Golden Tag Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:GOG, OTCQB:GTAGF) has hailed the findings of the first-ever metallurgical test work at the Fernandez zone of its San Diego project in Mexico, which show that the mineralization there could be processed using conventional techniques.
"The results reported today indicate conventional flotation techniques could be utilized to produce a commercial saleable concentrate from a sample taken from the Fernandez Zone, in particular within the Endoskarn mineralization," said Greg McKenzie, the company's CEO in a statement.
When compared with the results of previous test work performed on other zones at San Diego, there were improvements within the bulk lead concentrate, in particular the silver concentrate grade as well as higher recoveries of gold and copper, highlighted McKenzie.
"Typical reagent regimes and grind size (P80 109 microm) were used in the testing, and we are confident that additional test work and applied optimization could result in additional improvements in recoveries and concentrate grades."
"Additional metallurgical test work is being planned to be performed in 2023," he added.
READ: Golden Tag Resources anticipates expanding Fernandez zone at its San Diego project in Mexico following promising drill results
The work carried out at Kamloops, BC, saw six samples of one-fourth drill core taken over six metre (m) intervals selected from three drill holes completed within the Fernandez Zone, designed to be representative of the zone's lithologies and geochemistry.
Around 76% of the silver and 84% of the lead were recovered to a bulk lead concentrate grading around 4,700 grams per ton (g/t) silver, 51% lead, 3.1% zinc, 5.3% copper, and 2.23 g/t gold.
Copper and gold recoveries within the bulk concentrate had significant improvements over previous test work and 84% of the zinc was recovered to a concentrate grading 47% zinc.
Compared to metallurgical test results established in the NI 43-101 resource estimate from April 2013 this initial test work has improved predictions for silver recovery from 71% to 76% in the bulk lead concentrate, while increasing the concentrate grade from 3623 g/t silver up to 4700 g/t silver, and demonstrated substantial improvements in copper and gold recoveries, said Golden Tag.
"There was also an improvement in the predicted zinc recovery from 81% to 84% in the zinc concentrate."
Headquartered in Toronto, Golden Tag is an exploration company whose 100% owned San Diego property in Mexico is among one of the largest undeveloped silver assets in the country.
Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com