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Highlights
- Innovative processing boosts gold recovery from high- and low-grade ore
- Ore sorting and heap leaching create a synergistic recovery process
- Ongoing optimisation to enhance long-term project efficiency
Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX:NVA) has achieved a major step forward in gold recovery at its RPM deposit, part of the Estelle Project in Alaska. The company’s latest metallurgical test work showcases how advanced ore sorting and heap leaching methods can significantly improve gold extraction from both high-grade and lower-grade material.
The advancements highlight a pathway toward maximising recovery efficiency while managing operational costs. While not part of the ASX 100 companies, Nova’s innovative approach reflects the same level of technical ambition often associated with larger mining entities.
Ore Sorting: Enhancing Feed Quality
One of the standout achievements lies in Nova’s ore sorting program, which focuses on enriching ore quality before further processing. The large-scale trials used advanced X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology to separate valuable material from waste rock in a single pass.
By upgrading feed material before it enters processing circuits, the company reduces energy demand, cuts waste, and increases the amount of high-quality ore available for recovery. This efficiency translates into a more sustainable and cost-conscious operation while maintaining high production standards.
Heap Leaching: Unlocking Value from Lower-Grade Material
In parallel, heap leaching tests have proven effective in extracting gold from lower-grade material rejected by the sorting process. This complementary method adds another recovery stream, ensuring that ore previously deemed uneconomic can contribute to overall output.
The testing also explored adjustments in crushing size and leaching dynamics, leading to favourable results that align well with the project’s overall recovery strategy. Together, ore sorting and heap leaching create a multi-layered processing system that works in harmony to optimise results.
Towards a Comprehensive Processing Strategy
Nova’s integrated approach combines ore sorting, heap leaching, and conventional carbon-in-pulp/carbon-in-leach methods into a single, well-structured processing framework. Additional work, including high-pressure grinding roll tests, is underway to refine the flowsheet and enhance power efficiency.
These efforts underline the RPM deposit’s potential to evolve into a long-life gold operation with optimised economics and operational efficiency. The strategy reflects a forward-looking vision aimed at maximising value while minimising environmental and operational impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main advantage of Nova Minerals’ ore sorting process?
It upgrades the gold content of ore before processing, reducing waste and improving recovery efficiency. - Why is heap leaching important in Nova’s strategy?
Heap leaching allows recovery of gold from lower-grade material, adding value to ore that might otherwise be discarded. - How does Nova plan to improve its recovery process further?
The company is conducting additional studies, including high-pressure grinding roll tests, to optimise power use and recovery efficiency.
