IronRidge Resources reports additional test results

Highlights

• Additional test work completed to improve lithium recoveries in coarse grained type P1 and finer grained type P2 pegmatites.
• Larger scale gravity processing of P1 mineralisation inclusive of middlings fraction confirms up to 74% recovery of over 6% spodumene concentrates.
• Mass yields, of up to 22%, are considered to be high by peer comparison and support an economic case for a lower throughput and lower capital intensity starter project.
• Gravity processing of P2 mineralisation inclusive of middlings fraction delivers 51% recovery of 5.5% spodumene concentrates for blending.
• Further project enhancements available by processing of fines generated by crushing.
• Opportunity to recover feldspar by-products for the local and European ceramics industry identified.

Noel O'Brien, Metallurgical Consultant to IronRidge, said: "We are very pleased to have refined recoveries and mass yields, which we believe are high by peer comparison, without loss of concentrate grade achieved through further larger scale test work at Ewoyaa. All of this was achieved whilst maintaining a simple gravity only process flow sheet design philosophy.

"The Ewoyaa Project can be further enhanced by later stage flotation to capture lithium losses in fines generated during crushing, albeit this represents a relatively small volume of the lithium credits in the project.

"Additionally, test work has defined a potential valuable by-product stream in high quality feldspar concentrate with low contaminants, which could be suitable for the local and European ceramics industry."

Vincent Mascolo, CEO and Managing Director of IronRidge Resources, added: "We are very pleased with the recovery improvements achieved through re-crushing of middlings whilst maintaining concentrate grade.

"We will continue to explore all avenues available to us for any project enhancements to maximise value for all shareholders.

"The recognition of further lithium recoveries from fines generated by crushing, as well as the favourable composition of our feldspar tailings waste stream for potential sale into the ceramics industry, represent valuable project enhancements."

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/25112020/ironridge-resources-reports-additional-test-results/