Aley

Aley Project Map

The relatively low capital cost, strong operating margins and favourable operating jurisdiction make Aley an ideal growth project for Taseko.

Taseko's wholly-owned Aley Niobium Project is located in northern British Columbia, 140 km north of Mackenzie. The site covers approximately 433 square kilometers and consists of 104 mineral claims.

Taseko acquired the project in 2007 for $5.4 million. After only seven years and $30 million invested into exploration and development work, the project has an $860 million pre-tax net present value (NPV).

Niobium is primarily used in the manufacturing of high strength, light-weight, and corrosion resistant steel. Niobium-based steel is found in turbines, aerospace and automobile machinery, and oil and gas pipelines, among other end-products. The project is poised to support growing niobium demand from increased use in steel production.

Highlights

  • Large undeveloped asset: The world's largest niobium deposit, outside the two operating mines in Brazil
  • 84 million tonne proven and probable reserve @ 0.50% Nb2O5
  • Expected to produce 9 million kgs of Nb per year over its 24 year mine life
  • Near term project pipeline opportunity: Project is currently in the BC Environmental Assessment Process
  • Robust economics: Pre-tax net present value of approximately C$860 million at an 8% discount
  • Pre-tax internal rate of return of 17% with a 5.5 year payback
  • After-tax net present value of approximately C$480 million at an 8% discount
  • After-tax internal rate of return of 14% with a 5.8 year payback
  • "Green" rare metal: Rare metals, such as niobium, are the heart of green technology, such as wind turbines and electric vehicles
  • Production will contribute to reducing oil and gas consumption and replacing it with green technologies

Note: The technical information on this website related to the Aley Project has been reviewed by Scott Jones, P.Eng., Vice President, Engineering of Taseko and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. See Aley - Reserves and Resources for further information.

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