The progress on the Okiep Copper Project breathes new life into South Africa’s copper belt
Orion Minerals’ Okiep Copper Project delivers high-grade results and community impact, setting the stage for a new copper era in South Africa
The Okiep Copper Project (OCP) is fast becoming the jewel in Orion Minerals’ crown, as the company pushes ahead with optimisation studies and delivers drilling results that reaffirm the district’s world-class potential.
Recent assays from Flat Mine East and North have electrified the team, with intersections such as 7.88 metres at 9.24% copper and 3.33 metres at 17.12% copper underscoring the continuity of high-grade mineralisation. For a project steeped in history, these numbers are more than just data points, they signal a revival.
“Okiep is not just a project; it’s a legacy we’re rebuilding,” said Orion CEO Tony Lennox. “These grades are exceptional, and they confirm what we’ve believed all along, that Okiep can once again stand tall as one of the world’s great copper districts.”
The company is currently refining its 2025 Definitive Feasibility Study, with a focus on cost efficiencies and schedule improvements. Dewatering at Flat Mine North has been completed, and drone surveys are planned to assess structural integrity before development advances.
Lennox emphasised that the work is about more than engineering. “We’re making sure every step is future-proof. Okiep must be competitive not just today, but for decades to come. That’s why optimisation is critical, it’s about building resilience into the project,” he said.
Beyond the technical milestones, Orion has been working closely with local communities. From water supply initiatives in Nababeep to procurement packages designed to empower local businesses, the company is embedding social responsibility into its growth strategy.
“Mining can’t exist in isolation. Okiep’s success will be measured not only in tonnes of copper but in the opportunities wcreate for people who live here. That’s the real legacy,” said Lennox.
With financing momentum building through Glencore and strong investor support, Orion is positioning Okiep as a cornerstone of South Africa’s copper future. The combination of high-grade results, modern mining practices, and community partnerships is setting the stage for a project that could redefine the region’s economic landscape.
“We’re standing at the threshold of something extraordinary,” Lennox said. “Okiep is ready to shine again, and we’re determined to make it happen.”
