Orion Minerals Ltd (ASX:ORN, JSE:ORN) managing director and CEO Errol Smart talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the completion of definitive feasibility studies (DFS) for both the company’s flagship Prieska copper-zinc project and the Flat Mines project at its Okiep copper project. Smart described this as a pivotal moment, noting, “It’s taken us eight years now to put them together… but it's really a great outcome for us.” The studies confirm robust development pathways for both operations in South Africa's Northern Cape, with both projects fully permitted and development-ready. Smart said Orion is in a unique position globally, with capital intensity figures below key industry benchmarks. The combined production profile is expected to deliver 30,000 tonnes of copper annually at around $9,500 per tonne capital intensity, placing the company in the lower quartile of the cost curve. The Prieska project will follow a two-phase development plan, with a modest $25 million start-up operation set to begin production within 13 months, followed by a ramp-up to full-scale output. Smart also confirmed that discussions are underway with strategic partners, including the Industrial Development Corporation and offtake-related financiers. He highlighted that smelters and traders are actively seeking long-term copper supply, saying, “We represent a very interesting opportunity for them, with certainty.” Visit Proactive’s YouTube channel for more company updates and interviews. Don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications for future content. #OrionMinerals #CopperMining #PrieskaProject #OkiepProject #BaseMetals #MiningInvestment #FeasibilityStudy #SouthAfricaMining #CopperProduction #ZincProduction