Felix Gold (ASX:FXG) says antimony production is nearing at the Treasure Creek Project in Alaska, with potential commencement within weeks following ‘high-grade’ drill results.
Executive Director Joe Webb says grades are ranked among the highest reported grades globally, with drilling returning up to 3m @ 50% antimony from surface.
“This story is much bigger than exceptional drill results — and we’ve got plenty of those, with extensive assays still pending and multiple rigs operating,” Webb says.
After attaining board approval, production will be subject to the completion of necessary technical studies, Feasibility work, and permitting.
The breccia zone shows continuity for 150m along strike and up to 14m thickness, featuring 17.78m @ 3.17% antimony, including 6.7m @ 5.3% antimony.
Meanwhile, drilling along the east-west vein zones extend for 100m along strike to a 2-3m true width, returning 2.66m @ 6.11% antimony, including 0.85m @ 18.11%.
“What matters is what those results enable,” Webb adds.
“We’re operating in the United States with access to first-class infrastructure and are targeting near-term production of high-grade antimony concentrate suitable for downstream processing into military grade metal.
“The timing is significant — China controls 85% of global antimony processing and has banned exports to America. We’re positioned to become a leading non-Chinese source.”
US Federal Agencies recently went onsite to inspect the Treasure Creek Project, where drilling is still ongoing at the northwest array.
Since the ban of exports and prices rising to US$60,000 ($92,447) per tonne, the US has streamlined its focus on antimony production to support the defence sector, building on a virtually non-existent industry in the country, as reported by Mining.com.au.
The commodity plays a critical role in alloys, found in lead-acid batteries, solder, and ammunition.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Felix Gold
