James Bay Minerals (ASX:JBY) is beginning an initial metallurgical testing on the skarn mineralisation at the Independence Gold Project in Nevada, US.
The program aims to determine the optimal processing method to maximise gold recovery from the skarn resource.
James Bay, which has a market capitalisation of $50 million, says the program represents a critical step towards unlocking the value of the skarn-hosted gold mineralisation, which contains an inferred resource of 984,412 ounces of gold @ 6.67 grams per tonne.
Executive Director Matthew Hayes says this program is a key step in clarifying the recovery potential of the skarn resource.
“While previous testwork focused solely on near-surface oxide material suitable for heap leaching, no metallurgical studies have been conducted to optimise gold recovery for the sulphide or transitional material,” Hayes says.
“This program will address that gap, ensuring a clear understanding of the project’s full potential and identifying the most effective processing methods.”
James Bay notes through engaging external metallurgical consultants, the selection and preparation of drill core will begin from existing drillholes at Independence.
Through this work, the company seeks to evaluate gold recoveries from the untested skarn resource and enhance the epithermal transitional and sulphide recoveries through optimised metallurgical testing.
The results of the metallurgical testwork will be included into the future stages of project development.
James Bay will provide further updates as the metallurgical program progresses.
The Independence Gold Project, spanning 627 acres, sits in Lander County, Nevada.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: James Bay Minerals
