Apr 6 2017
MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:BMK) ("MacDonald Mines", or the "Company") has shipped approximately 100kg of oxide sands to SGS Minerals Services to conduct metallurgical testing and investigate potential processing methods for the Wawa-Holdsworth Pyrite prospect.
The Wawa-Holdsworth Pyrite prospect is a gold and silver bearing, black coloured, "oxidized cap" ("oxide sands") that overlies a massive pyrite zone. The strike of the pyrite zone runs over 2 km and its thickness ranges from 2 to 10 metres. The oxide sands reach a depth of more than 8 metres. A sampling program of the oxide sands conducted in 2002 produced an average grade of 4.03 g/t gold and 30.89 g/t silver. Preliminary mill testing by normal vat leach processing without crushing or other processing resulted in a 94 % gold recovery (Seymour M. Sears, P. Geo., 2002).
The metallurgical testing initiated by MacDonald Mines will investigate simple processing methods that require no chemicals to concentrate the gold and silver and achieve the highest possible recovery.
To evaluate multiple options the following will be completed:
- Head assays;
- Mineralogical characterization of the feed;
- Bond ball mill grindability test;
- Heavy liquid separation testing;
- Knelson Concentrator testing;
- Flotation and leach testing on gravity tailings as diagnostic tests.
Quentin Yarie, MacDonald's President and CEO commented: "In the few months our team has worked on the Wawa-Holdsworth Project, we've already initiated a bulk sampling program of the oxides sands, initiated metallurgical test work on the immediate gold target on the property and secured a 100% interest in the property. Following spring breakup, the Company will ramp up its sampling program to better define the oxide sands and continue to prepare for their potential extraction."
Wawa-Holdsworth Project Highlights
- Approximately 285 hectares, 20 kilometres northeast of the town of Wawa
- Neighbouring Argonaut's >6Moz gold Magino Deposit & Richmont's >1Moz gold Island Gold Mine
- Numerous gold showings with diversified mineralization styles occurring in a 500 metres-wide deformation corridor
- Year-long road access and easy access to rail, road, electrical power, labour force and suppliers
Qualified Person
Quentin Yarie, P Geo. is the qualified person responsible for preparing, supervising and approving the scientific and technical content of this news release.
Source: http://www.macdonaldmines.com/