American Tungsten (CSE:TUNG) is testing the potential of the IMA Mine in Idaho to enable full-scale onsite milling, transitioning from a direct shipping ore (DSO) model.
The company has engaged engineering consulting firm WSP to construct a metallurgical testwork program and a conceptual processing system to establish the mill.
Metallurgical testwork is likely to comprise comminution work, testing tungsten recovery through gravity methods, sulphide and tungsten floatation programs, and introducing x-ray technology.
The flowsheet development program will also introduce initial engineering activities, which may include preliminary mass balance calculations, developing a process flow diagram, compiling initial equipment, estimating preliminary capital expenditures, and technical reporting.
American Tungsten intends to use this program to guide the next phase of development, leading towards a detailed engineering guide for the proposed facility.
The company has employed Rockhead Consulting to conduct an initial diamond drilling campaign spanning 5,000 feet on the D level, which CEO Ali Haji says is on track to begin next month. The drill rig is currently being mobilised at the site.
“This program is designed to validate and expand upon historical high-grade intercepts through systematic underground drilling,” Haji says.
“The shift in our development plan — from a DSO model to establishing our own mill onsite — reflects our commitment to unlocking greater long-term value.
“The flowsheet program outlined by WSP will be a critical step in that journey, laying the technical foundation for engineering, economic modeling, and full-scale production.”
The company has rehabilitated 1,000 feet of the D level, consisting of portal stabilisation, track removal, scaling, and the installation of water and air lines. Concurrently, American Tungsten is investigating samples from historical drilling campaigns conducted by Gentor Resources (TSX-V:GNT) to validate the mine.
American Tungsten is a North American-based explorer focused on advancing its portfolio of tungsten and magnetite assets.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: American Tungsten
