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World Copper Reports 426 Million Tonne Oxide Copper Resource at Redefined Escalones Project
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2021) - World Copper Ltd. (TSXV: WCU...
About this update from World Copper Ltd
[{"type":"text","content":"World Copper Reports 426 Million Tonne Oxide Copper Resource at Redefined Escalones ProjectVancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2021) - World Copper Ltd. (TSXV: WCU) (OTCQB: WCUFF) (\"World Copper\" or the \"Company\") - announces that it has received an updated mineral resource estimate for its Escalones Copper project in Chile (\"Escalones\" or the \"Project\").Key HighlightsWorld Copper reports an updated inferred resource estimate of 426 million tonnes at 0.367% total copper in the oxidized zone at the Escalones project, Chile.The 3.45 billion pounds of copper should be amenable to heap leaching with an average recovery of 71%.Redefining the project as a copper oxide deposit significantly enhances its value by lowering costs of capital and operating development options compared to the previously contemplated sulphide flotation project.The updated resource estimate advances the Escalones project toward development and there is significant potential to expand the oxide resource as we continue to progress the project.The updated mineral resource estimate outlines 426 million tonnes of pit-constrained inferred mineralization grading 0.367% total copper, or 3.45 billion pounds of copper. Soluble copper recoveries are estimated to average 71% of total copper based on recently completed sequential copper leach assays. The resource is significant because it comprises an oxidized blanket extending down approximately 300m from surface, allowing for low strip ratios and production by low-cost heap leaching, which enhances the Project's development potential by requiring lower capital and operating costs. Furthermore, the Project is expected to have an easier permitting path by using the more environmentally friendly process of solvent extraction and electrowinning, producing copper cathode at site, and avoiding tailings and concentrate handling.CEO, Nolan Peterson, commented, \"This updated resource estimate confirms Escalones' potential for development as a sizeable copper oxide deposit and provides our company with new strategic options for advancement. We view this updated resource as a new starting point for the project, and it gives us confidence that our strategy of targeting the oxide portions of Escalones was the correct first step in unlocking the potential of the deposit. Furthermore, recently announced r...