Thor Energy PLC (AIM:THR, OTCQB:THORF, ASX:THR) has revealed what it called ‘favourable’ and ‘encouraging’ metallurgical copper recovery results, advancing the Alford East Copper-REE project in South Australia.
It reported copper recoveries of up to 72.2% using GlyLeach, which is described an environmentally friendly glycine lixiviant, marking a notable success in sustainable mining practices.
Four mini-column leach tests (MCLTs) were performed on drill core samples from the project, using saline groundwater from the site to closely replicate potential ISR conditions.
The results were positive with the highest copper extraction observed at 72.2%, significantly above what’s deemed as a usual rang (60-70%) for ISR-style copper recovery operations.
"The successful completion of the hydrometallurgical mini-column tests; returning favourable copper recoveries of up to 72.2% are above the standard range of 60-70% for an ISR operation,” managing director Nicole Galloway Warland said in a statement.
“These results are highly encouraging, as Thor advances the ISR assessment of the Alford East Copper-REE-Gold Project.
She added: "As part of Thor's commitment to sustainable exploration activities, we are pleased to be using Glyleach as a lixiviant during the ISR process.
“Compared to the conventional sulphuric acid that is often used, Glyleach is an economical and environmentally friendly alternative, helping Thor to develop a low-cost, low-environmental footprint ISR copper operation.”
The Thor managing director meanwhile highlighted further progress at the project where Fleet Space Technologies continues work to merge Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) 3D model with Thor's 3D geological model.
“The resultant 3D model highlights low-velocity drill targets, which potentially represent higher grade copper-REE-Gold targets, associated with deep structurally controlled troughs,” she said.
“As part of a future drilling program, Thor will be including additional water bores for pump testing, and push/pull test work as it continues to advance ISR assessment at Alford East towards in-ground lixiviant trials (Site Environmental Lixiviant Trials).
“These are currently underway at EnviroCopper's Kapunda Project, in which Thor holds 30% equity.
“We look forward to updating the market with further developments."