A series of regulatory approvals and amendments now clear the path for Cyprium Metals Ltd (ASX:CYM, OTC:CYPMF)’s Phase 1 redevelopment at its Nifty Copper Complex in Western Australia. These include critical modifications to construction specifications, an extended works approval, and a deferred mine closure submission date, which position the company to proceed with the reactivation of the cathode plant.
Executive chair Matt Fifield said the existing approvals significantly reduced project risk and maintained alignment with Cyprium’s staged restart strategy. “We have aligned Nifty’s environmental approvals with our forward work plans following a review of our existing approvals that cover the refurbishment and operation of the SX-EW plant, operation of the heap leach pads,” he said.
Works approval extended to 2027
The Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has extended Works Approval W6771/2022/1 through to August 2027. This covers key infrastructure works supporting the Cathode Project restart, including:
- Remediation of the existing Heap Leach Facility North
- Refurbishment of the solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) plant
- Construction of new and refurbishment of existing ponds
- Critical containment infrastructure upgrades
- Sulphuric acid storage and ancillary infrastructure
This approval is essential for refurbishing and installing the necessary plant components to enable the Phase 1 restart.
Environmental licence and operational scope
Cyprium holds Environmental Licence L6617/1992/15, which permits metallic ore processing of up to 3 million tonnes per annum and associated tailings and chemical storage activities. Once the works covered by the amended approval are finished, this licence will be updated to allow for:
- Vat or in-situ leaching up to 30,000 tonnes per year
- Processing and beneficiation of up to 9.6 million tonnes of metallic minerals annually
The update is largely administrative and ensures alignment with operational plans.
Mining proposal and closure plan extension
The approved Mining Proposal 126711 supports the restart of surface mining at Nifty, enabling:
- Cutbacks on the southern pit slope
- Continued use of run-of-mine (ROM) pads
- Development of up to 350 hectares of new waste rock and topsoil storage areas
In parallel, the deadline for submitting the Nifty Mine Closure Plan has been extended by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) to April 1, 2026. This extension aligns with the company’s projected activity timelines and pending changes to Western Australian guidelines on mine development and closure.
Additional operational approvals
Cyprium also holds critical approvals enabling long-term operations, including:
- Native Vegetation Clearing Permits for land access
- Water licences allowing use of up to 3.875 million kilolitres of groundwater
These approvals ensure resource availability and regulatory compliance for the broader redevelopment of Nifty.
“Cyprium has and continues to maintain the vital approvals that allow us to quickly embark on a phased redevelopment plan, and a constructive working relationship with our regulators as we build Australia’s next great copper company,” Fifield said.