Woxna Graphite Tests Yield Enhanced Large Flake Distribution
Vancouver, Canada
Flinders Resources Limited (“Flinders”) (TSX.V — FDR) Mr. Martin McFarlane, President & CEO is pleased to provide an update on the metallurgical test programs being conducted on graphite bearing rock from the Woxna Graphite Mine, Sweden.
A bulk sample, together with representative core samples of graphite mineralization from across the Woxna Kringel mineral resource were sent to flotation specialist Aminpro Metallurgical Laboratories (“Aminpro”) in Chile. Aminpro were commissioned to complete a series of graphite processing tests that would lead to a new process flow sheet optimising graphite flake size, purity and recovery results.
A key goal of the test work program was to maximise the proportion of larger flake sizes in the flotation concentrate. Using a single stage coarser grind and rougher float has yielded an encouragingly high proportion of large flake sizes.
The following table outlines the flake size distributions for the current test results and historical production, and shows potential for improved flake size distribution.
Graphite Flake Size (µm) |
Test Results (% by weight) |
Historic Production  (% by weight) |
---|---|---|
+250 µm | 23 | – |
+180-250 µm | 27 | 32 |
+100-180 µm | 35 | 32 |
-100 µm | 15 | 36 |
Further cleaning test work is currently underway to maximise graphite purity while maintaining a high flake size distribution. The metallurgical test program concludes with locked cycle tests of the proposed new process flow sheet. This work is expected to be completed in early June.
Mining Plan
Golders of Sweden are nearing completion on the design of the Woxna mine plan and will deliver their final report at the end of May.
Having previously delivered a 4 phase 20+ year mine plan, Golders have undertaken multiple iterations to optimise the first 10 years of the plan resulting in a better than 30% improvement of the 10 year stripping ratio to 6:1 with 3:1 during the first 3 years.
The revised mine plan has then been subject to optimisation using the industry recognised Whittle optimisation software. This is anticipated to further improve ore to waste ratios by up to 15%.
Tailings and Water Management
Tailings and water management plans were presented to the regulators earlier this year. The plans will deliver substantially improved environmental performance at the Woxna mine. While no formal approval is required from the regulator, feedback to date has been positive.
Preliminary Economic Assessment
Once the final results are available from the metallurgical test work, all of the components will be available to complete a preliminary economic assessment of resuming production at the Woxna graphite mine.
New and reused equipment will be specified for the final modified process flow sheet. Operating and capital costs will then be calculated as will revenue based on the metallurgical test results.
It is anticipated that the preliminary economic assessment of the Woxna graphite project will be completed in July.
The qualified person for the Woxna project, Mr. Chris Stinton of GBM Minerals Engineering Consultants of the United Kingdom, has reviewed and verified the contents of this release.
On behalf of the Board
“Martin McFarlane”
Martin McFarlane, President and CEO
For more information contact:
Jim Powell +1 647-478-5806
info@flindersresources.com