Anax Metals announced on 3 September 2026 that it has commenced a feasibility study into heap-leach processing at the Whim Creek Copper-Zinc Project in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
The study will update Anax's September 2023 heap-leach scoping work and examine how the existing permitted heap-leach infrastructure could operate alongside the planned Whim Creek concentrator.
Dual processing pathway under assessment
Anax is evaluating a flexible processing strategy in which higher-grade sulphide ore would be treated through flotation, while lower-grade and transitional material could be processed through heap leaching.
The company said larger-scale, one-metre column tests completed at CSIRO achieved copper extraction of 77 to 80 per cent and zinc extraction of more than 90 per cent from lower-grade ores. These results will be incorporated into the feasibility work alongside revised leach kinetics and recovery assumptions.
Study to update design, costs and schedule
The feasibility study will assess process enhancements, including pyrite leaching, and update capital and operating cost estimates for the heap-leach circuit, solvent extraction and electrowinning plant, and zinc sulphate processing plant.
It will also refine the heap-leach production schedule, consider how it integrates with the broader Whim Creek development plan, and review marketing and offtake options for copper cathode and zinc sulphate crystal products.
Anax's February 2026 definitive feasibility study update assessed a stand-alone copper concentrator over a 10-year mine life, with an estimated all-in development cost of approximately A$91 million on a 100 per cent project basis. The new heap-leach study is additional to that base case.
Operational significance
Advancing the heap-leach option to feasibility level increases the level of engineering, metallurgical and commercial definition around a potential second processing stream at Whim Creek. The work may involve process engineering, metallurgy, laboratory testing, cost estimation, scheduling and project integration.
Anax has not announced vacancies. Any construction or operating workforce requirements remain subject to study outcomes, financing, approvals and a development decision.
Source: Anax Metals Limited, “Commencement of Heap Leach Feasibility Study”, 3 September 2026.