Northstar Gold Corp. (CSE:NSG) said on Monday it signed a Master Project Agreement with DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, along with Novamera Inc and Micon International, to support data-driven and digital solutions for its Cam Copper Surgical Mining Project in Ontario.
The agreement forms part of a broader DIGITAL-backed initiative that will provide partial funding for the project, the company said, adding that further details will be released later.
The announcement follows a definitive services agreement signed in October under which Novamera will deploy its precision “Surgical Mining” technology to extract about 120,000 tonnes of copper-rich material over a 31-month pilot phase. The method uses real-time downhole imaging, robotic drilling and immediate backfilling to reduce surface disturbance and water discharge.
The pilot program is based on Novamera’s evaluation of Cam Copper’s near-surface Zone 2 target, which hosts an estimated 75,000 to 140,000 tonnes grading between 9% and 18% copper, Northstar said.
The company said the alternative mining method requires no blasting, generates less waste and uses a closed-loop water system, enabling a smaller environmental footprint and potentially simplifying regulatory permitting. Extracted material will be shipped directly to a nearby mill for processing.
Northstar and Novamera are conducting due diligence and implementation planning, with Novamera set to receive a 5% revenue share. Upfront capital needs are estimated at about US$1.5 million, with remaining project costs structured off balance sheet.
"The DIGITAL Master Project Agreement provides a strategic funding endorsement and validation of Novamera's ground-breaking Surgical Mining approach and copper production potential at Northstar's Cam Copper Project,” Northstar CEO Brian Fowler said.
“This agreement positions all project partners to produce Ontario critical minerals responsibly and profitably with a modest environmental footprint."