Tectonic Metals Achieves 96% Gold Recovery from First-Ever Heap Leach Column Tests on A Mix of Oxidized and Non-Oxidized Fresh Mineralized Rock from Flat Gold Project
Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF) announced impressive results from its first-ever scoping metallurgical heap leach column tests at the Flat Gold Project in Alaska. The tests achieved gold recoveries of 96% and 91% on coarse ¾-inch material, comprising both oxidized and non-oxidized fresh mineralized drillcore. Key findings include:
- Rapid leach kinetics with over 80% gold recovery within 29-36 days
- Heap leach potential confirmed for both oxidized and non-oxidized mineralization
- No agglomeration required, potentially enhancing efficiency and lowering costs
- Potential for run-of-mine heap leaching, similar to Kinross Gold's Fort Knox Mine
These results suggest the possibility of a cost-effective, large-scale mining operation in a stable jurisdiction, further establishing the Flat Project as a key asset in Tectonic's portfolio.
Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF) ha annunciato risultati impressionanti dai suoi primi test di colonna metallurgica di heap leach al Flat Gold Project in Alaska. I test hanno raggiunto recuperi d'oro del 96% e del 91% su materiale grosso di ¾ pollice, comprendente sia minerali ossidati che non ossidati prelevati dal nucleo di perforazione. Tra i principali risultati ci sono:
- Cinètiche di lisciviazione rapide con oltre l'80% di recupero dell'oro entro 29-36 giorni
- Potenziale di heap leach confermato per sia la mineralizzazione ossidata che non ossidata
- Nessuna agglomerazione necessaria, potenzialmente aumentando l'efficienza e riducendo i costi
- Possibilità di heap leaching di minerale a cielo aperto, simile alla miniera Fort Knox di Kinross Gold
Questi risultati suggeriscono la possibilità di un operazione mineraria su larga scala e a basso costo in una giurisdizione stabile, consolidando ulteriormente il Flat Project come un asset chiave nel portafoglio di Tectonic.
Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF) anunció resultados impresionantes de sus primeras pruebas de columna metalúrgica de heap leach en el Flat Gold Project en Alaska. Las pruebas lograron recuperaciones de oro del 96% y 91% en material grueso de ¾ de pulgada, que incluye tanto mineral oxidado como no oxidado de núcleos de perforación. Los hallazgos clave incluyen:
- Cinéticas de lixiviación rápidas con más del 80% de recuperación de oro en 29-36 días
- Potencial de heap leach confirmado tanto para mineralización oxidada como no oxidada
- No se requiere aglomeración, lo que podría aumentar la eficiencia y reducir costos
- Potencial para lixiviación por heap de mineral a cielo abierto, similar a la mina Fort Knox de Kinross Gold
Estos resultados sugieren la posibilidad de una operación minera a gran escala y rentable en una jurisdicción estable, consolidando aún más el Flat Project como un activo clave en el portafolio de Tectonic.
Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF)는 알래스카 Flat Gold Project에서 첫 번째 메탈류컬리 하우스 열쇄 열주실험에서 인상적인 결과를 발표했습니다. 이 실험은 ¾인치 크기의 코어 소재에서 96% 및 91%의 금 회수를 달성했습니다. 여기에는 산화광과 비산화 신선한 광체가 포함됩니다. 주요 발견 사항은 다음과 같습니다:
- 29-36일 이내에 80% 이상의 금 회수로 빠른 열쇄 속도
- 산화 및 비산화 광산을 모두 위한 열쇄 가능성 확인
- 응집이 필요하지 않아 효율성을 높이고 비용을 절감할 수 있음
- Kinross Gold의 Fort Knox Mine과 유사한 현장 열쇄 가능성
이 결과는 비용 효율적인 대규모 채굴 작업의 가능성을 제시하며, Tectonic의 포트폴리오에서 Flat Project를 핵심 자산으로 더욱 확립하고 있습니다.
Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF) a annoncé des résultats impressionnants de ses premiers tests de colonne métallurgique par lixiviation en tas au Flat Gold Project en Alaska. Les tests ont atteint des taux de récupération d'or de 96 % et 91 % sur du matériel grossier de ¾ pouce, comprenant à la fois des gisements oxydés et non oxydés. Les résultats clés incluent :
- Cinétiques de lixiviation rapides avec plus de 80 % de récupération d'or en 29-36 jours
- Potentiel de lixiviation en tas confirmé pour la minéralisation oxydée et non oxydée
- Aucune agglomération requise, ce qui pourrait améliorer l'efficacité et réduire les coûts
- Potentiel de lixiviation en tas à ciel ouvert, similaire à la mine Fort Knox de Kinross Gold
Ces résultats suggèrent la possibilité d'une opération minière à grande échelle et rentable dans une juridiction stable, consolidant ainsi le Flat Project comme un atout clé dans le portefeuille de Tectonic.
Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF) hat beeindruckende Ergebnisse aus seinen ersten metallurgischen Heap-Leach-Säulentests im Flat Gold Project in Alaska bekannt gegeben. Die Tests erreichten Goldgehalte von 96 % und 91 % bei grobem Material von ¾ Zoll, das sowohl oxidierte als auch nicht-oxidierte frische Mineralproben umfasst. Zu den wichtigsten Ergebnissen gehören:
- Schnelle Laugungs-Kinetik mit über 80 % Goldrückgewinnung innerhalb von 29-36 Tagen
- Heap-Leach-Potenzial für sowohl oxidierte als auch nicht-oxidierte Mineralisierung bestätigt
- Keine Agglomeration erforderlich, was die Effizienz steigern und die Kosten senken könnte
- Potenzial für Heap-Leaching mit Tagebau, ähnlich der Fort Knox Mine von Kinross Gold
Diese Ergebnisse deuten auf die Möglichkeit eines kosteneffektiven, großangelegten Bergbaubetriebs in einer stabilen Gerichtsbarkeit hin und stärken das Flat Project als Schlüsselressource im Portfolio von Tectonic.
- Exceptional gold recoveries of 96% and 91% from coarse ¾ inch material
- Rapid leach kinetics with over 80% gold recovery within 29-36 days
- Heap leach processing potential confirmed for both oxidized and non-oxidized mineralization
- No agglomeration required, potentially reducing processing costs
- Potential for run-of-mine heap leaching, which could significantly lower operational costs
- None.
HEAP LEACHING SUCCESSFULLY VALIDATED USING COARSE 3/4 INCH MATERIAL PAVING WAY FOR POTENTIAL RUN-OF-MINE/UNCRUSHED HEAP LEACHING
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Tectonic Metals Inc. (TSX-V:TECT)(OTCQB:TETOF)(FSE:T15B) (the "Company" or "Tectonic") is excited to announce the results from the Company's first-ever scoping metallurgical heap leach column tests, which achieved impressive gold recoveries of
Tony Reda, Tectonic President & CEO, commented:
"Our initial heap leach results mark a major milestone for the Flat Gold Project, a bulk-tonnage gold system showing continued strong geological similarities to Kinross Gold's Fort Knox Mine. In just two years of exploration at Flat, we have performed an extensive range of metallurgical tests-including heap leach column, conventional bottle roll, gravity separation, combined gravity and bottle roll, and flotation. These tests are crucial for evaluating and optimizing mining processing methods and de-risking the project as we advance it towards a viable economic mining opportunity. Our results clearly demonstrate that the gold mineralization at Flat is not grind-sensitive, extremely low in sulphur, non-preg-robbing and well-suited to various gold extraction techniques. Crushing and grinding typically are the largest capital cost and significant consumers of power at an operating mine, and therefore, the most expensive operational cost significantly impacting a mine's all-in sustaining costs (AISC). With that in mind, we are now more than ever excited to explore the potential for run-of-mine heap leaching, similar to the Fort Knox Mine. These metallurgical results underscore the potential for a cost-effective, large-scale mining operation in a stable jurisdiction, further establishing the Flat Project as a key asset in Tectonic's portfolio and the broader mining industry."
Key Findings and Highlights
Exceptional Gold Recovery:
96% and91% gold recoveries from coarse ¾ inch material, representing a mix of oxidized and non-oxidized fresh mineralization from 9 drill holes from the Chicken Mountain Intrusion. The drill hole collar locations from which the column test samples were collected are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: 2024 Column Test Drill Hole Collar Locations
Rapid Leach Kinetics: Over
80% gold recovery was achieved within 29 days for the higher gold grade composite column and within 36 days for the slightly lower gold grade composite column.
Heap Leach Validated: Column test results confirm the potential for heap leach processing at Flat, including both oxidized and non-oxidized fresh mineralization.
Non-Oxidized Fresh Mineralized Rock Demonstrates Amenable to Heap Leaching: Results indicate that gold recoveries are not significantly influenced by the presence or absence of oxides, depth of mineralization, and non-oxidized mineralization demonstrates amenability to heap leaching.
No Agglomeration Required: Tests confirmed that agglomeration was not necessary, which has the potential to further enhance processing efficiency and lower costs.
Potential for Run-of-Mine Heap Leaching: Metallurgical testing, including bottle rolls and column tests, indicates that the mineralization at Flat is not grind sensitive.Similar to the mineralization at the Fort Knox Mine, gold at Flat is fracture-controlled, enabling efficient leach solution access and faster gold recovery even on coarse material. This style of gold mineralization is well-suited for heap leaching, presenting a cost-effective extraction opportunity, particularly if uncrushed run-of-mine material is amenable to heap leaching as it is at Fort Knox.
Flat Metallurgical Program - Scoping Column Heap Leach Tests
Composite gold grades calculated (assay) and extracted along with metallurgical results are presented in Table 1 and Figure 2.
Table 1: Column test leach kinetics of Flat Higher Grade ("FHG") and Flat Lower Grade ("FLG") composites
Composite | Crush Size inches | Calculated Head Grade Au g/t | Extracted Grade Au g/t | Gold Recovery % | Days Leached | Consumption NaCN Kg/t |
FHG * | 0.75 | 1.15 | 1.10 | 95.7 | 70 | 0.87 |
FLG ** | 0.75 | 0.99 | 0.90 | 90.9 | 70 | 0.80 |
FHG: High grade composite, ** FLG: Low grade composite
Figure 2: Rapid Leach Kinetics Chart
Flat Metallurgical Program - Composites Sample Data
For the phase one column test work, two composites representing general lower and higher-grade material were selected from a historic ½ NQ-sized drill core from gold mineralized Chicken Mountain Intrusion. The lower-grade composite comprises 25 sample intervals selected from six different drill holes for 91.70 kg while the higher-grade composite includes 22 sample intervals from nine different drill holes for a total of 83.90 kg. The selected sample intervals for both composites comprised a mix of oxidized and non-oxidized fresh drillcore. Table 2 summarizes each composite sample. Material for each composite was blended and crushed to
Table 2 FHG and FLG Composite Details
Composite | Intrusion Target | Column Samples | Drill Holes | Drill Hole Sample Depth Range (m) | Host Rock | Mineralization Type |
FHG | Chicken Mtn | 22 | 6 | 8-175 | Quartz Monzonite | Mixed oxide-fresh |
FLG | Chicken Mtn | 25 | 9 | 35-173 | Quartz Monzonite | Mixed oxide-fresh |
More on the Flat Metallurgical Program
The metallurgical test work was conducted by Base Metallurgical Laboratories, under the supervision of Tectonic's Technical Advisor, Mr. Fred Lightner, P.E., a metallurgical engineer from the Colorado School of Mines with over 50 years of industry experience (+25 projects) specializing in heap leach gold project evaluation, consultation, feasibility, construction and operations. Base Metallurgical Laboratories is a fully integrated mineral processing laboratory located in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Previous Metallurgical Studies at Flat
Initial metallurgical characterization test work on the Chicken Mountain mineralization was conducted by Tectonic in 2023 and complete results can be found here. These initial positive results of the various metallurgical tests indicate that Tectonic may have several metallurgical processing options for oxide and non-oxide fresh/sulphide mineralization present at Flat.
About Heap Leaching and Column Tests
Heap leaching is a widely used extraction method for minerals, including copper, gold, silver, etc. Using data compiled by Mining Intelligence, MINING.COM states that there are currently 286 heap leach mines operating worldwide.
Heap leach column metallurgical tests are critical in evaluating the feasibility and efficiency of heap leaching for specific ore bodies. The purpose of heap leach column tests is to simulate the heap leaching process on a smaller scale in a controlled laboratory environment. These tests allow for the assessment of key parameters such as leach solution flow rates, heap permeability, leach kinetics, and recovery rates. By understanding these factors, mining engineers and metallurgists can optimize the heap leaching process, improving mineral recovery and making the process more economically viable.
About Tectonic Metals Inc.
Tectonic Metals Inc. is a gold exploration company founded by the same key executives who transformed Kaminak Gold from a
Success with the Coffee Gold Project is only one example, as each member of the Tectonic team has a significant track record of success in all facets of exploration and mining, including over 30 Moz of gold discoveries, 18 feasibility studies, 20 projects permitted, over
Tectonic's mission statement is "to be the number one mineral exploration company in the world." The Company applies a disciplined, up-front de-risking strategy to address the economics, community benefits, and sustainability of its projects and refers to this as the "Shift in the Game." The Tectonic team is focused on demonstrating tier-1 mining opportunities, not drill plays.
Whether at home or at work, the Tectonic team is grounded on the following core values: passion, integrity, patience, focus, perseverance, honesty, fairness, accountability, respect and a big mindset. The Company's vision is to create transformational wealth for our shareholders by identifying, discovering and developing world-class gold districts in North America with a commitment to high standards of environmental stewardship and maximizing social and economic benefits to the communities in which they live and operate.
To learn more about Tectonic Metals or to Subscribe to our email list, click Here
Tour the Flat Gold Project
Tectonic invites you to take a virtual tour of our Flat Gold Project with both the CEO of Tectonic and one of Alaska's largest for-profit Native Regional Corporations, Doyon, by clicking here: https://bit.ly/FlatProjectSiteTour
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Qualified Person
Tectonic's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this press release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Peter Kleespies, M.Sc., P.Geo., Tectonic's Vice President of Exploration, who serves as a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.
On behalf of Tectonic Metals Inc.,
Tony Reda
President and Chief Executive Officer
For further information about Tectonic Metals Inc. or this news release, please visit our website at www.tectonicmetals.com or contact Jesse Manna, M.Sc., Investor Relations, at toll-free 1.888.685.8558 or by email at jesse@tectonicmetals.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking information and statements under applicable securities law. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions and include, but are not limited to, the potential for mineralization at Tectonic's projects, any future exploration activities and the size; the receipt of any regulatory approvals, including the final approval of the TSXV.
Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made including, among others, assumptions about future prices of gold and other metal prices, currency exchange rates and interest rates, favourable operating conditions, political stability, obtaining governmental and other approvals and financing on time, obtaining required licenses and permits, labour stability, stability in market conditions, availability of equipment, accuracy of any mineral resources, successful resolution of disputes and anticipated costs and expenditures. Many assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Tectonic, and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.
Although Tectonic considers these beliefs and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation: the Company's ability to implement its business strategies; risks associated with mineral exploration and production; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; marketing and transportation costs; loss of markets; volatility of commodity prices; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; industry and government regulation; changes in legislation, income tax and regulatory matters; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations; and other risks.
Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Although Tectonic has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Tectonic does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE: Tectonic Metals Inc.
View the original press release on accesswire.com
FAQ
What were the gold recovery rates in Tectonic Metals' (TETOF) heap leach column tests at the Flat Gold Project?
How quickly did the gold recovery occur in Tectonic Metals' (TETOF) heap leach tests?
Does Tectonic Metals' (TETOF) Flat Gold Project require agglomeration for heap leaching?
What type of mining operation does Tectonic Metals (TETOF) suggest is possible at the Flat Gold Project based on these results?
