Xanadu recovers 91% gold in early tests at Kharmagtai using patent WA lab process
Xanadu is able to boost its copper and gold recovery rates with green cred intact by using glycine
Source: iStock
Mentioned
KEY POINTS
- Metallurgical tests on early samples from Kharmagtai successfully boast gold recovery rates up to 91%
- Company is experimenting with a non-conventional process to sell gold-hosting material that would otherwise go to waste
- That process, which uses glycine as well as cyanide, is effectively patented by WA-based Mining and Process Solutions (MPS)
Investors are today absorbing with enthusiasm Xanadu Mine’s (ASX:XAM) update it has recovered up to 91% gold in early sample testworks using a novel process.
Selecting Perth-based MPS to do the work, which owns the rights to a unique downstream process, Xanadu reports the use of glycine in conjunction with cyanide allows it to recover gold from material that would otherwise go to waste.
In short, gold floats in cyanide, which is why liquid cyanide is hugely popular in downstream gold processing.
Xanadu notes that by also using glycine during this process, the company can effectively stop coincident copper mineralisation from bonding to the cyanide. Copper instead bonds to the glycine, allowing for greater leaching of gold in the cyanide.
With that context, it’s obvious to see the appeal of the MPS process at Xanadu’s Mongolian Kharmagtai copper gold project. Copper recovery rates sit at 46%.
The company continues to examine the MPS process, towards the end-goal of minimising cyanide use where possible.
Non-toxic glycine another string in ESG bow
In the previous quarter, Xanadu published its second sustainability report attached to the Kharmagtai project.
The company is intending to unlock for investors the full value potential of its 8Moz gold resource while adhering to green credentials, as well as a whopping three million tonnes of copper.
Xanadu executed an agreement with China’s Xijin Mining Group earlier this year towards the development of Kharmagtai, a project with a thirty year mine life and an internal rate of return of 20% after tax.
News of today’s boosted gold recovery rates have boosted the Xanadu share price by 8.3% to 2.6c in early afternoon trade.
One week performance is up 13%, though, sell-offs have shaken the company this year.
While not related to Xanadu directly, it's worthwhile getting an idea of project partner Zijin's international footprint. The map above locates all of Zijin's gold and copper projects around the world.
Disclaimer: Market Index helps small-cap ASX listed companies connect with Australian investors through clear and concise articles on key developments. Xanadu Mines was a client at the time of publishing. All coverage contains factual information only and should not be interpreted as an opinion or financial advice.
