Name and Location
Kitumba copper project, Zambia.

Client
Blackthorn Resources.

Project Description
A prefeasibility study (PFS) completed on the Kitumba copper project has demonstrated positive potential for an economically and technically viable project.

The project has mineral resources estimated at 108.9-million tonnes at a 0.5% copper cutoff, comprising indicated resources of 87.6-million tonnes at 1.17% copper and inferred resources of 21.3-million tonnes at 0.77% copper.

Envisaged is an underground mine with an 11-year mine life, 33-million tonnes of mineable ore and 572 000 t of contained copper.

Ore production of about three-million tonnes of run-of-mine a year will be conveyed to a combination flotation and solvent extraction and electrowinning plant to produce an average of about 39 000 t/y of copper.

Copper metal production will range from 36 000 t in the early years, ramping up to 40 000 t in the latter years.

Value
The PFS estimates project development costs at $358-million, including a $34.2-million contingency.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Blackthorn Resources has reported a maiden ore reserve of 33.5-million tonnes grading 1.7% copper at its Kitumba deposit, which forms part of the Mumbwa project area, in Zambia.

The project is estimated to contain about 541 000 t of copper.

The company will update the mineral resource estimate and the ore reserve towards the end of the year and the PFS to optimise the economic outcomes.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Lycopodium Minerals (PFS).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Blackthorn Resources, tel +61 2 9357 9000, fax +61 2 9332 1336 or
email info@blackthornresources.com.au.
Lycopodium Minerals, tel +61 8 6210 5222 or fax +61 8 6210 5201.