South Harz Potash Ltd (ASX:SHP) has received encouraging results from metallurgical tests on core samples collected from drill holes OHM-01 and OHM-02 within the Ohmgebirge Mining Licence at the South Harz Potash District in Germany.
Results from the metallurgical test-work confirm that the process route selected for the Ohmgebirge scoping study is suitable for processing the ore type expected to be delivered to the mill.
Notably, the selected processing route is expected to achieve production of K60 (agriculture sales grade) of muriate of potash, which is the standard of the global potash industry.
Moving forward, South Harz is planning feasibility study-level metallurgical test-work scheduled to kick off during the March quarter of 2023.
Saleable MOP product
South Harz managing director Luis da Silva said: “Outcomes from the recent scoping study were based on conventional KCl processing routes common to the potash industry.
“We are delighted to report that metallurgical test-work results received from K-UTEC validate the selected processing route is appropriate for the Ohmgebirge Development Project.
“Importantly, results confirm that salable MOP product should be easily achievable from the samples provided.
“Metallurgical testing also indicates that high-grade by-products, including NaCl, are achievable, providing a significant benefit given South Harz’s proximity to well-established European markets.
“We are looking forward to beginning the next phase of work in the new year and remain on track with feasibility study workstreams as we continue to advance the Ohmgebirge Development Project toward production.”
Test-work highlights
The test-work was carried out by K-UTEC in their Sondershausen laboratories, close to the project area, considering the quantity and quality of sodium chloride (NaCl) by-product expected to be produced from future operations.
The results verified the selected process route can produce chemical-grade vacuum salt with a purity exceeding 99%.
K-UTEC further reported that additional magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) by-products can be extracted via the selected processing route.
A well-established market for chemical grade NaCl, Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3 exists in the NW European area.
Furthermore, the test-work informed the composition and character of the resultant waste products and additionally confirmed that process waste is suitable for use as mine backfill material.