Finders reports update on Maluku copper project

UK miner Finders Resources Ltd reported Friday the completion of flotation concentrate test work in its Wetar copper project, Maluku.

Finders said that detailed flotation concentrate test work has been completed with an estimated copper recovery of 89.1 percent at a concentrate grade of 16.3 percent Cu expected across the Kali Kuning ore body, formulation of an optimal flotation regime, lower than expected energy requirements for grinding and lower than expected concentrate moisture content.

Finders reported earlier copper recoveries of around 86 percent using the Albion and HydroCopper hydrometallurgical techniques after production of a rougher concentrate.

Meanwhile, heap leach test work ongoing with 1m columns complete, observations of clean residues with no significant precipitation provide encouragement for geotechnical heap stability, final mass balance calculations are pending.

For 2m column tests underway using non-proprietary bacteria, Finders added.

The Wetar copper project is based on the Kali Kuning and Lerokis deposits. Finders is the operator and 72 percent owner of Wetar copper project. (denny)