Bezant Resources is actively pursuing exploration on its 70%-owned Hope and Gorob copper/gold project in central Namibia as it awaits a mining licence.
The company also submitted a social and environmental impact assessment to interested and impacted parties for their opinion.
The current mineral resource estimate confirms the feasibility of a Phase 1 open pit operation and Phase 2 underground mine, with 15 million tonnes containing 1.2% copper and 0.4 g/t gold.
The additional work conducted on the project will greatly contribute to the optimisation of the process flowsheet, final mine design, and eventual commencement of operations.
Bezant had been working on formulating a work programme to efficiently prepare the project for swift execution.
This includes conducting metallurgical test work, engaging in discussions with potential mining contractors, designing the underground mine, exploring options with a potential hybrid renewable energy solution supplier, and negotiating with a service provider for the supply of major infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Bezant said it is currently conducting an initial in-house mineral assessment for the Kanye manganese project in Botswana.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished