Cobre Limited (ASX: $CBE) has successfully completed the first phase of hydrogeological test work on the Ngami Copper Project (NCP) in the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB), Botswana. The program aimed to provide essential information to demonstrate the viability of an In-Situ Copper Recovery (ISCR) process for extraction of copper-silver from the significant strike of mineralisation.
Adam Wooldridge, Cobre's Chief Executive Officer, expressed, 'Having our desktop work successfully validated with in-field tests marks a pivotal advancement in our journey to developing the ISCR project potential. Given the scale of the target, proving up a low cost, environmentally friendly extraction method for copper-silver beneficiation will be a game changer for the company, local communities, and greater Kalahari Copper Belt.'
The successful completion of phase 1 hydrogeological test work at the Ngami Copper Project in Botswana marks a significant milestone for Cobre Limited. The results provide demonstrable support for the potential to inject a leaching fluid into the orebody. The company aims to progress the ISCR process to a development project, which could have a transformative impact on the district. The mineralisation at NCP is sedimentary-hosted, structurally controlled, and associated with the redox contact between oxidised Ngwako Pan Formation red beds and overlying reduced marine sedimentary rocks of the D'Kar Formation. The next phase will involve longer term pumping and injection testing to verify the results over a larger distance, with WSP Australia Ltd overseeing and modeling the test results. The company is aiming to prove up a similar ISCR process to Taseko Mines Ltd's Florence Copper Deposit in Arizona, which shares a similar scale to NCP.
Great progress by Cobre! Sounds like the ISCR approach has real potential for the Kalahari Copper Belt. Keep us updated on the next round of pumping tests.Â
This is exciting news for CBE! ISCR could be a major game-changer for the project’s economics and environmental impact. Looking forward to the next phase of testing. ($CBE)Â