Drilling at WA1 Resources’ West Arunta project in Western Australia has delivered strong results from post-flotation process testwork.
The refining stage is the second of three stages in a conventional ferroniobium process flowsheet.
“In June we reported that beneficiation testwork successfully produced a high-grade niobium concentrate, primarily via flotation – the first stage in a conventional ferroniobium process flowsheet,” WA1 Resources managing director Paul Savich said.
“These new results relate to intermediate refining which has been subsequently completed on the niobium concentrate that was produced from the initial beneficiation testwork – the second stage in a conventional niobium process flowsheet.
“This refining testwork demonstrates the ability to produce a clean concentrate that will be utilised in upcoming conversion testwork, which will aim to produce a small quantity of ferroniobium end-product. We consider this another excellent outcome as we continue to progress our testwork programs.”
Initial drilling this year has delivered metallurgical samples which are now being used in ongoing process optimisation and variability testing of the beneficiation stage.
“Variability and optimisation testwork of the beneficiation stage is ongoing with the aim of demonstrating mineralisation can be beneficiated from a portion of the Luni deposit to support detailed mine planning and other evaluations,” Savich said.
“This will support process flowsheet development and preliminary mass balances to support engineering assessments.”
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.
