Group 6 Metals (ASX:G6M) has achieved commercial production of tungsten concentrate at its wholly owned Dolphin Tungsten Mine in Tasmania, Australia.
The process plant achieved 70% runtime processing in excess of 10,000 tonnes of ‘lower’ to ‘medium’ grade ore at an average grade of 0.3% WO3, which produced 10 tonnes of saleable tungsten concentrate in June 2023.
Preliminary site assays indicate the concentrate produced has achieved an average grade of 55% WO3 and a maximum grade of 68% WO3.
Group 6 says the concentrate is being loaded into a container and will be dispatched for the company’s first concentrate sales.
Mining.com.au reported last week the journey to production for the company has been more than 30 years in the making.
Commenting on the tungsten concentrate production, Group 6 Metals Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director Keith McKnight says: “We are thrilled to achieve commercial production within weeks of the production of first concentrate at the Dolphin Tungsten Mine.
Our achievement of successfully processing more than 10,000 tonnes of ore in June and producing concentrate ready for sale is another significant milestone for the company and a credit to the hard work and dedication of our site team and contractors.
“Commercial production at the DTM is well-timed as the tungsten price remains strong and global forecast demand for tungsten is growing”
Commercial production at the DTM is well-timed as the tungsten price remains strong and global forecast demand for tungsten is growing. We look forward to the first shipment of concentrate which is expected in a matter of weeks.”
Achieving production at a grade that meets offtake contract requirements, including part of the flow sheet unique to the Dolphin Tungsten Mine, means Group 6 has achieved full-scale proof of the flow sheet.
The company says it is preparing for the beginning of drill and blast, with run-of-mine ore expected to be delivered to the plant later in the month, which will increase ore head grade to the plant.
Additionally, Group 6 Metals notes its Share Purchase Plan closes at 5pm AEST on 6 July 2023.
Group 6 Metals is an Australian resources exploration and development company, focused on the re-development of its wholly owned Dolphin Mine located on King Island in Tasmania, Australia.
As of 31 March 2023, Group 6 Metals had $3.2 million cash and cash at hand and $5.4 million in undrawn debt facilities, according to its latest quarterly report.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Group 6 Metals Ltd
