Northstar Gold has announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Novamera Inc to deploy the patented Surgical Mining process from surface to mine high-grade copper from Zone 2 at Northstar’s historic Cam copper mine, situated 18 km southeast of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, at Northstar’s 100%-owned Miller copper-gold property.
The LOI is predicated on Novamera’s recent positive “Zone 2 Proposed Development and Surgical Mining Evaluation Study” and Northstar’s recently announced near surface Zone 2 Exploration Target 3D models and high-grade copper and tonnage ranges of 75,000-140,000 t grading between 9% and 18% copper, with a conceptual average grade of 12% copper .
“Novamera’s Surgical Mining technology represents a transformative, data-driven approach to unlocking high-grade, steeply dipping tabular deposits, such as Northstar’s Zone 2,” Northstar said. “Currently being deployed at a gold project in Newfoundland, this method significantly reduces capital expenditures, accelerates the time to first production, and minimises environmental and social impacts.”
The LOI scope of work envisages evaluating the potential for Novamera to deploy its proprietary turnkey Surgical Mining solution to extract a conceptual 116,000 t of Zone 2 material using 93 extraction holes over an estimated period of 31 months.
Novamera has agreed to help identify financing sources for Surgical Mining Zone 2 at the Cam copper project. Preliminary discussions on offtake and financing with government and private sources have already begun.
Northstar plans to commission a NI 43-101 reporting compliant technical report and mineral resource estimate, including information regarding the reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction, on the Cam copper project.
Northstar says it is committed to securing all necessary permits and approvals to advance the Cam copper project toward a commercial production decision as efficiently as possible. Novamera’s innovative approach – featuring real-time reclamation and minimal water discharge can potentially streamline the regulatory pathway and accelerate project timelines.
Brian P Fowler, Northstar President, CEO and Director, said: “Northstar is very pleased to partner with Novamera and employ its innovative mining solution at Cam copper mine. Surgical Mining appears to be perfectly suited to effectively exploit Zone 2 in the near term, with nominal mining dilution and environmental impact. This proposed production arrangement minimises upfront financial and operational risk to Northstar and leverages Novamera’s extensive network of shareholders, private and government investment agencies, subject to the definition and permitting of an economic deposit.”
“Surgical Mining is redefining what’s possible in the mining industry,” Jim Hollis, CEO of Novamera, added. “Our method combines targeted drilling, real-time data and automation to unlock the potential of properties like the Cam copper project, while minimising environmental impact and respecting local communities. This isn’t just a new method; it’s a new mindset for how mining can and should be done.”
