PNX Metals Ltd (ASX:PNX) has engaged Como Engineers to deliver detailed engineering and design work for the plant and infrastructure on the fast-track path to developing Fountain Head Gold Project in the Northern Territory.
The company is working with Como to deliver a design and construct proposal for the carbon-in-leach gold plant for a fixed-duration, lump-sum price, thereby removing a large portion of the project risk from PNX.
This work will be completed over the next three months and provide PNX with a fixed-price design and construct contract proposal.
As the scope of work is further refined, consideration will be given to utilising second-hand equipment where possible and alternative equipment options to achieve further reductions in capital and operating costs.
The Fountain Head Gold Project, which is on granted mineral leases, is part of a broader sequential development strategy that includes the Hayes Creek Project.
Drilling ongoing at Fountain Head
PNX Metals managing director James Fox said: “We look forward to continuing to work with the Como team over the next few months to lock in the design and construct contract proposal for the Fountain Head CIL gold plant.
“In parallel, drilling is ongoing at Fountain Head to test newly identified gold exploration targets in close proximity to the proposed mining areas.”
Como is an experienced engineering group that specialises in ‘fit for purpose’ solutions and utilises modular and transportable equipment in its plant designs.
Thickening and filtration tests
In order to assist with the design process, additional test-work is underway.
Thickening and filtration tests are being undertaken by Metso Outotec while rheology tests are being conducted by ALS Metallurgy on samples from Fountain Head and Mt Bonnie.
PNX is also carrying out reverse circulation drilling at Fountain Head to test the newly identified exploration targets that could potentially host ‘near-mine’ gold resources.
- Ephrems Joseph