FIREWEED METALS CORP. (“Fireweed” or the “Company”) (TSXV: FWZ;
OTCQB: FWEDF, formerly known as Fireweed Zinc Ltd.) is pleased to
announce the results of the first metallurgical and ore-sorting
test work from Boundary Zone, an emerging zinc discovery at
Macmillan Pass, Yukon, Canada.
Highlights
- Open circuit cleaner flotation tests show up to 97% zinc
recovery.
- Zinc concentrates show high grades ranging from 53% to 63%
zinc.
- A coarse grind size yields excellent recovery, with up to 99%
in rougher tests.
- Three critical minerals are present in concentrates: zinc,
germanium, and gallium.
- Selective use of ore sorting only on low-grade material shows
promising results for potentially increasing feed grades,
decreasing processing costs, and reducing tailings volumes whilst
preserving the value in the abundant high-grade zones at
Boundary.
CEO Statement
Brandon Macdonald, CEO, stated “The first metallurgical results
from Boundary Main are back and show excellent results. The coarse
nature of the sphalerite means that a relatively coarse grind size
is all that is needed to produce a high-grade zinc concentrate with
high recoveries. We have shown that Boundary Zone, like Tom and
Jason, can produce high-quality zinc concentrates that we
anticipate would be attractive to global markets. High
concentrations of germanium and moderate concentrations of gallium
in the zinc concentrates highlight the potential for recovery of
these critical metals as by-products during the zinc smelting
process. Even though we see by far the most potential economic
value in the zinc, the addition of germanium and gallium to the mix
brings the total of different critical metals present at Boundary
Zone to three. This elevates the potential of the Macmillan Pass
project to be one of Canada’s leading critical minerals
projects.”
Plain Language Summary
Preliminary test work has been carried out on samples from
Fireweed’s new zinc discovery at Boundary Zone at the Macmillan
Pass project, Yukon. These tests provide an initial impression of
how the zinc- and lead-bearing rocks may respond to crushing,
grinding, and processing to produce zinc and lead concentrates.
The test results are very promising: the rocks have a moderate
to moderately high hardness; a reasonably coarse grind size is
sufficient to liberate zinc and lead minerals; and high-grade zinc
concentrates can be produced from most of the material tested from
Boundary Zone with only small amounts of zinc loss during
processing.
Lead is only a minor component of the mineralization at Boundary
Zone and only samples with appreciable amounts of lead were
metallurgically tested with a dedicated lead circuit. Lead test
work results were variable and generally poorer than for zinc. With
the relatively low lead content of Boundary Zone shown to date,
this likely limits the overall economic importance of lead.
Likewise, there is limited silver in much of Boundary Zone Main,
and the samples showed low silver grades. This metallurgical
testing showed variable results for the limited silver in the
material tested, however silver has never been of material economic
importance in this zone.
Ore sorting is a process where mined material is scanned for
various properties, including density and metal concentration, and
then sorted to remove waste before milling. The test work results
showed that the low-grade material that surrounds the higher grade
zones at Boundary Main has properties which make it suitable for
ore sorting, and there exists an exciting possibility of deploying
this technology to reduce costs and improve economics at the
project. Higher grade zones would likely not be sorted to prevent
any losses of the higher-value material during the sorting
process.
The test work is preliminary in nature, and further testing is
required to more accurately predict the behaviour of Boundary Zone
material during processing. However, the results suggest
metallurgical performance for zinc could be excellent and should
not be an impediment in demonstrating reasonable prospects for
eventual economic extraction.
Description of Metallurgical Test Work
Approximately 2.6 tonnes of drill core from Boundary Zone were
analyzed by Base Metallurgical Laboratories of Kamloops, BC for ore
characterization, preliminary flotation optimization, variability
testing, and ore sorting test work. Two parallel streams of test
work were conducted: one conventional flotation stream, and a
stream with an ore sorting pre-concentration step.
Representative drill core from Boundary Zone was quartered, with
one set of quarter-core samples used for the conventional flotation
test work stream without sorting, and the other parallel set of
quarter-core samples used for ore sorting tests prior to flotation
test work. A total of nine composites were made to represent the
range of lithologies and mineralization styles found at Boundary
Zone; two were waste rock domains and not subjected to
metallurgical testing.
Flotation test work involved the production of a zinc
concentrate in an open circuit batch test. Two of the seven
mineralized composites had significant lead head grades and
included a lead circuit to produce a lead concentrate prior to zinc
flotation. Rougher tests were performed, followed by open circuit
cleaner flotation tests.
Preliminary ore sorting test work was carried out to demonstrate
the potential to use sensor-based particle sorting as a
pre-concentration step to increase feed grades for the lower grade
material at Boundary Zone. A sequential combination of X-Ray
Transmission (XRT) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) sensors was
tested.
Composite Selection and Boundary Zone
Geology
The nine composites described in Table 1 below were created from
NB19-001 and NB19-002, two holes drilled at Boundary during the
2019 field season (Map 1), representing the mineralization styles
and waste rock present at Boundary Main. The five composites
selected for cleaner flotation tests are shown on Cross Section
A-A’ with preliminary geometallurgical domains that have been
interpreted based on rocks of similar lithology and mineralogy.
Table 1: Description of sample composites, head grades, and
flotation tests conducted.
Composite |
Description |
Zinc (%) |
Lead (%) |
Silver (g/t) |
Testing |
Volcanic 1 |
Typical material present from surface to vertical depths of 200-250
m, comprising bulk of zinc mineralization interpreted present at
Boundary Main |
4.20 |
0.10 |
4.9 |
Zn circuit |
Clastic 2 |
1.39 |
0.03 |
1.8 |
Zn circuit |
High Grade 3 |
16.70 |
0.37 |
30.0 |
Zn circuit |
Clastic 5 |
Pyrite-rich material sampled in footwall of a significant fault at
Boundary Main; small domain above Volcanic 1 |
1.56 |
0.64 |
10.2 |
Zn circuit, Pb circuit |
Clastic 6 |
Low grade |
0.62 |
0.14 |
4.2 |
Zn rougher circuit |
Volcanic 7 |
Small domains that occur at depth at Boundary Main |
3.60 |
1.87 |
30.1 |
Zn circuit, Pb circuit |
Mudstone 8 |
1.64 |
0.24 |
6.4 |
Zn circuit |
Waste 4 |
Waste. Not used |
|
|
|
|
Waste 9 |
Waste. Not used |
|
|
|
|
Further test work is required to fully evaluate the variability
across Boundary Zone and assess whether the metallurgical behaviour
throughout each domain is consistent.
The massive sulphide mineralization at Boundary West was
discovered after samples were selected for this first round of
metallurgy testing and is not represented by composites disclosed
in this news release (for details of Boundary West mineralization
see Fireweed news releases dated February 3rd 2021, and September
16th 2021). Flotation test work is currently underway on a
composite of that new domain. The laminated stratiform
mineralization at Boundary West (see Fireweed news release
September 16th 2021) and at Boundary Main (see Fireweed news
release September 13th 2022) was also discovered after initial
metallurgy sample selection so is not represented in this news
release, but is anticipated to have a similar metallurgical
response to the texturally and mineralogically comparable styles of
mineralization previously tested at the Tom and Jason deposits (see
Fireweed news release dated May 15th 2018) and will be the subject
of future metallurgical testwork.
Rougher Flotation Tests
All rougher tests were conducted using a primary grind size of
75 µm K80 except for composite High Grade 3, which used a coarser
grind of 95 µm K80. Recovery of zinc was very good, with recoveries
of 94-99% for the Volcanic 1, Clastic 2, High Grade 3 and Clastic 5
composites that represent the bulk of the near-surface mineralized
material at Boundary Main (Cross Section A-A’). These composites
yielded zinc rougher concentrates that ranged from 14.5% Zn to
44.6% Zn, reflecting a wide range of head grades of 1.39% Zn to
16.7% Zn. Slightly lower recoveries of 78-88% were produced from
the Clastic 6, Volcanic 7 and Mudstone 8 composites (Table 2).
The material tested from Boundary Main was generally lead-poor,
unlike the stratiform, laminated mineralization that occurs at Tom,
Jason and other parts of Boundary Zone. Only two composites were
tested with a lead circuit prior to the zinc circuit. Clastic 5 had
poor performance with 10.9% rougher recovery at 1.7% Pb due to low
head grades (0.64% Pb) and high pyrite content. Volcanic 7 had
better results with rougher recovery of 77.5% at 7.75% Pb due in
part to higher head grade (1.87% Pb).
Open Circuit Cleaner Flotation Testing
Regrinding of rougher concentrates was carried out to a sizing
of K80 13 to 36 µm for the zinc circuit and 12-21 µm for the lead
circuit, where tested. Open circuit zinc cleaner tests were
conducted on six samples that yielded zinc recovery between 68 and
97 percent at concentrate grades between 53 and 63 percent zinc
(Table 3). Similar to rougher tests, the near-surface
geometallurgical domains Volcanic 1, Clastic 2, High Grade 3, and
Clastic 5 that represent the bulk of the mineralization at Boundary
Main produced better results, with zinc recovery of 83.3 to 97.1
percent, showing higher recovery at higher feed grades.
Zinc cleaner concentrate grades are above grades typically
required for marketable zinc concentrates. Silver is present in the
zinc concentrate at levels below the typical threshold to be
payable. The concentrate is anticipated to be saleable, although it
will attract a modest penalty due to the moderate mercury
concentrations (Table 4). Mercury penalties could potentially be
reduced by blending with lower mercury content concentrate, such as
the 155 ppm mercury in zinc concentrate produced from the global
composite tested from the Tom and Jason deposits (see Fireweed news
release dated May 15th, 2018). Mercury concentrations are lower in
the near surface Volcanic 1, Clastic 2 and High Grade 3 domains
than the smaller geometallurgical domains present at greater
depths. Iron is present in desirably low concentrations
(2.35-6.39%). The critical metals germanium and gallium are present
in concentrations that are potentially recoverable by zinc smelters
with appropriate recovery circuits.
Two composites had head grades high enough to warrant
consideration of a lead circuit and test work yielded mixed
results, with silver generally reporting to the lead concentrate.
Only a limited amount of optimization was carried out to attempt to
improve recovery as lead and silver comprise only a small portion
of the mineralization discovered to date at Boundary Main and much
of the mineralization is zinc-only. Fireweed anticipates that
running a zinc-only flotation circuit for low lead-silver material
in any future potential Boundary Zone development plans has the
potential to reduce processing costs compared to running both lead
and zinc circuits. If Boundary Zone were to be co-developed with
the Tom and Jason deposits, Fireweed anticipates that a lead
circuit would be implemented before the zinc circuit to recover
lead and silver from zones at Tom, Jason and Boundary where high
lead and silver grades occur.
Ore Sorting Results
Ore sorting test work was performed by Steinert (Germany), and
resultant assays and analyses were performed by Base Metallurgical
Laboratories (Kamloops, BC). XRT sorts material by density whereas
XRF sorts by geochemistry; XRF was included due to the presence of
dense siderite (iron carbonate) which cannot be distinguished from
dense sulphide minerals in XRT testing alone. A combination of XRT
and XRF yielded the best zinc recovery (87-99%) but at a high mass
pull (42-90%). Sorting by XRF only showed promising results,
particularly for lower grade material where lower recovery may be
deemed more acceptable, with zinc recovery of 75-88 percent at mass
pulls of 36 to 52 percent (Table 5).
The high-grade composite was not included in ore-sorting tests,
as such material is prone to risk of excessive metal loss from
sorting, assuming the material is selectively mined. Ore sorting
has the potential to add value to the project by potentially
reducing processing costs, increasing feed grades by
pre-concentration, and reducing tailings volumes. Although Fireweed
sees the potential for a successful project without the need for
ore sorting, Fireweed anticipates that the pre-concentration of
only the low-grade material by ore sorting has the greatest
potential to add additional value to the project. Ore sorting on
the lower grade composites achieved the highest mass rejection,
resulting in the greatest upgrade ratio of the feed material. This
upgrading shows the potential for the extraction of the critical
mineral zinc from stockpiles of material that may normally be
considered as waste, mined coincidentally whilst extracting
higher-grade material, potentially increasing value and lowering
environmental impacts. Fireweed cautions that the ore sorting test
results are preliminary in nature, and may or may not be included
in future processing plans at Boundary Zone.
Comminution
Comminution test work determined the grinding energy required to
liberate zinc and lead minerals prior to flotation, and abrasion
testing to determine mill and grinding media wear
characteristics:
- Bond ball mill work index (BWi) tests at a sieve size of 106 µm
showed the material to be moderate to moderately hard with BWi
values ranging from 13.2 to 18.3 kWh/t.
- SAG mill comminution testing derived A*b values between 39 to
52, which classifies the composites as average with respect to
hardness.
Mineralogy
A QEMSCAN Bulk Mineral Analysis (BMA) and quantitative X-Ray
Diffraction (XRD) were conducted to determine the mineralogical
composition of the seven composites. Mineralogical composition was
used to estimate the concentrations of reagents to optimize
flotation. Up to 26.8% sphalerite and up to 2.5% galena was present
in the composites, confirming the un-oxidized, sulphide nature of
the mineralization.
Notes on sampling, assaying, and data
aggregation: The diamond drill core logging and sampling
program was carried out under a rigorous quality assurance /
quality control program using industry best practices. Drill
intersections in this release are all HQ3 (split tube) size core
(61.1mm / 2.4-inch diameter) with recoveries typically above 85%.
After drilling, core was logged for geology, structure, and
geotechnical characteristics, then marked for sampling and
photographed on site. The cores for analyses were marked for
sampling based on geological intervals with individual samples 1.5
m or less in length. Drill core was cut lengthwise in half with a
core saw and each half cut again to produce four parallel
quarter-core samples; one quarter was sent for assay (previously
reported in Fireweed news releases dated October 16th 2019 and
November 5th 2019), one quarter stored on site for reference, one
quarter used for ore sorting tests, and one quarter used for
flotation test work with no ore-sorting. In September 2019, samples
were transported to Base Metallurgical Laboratories, Kamloops, BC,
by truck and stored there until test work was initiated in Q2 2021.
Samples were transported between Base Metallurgical Laboratories
and Steinert, Germany, by air and ground courier. Metallurgical
test work, assays, mineralogy, comminution tests, and final
reporting were completed by September 2022.
Metallurgical test work, and associated assays, including Zn,
Pb, and Ag assays of heads, tails, and cleaner concentrates were
performed by Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd., Kamloops,
British Columbia (Independent laboratory). Rougher flotation batch
tests used a representative 2 kg split, except for composite High
Grade 3 that used a 1 kg split. Rougher concentrates were used as
inputs for the cleaner tests following re-grinding. Cleaner test
sample sizes varied depending on the mass pull to the rougher
concentrates (Table 2). Extended multi-element assays of zinc
concentrates were performed by ActLabs of Ancaster, Ontario
(Independent laboratory) by sodium peroxide fusion ICP-OES and
ICP-MS, Hg-cold vapour atomic absorption and aqua regia ICP-MS.
Assay data verification was achieved by the analysis of laboratory
standards, duplicates, and blanks. Head assays were taken in
duplicate and average values are reported here. Flotation test
assay data were verified through the comparison of recalculated and
measured heads. Sample size for Bond mill work index tests was 750
ml. SAG mill comminution tests used 100 pieces of cut
drill-core.
Qualified Person Statement
Technical information in this news release has been approved by
Jack Milton, P.Geo., Ph.D., Chief Geologist and a ‘Qualified
Person’ as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.
About Fireweed Metals Corp. (TSXV: FWZ;
OTCQB: FWEDF; FSE:20F): Fireweed Metals is a public
mineral exploration company on the leading edge of Critical
Minerals project development. The Company has three projects
located in northern Canada:
-
Macmillan Pass Zinc-Lead-Silver Project: Fireweed
owns 100% of the district-scale 940 km2 Macmillan Pass project in
Yukon, Canada, which is host to the Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver
deposits with current Mineral Resources and a PEA economic study
(see Fireweed news releases dated 10th January 2018, and 23rd May
2018, respectively, and reports filed on www.sedar.com for details)
as well as the Boundary Zone, Boundary Zone West, Tom North Zone
and End Zone which have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization
drilled but not yet classified as mineral resources. The project
also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings
and significant upside exploration potential. A large, four-rig
2022 drill program is now complete and assay results are
pending.
- Mactung
Tungsten Project: The Company has a binding Letter of
Intent to acquire 100% interest in the 37.6 km2 Mactung Tungsten
Project located adjacent to the Macmillan Pass Project. Mactung
contains historic resources that make it one of the largest and
highest-grade undeveloped tungsten resources in the world. Located
in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside
of China. Due diligence and validation work on historic data as
well as relogging and sampling of historic drill core is underway
and will support a new mineral resource estimate.
- Gayna
River Zinc-Gallium-Germanium Project: Fireweed has 100% of
the 128.75 km2 Gayna River project located 180 kilometres north of
the Macmillan Pass project. It is host to extensive critical
minerals mineralization including zinc, gallium and germanium as
well as lead and silver, outlined by 28,000 metres of historic
drilling and significant upside potential. The 2022 field program
of airborne LiDAR topographic surveying, and ground geophysics was
recently completed and data is being interpreted toward defining
2023 drill targets.
In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the
TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQB: FWEDF) trades on
the OTCQB Venture Market for early stage and developing U.S. and
international companies and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic
clearing and settlement. The Company is current in its reporting
and undergoes an annual verification and management certification
process. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information
for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. In Europe, Fireweed (FSE:
20F) trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Additional information about Fireweed and its
projects can be found on the Company’s website at
www.FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedar.com.
ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS
CORP.
“Brandon Macdonald”
CEO & Director
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.
Cautionary Statements
Forward Looking StatementsThis news release may
contain “forward-looking” statements and information relating to
the Company and its projects that are based on the beliefs of
Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information
currently available to Company management. Such statements reflect
the current risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain
factors including but not limited to, without limitations,
exploration and development risks, expenditure and financing
requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial
markets, the ability to properly and efficiently staff the
Company’s operations, the sufficiency of working capital and
funding for continued operations, title matters, First Nations
relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors,
competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and
strategic partners, governmental regulations and oversight,
permitting, seasonality and weather, technological change, industry
practices, and one-time events. Should any one or more risks or
uncertainties materialize or change, or should any underlying
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and forward-looking
statements may vary materially from those described herein. The
Company does not undertake to update forward‐looking statements or
forward‐looking information, except as required by law.
Contact:Brandon MacdonaldPhone: (604)
646-8361
Photos accompanying this announcement are
available at
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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fff50c12-450d-4ec8-b29f-920c1c36bc89
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