A cooperative exploration plan has been established between Zambia-Congo Copperbelt-focused copper explorer and developer Midnight Sun Mining and copper producer First Quantum Minerals (FQM) to jointly define potential feed sources for FQM’s solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) oxide copper circuit at the Kansanshi mine.

The cooperative plan will see Midnight Sun working closely with FQM to delineate and evaluate the potential grade and metallurgy of the possible oxide ore types from feed sources.

Exploration work on oxide copper targets across Midnight Sun’s Zambia-based Solwezi project is anticipated to start in the second quarter of 2024, with an initial focus on the Kazhiba Dome target, where previous drilling intercepted 14.2 m of 5.71% copper, 24 m of 3.15% copper and 8 m of 5.14% copper.

Prior work on the Solwezi project outlined multiple high-grade zones of oxide copper mineralisation.

The Solwezi project is surrounded by significant producing copper mines, including Africa’s largest copper mining complex, in close proximity.

“Through exploration work carried out across our Solwezi project, we have outlined numerous areas of high-grade oxide copper mineralisation at or near surface,” says Midnight Sun president and CEO Al Fabro.

Previously, he adds, Midnight Sun considered oxide intercepts as pathfinders in the company’s exploration efforts for large sedimentary copper targets at depth. “Now, a remarkable opportunity to utilise this oxide material has been identified, which could put Midnight Sun in a position to become a near-term producer.”

Fabro notes that FQM’s Kansanshi mine has depleted oxide reserves and is transitioning to a large sulphide development. “In the meantime, they have capacity potential to process oxide ore.”

In this regard, he points out that Midnight Sun’s property is just a few kilometres from FQM’s Kansanshi mine’s gate, with an existing haul road, owned by FQM, connecting the two.

“Using oxide copper ore from our property, First Quantum may be able to enhance feed grades and utilise sulfuric acid produced by their on-site smelter. In turn, Midnight Sun would be in a position to receive significant near-term positive cash flow from the throughput of material from our property.”

Meanwhile, in parallel with a joint agreement between Midnight Sun and artificial intelligence-driven explorer and developer KoBold Metals’ work on Solwezi’s Dumbwa Target area, Midnight Sun’s exploration plans this year will be focused on this cooperative exploration programme to delineate oxide copper on multiple areas of Midnight Sun’s Solwezi project.

Phase 1 of this programme is expected to start at the Kazhiba Dome, which is located less than 10 km from the Kansanshi mine gate.