A scoping study on Alkane Resources’ Boda-Kaiser gold-copper project in New South Wales has put the miner on a path for major development at the site.
The Boda-Kaiser project is a large gold-copper porphyry system in central-west NSW with potential for a long-term bulk-tonnage mining and processing operation.
Alkane explored three development options in its study, which considered the economics of launching Boda-Kaiser as a five, 10, and 20 million-tonne project.
Following the study, Alkane confirmed it intends to move ahead with the largest development scenario.
This will see Alkane aim to process 323 million tonnes of ore at 0.26 grams per tonne of gold and 0.15 per cent copper over the next 17 years. Of the mine’s life.
An average of 35,600 tonnes of copper and 159,300 ounces of gold per annum will be produced for the first five years of operation.
Alkane managing director Nic Earner welcomed the result.
“This scoping study shows that at current copper and gold prices a large mine and processing facility can be built at Boda-Kaiser with strong economic returns that could provide supply into global gold and copper markets – both highly attractive commodities with strong market fundamentals over the long term,” Earner said.
“There remains significant potential to add both to the overall resource with further exploration, and to the potential project economics with further examination of mining cost and method, particularly large-scale underground mining.
“Our focus over the next year at Boda-Kaiser is regional exploration, environmental studies, increasing our understanding of mining options and discussions with potential strategic partners.”
Next steps will see Alkane conduct baseline environmental monitoring and impact assessments that will be required for project approval in the future.
The company will also consider potential routes for infrastructure to the project area, particularly for the supply of power and water, as well as metallurgical test work and further exploration.
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