Reach Resources Reports Exceptional Gold Recoveries in Murchison Metallurgical Testing
Reach Resources has unveiled outstanding metallurgical test results from its Murchison South gold project located in Western Australia's prolific mining region. The comprehensive testing program confirms the project's ore is free-milling, relatively soft, and highly responsive to conventional gravity and cyanide leach processing techniques.
Impressive Recovery Rates Achieved
The metallurgical testwork, managed by JT Metallurgical Services and conducted at Bureau Veritas laboratories in Perth, delivered remarkable results across three representative ore composites. Gold recoveries ranged from an impressive 95.2 to 97.4 per cent using a straightforward gravity circuit followed by cyanide leach processing at a P80 of 106 microns.
This grind size represents a sweet spot between recovery efficiency and operational costs, with 80 per cent of the crushed material fine enough to pass through a 0.106mm screen. The testing utilized actual site process water, providing a realistic indication of how the ore would perform in nearby toll treatment facilities.
Comprehensive Sample Analysis
Two of the three composite samples were constructed from a blend of diamond drill core and RC drill chips, representing material from 127 metres across two drill holes. These samples were designed to mirror the planned MC1 North Zone and MC2 Central Zone mill feed, targeting head grades in the 1.4-1.5 grams per tonne gold range.
A third variability composite was taken from near-surface oxide or weathered zones, providing data for potential early stockfeed scenarios. The comprehensive testing regime has delivered valuable insights into the project's processing characteristics.
Favorable Processing Characteristics
Reach Resources chief executive officer Jeremy Bower commented on the results, stating: "We have undertaken a thorough and comprehensive metallurgical test regime, and the results demonstrate that the ore is free milling with high gold recoveries achieved across the tested composites. The outcomes provide technical support for further assessment of processing options for the Murchison South Gold Project."
The testing revealed several additional positive characteristics:
- Cyanide leach times were rapid with no evidence of "preg-robbing" issues
- Grind sensitivity remained low once material reached approximately P80 150 microns
- Reagent consumption, including lime and cyanide, remained pleasingly low
- The ore showed minimal levels of problematic elements like heavy metals
- Final leach residues proved non-acid-forming, offering environmental benefits
Processing Pathway De-risked
Comminution tests confirmed the ore is relatively soft but competent, making it suitable for conventional ball mills, semi-autogenous mills, or hybrid processing setups. Rheology tests examining slurry flow characteristics revealed no major handling concerns.
The outstanding metallurgical performance significantly de-risks the processing pathway and strengthens the company's plan to pursue toll treatment as a fast-track route to production. This approach would bypass the need to construct a dedicated processing facility.
Strategic Advantages
The project benefits from several strategic advantages that enhance its appeal:
- Proximity to existing operating processing plants
- Already granted mining leases
- Established site infrastructure
- Favorable gold price environment
With a scoping study progressing alongside the metallurgical testwork, Reach Resources' 67,000-ounce Murchison South project is emerging as a potential low-capital expenditure, near-term gold producer. The solid metallurgical validation appears to set the stage for early cashflow generation through various toll-treatment pathways.
The company continues to refine its Murchison gold strategy while working through scoping updates and follow-on technical work, positioning itself as a project worth monitoring in Western Australia's competitive gold sector.
