Copernicus Ni Mine, Mabel Downs Station, Halls Creek Shire, Western Australia, Australiai

Regional Level Types
Copernicus Ni Mine	Mine
Mabel Downs Station	Station (farming)
Halls Creek Shire	Shire
Western Australia	State
Australia	Country

Located 40 kilometres south of the Savannah Ni Mine. North of the Grants Creek Goldfield, but has been added to Mable Downs as Panoramic Resources operates both mines, and ore from Copernicus was transported to the processing plant at Savannah. At the time of writing (2016), both mines were on care and maintenance.

The Copernicus nickel sulphide deposit is hosted by the layered mafic/ultramafic gabbroic Copernicus Intrusion, which is enveloped by amphibole rich meta sediments, and para-gneisses of the Tickalara Metamorphics. It outcropped as a lens shaped body 600 metres long by 100 metres thick, plunging north by 40 degrees.

The sulphide rich nickel, copper and cobalt mineralisation is confined to discreet cumulate textured meta pyroxenite mainly at the north end of the intrusion, as pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-pentlandite, and pyrite. In the net textured matrix the sulphide amounts to 5-10%, coarse blebs and massive sulphide stringer mineralisation at 50-70% sulphide. The pyroxenite unit reaches a maximum of 35 metres thick, with a down dip extent of 100 to 150 metres.

The open pit was active from late 2007 but closed shortly after in early 2008 due to weak nickel prices. Mining recommenced from December 2014 to April 2016. The mine had a resource of 9 950 tonnes of contained nickel, and reserves of 3 750 tonnes of contained nickel.

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References