This report presents a pre-feasibility level description of the mineral processing and metallurgical testing for the Scotia Mine project, with an effective date of November 16, 2021.
Report context
This technical report was prepared for ScoZinc Limited with an effective date of November 16, 2021. It documents the mineral processing and metallurgical test work program supporting the proposed project design. The report is dated November 16, 2021, and is based on data from historical operations, testwork programs, and proposed design criteria.
Processing route
Overall Process Design
The proposed process design for the Scotia Mine is described at a pre-feasibility level. The processing route is designed to treat base metal mineralization using conventional flotation technology. The process plant description is presented in Section 17.1 of the report and provides an overview of the unit operations and their arrangement.
Mill Process Plant Description
Section 17.2 of the report contains the detailed mill process plant description. The processing flowsheet incorporates primary crushing, semi-autogenous grinding, and flotation. The design is based on the historical operating configuration of the Scotia Mine as modified by the results of the 2021 testwork program.
Life of Mine Concentrate Production
Section 17.3 provides projected life-of-mine concentrate production based on the proposed mill throughput and forecast metallurgical performance.
Reagent Handling & Storage
Section 17.4 documents the reagent handling and storage requirements for the proposed flotation circuit. Reagents are specified to support the projected throughput and metallurgical requirements.
Services & Utilities
Section 17.5 describes the services and utilities requirements, including compressed air, process water, and electrical supply. These are designed to support the proposed plant configuration.
Water Supply
Section 17.6 addresses the water supply requirements for the proposed processing facility. Water management considerations are matched to the projected production rate.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Units | Design/Actual/Testwork Basis | Value/Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effective date | , | Report date | November 16, 2021 |
| Processing route | , | Proposed design | Crushing, SAG grinding, flotation |
| Report basis | , | Pre-feasibility | NI 43-101 Technical Report |
| Comminution testing | , | Testwork | Presented in Sections 13.6 and 13.7 |
| Flotation testing | , | Testwork | Presented in Section 13.7 |
| Concentrate solids liquids separation testing | , | Testwork | Presented in Section 13.8 |
| Predicted metallurgical results | , | Testwork based | Presented in Section 13.9 |
| Historical operational data | , | Actual operating data | Referenced in Sections 13.5 |
Project website: https://www.edmresources.com/scotiamine
Technical qualifications
The following limitations apply to the mineral processing and metallurgical content of this report:
- The processing information is reported at a pre-feasibility level of accuracy and is based on historical operating experience, testwork results, and design assumptions.
- Metallurgical testwork is documented in Sections 13.3 through 13.8 of the report.
- Predicted metallurgical results in Section 13.9 are based on testwork and are subject to variability associated with ore hardness, feed grade, and other operating factors.
- The report identifies pyrite as a minor constituent within the flotation feed, with testwork programs designed to manage gangue rejection; however, detailed mass balance data are not presented in this article and interested parties must refer to the original report for process design criteria.
- Specific grinding media consumption, flotation cell residence times, and regrind mill sizes are not disclosed in the public summary and require reference to locked-cycle test data.
- Concentrate filtration and drying capacities are not described in sufficient detail to confirm final product moisture targets.
Source: Scotia Mine Pre-Feasibility Technical Report, effective November 16, 2021, Sections 13, 17.
