Remorse Iron Metallurgy Yields 68.8% Fe Concentrate in First Tests
Tempest Minerals reports promising initial metallurgical test results from its Remorse Iron discovery in Western Australia, highlighting high-grade iron concentrate with low impurities. Further results are anticipated to refine the project’s development potential.
- Davis Tube Recovery testing yields up to 68.8% iron concentrate at 25μm grind size
- Low impurity levels confirmed in initial metallurgical samples
- Remorse Deposit part of flagship Yalgoo Project with significant magnetite mineralisation
- Ongoing metallurgical testing on multiple composite samples underway
- Strategic collaboration with GreenSteel and Iron Pty Ltd to explore processing synergies
Overview of Metallurgical Breakthrough
Tempest Minerals Ltd (ASX: TEM) has delivered encouraging early metallurgical results from its Remorse Iron discovery, located within the Yalgoo Project in Western Australia. The initial Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) testwork on composite samples has produced iron concentrates reaching 68.8% Fe at a fine grind size of 25 microns, accompanied by notably low levels of impurities such as silica, alumina, manganese, and phosphorus.
This outcome is particularly significant given the deposit’s recent discovery in 2024 and the preliminary nature of the testing, which was conducted on a limited set of reverse circulation drill reject samples. The results suggest that the Remorse Deposit’s magnetite mineralisation could yield a high-quality iron product, enhancing its attractiveness for downstream processing and marketability.
Context Within the Yalgoo Project and Regional Setting
The Remorse Deposit forms a key part of Tempest’s broader Yalgoo Project, which spans over 1,000 square kilometres in a mineral-rich region hosting a variety of commodities including base metals, gold, and iron ore. The deposit itself was initially targeted for base metals but drilling revealed substantial magnetite zones with iron grades up to 39%, underscoring its dual commodity potential.
Located in the Warriedar Fold Belt within the Yalgoo-Singleton Greenstone Belt, the geology is characterised by banded iron formations with near-vertical dips, which the company has effectively intersected with angled drilling. This geological setting is known for hosting significant mineral deposits, and Tempest’s ongoing exploration and resource definition efforts are aimed at unlocking the full potential of this emerging iron asset.
Advancing Metallurgical Testing and Strategic Partnerships
Following the promising results from Composite 01, which combined nine one-meter intervals from a single drill hole, Tempest is progressing with metallurgical testing on eight additional composite samples. These will provide a broader understanding of the deposit’s variability and help optimise concentrate quality.
In parallel, Tempest has formalised a memorandum of understanding with GreenSteel and Iron Pty Ltd, a developing steel producer in the Mid-West region. This collaboration aims to explore processing synergies that could streamline the pathway from ore extraction to steel production, potentially enhancing project economics and regional industrial integration.
Looking Ahead
Tempest’s methodical approach, combining rigorous metallurgical testwork, detailed geological modelling, and strategic partnerships, positions the Remorse Deposit as a compelling iron ore development opportunity. The company plans to integrate forthcoming metallurgical data into its resource assessment and continue advancing project development studies, including pit optimisation and further drilling to improve confidence in resource estimates.
While these initial results are promising, they represent an early stage in the project’s lifecycle. Investors and stakeholders will be watching closely as additional data emerges, potentially shaping the future trajectory of this greenfield iron ore asset.
Bottom Line?
Tempest Minerals’ strong first metallurgical results at Remorse set the stage for accelerated project development and market engagement.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the remaining composite metallurgical results influence overall concentrate quality and recovery rates?
- What are the potential economic impacts of the processing synergies with GreenSteel and Iron Pty Ltd?
- How might further drilling and resource updates affect the timeline for project advancement and potential production?