Wedoany.com Report-Jun 4, EnviroCopper (ECL) has secured regulatory approval to begin a Site Environmental Lixiviant Trial (SELT) at the Kapunda copper project in South Australia. This milestone is a key step in demonstrating the effectiveness of the in-situ recovery (ISR) method for copper extraction.

ECL is currently engaged in ongoing investment discussions with international investors that have a keen interest in copper ISR.

The Department for Energy and Mining has approved a 90-day in-ground trial, which is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025 and continue into the first quarter of 2026. The trial is designed to assess the environmental and technical viability of ISR technology at Kapunda, a process that could lead to future feasibility studies and a mining lease application.

Alligator Energy, an Australian Securities Exchange-listed company, holds a 15.6% stake in EnviroCopper. Greg Hall, CEO of Alligator Energy, stated: “This is exciting news for EnviroCopper and for Alligator. The well pattern, wellhouse and associated earthworks for the Kapunda trial are all complete, and further preparation works are under way. We look forward to observing the trials and ECL receiving results, which informs and builds upon the ISR tool kit they have been developing. There is substantial expansion opportunity in the right settings for this technology in ISR copper when proven.”

The SELT is supported by funding from BHP through its subsidiary OZ Minerals, under a research agreement signed in August 2022. This backing highlights continued interest in advancing sustainable copper extraction methods.

EnviroCopper is also in discussions with international investors to secure additional funding aimed at expanding development not only at Kapunda but also at its Alford West project. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to scale ISR applications in copper exploration and production.

The company’s ongoing technical work is reinforced by its partnership with Alligator Energy, which provides board representation and collaboration through a technical advisory committee.

Leon Faulkner, Managing Director of EnviroCopper, commented: “This is another strategic win for EnviroCopper in the regulatory space, enabling junior companies to explore for potential ISR projects for energy metals, within an exploration licence, thereby minimising time and costs. We look forward to taking this ISR template to our other project at Alford West and future projects.”

The Kapunda trial marks a significant phase for EnviroCopper’s ISR development efforts. If successful, it will validate an alternative, lower-impact method of copper extraction, offering a path to more efficient resource utilization and reduced surface disturbance compared to traditional mining techniques.