Whundo Project Exploration Target: 15-23Mt at Up to 1.4% Copper and 0.4% Zinc

GreenTech Metals has announced a substantial copper-zinc Exploration Target at its Whundo Project, signaling potential for near-term mining operations. The company is accelerating assessments of gold contributions and advancing mining studies to unlock value.

  • Exploration Target estimates 15-23 million tonnes at 0.9-1.4% copper and 0.2-0.4% zinc
  • Focus on shallow mineralisation for near-term production opportunities
  • Gold contribution under fast-track review to enhance project economics
  • Conceptual mining studies include historic open pit areas and nearby deposits
  • Evaluation of Radio Hill processing plant as potential processing site
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A Large-Scale Exploration Target Emerges

GreenTech Metals Limited (ASX – GRE) has revealed a significant copper-zinc Exploration Target at its Whundo Project in Western Australia’s West Pilbara region. The target, estimated between 15 and 23 million tonnes grading 0.9% to 1.4% copper and 0.2% to 0.4% zinc, suggests a potentially larger mineral system than previously defined. This announcement marks a pivotal step in GreenTech’s strategy to assess the viability of near-term mining operations.

The Exploration Target encompasses multiple mineralised shoots across several deposits including Whundo East and West, Ayshia, Yannery, Austin, and Shelby. Notably, this target is conceptual and excludes existing Mineral Resource Estimates, reflecting the early stage of exploration with further drilling required to confirm resource status under the JORC Code.

Shallow Mineralisation and Near-Term Production Focus

GreenTech is prioritising shallow mineralisation zones that could support near-term production. These zones are of immediate interest as they lie close to surface and beneath historic open pit workings, potentially reducing development timelines and capital expenditure. The company is concurrently fast-tracking an updated Mineral Resource Estimate to incorporate recent high-grade gold intercepts, which could materially enhance the project’s economic profile.

Executive Director Tom Reddicliffe highlighted the dual focus on shallow and deeper mineralised areas, with the former being the primary target for initial mining opportunities. The inclusion of gold and silver in the resource model is expected to increase the in-ground value and improve project economics, a critical factor given current strong commodity prices.

Mining Studies and Processing Options

GreenTech has engaged Burnt Shirt Pty Ltd, a mining consultancy, to evaluate various mining and processing scenarios. Conceptual studies are underway to explore mining immediately below historic open pits at Whundo East and West, as well as unmined deposits at Ayshia and Yannery. The proximity of the Radio Hill processing plant, just 12 kilometres away, offers a promising processing option that could streamline operations and reduce infrastructure costs.

The Whundo Project benefits from secure tenure on granted mining leases, with heritage clearances completed and no known impediments. This regulatory readiness positions GreenTech well to advance mining permit applications and scoping studies in the near future.

Extensive Drilling and Geophysical Support

The Exploration Target is underpinned by a comprehensive drilling database of over 1,100 holes totaling more than 83,000 metres, supplemented by geophysical surveys including FLTEM and downhole EM conductor plates. These datasets have been integrated using advanced modelling techniques to define mineralised domains and support the conceptual target estimate. Upcoming drilling programs aim to test mineralisation continuity between key deposits and extend known mineralised shoots, further refining resource potential.

GreenTech’s methodical approach to exploration and resource evaluation reflects a maturing project moving steadily towards development. The company’s focus on both copper and zinc, alongside gold and silver, aligns with the growing demand for battery and electric vehicle metals, reinforcing the strategic importance of the Whundo Project.

Bottom Line?

GreenTech’s Whundo Project is shaping up as a compelling near-term copper-zinc-gold opportunity, with upcoming drilling and scoping studies set to define its economic potential.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will the inclusion of gold and silver impact the updated Mineral Resource Estimate and project economics?
  • What timelines are anticipated for mining permit approvals and commencement of near-term production?
  • To what extent can the Radio Hill processing plant be leveraged to optimize capital and operating costs?