#Canada #Vancouver #Luca Mining #Campo Morado #Ausenco

Luca Mining Corp. Launches Expansion Efforts at Campo Morado

In an exciting development for the mining sector, Luca Mining Corp. has officially embarked on a comprehensive expansion project at its Campo Morado mine, located within the Sierra Madre mineralized belt in Mexico. The company's board has approved an extensive mill optimization and expansion study, signaling a significant investment in increasing gold and silver production while enhancing operational efficiency.

Overview of the Campo Morado Expansion

The Campo Morado Expansion (CME) is designed in collaboration with Ausenco PTY Ltd., a recognized leader in metallurgical design and processing methodologies for metal recovery. This ambitious project will be executed in two key phases, each targeting specific enhancements in the mining process to optimize metal separation and recovery.

• - Phase 1: Focusing on bulk sulphide flotation, this initial phase aims to redesign the processing flowsheet with increased grinding capabilities. By achieving a finer grind size, Luca intends to improve the separation efficiency of sulphide minerals, thereby increasing recovery rates for copper, zinc, and precious metals like gold and silver.

• - Phase 2: Following the successful implementation of Phase 1, this phase will explore methodologies to further extract gold and silver from a pyrite concentrate that remains post-flotation. Currently, the Campo Morado operations do not possess gold leaching capabilities, making this phase crucial for the overall enhancement of metal outputs.

Technical Aspects of the Expansion

The planned improvements in grinding and flotation are expected to alleviate current operational bottlenecks that limit throughput. Ausenco is tasked with evaluating various grinding technologies, including the IsaMill from Glencore Technology, to achieve the desired grind sizes, which will play a pivotal role in the optimization of the mill's performance.

Luca Mining's CEO, Dan Barnholden, emphasizes the significance of this expansion, stating that it not only targets enhanced metal recoveries but also positions the company for long-term operational sustainability. The move is anticipated to bolster production margins and establish a rejuvenated cash flow stream that supports ongoing mining activities.

Additional Research and Monitoring

As part of the CME, ongoing metallurgical tests are being conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed processing techniques. With results expected in the coming months, these tests will inform the company on best practices and potential adjustments needed for optimal operations.

Updating the Mine Plan

Alongside these technical advancements, Luca Mining is also collaborating with third-party consultants to revise the mine plan, which includes assessing unmined high-grade deposits in the area. The objective is not only to elevate current metal recovery rates but also to expand the operations to include valuable resources that can complement production at Campo Morado.

Conclusion

The expansion at Campo Morado represents a critical step forward for Luca Mining Corp. By investing in innovative and effective techniques for mineral recovery, the company is laying the groundwork for a more lucrative and efficient mining operation. With strong market dynamics for precious metals, this initiative may well position Luca Mining to capitalize on future opportunities in the mining landscape. The upcoming technical report, slated for release in late 2026, will provide further insights into the project's potential impact on the company’s operations and profitability.

As Luca Mining leads the charge in optimizing its Campo Morado operations, stakeholders will be watching closely for groundbreaking results that could reshape the mining industry's approach to metal recovery and production.