Doré Copper Provides Update on Its Project Activities - Seite 2

Hole JA-23-01 intersected 1.5 meters of mineralization, mainly chalcopyrite in centrimetric veins, at a downhole depth of 438 metres (Jaculet Zone 1), approximately 12 meters below the interpreted location of the historical intercepts in V17 and V17A. It is now believed that the location of the historical holes is perhaps inaccurate and more to the east, in the area of the underground workings, indicating that the mineralization hit in hole JA-23-01 is at the periphery of the main ore shoot. Assays are pending for hole JA-23-01.

Corner Bay Metallurgical Test Work

During Q4 2022, a spatially diverse composite sample from the Corner Bay core was prepared for additional ore sorting tests at Steinert’s facility in Kentucky, United States, using a XRT sensor (X-ray transmission) and a laser sensor. The composite sample weighted 202 kg and graded 2.20% Cu, and included an 18% external mining dilution from the hanging wall and foot wall of the mineralized interval. The results, announced on April 18, 2023, showed a copper grade increase of 77% (from 2.20% to 3.93%) and copper recoveries in the order of 93.5% with the final reject portion representing 47.5% of the feed mass at a grade of 0.30% Cu. Results were equally positive for gold, silver and molybdenum. Lastly, the arsenic grade of the two pre-concentrates was found to be 12 ppm which leads to a final concentrate with low arsenic levels.

During Q2 2023, a metallurgical test program was started at Base Metallurgical Laboratories in British Columbia. A total of four spatially diverse composites were prepared, including the samples from the Steinert ore sorting tests. The metallurgical test work will include grind size optimization, reagent determination, and grade-recovery curves for copper. Recoveries for gold, silver and molybdenum will also be determined, as well as minor element concentrations in the copper concentrate. The program will also include thickening and filtration testing. 

Preliminary results of the metallurgical test work indicate high rougher recoveries of +95% copper with little sensitivity to a grind size between 100 and 180 microns. Complete results are expected in Q3 2023.

Environmental and Social Assessment

In June 2023, Doré Copper received the project directive for the environmental and social assessment of its proposed hub-and-spoke operation from the Quebec Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP). The project directive is for the development of two underground mines (Corner Bay and Devlin), the rehabilitation of the Copper Rand mill and the use of the existing tailings management facility.