PVW Resources NL (ASX:PVW) has increased the grade of rare earth samples in ore sorting and magnetic separation testing at the Tanami Heavy Rare Earth (HRE) Project, also achieving rejection of significant mass and indicating potential to lower costs on downstream processing.
The ore sorting obtained a total rare earth oxide (TREO) grade of 7.16% at a recovery rate of 87.1%, while magnetic separation achieved an 81.2% recovery and 50.8% mass rejection rate.
Flotation test-work is now being conducted on the magnetic separation concentrate to achieve a higher-grade concentrate suitable for downstream processing.
Mineralogical studies at the project continue to add to the understanding of mineralogy and ore paragenesis (the sequence in which minerals are formed), directly supporting geological understanding and exploration of Tanami.
Tests provide proof of method for Tanami
“The positive results from the initial sighter metallurgical test-work have provided the team with a number of key findings,” PVW Resources executive director George Bauk said.
“Additional mineralogy work using micro-XRF (X-ray fluorescence) spectroscopy further supports the presence of xenotime mineralisation, host of key rare earths including dysprosium and terbium.”
“Secondly, no fatal flaws have been identified in the test-work and initial tests have demonstrated that ore sorting, and magnetic separation, works with positive upgrade/mass rejection and very good recovery.
“The test-work program at this stage is not focused on optimisation and variability studies, but simply to ensure the known method of processing xenotime works.
“We look forward to the flotation results and this program will provide the company with a baseline for future studies post the 2022 exploration program.
“We continue to build our knowledge base on this exciting project through the programs undertaken in 2021 and look forward to the commencement of drilling, to start shortly.”
About PVW Resources
PVW Resources is a Western Australian exploration company aiming to deliver growth through exploration success in prolific Western Australian gold areas.
The company’s 100%-owned Leonora Project spans 195 square kilometres and comprises follow-up targets across the Jungle Well and Brilliant Well tenures.
PVW also has a 150-square-kilometre tenement package close to world-class deposits near Kalgoorlie and owns the Tanami project, where it has put together a 1,100-square-kilometre land package with solid geological information and historical drilling results.
Recently, the company acquired the Ballinue Project, prospective for nickel, copper and platinum group elements (PGE) in the West Yilgarn Region of Western Australia.