CBE – Cobre Limited | Aussie Stock Forums

interesting pathway for Cu extraction… there’ll be a follow-up, plus work on metallurgy ..

The ongoing hydrogeological programme at the NCP includes 3 monitoring wells strategically located along strike of mineralisation and offset laterally in the footwall and hanging wall which are markedly less permeable. In addition to the monitoring wells, a large diameter
injection/production well (PW001) intersecting a representative portion of the mineralised contact has been completed. The production well intersected sub-vertically dipping mineralisation associated with the target fracture zone which is expected to provide a natural aquifer allowing for injection of a leaching fluid directly into the associated copper mineralisation.

Initial hydraulic (slug) testing was conducted on the production well (PW001) and monitoring wells to provide estimates of the ‘near well’ aquifer permeabilities. A 10,000 litre slug of potable water was rapidly injected into PW001, revealing enhanced permeability associated with the main mineralisation compartment. Enhanced permeability in this context is preferred for facilitating fluid transfer between production wells, particularly for ISCR operations. Conversely, slug tests performed on monitoring wells constructed outside of the mineralisation compartment, targeting the hanging wall and
footwall seals, demonstrated lower permeabilities.

The depth to water table was confirmed at 123 m below ground surface and is sufficiently below the Kalahari Group cover. The deep groundwater level is considered beneficial for ISCR operations as this reduces the risk of water returning to surface during the injection phase.
A second phase of hydrogeological test work will include longer term pumping and injection testing to verify these results over a larger distance. Work on this phase has now commenced and will be reported in the upcoming months.

In addition to providing important hydrogeological information, the production well has intersected an extensive zone of copper mineralisation effectively demonstrating the down-dip grade continuity at depth which adds further support to ISCR model.

Commenting on the hydrogeological programme, Adam Wooldridge, Cobre’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Having our desktop work successfully validated with in-field tests marks a pivotal advancement in our journey to developing the ISCR project potential. Given the scale of the target, proving up a low cost, environmentally friendly extraction method for copper-silver beneficiation will be a game changer for the company, local communities, and greater Kalahari Copper Belt.”
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The second breath ran out of puff, but today up 10 per cent