Highlights
Early-stage metallurgical testing at Hammer Metals Ltd North Orelia gold deposit has achieved a top recovery of 96%.
The deposit is part of the Yandal gold project and holds a maiden JORC resource of 1.48 million tonnes, grading 1.15 grams per tonne (g/t) for a total of 54,500 ounces of contained gold.
The deposit remains open at depth, indicating potential for resource expansion and additional exploration opportunities.
Early-stage metallurgical testing conducted at Hammer Metals Ltd (ASX:HMX) has produced promising results for the North Orelia gold deposit located in Western Australia. The testing utilized the LeachWELL process on 11 samples sourced from the optimized pit resource, revealing a range of gold recoveries between 90% and 96%, with an average recovery of 94%. These outcomes demonstrate the potential for effective gold extraction from this deposit.
The North Orelia gold deposit is part of Hammer’s broader Yandal gold project, which recently reported a maiden JORC resource of 1.48 million tonnes at a grade of 1.15 grams per tonne (g/t), equating to approximately 54,500 ounces of contained gold, calculated using a cutoff grade of 0.5 g/t. The deposit's near-surface mineralization combined with high metallurgical recoveries enhances its appeal for further development.
Managing Director Daniel Thomas expressed optimism regarding these initial metallurgical results, noting that they are a significant step towards unlocking the commercial potential of the North Orelia project. The proximity of this deposit to Northern Star’s Orelia gold operation, located just 10 kilometers away, adds to its strategic value.
Furthermore, the North Orelia deposit remains open at depth, suggesting significant upside potential for expanding the existing resource. This characteristic presents an excellent opportunity for further exploration activities aimed at increasing the project's overall viability.
While shares in Hammer Metals saw a slight decline following the news, the metallurgical results provide a solid foundation for advancing development initiatives at the North Orelia site. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage in discussions surrounding these developments and their implications for the market.