Impressive 96% Recovery Rate Positions Company for Significant Growth
Prospect Resources (ASX:PSC, FRA:5E8) has announced outstanding metallurgical test results from its Mumbezhi Copper Project in Zambia, demonstrating exceptional copper recovery rates and high-grade concentrates using simple, conventional flotation methods.
The company achieved 96.2% copper recovery with a concentrate grade of 24.6% copper and 9,000 parts per million cobalt after a single cleaning stage, confirming the highly favorable metallurgical properties of the Nyungu Central deposit.
After two cleaning stages, testing produced an even higher-grade copper concentrate of 33.3% copper with 90.1% recovery, positioning the project competitively among copper developments worldwide.
Managing Director and CEO Sam Hosack commented: "Prospect is so highly tuned towards reducing risk and upsizing commercial viability, and the metallurgical testwork is the mainstay of our strengths in developing our project."
Significant Processing Advantages Uncovered
The test work, conducted by independent process consultants Core Metallurgy, revealed several key advantages that could substantially improve the project economics:
| Metallurgical Parameter | Result | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Recovery | 96.2% (single cleaning) | Exceptional metal extraction |
| Concentrate Grade | 24.6% Cu (single cleaning) | Highly marketable product |
| Primary Grind Size | Coarsened from 150μm to 250μm | Lower capital and operating costs |
| Graphitic Carbon | Up to 4.8% TGC with no negative impact | Effective processing despite carbon presence |
The ability to use a coarser grind size without significant recovery loss represents a major positive development, as it directly translates to lower equipment costs and reduced power consumption during processing.
Advancing Development at Mumbezhi
These results follow Prospect's successful maiden exploration program at Mumbezhi, which culminated in a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate of 107.2 million tonnes at 0.5% copper for 514,600 tonnes of contained copper announced in March 2025.
The company is currently conducting similar testwork on transitional material from Nyungu Central and fresh sulphide material from the Kabikupa deposit, with results expected in late Q2 2025.
Understanding Copper Flotation: A Primer for Investors
What is Flotation?
Flotation is a mineral processing technique that separates valuable minerals from waste rock by exploiting differences in their surface properties. The process works by:
- Crushing and grinding ore to liberate mineral particles
- Creating a slurry mixed with water and chemical reagents
- Introducing air bubbles that selectively attach to target minerals
- Collecting the mineral-laden bubbles as a concentrated froth
For copper projects, successful flotation is critical to economic viability as it determines both the grade of the final product and the percentage of metal that can be recovered from the ore.
The impressive 96.2% recovery rate achieved at Mumbezhi places it in the upper tier of copper projects globally, as many operations struggle to exceed 90% recovery, particularly with complex ores.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
Prospect is accelerating development following its recent strategic placement and technical alliance with leading copper miner First Quantum. The company has commenced Phase 2 drilling and has outlined several key upcoming activities:
- Completion of flotation testwork for Nyungu Central transitional material (Q2 2025)
- Metallurgical testing of fresh Kabikupa sulphide materials (Q2 2025)
- Comminution testwork for Kabikupa materials
- Geometallurgical model framework updates with ERM Global
Investment Thesis: Why Prospect Resources Matters
Prospect Resources is strategically positioned to benefit from growing copper demand driven by global electrification trends. Electric vehicles use up to 80kg of copper per vehicle, four times the amount in conventional vehicles.
The Mumbezhi project offers several compelling advantages:
- Location in the world-class Zambian Copperbelt – a proven jurisdiction for large-scale copper production
- Exceptional metallurgical results with 96% recovery rates using conventional processing
- Potential for lower capital and operating costs due to coarser grinding requirements
- 85% ownership of a significant copper resource in a tier-one mining region
- Strategic alliance with First Quantum, providing technical expertise and funding support
The project's metallurgical performance, combined with its scale and location, positions Prospect as an emerging player in the copper market at a time when new supply is increasingly challenging to develop.
Why Investors Should Follow This Company
Prospect Resources represents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the copper sector for several reasons:
- De-risking progress – With each technical milestone, the company is systematically addressing development risks
- Resource growth potential – The Mumbezhi project contains multiple exploration targets beyond the current resource
- Favorable metallurgy – The exceptional recovery rates and concentrate grades enhance economic potential
- Strategic location – Proximity to established infrastructure in Zambia's Copperbelt region
- Experienced management – Leadership with demonstrated capabilities in developing mining projects
As global copper demand continues to outpace supply, Prospect's advancing Mumbezhi project represents an increasingly attractive development opportunity with substantial upside potential as the company progresses toward production.
Ready to Invest in Prospect's Copper Success Story?
Discover how Prospect Resources' exceptional 96.2% copper recovery rates and strategic position in Zambia's Copperbelt could deliver significant shareholder value. Review the company's latest announcements and investment potential by visiting Prospect Resources' ASX Announcements page to stay informed about their progress at the promising Mumbezhi Copper Project.
