Silver-Lead Concentrates Exceed 74% Pb and 2900 g/t Ag in Maronan Tests

Metallurgical Breakthrough at Maronan

Maronan Metals Limited (ASX: MMA) has unveiled compelling metallurgical optimisation results from its Maronan Project in Queensland’s Cloncurry region. The company’s recent test work on carbonate-hosted silver-lead ore has yielded exceptionally high-grade concentrates, with lead grades surpassing 74% and silver concentrations exceeding 2900 grams per tonne. These results come with impressive metal recoveries, up to 95% for lead and 91% for silver, highlighting the ore’s strong economic value and processing amenability.

These outcomes were achieved using a straightforward flotation approach involving a primary grind to 100 microns and a regrind and cleaning stage at 23 microns. Notably, the flotation reagents employed are common industry standards, similar to those used in nearby base metal operations, which performed exceptionally well without the need for complex or proprietary chemicals.

Addressing Processing Challenges

One of the key challenges in processing silver-lead concentrates is managing deleterious elements that can incur penalties during smelting. The test work showed that antimony and fluorine levels in the final concentrate are minor and mostly below penalty thresholds. Importantly, fluorine, a common concern in the Mount Isa district, was effectively reduced by more than 50% through a targeted leach process, bringing levels down to industry-acceptable limits. This leaching step, conducted under controlled pH and temperature conditions, demonstrates a practical pathway to mitigate potential penalties and enhance concentrate marketability.

Strategic Implications for the Maronan Project

These metallurgical results build on prior sighter test work and provide a robust foundation for Maronan Metals to refine its mine production parameters and processing flowsheet. Managing Director Richard Carlton emphasised the significance of these findings, noting that carbonate-hosted silver-lead ore is expected to constitute a substantial portion of early production. The high recoveries and concentrate grades achieved not only de-risk the project but also enhance its economic attractiveness.

Further metallurgical sampling is underway to deepen the characterisation of the ore and optimise processing design. The company is also advancing exploration and drilling activities to expand and upgrade resource confidence, particularly focusing on the Starter Zone where these samples originated.

Context within the Cloncurry Mining Hub

The Maronan Project sits within one of Australia’s most prolific mineral provinces, with a geological setting analogous to the nearby Cannington deposit, one of the world’s largest silver and lead producers. The deposit features multiple mineralisation styles, including bedded lead-silver and structurally controlled copper-gold zones, offering diverse development options. The metallurgical success with the carbonate-hosted silver-lead ore adds a critical piece to the project’s value proposition, potentially enabling a phased mining approach that leverages early high-grade production.

As Maronan Metals continues to advance its exploration and metallurgical programs, the market will be watching closely for updates on resource upgrades, processing strategies, and potential production timelines.