Discovery Silver Corp. (TSX-V: DSV, OTCQX: DSVSF)
(“Discovery” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce results from
its Pre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) metallurgical test program on
representative samples from its Cordero project (“Cordero” or “the
Project”) located in Chihuahua State, Mexico. This program
represents the most comprehensive test work completed on Cordero to
date. Highlights from the locked-cycle flotation test work include:
- Silver
recoveries of 94-98%, lead recoveries of 89-97% and zinc recoveries
of 92-96% on high grade samples of all major rock types.
- Silver
recoveries of 83-92%, lead recoveries of 85-92% and zinc recoveries
of 81-89% on medium grade samples of blended rock types.
- Oxide-sulphide
blend testwork establish oxide-specific recoveries of ~60% for
silver, ~40% for lead and ~85% for zinc via flotation;
co-processing oxide mineralized material via flotation eliminates
the need for heap leach processing at Cordero.
- Test work
overall confirmed higher recoveries than what was assumed in the
2021 Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”).
- All tests were
completed at a coarse grind size of p80 passing ~210 micron and
demonstrated significantly lower reagent consumption than assumed
in the PEA.
- Saleable
concentrate grades confirmed and levels of penalty elements for
concentrates were insignificant.
Tony Makuch, Interim CEO, states: “Our PFS
metallurgical test results demonstrate the exceptional
metallurgical properties of our Cordero deposit. Recoveries
typically ranged from 85-95% at an extremely coarse grind size of
~210 micron. On average sulphide recoveries came in higher than
what was assumed in our PEA and were achieved at significantly
reduced reagent consumption highlighting the potential for reduced
operating costs for our PFS.
“In addition, our first ever flotation testwork
of an oxide-sulphide blend returned very positive results with
economic recoveries for oxide mineralization for silver, lead and
zinc through flotation. These results allow for the elimination of
the heap leach circuit in our PFS; this will streamline the
crushing/grinding circuit, reduce upfront capital expenditures and
simplify the permitting process.”
PFS METALLURGICAL TEST
PROGRAM
Summary: the PFS metallurgical
test program was designed to supplement the detailed metallurgical
test program completed in 2021 and included the Company’s first
ever testing of rock type blends, high-grade samples (+100 g/t
AgEq) and oxide-sulphide blends. Test work was also focused on
optimizing reagent usage. All test work was completed at a coarse
grind size of ~210 micron.
Results from the 14 locked cycle tests are
summarized in the table below. Recoveries from these tests were
higher than the recoveries assumed in the 2021 PEA and were
achieved at lower reagent consumptions. Further details including
recoveries broken out by concentrate type and head grade vs
recovery plots for both our PEA and PFS metallurgical test programs
can be found in the appendices. The testwork was conducted by Blue
Coast Research Ltd. (“Blue Coast”), an independent third party,
with oversight from Libertas Metallurgy Ltd. (“Libertas”) and
Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. (“Ausenco”).
Test Type |
Rock Type / Sample Location |
Head Grade |
Lead + Zinc Circuit |
Recovery to Concentrate |
Ag |
Pb |
Zn |
AgEq |
Ag |
Pb |
Zn |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
(%) |
High-Grade |
Breccia |
252 |
3.8 |
2.6 |
462 |
97 |
96 |
93 |
Volcanic |
71 |
1.9 |
5.1 |
319 |
98 |
97 |
92 |
Volcanic |
46 |
0.9 |
2.1 |
151 |
94 |
93 |
96 |
Sedimentary |
41 |
0.8 |
1.6 |
128 |
94 |
89 |
93 |
Rock Type Blend |
Starter Pit |
37 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
76 |
92 |
92 |
89 |
NE Extension |
29 |
0.5 |
0.7 |
70 |
90 |
90 |
84 |
South Corridor |
33 |
0.4 |
0.8 |
76 |
83 |
85 |
85 |
Run of Mine |
33 |
0.5 |
0.8 |
76 |
87 |
89 |
81 |
Low-Grade |
Volcanic |
10 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
21 |
43 |
64 |
62 |
Breccia |
30 |
0.3 |
0.1 |
44 |
76 |
87 |
64 |
10% Oxide / 90% Sulphide Blend |
Starter Pit |
40 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
76 |
86 |
84 |
89 |
NE Extension |
29 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
66 |
87 |
86 |
88 |
South Corridor |
33 |
0.4 |
0.7 |
71 |
81 |
80 |
88 |
Run of Mine |
35 |
0.5 |
0.7 |
74 |
84 |
84 |
88 |
High-grade samples: four locked
cycle tests were completed on high-grade samples (+100 g/t AgEq) of
the major rock types. Recoveries averaged 95% for silver, 94% for
lead and 94% for zinc. These recoveries were on average
approximately 7% higher than the recoveries for the medium-grade
samples (50-100 g/t AgEq) confirming a positive relationship
between head grade and recovery.
Rock type blends: four locked
cycle tests were completed on a blend of the major rock types at
Cordero (volcanic, breccia & sedimentary rocks). The blend
ratios were based on the expected proportions of mill feed from
different parts of the deposit. Three of the four tests returned
higher than expected recoveries confirming the potential for
positive synergies through blending of the different rock types.
Further testwork will be completed on understanding and quantifying
these synergies in more detail as part of the Company’s feasibility
study test program.
Oxide-sulphide blends: four
locked cycle tests of oxide-sulphide blends (~10% oxides / ~90%
sulphides) returned implied average recoveries for oxide
mineralization through flotation of approximately 60% for Ag, 40%
for Pb and 85% for Zn. These recoveries can most likely be
attributed to the presence of sulphide mineralization (galena and
sphalerite) in the oxide layer as identified by preliminary
mineralogical analysis.
Based on these results the PFS will assume
blending of oxides with sulphides in the flotation circuit. This is
a very positive development as it will reduce upfront capital
expenditures through the complete elimination of the heap leach
circuit as well as simplify the process design through reducing the
crushing circuit from three stages to a single stage. It is also
expected to streamline the permitting process as it eliminates the
use of cyanide at the Project.
Comminution:
The below comminution testwork was completed as
part of the PFS test program. Results were mostly consistent with
the comminution results from the PEA test program.
- Bond ball work
index (BWI) ranged from 14.3 to 23.1 kWh/tonne across 33 samples
with an overall average of 19.0 kWh/tonne (metric)
- Bond rod mill
grindability (RWI) ranged from 12.6 to 16.0 kWh/tonne across ten
samples with an overall average of 14.4 kWh/tonne (metric)
- Bond abrasion
index (Ai) ranged from 0.17 to 0.97 g across ten samples with an
overall average of 0.57 g
Concentrate analysis:
Saleable concentrate grades for both lead
(>40% lead and >1,500 g/t silver) and zinc (>50% zinc)
concentrates were readily achieved while the level of penalty
elements was low (see table directly below) confirming excellent
saleability of both concentrates.
Element |
Median Grade1 |
Penalty Threshold2 |
Lead Concentrate: |
As |
0.31% |
0.50% |
Sb |
0.43% |
0.50% |
Hg |
12 ppm |
100 ppm |
Cl+F |
200 ppm |
500 ppm |
Zinc Concentrate: |
As |
0.14% |
0.30% |
Fe |
7.00% |
8.00% |
Cd |
0.50% |
0.30% |
SiO2 |
3.15% |
3.50% |
Hg |
15 ppm |
100 ppm |
Cl+F |
300 ppm |
500 ppm |
Mn |
0.95% |
0.50% |
1Median grade was calculated as the median of
the concentrates from the 14 locked cycle tests in the PFS test
program and the four locked cycle tests from the PEA test
program
2 Penalty thresholds vary between smelters; the
thresholds listed above are representative of common thresholds
typically applied on lead and zinc concentrates
PROCESS DESIGN
The process design for the PFS will incorporate
staged expansions. The first phase will incorporate single stage
semi-autogenous (“SAG”) milling consisting of a single primary
gyratory crusher, single SAG mill and flotation circuit. This
configuration is a common design with the advantages of being
capital efficient and providing expansion flexibility. The planned
throughput rate of this initial phase is expected to be
approximately 25,000 tonnes per day (“tpd”).
The second phase of the mill expansion will
include the addition of a ball mill and parallel flotation circuit.
The planned throughput rate of this expanded phase is expected to
be approximately 50,000 tpd.
The proposed process design for the PFS is much
simpler and significantly more streamlined in comparison to the
process design assumed in the PEA with the elimination of the heap
leach circuit and the secondary and tertiary crushing circuits. A
proposed flowsheet of the updated process design can be found in
Figure D in the appendices.
About Discovery
Discovery’s flagship project is its 100%-owned
Cordero project, one of the world’s largest silver deposits. The
PEA completed in November 2021 demonstrates that Cordero has the
potential to be developed into a highly capital efficient mine that
offers the combination of margin, size and scalability. Cordero is
located close to infrastructure in a prolific mining belt in
Chihuahua State, Mexico. Continued exploration and project
development at Cordero is supported by a strong balance sheet with
cash of approximately C$60 million.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors,
Tony Makuch Interim Chief Executive Officer and
Director
For further information contact:
Forbes Gemmell, CFAVP Corporate
DevelopmentPhone: 416-613-9410Email:
forbes.gemmell@discoverysilver.comWebsite:
www.discoverysilver.com
Qualified PersonGernot
Wober, P.Geo, VP Exploration, Discovery Silver Corp., is the
Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within
the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure
for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and validated
that the information contained in this news release is
accurate.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of
this release.
This news release is not for distribution to United States
newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.
This news release does not constitute an offer
to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any
sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such
offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the
securities in the United States of America. The securities have not
been and will not be registered under the United States Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) or any state securities
laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to,
or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in
Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933
Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such
registration requirements is available.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
This news release may include forward-looking
statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties.
All statements within this news release, other than statements of
historical fact, are to be considered forward looking statements.
Forward-looking statements including, but not limited to
Discovery’s future plans and objectives regarding the Cordero
Project and the prospect of further discoveries there, which
constitute forward looking information that involve various risks
and uncertainties. Although Discovery believes the expectations
expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on
reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of
future performance and actual results or developments may differ
materially from those described in forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those described in forward-looking statements include fluctuations
in market prices, including metal prices, continued availability of
capital and financing, and general economic, market or business
conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will
prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their
own evaluation of such uncertainties. Discovery does not assume any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as
required under applicable laws.
APPENDICES
TABLE 1 – PFS Locked Cycle Test
Results
Test Type |
Rock Type / Sample Location |
Head Grade |
Lead Circuit |
Zinc Circuit |
Recovery to Concentrate |
Concentrate Grade |
Recovery to Concentrate |
Concentrate Grade |
Ag |
Pb |
Zn |
AgEq |
Ag |
Pb |
Ag |
Pb |
Ag |
Zn |
Ag |
Zn |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
(%) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
High-Grade |
Breccia |
252 |
3.8 |
2.6 |
462 |
93 |
96 |
4,634 |
73 |
4 |
93 |
219 |
52 |
Volcanic |
71 |
1.9 |
5.1 |
319 |
91 |
97 |
2,518 |
72 |
6 |
92 |
55 |
57 |
Volcanic |
46 |
0.9 |
2.1 |
151 |
86 |
93 |
3,270 |
69 |
8 |
96 |
100 |
56 |
Sedimentary |
41 |
0.8 |
1.6 |
128 |
81 |
89 |
2,395 |
53 |
13 |
96 |
182 |
53 |
Rock Type Blend |
Starter Pit |
37 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
76 |
85 |
92 |
3,516 |
57 |
7 |
89 |
287 |
53 |
NE Extension |
29 |
0.5 |
0.7 |
70 |
81 |
90 |
3,085 |
61 |
10 |
84 |
249 |
51 |
South Corridor |
33 |
0.4 |
0.8 |
76 |
65 |
85 |
2,868 |
44 |
18 |
85 |
446 |
53 |
Run of Mine |
33 |
0.5 |
0.8 |
76 |
75 |
89 |
3,643 |
62 |
12 |
81 |
385 |
59 |
Low-Grade |
Volcanic |
10 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
21 |
26 |
64 |
712 |
19 |
17 |
62 |
550 |
34 |
Breccia |
30 |
0.3 |
0.1 |
44 |
69 |
87 |
4,277 |
52 |
7 |
64 |
1,042 |
46 |
10% Oxide / 90% Sulphide Blend |
Starter Pit |
40 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
76 |
78 |
84 |
3,694 |
57 |
7 |
89 |
321 |
52 |
NE Extension |
29 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
66 |
78 |
86 |
3,250 |
61 |
9 |
87 |
255 |
54 |
South Corridor |
33 |
0.4 |
0.7 |
71 |
65 |
80 |
3,369 |
49 |
16 |
88 |
434 |
52 |
Run of Mine |
35 |
0.5 |
0.7 |
74 |
73 |
84 |
3,506 |
54 |
11 |
88 |
335 |
51 |
FIGURE A – Global Ag Recovery vs Ag Head
Gradehttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/112e98f6-cf2f-4bc2-bc20-f1e5a7f49911
FIGURE B – Pb Recovery vs Pb Head
Gradehttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5da7dae-fd9f-4761-907e-4e9548bc6156
FIGURE C – Zn Recovery vs Zn Head
Gradehttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bd8c9ef-3f8b-4902-9cc9-8084066e52e5
FIGURE D – PROPOSED PFS PROCESS
DESIGNhttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/958b0bb5-a300-4c96-aa04-b02bc2da9236
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