en.Wedoany.com Reported - Godolphin Resources (ASX:GRL) announced that talc removal can significantly enhance the concentrate grade and precious metal recovery at its Lewis Ponds project in New South Wales, Australia. A mineralogical assessment found that talc accounts for approximately 19% of the lead concentrate mass and over 90% of the non-sulfide gangue.

Simulation results indicate that by improving the removal of talc and sulfide iron diluting minerals, the current lead concentrate grade of around 33% could theoretically be increased to over 60%. Silver is primarily hosted in sulfide minerals entering the lead concentrate, while copper mainly occurs as chalcopyrite. Liberation data show that 82% of galena, 85% of copper sulfides, and 65% of silver minerals are in recoverable form.

Managing Director Jeneta Owens stated that removing talc before the lead circuit has the potential to significantly improve concentrate grade and support stronger lead recovery, while also providing a clear opportunity to increase precious metal recovery. Talc is naturally hydrophobic, easily entering flotation concentrates, diluting grade, and reducing circuit efficiency.

These findings may strengthen the existing scoping study results, which yielded a base NPV of A$481 million and an IRR of 24% under assumptions of US$3,700 per ounce of gold (A$5,369.9) and US$55 per ounce of silver. Godolphin Resources will evaluate talc pre-flotation test work and integrate the results into process optimization.

Lewis Ponds has a JORC 2012 Mineral Resource estimate totaling 17.52 million tonnes at a grade of 3.02 g/t gold equivalent, containing 1.12 g/t gold, 53.34 g/t silver, 2.06% zinc, 1.10% lead, and 0.14% copper. The project is located within the Lachlan Fold Belt, 15 km east of Orange.