At IMO, we take pride in providing world-class metallurgical services that are critical to the success of mining projects, from feasibility studies to ongoing production. Our recent contribution to New Murchison Gold Ltd on the Crown Prince Gold Deposit Feasibility Study is a testament to our expertise in the field and our commitment to delivering reliable, data-driven insights for the mining industry.
Managed by Lia Cherico, Senior Metallurgist at IMO, our involvement in this project focused on providing key metallurgical data that would inform critical decisions about the processing of the ore and its economic viability. With the completion of the feasibility study, we are excited to share the valuable contributions we made, and to highlight how these insights can benefit other mining companies considering similar projects.
No Processing at the Project Site: Transporting Ore to Westgold’s Bluebird Mill
One of the unique aspects of the Crown Prince Gold Deposit is that no processing of gold ore will take place on-site. Instead, all ore will be transported to Westgold’s Bluebird Mill, located south of Meekatharra, for treatment. This mill uses conventional ball mill/SAG mill grinding and cyanide leaching as part of its processing flow.
In order to support the project, IMO conducted comprehensive metallurgical testwork based on the parameters and conditions provided by Westgold for their Bluebird processing plant. This testwork included detailed analysis of 3 RC bulk composite samples and 3 diamond core composite samples from the Crown Prince Gold Deposit, enabling us to evaluate key metallurgical properties that are essential for the efficient processing of the ore.
Key Metallurgical Insights Provided by IMO
Our testing provided crucial data in several areas, which will support the decision-making process for New Murchison Gold Ltd as the project progresses. These insights include:
1. Energy Requirements for Ore Breakdown
Understanding the energy requirements to break down the ore was critical in estimating the energy cost for the mill. By evaluating the ore’s composition and how it responds to different grinding methods, we were able to determine how much energy would be required for efficient milling, which plays a significant role in calculating operational costs for the processing plant.
2. Abrasiveness of the Ore
The abrasiveness of the ore was another important factor in our testing. Abrasive ores cause more wear on the mill and other plant equipment, leading to higher maintenance and replacement costs. By understanding the abrasiveness of the Crown Prince Gold ore, we provided valuable estimates for wear on equipment, helping to anticipate future costs and maintenance schedules for the processing plant.
3. Hardness of the Ore
The hardness of the ore is a critical parameter for both the milling and crushing stages of processing. Harder ores require more energy to break down and place additional strain on crushers and mills. Our tests provided detailed information on the ore’s hardness, enabling New Murchison Gold Ltd to better estimate both energy costs and wear costs for crushing and milling operations.
4. Gravity Gold Recoveries
Gravity gold recoveries are an important indicator of the gold that can be easily and economically recovered from the ore. By determining the proportion of gold that can be separated using gravity methods, we provided New Murchison Gold Ltd with insights into how much gold could be extracted without relying on expensive or complex processing techniques. This information is valuable for understanding both the economics and the overall recovery potential of the deposit.
5. Overall Gold Recoveries
The overall gold recoveries are one of the most significant factors in determining the profitability of any gold mining project. Our testwork helped assess how much of the gold from the Crown Prince Gold Deposit could be extracted using cyanide leaching at the Bluebird Mill. This information allows the project team to estimate the overall yield and profitability of the ore, which is essential for investment and financial planning.
6. Lime Consumption
Lime consumption is a key consideration in gold processing, particularly in cyanide leaching operations. Lime is used to prevent the cyanide from volatilizing, which not only reduces health hazards but also ensures the efficiency of the leaching process. Our testwork provided important data on the expected lime consumption, helping to forecast both operational costs and the environmental impact of the processing.
7. Fibrous Materials and Asbestos Risk
One of the more critical aspects of our testing was the identification of any fibrous materials, particularly asbestos within the ore. Asbestos processing presents significant health risks, and our metallurgical tests helped to identify the presence of any fibrous materials that could pose safety hazards to workers during processing. This information is crucial for planning safe operational procedures and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
8. Arsenopyrite, Clays, and Carbonaceous Materials
Finally, the presence of arsenopyrite, clays, and carbonaceous materials within the ore was another key area of focus. Each of these materials presents potential production or chemical risks that could affect the processing efficiency or introduce challenges to the plant. By identifying these elements, we provided New Murchison Gold Ltd with essential information for mitigating any risks during the processing stage.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Feasibility Studies
We congratulate the team around Alex Passmore on the successful completion of the scoping study and the signing of the Ore Purchase Agreement with Wayne Bramwell’s Westgold. IMO is excited to continue supporting New Murchison Gold Ltd as they move forward with this exciting project.
At IMO, we are always eager to support mining companies in Western Australia and beyond as they embark on their own feasibility studies. Our comprehensive metallurgical services are designed to provide the data and insights needed to make informed decisions that drive profitability and project success. If you are preparing for a feasibility study or require expert metallurgical analysis, we are here to help you unlock the full potential of your project.