CoTec Holdings Corp. has announced the successful completion of its 2025 sonic drilling and bulk sampling programme at the Lac Jeannine Iron Tailings Project located in Québec, Canada. This milestone is pivotal as the company shifts its focus towards initiating a Feasibility Study expected to start in the third quarter of 2025.
#Recent Developments
As part of its latest activities, CoTec has engaged Corem for metallurgical testing, which will play a significant role in assessing the viability and efficiency of iron concentrate production. The initiatives are supported by discussions with strategic partners, as well as various stakeholders, including governmental and First Nations representatives.
Julian Treger, CEO of CoTec, expressed optimism regarding the project’s potential to produce high purity iron concentrates needed for the green steel industry. The results from recent drilling and bulk sampling aim to enhance the existing mineral resource estimates and explore further opportunities to reprocess materials located outside of the tailings dam.
#Feasibility Study Goals
The forthcoming Feasibility Study will evaluate the economic feasibility of recovering critical mineral iron ore concentrates. Notably, the project has reported an impressive pre-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of US$93.6 million and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 38%, based on preliminary assessments.
CoTec's plans for using advanced technologies, such as the Salter Cyclone Multi-Gravity Separators, aim to improve recovery rates of iron ore, enhancing operational efficiency. The inclusion of adjacent tailings material in resource estimates has the potential to extend the project's mine life significantly.
#Drilling Achievements
The recent drilling programme covered 572 meters, involving 12 sonic drill holes reaching depths of up to 58 meters on the historical tailings from the previous Lac Jeannine mine, which operated from 1959 to 1985. Furthermore, bulk sample collections totaling seven tonnes have been sent to Corem's facility for analysis, with results anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025.
#Outlook for CoTec Holdings
With the completion of key drilling programmes and substantial preliminary economic assessments, CoTec is positioned for strategic growth. The company is leveraging its technological insights to transform historical tailings into valuable critical minerals, aligning with a broader trend towards sustainable mining practices.
#Key Takeaways
- CoTec has completed its 2025 drilling and bulk sampling programme at the Lac Jeannine Project.
- The company engaged Corem for metallurgical testing and is initiating a Feasibility Study scheduled for Q3 2025.
- The Feasibility Study aims to assess the economic viability of producing high-purity iron concentrates for the green steel sector.
- Recent drilling targeted 572 meters across tailings from the historical Lac Jeannine mine to enhance resource estimates.
- CoTec's strategies involve integrating advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency and resource recovery.
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