Asiamet: BKM metallurgical test work shows positive results

By Romel S. Gurky

TSX-listed Asiamet Resources Limited (ARS) said on Monday it has recently completed a 122-hole resource evaluation drilling program as part of feasibility study of BKM copper deposits in Central Kalimantan. As part of this work a series of holes were drilled throughout the BKM deposit to collect representative samples of various mineralization types and grades for detailed metallurgical test work.

A key element of the metallurgical test work is the column leach program where representative composites of the various mineralized material types are stacked and percolated with extractive solution for up to 270 days. The results emanating from this work are a key component in the design of the proposed heap leaching, solvent extraction and electro-winning facilities.

?Results from this metallurgical test work have been very positive to date, and the columns are continuing to leach as anticipated,? Asiamet said in a statement.

Highlights of the program to date include:
▪ A total of 20 columns are actively leaching, comprising 12 short, and 8 long columns, with two crush size fractions being tested for each composite sample i.e. 12.5mm and 19mm
▪ Short (2-meter) and Long (6-meter) column leach tests have been operating for approximately 100 days of planned 180 day and 270 day programs respectively i.e. 55% and 37% percent completed to date.
▪ Based on the leachable copper head grade assays received to date:
- SHORT COLUMNS - leachable copper recoveries for the 12.5mm size fraction have exceeded 87%, and recoveries for the 19mm size fraction have exceeded 75% in some composites
- LONG COLUMNS - leachable copper recoveries for 12.5mm size fraction have exceeded 72%, and leachable copper recoveries for the 19mm size fraction have exceeded 73% in some composites
▪Positive results from the test work to date have supported the initiation of additional metallurgical program activities

The short column tests are expected to be finalized in July 2017 and the long column tests in October 2017, with the metallurgical data and conclusions progressively incorporated into the ongoing BKM feasibility study.

This test work forms the basis upon which the proposed leaching, solvent extraction and electro-winning facilities will be designed. The detailed chemical characterization of the tested composites will provide critical information on the leaching kinetics of the ore; the geo-mechanical and hydrodynamic behavior of the heap leach; and the leach recovery targets for the operation. Four different composites and the two predominant, single-material types from the BKM deposit are being evaluated in the leach column program.

The company said the positive results achieved to date are supporting additional activities including: refined diagnostic assay procedures, optical mineralogy assessments, and hydrodynamic testing. These elements have been initiated in the past month.

Peter Bird, Asiamet's Chief Executive Officer commented: "The detailed metallurgical program is a key element in de-risking, and proving up the economics, of the BKM project.?

?The goal of the metallurgical test-work is to confirm the initial assumptions interpreted in the PEA (preliminary economic assessment) and allow us to establish appropriate design criteria for the proposed processing facilities as the project moves into the more detailed engineering and project planning stages. The detailed evaluations being performed by our highly-experienced team provide a solid basis for the design and engineering work and are critical to ensuring that appropriate budget and schedule targets are set for the project construction phase to be outlined in the Feasibility Study."

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak