Galileo Mining Ltd (ASX:GAL) has fielded first-pass metallurgical sighter test work results revealing “very high” recoveries for key metals in diamond core composite samples taken from the Callisto discovery at the Norseman Project in Western Australia.
Sulphide flotation tests achieved recovery rates of 94% copper, 82% palladium, 77% nickel, 79% gold, 78% platinum and 63% rhodium.
Initial results indicate the Callisto mineralisation may be amenable to the production of a single bulk concentrate similar to that produced from operating South African PGE mines.
Described as "excellent"
“The initial metallurgical test work results have been excellent and will form the basis for more advanced testing to understand how best to extract the metals from the Callisto mineralisation,” Galileo Mining technical director and metallurgist Noel O’Brien said.
“My experience in South Africa provides Galileo with an extensive network of contacts within the palladium-platinum industry and we are able to draw from a wealth of expertise that is not readily available in Australia.
“South African palladium-platinum mines commonly produce a single bulk concentrate that maximises PGE recovery and we will be looking at this potential option with the upcoming work at Callisto.”
Optimisation of flotation conditions in future test work is expected to provide a further improvement in results.
Fully funded to continue test work, drilling
GAL held some $20 million in cash as of the end of last year, meaning the company is well funded to continue test work optimisation and mineralogy studies, as well as further drilling programs at Norseman.
“The initial metallurgical test work from Callisto shows that the disseminated sulphide mineralisation responds very well to sulphide flotation at industry standard conditions,” Galileo Mining managing director Brad Underwood said.
“These results are highly encouraging as we have a very consistent style of disseminated sulphides at Callisto and we anticipate that the metal recoveries will be similar from other sections of the mineralisation.
“Variability test work using additional drill holes will be a part of an ongoing metallurgical program along with the optimisation of flotation conditions seeking to further increase metal recovery.
“In the meantime, drilling continues at Callisto with a diamond rig and RC rig on site. Our aim is to define the mineralisation at Callisto both for resource estimation and to use the data generated to effectively explore this newly discovered palladium-nickel province.”