Global Geoscience Ltd.: Sampling Testwork Supports Low Cost Processing
Highlights:
- Rock chip sampling confirms potential to leach lithium from the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project
- >90% of lithium recovered from rock chip samples using a weak-acid leach
- Results provide further evidence that the hosted lithium can be extracted without the need for high-cost processing i.e. roasting
Summary
The rock chip sampling was completed as part of the Company's ongoing exploration program which is focussed on a maiden JORC Resource estimation and metallurgical test work ahead of a decision to commence pre-feasibility study within three to four months.
Global Managing Director, Bernard Rowe, commented, "Global is thrilled to announce the positive results from the analysis of rock chip samples taken from the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project. The results are extremely encouraging and provide further evidence that the hosted lithium can be extracted using a low-cost leaching process route. The high recovery of lithium (>90%) achieved using a weak-acid leach confirms that the contained lithium is not tightly bound within lithium bearing silicate minerals such as hectorite. This is a significant finding for the Company and has the potential to redefine the economics of mining clay-type lithium deposits.
Rock Chip Sampling
Global recently collected five surface rock chip samples at the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada. The five samples were collected from the upper mineralised unit at the south basin and returned results of 1000 to 3000ppm lithium (0.5 to 1.6% Lithium Carbonate Equivalent). These results were reported on 15 June 2016.
The same samples were re-submitted for further analysis using a range of acid strengths. Total lithium content was determined using a strong, hot 4-acid digestion (ME-MS61). A moderate (ME-MS41) and weak (ME-MS41W) strength acid digestion was then used to compare the relative amount of lithium that can be extracted. Greater than 95% of the total lithium content was recovered using the moderate strength acid and greater than 90% was recovered using weak acid.
These data indicate that the lithium is relatively easy to liberate from the minerals that make up the sample and that it is not tightly bound within the lattice of lithium silicate minerals such as hectorite. (see table in link below).
Future Work
The Company is currently undertaking an exploration program that is focussed on a maiden JORC Resource estimation and metallurgical test work ahead of a decision to commence pre-feasibility study within three to four months. The program includes:
- RC and Core drilling (confirmation, infill and extension) leading to estimation of a Mineral Resource
- Preliminary metallurgical and process studies
- Surface rock chip sampling (outcrop and trench) over the zone of outcropping mineralisation at the north and south basins
To view tables and figures, please visit:
http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/5025R97X
About Global Geoscience Limited
Global Geoscience Limited (ASX:GSC) is a Sydney-based mineral exploration company specialising in greenfield exploration and mineral discovery. The Company''s main focus is for copper, gold and silver on its mostly 100%-owned projects in Nevada and Arizona in the United States, and Peru in South America.
Contact
Bernard Rowe, Managing Director
Global Geoscience Ltd
Phone: +612-9922-5800
Email: browe@globalgeo.com.au
Darien Jagger, Executive Director
Cygnet Capital Pty Limited
Phone: +61-8-9226-5511
Email: dj@cygnetcapital.com.au