AMN - DRC: Positive lithium test results from Manono

AVZ Minerals has received positive results from phase II metallurgical test work on samples from Manono Lithium and Tin Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The bulk test produced around 160 kilograms of concentrate of 6.1% Li2O with a 60.1% lithia recovery.

These tests have demonstrated a clear trend in product grade and recovery confirming the reproducibility of testing and the high degree of flexibility in attaining economic graded products.

As well as delivering strong results in terms of lithia recovery, the results also support AVZ's selected definitive feasibility study (DFS) flowsheet.

The completed phase II optimisation work has demonstrated AVZ's laboratory test work is scalable to a full-size operation.

The metallurgical test program aimed to test and confirm the two-stage dense media separation (DMS) flowsheet, quantify the extent of heavy mineral recovery including tin and tantalum minerals, explore fine lithia recovery pathways (flotation) for future plant expansion and generate verification parameters for the process design criteria.

This dense media separation (DMS) test work for phase two is now complete with seven optimisation tests undertaken to maximise product recovery and grade.

Processing of a 2-tonne bulk sample produced about 160 kilograms of concentrate.

Around 3% of xenolithic waste was purposefully added to assess the worst-case iron contamination and, even after this inclusion, iron levels were well within the specification of circa 0.72% iron oxide.

Given a mining scenario where these minor xenolithic units will be selectively removed to waste dumps, the company expects that iron levels will be reduced in the final product for sale.

As phase II test work nears completion, the company’s focus is now on by-product (heavy mineral) recovery, including tin and tantalum.

During the DMS process, dense media cyclone (DMC) concentrates were flagged for heavy mineral recovery test work employing conventional gravity recovery techniques.

All heavy minerals, including gangue iron minerals, are proposed to be rejected, and as a result, tin and tantalum by-products may be produced with gravity tailing lithia concentrates.

AVZ managing director Nigel Ferguson said: “Our phase two test work is now complete and has delivered exceptional results in terms of lithia recovery and supporting the selected DFS flowsheet.

“Furthermore, the product grade and recovery confirm both the reproducibility of testing and high degree of flexibility in attaining economic graded products.

“Overall, our phase two optimisation work has demonstrated that our laboratory test work is scalable to a full-size operation.

“Tin and tantalum recovery test work is progressing very well with some very encouraging intermediate results and we have now produced a -0.5-millimetre gravity product ready for further dressing test work.

“The flotation sighter test work for lithia recovery from fines is progressing well and results are expected mid-March.”

AVZ's next milestone is the completion and release of its DFS in March.

Ferguson said: “We eagerly await the completion of our DFS and look forward to its release next month.”

The company also recently executed a binding MoU with the Ministry of Industry for the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Manono.

The purpose of the MoU is to set up the terms for collaboration and negotiation between the Ministry of Industry and AVZ with a view to establishing the ‘Manono Special Economic Zone’ in the Tanganyika Province and the development of basic infrastructure.

Development of the Manono Lithium and Tin Project and associated infrastructure for mining operations including the export of products would be at the core of these developments.

A Special Economic Zone provides for an ‘investor to enjoy exemptions or reductions, either permanently or temporarily, in a degressive or non-degressive manner, with or without the possibility of renewal or extension, on direct or indirect taxes, domestic duties and taxes, national, provincial and municipal royalties, import or export duties payable in Democratic Republic of Congo’.

AVZ as the developer of the SEZ would be eligible to additional benefits from the Congolese Government as opposed to being purely an investor in the SEZ.

www.avzminerals.com.au