As the Scoping Study at Plomosas continues to progress successfully, Consolidated Zinc has found significant high?grade mineralisation outside the Resource area which could have clear implications for the project’s scale.

“These new results have the potential to grow our Resource well beyond its current tonnage,” said Will Dix, Consolidated Zinc’s managing director.

The results come at a time when global forecasts remain positive for the zinc market. Earlier in March S&P Global Platts metals market reported the key fundamentals for the commodity were strong with demand expected to grow 2.5 percent in 2017.

Will believes the consistent high grades found at Plomosas is what sets the project apart.

“The outlook for Plomosas is really healthy,” said Will “Consistently our results, from last year until now, have reported higher than usual grades.”

Very high?grade mineralisation was identified south of the current resource at Carola South and Tres Amigos North, with grades up to 53.62% combined zinc and lead, and a median of 20.69% Zn+Pb in the mineralised zone at Carola South.

Mineralisation at Carola South has a 522 metre strike length, and is immediately accessible from underground.  Click here to view full results.

“As we believe these results have potential to impact the Project’s fundamentals, we are fast?tracking them to ensure they are included in the Scoping Study,” said Will.

ConZinc’s Resource expansion drilling program will continue throughout April.

The Scoping Study, which started on 22 February 2017, is focused on metallurgical testwork and a detailed process flow? sheet as well as mining and infrastructure requirements.

“The processing and metallurgy areas are key to the success of the Project, as they are where we will be able to demonstrate significant gains in any future operation,” said Will.

The Scoping Study is considering refurbishing the existing plant on site and expanding it to accommodate mining scenarios of 200 to 400 tonnes per day (approximately 70,000 – 140,000tpa), as part of Stage 1 production.  

The study is expected to be completed within approximately three?months, subject to metallurgical testwork.

Original Article: http://www.consolidatedzinc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/300317-New-results-to-increase-Plomosas-tonnage.pdf