This technical report presents the results of a pre-feasibility study for the Kamistiatusset (Kami) Iron Ore Property in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, with an effective date of December 22, 2023.
Report context
This NI 43-101 technical report was prepared for Champion Iron Limited and documents the pre-feasibility study for the Kamistiatusset (Kami) Iron Ore Property, located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The report is effective as of December 22, 2023, with a signature date of March 14, 2024. The study was prepared by multiple qualified persons from consulting firms including BBA Engineering Ltd., G Mining Services Inc., Soutex Inc., AtkinsRéalis, WSP Canada Inc., and SYSTRA Canada Inc.
Processing route
Primary Crushing Circuit
The proposed process plant design includes a primary crushing circuit that will receive ore from the mine. Ore will be delivered to the primary crusher ore station via haul trucks.
Grinding and Screening Circuit
Following primary crushing, the ore will be processed through a grinding and screening circuit. The grinding circuit is designed to achieve a target grind size appropriate for subsequent beneficiation steps.
Gravity Separation Circuit
The proposed flowsheet includes a gravity separation circuit. Historical testwork and 2023 pre-feasibility study testwork were conducted on samples from the Kami deposit. Phase 1 and Phase 2 testwork programs included rougher spiral testwork, with reconciled closed loop rougher spiral testwork results reported. Reflux Classifier testwork was also conducted, with operational conditions and concentrate results documented for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 programs.
Magnetic Separation Circuit
The processing design includes a magnetic separation circuit. The spiral tails, which form the magnetic separation circuit feed, were subjected to regrind testing. Cobber tails scavenger tests were performed. Davis tube test results were reported on Reflux Classifier overflow and other streams.
Gravity Concentrate Regrinding
The flowsheet includes regrinding of gravity concentrate prior to flotation. Phase 1 and Phase 2 testwork programs evaluated reground gravity concentrate flotation conditions and results.
Gravity Concentrate Flotation
Flotation of reground gravity concentrate was tested. Phase 1 and Phase 2 testwork documented flotation conditions and results, including production runs and high recovery test conditions.
Magnetic Concentrate Regrinding
The proposed design includes regrinding of magnetic concentrate. Phase 2 magnetic separation regrind sampling campaign results were reported.
Magnetic Concentrate Flotation
Flotation of magnetic concentrate was evaluated in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 testwork programs. Dilution flotation tests were also conducted on magnetic concentrate.
Concentrate Dewatering
Gravity flotation concentrate filtering tests were performed on pre-classified samples.
Tailings Thickening and Pumping Circuit
The process design includes a tailings thickening and pumping circuit for management of tailings produced during processing.
Concentrate Conveying and Load-Out
Concentrate handling facilities include conveying and load-out systems.
Handling and Distribution of Grinding Media and Reagents
The plant design includes systems for handling and distribution of grinding media and process reagents.
Process Plant Utilities
The process plant utilities include compressed air systems, service water, process water, and steam generation. A water treatment plant is also included in the proposed design.
Concentrate Specifications
Projected Kami concentrate analysis indicates the product is expected to be a high-grade iron ore concentrate suitable as direct reduction pellet feed.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Process plant throughput design | 3,850 t/h | Design basis |
| Target product | Direct reduction pellet feed | Design specification |
| Head grade (Rose deposit LOM Fe mineral, without dilution) | Reported in testwork | Testwork basis |
| Phase 1 sample head assays | Reported in testwork | Testwork basis |
| Phase 2 sample head assays | Reported in testwork | Testwork basis |
| Grinding target (passing 300 µm and 75 µm) | Reported in testwork | Testwork basis |
| Gravity separation circuit | Rougher spirals and Reflux Classifiers | Proposed design |
| Magnetic separation circuit | Included in flowsheet | Proposed design |
| Flotation circuit | Gravity concentrate and magnetic concentrate flotation | Proposed design |
| Concentrate dewatering | Filtering tested on pre-classified samples | Testwork basis |
| Tailings management | Thickening and pumping to tailings management facility | Proposed design |
Project website: https://www.championiron.com/project/kamistiatusset/
Project website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alderon_Iron_Ore_Corp
Technical qualifications
The mineral processing and metallurgical testwork sections (Chapter 13) of this technical report were prepared by a qualified person who is responsible for Chapters 13 and 17 (except Sections 17.4 and 17.5). This qualified person did not visit the Kami Property. The recovery methods section (Chapter 17) provides the process basis of design and design criteria, along with the general process description.
The mineral processing testwork program was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 and Phase 2 testwork included mineralogical characterization, beneficiation testwork, grindability testwork, and solid-liquid separation testing. Historical testwork from previous studies was also reviewed and summarized.
The report notes that the mineral resource estimate, upon which the process design is based, was prepared by a qualified person responsible for Chapters 4 to 12 (except 10.6) and 14. This qualified person visited the Kami Property and core storage facility from November 24 to December 1, 2021 and from July 27 to July 28, 2022.
The process flowsheet and recovery model were developed based on the metallurgical testwork results. The recovery models are documented in the report.
Source: NI 43-101 Technical Report, Pre-feasibility Study for the Kamistiatusset (Kami) Iron Ore Property, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, effective December 22, 2023, prepared for Champion Iron Limited.
