Enova Mining Limited - Completion of Charley Creek Project Metallurgical Characterisation Test

About this update from Enova Mining Limited

Enova Mining Limited ('Enova') is pleased to announce completion of a metallurgical characterisation study for the Cattle Creek and commencement of process enhancement test work. Enova is pleased to announce that the metallurgical characterisation study for the Cattle Creek area by IHC Mining's Brisbane based laboratory, which commenced in February 2024 , was completed in May 2024 . The study investigated the effectiveness of the current process flowsheet, as developed by the 2013 study and further optimised in the 2016 study, using alluvial and weathered meta-sediment (WMS) material samples from the bulk testing programme completed in September 2023 . Bulk sampling provided more insight than expected and was key to validating the study test work. The process flowsheet, derived by prior studies, needs to be modified to capture a greater proportion of the heavy mineral concentrates. Follow up test work has commenced, using industry proven technology/techniques, to capture monazite and xenotime losses to oversize and slimes. Explanation of the metallurgical characterisation test work and details of the follow up test work programme are provided further in this document. Outline of Test Work Prior metallurgical work focused on alluvial sands whereas the recoverability of the WMS was unknown. The gradational changes in the nature of the material makes it difficult to distinguish between the material types and there is high likelihood of intermixing of plant feed material when in operation. This study uses more representative field samples of real-world conditions, as the bucket-drill bulk sampling provides a significant advantage over air-core drilling; as samples are intact, not pulverised by small diameter drilling techniques. Characterisation test work was completed on 123 drill cutting samples of alluvial material (AL) and 8 drill cutting samples of weathered meta-sediments material (WMS) from the Cattle Creek project site. Briefly described, the test work involved conditioning of the sample by repeated washing cycles, screening (sizing) and heavy liquid separation, with assay analysis completed on the produced fractions. Heavy Mineral samples representing the portion of the ore that is recoverable by conventional low-cost gravity separation, were also sent away for QEMSCAN, quantitative and qualitative computer aided analysis. QEMSCAN employs a scanning electron microscope, four X-ray detectors and a software package to enables rapid discrimination of minerals, without reliance on visual judgments. It can make 12,000 mineral analyses per minute and be used to assess the value of exploration discoveries and to streamline metallurgical processes. The detailed analysis establishes By identifying the content and distribution of minerals in ore samples, it is possible to target the highest mineral concentrations directly and with much greater accuracy than ever before. In summary, the heavy mineral content of the ore was found to be 0.6% on average for the weathered meta-sediments (WMS) and alluvial (AL) samples, QEMSCAN analysis determined the heavy mineral fractions to be dominated by silicates comprising between 60% and 80% of the heavy mineral content. The predominant silicates include epidote, pyroxene/amphibole and garnet/chlorite. Zircon is only about 2 to 4% and REE minerals 1% to 4% of the heavy mineral samples. Monazite is the most abundant REE mineral, but traces of xenotime and florencite are present. Other minerals include TiO2 oxides (mostly ilmenite) and Fe Oxides. Particle Size Distribution Particle size distribution was quite different between samples and the most significant impact on the recovery process. The most important size fraction is 0.045mm, as this reports to the heavy mineral concentration circuit, namely for recovery by spiral separators. The particles in this size range from 29% to 69.2% of the initial sample. For 8 samples, the average was 51.4% as compared to the 2012 Study of 57.8%, and in 2016 tests saw 72.4%. The proportion of oversize (>2mm) ranged from 15.7% to 57.8%, averaging 33.7%. Metallurgical Optimisation Follow-up In summary, IHC concludes as follows: Very high variability for majority of physical, mineralogical and chemicalM characteristics of WMS samples. Variability of single alluvium (AL) drill core samples was not examined within the reported scope of work, but it is expected to be high as well, Significant cementation of solid mineral grains with a soft amorphous mineral substance which causes subsequent mineral liberation issues, Relatively high (up to 57.8%) mass content of then >2mm oversize fractions and high (up to 49.8%) losses of REE with these particle size fractions, Relatively high (up to 25.2%) mass content of the> 0.045mm Heavy Mineral fractions which may result in low overall recovery of these elements with the use of convenient gravity separation techniques, Enova has been in discussions with IHC regarding the steps that could recover TREO from the oversize and slimes fractions. A follow up programme has been agreed and commenced: Assessment of alternative mineral processing techniques (first of all flotation)m for additional recovery of REE minerals out of the fine (2mm) fraction. Contact: Eric Vesel Executive Director Enova Mining Limited Email: [email protected] Competent Person Statement The information related to Exploration Targets and Exploration Results is based on data compiled by Mitch Ryan , a Competent Person and Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy . Mr Ryan is currently working as a Senior Metallurgist with IHC Mining. Mitch has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mitch consents to the inclusion in presenting the matters based on his information in the form Forward-looking statements This announcement contains forward-looking statements which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. These statements reflect current expectations, intentions or strategies regarding the future and assumptions based on currently available information. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary from the expectations, intentions and strategies described in this announcement. No obligation is assumed to update forward looking statements if these beliefs, opinions and estimates should change or to reflect other future developments (C) 2024 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire

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