26 Feb Proactive, Cobre completes tests at Ngami Copper Project, Botswana; confirms potential for lost-cost ISCR process
Cobre Ltd (ASX:CBE) has wrapped up the first phase of hydrogeological testing at the Ngami Copper Project (NCP) in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt and is now firmly on the path towards the development of an in-situ copper recovery (ISCR) process.
Low-cost, environmentally friendly method
This phase aimed to evaluate the feasibility of extracting copper-silver through a low-cost and environmentally friendly method, potentially transforming the prospects for the company and the wider region.
During the program, the company verified the presence of an enhanced permeability zone within a representative portion of the copper mineralised compartment. This zone is bounded by low permeability footwall and hanging wall competent ‘seal’ rocks.
A standout finding was from production well PW001 which was drilled down the main mineralised fracture zone and intersected a significant extension of copper mineralisation – 78 metres at 0.59% copper from 187 to 265 metres – confirming its depth continuity.
The company is now kicking off a second phase of long-term pumping and injection tests designed to evaluate aquifer characteristics over a greater distance for a longer period.