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Metallurgical Study Confirms Higher Gold Recoveries Attainable at Buckreef Gold

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TRX Gold (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX) has announced the completion of a metallurgical variability study at the Buckreef Gold Project, confirming excellent gold recovery rates for sulphide ore processing. The study, focusing on the sulphide ore portion (approximately 90% of the Buckreef Main Zone's 2M+ ounce Au Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources), revealed:

1. Finer grind size leads to higher gold recovery, increasing from 81.2% to 92.5% as grind became finer.

2. Current operational performance aligns with test results, with recovery rates ranging from 79.9% to 87.0%.

3. Opportunities for increasing gold recovery in current operations through finer grinding initiatives.

4. Potential for low-cost, self-funded expansion opportunities and positive outlook for additional Mineral Resources development.

TRX Gold (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX) ha annunciato il completamento di uno studio di variabilità metallurgica presso il Buckreef Gold Project, confermando eccellenti tassi di recupero dell'oro per il trattamento dei minerali solfurei. Lo studio, concentrato sulla parte di minerale solfureo (circa il 90% delle 2 milioni di once di risorse minerarie misurate e indicate della Buckreef Main Zone), ha rivelato:

1. Una dimensione di macinazione più fine porta a un maggiore recupero dell'oro, aumentando dall'81,2% al 92,5% con il miglioramento della finezza della macinazione.

2. Le attuali prestazioni operative si allineano ai risultati dei test, con tassi di recupero che variano dal 79,9% all'87,0%.

3. Opportunità per aumentare il recupero dell'oro nelle operazioni attuali attraverso iniziative di macinazione più fine.

4. Potenziale per opportunità di espansione a basso costo e autofinanziate e prospettive positive per lo sviluppo di ulteriori risorse minerarie.

TRX Gold (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX) ha anunciado la finalización de un estudio de variabilidad metalúrgica en el Proyecto Buckreef Gold, confirmando excelentes tasas de recuperación de oro para el procesamiento de mineral de sulfuros. El estudio, centrado en la parte del mineral de sulfuros (aproximadamente el 90% de los 2 millones de onzas de recursos minerales medidos e indicados de la Zona Principal de Buckreef), reveló:

1. Un tamaño de molienda más fino conduce a una mayor recuperación de oro, aumentando del 81.2% al 92.5% a medida que la molienda se vuelve más fina.

2. El rendimiento operativo actual se alinea con los resultados de las pruebas, con tasas de recuperación que varían del 79.9% al 87.0%.

3. Oportunidades para aumentar la recuperación de oro en las operaciones actuales a través de iniciativas de molienda más fina.

4. Potencial para oportunidades de expansión de bajo costo y autofinanciadas, y perspectivas positivas para el desarrollo de recursos minerales adicionales.

TRX Gold (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX)는 Buckreef Gold Project에서 금속 공학 변동성 연구를 완료했다고 발표하며, 황화물 광석 처리를 위한 우수한 금 회수율을 확인했습니다. 이 연구는 Buckreef Main Zone의 2백만 온스 이상의 측정 및 지시 자원 중 약 90%를 차지하는 황화물 광석 부분에 초점을 맞추었습니다:

1. 더 세밀한 분쇄 크기가 금 회수율을 높이며, 분쇄가 더 가늘어짐에 따라 81.2%에서 92.5%로 증가합니다.

2. 현재 운영 성능은 시험 결과와 일치하며, 회수율은 79.9%에서 87.0% 사이입니다.

3. 현재 운영에서 더 세밀한 분쇄 이니셔티브를 통해 금 회수를 증가시킬 기회가 있습니다.

4. 저비용 자가 자금 조달 확장 기회와 추가 자원 개발에 대한 긍정적인 전망이 있습니다.

TRX Gold (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX) a annoncé l'achèvement d'une étude de variabilité métallurgique au projet Buckreef Gold, confirmant d'excellents taux de récupération de l'or pour le traitement des minerais sulfurés. L'étude, qui se concentre sur la partie des minerais sulfurés (environ 90 % des 2 millions d'onces de ressources minérales mesurées et indiquées de la zone principale de Buckreef), a révélé :

1. Une taille de broyage plus fine conduit à une meilleure récupération de l'or, passant de 81,2 % à 92,5 % à mesure que le broyage devient plus fin.

2. Les performances opérationnelles actuelles s'alignent avec les résultats des tests, avec des taux de récupération variant de 79,9 % à 87,0 %.

3. Opportunités d'augmenter la récupération de l'or dans les opérations actuelles par des initiatives de broyage plus fin.

4. Potentiel d'opportunités d'expansion à faible coût et autofinancées, et perspectives positives pour le développement de ressources minérales supplémentaires.

TRX Gold (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX) hat den Abschluss einer metallurgischen Variabilitätsstudie im Buckreef Gold Projekt bekannt gegeben, die hervorragende Rückgewinnungsraten für die Verarbeitung von Sulfid-Erz bestätigt. Die Studie, die sich auf den Sulfid-Erzanteil (etwa 90 % der 2 Millionen Unzen gemessener und angezeigter Mineralressourcen der Buckreef Main Zone) konzentrierte, ergab:

1. Ein feinerer Mahlgrad führt zu einer höheren Goldrückgewinnung, die von 81,2 % auf 92,5 % ansteigt, je feiner das Mahlgut ist.

2. Die aktuelle betriebliche Leistung stimmt mit den Testergebnissen überein, wobei die Rückgewinnungsraten zwischen 79,9 % und 87,0 % liegen.

3. Möglichkeiten zur Erhöhung der Goldrückgewinnung in den aktuellen Betrieben durch feinere Mahlinitiativen.

4. Potenzial für kostengünstige, selbstfinanzierte Expansionsmöglichkeiten und positive Aussichten für die Entwicklung zusätzlicher Mineralressourcen.

Positive
  • Gold recovery rates increased from 81.2% to 92.5% with finer grinding
  • Current operational performance aligns with test results (79.9% to 87.0% recovery rates)
  • Potential for increasing gold recovery above 90% for sulphide ore through finer grinding initiatives
  • Confirmation of robust project economics and potential for future plant expansions
  • Positive outlook for additional Mineral Resource development in other high-priority gold zones
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The metallurgical study results for Buckreef Gold are highly encouraging. Achieving gold recoveries over 90% for sulphide ore, which comprises about 90% of the resource, is a significant milestone. The study confirms that finer grinding leads to higher gold recovery, with rates increasing from 81.2% to 92.5% as grind size decreased.

This data provides a clear pathway for optimizing the milling process. The company can now focus on upgrading the existing plant to include rougher flotation and regrinding of concentrate. This approach should allow them to achieve the targeted finer grind size with minimal energy consumption, potentially boosting recoveries above 90% for sulphide ore.

The consistency in tailings grade regardless of head grade at current grind sizes further supports the benefits of finer grinding. This knowledge enables more accurate forecasting and potentially improved economic modeling for future expansions.

Overall, these results validate TRX Gold's expansion strategy and suggest strong project economics. The potential application to other zones like Anfield and Eastern Porphyry could lead to significant resource growth if similar processing efficiencies are achieved across the property.

This metallurgical study has significant positive implications for TRX Gold's financial outlook. The confirmed high gold recovery rates, especially for sulphide ore which makes up 90% of their 2M+ ounce resource, could substantially improve the project's economics.

Key financial implications include:

  • Potential for increased revenue through higher gold recovery (up to 92.5% vs current 79.9-87%)
  • Opportunity for improved margins by optimizing the milling process
  • Lower capital intensity for future expansions, as the company can leverage existing infrastructure
  • Possibility of extending mine life or increasing production rates due to more efficient processing

The company's track record of delivering expansions on time and on budget adds credibility to their ability to capitalize on these findings. With a market cap of $109,816,442, TRX Gold appears undervalued given the potential uplift in project economics. Investors should watch for updates on implementation of finer grinding initiatives and any resulting improvements in operational performance.

Results return over 90% gold recoveries

TORONTO, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TRX Gold Corporation (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX) (the “Company” or “TRX Gold”) is pleased to announce completion of the ongoing metallurgical variability study at the Buckreef Gold Project, with results confirming excellent gold recovery rates for the processing of sulphide ore.

Metallurgical test work on the sulphide ore portion of the project, which encompasses approximately 90% of the Buckreef Main Zone’s 2M+ ounce Au Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources1, has been an important area of focus for the Company, as it continues to grow the project in a low-risk, low-cost, value accretive manner. To date, the Buckreef Gold team has successfully delivered 3 mill expansions within 36 months, on time and on budget, thanks to careful planning, budgeting and execution.

As a key value driver for the Company, metallurgical testing began at the Buckreef Main Zone in June of 2021, whereby a straightforward flowsheet comprising of crush, grind, flotation, regrind and CIL was developed by SGS Canada. In a laboratory, bulk sample testing returned gold recoveries between 85.3% to 95.4%. In June 2023, a 6,500-tonne bulk sample of sulphide ore was tested on site at Buckreef Gold’s existing milling facility. This successful test reported gold recoveries from sulphide ore of 88.7%.

The recent and much larger metallurgical variability study reported on today, reiterates results from past test work and is now of greater importance as Buckreef Gold is processing a higher proportion of sulphide ore (80% sulphides to 20% oxides) at its newly expanded milling facility. As part of this recent phase of test work, drill core from a total of 18 metallurgical holes (2,367 meters) along the entire strike of the Buckreef Main deposit, were blended into samples that were then processed and tested against variable benchmarks within a processing flowsheet.

Highlights from the results demonstrate:

  • A finer grind size leads to a higher gold recovery: Batch samples were each milled at a specific grind size, incrementally finer in nature, resulting in incrementally improved gold recovery grades. The gold recovery rate increased from 81.2% to 92.5% as the grind became finer from 80% - 53 μm to 80% - 5 μm.  
  • Results in line with current operational performance: For the 15 composites tested in the most recent study, recovery rates ranged from 79.9% to 87.0% in a gravity + floatation + leaching test at a grind size of 80% - 75 μm, which is consistent with what is being experienced in current operations. Buckreef Gold is also experiencing a relatively consistent tailings grade, regardless of head grade, at a grind size of 80% - 75 μm, further supporting the fact that increased grinding will lead to higher recovery rates.
  • Increasing gold recovery in current operations: Test results showed that the gold is finely disseminated in the pyrite and improved recoveries can be achieved by grinding finer below 25µm. An upgrade of the existing Buckreef Process Plant flowsheet to include rougher flotation and subsequent regrinding of the flotation concentrate, by using the regrind ball mill, is expected to achieve the targeted grind size (gold liberation) with minimum energy consumption. The Company is currently developing finer grinding initiatives to achieve gold recoveries above 90% for the sulphide ore.
  • Low cost, self-funded expansion opportunities can continue: The positive grade recovery results and increased understanding of the metallurgy of the Buckreef Gold Project, confirm the direction of TRX Gold’s current business strategy, by providing the Company with the optionality for near term mine planning of the sulphide ore. The results also speak to the robust project economics of the Buckreef Gold Project and the potential for future plant expansions and optimizations.
  • Positive outlook for additional Mineral Resources: This also bodes well for future Mineral Resource development, as the Company continues to focus on development of other high-priority gold zones, such as Anfield and Eastern Porphyry, where a 2023 brownfield exploration program returned very similar geologic and mineralization characteristics as the Main Zone, to which similar milling processes could apply.

Stephen Mullowney, TRX Gold’s Chief Executive Officer stated “I am pleased to report the results of the met study, which we have been anxiously awaiting. We have just unlocked a key value driver to the Buckreef Gold Project! These results allow us to increase the profitability of the Buckreef Gold mining operation, an already high-margin operation, by means of simple milling circuit optimization and equipment redundancy. The finer you grind, the more gold you’re going to recover. Currently, the grind size is being maintained at 80% passing 75 microns, but as we improve on this, our recoveries from the sulphides should increase considerably! Consequently, further plant expansions will consider potential efficiencies to increase recovery rates. The key is to strike that optimal balance between recovery rates and profitability.”

Sample Protocol

A 1 kg aliquot of each of Composite 3 to Composite 14 at a crush size of 100% - 1.18 mm were blended to form the master composite. The master composite was split into 1 kg aliquots using a rotary splitter. Three 1 kg aliquots from the master composite were milled in a rod mill to target grinds of 80% - 53 µm, 80% - 38 µm and 80% -25 µm. A 200 g aliquot was split from the 80% - 53 µm and wet milled in a ceramic charged ball mill to a target grind of 80% - 5 µm. The grinds were checked by screening the milled material on the specific screens and weighing the oversize material. A 20 g aliquot of the 80% - 5 µm was submitted to an external laboratory for particle size distribution. One 500 g aliquot of the milled sample was submitted for the head chemical analysis.

Qualified Person

Mr. William van Breugel, P.Eng, BASc (Hons), technical Advisor to TRX Gold Corporation, is the Company’s Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects” (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and assumes responsibility for the scientific and technical content in this press release.

About TRX Gold Corporation

TRX Gold is rapidly advancing the Buckreef Gold Project. Anchored by a Mineral Resource published in May 2020, the project currently hosts an NI 43-101 Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 35.88 MT at 1.77 g/t gold containing 2,036,280 oz of gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 17.8 MT at 1.11g/t gold for 635,540 oz of gold. The leadership team is focused on creating both near-term and long-term shareholder value by increasing gold production to generate positive cash flow. The positive cash flow will be utilized for exploratory drilling with the goal of increasing the current gold Resource base and advancing the Sulphide Ore Project which represents 90% of current gold Resources. TRX Gold’s actions are led by the highest ESG standards, evidenced by the relationships and programs that the Company has developed during its nearly two decades of presence in Geita Region, Tanzania.

Investors

Christina Lalli
Vice President, Investor Relations
TRX Gold Corporation
+1-438-399-8665
c.lalli@TRXgold.com
www.TRXgold.com

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined in the applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “hopes”, “intends”, “estimated”, “potential”, “possible” and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results “will”, “may”, “could” or “should” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect TRX Gold management’s expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to continued operating cash flow, expansion of its process plant, estimation of mineral resources, ability to develop value creating activities, recoveries, subsequent project testing, success, scope and viability of mining operations, the timing and amount of estimated future production, and capital expenditure.

Although TRX Gold believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. The actual achievements of TRX Gold or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include general business, legal, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties; actual results of exploration activities and economic evaluations; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in costs; future prices of gold and other minerals; mining method, production profile and mine plan; delays in exploration, development and construction activities; changes in government legislation and regulation; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and in a timely manner or at all; contests over title to properties; employee relations and shortages of skilled personnel and contractors; the speculative nature of, and the risks involved in, the exploration, development and mining business. These risks are set forth in reports that TRX Gold files with the SEC and the various Canadian securities authorities. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml and the Company’s profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR+”) at www.sedarplus.ca.

The disclosure contained in this press release of a scientific or technical nature relating to the Company’s Buckreef Project has been summarized or extracted from the technical report entitled “The National Instrument 43-101 Independent Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Buckreef Gold Mine Project, Tanzania, East Africa for TRX Gold” with an effective date (the “Effective Date”) of May 15, 2020 (the “2020 Technical Report”). The 2020 Technical Report was prepared by or under the supervision Mr. Wenceslaus Kutekwatekwa (Mining Engineer, Mining and Project Management Consultant) BSc Hons (Mining Eng.), MBA, FSAIMM, of Virimai Projects, and, Dr Frank Crundwell, MBA, PhD, a Consulting Engineer, each of whom is an independent Qualified Person as such term is defined in NI 43-101. The information contained herein is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the 2020 Technical Report and reference should be made to the full details of the 2020 Technical Report which has been filed with the applicable regulatory authorities and is available on the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company did not complete any new work that would warrant reporting material changes in the previously reported Mineral Resource (“MRE”) and Mineral Reserve statements during the prior reporting period. The Company has engaged two globally recognized and respected mining consulting groups to undertake a comprehensive review of the MRE, and economic analysis which was previously conducted under the 2003 CIM code. This in turn follows significant infill and exploration drilling, plus other required technical work undertaken over the prior 18 months. This work is currently being undertaken to be compliant with the November 2019 CIM Code for the Valuation of Mineral Properties, which are different with respect to the 2003 guidelines. There can be no assurance that there will not be a change in the MRE and Mineral Reserve as disclosed in the 2020 Technical Report after such work has been updated (in accordance with the 2019 CIM code).

The information contained in this press release is as of the date of the press release and TRX Gold assumes no duty to update such information.

The TSX and NYSE America have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this press release, which has been prepared by the management of TRX Gold.

____________________
1 Refer to Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements


FAQ

What were the key findings of TRX Gold's metallurgical study at Buckreef Gold Project?

The study confirmed excellent gold recovery rates for sulphide ore processing, with rates increasing from 81.2% to 92.5% as grind size became finer. Current operational performance aligns with test results, showing recovery rates between 79.9% to 87.0%.

How does the grind size affect gold recovery rates for TRX Gold's Buckreef Project?

The study showed that a finer grind size leads to higher gold recovery. As the grind became finer from 80% - 53 μm to 80% - 5 μm, the gold recovery rate increased from 81.2% to 92.5%.

What are the implications of the metallurgical study results for TRX Gold's future operations?

The results confirm the direction of TRX Gold's current business strategy, providing optionality for near-term mine planning of sulphide ore. They also indicate potential for future plant expansions, optimizations, and development of additional Mineral Resources in other high-priority gold zones.

How does TRX Gold plan to improve gold recovery rates based on the study results?

TRX Gold is developing finer grinding initiatives to achieve gold recoveries above 90% for sulphide ore. They are considering upgrading the existing Buckreef Process Plant flowsheet to include rougher flotation and subsequent regrinding of the flotation concentrate.

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