Eastern Metals believes its Browns Reef project can deliver high-grade base metals, with metallurgical test work highlighting the potential for strong lead and zinc recoveries.
Testing was conducted on two composite samples of base metal sulphide mineralisation previously intersected by a previous owner of Browns Reef, with the findings indicating the potential for lead and zinc recoveries to concentrates of more than 80 per cent.
“Flotation tests showed that concentrates with 55 to 60 per cent metal content could be achieved for both zinc and lead,” Eastern Metals said in a statement.
“Silver mostly reports to the lead concentrate and copper predominately to the zinc concentrate. The metal recoveries to concentrate and the grades of the zinc and lead concentrate are in line with the best performing Australian base metal operations.”
Eastern Metals said the lead and zinc concentrates would be readily saleable to smelters.
The company aims to conduct additional metallurgical test work on samples collected from its own drilling at the recently discovered Evergreen zone at Browns Reef.
Typical metal grades have been higher at Evergreen than historical assays, which could lead to improved metallurgical performance.
Eastern Metals announced the resignation of managing director and chief executive officer Wayne Rossiter last week.
As the board completes a search process for a new managing director and CEO, non-executive chairman Robert Duffin will act as executive chairman.
“Since being appointed managing director and chief executive officer in 2021, Wayne has been integral to the company’s development,” Duffin said.
“During the past year, he managed the company following its successful IPO and ASX listing in October 2021. More recently, he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Neutral Junction project from Bowgan Minerals, which has significantly strengthened the company’s strategic portfolio.”
Neutral Junction is located within the Arunta pegmatite province in Northern Territory and complements Eastern Metals’ Arunta project, which spans 593 square kilometres.