Bannerman has now received results from a range of continuous flotation tests conducted in January and February. These tests followed on from the batch flotation testwork undertaken in 2009.
Specifically, the continuous tests have indicated average flotation recoveries of 85% compared with +90% recoveries recorded in the batch testwork. Further investigations are being undertaken into the metallurgical parameters required to consistently achieve the higher flotation recoveries, prior to progressing to the larger scale pilot plant testwork.
Bannerman and its external consultants have commenced a review to identify realistic savings in operating cost estimates. Work is underway on assessing all cost reduction opportunities and initial results are expected to be available in the June 2010 quarter.
Bannerman has completed over 284,000mt of drilling within the Etango project. An updated mineral resource estimate, incorporating the 60,000mt drilled since June 2009, is being completed. Inclusion of the latest drilling into the resource model is expected to significantly improve the confidence of the resource such that the vast majority of the resource estimate will comprise Measured and Indicated resource material.
Len Jubber, CEO of Bannerman, said: “Since the announcement of the PFS results, the Project team has made significant progress in the core areas of resource, mining and processing.
“We now have greater confidence in our understanding of the Etango mineralisation and are exploring some exciting opportunities to optimise the mining scenario, with the potential to reduce operating costs.”
