The company said that the ongoing metallurgical testwork program represents a key component of the prefeasibility study (PFS) planned to be completed on the Marenica project during 2011.
The samples submitted in late 2010 for the metallurgical testwork program represent bedrock/basement and channel ore types from the Marenica deposit.
The test results indicated that both dry screening and whole ore scrubbing will recover 90% of the uranium values into a lower weight, potentially 50% of the original feed.
The preliminary results for the beneficiation stage for a range of bedrock/basement ores types has been successful in upgrading both the -25mm and -50mm material, with the average percentage of uranium to the intended agglomerate/leach feed of 86.5%.
The preliminary results for the beneficiation stage for a range of calcrete ores types has been successful in upgrading both the -25mm and -50mm material, with the average percentage of uranium to the intended agglomerate/leach feed of 91.1%.
Other key activities planned as part of the PFS include a reverse circulation drilling program to optimize the continuity and improve grade within the optimized pit shell.
Trial mining/pitting will be undertaken for further bulk metallurgical testwork at larger scale for optimization of the process route.
An updated resource calculation/mining optimization study will be done along with a technical economic model update and review.
Also, environmental and social impact studies for inclusion in the definitive feasibility study is planned.
