Terra Metals Inc., together with its Zambian subsidiary Lunda Resources Ltd., has reported a major metallurgical advancement at its Kalaba Copper Project in Northwestern Zambia. Independent testing by Dr. Yotamu Hara of YCS Sustainable Solutions Ltd. confirmed a cumulative copper recovery of 96.52% through flotation methods, with sulphide concentrate grades reaching 26.91% copper. The breakthrough positions the Kalaba Project as a model for low-cost, environmentally sustainable copper production in Africa.
The flotation process, enabled by advanced chemical techniques including the use of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) depressants, overcame previously prohibitive levels of talc鈥攎easured as high as 54%鈥攚hich had hindered conventional processing. The resulting oxide concentrates measured 4.31% copper. The high recovery and concentrate grades suggest a significant opportunity for cost-effective leaching and solvent extraction, further enhancing the project鈥檚 appeal as a low-cost producer of green copper.
A National Instrument 43-101-compliant mineral resource estimate is expected to be released by the end of July 2025. The estimate will provide further clarity on Kalaba鈥檚 potential and support future development plans.
In addition to its metallurgical success, Terra Metals is advancing its green energy goals. The Zambia Environmental Management Agency has granted full environmental approval for the project. A 5-megawatt solar energy facility is already operational, with expansion plans to reach 100 megawatts. This renewable energy infrastructure will allow Terra Metals and Lunda Resources to become Zambia鈥檚 first large-scale producers of copper and cobalt powered primarily by solar energy.
The company has received strong support from local leadership, including Senior Chief Sailunga and Chief Ntambu of the Lunda people. Terra Metals acknowledged their role in guiding the project forward with respect for community traditions and development priorities.
鈥淲e鈥檙e not just delivering a technical success,鈥� said Mumena Mushinge, chairman of Terra Metals Inc. and Lunda Resources. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proving that Zambia can lead in responsible, solar-powered production of the world鈥檚 most critical minerals. Kalaba is evidence that innovation, sustainability, and strong community partnership can deliver meaningful results.鈥�
Beyond Kalaba, Terra Metals holds a large-scale exploration license via Central Africa Renewable Energy. This license covers a prospective copper-cobalt zone immediately south of Ivanhoe Mines鈥� renowned Kamoa-Kakula complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo鈥檚 Copperbelt.
Key upcoming milestones include the release of the NI 43-101 resource report by July 31, 2025, commissioning of a 240-ton-per-hour concentrator in September 2025, expansion of solar capacity to 100 megawatts, and the launch of Phase 2 exploration near the DRC border.
