Cyprium Metals Unveils 1.6Mt Copper Resource Upgrade at Maroochydore

Resource Upgrade Highlights a Large Copper Sulphide System

Cyprium Metals Ltd (ASX: CYM) has announced a substantial upgrade to its mineral resource estimate for the Maroochydore Copper-Cobalt Project in Western Australia's Paterson region. The updated estimate reveals an inferred resource of 370.8 million tonnes grading 0.43% copper and 227 ppm cobalt, equating to approximately 1.6 million tonnes of contained copper and 84,000 tonnes of cobalt. This marks a significant expansion compared to previous estimates and underscores the project's scale and potential.

The upgrade includes a higher-grade domain of 106.3 million tonnes at 0.67% copper and 308 ppm cobalt, which could serve as a valuable satellite feed to Cyprium's nearby Nifty Copper Complex. The Maroochydore deposit's sedimentary copper mineralisation shares geological similarities with Nifty, suggesting continuity and potential synergies in processing and development.

Extensive Drilling and Rigorous Modelling Underpin the Update

The new resource estimate integrates data from 1,299 drillholes totaling over 110,000 meters, including more than 19,000 meters of recent core and reverse circulation drilling. This comprehensive dataset allowed Cyprium and MEC Advisory to remodel the resource from first principles, applying a 0.25% copper cutoff grade consistent with the nearby Nifty project. The resource is predominantly sulphide mineralisation (74%), with transitional and oxide zones making up the remainder.

Geostatistical analysis and kriging techniques were employed to ensure robust grade estimation, while validation exercises confirmed strong correlations between input assay data and modelled grades. Despite some limitations in density data, currently inferred from analogous Nifty domains, the resource classification as inferred reflects a cautious but confident assessment of the deposit's continuity and scale.

Strategic Implications and Next Steps

Executive Chair Matt Fifield highlighted the significance of the upgrade, noting that Maroochydore had been overlooked in recent years due to focus on near-surface oxide mineralisation. The recognition of a large, shallow sulphide resource with a higher-grade zone opens the door for medium-term expansion plans leveraging Cyprium's existing processing infrastructure at Nifty.

Preliminary metallurgical testwork supports the feasibility of conventional milling and flotation processing, with promising copper and cobalt recoveries. Cyprium is now poised to undertake further studies, including infill drilling, particularly in the less explored eastern lode, density measurements, and structural modelling to refine the resource and advance towards a scoping study.

The project benefits from its proximity to established infrastructure and the operational experience gained at Nifty, reducing development risks. However, additional work is needed to confirm economic cutoffs, metallurgical recoveries, and the potential cobalt credit, which could enhance project economics.

A Step Towards Building Australia’s Next Copper Powerhouse

Maroochydore’s resource upgrade represents a pivotal moment for Cyprium Metals as it seeks to establish itself as a leading copper producer in Australia. The scale and quality of the resource, combined with strategic location and existing assets, position the company well to capitalize on growing global demand for copper and cobalt, critical metals for the energy transition.

Investors and analysts will be watching closely as Cyprium progresses its exploration and development plans, with the potential for Maroochydore to materially contribute to the company’s production profile and value creation in the coming years.