Power Metallic Mines Inc (TSX-V:PNPN, OTCQB:PNPNF) has reported positive results from preliminary mineralogy scans conducted on samples from the Lion zone at its Nisk project in Quebec.
The scans, performed by IOS Geosciences in Chicoutimi, aim to better understand the mineralogical characteristics of the deposit and inform future metallurgical recovery studies.
Power Metallic reported that approximately half of a suite of over 100 samples, selected to represent the various mineralized zones at Lion, have been analyzed, and the initial findings indicate promising potential for conventional sulphide concentrate recovery methods.
The Lion deposit comprises two distinct mineralized zones defined by drilling: a high-grade zone and a lower-grade hanging-wall zone.
Power Metallic noted that it is understood that the bulk of the deposit’s metal value is contained in the high-grade zone, which features semi-massive to massive copper sulphide mineralization.
Microscopic scans performed by IOS have provided key insights into the mineral species and their host rocks.
According to the company, the copper mineralization appears within coarse-grained chalcopyrite and cubanite, minerals that are considered responsive to conventional sulphide concentration processes, similar to those used for Sudbury-type ores.
Further, the scans also showed that the majority of platinum group elements (PGEs) are present within or attached to the chalcopyrite and cubanite, which could allow for efficient recovery of these metals in a copper concentrate.
Identified PGE species include stannopalladinite, froodite, and merenskyite, minerals comparable to those found in established polymetallic deposits such as Sudbury and Norilsk.
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Power Metallic stated that the mineralization and sulphide host characteristics observed to date suggest good recovery potential for both copper and PGEs using conventional processing methods.
Further scanning and analysis of the remaining samples is ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of the summer.