Elizabeth Creek Project Surpasses 1 Million Tonnes Copper Equivalent, Advances Approvals

Environmental Approval Milestone Achieved

Coda Minerals Limited (ASX, COD) has reached a significant milestone in the development of its flagship Elizabeth Creek Copper-Cobalt Project with the submission of the Draft Scoping Report to the South Australian Department of Energy and Mining (DEM). This report is a critical component of the environmental approvals process, outlining the specific scope of environmental studies and data collection required before a Mining Lease can be granted.

The Scoping Report submission marks a formal step in South Australia’s streamlined approvals framework, designed to reduce duplication, enhance transparency, and provide a fixed pathway for project proponents. Once reviewed and accepted by the government, the Final Scoping Report will establish binding terms of reference, effectively locking in the environmental study requirements and mitigating the risk of unexpected regulatory changes later in the process.

Project Scale and Strategic Location

Elizabeth Creek is an advanced copper-cobalt development project situated within the Olympic Copper Province, a world-class mining jurisdiction in South Australia. The project boasts over 1 million tonnes of contained copper equivalent in JORC-compliant resources, including the Emmie Bluff, Windabout, and MG14 deposits. Its proximity to major infrastructure and established operations, such as BHP’s Olympic Dam and Carrapateena mines, further enhances its strategic value.

CEO Chris Stevens highlighted the advantages of operating in South Australia, noting the state’s proactive regulatory environment and ambitious copper production targets. He emphasized that the clear and efficient approvals process reduces the risk of delays often encountered in other jurisdictions, providing investors with greater confidence in the project’s timeline.

Advancing Technical and Economic Studies

Alongside regulatory progress, Coda’s technical team is advancing metallurgical testwork following a recent breakthrough in whole-ore leaching flowsheet development. This progress is expected to improve recoveries and project economics. Concurrently, optimisation efforts and detailed operating and capital expenditure estimates are underway, with results anticipated in the near term.

The company’s dual strategy involves both advancing the development of its known Zambian-style copper-cobalt deposits and exploring a significant IOCG (Iron Oxide Copper Gold) system adjacent to Emmie Bluff. Early drilling results from the IOCG target have been promising, with substantial mineralisation intersected, indicating potential for further resource expansion.

Regulatory Certainty and Next Steps

The Draft Scoping Report will undergo assessment by multiple South Australian government agencies to ensure the proposed environmental studies meet rigorous standards. Upon acceptance, the Final Scoping Report will provide a binding agreement that fixes the scope of environmental work required, reducing uncertainty and regulatory risk as Coda moves toward its Mining Lease application.

This milestone is a critical step in de-risking the project’s pathway to development, aligning with South Australia’s goal to significantly increase copper production over the next two decades. Investors and stakeholders will be watching closely for the Final Scoping Report approval and forthcoming technical study results, which will further clarify the project’s economic potential and development timeline.