Fulcrum Metals PLC has kicked off Phase 3 optimisation work at its Teck-Hughes mine tailings project in collaboration with Extrakt Process Solutions. The latest stage of development is focused on advancing Extrakt’s innovative, cyanide-free leaching technology for gold and silver recovery, alongside improving tailings dewatering efficiency and reagent recovery.
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At the heart of Phase 3 is the drive to establish the optimal operational parameters for scaling up the technology. Results from this optimisation are expected by December 2025, forming the basis of a NI 43-101 technical report and paving the way for a Phase 4 Preliminary Feasibility Study.
A previous conceptual study, based on processing 2,000 tonnes of tailings per day over nine years, indicated a 59.4% gold recovery rate. At a gold price of US$2,899/oz, this scenario suggested a pre-tax NPV7.5 of around US$33 million.
The current optimisation programme is more ambitious, with Fulcrum and Extrakt targeting a recovery rate of over 70% — a milestone that could significantly enhance the project’s economic potential.
The Phase 3 work intends to:
· Refine key parameters of Extrakt’s cyanide free leaching technology for gold and silver recovery and cycle time rates.
· Apply Extrakt’s TNS™ solid-liquid technology for dewatering and further recoveries.
· Optimise the recovery and recycling of leaching reagents and mass flow rates.
· Establish the optimal operational parameters for scaling up the technology to maximise yield and process efficiency.
Results of the Phase 3 test work should be available by December 2025 to support a 43-101 technical report and the Phase 4 Preliminary Feasibility Study (“PFS”) level economic assessment with Extrakt.
Details of Phase 3 Optimisation
Extrakt has developed a proprietary, cyanide-free leaching technology for enhanced gold recovery from all types of ores. Fulcrum is evaluating the applicability of this technology for its Teck-Hughes tailings project at Kirkland Lake Ontario, Canada. To this end, the Company has engaged Extrakt to conduct a high-level technical assessment focused on identifying optimal leaching conditions through controlled laboratory testing.
The Phase 3 scope of work is as follows:
· Additional Leaching Testwork
· Leach Testing – Parameters and Kinetics
· Solids-Liquid Characterization Test Work
· Reagent Management System Evaluation
· Preliminary Recovery Testing
· Preliminary Filtration Test Work
· Preparation and presentation of findings and technical outcomes
Ryan Mee, Chief Executive Officer of Fulcrum, commented:
“Our phase 3 work with Extrakt will proceed in parallel with the auger drilling at the Teck Hughes project. This detailed metallurgical work will adapt and scale up the Extrakt technology to ensure optimised metal recovery.
The work programme incorporates Extrakt’s cyanide free leach and TNSTM solid-liquid separation technologies, which should enhance the phase 2 concept study by increasing recoveries, accelerating leach times, lowering costs through reagent and water recycling, and also deliver materially dry tailings that would provide regional environmental benefits.
I look forward to updating shareholders as the current workstreams are progressed and further workstreams are brought online to move Teck Hughes towards that construction decision.”
