A preliminary economic assessment of the Mt Elliott Project in Queensland, Australia, details a conceptual copper-gold process flowsheet based on flotation testwork and historical operations.
Report context
This report presents the preliminary economic assessment (PEA) prepared by AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd. for Ivanhoe Australia Limited, with an effective date of 17 April 2012. The study was conducted to assess the potential development of the Mt Elliott Project, encompassing the SWAN and Mt Elliott deposits, in Queensland, Australia. The PEA is reported in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101, “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Project,” of the Canadian Securities Administrators.
Processing route
Process design considerations
The process design for the Mt Elliott Project is based on a combination of historical operating data and new metallurgical testwork. The design approach considered the ore characteristics of the SWAN and Mt Elliott deposits as described in the mineral processing and metallurgical testing section of the report.
Mineralogy
The mineralogy of the Mt Elliott ore is characterized in the report's mineral processing and metallurgical testing section. This mineralogical understanding formed the basis for the conceptual process flowsheet development.
Flotation testwork
Flotation testwork was undertaken as part of the metallurgical evaluation of the Mt Elliott Project. The testwork program was designed to assess the flotation response of the ore types and to provide data for the conceptual process flowsheet.
Conceptual process flowsheet
A conceptual process flowsheet is described in Section 17.3 of the report. The flowsheet is based on the testwork results and historical operational data. The report identifies this as a conceptual flowsheet, noting that significant additional work will be required at later stages of project evaluation.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Units | Design / Actual / Testwork Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Process flowsheet | – | Conceptual design |
| Flotation response | – | Testwork based |
| Ore types | – | SWAN and Mt Elliott deposits |
| Project location | – | Queensland, Australia |
| Effective date of report | – | 17 April 2012 |
Project website: https://www.mining.com/ivanhoe-australia-scoping-study-shows-2-4b-pounds-copper-2-2m-ounces-gold-at-mount-elliott/
Technical qualifications
The report is presented as a preliminary economic assessment, which provides a lower level of confidence than a feasibility study. The process flowsheet is described as conceptual, and the metallurgical testwork is considered preliminary. The report states that the process design considerations are based on the available data and that further work is required. The PEA includes conclusions and recommendations for future phases of study, including additional metallurgical testwork and engineering design activities.
Source: Mt Elliott Scoping Study and NI 43-101, May 2012, relevant sections including 13 (Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing) and 17 (Recovery Methods).
