Project Overview
Location: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Process Type: Off-site Processing at Vale’s Clarabelle Mill
Annual Production: Not specified
Feed Grade: Variable based on mining zones
Recovery Rate: Variable based on feed grade equations
Final Product: Nickel-Copper-PGE concentrate
Project Stage: Definitive Off-Take Agreement
Detailed Process Description
Processing Agreement
The Crean Hill Project has secured a strategic processing arrangement through a Definitive Off-Take Agreement with Vale Base Metals. This agreement covers the processing of Contact style mineralization from multiple mining zones including Main, Intermediate, 9400, 9400 Footwall, and 101 Footwall zones at Vale’s Clarabelle Mill facility.
Sampling and Grade Control
The operation implements a rigorous sampling protocol where material is accumulated into 2,000-tonne processing lots at the mine site. Each lot undergoes systematic sampling via a dedicated sampling tower before transportation to the Clarabelle Mill. The sampling process includes primary crushing to -1 inch for initial sample cuts, followed by continuous crushing to -2mm for final (vesin) sample extraction. The system maintains redundant samples for Magna, Vale, and umpire requirements.
Recovery Process
Metal recoveries are calculated using established feed grade versus recovery equations, developed through extensive laboratory testing of Contact mineralization samples at the Clarabelle Mill. The process enables recovery of multiple metals including nickel, copper, cobalt, palladium, platinum, gold, and silver. For the 109FW zone, Magna is exploring additional opportunities to enhance base and PGE-Au recovery through alternative processing routes.
Quality Control
The operation maintains strict quality control measures, with each truck load weighed and sampled according to best practice protocols. Metal recoveries are predicted based on feed grade equations, with concentrate production targeting specific grade parameters established in the agreement with Vale.
