Current metallurgical testwork to identify the most suitable ore processing methods is reaching conclusion with results expected later this month. Pic via Getty Images
A-Cap Energy kicks off 10,000m drilling at Wilconi Nickel-Cobalt Project
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New drilling will convert the current indicated resources to measured resources, targeting the shallowest and highest-grade part of the giant orebody.
The program is set to provide additional data for the project’s pre-feasibility study (PFS) as it looks to develop a nickel-cobalt laterite operation to supply critical materials to the global electric vehicle market.
In addition, A-Cap Energy (ASX:ACB) plans to complete 2,000m of large-diameter core holes to contribute to the resource and reserve definition, as well as collect more samples for ongoing metallurgical studies.
Building on current metallurgical program
A-Cap chief executive officer Dr Andrew Tunks says the combined drilling program was an important step in adding value at Wilconi.
“Wilconi has a massive, flat flying, shallow resource which we are committed to delineating and advancing to production readiness given the growing global demand for nickel and cobalt, which are both critical battery minerals” Tunks says.
“The new drilling programs will continue earlier work by testing a continuous, shallower, higher grade portion of the Wilconi ore body.”
He explained the additional samples collected from the PQ diamond drilling would build on the current metallurgical program.
“Results from the company’s current metallurgical testwork are due by the end of July, and together with new data, will serve to determine the best methods of nickel and cobalt extraction and optimise metal recoveries for the various ore types.”
So far, so good
A-Cap’s 11,000m RC drilling program completed in January was focussed on the shallower, higher-grade portions of the Wilconi resource and permitted 32% of the resource to be upgraded from inferred to indicated categories.
This article was developed in collaboration with A-Cap Energy, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
