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Arizona Sonoran Copper Reports Positive NutonTM Technologies Extraction Rates on Cactus Primary Sulphides
Initial testing with Nuton demonstrating optionality to continue scaling the asset beyond the base case Pre-feasibility Study (“PFS”) parameters Primary sulphid
About this update from Arizona Sonoran Copper Co., Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":" Initial testing with Nuton demonstrating optionality to continue scaling the asset beyond the base case Pre-feasibility Study (“PFS”) parameters Primary sulphides, currently excluded from the PEA and pending PFS, comprise 25% of total mineral resource (total: 4.9 blbs of inferred and 1.6 blbs of indicated copper resources) Copper extraction for columns range from 61% to 82% on primary sulphides with an optimized targeted copper extraction for a life of asset blend of 80% Extraction rates improve when blending both primary and secondary sulphides Excellent results from unoptimized preliminary leach conditions with further optimization planned in a potential second phase of the test work program Value impact for ASCU shareholders will inform the next phase of the work program and commercial framework with Nuton CASA GRANDE, Ariz, & TORONTO / Jun 05, 2023 / Business Wire / Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (TSX:ASCU | OTCQX:ASCUF) (“ASCU” or the “Company”) an emerging US-based copper developer and near-term producer, today reports positive preliminary column leach metallurgical extraction rates using the NutonTM technologies as part of the Phase 1 testing program with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto venture. Primary sulphide extraction ranges from 61% to 82% based on 5 columns, including 2 early cycle columns returning 83% and 61%, 2 mid-cycle columns above 70% and 1 with lower extraction based on biotite content. Nuton is currently reassessing the additives for this low extraction column to address future biotite exposure, which accounts for approximately 1-2% of the Cactus West deposit in the primary zone. A total of 13 ongoing columns are approximately 75-150 days through their 300-day leach cycle and include samples from the sulphide, both primary and enriched (secondary sulphide) zones from both Cactus and Parks/Salyer deposits, as well as from the tailing facility, all of which are situated on wholly-owned private land in Pinal County, Arizona. Nuton offers a portfolio of proprietary copper leach related technologies and capabilities, developed by Rio Tinto to deliver increased copper recovery and leading environmental performance. In December, samples were sent to the Nuton testing lab to begin column leach testing, following initial mineralogical analysis and associated performance modelling of ASCU material. The columns are ...