Tag Archives: Idaho

Idaho Copper Corp puts Veracio TruScan drill core scanning tool to work

Base metals, Mineral exploration, Mining services, Precious metals, , , ,

This week, in Boise, Idaho, Idaho Copper Corporation commenced a critical next step in its business plan, deploying Veracio’s TruScan mobile scanning unit to begin analysing over 60,000 ft (18,288 m) of drill core.

In a warehouse holding this core, Veracio will begin digital scanning and measuring the metal grades associated with this core, which has been pulled from the CuMo project over the past 20 years.

The TruScan mobile scanning unit contains sophisticated software and XRF (X-ray Fluorescence ) scanning equipment that analyses drill core on as small as 15 mm intervals to detect and measure copper and molybdenum grades. XRF technology is non-destructive and works by measuring the fluorescent (or secondary) X-ray emitted from a solid material sample when it is exposed to a primary X-ray source. Each of the elements present in a sample produces a set of characteristic fluorescent X-rays that is unique for that specific element.

The company will use this data to confirm previous laboratory analyses of the metal distribution within the core, and compare the detailed scan results with previous studies. The results will then be used to determine potential ore sorting parameters in an updated preliminary economic assessment (PEA), and to select various bulk core samples for detailed metallurgical and ore sorting studies.

The ultimate goal of this exercise is to reduce the overall mill size and significantly increase mill feed grades, which the company expects will translate into lower capital costs and higher profitability for the project.

Idaho Copper Corporation is a mineral exploration and development company focused on exploring and developing a copper-molybdenum-silver deposit in Idaho. The CuMo project currently consists of 126 federal unpatented lode mining claims, and six patented mining claims. In total, the project comprises approximately 2,640 acres (1,068 ha).

Wood’s cobalt and copper refining expertise tapped for Jervois ICO project

Base metals, Energy minerals, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

Having recently sewn up the lead engineers for finalisation of a bankable feasibility study (BFS) at its 100%-owned ICO cobalt-copper project in Idaho, US, Jervois Mining has selected Wood as its preferred engineering contractor to progress the refinery scoping study at the project.

The ICO, planned to be the only domestic cobalt mine within the US, is expected to commence commercial concentrate production in the second half of 2021.

Jervois said Wood has expertise in the refining of sulphide concentrates through to both battery-grade crystal and refined LME copper and 99.8% LMB cobalt metal, which will be of use in this study. The company said: “Wood is well placed to lead the engineering study which includes an initial high-level review of commercially available technology for the refining of sulphide concentrates through to metal.”

Battery recycling technology and third-party feed processing will also be considered to highlight future market opportunities that may enhance the refineries strategic importance within the US and further improve the economic returns, Jervois said.

Mineralogy and metallurgical test work progressing at SGS will optimise the selective cobalt concentrate chemical characteristics and be applied in the flowsheet options study.

“As part of the current feasibility study being led by DRA and M3, preliminary results obtained from the SGS test work have achieved satisfactory separation and selectivity between copper and cobalt,” Jervois said, adding that locked cycle tests are planned to define the improved selectivity.

The Wood refinery study will be completed during the March quarter in conjunction with the previously announced feasibility study to concentrate.

DRA Global and M3 Engineering on board Jervois ICO cobalt-copper project

Base metals, Mineral project development, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

Jervois Mining says it has selected DRA Global and M3 Engineering as lead engineers for finalisation of a bankable feasibility study (BFS) for its 100%-owned ICO cobalt-copper project in Idaho, US.

The selection of engineers comes only two months after Jervois got its hands on the project following a completed merger with eCobalt.

Jervois said: “DRA and M3 have extensive study and construction experience across all the relevant unit operations for the ICO, providing a strong basis for successful BFS delivery. They were chosen due to their strong track record with relevant process plant studies as well as construction and operating implementation phases, as Jervois looks to move seamlessly into construction after BFS and project financing close.”

The joint engineering team has extensive global experience across both cobalt and copper mining operations and concentrator flowsheets, while also having a detailed understanding of project delivery in the US, specifically local conditions in Idaho and regional contractor capabilities, Jervois said.

Finalisation of the BFS will be based on a flotation mill processing 1,200 short tonnes per day (1,089 t/d) of ore, as well as ancillary facilities. The project will ultimately consist of an underground cobalt-copper mine, a flotation mill processing 1,200 st/d as well as ancillary facilities. The latter will include aspects such as the mine and related infrastructure, run of mine pad and crushers, fine ore conveyor and silo, mill and flotation, tailings, waste rock and water storage facilities, water treatment plant, soil stockpile area, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System discharge outfall and non-process infrastructure to support the development and mine operations.

Jervois expects the BFS will be concluded in the March quarter of 2020 and summarised in a NI 43-101 compliant feasibility study soon after. The company has commenced a diamond core drilling program at ICO to supply metallurgical samples for test work to support the BFS update, and to infill drill the RAM deposit during initial years of envisaged mining operation.

ICO will initially produce and sell separate cobalt and copper concentrates as Jervois formed a view early in its due diligence of ICO that reversion to separate concentrates was commercially necessary in the absence of a US refinery. In comparison to the partially completed mine and mill, the refinery is at a preliminary level of study and technical certainty, and so cannot be realistically constructed within the same timeframe as mine to concentrate.

Jervois has commenced discussions with offtake partners for an initial period covering mine ramp up and stabilisation. Jervois will also commission a refinery engineering study to consider commercially proven technology to process concentrates, including third party feed through to refined cobalt and copper.

With the ICO BFS team now established, DRA and M3 will progress the engineering design for the process plant and infrastructure. In parallel, Jervois has commenced discussions with potential lenders and a data room is being prepared to facilitate due diligence. Upon project financing close and opening of the ICO mine portal and decline, Jervois expects a 12-month construction period with first saleable concentrate in the second half of 2021