Bezant Resources (LSE:BZT) has reported progress on the development of its Hope & Gorob copper-gold project and the associated Tsoaxaub Metals Processing Plant in Namibia, with first run-of-mine ore scheduled to be processed during September 2026.
Commissioning of the upgraded processing plant is progressing in line with the company’s schedule, with the initial processing of ore expected to mark the start of concentrate production.
Mine and Processing Infrastructure Advances
Bezant said infrastructure at the Hope & Gorob mine is largely in place, including camp facilities and mining fleets.
Ore stockpiles have also been established and are above initial projections following the recovery of additional ore, according to the company.
At the Tsoaxaub Metals Processing Plant, major civil and structural work has been completed, while mechanical installation is approaching completion. Bezant said flotation cells, crushers and the assay laboratory are either ready or nearing readiness for operations.
Phase II Expansion Review Accelerated
The company has accelerated its review of a potential Phase II expansion following an increase in mineral inventory and changes in copper, gold and silver prices.
Management said a proportion of lower-grade mineralisation that had previously been considered sub-economic may now be suitable for inclusion in mine planning.
Bezant is also assessing a higher mass-pull ore-sorting approach. Under the scenario being considered, increased recoveries would be accompanied by a lower pre-concentrate grade.
The potential changes remain subject to ongoing technical, environmental and economic assessments.
Bezant Estimates Potential 35-Year Mine Life
Based on the current mineral inventory, existing JORC mineral resources and processing assumptions under consideration, Bezant said it believes the Hope deposit could support an estimated mine life of approximately 35 years.
The company said that if higher mass-pull processing scenarios are demonstrated to be feasible, additional lower-grade material could potentially be included in the mine plan. According to Bezant, this could extend the operating life and increase total copper production.
These estimates remain dependent on the processing scenarios and further assessments being evaluated by the company.
Bezant Resources Operations
Bezant Resources Plc is a copper and gold exploration and development company advancing the Hope & Gorob project in Namibia.
The company is repurposing the Tsoaxaub Metals Processing Plant to process run-of-mine material from Hope & Gorob. Its current work includes commissioning activities alongside reviews of mine planning, processing parameters and the potential inclusion of additional lower-grade mineralisation.
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