Orion Advances Prieska Copper-Zinc Mine Readiness as DFS Sets Phased Development Plan

Published: Jul 24, 2026 09:48

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Orion Minerals said it carried out value engineering, operational-readiness work and critical-skills identification for execution of its Prieska copper-zinc mine in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The Prieska mine, near Copperton, is hosted in a volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit.

The project’s definitive feasibility study outlines an accelerated development strategy, beginning with an “Uppers” mining operation at 20,000 tonnes per month, alongside dewatering preparations for the subsequent “Deeps” phase at 200,000 tonnes per month. These are development plans and readiness activities, rather than confirmed production; financing, dewatering, construction decisions and future copper-zinc guidance remain key follow-up items.

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