A feasibility study for the Kutcho Copper deposit in British Columbia predicts processing of 4,500 tonnes per day at the copper-zinc project, Kutcho Copper Corp. said.

Total mine production over an 11-year mine life will amount to 533 million pounds of copper, 841 million pounds of zinc, 10.6 million ounces of silver, and 129,700 of gold.

The mine is expected to have an after-tax net present value of C$461 million at a 7% discount, with an investor rate of return of 25%. Initial capital cost would amount to C$483 million, with operating expenditures at C$90 million over the mine life.

The mine will be predominantly open-pit, with concurrent development of two underground mines.

14.5 million tonnes will be mined from the open pit and 2.8 million tonnes will originate from the underground mines.

Processing will include primary crushing at 4,500 tpd, followed by ore sorting using an x-ray transmission sensor. Materials will then go to the SAG and ball mills, followed by conventional floating, regrind and dewatering circuits.

Kutcho will use LNG-powered generators to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

The tailings management facility will be fully lined filled with non-potentially acid regenerating waste rock, which upon closure would be capped with waste rock and revegetated.

Closure, rehabilitation, and post-closure management costs are estimated at C$34m, with provisions made for 25 years of active water treatment and 30 years of monitoring.

Total mineral resources amount to 22.8 million tonnes grading 2.26% copper equivalent containing 764 million pounds of copper equivalent, and 1.096 billion pounds of zinc.

The company acquired the project from Capstone Mining in 2017.