Metallurgical Testwork
This project required METS to review the testwork previously conducted as well as the availability of drill cores for a further testwork program. Using this review, we designed a testplan to determine design parameters for the Karouni Gold Project plant.
To maintain the project timeline, the testwork program schedule was discussed and reviewed with the laboratory to maximise the efficiency of the testwork program and results delivery. Combined with lessons learnt from the review of the historical testwork, a testwork program that delivered the required information in the shortest possible timeframe was produced.
To ensure sample representivity was achieved and allowing for changes across the ore body, the samples were selected in liaison with the site geologist. This enabled a range of samples to be selected that covered the various zones identified within the ore body. Additionally, composite samples were made up following initial testing to evaluate changes at various depths and grades across the ore body. This enabled the ore body to be thoroughly tested.
The program was characterised and implemented with hold-points. This allowed for reactive changes to the testworks as required and for any additional investigations to be made without having to repeat testwork. The design was therefore more encompassing and the program more efficient.
Project Brief
Outcome
- Recommendations for testwork put forward
- Testwork management carried out
- Testwork results interpreted, reported and utilised as plant design parameters
- Previous testwork review
Background
Troy Resources Ltd (Troy) is an Australian based gold producer, with operations in Andorinhas (Brazil) and Casposo (Argentina). Troy is currently developing a new gold project in Guyana, further expanding their portfolio of low cost gold operations.
Project Objectives
The testwork examined the grade, recovery, comminution, benefication and final processess as well grades and recoveries, as well as covering the variability within the ore body. This was used to create the process plant design for the Karouni Gold Project. A testwork program using representative drill core samples was prepared and used to evaluate a range of processing parameters.
Challenges
In undertaking this project several challenges needed to be overcome. First due to the planned project timeline, the testwork had to be conducted within a tight timeframe. To ensure that the design was suitable for the material to be processed, the representivity of the sample selection and the accuracy of what it represented was paramount.
Our Approach
To maintain the project timeline, the testwork program schedule was discussed and reviewed with the laboratory to maximise the efficiency of the testwork program and delivery of results. Combined with lessons learnt from the review of the historical testwork, a testwork program that delivered the required information in the shortest
possible timeframe was produced.
To ensure the sample was represented and allowed for changes across the ore body, the samples were selected in liaison with the site geologist. This enabled the selection of a range of samples that covered the various zones identified within the ore body. Additionally, composite samples were made up from selected samples following initial testing to evaluate changes at various depths and grades across the ore body. This enabled the ore body to be thoroughly tested and estimated.
The program was characterised and implemented with hold-points. This allowed for reactive changes to the testwork as required and for any additional investigations to be made without having to repeat testwork. The design was therefore ultra flexible and the program was efficient and accurate.