How Cobre’s Ngami Project Is Shaping Up with New Environmental and Drilling Milestones
Cobre Limited has initiated an Environmental Impact Assessment and reported strong assay results from its Ngami Copper Project, setting the stage for a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate by August 2025.
- Appointment of Loci Environmental for EIA at Ngami Copper Project
- Completion of infill diamond drilling with consistent copper-silver mineralisation
- Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate expected by August 2025
- Permitting planned for In-Situ Copper Recovery pilot and full-scale operations
- Metallurgical and hydrogeological studies supporting project development
Environmental Permitting Takes Centre Stage
Cobre Limited (ASX, CBE) has taken a significant step forward in advancing its wholly-owned Ngami Copper Project (NCP) in Botswana’s prolific Kalahari Copper Belt by appointing Botswana-based Loci Environmental to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This assessment, supported by detailed hydrogeological modelling from WSP Australia, is a critical prerequisite for securing permits to commence a pilot In-Situ Copper Recovery (ISCR) operation. The EIA is expected to take approximately nine months, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible development in a sensitive environmental setting.
Drilling Results Reinforce Resource Potential
Recent infill diamond drilling over the Comet Target has yielded assay results that reinforce the continuity and grade of copper-silver mineralisation. Highlights include intercepts such as 16.7 meters at 0.44% copper and 10 grams per tonne silver, and 18.5 meters at 0.52% copper and 15 grams per tonne silver. These results build on previous drilling campaigns and support the upcoming maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), anticipated by August 2025. The drilling program has focused on approximately 2.5 kilometers of the 4-kilometer strike length of the Comet Target, aiming to upgrade this zone into a resource category.
Targeting In-Situ Copper Recovery
The NCP’s mineralisation is characterised by sedimentary-hosted, structurally controlled copper-silver deposits dominated by fine-grained chalcocite, which is amenable to acid leaching. This mineralisation style is well-suited to ISCR, a low-impact extraction method that could offer significant operational advantages. Cobre is modelling its approach on comparable projects such as Taseko Mines’ Florence Copper and Copper Fox’s Van Dyke deposits in Arizona, both of which have demonstrated the viability of ISCR at scale.
Robust Technical and Regulatory Foundations
Alongside drilling, Cobre has undertaken extensive metallurgical test work and hydrogeological studies to underpin the project’s development. The company has implemented rigorous quality control and assurance protocols, with assays conducted by ALS Laboratories in Johannesburg and geological data verified by independent experts. The EIA will address permitting for both the pilot and, contingent on pilot success, full-scale ISCR production, positioning the project for a smooth regulatory pathway.
Looking Ahead
With the EIA underway and a maiden MRE on the horizon, Cobre is advancing steadily towards unlocking the potential of the Ngami Copper Project. The combination of promising drilling results, a clear environmental permitting strategy, and alignment with proven ISCR projects provides a compelling narrative for investors and stakeholders alike.
Bottom Line?
Cobre’s progress at Ngami signals a pivotal phase, with environmental approvals and resource definition poised to shape the project’s future trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Environmental Impact Assessment be completed on schedule without regulatory delays?
- How will the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate quantify the scale and grade continuity of the Comet Target?
- What are the next steps and timelines for advancing from pilot ISCR operations to full-scale production?
