Mining News: News Nuggets: NovaCopper begins $5.5M Arctic program

NovaCopper Inc. July 10 reported the start of a work program focused on advancing a pre-feasibility study for the development of an open-pit mine at Arctic, the most advanced of the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, a partnership between NovaCopper and NANA Corp., the Alaska Native regional corporation that represents the Iñupiat of Northwest Alaska. The Arctic pre-feasibility work is expected to be carried out over a two- to three-year period. NovaCopper has approved a US$5.5 million budget for the 2015 field program that will include 2,500 meters of in-fill drilling at the Arctic deposit designed to improve the confidence level of the resource model with the goal of re-categorizing the in-pit inferred resources to measured and indicated. Other facets of the 2015 program include: geotechnical and hydrology drilling to better understand the wall rock characteristics and hydrology within the open pit area; waste rock characterization studies to assess acid generation potential; wetlands delineations studies; and continued environmental baseline studies. This work will form the basis for completing a pre-feasibility study on the Arctic deposit. NovaCopper also plans to advance assessment work at Bornite that is primarily focused on evaluating the potential synergies between the Arctic and Bornite, which are situated about 16 miles apart. Continuing an emphasis on local hire, NovaCopper is working closely with NANA on implementing oversight of the project and carrying out community relations and work force development strategies aimed at maximizing local hire.

- SHANE LASLEY