Big One Stockpiles Show 83%–99% Copper Recovery, Fast-Tracking Production

Strong Metallurgical Results Unlock Value at Big One

New Frontier Minerals Limited (ASX, NFM) has delivered encouraging preliminary metallurgical test results from bulk samples taken from historical stockpiles at its Big One Deposit, part of the NWQ Copper Project in north-west Queensland. The tests, conducted by ALS Mt Isa, reveal copper recovery rates ranging from 83% to 99% using conventional sulphuric acid leaching methods, with most samples exceeding 95% recovery. This outcome confirms the amenability of the mineralised material to standard heap or vat leach processing, a key factor in advancing the project towards production.

High-Grade Copper and Processing Compatibility

The grab samples assayed copper grades between 3.9% and 11.85%, underscoring the high-grade nature of the stockpiled material. Notably, some samples also showed cyanide-leachable copper, indicating the presence of copper sulphide minerals that may require supplemental recovery methods. Importantly, the metallurgical results demonstrate strong compatibility with the processing flowsheet at Austral Resources’ Mt Kelly facility, with which New Frontier has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership offers a streamlined, low-cost development pathway by leveraging existing infrastructure and operational expertise.

Strategic Location and Resource Base

The Big One Deposit is the most advanced prospect within the NWQ Copper Project, situated in Australia’s premier copper province near Mt Isa. The deposit boasts a JORC-compliant inferred mineral resource estimate of 2.1 million tonnes at 1.1% copper, equating to approximately 21,886 tonnes of contained copper. The project benefits from proximity to world-class mining infrastructure and established mining operations by major companies, enhancing its commercial viability.

Pathway to Near-Term Production

Chairman Gerrard Hall highlighted the significance of these results, noting that the high recovery rates reinforce the potential viability of the Big One Deposit and support the company’s strategy to fast-track production. The ability to process legacy stockpile material as a starter operation offers commercial flexibility while broader exploration and resource growth programs continue. New Frontier plans to progress mining lease applications, undertake further drilling to expand the resource base, and collaborate closely with Austral Resources to define a comprehensive work program aimed at achieving production milestones efficiently.

Looking Ahead

While these metallurgical results are preliminary and based on limited bulk samples, they provide a promising foundation for New Frontier Minerals’ development ambitions. Further metallurgical optimisation, detailed resource modelling, and regulatory approvals will be critical next steps. The company’s strategic use of existing processing infrastructure through its MOU with Austral Resources could significantly reduce capital expenditure and accelerate the timeline to production, positioning the NWQ Copper Project as a noteworthy emerging copper asset in Australia.