QMines Limited reveals metallurgical test results supporting a doubling of throughput at Mount Chalmers to 2Mtpa, boosting metal recoveries and expanding the mine plan to include Develin Creek and Mount Mackenzie.
- Throughput increased from 1Mtpa to 2Mtpa
- Concentrate production rises to 482,000 tonnes annually
- Metal recoveries improved – copper 98.1%, gold 88.7%, zinc 92.6%, silver 88.6%
- Pre-Feasibility Study update to include Develin Creek and Mount Mackenzie projects
- Simplified plant design expected to reduce CAPEX and OPEX
Scaling Up Mount Chalmers
QMines Limited has announced a significant advancement in its flagship Mount Chalmers project, with bulk flotation metallurgical test work supporting a doubling of processing throughput from 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 2Mtpa. This scale-up is underpinned by a simplified bulk concentrate strategy that not only increases production volumes but also enhances metal recoveries across copper, gold, zinc, and silver.
The test work, conducted on a blended composite of ores from Mount Chalmers and the nearby Develin Creek project, demonstrated outstanding recoveries, copper at 98.1%, gold at 88.7%, zinc at 92.6%, and silver at 88.6%. These improvements translate into a substantial increase in annual contained metals, with copper production expected to reach 14,000 tonnes and gold output around 25,000 ounces.
Strategic Integration of Regional Deposits
Importantly, QMines is expanding its mine plan to incorporate the Develin Creek and Mount Mackenzie projects, moving towards a centralized 2Mtpa processing hub in Central Queensland. This integration is expected to extend mine life, improve operational flexibility, and leverage shared infrastructure to enhance capital efficiency.
The updated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), scheduled for release in the first half of 2026, will reflect these changes, providing a comprehensive view of the project's economics, including anticipated reductions in capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX) due to the simplified plant design and increased throughput.
Simplified Processing and Future Growth
The shift from a sequential flotation process to a bulk flotation approach reduces complexity by consolidating flotation circuits, lowering reagent and energy consumption, and simplifying concentrate marketing. This streamlined flowsheet is expected to accelerate construction timelines and early cash flow generation.
QMines is also exploring advanced hydrometallurgical processing options, such as Fluid Bed Roaster (FBH) facilities, which could further improve metal recoveries and produce valuable by-products like sulphuric acid and high-purity iron.
Looking Ahead
With active drilling programs underway and multiple resource upgrades anticipated through 2025, QMines is entering a pivotal phase. The company’s Executive Chairman, Andrew Sparke, emphasized the focus on unlocking value and delivering organic growth, highlighting the potential for QMines to emerge as a mid-tier copper and gold producer with scale and longevity in Queensland.
Bottom Line?
QMines’ streamlined approach and expanded mine plan set the stage for a transformative growth phase, with the upcoming PFS update poised to clarify the project's full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated PFS quantify the financial impact of the throughput increase and simplified flowsheet?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with securing hydrometallurgical processing facilities?
- How might the integration of Mount Mackenzie influence the overall mine life and production profile?