Horseshoe Metals (ASX:HOR) said initial field personnel have been mobilized to the Horseshoe Lights gold-copper project in Western Australia to begin preparatory works ahead of the arrival of direct shipping ore earthmoving equipment, expected in August, as part of the start-up of the direct shipping ore copper operation, according to a Tuesday Australian bourse filing.

The existing site infrastructure has been recommissioned to support operations for the near-term commencement of direct shipping ore activities and sales of existing high-grade copper stockpiles. It is also in talks with commodity traders regarding potential copper offtake and funding arrangements.

It is also preparing a mining proposal for copper oxide surface material, HMS/heap leach processing, and gold surface material processing.