Ann: Higher Grade Core Confirmed at Cortadera, page-42

Thanks for that. From what I have read and understand, leaching sulphide ore using the traditional bacteria process results in low recovery and requires a long leach time. There is recent research being conducted by various parties into using chemical reagents and catalysts on sulphide ore to speed up the leaching and improve recovery (see my earlier link). I know that the management of Finders Resources had success at leaching sulphide ore at Wetar, Indonesia, using their own formula of reagent. The same management are now running Cyprium Metals and are planning to use their in-house IP on sulphide ore at Nifty WA (although they have a fair bit of oxide to leach first).

As a general comment, it seems to me that advances in heap leaching sulphide ore along with potential environmental benefits of electro-winning and producing copper plate at the mine site, could potentially change copper mining economics for sulphide ore significantly in coming years. It wouldn't surprise me if it becomes economic down the track to go back and heap leach waste ore if new techniques are beneficial enough.