African iron ore explorer and developer Genmin Limited (ASX: GEN) has reported initial high-grade results including premium 65% iron products from commercial-scale pilot plant metallurgical test work conducted at Bond Equipment in Klerksdorp, South Africa.
The results received were from the first five bulk samples from Genmin’s most advanced project, Baniaka Iron Ore Project in the Republic of Gabon, Central West Africa.
The test work program was aimed to develop engineering-level process design criteria, confirm product yields and grade/quality, and provide large product samples for Value-in-Use test work.
The bulk samples for the program comprised 13 samples for a combined wet weight of approximately 22.4 tonnes from within the mineral resource envelope at Baniaka.
“The initial high-grade results from the pilot scale test work are outstanding for both Lump and Fines products”
Genmin has now reported the lump and fines product results for the first five bulk samples, which include three from detrital iron deposits (DID) and two from oxide mineralisation.
Assay results are pending for the remaining eight bulk samples, with all pilot plant lump and fines test work now completed.
Lump and fines products measure in at premium grades
Genmin reports that utilising a scrubbing, screening, and DMS flowsheet with commercial-sized equipment in pilot plant configuration, premium lump and fines iron grades of 64.1% and 65.1% respectively were returned from the three DID samples.
Meanwhile, grades of 63.3% and 64.3% respectively were returned from the two soft oxide samples.
Iron head grades for the three DID bulk samples returned an average 114% uplift on the target sample zone head grade.
VIU assessment underway in China
The company reports that approximately 700kg of lump product @ 63% Fe and 700kg of fines product @ 64.6% Fe were delivered to Central South University in China for Value-in-Use assessment.
This is expected to provide a point of validation for the performance of Genmin’s products in the steel making process, and provide initial exposure of these products in the Chinese market.
Genmin says that the lump component of the VIU program is expected to take one month to complete, and the more extensive Fines program is expected to take two months.
Management comments
Genmin Managing Director and CEO Joe Ariti said: “The initial high-grade results from the pilot scale test work are outstanding for both Lump and Fines products from near surface DID and immediately underlying Soft Oxide mineralisation, with competitive positioning against operating African iron ore producers.
Further, the initiation of VIU assessment of Baniaka Lump and Fines products at Central South University will provide a point of validation for the performance of Genmin’s potential products in the steel making process and provide initial exposure of these products in the Chinese market.”
Images: Genmin Limited
