Armed with a comprehensive metallurgical review by SGS’s Independent Metallurgical Operations – which confirmed the project’s silver and gold recovery potential and identified opportunities to enhance processing efficiency – Sun Silver (ASX:SS1) is hoping the program will support the ongoing advancement of Maverick Springs.
Metallurgical studies conducted by Newmont (2002), Vista Gold and Silver Standard Resources (2004, 2006) reinforced the recovery potential at Maverick Springs with key outcomes including:
- fine particle cyanide leach tests achieved silver recoveries up to 97.5% (2004) and 90.5% (2006), with gold recoveries up to 91.1% (2004) and 95.8%;
- identified that higher cyanide dosages significantly improved silver extraction efficiency; and
- while flotation testing varied considerably, silver recoveries up to 83.7% were delivered with potential for further improvement through enhanced reagent selection and retention time adjustments.SS1 recently upgraded the resource at its flagship Maverick Springs project by 57Moz silver equivalent to 480Moz at 68.29g/t AgEq.
The resource increase was driven by the 2024 drill campaign, which comprised ~7,500 metres of drilling for a total cost of $3.3 million – equating to a discovery cost of $0.058 per silver equivalent ounce.
New resource modelling has also highlighted the potential for extensive mineralisation at- or near-surface in the southern part of the deposit, opening up new development opportunities and enhancing future production potential.
SS1 managing director Andrew Dornan said the review of historical metallurgical work confirmed the strong silver and gold recovery potential at Maverick Springs.
“We now have a clear roadmap to further optimise processing,” he said.
“By addressing past testwork gaps, we see significant opportunities to enhance and achieve consistent higher recoveries.
“This is an exciting step forward as we advance Maverick Springs toward development.”
