Can Mumbezhi’s Gold Credits and Simplified Processing Boost Profitability?

• High-grade copper concentrates from Nyungu Central and Kabikupa deposits
• Copper recoveries exceeding 95% with simple flotation processing
• Preliminary gold by-product credits identified in transition zones
• Lower graphitic carbon at Kabikupa simplifies processing and reduces costs
• Ongoing Phase 2 exploration and technical studies to expand resources

Robust Metallurgical Results Bolster Mumbezhi Prospects

Prospect Resources Limited (ASX – PSC) has unveiled encouraging metallurgical test results from its Mumbezhi Copper Project in northwest Zambia, reinforcing the project's potential as a scalable and economically viable copper development. Independent testing by Core Metallurgy Pty Ltd confirms that both the Nyungu Central and Kabikupa deposits produce high-grade copper concentrates with strong recoveries using conventional flotation methods.

The Kabikupa fresh composite sample yielded a copper concentrate grading 27.5% copper with 95.3% recovery after a single cleaning stage, while Nyungu Central’s fresh and transition composites delivered concentrates up to 32.1% copper with recoveries exceeding 81%. These results align well with industry standards and suggest that a centralised processing plant could efficiently treat ores from multiple zones.

Simplified Processing and Cost Advantages

Notably, the Kabikupa deposit exhibits lower levels of graphitic carbon, a mineral that can complicate flotation processing. This reduces the need for depressants and simplifies the reagent scheme, potentially lowering operating costs. The coarse primary grind size (P80 of 250 microns) used in testing further supports cost efficiencies by reducing energy consumption and capital expenditure for milling.

Prospect’s CEO Sam Hosack highlighted the significance of these findings, noting the conventional processing profile of Mumbezhi’s mineralisation and the parallels with established mines such as Lumwana and Sentinel. He emphasized that the improved metallurgical performance compared to previous operators enhances confidence in the project’s economic returns.

Gold By-Product Potential Adds Value

In addition to copper and cobalt, preliminary assays from Nyungu Central’s transition materials revealed elevated gold levels (0.40 grams per tonne), with concentrate grades potentially reaching up to 29 grams per tonne. While gold credits typically require higher thresholds for payability, this early indication opens the possibility of additional revenue streams, which Prospect is now investigating across the broader licence area.

Advancing Exploration and Development

Prospect is actively progressing Phase 2 exploration, including further drilling, geometallurgical modelling, and comminution testing to refine the understanding of ore characteristics and processing requirements. The company plans to complete flotation testwork on Kabikupa transition materials and extend gold assessments licence-wide. These efforts aim to underpin upcoming scoping and feasibility studies that will define the path toward commercial production.

Situated in the prolific Central African Copperbelt, Mumbezhi benefits from proximity to major mines and infrastructure, enhancing its strategic value. With a maiden mineral resource estimate of over 107 million tonnes at 0.5% copper, the project is positioned as a significant copper development aligned with global demand for electrification and battery metals.

Bottom Line?

Prospect Resources’ latest metallurgical success at Mumbezhi sets the stage for advancing a cost-effective, high-grade copper project with promising gold upside.

Questions in the middle?

• How will the potential gold by-product credits impact the overall project economics?
• What are the timelines and capital requirements for the planned scoping and feasibility studies?
• How might ongoing Phase 2 drilling expand the resource base and influence processing strategies?