This technical report presents the processing route, design parameters, and metallurgical testwork results for the Novador Project, supported by historical operational data from the former Monique Mine.
Report context
The Novador Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, with an effective date of February 13, 2024, was prepared for Probe Gold Inc. The report describes mineral processing and metallurgical testing for the project located in Val-d'Or, Quebec, and includes a proposed process plant design with Phase 1 and Phase 2 configurations. The report draws on historical metallurgical data, historical operational data from the former Monique Mine, and testwork programs conducted between 2017 and 2023.
Processing route
Process plant overview
The proposed processing facility is designed as a conventional gold recovery circuit. The Phase 1 design includes primary crushing, semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill and ball mill grinding, gravity concentration, cyanide leaching, carbon-in-pulp (CIP) recovery, and cyanide detoxification. The Phase 2 design expands the circuit with additional grinding and leaching capacity.
Phase 1 design
The Phase 1 process plant is designed for a throughput of 16,000 tonnes per day. Run-of-mine ore is delivered to a primary crusher, then conveyed to a SAG mill and ball mill grinding circuit. Grinding circuit product reports to gravity concentration using centrifugal concentrators. Gravity concentrate is upgraded and sent to intensive cyanidation. Gravity tailings proceed to cyanide leaching in a series of leach tanks. Gold is recovered from solution using carbon-in-pulp technology. Loaded carbon is stripped, and gold is recovered by electrowinning and poured into doré bars. Cyanide in the leach tailings is destroyed in a detoxification circuit prior to deposition in the tailings storage facility.
Phase 2 design
The Phase 2 design increases plant throughput to 32,000 tonnes per day. This expansion adds a second grinding line comprising an additional SAG mill and ball mill. Leaching capacity is expanded with additional leach tanks. The Phase 2 design maintains the same general process flowsheet as Phase 1, with gravity concentration, cyanide leaching, carbon-in-pulp recovery, and cyanide detoxification.
Consumables, reagent handling and storage
Reagents and consumables for the process plant include lime, sodium cyanide, activated carbon, grinding media, flocculant, and copper sulphate for cyanide detoxification. Reagent storage and handling facilities are designed to meet applicable safety and environmental standards.
Service and utilities
Plant and instrument air are supplied by compressed air systems. Electrical power is supplied from the existing hydroelectric grid in the Val-d'Or region. Process water is sourced from a fresh water supply system, with water recycled from the tailings storage facility.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Throughput | Phase 1: 16,000 t/d (design); Phase 2: 32,000 t/d (design) | Proposed design |
| Gold recovery | 93.7% (average, based on testwork) | Testwork estimate |
| Gravity recovery | 30–40% of gold (estimated) | Testwork |
| Comminution | SAG mill and ball mill (Phase 1); two SAG mill and ball mill lines (Phase 2) | Proposed design |
| Leaching | Cyanide leaching, carbon-in-pulp | Proposed design |
| Detoxification | Cyanide destruction prior to tailings | Proposed design |
| Grind size | P80 of 75 micrometres (design target) | Proposed design |
Project website: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/p/merger-and-acquisition-opportunities-745
Technical qualifications
The report states that the metallurgical testwork programs were conducted on composite samples and that the results are considered representative of the mineralized zones tested. Historical metallurgical data and historical operational data from the former Monique Mine are included for reference but are not used as the primary basis for the proposed design. The recovery estimates are based on metallurgical testwork and do not constitute a mineral reserve. The report concludes that additional testwork is recommended to further optimize the process flowsheet and to confirm performance under varying feed conditions.
Source: Novador Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, effective February 13, 2024, Section 13 (Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing) and Section 17 (Recovery Methods).
