The Cominco/Teck-operated Sullivan mine was once a major producer of base metals.

The company also plans to discuss copper and lithium with the Saudi Arabia mining minister in Chile next month.

Highlights include one hole that returned 4.7 metres grading 24.16 grams gold per tonne from 83.5 metres depth.

A US court has granted the miner provisional approval to borrow $20m out of a $60m loan to keep paying salaries and cover other needs.

Super cycles occur because of the long lag between commodity price signals and changes in supply.

The company, in which Glencore Plc sold a controlling stake last month, is looking to divest its holding in a Chilean cement maker as well as real estate.

The loan is expected to fund development efforts within the mining concessions that comprise the La Cobaltera cobalt-copper project.

Copper prices recently hit a record high above $11,000, but have since retreated due to rising inventories and economic weakness in China.