New Frontier Minerals’ mining lease application (MLA) for its Big One copper deposit has progressed into the technical assessment phase.
The Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Department confirmed completion of the initial regulatory review and is now undertaking a detailed assessment of the application.
New Frontier said the MLA for the Big One deposit is a significant milestone, strengthening the company’s position across the broader NWQ copper project.
New Frontier Chairman Gerrard Hall said: “The Big One deposit offers a compelling opportunity to potentially process NWQ ore at the existing Mt Kelly facility, leveraging existing infrastructure and established processing pathways, while continuing to engage constructively with regulators.”
The development plan proposes mining and haulage to the Mt Kelly processing facility, operated by Austral Resources.
New Frontier and Austral have a memorandum of understanding for evaluating toll treatment and ore supply opportunities at the Mt Kelly Copper processing facility.
The company said sulphuric acid leach test-work conducted on material sourced from the Big One historical stockpile has delivered indicative copper recoveries of up to 99 per cent, confirming suitability for conventional acid leach processing.
The proposed operation is designed to leverage the site’s existing footprint, minimising surface impact and supporting New Frontier’s commitment to responsible development.
Looking ahead, Frontier will progress its assessment of priority mining areas and historical stockpiles outside of the current mineral resource estimate.
The company will also assess assay results from the Harts Range heavy rare earths drilling program.
Furthermore, the company will progress its proposed OTCQB listing in the U.S., with the application submitted and approval pending.
