Surefire Resources NL (ASX:SRN) has appointed METS Engineering to conduct further metallurgical test work on samples from its 100% owned flagship Victory Bore Vanadium Project in Western Australia.
The company’s aim is to produce a high-purity vanadium oxide in liquid form from which a clean high-purity vanadium electrolyte can be recovered for use in the emerging vanadium battery sector in Australasia.
Victory Bore magnetite hosts vanadium
Following a review of metallurgical results from the Victory Bore deposit and in particular, the mineralogical characteristics where Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) assessment showed spot grade vanadium within the magnetite ranges from 1.8% to 3.9% V2O5 (vanadium pentoxide), Surefire concluded that the Victory Bore magnetite hosts relatively clean intrinsic vanadium, which should enable a simpler and cleaner separation in processing.
Perth-based METS were selected as they have an unrivalled depth of advanced metallurgical experience in the assessment of Western Australian vanadium deposits and new extraction processes.
Victory Bore Vanadium Project location.
This work will be conducted in parallel with a separate study on the potential for the production of High Purity Alumina (HPA) from the waste and host rock at Victory Bore, which is being undertaken by Lava Blue Ltd.
If this study is successful, it could see the incorporation of a HPA commodity stream along with the vanadium commodity stream with the potential to add considerable value to the Victory Bore Project’s financial metrics.
The results of both studies may be incorporated into the current pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the Victory Bore Project.
“Exciting new pathway”
Surefire managing director Paul Burton said: “This could be an exciting new pathway for our world class vanadium deposit at Victory Bore.
“With more focus from financiers and partners on good ESG credentials the company’s strategy in looking to add value by exploring the streamlining of Vanadium recovery by focussing on the battery market whilst also exploring the recovery of HPA makes sound environmental and commercial sense.
“We look forward to updating the markets with results when they are available”.
Victory Bore status
Surefire is progressing the Victory Bore Project at a key time when global markets have an increasing demand for vanadium.
It is currently undertaking the completion of highly detailed work as part of a PFS economic assessment.
The company recently updated the resources and exploration target of the Victory Bore Project with a robust mineral resource of world-class status setting it apart from other potential vanadium resources in Australia.
READ: Surefire Resources boosts vanadium resource by 56% at Victory Bore; shares up
Read more on Proactive Investors AU
