Temas Resources has inked a Letter of Intent to validate its patented Regenerative Chloride Leach technology on a major refractory gold deposit, paving the way for a joint venture to commercialise the platform in Western North America.
- LOI signed with private developer for funded RCL testwork at Revel Ridge gold-silver project
- Testwork phases include bench-scale and pilot-scale to validate RCL on refractory gold ores
- Potential 80/20 joint venture formation to commercialise RCL technology regionally
- RCL platform offers cost-efficient, environmentally responsible extraction of multiple metals
- Refractory gold deposits represent a significant addressable market for RCL deployment
Temas Signs Strategic LOI for RCL Technology Validation
Temas Resources Corp has taken a significant step towards commercialising its innovative Regenerative Chloride Leach (RCL) technology by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) with 1542642 B.C. Ltd, a private mineral project developer. This agreement sets the stage for third-party funded metallurgical testwork on ore from the Revel Ridge polymetallic gold-silver project, which boasts a substantial 3 million ounce gold equivalent resource at a grade of 6.4 grams per tonne.
The LOI outlines a phased approach to validate the RCL platform's effectiveness on refractory gold systems, ores that are traditionally difficult and costly to process. Initial bench-scale testing will be followed by pilot-scale trials, all fully funded by the developer, aiming to demonstrate RCL's potential to improve metal recoveries and reduce environmental impacts compared to conventional processing methods.
RCL Technology – A Game-Changer for Complex Ores
Temas’ RCL technology is a patented hydrometallurgical process designed to extract multiple metals, including gold, silver, titanium, nickel, and rare earth elements, from complex mineralisation, concentrates, slags, and tailings. Operating at atmospheric pressure and lower temperatures, RCL offers a closed-loop reagent recycling system that significantly cuts operating costs and environmental footprint.
With 11 granted patents underpinning the platform, Temas has already demonstrated the technology’s potential through pilot testing at its titanium-vanadium projects in Québec, achieving over 65% cost reductions compared to traditional methods. The Revel Ridge project provides a real-world testbed to further validate RCL’s ability to unlock value from refractory gold ores, which represent approximately 22% of global gold resources.
Pathway to Commercialisation and Regional Deployment
Subject to successful testwork outcomes, the LOI envisages the formation of a joint venture (JV) between Temas and the developer, with Temas holding an 80% interest. This JV would focus on advancing the RCL platform towards commercial deployment across Western North America, targeting refractory gold and tailings projects.
The staged program includes three phases – technical and business development work, JV formation and funding, and eventual deployment and project development. The developer has committed to investing CAD 2 million upon proceeding to the JV stage, while Temas will leverage its deep regional experience to operate the venture and pursue further licensing opportunities.
Broader Implications for the Mining Sector
The potential success of the RCL platform at Revel Ridge could have far-reaching implications. Refractory gold ores have long posed challenges due to their complex mineralogy and environmental concerns associated with conventional processing. RCL’s lower energy requirements, closed-loop reagent use, and enhanced recoveries could offer mining companies a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
Moreover, Temas’ technology is not limited to gold; its versatility across critical and battery metals positions the company well amid growing demand for sustainable mineral extraction solutions. The ongoing confidential discussions with other third parties suggest a scalable commercialisation strategy beyond the initial JV.
Bottom Line?
Temas’ RCL technology is poised at a critical juncture, successful validation at Revel Ridge could unlock a new era of sustainable, cost-effective metal extraction across North America.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the pilot-scale testwork confirm RCL’s superior recovery rates on refractory gold ores?
- How quickly can the proposed joint venture be formalised and capitalised following testwork success?
- What other mineral projects might Temas target next for RCL technology deployment?