Cyprium Metals Nears Operational Readiness with First Acid Delivery at Nifty

Sulphuric Acid Delivery Marks Major Milestone

Cyprium Metals (ASX:CYM) has achieved a tangible marker in its phased restart of the Nifty Copper Complex with the first delivery of sulphuric acid to site since the plant's closure in 2006. The new acid terminal, commissioned during the quarter, now supports ongoing leaching operations, effectively transitioning the project from construction to commissioning readiness.

This delivery is more than symbolic; it confirms regulatory approvals are in place and the logistics chain from Port Hedland to Nifty is operational. The acid supply agreement with one of Australia's largest sulphuric acid handlers secures up to five months of forecast requirements stored at Port Hedland, ensuring continuity as the heap leach programs ramp up.

Comprehensive Progress Across Processing Infrastructure

The Phase 1 Copper Cathode Restart project has advanced across multiple key work packages. Heap leach pads have undergone material turnover and piping installation, with hydro-testing underway. Notably, Cyprium has initiated a trial of direct injection leaching; a method that could increase the volume of material under leach by injecting acid solutions vertically into the heaps, diverging from the conventional surface drip feed method outlined in the Nifty pre-feasibility study.

Meanwhile, the solvent extraction (SX) plant has seen completion of structural repairs, acid proofing, and regulatory sign-off. Installation and cleaning of tanks, mixer repairs, and pipework reinstatement position the SX plant for imminent commissioning. The electrowinning (EW) plant is also advancing, with concrete works, HDPE lining repairs, and installation of critical components like compressors and electrowinning cells progressing steadily.

Electrical and Instrumentation Systems Near Completion

Restoration of electrical and instrumentation systems remains a major focus, essential for commissioning. The team has methodically removed redundant cables, tested motor control centres, and installed new wiring and field devices. Variable speed drives and pump rewiring are complete, and logic control studies for the EW plant have commenced, underscoring the shift from refurbishment to operational readiness.

Growth Initiatives and Resource Updates on the Horizon

Alongside the restart, Cyprium continues to mature its growth plans. The company is finalising capital estimates and planning for an expansion of SXEW plant capacity from the Phase 1 target of approximately 6,000 tonnes per annum to around 20,000 tonnes per annum. This expansion hinges on increasing copper production through enhanced leaching volumes and sourcing additional oxide material from existing stockpiles and the open pit.

Cyprium has advanced evaluation of shallow oxide material in the open pit, previously excluded from cathode operations in the 2024 Nifty pre-feasibility study. Additional drilling and mine planning are underway, with updated Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves expected in the second half of 2026. Concurrently, plans to refurbish the existing concentrator and refine open pit mining strategies are progressing.

The exploration team has also pushed forward with drilling programs and awaits results, with a separate update anticipated soon. These efforts collectively aim to underpin Cyprium’s ambition to build a tier-one copper producer in Western Australia.