Power Metallic Mines (TSX-V:PNPN) has appointed BBA to lead a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) of its Nisk Project in Québec, Canada, targeting completion in the first half of 2027.
Power Metallic says engineering work begins this month, assessing mining and processing options, infrastructure, capital and operating costs, and preliminary economics for the Lion and Nisk Main deposits.
The study will draw on the mineral resource estimate announced on 8 September, focusing primarily on Lion. Nisk Main’s role will be evaluated alongside metallurgical studies expected before year-end.
CEO Terry Lynch says BBA’s engineering experience and regional presence will support the study.
“Its multidisciplinary capabilities, Québec presence and experience advancing mining projects through successive study stages make it well suited to lead the PEA,” Lynch says.
BBA Vice President of Mining and Metals Isabelle Leblanc says northern Québec projects present logistical and technical challenges.
“We understand the region, the infrastructure constraints and what it takes to move a project from study to construction. That’s the kind of partner we aim to be for Power Metallic Mines,” Leblanc says.
GeoVector Management will retain its geological role, while independent qualified persons from SGS Canada will take responsibility for the report’s geological, mineral resource, and metallurgical sections.
Power Metallic says it aims to establish an initial development scenario that considers capital requirements, operating complexity, and surface disturbance. The design would accommodate potential resource growth without relying on additional discoveries to support the initial case.
Lion drilling continues alongside study
Exploration at Lion Deeps, below the current resource, will continue during the PEA. Results from drilling completed after the resource estimate’s data cut-off will be reviewed with the study team as work progresses.
As previously reported by Mining.com.au, hole PML-26-125 at Lion returned a 5.7m downhole interval @ 14% recovery-adjusted copper equivalent at nearly 800m vertical depth, below the existing resource.
Environmental baseline studies are also underway, with a second field season planned for 2027. Québec-based ethos stratégie has been appointed to support community engagement.
The company says the PEA and associated environmental, technical, and community engagement programs are funded from existing cash resources.
Power Metallic Mines is a Canadian polymetallic explorer controlling approximately 330km² across the Nisk Project area, where it is advancing the Lion and Nisk deposits and evaluating the Tiger target.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Main image: Power Metallic Mines
