Blackthorn Resources progressing Kitumba study update
THE DRILL SERGEANT: Blackthorn Resources (ASX: BTR) has released an update on the progress of a Pre-feasibility Study Optimisation program being carried out at the company’s Kitumba copper project in Zambia.
Blackthorn Resources commenced the Study Optimisation program following the completion of a preliminary Prefeasibility Study (PFS) in September 2013 of the Kitumba project.
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Kitumba project – Regional location plan. Source: Company announcement
The aim of the Kitumba PFS Optimisation program is to; improve feed grade, improve recovery rates, and to lower operating costs and substantially improve project economics.
Work completed to date includes the incorporation of the project’s Mineral Resource estimate results, a mine plan design, and updating of production sequencing.
Metallurgical testing has been carried out as well as the completion of a process flowsheet design completed.
The Study has also identified a simple power supply solution for the project.
“Considerable progress has been made on the Kitumba copper project PFS Optimisation and we are greatly encouraged by the outcomes to date,” Blackthorn Resources CEO Mark Mitchell said in the company’s announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange.
“Whilst the preliminary PFS results released in September 2013 indicated that the Kitumba copper project was economically and technically feasible, the optimisation work is providing further indication of enhanced economics in line with our expectations outlined when the optimisation programme commenced.”
Blackthorn Resources considers the Kitumba project to potentially be of great value to the company with the completion of the PFS Optimisation being a key step in the project’s development.
The preliminary PFS demonstrated an economic project at Kitumba, and enabled Blackthorn to apply for a mining licence for Kitumba.
It also demonstrated the project design needed further work if the company was to maximise its development potential.
As a result, optimisation studies have been undertaken on the PFS to develop key areas with the greatest potential to improve the project economics.
Email: info@blackthornresources.com.au
Website: www.blackthornresources.com.au