Copper Fox Metals summarizes plan for Van Dyke PFS
Executive Summary
- Copper Fox Metals Inc. announced completion of a detailed execution plan to advance the Van Dyke in‑situ copper recovery (ISCR) project to a prefeasibility study (PFS).
- The plan estimates a three‑year, US$23.4 million PFS program (including a 10% contingency) and outlines a 12,620 m two‑phase drilling campaign to upgrade resources and support metallurgical, geotechnical, and hydrogeological work.
- A decision to proceed to the PFS stage is expected by the end of October 2025; the study will incorporate updated resource/reserve estimates, mine planning, permitting strategy, and comprehensive economic modelling.
Key Details
- Execution Plan Scope
- Outlines objectives, work programs, timelines, and cost for a full‑scale PFS on the Van Dyke ISCR project.
- Estimated duration: ~3 years (subject to metallurgical test‑work schedule).
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Estimated total cost: US$23.4 million (including US$2.17 million contingency).
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Drilling Program
- Total of 12,620 m RC and diamond core drilling across 25 locations.
- Phase I: 11,120 m in 21 holes (resource upgrade focus) – ~6 months to complete.
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Phase II: 1,500 m in 4 holes (hydrogeology monitoring wells, deeper aquifer pump test well, optional geotechnical cores).
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Metallurgical & Geotechnical Test Work
- Small‑scale leach tests, locked‑cycle tests, tracer and pressurized rinse tests to define acid consumption, leach cycle, and copper recovery.
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Core sampling for rock strength, elastic properties, Atterberg limits, USCS classification, and direct shear testing.
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Hydrogeological Monitoring
- Installation of eight vibrating wire piezometers (VWPs) and three water‑quality monitoring stations during drilling.
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Data to support aquifer protection permit (APP) and underground injection control (UIC) permitting.
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Economic Sensitivity
- Prior PEA indicated a US$90 million increase in after‑tax NPV for each US$0.25/lb rise in copper price.
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Updated economic model will use InEight estimating software, AACEI Class 4 detail, with cost accuracy ranges of –15%/–30% to +20%/+50%.
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Permitting Strategy
- Plan to apply for inclusive APP and UIC permits after PFS completion.
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Emphasis on meeting EPA and Arizona state water‑quality standards and WQARF requirements.
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Decision Timeline
- Management expects to decide on proceeding to the PFS before the end of October 2025.
Notable Quotes
“A decision to proceed to advance the project to the PFS stage is expected to be made before the end of October, 2025.” – Elmer B. Stewart, President & CEO, Copper Fox Metals Inc.
All forward‑looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties; actual results may differ materially.