Can Argent’s Kempfield Scoping Study Deliver Early Cash Flow Amid Development Risks?
Argent Minerals is fast-tracking diamond drilling and metallurgical testwork at its Kempfield Polymetallic Project to underpin a scoping study aimed at early cash flow and long-term development.
- Diamond drilling to commence within two weeks targeting Lodes 100 and 200
- Metallurgical testwork to assess heap leach and Carbon-In-Leach processing routes
- Kempfield resource upgraded to 63.7Mt at 69.75 g/t silver equivalent
- Preliminary Economic Assessment underway to evaluate project economics
- Ongoing regional exploration to expand Kempfield’s resource base
Accelerating Development at Kempfield
Argent Minerals Limited (ASX, ARD) has announced a significant step forward in the development of its flagship Kempfield Polymetallic Project in New South Wales. The company plans to initiate diamond drilling within the next two weeks, focusing on Lodes 100 and 200, to better define the vertical extent of mineralisation and to collect samples for metallurgical testing. This drilling phase is a critical component of a broader strategy to advance a Project Scoping Study that will evaluate early production opportunities.
Targeting Early Cash Flow Through Innovative Processing
The metallurgical testwork will explore multiple processing pathways, including heap leaching and Carbon-In-Leach (CIL)/flotation methods. Argent is particularly interested in assessing the potential for a heap leachable product, which could provide early cash flow to support the development of future hard rock mining operations and the construction of a CIL plant. BHM Process Consultants Pty Ltd is conducting a detailed review of historical metallurgical data to inform a Preliminary Economic Assessment, which will provide early insights into revenue potential, operating costs, and overall project economics.
Robust Resource Base Underpins Development Plans
The Kempfield Project boasts a recently upgraded Mineral Resource of 63.7 million tonnes at 69.75 grams per tonne silver equivalent, containing approximately 65.8 million ounces of silver, 125,192 ounces of gold, 207,402 tonnes of lead, and 420,373 tonnes of zinc. This substantial polymetallic resource positions Kempfield as a significant asset in the region, with Argent aiming to leverage its scale and quality to progress toward production. The upcoming drilling and metallurgical programs are designed to de-risk the project by providing critical technical data to support the scoping study and future feasibility work.
Continued Exploration and Regional Growth
While focusing on near-term development at Kempfield, Argent Minerals remains committed to expanding its resource base through ongoing exploration across its broader Kempfield and regional portfolio. The company envisions Kempfield as a scalable, multi-deposit development hub within one of New South Wales’ most prospective mining regions. This dual approach of advancing development while pursuing exploration underscores Argent’s strategy to create long-term shareholder value.
Looking Ahead
The results from the diamond drilling and metallurgical testwork will be pivotal in shaping the next phase of Kempfield’s development. The forthcoming Project Scoping Study will provide a clearer picture of the project’s economic viability and potential pathways to production, including the possibility of early-stage heap leach operations. Investors and analysts will be watching closely as Argent delivers these critical technical milestones.
Bottom Line?
Argent’s accelerated drilling and testwork mark a decisive move toward unlocking Kempfield’s value, setting the stage for potential early production and sustained growth.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the metallurgical testwork confirm the viability of heap leach processing for early cash flow?
- How will the Preliminary Economic Assessment influence Argent’s development timeline and financing plans?
- What potential exists for further resource expansion beyond Lodes 100 and 200 through ongoing exploration?
