CHARLOTTE, N.C. and LUSAKA, Zambia, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Metals Inc., in partnership with its Zambian subsidiary Lunda Resources Ltd., is proud to announce a major metallurgical breakthrough at the Kalaba Copper Project in Northwestern Zambia. Independent testing conducted by Dr. Yotamu Hara of YCS Sustainable Solutions Ltd. confirms flotation recoveries exceeding 96.5%, with concentrate grades of 26.91% Cu—a remarkable result for oxide-dominant ore.
Technical Highlights:
- 96.52% cumulative copper recovery using flotation (see p. 30 of Hara Report), with sulphide concentrates at 26.91% Cu and oxide concentrates at 4.31% Cu.
- Flotation made possible through advanced chemistry, particularly the use of CMC depressants to manage high talc content (up to 54%), previously considered a major processing barrier.
- The ore’s upgrade potential allows for low-cost leaching via solvent extraction, positioning Kalaba among Africa’s lowest-cost green copper producers.
- An NI 43-101-compliant resource estimate is expected to be released before the end of July 2025.
A Model for Green Critical Minerals:
- Full environmental clearance has been granted by ZEMA (Zambia Environmental Management Agency).
- A 5 MW solar energy facility has been completed and approved, with plans to expand to 100 MW—enabling carbon-neutral production of copper and cobalt.
- Terra Metals and its partners will become Zambia’s first large-scale producers of green critical metals, powered almost entirely by solar energy.
Traditional & Community Support:
Terra Metals acknowledges the tremendous support of His Royal Highness Senior Chief Sailunga and Chief Ntambu of the Lunda people. Their leadership and collaboration have played a vital role in advancing the Kalaba Project with integrity and respect for local communities.
Regional Upside:
In addition to Kalaba, the company holds a large-scale exploration license through Central Africa Renewable Energy, covering a prospective copper-cobalt zone immediately south of Ivanhoe’s world-class Kamoa-Kakula Mine in the DRC Copperbelt.
Chairman’s Statement:
“This isn’t just a technical success—it’s a declaration that Zambia can lead in responsible, solar-powered production of the world’s most critical minerals. Kalaba is proof that innovation, sustainability, and community partnership can deliver real value.”
— Mumena Mushinge, Chairman, Terra Metals Inc. and Lunda Resources.
Next Milestones:
- NI 43-101 Report expected before July 31, 2025
- 240TPH concentrator commissioning in September 2025
- Solar expansion to 100 MW
- Phase 2 exploration and geophysics at DRC-bordering tenement
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ABOUT TERRA METALS INC.
Terra Metals Inc. is a Delaware-based mineral development company focused on securing high-impact, ESG- compliant critical mineral assets across Africa for delivery to U.S. and allied markets.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Terra Metals Inc.
Email: IR@terrametalsinc.com
Phone: +1 (980) 349-3883
Website: www.terrametalsinc.com
Ongoing Construction of 240 TPH Flotation Plant at Kalaba Mine
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aceb7522-0bc4-44b7-befb-dc98bdbd5160
