OD6 Metals (ASX:OD6) says its recently acquired historical dataset collated by Union Carbide Corporation for the Quinn Project confirms ‘strong’ upgrade potential for fluorspar mineralisation at the Mammoth and Horseshoe prospects.
Test work was conducted on a ‘low-grade’ sample of calcium fluoride (28.29%) from Mammoth, and a ‘high-grade’ 58.57% calcium fluoride sample from Horseshoe.
In this test work program, conventional grinding and flotation was identified as the optimal method to produce ‘high-grade’ concentrate from feed material.
The historical dataset also indicates concentration grades of 95% calcium fluoride at 82.7% recovery and 97.83% calcium fluoride at 70% recovery from Mammoth mineralisation.
OD6 Metals says the results indicate that Quinn mineralisation may be eligible to produce acidspar, subject to modern metallurgical test work.
The company has collected “extensive” metallurgical samples recently in field programs at Quinn for testing. Samples will be sent for optical ore sorting test work with TOMRA in Germany.
OD6 Metals intends to begin metallurgical flotation test work from samples this quarter. The company will apply for bulk sample permits across multiple areas to support the test work.
CEO and Managing Director Brett Hazelden says the historical metallurgical test work provides “encouraging evidence that fluorspar mineralisation at Quinn may be amenable to conventional processing techniques”.
“Importantly, the historic results suggest the potential to upgrade both low-grade and high-grade mineralisation to produce commercial fluorspar concentrates, including acid-grade product, subject to confirmation through modern metallurgical test work.
“With extensive representative samples now collected from across the project, OD6 is preparing to commence modern metallurgical programs, including optical ore sorting with TOMRA and flotation optimisation with specialist laboratories.
“These programs are designed to validate the historical results and support the development of Quinn as a potential domestic US source of high-grade fluorspar.”
OD6 Metals is an Australian exploration and development company focused on critical mineral projects, including rare earths, copper, and fluorspar.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: OD6 Metals
