Cobre Limited has secured Environmental Impact Assessment approval for its In-Situ Copper Recovery pilot plant in Botswana, marking a pivotal step towards project development.
- Botswana DEP approves EIA scope for ISCR pilot plant
- Community engagement and baseline studies underway
- Ngami Copper Project targets sedimentary-hosted copper-silver mineralisation
- Project modelled on successful Arizona ISCR deposits
- Approval de-risks permitting and advances development roadmap
Environmental Approval Clears Path for Pilot Plant
Cobre Limited (ASX – CBE) has announced a significant regulatory milestone for its Ngami Copper Project in Botswana, with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approving the scope of work for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) focused on an In-Situ Copper Recovery (ISCR) pilot plant. This approval provides a clear and structured pathway for permitting, enabling the company to advance community engagement and baseline environmental studies that are essential components of the EIA process.
Unlocking Value Through Innovative Copper Recovery
The Ngami Copper Project targets sedimentary-hosted copper-silver mineralisation, characterised by fine-grained chalcocite amenable to acid leaching. This mineralisation occurs below the water table within well-fractured zones, making it a promising candidate for ISCR technology. Cobre aims to replicate the success of similar large-scale ISCR operations in Arizona, such as Taseko Mines’ Florence Copper and Copper Fox’s Van Dyke deposits, which demonstrate the potential for economically viable copper extraction using this method.
Strategic Importance and De-Risking the Project
CEO Adam Wooldridge highlighted the significance of the DEP’s approval, noting it as a key milestone that de-risks the permitting process and provides a clear framework for advancing specialist studies and reporting. The company’s approach balances exploration ambitions with development potential, positioning the Ngami project as a strategic asset within Botswana’s highly prospective sedimentary copper belt. The commencement of community engagement also reflects Cobre’s commitment to responsible development and stakeholder collaboration.
Looking Ahead
With the EIA process now underway, Cobre is poised to progress towards pilot plant construction and further technical studies. While specific timelines remain to be detailed, this regulatory endorsement is a critical step in moving the project from exploration towards commercialisation. Investors and industry watchers will be keen to monitor forthcoming EIA findings and community feedback, which will shape the project's trajectory in the coming months.
Bottom Line?
Cobre’s EIA approval marks a turning point, setting the stage for pilot plant development and unlocking the Ngami project’s potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What is the expected timeline for pilot plant construction and commissioning?
- How will community engagement influence the final EIA outcomes?
- What are the projected capital and operational costs for scaling ISCR at Ngami?