Syndicated Metals (ASX: SMD) believes it can leverage off a plan to use on-site ore processing to improve the economics of its Barbara copper-gold project in North Queensland.
The Perth-based junior says that while the expanded study will take longer to complete – it is targeting third quarter of this year – it will give it more time to expand its resource inventory and take advantage of the falling Australian dollar.
Its joint venture partner CopperChem, an offshoot of the listed conglomerate WH Soul Pattinson (ASX: SOL), will continue to fund the expanded study to earn its 50 per cent interest in the project.
Syndicated says the on-site processing scenario, “using a transportable plant to be sourced, installed and managed by CopperChem”, will cut operating costs, treatment, refining and selling charges and reduce upfront capital.
The Perth-based junior says that while the expanded study will take longer to complete – it is targeting third quarter of this year – it will give it more time to expand its resource inventory and take advantage of the falling Australian dollar.
Its joint venture partner CopperChem, an offshoot of the listed conglomerate WH Soul Pattinson (ASX: SOL), will continue to fund the expanded study to earn its 50 per cent interest in the project.
Syndicated says the on-site processing scenario, “using a transportable plant to be sourced, installed and managed by CopperChem”, will cut operating costs, treatment, refining and selling charges and reduce upfront capital.