Europa Metals is an exploration and development company focused on its wholly-owned Toral Pb-Zn-Ag project in northern Spain.
The Company has recently received a preliminary independent metallurgical study from mining consultants, Wardell Armstrong. Locked cycle testing confirms saleable concentrate of lead (57.5%), zinc (55.8%) and silver (1.5kg/t). The locked cycle tests also demonstrated good metal recoveries including: 84.3% recovery for lead, 70.7% recovery for zinc and 90.3% recovery for silver. Toral has JORC (2012) compliant resource of 18Mt grading 7.4% Zn Eq. (based on a 4% Zn cut-off grade including Pb credits) and 24g/t Ag, including an Indicated resource of 2.7Mt grading 8.9% Zn Eq. The initial metallurgical test work will be followed up with a second phase that will focus on improving zinc metal recoveries, potential by-product production and flowsheet optimisation. Management has now completed all the main components required to demonstrate the viability of continued development of the Toral project.
Preliminary Metallurgical testwork
Preliminary metallurgical testwork conducted by Wardell Armstrong LLP tested potential concentrate products and metals processing methods. Whilst the results are encouraging, they represent the preliminary findings from a single test, conducted without any further optimisation of floatation performance under closed circuit conditions.
Second phase of metallurgical testwork for Q1 2020
Based on the preliminary metallurgical tests, management will now proceed with the next phase of metallurgical testwork, following up on the recommendations made by Wardell Armstrong. This second phase is expected to be completed during
Q1 2020 and will focus on an increased depression of zinc during lead flotation with the goal of increasing zinc recoveries. In addition, full testing for deleterious elements will be conducted.
Valuation: maintain our base-case, risk-adjusted value of 0.071p
Whilst the preliminary metallurgical testwork is a significant development for Toral with the confirmation of saleable levels of concentrate, we maintain our base case, the risk-adjusted value of 0.071p per share. This is a simple average between our DCFderived and our peer-based valuations. We are encouraged with the initial met test results and note that the project continues to be de-risked through the various development stages. We look forward to the second phase met tests focusing on increasing zinc recoveries, the potential for by-product production and an optimised flow sheet as well as full testing for deleterious elements in Q1 2020. These are key components that will help de-risk the project as Toral continues through the development stage.
Copyright © 2020 Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited, all rights reserved.
