This technical report update summarizes metallurgical testing and proposed processing methods for the Pine Point Mine Development Project in the Northwest Territories, Canada.
Report context
This technical report update was prepared for Darnley Bay Resources Limited on December 12, 2016, as an NI 43-101 Summary Technical Report Update of the Pine Point Mine Development Project located in the Northwest Territories, Canada. The report includes sections on mineral processing and metallurgical testing, mining methods, and recovery methods for the proposed project.
Processing route
Crushing and dense media separation
The proposed processing route begins with crushing and dense media separation (DMS) at the main mine site. The DMS circuit is designed to upgrade the run-of-mine material prior to further processing.
Grinding and recovery circuit
Following DMS, the material enters the grinding and recovery circuit at the main mine site. This circuit processes the DMS concentrate to achieve the desired particle size reduction and liberation for subsequent metal recovery.
Process plant
The process plant design includes the crushing and DMS section, the grinding and recovery circuit, and supporting infrastructure. A process water balance has been developed for the plant operations. Processing plant manpower requirements have been estimated for the proposed facility.
Metal recovery
The report documents metal recovery expectations based on the proposed processing flowsheet and metallurgical testwork results. Recovery values are reported in the context of the designed process plant configuration.
Metallurgical testwork
Summary of PAH review
The report includes a review of prior metallurgical work conducted by Pine Point Mines Limited, referred to as the PAH review. This historical operating data from the previous Pine Point operations provides a basis for comparison with the proposed design.
Metallurgical testwork results
Metallurgical testwork was conducted on representative samples from the Pine Point deposits. The testwork evaluated the amenability of the mineralization to the proposed processing methods, including DMS and grinding/flotation recovery. Testwork conclusions supported the selected processing approach for the project design.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Unit | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Crushing and DMS circuit | , | Proposed design |
| Grinding and recovery circuit | , | Proposed design |
| Process water balance | , | Proposed design |
| Metal recovery | % | Based on testwork and historical data |
| Processing plant manpower | Persons | Proposed design estimate |
| PAH review data | Various | Historical operating data from Pine Point Mines Limited |
Project website: https://www.petroleumnews.com/story/2017/05/14/news/mining-news-drill-taps-germanium-gallium-at-pine-point/33637.html
Technical qualifications
The metallurgical testwork and processing design presented in this report are based on limited testwork programs and review of historical operating data from the prior Pine Point Mines Limited operations. No full-scale pilot plant or demonstration-scale testing has been completed for the proposed processing flowsheet. The report does not include detailed process design criteria, equipment specifications, or capital/operating cost estimates for the processing plant. All processing parameters are derived from conceptual design and preliminary testwork results, not from operational experience at the proposed project site.
Source: NI 43-101 Summary Technical Report Update of the Pine Point Mine Development Project, Northwest Territories, Canada, December 12, 2016. Sections 13, 16, and 17.
