Pivotal Metals Eyes Significant Cost Savings with 2.1x Copper Grade Uplift from Ore Sorting at Horden Lake
Breakthrough Ore Sorting Results
Pivotal Metals has reported highly encouraging results from recent ore sorting test work at its flagship Horden Lake copper project in Québec. The company achieved a 2.1× uplift in copper equivalent (CuEq) grade while rejecting 68% of waste material — all with a 69% copper recovery rate. An alternative sorting configuration produced a 1.5× grade uplift with 86% copper recovery and 44% mass rejection. These outcomes suggest that Pivotal can pre-concentrate ore effectively before mill processing, which could boost the overall economics of the deposit by concentrating higher-grade material early in the value chain.
Potential for Major Cost Reductions
The ore sorting success is more than just a technical win — it has important cost implications. By increasing the grade before expensive grinding and flotation steps, Pivotal Metals could reduce both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX). A smaller processing plant, lower energy usage, and reduced tailings volumes are among the potential outcomes. This could make the Horden Lake project more financially robust, especially in a lower commodity price environment.
Horden Lake’s Resource Base and Strategic Importance
Horden Lake remains the cornerstone of Pivotal’s development strategy, underpinned by a 37 Mt Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at 1.1% CuEq. Of this, 31.2 Mt sits in the pit-constrained resource. The substantial size and quality of the deposit, combined with strong metallurgical characteristics from prior testing, are what make the ore sorting results especially impactful — they build on an already promising foundation to potentially lift project economics further.
Broader Quebec Portfolio and Funding Position
Beyond Horden Lake, Pivotal Metals is progressing other targets in its Quebec portfolio, including the Belleterre district where geophysical surveys have identified multiple gold and copper-nickel targets for further work. The company is reportedly well-funded for an extensive 5,000 m+ drilling program in 2026, supported by a recent CAD 5.4 million financing. Additionally, the Quebec government awarded CAD 105,000 in metallurgical test grants, showing local institutional support for advancing development activities.
Strategic and Market Outlook
Operating in Québec confers competitive advantages: low-cost renewables-based power, good infrastructure, and access to smelting and milling capacity. These factors, combined with the latest ore sorting results, enhance Horden Lake’s development optionality. However, as with most junior mining companies, Pivotal faces execution risks including funding needs, future exploration results, and broader commodity price volatility that could impact project timelines and investor sentiment.
🔗 Learn more and apply at:
Nominations Open Now: Click here
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Get Connected Here:
You Tube: Watch on YouTube
Twitter: Follow on Twitter
Instagram: Follow on Instagram
LinkedIn: Follow on LinkedIn
Pinterest : Follow on Pinterest
Tumblr : Follow on Tumblr
Comments
Post a Comment