With the eCobalt Solutions merger complete, Jervois Mining of Melbourne, Australia, is making plans for commercial production at the Idaho cobalt operation (ICO) in the second half of 2021. A 12-month construction period is anticipated.
Jervois is assembling a team to produce a feasibility study for the ICO. A summer drill program will provide information to support final tests, to enhance geological confidence of the resource, and for a 1,090-t/d concentrator. Jervois expects the concentrator to be equipped with SAG milling.
At the same time, Jervois intends to undertake a scoping study of producing refined cobalt and copper from ICO concentrate. Such a refinery in the state would improve project economics, increase investment, and provide jobs.
Both studies are to be complete in Q1 2010.
(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)