R3D Resources Limited (ASX: R3D) has completed the refurbishment of its solvent extraction – crystallization process plant and is charging the circuits for imminent first copper sulphate pentahydrate production.
Commissioning of the crystallization and drying circuit was completed earlier this year leaving the solvent extraction portion to be commissioned now for continuing production.
R3D Managing Director Stephen Bartrop commented: “This is an exciting time for R3D with copper sulphate pentahydrate production finally about to commence after a prolonged period of plant refurbishment. We look forward to production commencing in the coming week and providing further updates to shareholders. Cash flows from copper sulphate pentahydrate sales are expected to be a ‘game changer’ for the company and allow it to achieve its desired self-funding status. It also enables the company to turn its attention to expanding existing copper resources in the Tartana open pit.”
The heap leach – solvent extraction plant located on the Tartana mining leases operated for around a decade before being placed in care and maintenance in 2014. The plant produced high quality copper sulphate pentahydrate and is reported to have produced 6,000 to 7,000tpa with plant capacity at around 9,500tpa.
With the strong domestic demand for copper sulphate pentahydrate in the northern Australian larger mining operations, R3D commenced a refurbishment program in late 2021 with the appointment of a Plant Manager, Mat Hancock after listing on the ASX in July 2021.
During 1H 2021 the company focused on resource drilling and follow up metallurgical testwork which was then followed by the plant refurbishment commencing in earnest in late 2022. The plant has produced some of the highest quality copper sulphate pentahydrate in the world, with several proprietary plant components which enable the extraction of impurities and a producing a higher quality final product.
To find out more, please visit www.r3dresources.com.au
