Corazon Mining Ltd (ASX:CZN) has described initial metallurgical test work results from the Lynn Lake Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Sulphide Project in Manitoba, Canada, as “exceptional”.
The tests on Lynn Lake sulphide mineralisation has produced separate high-value and high-purity nickel and copper concentrates, far surpassing those delivered by historical processing methods.
High-purity concentrates
Results include:
- New nickel concentrate with a grade of 26% nickel with recoveries of 71%; and
- New copper concentrate with a grade of 27% copper with recoveries of 77%.
READ: Corazon Mining boosts Lynn Lake nickel copper cobalt JORC resource
These results indicate that Lynn Lake may deliver separate high-value nickel and copper products.
This would provide greater optionality for processing methods and product sale points.
Further improvement expected
The results have not been fully optimised and the company said it expected that ongoing work would further improve recoveries and grades.
Corazon said the technical breakthrough made in these tests represented an important step in the development pathway for Lynn Lake.
“It supports the production and dispatch of separate copper and nickel concentrates from site to smelters and removes the need for potentially costly secondary processing from a bulk (nickel-copper) concentrate onsite.”
The ongoing test work is focusing on ore characterisation, flotation and product definition for down-stream processing.
This work is designed to provide key data for future mining and development studies for the possible re-commencement of mining at Lynn Lake.
Nickel and cobalt are captured together in the flotation process and separated from the copper sulphides.
The nickel concentrate contains a small amount of copper while the copper concentrate retains a small amount of nickel.
Geology of the Lynn Lake project area.
READ: Corazon Mining discovers major copper cobalt silver gold trend at Mt Gilmore
Corazon’s work aims to determine how much recoveries can be improved while maintaining high concentrate grades.
This work program is being managed by internationally recognised metallurgical consultants, METS Engineering, and is expected to be completed during the current quarter.
Historical production
Lynn Lake is historically one of Canada’s most prolific nickel producing mining centres and was active for more than 24 years before closing in 1976.
The processing technology used to extract nickel, copper and cobalt metals was developed in the 1950s and 1960s, and this is the first detailed test work completed on the mineralisation since the mine closed.
Advances in processing technologies have delivered substantial benefits and efficiencies with respect to metal recoveries and product quality.
This may, in turn, deliver reductions in operating and capital costs associated with any future project development.
Corazon Mining’s managing director Brett Smith will deliver a presentation at the RIU Explorers Conference at Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, on February 19-21, taking the stage at 5.45pm on day two. To view the program, visit www.riuexplorersconference.com.au