Introduction
The Dilala East deposit is an advanced copper and cobalt
exploration prospect located in the DRC, close to the mining
centre of Kolwezi.
Activities over the last 18 months
A study was completed by Metorex in February 2010, which
concluded that the Dilala East Project shows reasonable
prospects of being developed into a profitable underground
mining operation. This was based on the declared SAMRECcompliant
oxide/sulphide resource of 19,1 million tons at
2,9 percent copper and 0,9 percent cobalt. The measured and
indicated resource estimate extended to a depth of 460 metres
below surface, and was based on the results of 45 drillholes
available at the time. An additional 17 drillholes have been
completed subsequently, extending the resource to a depth of
600 metres below surface.
The study was submitted to Gécamines in terms of the Ruashi
Mining partnership agreement. Metorex and Gécamines are
working together to determine the best way forward for the
project, the mineral title to which is still held by Gécamines.
Outlook
Limited exploration drilling activities are ongoing and funded
via Ruashi Holdings. This drilling is focused on depth extensions
of the sulphide zone. The completion date of the BFS has been
extended to accommodate the delays in transfer of the mineral
title by Gécamines. |
