Bellchambers Gold Testwork Yields 90-99% Recovery, Boosting Project Viability

Strong Metallurgical Performance at Bellchambers

Venus Metals Corporation has announced compelling metallurgical test results from its Bellchambers Gold deposit, located near Sandstone in Western Australia. The company’s recent testwork on seven reverse circulation drill intervals reveals gold recoveries ranging from approximately 90% to 99%, underscoring the deposit’s amenability to conventional processing techniques.

The testing program, conducted by ALS Global and overseen by SB Process Consultancy, focused on both oxide and fresh sulphide mineralisation. Results show oxide samples leach rapidly with minimal reagent consumption, while sulphide samples achieve near-complete gold extraction over 16 to 24 hours, albeit with moderate reagent use due to reactive sulphides and base metals.

Implications for Processing and Cost Efficiency

The strong gravity recoverable gold component, particularly in oxide zones, suggests that incorporating a gravity circuit ahead of cyanide leaching could capture a significant portion of gold early in the process. This conventional flowsheet approach is well understood in the industry and typically associated with lower technical risk and predictable operational performance.

Moreover, the relatively low cyanide and lime consumption in oxide ores points to a potentially low-cost production profile. While sulphide ores require more reagents, the testwork indicates opportunities for optimisation in grind size, cyanide concentration, and pH control, which could further enhance recoveries and reduce chemical costs.

Resource Context and Project Outlook

The Bellchambers Mineral Resource Estimate, updated in July 2025, stands at approximately 19,130 ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.36 grams per tonne. This resource base, combined with the favourable metallurgical characteristics, supports the economic viability of the project and lays a solid foundation for advancing towards development.

Venus Metals’ portfolio, which includes a range of Australian gold and base metal projects, benefits from this positive metallurgical confirmation. The company’s ability to process Bellchambers ore via a low-risk, conventional route enhances its attractiveness to investors and potential partners.

Next Steps and Market Implications

While these results are encouraging, further metallurgical optimisation work is anticipated to refine processing parameters and cost structures. Additional drilling and resource definition will also be critical to fully delineate the deposit’s extent and grade continuity.

For the market, Venus Metals’ announcement reduces uncertainty around processing risk and cost, potentially improving project valuation. It also positions Bellchambers as a promising contributor to the company’s growth trajectory in the competitive Western Australian gold sector.