Cobre (ASX:CBE) said a bench-scale in-situ copper recovery solvent extraction-electrowinning program produced copper cathode from its Botswana-based Ngami copper project drill core, according to a Monday Australian bourse filing.

The results demonstrated the viability of integrating a solvent extraction-electrowinning process as part of Cobre's in-situ copper recovery extraction at the project.

The electrowinning circuit produced a high-quality copper cathode at around 97% current efficiency with smooth, adherent electrodeposition.

The bulk solvent extraction test demonstrated stable extraction and stripping performance over around 44 hours of operation, achieving peak copper extraction efficiencies of around 85% to 86%.