Auravelle Metals (ASX:AUV) reports preliminary metallurgical testwork at the Sheoak prospect has returned an average gold recovery of 90.5% through conventional processing methods.
The company completed bulk leach extractable gold analysis on 22 reverse circulation (RC) samples from key locations across the central area of Sheoak, targeting transitional and fresh materials.
Results ranged from 81% to 97% recovery, indicating the gold mineralisation is non-refractory and amenable to traditional cyanide leach processing through a carbon in-leach treatment route.
The testwork was conducted by Bureau Veritas in Adelaide using a 24-hour bottle roll leach extraction method on samples from two drill holes with grades ranging from 0.18 grams per tonne gold (Au) to 3.64g/t Au.
Managing Director Andrew Muir says the initial results provide a positive indication for potential gold recoveries at Sheoak.
“The results from this preliminary testwork are very pleasing with excellent recoveries from the samples taken,” Muir says.
“The non-refractory nature of the gold mineralisation is also highly encouraging and gives the Auravelle team confidence to drill out and expand Sheoak, as well as continue our search for additional such deposits within the Nuckulla Hill Project.”
The Sheoak gold system extends at least 600m along strike and remains open at depth to the north and south.
Auravella intends to conduct further detailed metallurgical work once the mineralised system is delineated through additional drilling.
The company likewise plans to resume drilling at Nuckulla Hill in September with an aircore program, followed by RC drilling at Sheoak, Sheoak East, and Bimba.
It expects soil sampling results from the Crown Project in August, first-pass soil sampling at Skye in late September, and RC results from Sheoak in mid- to late September.
Auravelle Metals is an explorer focused on its gold discoveries in South and Western Australia.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Auravelle Metals
