Austral Resources (ASX:AR1) has identified an opportunity to unlock additional copper from its existing Mt Kelly heap leach stockpiles through the evaluation of patented Hydro-Jex in-heap leaching technology.
The company is evaluating the Hydro-Jex system which has more than 20 years of global operating history, having shown ‘significant’ recovery uplift and accelerated leach kinetics across multiple international operations.
Unlike conventional surface leaching methods, Hydro-Jex is applied internally within heap structures. By injecting solution directly into the heap, the technology alters internal chemistry and enables access to copper inventory that has become trapped due to physical changes occurring within heaps over time.
The potential application at Mt Kelly provides an opportunity to enhance copper recovery while minimising disturbance and capital intensity, as it may allow recovery of residual copper without physical dismantling and rebuilding the heaps.
Mt Kelly has a resource estimate of 22.6 million tonnes @ 0.20% copper for 44,600 tonnes in the inferred category. The resource also identified 45,000 tonnes of residual copper metal, which provides potential for further recovery from material that is not accessible through conventional surface leaching methods.
Austral Resources is an Australian copper producer, developer and explorer focused on discoveries in the Mt Isa District of northwest Queensland.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Austral Resources
