Cobre tests display ideal conditions for in-situ copper recovery at Ngami

04 Jun 2024 AEST


Hydrogeological tests demonstrate ideal conditions for in-situ copper recovery at the Ngami Copper Project of Cobre Ltd (ASX:CBE) in the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana while new intersections highlight the potential for further high-grade mineralisation.

The test work program was designed to demonstrate the viability of an in-situ copper recovery (ISCR) process to extract copper-silver from the significant strike of mineralisation at Kalahari, which is estimated at 103-166 million tonnes at 0.38-0.46% copper.

Injection tests conducted on the production well demonstrate that the aquifer is suitable for injection and, therefore, potential ISCR operations.

Potential "game-changer"

Cobre says that with more than 500,000 tonnes of contained copper in this target, proof of the method presents “a game changer” for the district.

Given the success of the results to date, the injection test will be extended to operate at higher injection and pumping rates. These results will be used to develop a numerical model, calibrated to trial data, to simulate the hydraulic response to an ISCR operation.

"Ideal result"

Cobre CEO Adam Wooldridge said: “The injection tests completed to date have provided an ideal result, demonstrating that the hydrogeological setting works well for an in-situ recovery process.

"This gives us the confidence to continue with engineering scoping studies and advanced metallurgical test work ahead of resource drilling.”

In addition, and demonstrating the continuity and depth extent of copper mineralisation at the target, monitoring well MW012 that was drilled down the main mineralised fracture zone, intersected (open-ended) 12 metres at 1.03% copper from 178 to 190 metres within a broad zone of 41 metres at 0.5% copper.

These results, combined with the adjacent production well intersection of 78 metres at 0.59% copper, drilled downdip, provide evidence for a deeper, down-plunge, source for high-grade mineralisation intersected in NCP20A of 9.3 metres at 3.4% copper and 30 g/t silver.

ISCR journey to development

As part of an ongoing engineering scoping study, METS Engineering has completed a thorough review of available data (gap analysis), identifying no fatal flaws in the proposed ISCR process. A trade-off study of potential copper extraction methods is underway.

Graphical illustration of the ISCR journey to development with key stage gates highlighted. (Green boxes highlight milestones completed. Yellow boxes highlight ongoing work programs.)

WSP principal hydrogeologist Jason van den Akker said: "So far, the results are consistent with the conceptual groundwater model, indicating the aquifer is suitable for injection with potential for achieving higher rates.

“Enhanced groundwater flow was observed along strike of mineralisation, revealing a significant water table rise within this compartment. These findings indicate promising potential for ISCR."

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