Significant Gold Recovery Improvements Reported for Whistler Project in Alaska

Introduction

U.S. GoldMining Inc., trading under NASDAQ symbol USGO, has made notable strides at their Whistler Gold-Copper Project located 105 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Recent metallurgical test work conducted has resulted in a significant boost in gold recovery rates, achieving a remarkable combined recovery percentage of 85.3%, marking an increase of 22% from previous estimates. This development is not only a victory for the company but also a promising signal for stakeholders and potential investors.

Metallurgical Test Work Details

The metallurgical test program commenced earlier this year, with essential evaluations carried out on samples derived from various drill cores at the Whistler Project. These tests confirmed that up to 85.3% gold, 79.1% copper, and 55.3% silver recovery is possible via combined sulphide flotation and leaching processes. The initial flotation cycle produced a copper concentrate containing 23.7% copper, showcasing the efficacy of the established processes over traditional methods that previously achieved only 70% recovery.

The detailed testing encompassed 28 flotation tests and four leaching tests performed by Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd. in Kamloops, Canada, which played a vital role in enhancing the overall efficiency of material extraction from the mineral deposits.

Improved Processes Leading to Higher Recovery Rates

The enhancement in gold recovery is attributed to the integration of a sequential leaching process alongside traditional flotation techniques. Tim Smith, the CEO of U.S. GoldMining, expressed elation over these findings, noting that this refined approach to mineral processing has notably improved recovery metrics. The synergy created by this dual-method process underlines the potential for further refining operational practices within the project.

Financial Implications and Future Projections

The improved gold recovery rates align with the upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Whistler Project, which includes vital inputs from the metallurgical recovery results. The testing outcomes are highly promising as they serve as building blocks for the initial stages of economic evaluation and potential investment strategies. As these assessments move forward, there is considerable optimism regarding the economic viability of the Whistler Project.

Sample Selection and Preparation

The metallurgical program focused on optimizing recovery results using drill core samples from 2023 and 2024. The sampling process involved creating seven quarter core composites from four different drill holes, eventually homogenizing these into a master composite, providing a representation of the average resource grade. The classification of the material yielded 'Hard' to 'Very Hard' designations, providing a foundation for future recovery optimization strategies.

Flotation and Leaching Optimization

Preliminary comminution tests led to the selection of optimal grind sizes that maximize extraction efficiency. A series of rougher and cleaner flotation tests were conducted, revealing high metal recovery rates that underscore the effectiveness of the newly refined processing methods. The leaching tests produced an additional recovery output of 31.2% which, when combined with flotation results, secured the overall gold recovery rate of 85.3%. The prospect of eliminating unnecessary circuit processes could further enhance gold retrieval.

Conclusion

The advancements in metallurgical testing announced by U.S. GoldMining Inc. represent a significant milestone for the Whistler Gold-Copper Project. Enhanced recovery rates and the strategic integration of innovative processing techniques are set to propel the project's economic assessments and positions the company favorably within the mining sector. As U.S. GoldMining continues to explore ways to improve its material recovery techniques, the gold industry closely watches these developments with keen interest, eager to see how these results translate into future production and economic success.

For more detailed insights into the technical specifics and further company developments, visit U.S. GoldMining’s official site.