There's gold in that hill

One of the key questions we�re asking ourselves as part of the Bau feasibility study is, �What�s the best way to recover the gold? How do we get maximum recovery for minimum cost? Which process do we use?"  In recent months, our metallurgists, along with independent third party labs, have been testing ore from Jugan Hill for both the Albion process and Pressure Oxidisation (POx), we�re very exited by the results. POx is showing results of a gold recovery rate of 98% from flotation concentrate and Albion a rate of 92% - that�s pretty encouraging - even at this early stage.  Bau is very similar to the Carlin Trend in Nevada and has a combination of both non-refractory & refractory ore so it's important we pay close attention to the process going forward.  If you want to know more about Carlin style deposits, there�s plenty of information on the USGS website, it makes for interesting reading. Remember, that region is one of the largest gold producing areas in history. The feasibility study is due for completion in 2013. 

What's Bau again?

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Located in East Malaysia, Central Bau is a large and historic goldfield with an established gold resource of  3.2M oz* (JORC/NI 43-101).  We currently control 83% of the project which will increase to 93% over the next two years. There are multiple gold deposits across the property. Right now we're focused on the Jugan Hill deposit where we already have an existing resource.

* M&I 913,500 oz Au (1,750,800 tonnes @ 1.67 g/t Au) Inferred 2,108,100 oz Au (50,062,000 tonnes @1.31 g/t Au)

For the boffins

Grinding results

• Ball mill and rod mill bond work indices are average
• The abrasion index is very low - ore is a good candidate for SAG milling

Flotation results

• The rougher flotation can potentially recover 95% of the gold

Pressure Oxidation results on flotation concentrate

• Using pressure oxidation at a relatively low temperature of 180�C - gold recovery of 98%

Albion recoveries on flotation concentrate

• Using Albion process - gold recovery of 92%

For even more detail by all means take a look at the related press release.