Australian company Thor Mining has improved on its projected tungsten recovery at Molyhil. The company initially projected an estimated 67% metallurgical recovery of tungsten, but has now improved that to 75% for the mine in the Northern Territory.
This announcement came as consultants Nargrom & Co, PAH Australia and Proteus EPCM Engineers found that the recovery at the mine could be increased by subjecting tailings from the tungsten gravity extraction process to floatation. This increase has vastly improved the economic returns possible from the mine. It will also make a substantial difference in the feasibility study for the Molyhil project as per Mick Billing, the executive chairman of Thor Mining.
Mr Billing said that ore in the original mining plan will now be more profitable, while additional material not previously considered economic may now be included, providing for a more profitable and longer life operation. He added that in addition these improved estimates make Molyhil significantly more attractive to potential off take partners for tungsten and molybdenum concentrates as well as for potential financing arrangements.
Proteus EPCM Engineers is now working on a revised estimate for the capital and operating costs. That along with the increased recoverable resources should make the project an attractive proposition for investors. Mr. Billings has confirmed this when he said that the company had been in discussions with potential partners for several months about investing in the project. He hopes that the feasibility study will help people reach a conclusion about potential investments in the project.