Nord Precious Metals Advances Re-2Ox Pilot Plant Process Equipment Selection with SGS Bench-Scale Metallurgical Test Programme
Introduction
In a rapidly evolving mining industry, Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. is making strides in metallurgical innovation aimed at enhancing metal recovery from complex ores. Recently, the company announced a partnership with SGS Canada Inc. to conduct a comprehensive bench-scale metallurgical test program for its pioneering Re-2Ox process. This program aims to convert challenging metal concentrates, often deemed unprocessable by traditional smelting methods, into commercially viable outputs. As the demand for critical and precious metals surges globally, this initiative positions Nord at the forefront of addressing a crucial gap in metal recovery.
Key Highlights of the Metallurgical Program
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Unique Hard-Rock Concentrate Validation
- The initial phase involves alkaline pressure-leach tests to capture optimal operating conditions for Nord’s hard-rock concentrate samples. This step includes examinations of legacy tailings, which could offer future reclamation possibilities.
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Modular Processing Equipment Development
- SGS will provide kinetic data, mass balances, and reagent consumption metrics that will inform the design of flexible, containerized units. This modular equipment can be deployed in diverse mining environments worldwide, ensuring both efficiency and adaptability.
- Strategic Offtaker Flexibility
- The process liquors produced will be retained to facilitate additional precipitation and calcination tests. This capability allows Nord to cater to potentially emerging demands for battery-grade cobalt products, minimizing redundant leaching steps and optimizing resource use.
Technical Programme Breakdown
Phase 1: Establishing Essential Operating Parameters
This phase aims to validate the Re-2Ox flowsheet through rigorous testing of Nord’s concentrate samples. The initial setup focuses on establishing efficient processing solutions tailored for complex materials, specifically those that carry high levels of deleterious metals which typically incur hefty smelter penalties. By showcasing its capacity to process these challenging feeds, the Re-2Ox process underscores Nord’s innovative approach to metallurgy.
Phase 2: Continuous Process Validation
The second phase will encompass running a single autoclave batch through each downstream circuit, effectively validating the continuous operation at a near-pilot scale. Furthermore, caustic regeneration tests will be pivotal in ensuring efficient reagent recycling, a significant consideration for operations in remote mining locations.
Market Context and Industry Relevance
With several major smelters, including Tsumeb, nearing closure or shifting to maintenance modes, the industry faces significant bottlenecks in the processing of complex concentrates globally. Nord’s modular Re-2Ox technology aims to fill this void, providing solutions that can transform penalty-laden feeds into high-value products directly at the mine site.
The data generated from SGS’s bench-scale tests will propel Nord toward achieving Technology Readiness Level 7, which is critical for commercial licensing following the confirmed pilot demonstration at Temiskaming Testing Labs.
CEO Insights and Commercial Potential
Frank J. Basa, CEO of Nord, expressed the significant commercial impact of the new technology, stating, "This program translates laboratory insight into actionable procurement specifications. Processing concentrates that traditional smelters refuse represents a vital market opportunity as we’ve seen declining global ore grades alongside rising impurity levels."
Commercial Implications Unveiled
The outcomes of the bench-scale testing will serve multiple commercial functions:
- Modular Unit Specifications: Supporting the design of scalable processing units.
- Capital Cost Estimates: Facilitating build-own-operate and transfer agreements.
- Enhanced Removal Targets: Ensuring removal of penalty elements exceeds 99%.
- Adaptive Product Specifications: Tailoring outputs to meet market demands, whether for battery-grade sulfates, oxides, or carbonates.
Next Steps and Timeline
With Phase 1 data, SGS is set to compile equipment lists and supplier estimates, helping to fine-tune the capital-cost outlook for a one-tonne-per-day Re-2Ox pilot line at Temiskaming Testing Labs. Nord plans to fund Phase 1 through existing resources, supplemented by a C$200,000 grant from MICA.
Following the completion of a formal proposal, Nord will initiate selection work, with an interim design memorandum expected midway through the program. A comprehensive final report will subsequently guide procurement, funding, and strategic partnership discussions.
About Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc.
Nord operates in Canada’s coveted Cobalt Camp and manages an integrated high-grade processing strategy that combines silver extraction with critical metal recovery. The company’s flagship Castle property encompasses significant mineral resources, with drilling indicating substantial silver reserves complemented by strategic assets for the recovery of cobalt, nickel, and lithium. This multi-metal approach, along with established infrastructures, empowers Nord to meet the rising demands of both precious and battery metal markets.
Explore more about Nord Precious Metals at nordpreciousmetals.com.
Contact Information
For further queries, contact:
- Frank J. Basa, P. Eng.
- CEO
- Phone: 416-625-2342
Disclaimer
This communication may contain forward-looking statements that reflect potential future events or conditions. Actual results may differ due to various factors, and the company does not undertake to update such statements unless required by law.