PNX Valuable Assets

Successful Metallurgical Optimisation at Hayes Creek

Zinc @ 89% (Original was 80%), Lead @ 57% (Original was 60%), Silver @ 77% (Original was 70-80%) Gold @ 54% (Original was 55-60%), Copper@ 57%.

Hayes Creek metallurgical optimisation results are exceptionally good. Mine to Mill and Mill to Concentrate process cost will be very low due to high grade ore and high metallurgical concentrations.

Mine to Mill & Mill to Concentration Process as Follows:

1. Crusher
2. Screening
3. Grinding
4. Rougher
5. Re-Grind
6. Cleaner
7. Scavenger – Fina Tailing
8. Final Concentrate

Further Processing:
Final Concentrate to maximise recovery of the desired minerals into a flotation concentrate. Test work necessary to define the design parameters for a flotation circuit generally includes. PNX is currently completing fundamentals of the following tests:

• Grindability studies to establish grinding power requirements
• Chemical and mineralogical analyses of test composites to establish ore grades, mineral associations and liberation characteristics
• Reagent evaluations required for rougher and cleaner flotation,

Therefore, a well-managed Mine to Mill to Concentrate process must consider both sides:
1. How well the mine (supplier) delivers a consistent quality feed
2. How well the mill (customer) is working to maximise the benefit.

Having such as high grade materials will also hugely benefit greatly from more consistent fragmentation with less oversize material to deal with.

The overall productivity improvement when easier-to-handle material is passed from the mine to the mill is appreciated by all involved; especially those looking at the bottom line … and who isn’t these days?