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Highlight
- Coarse Particle Flotation (CPF) recovered 78% of copper into 5% of the mass and performed better than conventional flotation methods.
- Pre-Screening and Gravity Separation methods were not successful due to the disseminated nature of the mineralization.
- The Bushranger tenement (EL5574) was renewed for three more years until June 2027.
The Board of Xtract Resources Plc (LSE:XTR) is pleased to announce significant findings from a metallurgical study conducted by Altrius Consulting. The study evaluated three different methods for pre-concentrating copper-gold mineralization from the Racecourse Mineral Resource within the Bushranger Porphyry Copper-Gold Project, located in central New South Wales, Australia. The primary goal of the study was to identify effective ore pre-concentration techniques that could lower operating costs for producing a copper-gold mineral concentrate.
Key Highlights of the Study
- Previous Findings: An earlier review by Altrius, referenced in the RNS dated June 18, 2024, indicated that the mineralization at Bushranger was not suitable for upgrade via the Tomra ore sorting method. Consequently, it recommended exploring alternative pre-concentration technologies that could enhance the project's economic viability.
- Pre-Concentration Techniques Tested: In response to the earlier findings, Xtract investigated three pre-concentration methods: "Pre-Screening," "Gravity Separation," and "Coarse Particle Flotation" (CPF). These techniques were assessed for their effectiveness in concentrating the mineralization from the Bushranger Mineral Resource.
- Sample Composition and Testing: Mineralization samples from drill holes BRDD21-036, BRDD22-053, and BRDD21-022 were combined into two composite samples. One of these samples was designated for Pre-Screening and Gravity Separation tests, while the second sample underwent Coarse Particle Flotation testing.
- Encouraging Results from CPF: The CPF test work, utilizing the NovaCell™ Kinetic Test Work, yielded positive outcomes, with 78% of the copper mineralization recovered in just 5% of the mass. The initial head grade of the composite sample was 0.19% Cu, which was upgraded to a pre-concentrate product containing 2.8% Cu. Notably, the NovaCell™ method also outperformed conventional flotation, recovering 30% more copper.
- Limited Success of Other Methods: Conversely, the study found that the pre-screening and dense media separation methods did not yield satisfactory results. This was likely attributed to the disseminated nature of chalcopyrite within the host rock, which made effective separation challenging.
- Tenement Renewal: In another positive development, the Company announced the full renewal of EL5574, the primary tenement encompassing the Bushranger copper-gold deposits, for an additional three years, extending until June 4, 2027.
