So if the hydromet leach process can be optimised and scaled up,...

So if the hydromet leach process can be optimised and scaled up, POD will get a big uplift in returns:
- yield from first 45m of strip in oxides
- reasonable capex - same plant for oxides and sulphides, atmospheric leaching
- high grade concentrate that skips the need for smelting and goes straight to Johnson Matthey et al for rning = much lower transport costs, much higher payability


Hydrometallurgical test work for the sulphide and oxide ores has progressed during the year and has established strong recovery of PGMs and base metal minerals.An atmospheric leach process has been selected as the most effective means of extracting PGM and base metals from the ores. Selected leaching variables are currently being tested, focussed on further enhancing metal recoveries. Closed circuit leaching tests are planned to provide metallurgical inputs for our pending scoping study.Direct leaching of sulphide ore has shown strong metal recoveries as per Table 2. Twenty-five (25) leach tests have been conducted to date. Planned leach tests of flotation concentrate may provide further opportunity for optimisation.

The oxide ore, when treated through the atmospheric leach, also shows high levels of payable metal recovery. Current test work suggests that the oxide ore can be treated through the same hydrometallurgical process as the sulphide ore.

This would potentially simplify any plant layout and offer the opportunity to treat ore that is not typically included in a standard flotation circuit. Simplification of the plant design also has the advantage of reduced capital cost and improved operability.

Looks like the No 1 precious metals co opportunity on the ASX not on anyone’s radar, except for about half a dozen of us. @Sharetrader78