Impact Minerals Unveils Major Nickel-Copper Anomaly, Advances Lake Hope HPA Project

Lake Hope Project Nears PFS Completion

Impact Minerals Limited (ASX: IPT) has marked a significant milestone in its Lake Hope High Purity Alumina (HPA) project in Western Australia, with process testwork programmes now concluded. These results have enabled the company to finalise the mine schedule, plant design, and capital and operating cost estimates, setting the stage for the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) completion expected in the second quarter of 2025.

Collaboration with Edith Cowan University and CPC Engineering continues under a CRC-P research project, focusing on membrane development for the leaching stage of the Lake Hope material. This integration of academic research and industrial engineering could enhance the project's technical robustness and commercial viability.

Arkun-Beau Project: A New Nickel-Copper-PGM Target Emerges

At the 100%-owned Arkun-Beau project, Impact Minerals has identified a compelling nickel-copper-palladium-platinum-gold anomaly at the Caligula Prospect. This anomaly, spanning approximately 400 by 200 metres, is supported by coincident geophysical signatures from Mobile Magnetotelluric (MMT) and airborne electromagnetic (EM) surveys, which are direct drill targets for sulphide mineralisation.

The metal assemblage and geophysical data suggest the presence of a previously unrecognised ultramafic unit with potential for magmatic nickel-copper sulphides akin to the high-grade Gonneville and Nova-Bollinger deposits. The company plans to commence drilling in Q2 2025, partially funded by a $180,000 co-funding grant from the WA Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme, underscoring the project's strategic importance.

Strategic Expansion Near Broken Hill

Impact Minerals has expanded its footprint near the world-renowned Broken Hill silver-lead-zinc mine in New South Wales by acquiring a 675 sq km tenement package from New Frontier Minerals Limited. This acquisition increases Impact’s total tenure in the region to 1,770 sq km, positioning it as a major landholder with over 100 kilometres of strike.

Exploration focus is shifting towards copper, inspired by a novel geological model that suggests significant copper mineralisation may exist deeper in the stratigraphy beneath Broken Hill. The company’s participation in the BHP Xplor program has facilitated detailed mapping, sampling, and geophysical studies, which have identified multiple copper targets for further investigation.

Corporate and Financial Highlights

Financially, Impact Minerals successfully raised A$3.63 million through a renounceable rights issue, with a 70% take-up rate, strengthening its cash position to A$3.75 million as of March 31, 2025. The company also acquired a 50% interest in Alluminous Pty Ltd, gaining access to the HiPurA® High Purity Alumina processing technology, a strategic asset that complements its Lake Hope project ambitions.

Meanwhile, the Burrendong Minerals Limited IPO was withdrawn due to market conditions, with the project now being marketed for joint venture opportunities. Impact continues to evaluate funding options to advance its copper exploration targets near Broken Hill, balancing its immediate focus on Lake Hope with longer-term growth prospects.

Looking Ahead

With drilling at Arkun imminent and the Lake Hope PFS on the horizon, Impact Minerals is poised to deliver critical milestones that could reshape its valuation and market perception. The company’s strategic land acquisitions and technology integration efforts underscore a diversified approach to growth in the base metals and specialty minerals sector.