In Nov 2023, Cobre launched a 3D hydrogeological test study to prove the viability of developing an in-situ copper mine at its Ngami Copper Project (NCP) in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB). 

Cobre Ltd (ASX: $CBE) recently announced the successful completion of the first phase of hydrogeological test work on the Ngami Copper Project (NCP) in the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB), Botswana. The programme has been designed 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.

We will dive further into the details, but If you don’t know about Cobre’s Ngmai Copper Project, here’s a bit about it:

Ngami Copper Project (NCP)

Ngami Copper Project (NCP) holds a multi-target opportunity for Cobre. This project is currently undergoing advanced exploration targeting copper-silver mineralisation with several encouraging drill intersections. The project area includes two large anticlinal features with over 100km of prospective Ngwako-Pan/D’Kar Formation contact for traditional limb-based mineralisation. The potential for mineralisation in folded trap sites is also evident.

Combined with Kitlanya West, this project area offers district-scale opportunities on the northern margin of the Kalahari Copper Belt where Cobre holds the dominant licence position. So, yes new tests and studies are proving more and more that this site of Cobre has huge potential.

The recent hydrological test was to prove the viability of developing an in-situ copper mine at NCP. Now, let’s talk more about the test result.

What are the test results?

But, first, why was the test even held? As we have already mentioned the test was held for the study to prove the viability of developing an in-situ copper mine. The in-situ recovery process is important because it will require low opex, low capex and is environment friendly too, even with the in situ process company can produce a green copper cathode on site. 

But for the Insitu process, the deposit should check some key criteria. Let's check whether NCP is viable for the in-situ process or not:

Is deposit at NCP to be considered viable for ISCR (In situ chemical reduction)?

There are three key criteria:

1. The mineralization needs to be leachable. Luckily, the Angami project has a chalcocite dominant mineralization with a small oxide component that leaches well. They also found that adding a chloride to the leaching agent can pull out silver.
2. The water table needs to be at the correct depth. The Angami project has a good situation because the water table is deep enough that the leaching agent won't escape into the surface but not too deep that most of the mineralization is below the water table.
3. The right hydrological controls are needed. The project has a well-defined seal in the footwall and hanging wall and a well-developed fracture zone that parallels the mineralization.

So, yes Cobre’s NCP site checks all the boxes for the in situ process. 

Results say that the project has over 40 kilometres of drilled test copper-silver mineralization with a consistent grade. The company has an exploration target exceeding 100 million tonnes at 0.5% copper. This would be a game-changer for Cobre if they were able to apply the process and extract copper from the site.

What’s ahead?

Cobre is taking a three-tiered approach to their exploration and development. They are looking for tier-one deposits, advancing and drilling some of their smaller targets, and moving the ISR process forward. The next steps for the ISR process will be to close off the hydrological work, do some engineering and economic studies, further metallurgical test work, and then do some resource drilling.

Bottom Line

The company’s strategic approach and promising developments in its Ngami Project show the growth potential of the company. Cobre's innovative and environmentally friendly approach, coupled with promising project metrics, is a compelling reason to consider that this company with continuous efforts and growth could really be the next multi-bagger.