Positive Metallurgical Results For P66 and Ancuabe
Sydney, Oct 14, 2015 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Triton Minerals Limited (
ASX:TON) is pleased to provide an update on metallurgical results of the P66 zone at Nicanda Hill and Ancuabe in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique.
Highlights:
- Initial metallurgical test work on the P66 zone from Nicanda Hill material, confirms the substantial presence of large graphite particle sizes.
- P66 flotation tests confirm 53% of the discrete mass graphite particles in the samples were larger than 150µm (+100 mesh).
- P66 graphite is readily liberated by crushing, grinding, rougher and cleaner flotation, with no additional regrind required.
- P66 concentrate grade of 96.1%TGC achieved at a recovery of 97.4%.
- Ancuabe concentrate production proceeds with outstanding results that confirm initial laboratory test work results.
- Average grade of 98.2% TGC obtained from Ancuabe bulk sample at 97% recovery.
- Further tests to optimize the graphite flake recovery process are continuing.
Triton's Managing Director & CEO Brad Boyle said: "Triton is extremely pleased to announce that initial test results from the P66 zone sample material and concentrate production from Ancuabe have both produced positive and encouraging metallurgical results.
These early results are very encouraging and once again, demonstrate the versatility of Nicanda Hill and Ancuabe to deliver the most diverse range of graphite flake sizes.
These results support the concurrent advancement of the P66 zone and Ancuabe, which will allow Triton to produce a wide range of TMG products for its customers"
P66 SIGHTER FLOTATION TEST WORK
Initial sighter flotation test work has been completed by SGS Lakefield Oretest Pty Ltd (Perth) on a 10kg composite core sample obtained from the P66 zone, which is located to the north west of the main Nicanda Hill prospect.
The key objective of the testing was to ascertain the liberation qualities of large flake graphite, such that a successful outcome would justify a more comprehensive flotation test work and concentrate production program.
Initial metallurgical test work carried out on core samples from GBND0055 (the first hole drilled at the P66 zone), confirms the substantial presence of large liberated flake graphite particles.
The large flake graphite in the P66 sample was readily liberated by crushing, grinding, rougher and cleaner flotation, with no additional regrind required. Flotation tests confirm that 53% of the discrete mass graphite particles are larger than 150µm (+100 mesh) (Table 1, in link below).
A concentrate grade of 96.1%TGC achieved at a recovery of 97.4% with a head grade of 11%TGC.
These initial results on the P66 zone graphite samples are considered by Triton to be encouraging and justify the progression to a comprehensive metallurgical test work program and bulk concentrate production run.
The confirmation of the large and jumbo size fractions of high grade graphite flakes recovered from flotation is consistent with the mineralogical observations. It is expected that this will improve the economic returns from the Balama North project as the larger size flakes will raise the average basket sale price for the graphite concentrate sold from Nicanda Hill.
Triton is currently waiting on the assay results for the additional P66 exploration drilling.
Optimization of the metallurgical process is expected to further enhance the quality of the final product concentrate. The Company is reviewing options to determine whether the graphite concentrate from the P66 zone can be further upgraded through flotation. Triton is aiming to obtain similar purity levels to those recently achieved with Nicanda Hill, that being in excess of 99%TGC, without the use of acid leaching.
Triton considers these initial metallurgical results to be highly encouraging outcome and is optimistic of receiving further positive results with the completion of additional metallurgical test work.
ANCUABE BULK CONCENTRATE PRODUCTION
Due to the high customer demand for samples of Triton's Ancuabe graphite concentrate, a trial bulk production cycle was initiated at Mintek in Johannesburg.
In addition the sample run was used to compare the laboratory test work completed earlier in 2015, with a larger scale production scenario.
During this production cycle an average grade of 98.2%TGC was achieved with a metallurgical recovery of 97%.
During the bulk sample test work graphite concentrates were produced in excess of 98%TGC, whilst still preserving the majority of graphite flake sizes. The graphite flakes were obtained through the standard methods of crushing, grinding, rougher and cleaner flotation.
The Company found that over 85% of the graphite particle sizes were larger than 150µm (+100 mesh) (Figure 2, in link below) and the majority were in excess of 300µm (+50 mesh).
These exceptional results demonstrate the high quality of the Ancuabe graphite and concentrate samples are currently being despatched to several parties across the globe that have expressed interest in testing the material.
CONCLUSIONS
The latest metallurgical results from the P66 zone confirms the high quality of the Nicanda Hill graphite and represent positive implications for potential downstream economics. Further, the strong results achieved in producing the bulk graphite concentrate further demonstrates the high quality of the Ancuabe graphite.
The P66 zone and Ancuabe graphite are important additions to the Triton Minerals Graphite (TMG) product range and provide the Company with the potential to produce large volumes of high grade (high value) graphite in the full range of flake sizes, thereby accommodating a wider range of end-user requirements.
Triton has a unique diversity of flake ranges and the Company continues working towards near term revenue with the YXGC joint ventures. Triton intends establishing TMG as a new global graphite-industry benchmark, by aiming to offer the world's lowest cost and most diversified graphite product range and becoming a long term reliable supplier.
To view the full release including tables and figures, please visit:
http://media.abnnewswire.net/media/en/docs/ASX-TON-737198.pdf
About Triton Minerals Ltd
Triton Minerals Limited (ASX:TON) is an ASX listed, responsible mineral explorer and resource management company headquartered in Perth, Australia.
Led by a highly experienced management team, Triton Minerals' vision is to grow shareholder's value through discovery or development of base metal, gold and other precious metal deposits.
Triton has made excellent progress with its three Graphite projects located in the Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique, with the program successfully identifying a number of graphitic exposures.
It is the Company's belief that the Mozambique, Balama North Project could host multiple and very substantial world class graphite deposits.
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