South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, visited Orion Minerals’ flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Mine in the Northern Cape as the project advances toward near-term production.
The visit follows the release of Orion’s updated Definitive Feasibility Studies (DFS) in March 2025, which outline a de-risked, two-phase development plan. This strategy enables first production from the Upper-Level Phase within 13 months of construction start, generating early cash flow to support development of the deeper, long-life Deeps Phase.
Orion’s Managing Director and CEO, Tony Lennox, commented: “Orion welcomes the DMPR to PCZM to showcase the high potential of its assets as well as our plans to advance these projects and financing strategy, while delivering on our skills development and employment opportunities goals. We are committed to delivering meaningful economic and social change in the region.”
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Orion continues to advance key project milestones, including financing and dewatering, with the PCZM hosting a mineral resource of 31.0Mt grading 1.2% copper and 3.6% zinc. Once in steady-state production, the mine is expected to deliver 22kt of copper and 65kt of zinc annually, positioning Orion as a near-term base metals producer with long-term growth potential.
Mantashe, who worked at the original Prieska Copper Mines from 1975 to 1983, toured the underground workings, viewing the dewatering infrastructure and newly exposed ore from recent trial mining. He also unveiled a plaque located at the main shaft headgear.
He said, “After visiting the mine, I am hopeful for the future of the Prieska mine to create value, improve lives, support other businesses and uplift the Northern Cape. I will come back to visit when the mine produces its first copper.”
The minister went on an underground visit and was shown the dewatering infrastructure and freshly exposed ore at the site of the recent underground trial mining.
Orion has become a catalyst for positive change in its host communities, demonstrating that a junior explorer can deliver real socio-economic impact. By prioritising local supplier development and inclusive growth, the company aims to secure lasting benefits for the region and contribute meaningfully to its long-term prosperity.