OzAurum Takes Full Control of Mulgabbie North with Promising Heap Leach Tests

Regaining Momentum at Mulgabbie North

OzAurum Resources Ltd (ASX, OZM) has announced a significant development in its Mulgabbie North Gold Project, regaining full control of the heap leach feasibility study after its previous partner, Line Hydrogen (Australia) Pty Ltd, entered external administration and withdrew from the project. This shift allows OzAurum to steer the study without external delays and reset the technical approach on a stronger footing.

Strengthening Technical Oversight and Expertise

To ensure transparent and rigorous management of the feasibility study, OzAurum has engaged Burnt Shirt Pty Ltd to provide independent oversight. Additionally, the company has appointed Randall Pyper from Kappes Cassiday & Associates Australia (KCAA), a globally recognised leader in heap leach testwork and design, to lead the metallurgical testing program. KCAA’s pedigree includes advising on the successful Kanowna paleochannel heap leach project in 1987, lending considerable weight to the current effort.

Accelerated Inhouse Metallurgical Testing

Leveraging an inhouse laboratory facility in Coolgardie, Western Australia, OzAurum has commenced percolation testing under KCAA’s guidance. This capability enables up to five tests daily at no additional cost to shareholders, markedly accelerating the study’s progress. Early results are encouraging, 37 tests on the highest clay content paleochannel samples have averaged a percolation rate of 57,200 litres per hour per square metre, significantly exceeding the industry benchmark of 10,000 L/hr/m² for successful heap leaching.

Supporting Exploration and Resource Growth

Complementing the metallurgical work, OzAurum plans to commence reverse circulation drilling at the Mulgabbie North Cross Fault and at the James and Ben prospects. These efforts aim to provide fresh samples to refine processing pathways and potentially expand the resource base. The project currently hosts a JORC 2012-compliant Mineral Resource of approximately 11.64 million tonnes grading 0.70 grams per tonne gold, containing an estimated 260,000 ounces.

Outlook and Strategic Positioning

CEO Andrew Pumphrey emphasised the positive implications of regaining control and the technical progress made, "The consistently high percolation flow rates from even the most challenging clays bode well for the future success of the heap leach study. With these strong foundations, OzAurum is well-positioned to deliver a transparent, technically robust, and value-focused pathway to potential gold production." The company’s proactive approach to inhouse testing and expert engagement signals a renewed momentum for advancing the Mulgabbie North project.