OD6 Metals Limited (ASX:OD6) has obtained very high metallurgical recoveries with samples from the Splinter Rock Project in Western Australia.
The high-grade results were provided from testing at the Australian Nuclear Science Organization (ANSTO).
Highlights:
• Very high metallurgical recoveries, up to 96%, of Magnet Rare Earth Elements (MagREE) achieved in
multiple Prospect areas utilising a simple hydrochloric acid leach
• Highest recoveries were achieved centrally within the main clay basins
o Prop Prospect – 44% to 96% recovery of MagREE (average 71%)
o Centre Prospect – 54% to 78% recovery of MagREE (average 62%)
o Scrum & Flanker Prospects – 64% and 76% recovery of MagREE respectively (one sample each)
• Impressive leach response observed, suggesting reductions in acid strength are possible
• ~80-90% of magnet rare earth oxides (MagREO) are located in the fine clay hosted size fraction (<75μm).
• 30-50% reductions in material to be leached can be achieved by removing the coarse grained clays
• The results provide considerable confidence to proceed with further optimization test work in parallel with targeted infill drill programs at the four main Prospect Areas
• Assay results from the Splinter Rock infill drilling programme are expected Q2 2023
“These metallurgical results, undertaken by a specialist team at ANSTO, are a watershed moment for OD6. Results provide comfort that high recoveries can be achieved utilizing a simple hydrochloric acid leach,” Managing Director, Brett Hazelden, said.
“Testing has spotlighted the potential for additional process optimization through lowering acid strengths, increasing leach times and removal of coarse grain clay material.
OD6 has deliberately selected a wide variety of different samples, locations and depths to understand the bookends of recovery so as to enable targeted future drilling and metallurgical testing. It is becoming clear that the areas within the clay basins at distance from the source granites provides the best target zones.
“This underlines the importance of utilizing the Airborne Electromagnetic Survey results to target these highly weather clay areas.
Our immediate focus is to conduct targeted infill drilling in these clay basins and proceed with further optimization testwork, bringing us closer to our near-term goal of declaring a significant, high-quality maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate.”
A total of 25 samples were selected from a wide variety of distinct clay and non-clay types at the Splinter Rock Project to identify the various potential mineral recovery variations across the four main Prospects (Prop, Centre, Scrum and Flanker). Samples were selected based on differing geographic location, REE grade, colour, chemical composition, AEM Conductivity, proximity to granite, basinal position (including paleo valley/channel positions) and inferred different geological genesis.
The Splinter Rock clay hosted prospect areas are characterized by a combination of ionically adsorbed, acid soluble and refractory rare earth elements (REEs). Future potential commercial production of REE is significantly improved through successful leaching of both ionic and acid soluble REEs.
For further information please visit: https://www.od6metals.com.au/
