iTech Minerals Ltd (ASX: $ITM) and METS Engineering have successfully produced a bulk concentrate of 3.4kg of 94% graphite concentrate with exceptional recoveries of ~93% at the Lacroma Graphite Project. The results were achieved through a conventional graphite flotation process, indicating potential for a low-cost operation. The company's Managing Director, Mike Schwarz, expressed satisfaction with the test work, highlighting the consistent excellent metallurgical properties at Lacroma.
The bulk flotation test work has demonstrated the scalability of the small-scale bench processes to industrial scales while maintaining excellent recovery rates. This achievement showcases the consistent excellent metallurgical properties at Lacroma, providing confidence in the potential for a low-cost operation. The company is now progressing with planning for purification and spheroidization test work, aiming to further optimize the process and enhance the operational efficiency.
iTech Minerals' successful production of a 94% graphite concentrate with exceptional recoveries at the Lacroma Graphite Project marks a significant milestone. The company's focus on establishing a low-cost, green graphite mining operation aligns with the favorable geological characteristics of the Lacroma graphite mineralization. With the potential for further optimization and the utilization of abundant renewable energy in South Australia, iTech Minerals aims to position itself as a key player in the production of high-quality purified spherical graphite. The next steps involve spheroidization and purification test work, with the goal of adding substantial new graphite mineralization to its resource inventory.