Mustang Resources Ltd (ASX:MUS) has received metallurgical test work results further highlighting the value of its Caula graphite-vanadium project in Mozambique.
The results position Caula as a top global graphite project with regards to flake size distribution and quality.
Furthermore, the shallow deposit is unique given its high grades of 13% total graphitic carbon (TGC) and that is has vanadium in the same ore.
READ: Mustang Resources’ vanadium-graphite project on track for production by mid-2019
Mustang’s managing director Dr Bernard Olivier said: “These metallurgical results are outstanding and provide further evidence of the exceptional quality of the graphite at Caula.
“We managed to achieve an extraordinary 27% increase in the cumulative proportion of large to super jumbo flakes (>180µm) while maintaining our exceptional concentrate grade of 97%.
“The large to super jumbo flake-sizes in the fresh zone increased from 55% to 68% while the cumulative oxide zone increased from 44% to 60%.”
Upgraded flow sheet yields results
The processing flow sheet has been updated in the latest test work to result in a significant increase in flake size and a significant reduction in reagent costs.
The new reagent scheme will cost less than half that used in the test work completed late last year, which adds further value to the project.
The cumulative proportion of large to super jumbo flakes increased from 44% to 60% for the combined Oxide zone and the Fresh zone increased from 55% to 68%.
Importantly, high concentrate grades of more than 97% TGC have been maintained in the modified flow sheet.
READ: Mustang Resources test work shows benefits to Caula graphite from ore sorting
Earlier this month, Mustang received positive results from preliminary ore sorting test work conducted on drill core from Caula.
Test work demonstrated that the Caula ore is highly amenable to sensor-based ore sorting.