- Further test work on material from Nova Minerals’ (NVA) Estelle Gold Project has demonstrated the possibility to enhance the project economics
- The ore sorting test work, using X-ray transmission technology, was completed on samples from the Korbel Main deposit at the project in Alaska
- By facilitating selective processing, results show the technology can lower operating costs, minimise environmental impact and increase mill feed grade
- Meanwhile, Nova progresses an interim scoping study and is soon to deliver a mineral resource upgrade for the Korbel Main deposit
- Shares have been trading 3.1 per cent higher at 16.5 cents
Further test work on material from Nova Minerals’ (NVA) Estelle Gold Project in Alaska has demonstrated the possibility to enhance the project economics.
The ore sorting test work using X-ray transmission (XRT) technology was completed by TOMAR in Sydney on samples from the Korbel Main deposit.
ABH Engineering’s Brent Hilscher, who is leading the ore sorting test work and the scoping study, said the geology of the deposit lends itself well to this type of sorting.
“This deposit has a majority of its gold contained in discrete high grade sheeted vein rocks which are easily concentrated with existing DE- XRT ore sorting technologies. Once concentrated, we have several options to achieve higher gold recovery at a very low overall cost,” he explained.
By rejecting lower-grade rock ahead of processing, the technology could increase miner productivity, Nova CEO Christopher Gerteisen added.
“By using an XRT sort, we would prospectively reduce the volume of ore and lift the grade appreciably, rejecting lower grade material ahead of the milling and processing circuit. This would minimize energy requirements, tailings generation, and would lower processing costs overall.”
“This provides Nova with the opportunity to operate at a lower cut-off grade, and potentially increase the ounce per annum profile of the project. By utilising ore sorting, and increasing production efficiency through this now proven and increasingly used technology, Nova’s environmental footprint could also be reduced, in line with our ESG strategy.”
Meanwhile, Nova progresses an interim scoping study and is soon to deliver a mineral resource upgrade for the Korbel Main deposit.
Shares have been trading 3.1 per cent higher at 16.5 cents at 10:19 am AEDT.