Sun Silver Limited has achieved significant metallurgical results in the latest testing of its Maverick Springs gold-silver project in Nevada, USA. Through bottle roll testing, the company achieved a silver recovery rate of 78% and a gold recovery rate of 77% under early-stage heap leach conditions, pointing the way for the project's low-capital development.

These test results are based on 242 split half diamond drill core samples, which were used to create two representative composite samples weighing 147 kg and 127 kg respectively. The tests show that the project's ore has good permeability and uniform mineral distribution, supporting efficient heap leach operations.

"Achieving nearly 78% silver recovery and over 77% gold recovery under early-stage heap leach test conditions is a significant milestone for Maverick Springs," said Managing Director Andrew Dornan. "These results provide a de-risked, low-capital, scalable heap leach pathway and serve as a genuine catalyst for advancing the project."

Heap leaching is a cost-effective processing method suitable for large-tonnage gold-silver deposits. Sun Silver's recovery data outperforms industry benchmarks, such as the Rochester silver mine operated by Coeur Mining in Nevada, which reports an overall silver recovery rate of approximately 58%.

The testing also identified potential opportunities to enhance recovery through reverse osmosis water treatment. Process water in Nevada contains chlorides, which can affect recovery rates. A reverse osmosis system can remove up to 99% of chlorides. While less commonly applied in heap leach operations, this could provide an additional advantage for the project.

Sun Silver plans to advance column leach testing and scoping studies, targeting a development decision in 2026. The company's systematic de-risking approach, combined with Nevada's established mining infrastructure, positions Maverick Springs as a promising silver development project.

With silver prices remaining stable and industrial demand growing, Sun Silver's metallurgical breakthrough creates a unique value proposition for the company. The combination of high recovery rates and low capital requirements enhances the project's attractiveness in a competitive mining environment.