Low Footprint Strategy
Low Footprint Development Strategy
- Geometry and continuity of high-grade mineralisation at West Desert may support a smaller, lower footprint mining operation
- Opportunity to start mining with low capex, high-grade focused underground development
- Retains flexibility for staged and responsible expansion
- American West to launch scoping study immediately after IPO
Low Footprint Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) Potential
DSO Potential and route to global market:
- Mineralisation intersected to date is highly amenable to conventional ore sorting techniques
- High hardness, density and colour contrasts between the ore and waste rocks
- Potential to produce a pure chalcocite / chalcopyrite (24-32% Cu) and sphalerite products (15-30% Zn with Ag credits)
- Test work on existing samples to commence immediately
Low cost and low footprint pathway to development:
- Outcropping mineralisation – potential for shallow pits with high grade
- Storm and Seals areas are well suited to mobile crushing and sorting plants
- Ideal location - close to coast with minimal haulage infrastructure
- Option to fast-track low CAPEX and OPEX development
- Eco-Development Optionality – no hazardous material handling and storage
Typical high-grade chalcocite (gunmetal grey/brown) hosted within dolomite (light grey) - Storm Project, Nunavut
Crushed ore on an ore sorting conveyor
- Geometry and continuity of high-grade mineralisation at West Desert may support a smaller, lower footprint mining operation
- Opportunity to start mining with low capex, high-grade focused underground development
- Retains flexibility for staged and responsible expansion
- American West to launch scoping study immediately after IPO
