Bezant Resources PLC (AIM: BZT) has completed the first blast at its 90%-owned Hope & Gorob copper-gold project in Namibia, marking another step towards initial mining and plant commissioning.
The blast involved approximately 20,000 tonnes of material, expected to liberate around 2,000 tonnes of commercially viable mineralisation.
Preliminary observations indicate that the exposed mineralisation is consistent with the existing geological block model in both location and grade tenor. Bezant’s grade-control team will now compare blasthole assays with the exposed mineralisation before selecting run-of-mine ore for stockpiling.
Mining and transportation of ore to the Tsaoxaub Metals flotation plant are expected to begin shortly, building a stockpile ahead of future commissioning.
The company has also completed onboarding of the plant site manager, with recruitment of additional plant operators underway.
Preparations for the second blast are already progressing, with blastholes drilled and mining contractor Unitrans beginning ground clearance and separation of ore and waste.
Colin Bird Executive Chairman of Bezant commented:
‘We are pleased to announce this important mile stone in the development of the Hope and Gorob Copper and Gold mine development. The blast was successful with excellent fragmentation and extremely well positioned relative to ore. The result is testament to our external geological advisor Sound Engineering and also our newly recruited geological staff. The project continues to move forward in all aspects and we are particularly pleased with progress at the NLZM plant where current activity is intense. We will keep the market updated as we proceed towards the key mile stones of ore input and saleable concentrate.“
