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Improved recoveries and grade boost Kayelekera uranium project economics
Mining
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Lotus has improved on the impressive results from the first round of ore sorting testwork at its Kayelekera uranium project in Malawi.
The second round of testing used a finer crush size (10-30mm vs the original 20-60mm) to test the impact of particle size on separation efficiency.
And just like in the first round of results, grades increased by up to 100% compared to the feed grade – but the second round also saw recoveries increase up to 92% (up from 86% in the first round) when combining the colour and density sensors.
Lotus Resources (ASX:LOT) is confident that ore sorting has the potential to both increase the feed-grade (annual production) and extend the life-of-mine through the utilisation of low-grade ores as plant feed.
Potential to improve project economics
The testwork showed that the quantity of fines generated by crushing into a finer size was substantial and adversely impacted the grade.
Lotus is currently undertaking additional testing on the finer sample material to see if it can be upgraded with more traditional techniques – e.g., flotation, gravity, and size separation – and expects to receive results in the coming months.
“This second round of testing has provided further validation regarding the use of ore sorting at the Kayelekera Project,” managing director Keith Bowes said.
“We are very confident that this technology has the potential to improve the economic returns of the project, by increasing annual production and extending the mine life with the further potential benefit of reducing operating costs.
“We will continue to provide additional information on the additional testwork planned over the coming months.”
The results of further ore sorting testwork will be incorporated into a feasibility study which is expected to begin in September 2021.
This article was developed in collaboration with Lotus Resources, 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.
