Maronan Metals (ASX: MMA) has identified a standalone processing option as its preferred development pathway for the Starter Zone at its polymetallic Maronan underground project in north-west Queensland. The new scoping study suggests there is a strong economic case to develop the Starter zone silver-lead-copper-gold deposit with upside to be followed up on. The study assessed the construction of both an onsite standalone processing facility and a toll-treatment option, finding that either option would deliver a 10-year life of mine (LOM) with annual mining and processing throughput of 1.2 million tonnes. It is also in discussions on a range of options to fund the ongoing studies and potential development of the Starter zone and, ultimately, the much larger Maronan mineral resource that was not part of the study. “These steps will enable Maronan Metals to advance to a definitive feasibility study and capture upside from favourable demand fundamentals for silver, copper, and gold,” Mr Bird said.