World Copper Announces Grade-Confirmation Programme at the Zonia Copper Project, Arizona

Rhea-AI Summary

World Copper (TSXV: WCU) (OTCQB: WCUFF) has announced a grade-confirmation programme at its Zonia copper-oxide project in Arizona, USA. The project contains over 7.1 million tons of run-of-mine mineralized material on three leach pads from the 1970s, potentially holding up to 55 million pounds of copper. This material, not currently included in the project's Mineral Resource Estimate, could become an additional early revenue source.

The programme will involve up to 1,100 metres of reverse circulation drilling, followed by metallurgical testing. Historical estimates suggest remnant copper content ranging from 26.6 to 55 million lbs, with grades between 0.4% to 0.6% Cu. The company aims to confirm these grades and explore options for reprocessing, either through a small, portable SX-EW plant or by crystallizing copper sulfate.

Positive

• Potential additional early revenue source from 7.1 million tons of run-of-mine mineralized material
• Historical estimates suggest up to 55 million pounds of copper in the leach pads
• Material is located on private patented land and easily accessible
• Reprocessing could potentially improve project economics and NPV
• Opportunity for pre-production revenue through reprocessing

Negative

• Historical quantities and grades have not been verified by the company
• Insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource for the leach pad material
• Uncertainty if further exploration will result in a defined mineral resource

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 12, 2024) - World Copper Ltd. (TSXV: WCU) (OTCQB: WCUFF) (FSE: 7LY0) ("World Copper" or the "Company"; announces a grade-confirmation programme at its Zonia copper-oxide project in Arizona, USA ("Zonia" or the "Zonia Project").

As a past producer, Zonia hosts over 7.1 million tons (containing up to 55 million pounds of copper) of run-of-mine mineralized material placed on three leach pads in the 1970’s. This material is not currently considered in the project’s Mineral Resource Estimate. This partially processed material is located on private patented land and is easily accessible (see the release from July 2^nd, 2024, for further details). It presents a significant opportunity to add value to the project and could potentially become an additional early revenue source, having a positive effect on Zonia’s future economics and NPV (net present value).

Historical documents (a mine production report from 1979 and a project evaluation report from 1982) estimated remnant copper content of the pads ranging from 26.6 million lbs to 55 million lbs, with a grades ranging from 0.4% to 0.6% Cu. Therefore, the Company has initiated a grade-confirmation programme, which will include surface studies, drilling, and metallurgical testing to confirm the acid-soluble copper grade of this material. The programme will involve up to 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) of reverse circulation (“RC”) drilling, followed by metallurgical testing and additional in-fill drilling, if required.

Re-processing historical material often presents very attractive economics. At Zonia, this material is readily available and could be processed at lower cost than the bedrock resource. Following the completion of the grade-confirmation programme and securing the necessary permits, the Company plans to focus on designing the most optimal solution for reprocessing the material either through a small, portable SX-EW plant or by crystallizing copper sulfate, a marketable product requiring less upfront investment. This production could occur prior to commencement of the full-scale production from Zonia's main mine plan, as outlined in the historical preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") of 2018.

Mr. Gord Neal, CEO of World Copper, states: “Confirmation of existing copper metal sitting on our leach pads is a real opportunity to generate pre-production revenue, The grade-confirmation programme is a crucial first step towards creating additional shareholder value through potential upfront cash flow.”

Readers are cautioned that the above historical quantities and grades reported in the historical reports have not been verified by the Company and there has been insufficient work to determine if the numbers in the historical reports are accurate. The potential quantity and grade of copper at the historical heap leach pads are conceptual in nature, as there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. The Company is not treating the opportunity target as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

ABOUT THE ZONIA PROJECT

Zonia is in the Walnut Grove Mining District, Yavapai County, Arizona, and consists of 96 patented and 185 unpatented mineral claims, 566.85 acres of surface rights acquired from the State of Arizona, and 376 acres purchased from a private estate, all totaling 4,373 acres.

Zonia is a near-surface, copper-oxide resource and a brownfields site having already been pre-stripped and mined in the late 1960s and '70s. The project has been significantly de-risked with over 50,000 metres of drilling completed to date and with substantial amounts of detailed engineering completed. The PEA based on the Historical Resource Estimate indicated that the project could be advanced utilizing low-cost open pit mining and heap leach with SX-EW processing to produce pure copper cathode (a copy of the PEA technical report is available on Zonia Holdings Corp.'s (formerly Cardero Resource Corp.) SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca).

In addition to the established resource, the Zonia land position contains a copper-molybdenum geochemical anomaly Zonia North located within the same prospective geology. This anomaly is located two kilometres northeast of the resource and represents a high-priority copper-oxide porphyry exploration drill target. For further details on the Zonia North target please refer to news releases from May 2, 2022.

The Zonia Project's most recent mineral resource estimate includes 75.7 million short tons grading 0.30% total-copper (Indicated Resources) containing 450.5 million pounds of copper and 122.0 million short tons grading 0.24% total-copper (Inferred Resources) containing 575.4 million pounds of copper (see news release dated February 23, 2023).

The Updated Resource Estimate was completed by Richard A. Schwering P.G., SME-RM, of Hard Rock Consulting, LLC of Lakewood, Colorado ("HRC"), an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), for World Copper as part of the Company's overall exploration plan for Zonia (see news release dated May 22, 2022).

Table 1. Resource Estimate for Zonia

Table 1. Resource Estimate for Zonia

Classification (Oxidation State)	Copper Cut-off (%)	Short Tons (Million)	Grade (CuT %)	Cu. Lbs. (Million)
Indicated (Oxide)	0.125	71.3	0.3	425.1
Indicated (Transition)	0.13	4.4	0.29	25.4
Total Indicated	Variable	75.7	0.3	450.5
Inferred (Oxide)	0.125	100.1	0.23	463.7
Inferred (Transition)	0.13	21.9	0.25	111.7
Total Inferred	Variable	122	0.24	575.4

 

Notes:

1. The effective date of the Updated Resource Estimate is September 1, 2022.
2. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred Mineral Resources are that part of the mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geologic evidence and sampling, which is sufficient to imply but not verify grade or quality continuity. Inferred Mineral Resources may not be converted to mineral reserves. It is reasonably expected, though not guaranteed, that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration (see "Cautionary Note to United States Investors").
3. Mineral resources are reported using a variable total-copper cut-off. The cut-off grade for blocks was calculated based on the following assumptions: a long-term copper price of US$3.60/lb., assumed combined operating ore costs of US$6.25/ton (low grade re-handle, process, and general and administrative costs), refining & shipping costs of US$0.15/lb. of copper, and copper metallurgical recoveries of 73% for blocks coded as oxide and 70% for blocks coded as transition.
4. Mineral resources are captured within an optimized pit shell and meet the test of reasonable prospects for economic extraction by open pit. The optimization used the same mining costs of US$4.75/Ton mined and a 50º pit slope.
5. Mineral resource tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding.

Table 2. Mineral Resources Over a Range of Cut-off Grades

Cut-off Grade (CuT %)	Indicated			Inferred
	Tonnage	CuT	Cu lbs	Tonnage	CuT	Cu lbs
	T x 1000	Grade	lbs x 1000	T x 1000	Grade	lbs x 1000
0.090	87,747	0.27	475,976	162,657	0.20	662,848
0.100	83,865	0.28	468,588	152,548	0.21	643,594
0.125	75,751	0.30	450,622	122,164	0.24	575,722
Base Case 0.125-.130	75,720	0.30	450,541	122,031	0.24	575,385
0.150	71,879	0.31	440,114	103,964	0.25	526,232
0.175	68,631	0.31	429,464	91,327	0.27	485,298
0.200	63,166	0.32	408,869	76,672	0.28	429,769
0.225	55,457	0.34	375,983	63,410	0.29	373,374
0.250	47,137	0.36	336,415	48,081	0.31	300,678

 

Notes:

1. Please see the notes to Table 1.

Figure 1. View of Pit Constrained Resources Above Cut-off Looking North and Rotated Down 60 Degrees (Hard Rock Consulting, 2022).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3653/218034_d3c6ef4d14abab93_004full.jpg

QUALIFIED PERSONS

John Drobe, P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Drobe is not independent of World Copper as he is a consultant of World Copper.

ABOUT WORLD COPPER LTD.

World Copper Ltd., headquartered in Vancouver, BC, is a Canadian resource company focused on the exploration and development of its copper porphyry projects: Zonia in Arizona and Escalones in Chile. Both projects have estimated resources with significant soluble copper mineralization, and they boast exciting potential to expand the resource base. The Company is dedicated to sustainable practices and leveraging technology to develop safe and productive mining operations in stable, mining-friendly jurisdictions.

Detailed information is available at World Copper's website at www.worldcopperltd.com, and for general Company updates you may follow us on our social media pages via Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

WORLD COPPER LTD.

"Gordon Neal"

Gordon Neal
President & Chief Executive Officer
gneal@worldcopperltd.com
Mobile:604-657-7813

For further information, or to schedule a Zoom meeting with Management, please contact:
Gordon Neal or Michael Pound
Phone: 604-638-3665
E-mail: info@worldcopperltd.com

For all Public Relations inquiries, please contact:
Nancy Thompson
Vorticom, Inc.
Office: 212-532-2208 | Mobile: 917-371-4053

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Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

*Updated resource estimate completed by Richard A. Schwering, P.G., SME-RM of Hard Rock Consulting, LLC of Lakewood, Colorado, an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), for World Copper as part of the Company's overall exploration plan for Zonia.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements with respect to anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities (including the potential results of re-processing the historical heap leach pads and ISL area), the expected exploration at Zonia of the historical heap leach pads and ISL area, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of World Copper are forward-looking statements.  Although World Copper believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “may”, “should”, “would”, “will”, “potential”, “scheduled” or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved.  In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, World Copper has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, market fundamentals will result in sustained copper demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of Zonia in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of World Copper’s projects and its ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of World Copper to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.  Such risks and other factors include, among others, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, including on Zonia, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID–19, including the impact of COVID–19 on World Copper’s business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of World Copper to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in World Copper’s continuous disclosure documents.  All of World Copper’s Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials. 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  World Copper does not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. 

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

World Copper prepares its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws.  Terms relating to mineral resources in this news release are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in CIM Standards.  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has adopted amendments effective February 25, 2019 (the “SEC Modernization Rules”) to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 

As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC will now recognize estimates of “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources”, which are defined in substantially similar terms to the corresponding CIM Standards.  In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of “proven mineral reserves” and “probable mineral reserves” to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Standards. 

U.S. investors are cautioned that while the foregoing terms are “substantially similar” to corresponding definitions under the CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Standards.  Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that World Copper may report as “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources” under NI 43-101 would be the same had World Copper prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. 

In accordance with Canadian securities laws, estimates of “inferred mineral resources” cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances where permitted under NI 43‑101.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218034

FAQ

What is the purpose of World Copper's grade-confirmation programme at the Zonia Project?

The programme aims to confirm the acid-soluble copper grade of run-of-mine mineralized material on three leach pads from the 1970s, potentially containing up to 55 million pounds of copper. This could add value to the project and become an additional early revenue source.

How much drilling is planned for the Zonia Project grade-confirmation programme?

World Copper plans to conduct up to 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) of reverse circulation drilling as part of the grade-confirmation programme at the Zonia Project.

What are the potential processing options for the Zonia Project's leach pad material?

World Copper is considering two main options for processing the leach pad material at the Zonia Project: using a small, portable SX-EW plant or crystallizing copper sulfate, which requires less upfront investment.

What is the estimated copper content and grade of the Zonia Project's leach pads according to historical documents?

Historical documents estimate the remnant copper content of the Zonia Project's leach pads to range from 26.6 million to 55 million pounds, with grades ranging from 0.4% to 0.6% Cu.

How could the leach pad material impact World Copper's (WCUFF) future economics?

If confirmed and processed, the leach pad material at the Zonia Project could potentially become an additional early revenue source for World Copper (WCUFF), positively affecting the project's economics and net present value (NPV).