Ascendant Resources Inc. (TSX: ASND) has obtained positive metallurgical test results as part of its ongoing metallurgical test works which will be included in a Feasibility Study for the Venda Nova deposit at its Lagoa Salgada VMS Project, Portugal, targeted for completion in May 2023.
The Feasibility Programme is being led by Quadrante Engenharia e Consultoria, SA. with input from Micon International Limited who will act as the Qualified Person (QP) for the 43-101 Resource Update.
Soluciones, Concentradores Y Procesos de Ingeniería, S.L. (Spain) (SCYPI) has managed the flowsheet development and process optimization testing program.
Grinding Solutions Limited (UK) (GSL) has completed the detailed Metallurgical Testing using representative composite samples and variability testing. Maelgwyn Mineral Services Africa (PTY) LTD (South Africa) is completing independent validation of metallurgical results and completing Locked Cycle Testing (LCT) of selected circuit configurations. Both laboratories are Independent of Ascendant.
The flotation testing and optimization tests will be completed shortly to determine final grade recovery curves for all domains and selection of the optimal grade and recovery for financial analysis. The testing results below are therefore for information purposes only to demonstrate the improvements identified during the Feasibility Study test programme compared to the 2021 Preliminary Economic Analysis. The testing results below comprise the Copper, Lead and Zinc grade-recoveries for the Stockwork and Massive Sulphide domains.
“It is very common for metallurgy in the Iberian pyrite belt to be complex due to the polymetallic nature of the ores, but we are pleased that the metallurgical test work we have completed to date supports our expectations for the Venda Nova deposit and we anticipate these results will support a robust feasibility study,” Executive Chairman, Mark Brennan, said.
“Metallurgical test work to further optimize metal recoveries and concentrate grades will be a continuous process as we develop the project.”
Metalurgical Testing
The most recent metallurgical test work was completed by GSL in the United Kingdom and has been validated using Maelgwyn in South Africa. Both laboratories are Independent of Ascendant. These programmes were completed using representative core from the 2022 drilling campaign to establish metal recoveries and concentrate grades and complete variability testing. The metallurgical test work results continue to support the use of a planned conventional polymetallic process flowsheet capable of recovering copper, lead, zinc, gold, and silver in three saleable concentrates.
Over the coming weeks the flotation testing and optimization tests will be completed to determine final grade recovery curves for all domains and selection of the optimal grade and recovery for financial analysis.
The testing results below are therefore for information purposes only and to demonstrate the improvements identified during the Feasibility Study test programme compared to the 2021 Preliminary Economic Analysis. The testing results below comprise the Copper, Lead and Zinc grades-recoveries for the Stockwork and Massive Sulphide domains.
Concentrate Specifications
The metallurgical testing has identified the following saleable concentrate products. These product specifications have been shared with several Smelters and Refineries and confirmed as suitable and meeting their requirements. Final negotiations with smelters and refineries are planned to commence post the publication of the NI 43-101 Feasibility Report.
For further information please visit: https://www.ascendantresources.com/
