Stellar Resources has reported robust metallurgical test results from its Severn Deposit, highlighting strong tin recoveries and production of a clean, high-grade concentrate. These findings reinforce the project’s potential as a low-cost, high-quality tin source in a stable jurisdiction.
- Tin recoveries around 75% with concentrates grading 45-50% tin
- Low impurity concentrate with minimal smelter penalty elements
- Magnetic separation reduces reagent consumption by 75%
- Preliminary offtake discussions underway following Asia Tin Conference
- Prefeasibility Study incorporating results targeted for completion in H1 2026
Robust Metallurgical Performance
Stellar Resources Limited has delivered encouraging metallurgical results from its Severn Deposit, the largest orebody within the Heemskirk Tin Project in Western Tasmania. Comprehensive testwork conducted by ALS Metallurgy Burnie confirms a pathway to strong tin recoveries averaging 75%, producing high-grade concentrates with tin content between 45% and 50%. This performance aligns closely with nearby Renison Bell operations, underscoring the deposit’s competitive quality.
The testwork was overseen by Geoff Beros, a seasoned metallurgist with direct experience at Renison Bell, lending confidence to the findings. The program also demonstrated that the ore’s mineralogy is dominated by pyrite, with only trace amounts of smelter penalty elements such as arsenopyrite and galena, which are effectively removed during processing. This results in a clean concentrate highly sought after by global smelters.
Process Efficiency and Environmental Benefits
Innovations in the processing flowsheet include the incorporation of magnetic separation techniques to remove siderite gangue, which has led to a significant 75% reduction in flotation reagent consumption. This not only lowers operational costs but also reduces the environmental footprint by decreasing tailings volume and enabling beneficial reuse of waste material.
Gravity concentration and flotation methods have been validated as robust and effective, with opportunities identified for further recovery improvements through optimization of sulphide flotation and fine-tin recovery technologies. These enhancements could increase overall tin recovery beyond current levels.
Market Interest and Strategic Positioning
Following Stellar’s participation at the Asia Tin Conference in Hong Kong, the company has initiated preliminary, non-binding discussions with multiple offtake groups. The clean, low-impurity nature of the Heemskirk concentrate, combined with Tasmania’s stable regulatory environment and renewable energy supply, positions the project as a premium tin source amid tightening global markets.
Stellar aims to complete its Prefeasibility Study by mid-2026, integrating these metallurgical results with updated resource estimates, mine design, and economic modelling. The project’s aspiration to produce 3,000 to 3,500 tonnes per annum of payable tin would represent about 1% of global supply, a notable contribution from a Tier-1 jurisdiction.
Looking Ahead
While the results are promising, some variability in tin losses during flotation indicates room for further optimization. The company’s ongoing work will focus on refining processing parameters and scaling up gravity separation trials. Investors will be watching closely as Stellar advances towards a definitive feasibility stage and commercial agreements.
Bottom Line?
Stellar’s strong metallurgical results at Heemskirk reinforce its potential as a premium tin supplier, but upcoming feasibility and offtake outcomes will be critical to unlocking value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will further optimization impact overall tin recovery and project economics?
- What terms and volumes might emerge from current offtake discussions?
- How will global tin market dynamics influence the Heemskirk project’s commercial viability?