Osisko Metals Reports Positive Metallurgical Results from Gaspé Copper Project
Osisko Metals Incorporated has released preliminary results from metallurgical and grindability testwork on the Gaspé Copper Project, located near Murdochville, Québec. The tests, which are part of the company's ongoing exploration and development at the site, involved eighteen composite samples of mineralized drill core from the 2023 drilling program.
Key findings from the testwork include high copper recoveries averaging 91.9% from nineteen bulk copper-molybdenum (Cu-Mo) locked-cycle flotation tests and 94.2% from three Cu-Mo separation tests. Copper concentrate grades averaged 24.1% Cu from the bulk tests and 28.0% Cu from the separation tests. Molybdenum recoveries and grades also showed promising results, with overall recoveries averaging 65.2% and concentrate grades peaking at 58.8% Mo in stage recoveries.
Silver recoveries were consistent, averaging around 71% across tests, with concentrate grades averaging 120 g/t Ag. The grindability tests indicated an average mineral hardness with a Bond Rod Mill Work Index of 13.8 kWh/t and a Bond Ball Mill Work Index of 10.5 kWh/t.
Robert Wares, CEO and Chairman of Osisko Metals, commented on the results: "The preliminary testwork at Copper Mountain has produced excellent results, surpassing historical performance and providing a solid foundation for our ongoing Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). We are particularly pleased with the high metal recoveries and concentrate grades, which should enhance the economic viability of the project."
The company also noted that additional multi-element analysis of final concentrates is underway to determine potential smelter penalty thresholds. These results will be released as soon as they become available. Furthermore, work on updating the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Copper Mountain is progressing, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.