Can Ballymore’s Cyanide Alternative Transform Dittmer’s Sustainability?
Ballymore Resources reports outstanding metallurgical test results from its Dittmer Project, confirming high recoveries of gold, silver, and copper through multiple processing methods, including promising cyanide alternatives.
- Exceptional gold recovery rates exceeding 96% via flotation
- Silver and copper also show strong recoveries in optimized tests
- Cyanide leaching achieves near-total gold extraction within 48 hours
- Promising results from cyanide replacement technology under neutral pH
- Expanded mining lease application underway to unlock new underground zones
Metallurgical Breakthroughs at Dittmer
Ballymore Resources (ASX:BMR) has unveiled a series of metallurgical test results that significantly enhance the outlook for its flagship Dittmer Project in Queensland. The latest test work, conducted by Core Resources Pty Ltd alongside EnviroMetal Technologies, demonstrates excellent recoveries of gold, silver, and copper across flotation and cyanide leaching processes.
The standout flotation test produced a concentrate grading 208 grams per tonne of gold, 91.5 grams per tonne of silver, and 2.7% copper, with recoveries of 96.5% for gold, 80.2% for silver, and 87.8% for copper. These figures not only confirm the high-grade nature of the ore but also suggest that the processing methods are well-suited to the mineralogy of the deposit.
Cyanide Leaching and Sustainable Alternatives
Cyanide leaching tests further impressed, with gold recoveries reaching 98.7% after 48 hours and silver recoveries up to 89.5%. Importantly, the cyanide and lime consumption rates were within industry norms, indicating efficient reagent use. Ballymore is also exploring cyanide replacement technologies developed by EnviroMetal Technologies, which operate at near-neutral pH and promise environmental benefits by recycling reagents and minimizing wastewater discharge.
Initial tests of this alternative method yielded gold recoveries of approximately 95% on whole ore samples and 97% on flotation concentrates, signaling a potential breakthrough in sustainable gold processing. Ballymore’s Director of Operations, Andrew Gilbert, highlighted the strategic importance of this technology in aligning with the company’s sustainability commitments.
Advancing Mining and Operational Plans
Alongside metallurgical progress, Ballymore is advancing an expanded mining lease application that would grant underground access to extensions of the Duffer Lode and newly identified regional mineralisation. This expansion could unlock significant additional resources and support a robust restart of mining operations.
Further operational steps include ongoing ore sorting trials with TOMRA Sorting Pty Ltd and a comprehensive Stage 5 underground drilling program. These initiatives aim to refine ore processing and resource delineation ahead of production recommencement.
Looking Ahead
With strong metallurgical results underpinning its processing strategy and promising sustainability innovations in the pipeline, Ballymore Resources is positioning the Dittmer Project for a successful return to production. The company’s methodical approach to optimizing recoveries and expanding mining tenure reflects a commitment to both economic and environmental performance.
Bottom Line?
Ballymore’s metallurgical advances and sustainability focus set the stage for a compelling next phase at Dittmer, but key operational and regulatory milestones remain.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the cyanide replacement technology scale in commercial operations?
- What are the projected capital and operating costs for the processing plant restart?
- When can investors expect clarity on the expanded mining lease approvals?