Shares in Rockfire Resources PLC (LSE:ROCK) rose 6% to 0.11p after it said preliminary processing tests at its Molaoi zinc project in Greece showed the ore should fall comfortably within standard energy requirements for semi-autogenous grinding.
The analysis provided further input into the project’s processing flowsheet and feasibility work.
SLR Consulting classified the Molaoi ore as “Medium-Hard”, with a Drop Weight Index of 8.66 kilowatt-hours per tonne. Rockfire noted that SAG mills typically consume between 6 kWh/t and 12 kWh/t, putting Molaoi within the normal range for mining projects.
Chief executive David Price said Rockfire is considering SAG milling rather than a conventional ball mill, noting that SAG mills use the ore itself for grinding rather than higher-cost, high-wear steel balls. The comminution data will feed into processing design and the framework for future feasibility parameters.
Meanwhile, diamond drilling has resumed on schedule following the summer break, with hole HMO-021 in progress. Rockfire’s own Epiroc rig is now due to reach Athens at the end of October or early November, slightly behind schedule, while recruitment of drillers and assistants is underway ahead of company-operated drilling later this year.
Molaoi hosts a JORC inferred mineral resource of 15.0 million tonnes grading 7.26% zinc, 1.75% lead and 39.50 grams per tonne silver.
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