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CoTec Completes Resource Drilling at Lac Jeannine Project and Moves Towards Feasibility Study

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

CoTec has recently completed an infill and expansion drilling programme at the Lac Jeannine Project, which positions the company to potentially enhance its resource estimates and unlock significant economic benefits. The engagement of Corem for metallurgical testing further solidifies the project’s development stage.
The Feasibility Study, anticipated to begin in Q3 2025, aims to evaluate the economic viability of the Lac Jeannine Project, particularly focusing on the recovery of high-purity iron concentrates for the green steel sector, which is increasingly in demand.
The project's focus on producing high-purity iron ore concentrate aligns with the growing trends in the green steel industry. As sustainability becomes more critical, this initiative offers the prospect of meeting market demand for environmentally friendly production.
CoTec is integrating advanced technologies, such as the Salter Cyclone Multi-Gravity Separators, to enhance iron recovery rates, which may significantly improve operational efficiencies and resource extraction.
CoTec intends to reprocess historical iron tailings, which could almost double the project's life span without additional capital expenditures, presenting substantial upside potential for investors.
The Initial Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment reported a pre-tax NPV of US$93.6M and an impressive IRR of 38%, indicating robust potential returns based on current projections.
CoTec has engaged in discussions with strategic partners and stakeholders, including the Government of Québec and First Nations. Such collaborations are crucial for advancing the project while ensuring community and regulatory support.
Given the completion of key drilling programmes and positive financial projections, CoTec appears well-positioned for future growth, particularly with increasing demand for critical minerals in the energy transition and sustainable manufacturing.