Australian minerals exploration firm IMX Resources has announced the results from its recent metallurgical testwork at the Chilalo Graphite Project in Tanzania.
The metallurgical optimisation for the pre-feasibility study (PFS) has showed that Chilalo ore holds the capability to produce a graphite concentrate containing up to 68% large and jumbo flake graphite, while continuing to attain saleable concentrate grades.
Results are expected to enhance the PFS economics, providing a sale price of US$1,116 per tonne (Benchmark Minerals Intelligence Q3 2015 data).
The test work results are reported based on the sub-75µ material, which is said to represent 25% of the flotation product.
IMX Resources CEO Phil Hoskins said: "These latest testwork results demonstrate the strong potential for Chilalo to produce a high quality graphite concentrate with outstanding flake size distribution.
"We are confident that this upgraded product will be highly attractive to both our potential offtake partners and project financiers who place significant premiums on large and jumbo flake graphite."
The firm’s metallurgical consultant BatteryLimits is engaged in further improving flake size distribution at the project.
Flake size will be a crucial element for a successful graphite project, as the large and jumbo flake graphite is said to attract premium prices.