Metallurgical test work for the Sarytogan Graphite Deposit in central Kazakhstan remains on track with Sarytogan Graphite Ltd (ASX:SGA) reporting that bulk testing is now running with improved flotation metrics.
The company recently moved its bulk flotation testing from Germany to laboratory partners Independent Metallurgical Operations Pty Ltd (IMO) in Perth, where it is currently running and will continue for the remainder of the current quarter as planned.
The test is running on a composite sample from eight diamond drill holes from the northern and central graphite zones at a representative head grade of 32.5% TGC (total graphitic carbon).
Testing improvements
A bench scale test on this sample achieved a concentrate grade of 85.1% TGC at 76.6% recovery, an improvement on previous even higher head-grade samples.
Sarytogan has achieved several operational improvements through its bulk testing program, including the use of readily available diesel as a collector and halving the number of regrinding and cleaner stages applied.
Downstream purification, spheroidisation and battery testing have been ordered with multiple labs worldwide. Each laboratory is set to receive 3-5 kilograms each of bulk flotation concentrate.
The results are pleasing for Sarytogan which has worked hard to upgrade the mineralisation at its namesake project to 99.87% purity by flotation, alkali roasting and chemical purification.
Sarytogan managing director Sean Gregory said, “We are pleased to report that the critical step in Sarytogan’s metallurgical test work program is on track with the bulk flotation test now running in Perth that will continue for the rest of this quarter as planned.
"Lab partners across the globe are ready to receive their allocation of the concentrate for further purification, spheroidization and battery testing.”
Testing progressing well
IMO is progressing metallurgical test work at the Metallurgy Pty Ltd mineral processing laboratory in Perth.
Testers blended a composite sample from eight diamond drill holes, five from the northern graphite Zone (NGZ) and five from the Central Graphite Zone (CGZ) at an average head grade of 32.5% TGC.
Preliminary mining studies suggest that the current head grade may be typical for the initial phase of the mining schedule.
A bench scale test on a sample provided a concentrate grade of 85.1% TGC at a recovery rate of 76.6%. This contrasts with previous tests which yielded lesser concentrate grades, even from samples with higher head-grades.
To provide context, a test disclosed on the ASX on October 12, 2022, began with a head grade of 41.8% TGC and resulted in a concentrate grade of 81.3% TGC at a recovery rate of 87.9%.
IMO, known for their proficiency in graphite flotation, has consistently delivered superior results in comparison to other labs at this particular step in the process. Earlier this year, due to scheduling constraints, an alternative lab was trialled, but without success.
Recent bench scale results reflect operational enhancements introduced over the past half-year. These improvements include the adoption of cost-effective diesel as a collector and a 50% reduction in the regrinding and cleaner stages required.
The company has confirmed that the bulk scale test will continue for the rest of the quarter as previously scheduled. An estimated 60 kilograms of material will be processed, with an anticipated yield of 15-20 kilograms of concentrate.
Sarytogan is pursuing a strategy to supply high-quality anode material for the rapidly growing electric vehicle battery market.
A pre-feasibility study is underway and progressing well. It will be updated with test work results as they become available.