('Guardian Metal' or the 'Company')
As part of multiple project development steps that are currently progressing in parallel, the metallurgical processing characterisation study on a composite bulk sample of industrial garnet has been completed by
Following the announcements on
Garnet Analysis Highlights:
§ Initial processing characterisation results based on a 100kg split of the 300kg composite sample returned combined size fractions comprising 58.3% garnet and 0.37% scheelite (CaW04) by mass. This result far exceeds the Company's initial expectations.
§ Given the current Mineral Resource estimate ("MRE") tonnage of 12.53Mt and assuming a homogeneous garnet distribution across the Project, the characterisation results offer strong potential for a significant garnet resource to be established at Pilot Mountain.
§ Successful garnet liberation was shown to be 58.5% by mass at the relatively coarse 425 µm grind size highlighting the possibility of the following downstream cost savings:
o Reduced comminution (grinding) costs;
o Savings related to reduced power requirements and reagents in flotation; and
o Smaller tailings dam requirements.
§ Garnets are relatively heavy, with a higher specific gravity compared to other silicates and carbonates, with the study showing potential for removal of garnets (along with sulphides and scheelite) via gravity separation, followed by magnetic separation to then separate garnet from scheelite.
§ Historical studies report that the dominant form of industrial garnet at Pilot Mountain is the mineral species andradite with a lesser proportion reported as being the grossular garnet species 3,4. This will be confirmed by further characterisation studies.
§ Industrial garnet imported into the
§ Given the significant proportion of garnet identified in the sample and the very good liberation noted for scheelite and garnet at a relatively coarse grind size, the Company has instructed SGS to immediately continue gravity and magnetic separation tests of the remainder of the bulk sample material.
§ Marketing and further characterisation studies have been actioned by the Company's technical and marketing team which will aid in the determination of the suitability of Pilot Mountain garnets (and potential pricing) for various industrial applications.
"We have been eagerly awaiting the results from the garnet processing characterisation studies and are extremely pleased with the data presented thus far from our metallurgical partners. While tungsten is without a doubt the main commodity of interest at Pilot Mountain, in a production scenario all potential revenue generating, as well as cost saving, opportunities need to be closely evaluated. Based on the above data it appears that the garnet opportunity could be material to the Project going forward.
"We are working closely with our technical and marketing team to now answer the next set of questions presented following the very successful characterisation and liberation results presented today."
FURTHER INFORMATION
Industrial garnet is used in a wide array of industries including abrasive blasting, water-filtration media, water-jet-assisted cutting, in abrasive powders, nonslip coatings and sandpaper.5 The industries that are known consumers of industrial garnet include aircraft and motor vehicle manufacturers, ceramics and glass producers, electronic component manufacturers, filtration plants, glass polishing, petroleum industry, shipbuilders, textile stonewashing as well as wood-furniture finishing operations.5 The global abrasives market was valued at
References
2: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/GMET/pilot-mountain-garnet-update/16558041
3: The Development of Separation Technology from the
4: Report on Laboratory Test on W03-Cu-Zn
5:
6: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/global-abrasives-market.html
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 (which forms part of domestic
COMPETENT PERSON STATEMENT
The technical information contained in this disclosure has been read and approved by Mr
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results that are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, such as general economic, market and business conditions, competition for qualified staff, the regulatory process and actions, technical issues, new legislation, uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, uncertainties resulting from working in a new political jurisdiction, uncertainties regarding the results of exploration, uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of prospecting rights, uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of regulatory and other third party consents and approvals, uncertainties regarding the Company's or any third party's ability to execute and implement future plans, and the occurrence of unexpected events.
Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors.
For further information visit www.Guardianmetalresources.com or contact the following:
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Tel: +44 (0) 20 7583 8304 |
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Nominated Adviser |
Tel: +44 20 7213 0880 |
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Broker |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7186 9000 |
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