Andranangoo discovery mineralogy confirms outstanding mineral suite with up to 71% zircon, elevated rutile values and up to 95% valuable heavy mineral (“VHM”) • Pilot plant testwork on bulk samples from Lethbridge and Puwanapi indicates excellent recovery of VHM into a high grade concentrate and premium quality products • Feasibility Study into start of production on the Tiwi Islands is progressing for completion by the end of February 2005
Matilda Minerals Ltd (ASX: MAL) has received another set of outstanding exploration results from its Tiwi Islands mineral sands project confirming both a quality mineral suite; excellent recovery potential and the ability to convert easily into premium products. Matilda’s initial results from the Tiwi Islands exploration programme (ASX announcement December 14, 2005) included very high zircon and rutile drill results from Lethbridge Bay West (“Lethbridge”) and an exciting new discovery at Andranangoo Creek West (“Andranangoo”) New mineralogy from the exploration programme at Andranangoo has now confirmed its very high zircon grades originally estimated from the fieldwork. Results from seven cross sectional composite samples show an average 53% zircon, 31% rutile product and 91% VHM. In one composite, zircon was a remarkable 71%, along with 20% rutile product. All the composites contained very little ilmenite (average 7%) and trash (average less than 10%) The recent Andranangoo discovery contains a well sorted, co**** heavy mineral (“HM”) suite with low levels of slimes contained in free running sand above the water table. “The mineral suite at Andranangoo is so rich in zircon and rutile, and the recent interpretation has substantially increased the prospectivity of the area, that this discovery has now become our production focus for 2005,” said Mr Bolitho. Matilda’s production feasibility study is progressing well with results to be announced soon. Subject to relevant approvals Matilda should begin production by mid 2005. It is now the intention to commence mining and processing operations at Andranangoo. Exploration is planned to recommence in the Tiwi Islands with reconnaissance work at Andranangoo in March followed by drilling in April. Matilda has identified 12 other prospects to explore and these will be tested after work has been completed at Andranangoo and Lethbridge. Bulk Sampling Programme Pilot plant testwork on bulk samples of ore from Lethbridge and Puwanapi (each approximately 900kg) included wet gravity concentration to determine recovery of VHM into a concentrate and also dry mineral separation testwork to determine product quality and recovery to final product. Both bulk samples performed very well in the wet gravity circuit (four stage spiral circuit) demonstrating that VHM recovery to concentrate should be close to 95%. Final HM concentrate grade should also exceed 95%. Product quality was excellent. Zircon from both Lethbridge and Puwanapi was co**** grained and classified as premium grade with low iron (less than 0.05%). Rutile and leucoxene from both deposits was also classified as premium grade and were also co**** grained (d50 approximately 130 microns) which enhances product recovery and downstream processing. All final products were assayed for uranium and thorium to estimate radioactivity and importantly returned very low results. Background The Tiwi Project lies within the Bathurst and Melville Islands. The Company has exploration tenements (granted and under application) covering 250 km of the most prospective coastline of the Tiwi Islands. Previous and current exploration shows impressive zircon and rutile grades in the heavy mineral suite. Matilda Minerals has an exploration agreement with the Tiwi Land Council to take these deposits through to development. This agreement has been formally recognised by the Northern Territory and Federal Governments. Go to Top of Page
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