Freegold Ventures Limited (TSX: FVL | OCTQX: FGOVF) has announced positive results based on initial metallurgical test work completed from its 2020 – 2022 drill programme. The programme’s objectives were:
- Determination of gold recovery and gold deportment to products using standard and commercially employed mineral processing unit operations
- Initial environmental assessment of process tailing stream(s)
- Characterization of gold losses to focus ongoing metallurgical programmes to optimize the flowsheet design
- Eight drill core composites representing various locations and grades within the Dolphin/Cleary areas were generated using continuous drill intervals selected to represent potential mill feed. The drill hole and interval selections encompassed the three primary gold-hosting lithologies. Results demonstrate that a significant portion of the mineralization is non-refractory and amenable to conventional processing techniques
The average recovery from the eight composites was 77% using gravity and CIL. Recoveries increased to an average of 97.5% where gravity + flotation were utilized.
Freegold has stated that the drilling success at its Golden Summit project since 2020 has been truly remarkable, with a significantly increased resource which has enhanced the project’s potential. The positive metallurgical results further solidify Golden Summit’s potential. The current pit-constrained resource at Golden Summit hosts both an oxide and a primary resource. The oxide resource is contained within the top 70% metres. Previous column testwork on the oxide material demonstrated that heap leach gold recoveries of 85% can be achieved within two weeks.
Following the February 2023 resource update, Freegold conducted an additional 22,000m of drilling in 37 holes within the resource area. A significant increase in visible gold was observed in the drill core compared to previous programs, particularly in the western part of the resource. An updated mineral resource report based on the 2023 drilling is expected later this month. The success of the 2023 drilling programme has set the stage for an even more exciting 2024 programme.
The upcoming phase will focus on optimization, testing the 2km gold-in-soil geochemical anomaly to the west, drilling large diameter (PQ) holes to guide further and optimize metallurgical recoveries, and modelling before economic studies commence. Freegold has postponed the economic studies to investigate the potential for higher grades in the western extension and to conduct additional metallurgical test work, as both could significantly impact the project’s economics. The primary areas of focus in the next phase of metallurgical test work are:
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