Right Resources (ASX:RRE) has reported initial flotation testwork at its Blue Tungsten prospect has achieved 87.3% tungsten recovery into just 1.6% of the original ore mass.
The maiden metallurgical program tested four rougher flotation conditions on a composite surface sample from the New South Wales project, located approximately 22km north of Tumbarumba.
All tests achieved tungsten recoveries between 85.2% and 87.3%.
The leading result came from Test 3, which produced a rougher concentrate grading 27% tungsten trioxide (WO3) at 87.3% recovery using the Aero 726/Aero 845 collector system at a coarser grind size of P80 180 microns. The result was achieved directly from whole ore without prior gravity pre-concentration.
Managing Director Graham Howard says the results demonstrate a strong flotation response.
“Recovering 87.3% of the tungsten into 1.6% of the feed mass […] gives us a clear basis for the next stage of work,” Howard notes.
The flotation results complement previously reported heavy liquid separation testwork, which achieved 66.5% WO3 at 81.6% recovery. The company says the two beneficiation methods provide a technical basis for assessing an integrated gravity and flotation processing approach.
Tests at the coarser P80 180 micron grind produced ‘higher concentrate grades’ and lower mass recoveries than tests at P80 75 microns, indicating fine grinding may not be necessary for effective scheelite flotation.
The company is planning a larger-scale testwork program using approximately 250kg of additional representative material to assess coarse dense media separation and wet-table treatment, followed by downstream flotation.
Right Resources is a Perth-based exploration company advancing a portfolio of gold and copper projects across New South Wales, anchored by the Pilot Project in the Tumbarumba region.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Right Resources
