Coda Minerals Ltd (COD) has reached a technical milestone at its Elizabeth Creek project in South Australia, concluding a 480-square-kilometre airborne Lidar survey. The data provides a high-resolution, three-dimensional terrain model that will serve as the base layer for the project’s ongoing pre-feasibility study. By mapping the site with high accuracy, the company has cleared a fundamental dependency, allowing consultants to align their efforts on infrastructure design, mine planning, and environmental permitting.

The Lidar survey captures essential surface data, including the layout of proposed roads, process facilities, and tailings storage. By establishing this shared engineering foundation, multiple development workstreams can now move forward in parallel, reducing the risk of design inconsistencies.

"Lidar isn't necessarily the most exciting part of a PFS, but it is one of those programmes that quietly underpins almost everything else. Before engineers can decide where to put roads, the process plant, waste dumps or the tailings facility, they first need an accurate understanding of the land they're working with. This survey provides that foundation."

"With the terrain model now delivered, another key dependency has been removed from the PFS. Multiple consultants are now progressing detailed engineering, environmental and approvals work using the same high-quality dataset, while we continue to prepare for the commencement of hydrogeological drilling in the coming weeks. Together, these programmes represent another step forward as we continue to advance Elizabeth Creek towards development."
— Chris Stevens, CEO

With the terrain data secured, Coda is shifting its operational focus to other critical paths. Hydrogeological drilling is slated to begin in mid to late July, a move intended to provide vital data for water management and site planning. Additionally, the company is finalizing metallurgical test work, with updated assay results expected shortly. These findings will inform the ongoing trade-off studies between chloride leaching and flotation processing routes.

On the regulatory front, the company is closing in on a significant administrative hurdle. The Stage 1 approvals Scoping Report is currently under final review with the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining, with formal execution anticipated shortly. Collectively, these workstreams are part of a disciplined effort to maintain the project schedule, with the company currently targeting delivery of the full pre-feasibility study in the first quarter of 2027. These concurrent advancements ensure that engineering, approvals, and geological data collection remain synchronized as the project matures.

Read the full announcement: Key Engineering Data Delivered for Elizabeth Creek PFS