Prospect Resources has reported robust metallurgical testwork results from the Kabikupa deposit within its Mumbezhi Copper Project, achieving copper concentrate grades exceeding 25% with recoveries above 94%. These findings bolster the project's processing strategy and underpin upcoming scoping studies.
- Kabikupa transition composite yielded 31.9% Cu concentrate at 94.7% recovery
- Low-grade fresh composite produced 25.0% Cu concentrate at 94.3% recovery
- Coarse grind size of 250µm supports lower processing costs
- Simple flotation flowsheet consistent with Nyungu Central tests
- Results feed into Q4 2026/Q1 2027 scoping study preparations
Kabikupa Metallurgical Tests Deliver High-Quality Copper Concentrates
Prospect Resources Limited (ASX:PSC) has reinforced the economic promise of its Mumbezhi Copper Project in northwest Zambia with fresh metallurgical testwork results from the Kabikupa deposit. Independent Brisbane-based consultants Core Metallurgy Pty Ltd processed composites from Kabikupa’s transition and low-grade fresh mineralisation, achieving copper concentrate grades of 31.9% and 25.0% respectively, both with copper recoveries exceeding 94% after a single cleaning stage.
The testwork employed a flotation flowsheet consistent with that previously developed for Mumbezhi’s Nyungu Central and Kabikupa high-grade fresh materials, utilising a coarse primary grind size of 250µm (P80). This coarser grind size is notable for its potential to reduce future plant capital and operating expenses, a critical factor in project feasibility.
Simple Processing Route Supports Project Economics
Managing Director Sam Hosack highlighted the straightforward nature of the processing route, stating that the results “deliver further confidence in our growing technical dataset for Mumbezhi.” The flotation tests confirmed that both transition and low-grade fresh composites can be effectively treated within parameters established for Nyungu Central, using a rougher flotation time of 9 to 12 minutes and a single cleaning stage at pH 10.5.
Multi-element analysis of the concentrates confirmed excellent quality consistent with smelter specifications in Zambia, with low levels of deleterious elements such as arsenic and lead. The low total graphitic carbon content in Kabikupa samples also simplifies reagent schemes, potentially lowering processing complexity.
Technical Advances Underpin Upcoming Scoping Study
These metallurgical outcomes feed directly into Prospect’s planned Scoping Study scheduled for completion in late 2026 or early 2027. The study will integrate the latest technical data alongside ongoing Phase 3 exploration drilling, which targets resource growth at the Nyungu Hub and regional prospects across the extensive Mumbezhi licence area.
Phase 3 drilling, which began earlier this year, aims to expand the Mineral Resource base and test high-potential satellite targets with assay results expected imminently. The combined progress in resource definition and metallurgical performance strengthens the case for a centralised processing facility at Mumbezhi producing high-grade concentrates with attractive recoveries.
Broader Project Development and Exploration Context
Prospect’s Mumbezhi Project, situated in the prolific Central African Copperbelt, now boasts an updated Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource estimate of 208.1 million tonnes at 0.42% copper, following a 20% increase in tonnage earlier this year. The project’s scale and grade are comparable to major regional mines, with the added prospect of significant gold and cobalt by-product credits enhancing overall economics.
The metallurgical advances at Kabikupa complement earlier successes at Nyungu Central, where similar flotation testwork achieved concentrate grades above 24% copper with recoveries exceeding 96%. The consistent performance across multiple deposit zones suggests a robust processing pathway that could streamline development timelines.
Bottom Line?
Kabikupa’s metallurgical results validate a cost-effective processing approach, setting a strong technical foundation ahead of Mumbezhi’s scoping study and further resource expansion.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the coarse grind size impact capital and operating costs in detailed feasibility studies?
- What are the implications of Kabikupa’s concentrate quality for smelter negotiations and off-take agreements?
- Can ongoing Phase 3 drilling deliver the resource growth needed to support a centralised processing hub?