Mumbezhi Metallurgical Success Paves Way for Copper Hub Development
Prospect Resources (ASX:PSC) has announced compelling metallurgical test results from its Mumbezhi Copper Project in northwest Zambia, confirming the project's robust and scalable nature for a planned central processing hub development.
High-Grade Copper Concentrates Demonstrate Processing Viability
Recent metallurgical testing conducted by independent process consultants Core Metallurgy has yielded exceptional results from multiple mineralised zones at Mumbezhi:
- Kabikupa fresh composite: Achieved 27.5% Cu concentrate with 95.3% Cu recovery after just one cleaning stage
- Nyungu Central fresh composite: Produced 24.6% Cu concentrate with 96.2% Cu recovery following a single cleaning stage
- Nyungu Central transition composite: Generated 32.1% Cu concentrate with 81.4% Cu recovery after two cleaning stages
Significantly, all composites performed well with a coarse primary grind size (P80 of 250μm), which is expected to lower future plant capital and operating costs.
Standard Flotation Process Confirms Central Processing Hub Potential
A key finding from the metallurgical program is that the standard flotation process worked effectively for both Nyungu Central and Kabikupa deposits, supporting the use of one simple centralized processing plant. This significantly enhances the economic potential of Prospect's hub-and-spoke development strategy.
"These results show that Mumbezhi mineralisation has a conventional processing profile, with copper ores that can be treated using simple, low-cost processing methods as implemented at both Lumwana and Sentinel Mines," stated Sam Hosack, Prospect's Managing Director and CEO.
Gold By-Product Potential Enhances Project Economics
An unexpected bonus from the testing was the discovery of preliminary gold values in Nyungu Central transition materials, suggesting scope for payable by-product credits that could enhance future concentrate value. The transition sample returned elevated gold values of 0.40g/t with indicative concentration of up to 29g/t Au in copper concentrate.
| Deposit | Material | Cu Recovery | Concentrate Grade | Other Notable Elements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kabikupa | Fresh | 95.3% | 27.5% Cu | 310 ppm Co |
| Nyungu Central | Fresh | 96.2% | 24.6% Cu | 0.9% Co |
| Nyungu Central | Transition | 81.4% | 32.1% Cu | 9.1% Co, Gold potential |
Understanding Metallurgical Testing
What is Metallurgical Flotation Testing?
Metallurgical flotation testing is a process where mineral samples are crushed, ground, and mixed with water and chemical reagents to create a slurry. Air is then bubbled through the slurry, causing valuable minerals to attach to the bubbles and float to the surface, where they can be collected as a concentrate.
For copper projects like Mumbezhi, flotation testing determines:
- The optimal grind size for liberating copper minerals
- Maximum achievable copper recovery percentages
- Potential concentrate grades (higher grades typically command premium pricing)
- Processing complexity and reagent requirements
These factors directly impact both capital costs (processing plant design) and operating costs (ongoing production expenses), making metallurgical results critical to project economics.
The flotation process used at Mumbezhi follows a standard flowsheet that includes:
- Primary grinding to a P80 of 250μm
- Rougher flotation for initial mineral separation
- Regrinding of rougher concentrate to P80 of 75μm (53μm for transition material)
- One or two cleaning stages to upgrade concentrate quality
For Nyungu Central transition material, testing showed that finer regrinding (P80 of 53μm) and two cleaning stages were required to adequately liberate copper minerals from graphitic carbon, resulting in an impressive 32.1% Cu concentrate.
Future Plans & Development Timeline
Prospect Resources is advancing several technical activities at Mumbezhi:
- Ongoing Phase 2 exploration, development, and drilling activities
- Expanded gold potential assessment license-wide
- Completion of flotation testwork for Kabikupa transition materials
- Comminution testwork for Nyungu Central and Kabikupa
- Geometallurgical model framework updates for Nyungu Central
The company is positioning Mumbezhi for rapid advancement through feasibility studies, with the aim of bringing the project into commercial copper production as soon as practicable.
"With high copper recovery and concentrate grades, we're increasingly confident that Mumbezhi can deliver strong economic returns as the Project progresses. The potential for gold at Nyungu Central also adds value, and a broader gold assessment across the licence is now underway," noted Hosack.
Investment Thesis: Why Mumbezhi Matters
The Prospect Resources Mumbezhi Copper Project represents a compelling investment opportunity in the critical minerals space for several reasons:
- Location advantage: Situated in the world-class Central African Copperbelt region of Zambia, near several major operating mines
- Processing simplicity: Demonstrated ability to use conventional, low-cost processing methods
- High recoveries: Exceptional copper recoveries (>95% for fresh material) with high-grade concentrates
- Resource growth: Recent maiden JORC resource of 107.2Mt @ 0.5% Cu for 514.6kt of contained copper, with expansion drilling underway
- By-product potential: Newly identified gold credits could enhance project economics
Why Investors Should Follow Prospect Resources
Prospect Resources is rapidly advancing a significant copper asset at a time when copper demand is expected to surge due to global electrification. With the Mumbezhi Copper Project demonstrating robust metallurgical performance using conventional processing methods, the company is positioning itself for potential development at a lower capital and operating cost profile than many peers.
The company's methodical approach to development, combined with its focus on a central processing hub model, provides a clear pathway to potential commercial production. For investors seeking exposure to the copper sector, Prospect Resources represents an emerging opportunity with significant technical de-risking already completed.
The Phase 2 drilling program currently underway is focusing on expanding the existing resource footprint of Nyungu Central to the north, east, and west, while at Kabikupa, drilling is targeting infill and extension positions to upgrade and expand the existing Inferred Mineral Resource.
With metallurgical testing confirming the viability of a central processing hub and the potential for gold by-product credits, Prospect Resources continues to build a compelling case for the development of Mumbezhi as a significant new copper production centre in Zambia's Copperbelt region.
Ready to Capitalise on Mumbezhi's Copper Potential?
Discover how Prospect Resources is advancing its high-recovery, low-cost copper project in Zambia's world-class Copperbelt region. With exceptional metallurgical results confirming processing viability and unexpected gold by-product potential, Mumbezhi represents a compelling investment opportunity in the critical minerals space. Visit Prospect Resources' ASX announcements page to stay informed about ongoing developments and position yourself for this emerging copper opportunity.
