QMines Ltd (ASX:QML) has delivered encouraging metallurgical results from initial tests at the Mt Chalmers Copper and Gold Project 17 kilometres northeast of Rockhampton in Queensland.
This metallurgical test-work program was designed to establish a preliminary flowsheet and assess the ability to recover metals such as gold, copper, lead and zinc into separate flotation concentrates.
Promisingly, the results indicate high recoveries from all concentrates and a relatively simple flotation process.
Moving forward, further work is underway with significant potential to improve overall recoveries at the project.
“Development potential”
Commenting on the results, QMines executive chairman Andrew Sparke said: “It is very pleasing to see such excellent results from this initial study for the Mt Chalmers project.
“Although further work is required, these initial results demonstrate the development potential of the project.
“I would like to thank Como Engineers and ALS for all their efforts in delivering these results in a timely manner.
“Further work is now being undertaken to improve overall recoveries, develop a cleaner flotation and improve flowsheet optimisation.”
High recoveries
With stringer mineralisation, rougher grades of up to 12.3% copper and 4.6 g/t gold were produced with excellent recoveries of 97.1% copper and 87% gold.
These results were particularly encouraging as lithologically, the stringer mineralisation makes up the bulk of the resource.
Within massive sulphide mineralisation, copper-lead concentrate with recoveries of 89% copper, 77% zinc and 43% gold, and zinc concentrate with recoveries of 84% zinc and 43% gold was produced.
Furthermore, additional gold recovery from zinc concentrate tail using cyanide leach generated 98.4% total gold recovery;
Forward plan
QMines’ objective is to grow its resource base, consolidate assets in the region and assess commercialisation options with its forward plan as follows:
- Ongoing drilling results from the planned +30,000-metre drilling program;
- Drilling to commence at the Woods Shaft prospect, the first of three Exploration Targets (JORC 2012);
- Preparations are underway to drill Tracker 3, the first of four large copper and zinc soil anomalies;
- Planned 1,800-line kilometre Heli-EM survey expected to commence in the first half of 2022 to identify further drill targets;
- Third resource upgrade is expected in the first half of 2022.