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Latest Metallurgical Results
Latest Metallurgical Results.
About this update from Metals Exploration Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n Metals Exploration PLC\n08 April 2008\n\n\n\n Metals Exploration PLC\n\n 90% Gold Recoveries from Latest Metallurgical Testwork\n Molybdenum Results Encouraging\n\n\n\n8 April 2008\n\nMetals Exploration PLC ('Metals Ex' or 'the Company') (AIM: MTL), the natural\nresources exploration and development company with assets in the Pacific Rim\nregion, is pleased to announce encouraging results from the metallurgical\ntestwork currently being carried out on composite samples representing\nmineralisation from the transition and new zones in its 100% controlled Runruno\ngold-molybdenum deposit in the Philippines.\n\n\nHighlights:\n\n • Two alternative gold recovery circuits identified - pressure oxidation and\n BIOX(R).\n • Results from metallurgical testwork completed to date indicate average\n gold recoveries of 90 to 92% can be expected from either circuit.\n • Both test circuits also reported high molybdenum solubilisation,\n indicating a possible hydrometallurgical recovery route which will be\n further tested.\n\nTestwork has been conducted on the Company's behalf by specialist laboratories\nin Australia (Metcon Laboratories, Burnie Research Laboratory, and Ammtec) and\nSouth Africa (SGS Lakefield Research, Africa, under the supervision of Gold\nFields Mining Services in South Africa).\n\n\nGold Recoveries\n\nMetals Ex is pleased to announce that sufficient metallurgical testing has been\ncompleted on the Runruno mineralisation to identify two alternative gold\nrecovery circuits suitable for treating the Runruno mineralisation.\n\nOn the basis of the testwork undertaken on the different styles of\nmineralisation, gold recovery from the project can be expected to average\nbetween 90 to 92% from either a pressure oxidation (POX) or a BIOX(R) circuit.\nBoth circuits are based on proven technology for the recovery of gold from\nrefractory ores including: gravity, flotation, oxidation of the flotation\nconcentrate, and cyanidation - carbon in leach to recover the gold. The\ncircuits differ only in the oxidation step where both POX and BIOX(R)\ntechnologies have been shown to be equally applicable.\n\nThe likely capital and operating costs of the alternative circuits will now be\nestimated and compared as part of the Runruno Scoping Study programme to aid in\nthe selection of the preferred circuit. The preferred circuit will th...