This is to ensure that field and laboratory errors are addressed timeously, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are reviewed on an ongoing basis as drilling progresses. This limits the incorporation of re-occurring errors into the database and resource estimations. Dr. McCreesh is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) membership number 132928. Dr. McCreesh holds a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, and is member of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA).
All Zeb Nickel data was verified before being statistically processed. All data is captured and stored on a cloud based software, this is a centrally managed database containing all aspects of drilling information including logging and assay results. In addition, Zeb Nickel uses ARCGIS, a GIS database system for all spatial information relating to exploration activities. Several other datasets exist including several Excel spreadsheets of information; however, these are derived from the cloud based databases referenced above to ensure that all information is centrally updated and stored.
The data is verified for errors and inconsistencies at each step of handling. Internal check occurs at the project level, where the project geologist or senior exploration geologist, print out hardcopies geological logs and checks the drilled core. The depths of mineralization, sample numbers and widths and lithologies are confirmed. The full process from core logging to data capturing into the database are reviewed on site. Collar positions of a few random selected drill holes are checked in the field during site visit. The data is also rechecked at the stage where it is entered into the 3D-modelling software. In addition, to ongoing data checks by project staff, the senior management and directors of Zeb Nickel have completed spot audits of the data and processing procedures. Audits have also been carried out on the recording of drill hole information, the assay interpretation and final compilation of the information. The individuals in Zeb Nickel’s senior management and certain directors of the Company, who completed the tests and designed the processes, are non-independent mining or geological experts.