Strickland Metals has initiated phase two of metallurgical testing following the arrival of bulk samples from its Shanac deposit at the ALS Laboratory in Perth. The 400kg sample, derived from quartered core from two drill holes that intersected mineralization, is being overseen by Macromet, a specialist in mineral processing.
This testing aims to refine metal recovery techniques and finalize the processing flowsheet for the deposit, building on promising results from a 2021 program that demonstrated solid recoveries of gold and copper through standard flotation methods.
The Shanac deposit features three distinct geometallurgical zones: gold-only, copper-gold, and lead-zinc-silver mineralization. The current tests will assess each zone to develop a cost-effective and efficient mining process tailored to its characteristics.
Historical data indicates a long-standing tradition of successful mining in the region using industry-standard flotation techniques. Previous work focused on gravity gold recovery, mineralogy, and flotation testing across Strickland’s Shanac, Gradina, and Copper Canyon deposits, determining the average head grades and recovery rates.
The Shanac deposit holds an estimated 4.6 million ounces of gold equivalent, with the highest tonnage grading 1.34 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 0.15% copper. Following Shanac, Copper Canyon has a resource of 810,000 ounces of gold equivalent, with grades of 0.86 g/t gold and 0.37% copper, while Gradina has grades of 2.86 g/t gold with 0.02% copper.
Flotation testing revealed 85.9% gold recovery and 80.5% copper recovery from Shanac, with Copper Canyon achieving 77.5% gold recovery and an impressive 91.5% for copper. Gradina yielded a gold recovery of 87.9%. The moderately hard material across the deposits is deemed suitable for standard grinding processes.
Strickland’s managing director, Paul L’Herpiniere, highlighted the commonality of polymetallic deposits in the Western Tethyan Belt, noting nearby world-class deposits that have established processing techniques.
The metallurgical program is expected to conclude by mid-2025, with results feeding into broader scoping studies set to begin later next year. Meanwhile, exploration continues at Rogozna, with four rigs drilling around the clock. Early assays, including significant intercepts at Medenovac, are paving the way for a maiden resource estimate in the new year.
With ongoing exploration yielding promising results, Strickland Metals appears well-positioned to capitalize on the potential of the Rogozna project.
