The NPV is based on long-term metal prices of $6,834/metric ton ($3.11/lb) for copper and $2,756/mt ($1.25/lb) for zinc. The estimated capital payback period is less than three years from first production. The Foundation Phase runs for 10 years of run-of-mine production at a design ore processing rate of 2.4 million mt per year (mt/y). This phase exploits the portions of the Prieska deposit that were upgraded to indicated and inferred mineral resources from the first surface-based drilling campaign conducted between 2017 and 2018. The production target is composed of 65% probable ore reserves and 35% inferred mineral resources, with ore reserves predominating during the early stages of the mining plan.

Both underground and surface mining methods are planned to be used in conjunction with conventional froth-flotation concentration to produce differentiated copper and zinc concentrates for export. Peak funding requirements amount to $A378 million including a 10% contingency allowance. This would occur in the third year of the capital expenditure (CAPEX) program. CAPEX incorporates establishment costs for open-pit mining, which is planned at the end of the Foundation Phase. Payback is planned to occur five years from the start of construction or 2.9 years from the start of production.

Unit all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) over the duration of the Foundation Phase would be $1.72/lb copper equivalent metal sold. The realized price (net of smelter charges) would be $3.08/lb copper- equivalent metal sold. The operating break-even grade is estimated at 1.2% copper equivalent, well below the ore reserves grade of 2.1% copper.