Power Metallic Mines Inc (TSX-V:PNPN, OTCQB:PNPNF) provided an update on preliminary metallurgical studies on the Lion deposit at its Nisk Project in Quebec, saying work to date has shown that the copper mineralization is contained within coarse grained chalcopyrite and cubanite, both which should respond well to conventional sulphide concentration methods.
Power Metallic Mines noted that overall, the character of the mineralization suggests good recoveries of copper sulphides, and these initial metallurgical tests will determine the recovery potential of the platinum group elements (PGEs), gold, silver, and nickel, which are expected to report within a conventional sulphide concentrate.
"Metallurgical testing is one of the key steps mining companies take to derisk development of mining projects and is also a necessary step for NI 43-101 reporting on the resource and its economic potential," Power Metallic Mines CEO Terry Lynch said in a statement.
"While we have no immediate plans to produce a NI- 43-101 resource report the results of this study will enable independent bank, company and industry analysts to utilize the appropriate resource recovery numbers while developing economic valuations on the Nisk project."
The company added that additional testing may be done for rare earth minerals associated with this polymetallic deposit type if initial mineralogy suggests potential economic concentration.
Power Metallic said the metallurgical tests are anticipated to take about 14 weeks to complete, although final reporting of results is not expected before January 2026.