Aldebaran Resources Inc. announces the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Altar copper-gold project in Argentina. The project has a 48-year mine life and strong production figures, such as 108,579 tonnes of copper, 43,199 ounces of gold, and 570,217 ounces of silver annually for the first 20 years.

The project shows robust economics with an after-tax NPV of $2.0 billion, IRR of 20.5%, and payback period of 4 years. Using spot prices, the project has an after-tax NPV of $3.34 billion and an IRR of 28.0%.

Initial capex for the project is $1.59 billion, with a capital intensity of $15,713/t of average annual CuEq metal produced. Cash costs for the project range from $1.71/lb to $2.02/lb payable copper, and AISC from $2.25/lb to $2.59/lb payable copper.

The Altar project utilizes both open-pit and underground mining methods, with around 80% of the resources categorized as Measured and Indicated. The project aims to produce a minimum of 100,000 tonnes of CuEq per year.

The PEA includes the use of Nuton® Technology as a potentially viable processing alternative at Altar. This technology reduces life-of-mine capital expenditure and operating costs, leading to higher free cash flow and significant ESG benefits.

The Altar project’s next steps include further exploration opportunities to unlock additional value, such as molybdenum circuit installation and combined concentrator and Nuton® Technology scenario. The Company is also preparing for a resource update and completion of a pre-feasibility study.

Read more at GlobeNewswire: Aldebaran PEA for the Altar Project Reports 48 Year Mine