Elementos Ltd (ASX:ELT, OTC:ELTLF) has confirmed conventional and modern tin flowsheet from its pilot scale metallurgical test work program at its flagship Oropesa Project in Spain.
This means that ore from Oropesa can be processed via a conventional tin flow sheet to produce a high-grade and commercially desirable tin concentrate.
The flow sheet encompasses crushing and grinding, sulphide flotation, a gravity tin recovery circuit, tin flotation recovery circuits and magnetic separation.
Notably. the robust metallurgical and conventional tin flowsheet from a representative bulk sample is set to be the basis for the definitive feasibility study (DFS) for Oropesa.
Looking ahead, Elementos will continue commercial offtake discussions based on concentrate specifications derived from pilot scale results.
Robust metallurgical results
Elementos managing director Joe David said: “The company was pleased with the robust metallurgical upgrades achieved in Oropesa test work.
“After a prolonged yet detailed metallurgical program Elementos is very pleased to be able to release these robust metallurgical results.
“These results confirm the DFS flowsheet for the project with a production of a commercially appealing, high grade and low impurity, tin concentrate of around 61% Tin.
“The resulting concentrate is not only low in impurities but is confirmed to be produced with economic average recoveries above 74%, using a conventional and modern tin concentrate process flow sheet.
“This pilot scale flowsheet is now the basis for the DFS. We are pleased that this test work has built-on the core flowsheets from previous test work programs, with only minor optimisation changes being made during this program to creating a more robust flowsheet and concentrate product.
“The flow sheet from this test work will now be provided, under the ECI contract, to Duro Felguera who we will work alongside to mature the process engineering through the DFS design gates and into an EPC delivery contract.
“Mr David said the high-grade concentrate specifications produced would serve ongoing commercial offtake discussions with smelters and traders.
“The feedback on the concentrate to date has been very positive and we will continue to mature commercial discussions,”
Commercially appealing tin
Elementos confirms production of a commercially appealing >61% tin concentrate with low impurity specifications.
The company is engaged with a number of tin smelters and traders and will further progress commercial offtake discussions based on achieving these grades on a pilot-scale basis.
Mineralogy confirms Oropesa is cassiterite tin-bearing mineral (>99%), with
All physical test work is completed, and the final reporting of pilot and variability test work is underway at the project.