Resource estimation methodology summary

Lists new information since the last estimation, e.g. RPEEE considerations.

Annually compiled, integrated and signed-off exploration plans outline planned activities to investigate areas of low confidence and/or geological or structural complexities to ensure Resources with a high level of geological confidence are considered for mine planning. Exploration plans are available as supplementary information to the Competent Persons' report.

The senior geologist supervises all drill hole drilling and is responsible for logging and sampling in compliance with Exxaro's logging and sampling standards as well as standard operating procedures. Sampling of drill holes is only conducted after the stratigraphy has been correlated. All drill holes are drilled as vertical drill holes from surface and the intersection to the seams is considered as representative of true thickness.

The core recovery standard (>95% in coal seams for valid points of observation), as stipulated in the SAMREC Code and SANS 10320, is not always empirically enforced due to unavailability of digital core recovery data for pre-2017 drill holes. However, Exxaro's Competent Persons confirm that there is high confidence in core and sample recovery for all drill holes used for Resource estimation purposes, and any deviation is managed by increased geological losses within geological loss domains, downgrading Resource classification and/or redrilling drill holes. Core recovery is continuously reviewed and any shortcomings are actively addressed through downhole geophysical surveys, seam validations and redrilling.

For Coal Resources, relative density (air-dried) is determined by accredited laboratories using the Archimedes method in all instances, except for Grootegeluk mine and the Thabametsi project where relative density is determined using an on-site mine laboratory application of the Archimedes method, and results are continuously used to validate core recovery. A comparative study between the field and laboratory methods was undertaken in 2015 and results indicated no significant difference.

Technical data validation is used for Resource estimation and includes collar validation, gaps and overlaps checks and data distribution.

Entails a review and analysis of the geological integrity and continuity of data in a spatial and geostatistical sense with domaining and structural interpretations.

GEOVIA Minex^TM is used for coal modelling and the Minex^TM growth algorithm is the preferred interpolation technique with Esri's ArcGIS used for modelling structural features. acQuire or Minex^TM is used for coal compositing and, in both instances, representative substitute values are used for unsampled non-coal material. The geological model and structural interpretation are presented by the Resource Competent Person, aided by relevant technical specialists, to a panel comprising Exxaro's lead Competent Person and domain experts for sign-off and approval. Concept-level geological models, where applicable, are compiled for alternative interpretations and these risks are evaluated during sign-off. Feasibility level and/or LoMP-level geological models are based on reviewed and signed off interpretations.

Resource classification follows the Exxaro estimation procedure and is aligned with SANS 10320 and considers risk and opportunity domain analysis (RODA). Anomalous drill hole data and structurally complex areas are accounted for and Resource classification is used to control the adequacy of drill hole data. We determine separate confidence zones for structural features using a matrix approach. The effect of extrapolation is controlled by Resource classification, which does not extrapolate domains beyond half the average drill hole spacing for the classification category and only uses points of observation with applicable quality data.

Resource reporting uses approved cut-offs and geological loss domains, followed by completion of all necessary reports and audit trails. Exxaro currently uses a systematic and integrated review process that measures the level of maturity of exploration work done, the extent of geological potential, licence to operate and associated geological risks to establish the eventual extraction. The criteria for assessing reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction (RPEEE) are shown in Table 5.

Reporting includes technical information that requires subsequent calculations to derive subtotals, totals and weighted averages. Such calculations may involve a degree of rounding and consequently introduce an error. Where such errors occur, Exxaro does not consider them material.

Individual reports are reviewed and corrections are effected if necessary. Reports are endorsed by management and used to compile the consolidated Coal Resources and Coal Reserves report.

Data validated and signed off by a Competent Person

Geological model considered and signed off

Structural model considered and signed off

Mining assumptions considered and defined

Minimum tier 1 assurance as per Exxaro governance and assurance framework

Concept-level exploitation and economic evaluation quantifies economic potential based on economic and mining assumptions, including geotechnical and geohydrological assumptions

Assessment of potential impediments and, if any exist, a reasonable expectation of resolution with reasonable demonstration that environmental approvals can be obtained within the context of local, regional and national legislation

Formal tenure must be demonstrated and, if any potential impediments exist, there must be a reasonable expectation of resolution or, if a prospecting right, there should be a reasonable demonstration that a mining right approval can be obtained within the context of local, regional and national legislation

Assumptions used should be reasonable and within known/assumed tolerances or have examples of precedence and any potential impediments should have a reasonable expectation of resolution, considering power, water and transport

To comply with LoM policy, all Reserve estimates require survey, rock engineering, infrastructure, legal, processing, social, economic, political and environmental inputs.

At the start of the estimation process, the applicable Reserves Competent Person must compile a Reserve fact pack report for every operation outlining the standards and norms of that operation, as well as all relevant planning standards. All standards, norms and planning parameters, the geological model, RODA, infrastructure and environmental plans together with the structural plan, geotechnical review report, among others, are also considered. The market strategy, supply contracts and planned volumes drive the schedule. All operation standards must be signed off by the applicable mine management and Reserve Competent Person. A similar procedure is followed for projects and the project steering committee fulfils the role of mine management.

Reserve estimation may be conducted either as required (in a project-stage evaluation, for example) or as part of the annual Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation process. The data conversion, validation and verification report are the first outputs of this procedure.

Material flow explains the flow of material over time, such as open pit (ex-pit, horizontal and vertical distances and underground), geographical expansion versus stooping and deep pit (push-back strategy, minimum and maximum stripping curves).

Equipment explains the size and type of equipment for the design, including life of equipment, major interventions and/or major changes (such as open pit to underground) over the life of the Reserve.

Waste dumps (size and position), rehabilitation (main issues and interventions) together with legal and other indicated licences obtained and required are included.

Pit shell is the final delineation or envelope of the Resource that will be converted to a Reserve. The LoMP pit shell is the foundation of the business case and, as such, is based on the most accurate information available. Measured and Indicated Resources are used as the basis for conversion.

Coal Reserves are estimated using the relevant modifying factors at the time of reporting (mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and regulatory requirements). Modifying factors are signed off before Reserve estimation by the persons responsible for ensuring that all factors are timeously and appropriately considered. Comprehensive modifying factor sign-off and Reserve fact packs that record losses, recoveries/yields and other factors applied are documented in each independent Competent Person's report.

Resource volumes/tonnages are converted to Reserve tonnages by applying the following mining modifying factors:

• Mining efficiency losses as per average cut thickness are applied to account for net losses of Reserves due to mining equipment selection and mining method. The efficiency factor also accounts for the thickness of the selected RoM and waste horizons relative to selected mining equipment
• Layout losses account for the loss of Reserves due to actual mining activities not reaching the defined Reserve boundary or due to the geometry of the Reserve block
• RoM extraction accounts for losses incurred using the selected mining method
• Contamination accounts for waste or inter-burden material unintentionally added to the mining horizon as a result of mining operations and equipment used
• Free moisture accounts for the change in the Reserve tonnage due to the addition of moisture from bench-mining operations

The Reserve classification methodology for Coal Reserves under Exxaro's control is governed by the Exxaro Coal Reserve estimation procedure, as described in the LoMP policy and aligned with the SAMREC Code and SANS 10320. In general, Measured Resources are converted to Proved Reserves and Indicated Resources are converted to Probable Reserves. If an operation or project has additional constraints, such as a supply agreement that has not been finalised or a sales/marketing strategy that limits the profitability of the mine, the Measured Resources can be downgraded to Probable Reserves. In situations where this has been applied, it is clearly stated in the footnotes for the Reserves tables.

Where Inferred Resources were considered for LoMPs, the amount (Mt) and effect are always clearly stated. When Inferred Resources are included in the LoMP, these tonnages are not scheduled in the first five years of mine life. We explain the rationale for considering the inclusion of Inferred Resources and state our actions to address this issue. Exxaro generally attempts to limit Inferred Resources to less than 15% of total Resources to be considered for LoMPs. Any inclusion of Inferred Resources must be tested and reported. Modifying factors and assumptions that were applied to the Indicated and Measured Resources to determine the Coal Reserves must be equally applied to Inferred Resources. Inferred Resources are not converted to Coal Reserves and are not stated as part of the Mineral Reserve. The amount of Inferred Resources considered for the reported LoMP is included in the Reserves statement.