Cannindah Resources reports strong results from coarse particle flotation testwork, highlighting the potential for a lower cost processing pathway for Mount Cannindah ore.

A metallurgical testwork program using conventional techniques as well as coarse particle flotation (CPF) techniques is underway with Core Resources.

Cannindah Resources (ASX:CAE) plans to use the results in the updated Cannindah breccia mineral resource estimate due to be released this quarter.

Related: Cannindah drilling underscores scale of copper-gold system

Managing director and chief executive officer Cameron Switzer said initial metallurgical results for the Cannindah breccia were very encouraging.

NovaCell CPF achieved 94 per cent copper and 92 per cent silver recovery while rejecting 82 per cent of the material.

“Importantly, these results were achieved at a substantially coarser grind size than conventional flotation,” Mr Switzer said.

“This potentially has significant implications for the future development of Mount Cannindah through higher throughput, lower energy requirements, a reduced plant footprint and improved tailings management.

“Combined with conventional flotation testwork confirming we can produce a saleable copper concentrate with low penalty elements, the results provide further confidence in the metallurgical characteristics of the Cannindah breccia as we move towards the updated mineral resource estimate.

“Further testwork is required, particularly around optimising gold recovery, but these initial results provide a strong platform to build on.

“As industry understands and embraces this new and exciting coarse particle technology advancement, the improved efficiencies it delivers will become part of standard operating procedure. Cannindah aims to be at the forefront of these technologies.”

The Mount Cannindah copper-gold project is located 90km south-west of Gladstone and 27km north-east of Monto in Central Queensland.