Orion Minerals completes successful confirmation drilling program

Orion Minerals Limited (ASX:ORN) has successfully completed the confirmation diamond drilling program at the Flat Mines Area of its Okiep Copper Project in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The program confirmed the high quality of the large historical drilling database inherited from Newmont and Goldfields, with assay results revealing significant intersections at Flat Mine North and Flat Mine South. These intersections are set to form a key part of Orion's early production plan for the Okiep Copper Project, supporting geological and grade distribution interpretations incorporated in the Mineral Resource estimation. The completion of this program represents a crucial step towards the finalization of the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) for the Okiep early production plan, which is on track for delivery in the coming weeks.

Executive commentary on confirmation drilling program

Orion's Managing Director and CEO, Errol Smart, expressed confidence in the quality and reliability of the historical drilling data from the Okiep Copper Project. He highlighted the significance of the data purchased in 2021, which included digitized downhole data from 5,026 drill holes intersecting mineralized bodies within the secured Mining and Prospecting Right areas. Smart emphasized the importance of the completion of the confirmation drilling program, as it is expected to provide a pathway for Orion to fast-track the expansion of the initial production profile and mine life outlined in the initial BFS. He also conveyed the company's excitement about the future of the OCP, describing it as a world-class, build-ready copper mine.

Summary of confirmation drilling results and outlook

Orion Minerals' completion of the confirmation diamond drilling program at the Flat Mines Area has validated the high-quality historical drilling data inherited from Newmont and Goldfields. The significant intersections at Flat Mine North and Flat Mine South are poised to play a pivotal role in Orion's early production plan for the Okiep Copper Project. The completion of this program represents a crucial step towards the finalization of the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) for the Okiep early production plan, which is on track for delivery in the coming weeks. With the program now complete, geological and mineralization envelope interpretations will be reviewed and adjusted where necessary, followed by an update of the Mineral Resource estimate. The company's Managing Director and CEO, Errol Smart, expressed confidence in the future of the OCP, describing it as a world-class, build-ready copper mine. The ongoing exploration and resource upgrade drilling program, along with planned metallurgical test work, are expected to further enhance the understanding and potential of the Okiep Copper Project.