Further Research by the University of Patras, Greece
Additional Critical Minerals identified in sulphides at Molaoi
Rockfire Resources plc (LON: ROCK), the base metal, critical mineral and precious metal exploration company, is pleased to update shareholders of on-going findings by scientists at the University of Patras at Rockfire’s 100%-owned Molaoi zinc deposit in Greece. The University of Patras is a 3.5-hour drive from Molaoi.
Some of the key findings from this on-going research are:
· Using Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry analysis (‘LA-ICP-MS’), sphalerite crystals have been found to host high-grade gallium up to 858 g/t Ga and a peak silver value of 3,364 g/t Ag.
· Surprisingly, pyrite crystals at Molaoi are also a strong host of other high-value minerals, including maximum values of 20.7% Ni, 1.37% Cu and 245.0 g/t Au
This research has positive implications for the future exploration strategy and may contribute to the long-term economics of the project. It is yet to be determined if any of these elements can be extracted in sufficient quantities, or at economic grades.
· Gallium is typically elevated (less than 30g/t Ga) in Rockfire’s drill core, but currently it is unknown if gallium reports to any of the concentrates as a by-product. This will be tested in the next round of metallurgical test work.
· Nickel and copper are routinely analysed in Rockfire drill holes and values are typically low (Ni less than 30g/t and Cu less than 500g/t). In metallurgical tests done by Rockfire so far, copper reports to a lead-silver concentrate with grades of 2% Cu, which may prove to be a valuable by-product. It is not known if nickel reports to any of the concentrates as a by-product.
· Gold is only sporadically analysed in the Rockfire core, and specifically in zones of intense silicification and within veins. Values are typically low (less than 0.05g/t), but gold is known to report to a lead-silver concentrate with grades of 0.5g/t, again proving the potential for another high-value by-product.
Under the leadership of Dr. Stellios Tombros, the University of Patras has a multidisciplinary and integrative research team conducting an advanced scientific study of the germanium (Ge) potential of the Molaoi Zn-Pb (± Ag, Ge) ore deposit.
David Price, Chief Executive Officer of Rockfire, commented:
“The research being undertaken on rocks from Molaoi continues to unearth surprises and key findings. It is this excellent work by Dr. Tombros and the team at the University of Patras that will enable Rockfire to understand the emplacement, form, geochemistry, extractability, and commercial aspects of the multiple critical, base and precious metals being identified at Molaoi.”
“Of the recent findings, the nickel and high-grade gold are the two biggest surprises, providing further evidence that Molaoi is more akin to a deposit formed in an epithermal setting. It is becoming more apparent that the Molaoi deposit is the result of a continuously evolving ore deposit, with multiple mineralizing episodes.”
“It is yet to be determined if any of these elements can be extracted in sufficient quantities, or at economic grades. It is encouraging to learn that these metals are present at high grades within the sulphides at Molaoi. The ability to extract any of these elements commercially will be determined in the next round of planned metallurgical test work.”
“With drilling now underway, the Company is determined to lift the resource confidence, leading to feasibility as quickly as possible. The market will be informed as drilling results become available.”
For further information on the Company, please visit www.rockfireresources.com or contact the following:
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Rockfire Resources plc: |
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David Price, Chief Executive Officer |
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