Uranium Mining and Exploration

[Lone Clone]

Lotus Resources’ ore sorting tests “exceed expectations” at Kayelkera Uranium Project

The ASX-lister called the initial results “excellent” and said the grade of the ore sorting product increased by up to 100%, compared to the African project’s original feed sample.
The STEINERT facility used during the test-work in Perth is the same size that would be used at the Kayelkera Uranium Project.

https://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/954042/lotus-resources-ore-sorting-tests-exceed-expectations-at-kayelkera-uranium-project-954042.html

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX:LOT) (OTCMKTS:LTSRF) says ore sorting test-work at the Kayelkera Uranium Project in northern Malawi has exceeded expectations.

The minerals exploration and development company recently conducted initial ore sorting tests on around half a tonne of ore from the African project, with uranium grades jumping by as much as 100% when compared to the feed sample.

Overall, the test-work validates Lotus’ view that ore sorting has the potential to both increase the feed grade in Kayelkera’s annual production and extend the life-of-mine by using low-grade ores as plant feed.

Following the pleasing results, the explorer intends to continue test-work during the current quarter with an emphasis on testing a combination of sensors on the ore sorter to further optimise results. Lotus will also test additional material types, including lower grade stockpiles.

The results of further ore sorting test-work and associated engineering studies will be incorporated into Kayelkera’s feasibility study, which is expected to kick off this quarter.

Could improve economic returns
Lotus Resources managing director Keith Bowes said: “As previously stated, ore sorting is not essential for the Kayelekera mine to recommence production, but this technology has the potential to improve the economic returns of the project, by reducing operating costs, increasing annual production and extending the mine life.

“These initial results have exceeded our initial expectations, as the ore has been upgraded by as much as 100%, compared to the feed grade. This means, for example, that a 400 ppm U3O8 marginal ore could be upgraded to around 800 ppm in feed for the main plant.

“Importantly, this initial phase of test-work tested each sensor individually. Our next phase of test-work will look at combining the sensors (ie, testing the colour and density sensors in the same run) to determine if it is possible to improve on these results further.

“We will continue to provide additional information on this trial work over the coming months.”

If Lotus were to construct an ore sorter for the Kayelkera project, it’s estimated to cost between US$2 million and US$3 million.

Test-work results
To evaluate around 500 kilograms of ore from Kayelkera, Lotus tested two run-of-mine ore samples at the STEINERT testing facility in Perth.

A commercial-scale ore sorting unit tested one sample with a colour sensor and evaluated the other using a density sensor.

Three products were produced from each test: a concentrated sample that represented a high-grade product, a middlings sample that represented a high recovery option and a tailings sample.

Each of these samples were collected, weighed and prepared at the laboratory, then submitted for chemical assay.



Essentially, the initial results indicate that colour sorting may be more effective on these specific ore types, returning an 86% recovery rate with an upgrade ratio of 1.6 compared to the density sorter’s 71% recovery rate at 1.5 upgrade ratios.

However, there are indications that the density separation may produce a higher grade product.

Ultimately, the results charted above represent what could be achieved with the Kayelekera ore if the fines upgrading test-work produced similar results to the ore sorting — specifically an upgrading factor of 2 with an 80% recovery.

As a final check, Lotus opted to conduct leaching test-work over the three product samples to make sure there were no inherent issues with lithium extraction.

Promisingly, this portion of the test-work program indicated leach recoveries for the concentrate product are at least as good as the original sample recoveries and may be higher.

Next steps
Moving forward, Lotus is preparing to embark on a second test-work phase, where the colour and density sensors are used in tandem during the ore sorting process.

The company expects the next phase of work will commence later this month, with fresh ore from the African uranium project expected to arrive during the program.

Further results are anticipated in the current quarter.