Minerals 260 Boosts Bullabulling Gold Recovery Beyond 95%
Minerals 260 Limited has reported metallurgical test results from its Bullabulling Gold Project showing gold recoveries exceeding 95%, a significant improvement over historical averages. These findings set the stage for an updated resource estimate and feasibility study.
- Gold recovery surpasses 95% at multiple grind sizes
- Results outperform historical recovery of 87%
- Test work covers Phoenix and Bacchus deposits
- Recovery model update planned for December 2025
- Pre-Feasibility Study scheduled for mid-2026
Exceptional Metallurgical Performance
Minerals 260 Limited (ASX – MI6) has unveiled promising metallurgical test work results from its Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia, revealing gold recoveries exceeding 95% across a range of industry-standard grind sizes. This marks a substantial improvement over historical test work that averaged 87% recovery, underscoring the project's enhanced economic potential.
The Bullabulling Project, located 25 kilometres west of Coolgardie, hosts a 2.3 million ounce gold resource with an average grade of approximately 1.2 grams per tonne. The recent metallurgical program focused on composite samples from the Phoenix and Bacchus deposits, demonstrating consistent high recoveries even at finer grind sizes down to 53 microns.
Implications for Resource and Project Economics
These results are pivotal as Minerals 260 prepares to update its gold recovery model ahead of a revised Mineral Resource Estimate due in December 2025. The improved recovery rates could translate into higher projected gold output and better project economics, which will be further evaluated in the Pre-Feasibility Study scheduled for mid-2026.
Managing Director Luke McFadyen highlighted the significance of the findings, noting that the company identified an opportunity to improve recoveries by assessing finer grind sizes. He emphasized that ongoing studies will refine the relationship between grind size and recovery, optimizing plant design and operational efficiency.
Technical and Geological Context
The Bullabulling gold mineralisation is hosted within amphibolite facies rocks, a geological setting shared by other notable Western Australian gold deposits. The metallurgical test work confirmed the ore's amenability to conventional carbon-in-leach processing, with free milling characteristics across oxide, transitional, and fresh zones.
Minerals 260’s comprehensive metallurgical program included 30 variability samples representing all deposit areas, with testing conducted at ALS laboratories in Perth under the guidance of renowned consultant Aidan Giblett from Black Swan Metallurgy. The program builds on historical data from previous operators, including Resolute Mining, which mined the area in the 1990s.
Looking Ahead
With metallurgical and diamond drilling now complete for the Pre-Feasibility Study, Minerals 260 is well positioned to advance the Bullabulling Project towards development. The company also notes exploration upside with multiple targets along strike and at depth, suggesting potential resource growth beyond the current 2.3 million ounces.
Bottom Line?
Minerals 260’s metallurgical breakthrough at Bullabulling could redefine project economics as it moves toward resource update and feasibility milestones.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the improved recovery rates affect the project's overall valuation?
- What are the expected capital and operating cost implications of finer grind sizes?
- How might ongoing exploration impact the resource size and mine life?
