Tungsten Mine Pilot Plant Installed, Permitted And Commissioned
Rafaella Resources Limited (ASX:RFR) has successfully delivered first production from the fully permitted underground operation in Spain.
The company announced in March that it had decided to bring forward its plans for the underground development. Rafaella has confirmed that it has successfully delivered first production as set out in March with the safe installation of a pilot plant and first production from high-grade stockpiles left from previous operations dating back to 1985.
Feasibility Study (FS) Update
Meanwhile, the company continues to progress the feasibility study. Metallurgical test-work has provided the good news that the ore is highly susceptible to magnetic separation. Delays at the test-lab in the UK have led to some slippage in the completion of the FS, however the additional time is being used to complete important water management studies and to advance discussions with the quarry operator concerning a solution to gain early access to tungsten ore within the quarry permit.
The improving price of tungsten, the upgrade in the Mineral Resource Estimate, and the exciting metallurgical test-work all indicate a positive enhancement to project economics from those released in the December 2020 pre-feasibility study (PFS).
Piezometer Drilling
As part of the underground study to scale up operations, the company is conducting a limited drilling campaign of 12 drill holes. Sondeos y Perforaciones Industriales del Bierzo, S.A. (SPI), has been contracted using reverse circulation drill rigs to conduct the programme. These drill holes will be used to emplace piezometers to measure the water table, a key input to the hydrological modelling. The Company has completed 6 drill holes to date for a total of 764m of a planned 1,550m.
Feasibility Study (FS) Update
The Company continues to progress the feasibility study. Metallurgical test-work has provided the good news that the ore is highly susceptible to magnetic separation. Delays at the test-lab in the UK have led to some slippage in the completion of the FS, however the additional time is being used to complete important water management studies and to advance discussions with the quarry operator concerning a solution to gain early access to tungsten ore within the quarry permit.
The improving price of tungsten, the upgrade in the Mineral Resource Estimate2, and the exciting metallurgical test-work all indicate a positive enhancement to project economics from those released in the December 2020 pre-feasibility study (“PFS”). 3
Piezometer Drilling
As part of the underground study to scale up operations, the Company is conducting a limited drilling campaign of 12 drill holes. Sondeos y Perforaciones Industriales del Bierzo, S.A. (SPI), has been contracted using reverse circulation drill rigs to conduct the programme. These drill holes will be used to emplace piezometers to measure the water table, a key input to the hydrological modelling. The Company has completed 6 drill holes to date for a total of 764m of a planned 1,550m.
Rafaella Joins CRM Alliance
The company also revealed that it is the newest member of the Critical Raw Materials Alliance. The CRM Alliance is a representative body of primary producers, traders and associations of critical raw materials (CRMs). The Alliance was created by industry to advocate the importance of CRMs for the European economy and to promote a strong European CRM policy.
Managing Director, Steven Turner, said Tungsten is identified as a critical raw material by the European Commission and as such is gaining increasing attention by policy makers across Europe as governments look to address the very real supply chain risk arising from the Chinese concentration amounting to circa 85% of global supply of tungsten concentrate.
“The successful and safe delivery of the pilot plant, working closely with the authorities to ensure that all permits and approvals were obtained, is a testament to the capabilities of the growing team at site and in Madrid,” Mr Turner said.
“This is the first real step in bringing the Santa Comba tungsten and tin mine back into production, 36 years from when the underground mine was last commercially operated. We are delighted to be the company leading the way, applying the highest health, safety and environment standards, as we continue to invest in and support the region.”
For further information please visit: https://rafaellaresources.com.au/
