MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - March 24, 2015) - Management of SIRIOS (News - Market indicators) is pleased to announce the results of metallurgical tests recently undertaken on three composite drill core samples from the Cheechoo gold discovery in James Bay, Quebec. Gold recoveries ranging between 70% and 76% were obtained by gravity concentration methods. Cyanidation leaching on the gravity tailings resulted in total gold recoveries of 92% to 93%. Gold extractions from the gravity tailings were ranging between 60% and 80% obtained after six hours of leaching with a low consumption of sodium cyanide and lime, not exceeding 0.5 kg/t.
The three composite samples used for these tests were formed from various continuous gold zones of different grades from three different drill holes as indicated in the following table:
A map showing the position of the drill holes is available at the following link:
http://sirios.com/images/cheechoo/resized/0123compilfev2015.jpg
Dominique Doucet, President of SIRIOS said: "The results of the recent metallurgical tests show excellent gravity gold recovery for the three composite samples representing the gold zones of different grades, thicknesses and locations. The gravimetric processing is an easy, quick and inexpensive technique compared to the other mineral processing methods. These metallurgical tests are crucial for the pursuit of the exploration fieldworks. As the presence of visible gold was observed in most drill holes, the high rates of gold recovery using gravity concentration should be representative of the whole mineralization of Cheechoo.''
Sample processing methods
Seventy-two drill core samples previously crushed with a total weight of about 97 kg and forming three separate composite samples were prepared by IOS Services Géoscientifiques Inc. Services in Chicoutimi and then, shipped to ALS Metallurgy laboratory in Kamloops, British Columbia. The metallurgical tests were conducted under the supervision of Robert Sloan, P. Eng., VP ALS Metallurgy, North America. An interim report was produced by ALS on March 13, 2015.
Gravity separation tests with a Knelson gravity separator and panning of the Knelson concentrate were performed on 2 kilogram samples of Composite 1 and Composite 2 to assess the gold recovery rate. Nominal primary grind sizings of 100 and 150 um K80 were tested. A single gravity recovery test with Composite 3 was completed at a primary grind sizing of about 157 um K80. Cyanidation leach bottle roll tests on the gravity tail were performed on Composite 1, Composite 2, and Composite 3 to measure overall gold extraction. The combined Knelson and pan tail was subjected to cyanidation bottle roll leaching for 48 hours at a sodium cyanide concentration of 1,000 ppm with interval sampling at 2, 6, 24 and 48 hours. The slurry was sparged with oxygen, and the pH was maintained at 11.0 during the cyanidation leach test with lime.
The Cheechoo gold project is located in James Bay, Quebec, 800 km north of Montreal and less than 10 km from the Eleonore gold mine of the producer Goldcorp. The property is accessible by land, and if needed, can also be connected to the Quebec's system of hydro-electricity. In 2012, Sirios concluded an agreement with Golden Valley Ltd. regarding ownership Cheechoo allowing it, to upon completion of certain obligations and counterparties, increase its current interest from 45% to 100% (press release dated December 9, 2013). Sirios is the manager of the project.
This press release was prepared by Dominique Doucet, P. Eng., President of Sirios, Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101.
Statements in the release that are "forward-looking statements" are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statements to actual results or changes in our expectations.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
