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This is the first dynamic sorting test program conducted by NorthWest for Kwanika. Previous scoping and desktop tests were undertaken at both the BC Mining Research Ltd. facility and the Tomra Sorting Facility in Wedel, Germany, which were encouraging. The sorting process flowsheet is illustrated in Figure 1.
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Figure 1: Sorting Flowsheet Schematic
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Test Program Results
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- Test work was based on operating an XRT sorting machine, processing the rock size fraction of +10.0mm to 30mm grading approximately 0.83% Cu, 1.57g/t Au, 2.47g/t Ag, to concentrate the sulphide rich mineralization while rejecting the dilution taken during the mining process. The -10mm material bypasses the sorting process.
- Overall, copper, gold and silver results on feed material, recombining the fines fraction, resulted in a final mill feed grading approximately 1.0% Cu, 1.85g/t Au, 3.25g/t Ag in only 75.0% of the mass, with recoveries of approximately 90.2% Cu, 88.3% Au and 90.0% Ag.
- Dilution or low-grade rejects from the sorting process represented 25% of the overall feed with a grade of 0.33% Cu, 0.75g/t Au, 1.13g/t Ag. This low-grade material would be stockpiled and processed at the end of the mine life.
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Operating and Environmental Benefits by Including Sorting
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Sorting, using an X-Ray sensor and compressed air, is an innovative method of rejecting mine dilution and low-grade mineralised material, often below cut-off, from the mined rock and plant feed. This concentrates the grade of mineralisation feeding the plant, displacing the gangue material and preferentially retaining metal bearing rock.
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Deposits such as Kwanika, with minerals of value associated with sulphides often respond very well to XRT sorting. The technology has many operational, economic and environmental benefits, which are sustained over the life the project, from operations through to mine closure.
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Removing dilution from the mill feed and the requirement to grind this waste rock, provides a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with power consumption. In addition, reducing the volume of material processed lowers water requirements, reduces process reagents, decreases the volume of tailings requiring long term storage, thereby decreasing associated footprint impacts and water treatment requirements.
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Technical aspects of this news release have been reviewed, verified, and approved by Geoff Chinn, P.Geo., VP Business Development and Exploration for NorthWest, and Stacy Freudigmann P.Eng., F.Aus.IMM, CEO of Canenco who are qualified persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects.
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About NorthWest:
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NorthWest is a copper-gold exploration and development company with a pipeline of advanced and early-stage projects in British Columbia, including Kwanika-Stardust, Lorraine-Top Cat and East Niv. With a robust portfolio in an established mining jurisdiction, NorthWest is well positioned to participate fully in strengthening global copper and gold markets. The Company is committed to responsible mineral exploration, working collaboratively with First Nations to help ensure future development incorporates stewardship best practices and respects traditional land use. Additional information can be found on the Company’s website at www.northwestcopper.ca.
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On Behalf of NorthWest
“Paul Olmsted”
CEO, NorthWest Copper
English (US)