Cobre Ltd (ASX:CBE) CEO Adam Wooldridge takes Proactive's Stephen Gunnion through hydrogeological test results for the company's Ngami copper project in Botswana. These tests support the viability of in-situ copper recovery. Initial studies indicated the project’s potential, and recent field tests have confirmed this.
Wooldridge explained that the company focused on proving that hydrology works in the ground, conducting a significant field programme. This involved drilling monitoring wells and a large-diameter injection well into the fracture zone with mineralisation.
Key goals included ensuring the fracture zones are permeable enough for injection and that injected fluid flows along the mineralisation without escaping. It successfully pumped over 300,000 litres of water at various pressures, achieving a significant milestone by proving injection is possible at necessary rates. Monitoring wells confirmed the fluid flows along the fractures as required, a critical validation.
Wooldridge said this success enables Cobre to proceed with engineering work, advanced metallurgical studies, and scoping studies to assess the economic feasibility of in-situ recovery.
Additionally, new intersections have indicated potential for further high-grade mineralisation, enhancing the project’s prospects. Early drilling had not consistently replicated initial high-grade finds, but recent data suggests more extensive vertical high-grade zones. This progress supports the project’s potential and future developments.