Resolution Minerals has confirmed exceptional tungsten grades in stockpiles at its newly acquired Johnson Creek Mill, setting the stage for a rapid JORC upgrade and potential near-term production aligned with US critical minerals strategies.
- 1.85% WO3 tungsten grade confirmed in 93.6kg composite sample
- Stockpiles contain approximately 2,000 tonnes of tungsten ore from Golden Gate Mine
- Scheelite identified as dominant tungsten ore mineral with low impurities
- Plans underway for detailed sampling and volumetric surveys to achieve JORC compliance
- US government’s critical minerals policy supports fast-tracking tungsten production
Historic Stockpiles Reveal Promising Tungsten Grades
Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) has announced encouraging assay results from preliminary sampling of historical stockpiles at the Johnson Creek Tungsten and Antimony Mill in Idaho, USA. The composite mini-bulk sample, weighing 93.6 kilograms and derived from six distinct locations within the stockpiles, returned a tungsten grade of 1.85% WO3. This grade aligns closely with historical production figures from the Golden Gate Tungsten Mine, from which the stockpile material originates.
Mineralogy and Purity Support Processing Potential
Independent mineralogical analysis identified scheelite (CaWO4) as the predominant tungsten ore mineral, a positive indicator given scheelite’s favourable metallurgical characteristics. The study also revealed low levels of impurities such as arsenic, molybdenum, and phosphorus, which simplifies downstream processing and enhances the potential for producing high-grade tungsten concentrates. The gangue minerals were mainly quartz, with minor calcite and potassic mica, suggesting good grindability and liberation prospects.
Strategic Acquisition and Development Plans
Resolution Minerals recently completed the acquisition of the Johnson Creek Mill and associated stockpiles, estimated to contain around 2,000 tonnes of tungsten ore. This acquisition complements the company’s broader Horse Heaven Project and positions it as a rare US-focused critical minerals player with in-house processing capabilities. The company is now advancing a detailed sampling and volumetric survey program aimed at upgrading the stockpiles to JORC Code 2012 compliance, a critical step towards commercial production.
Market Context and Policy Tailwinds
The timing of these developments is particularly significant given the US government’s proactive efforts to rebuild its tungsten supply chain as part of a US$12 billion initiative to stockpile critical minerals. Global tungsten prices have surged dramatically, from under US$400 to approximately US$2,200 per metric ton, driven by supply constraints and geopolitical tensions. Resolution Minerals’ ability to fast-track production from existing stockpiles could position it favourably to capitalise on these market dynamics.
Looking Ahead
While the current results are promising, the stockpile tonnage and grade remain historical estimates pending confirmation through further detailed exploration and sampling. Resolution Minerals plans to conduct volumetric surveys and specific gravity analyses to accurately quantify the resource. Concurrently, metallurgical test work and process flowsheet development will be critical to unlocking the stockpile’s full value and securing potential offtake agreements.
Bottom Line?
Resolution Minerals’ high-grade tungsten discovery in historic stockpiles could accelerate US critical minerals supply, but detailed JORC validation remains the next crucial step.
Questions in the middle?
- Will detailed sampling confirm the historical estimates and enable a JORC-compliant resource declaration?
- How quickly can Resolution Minerals advance processing and secure offtake agreements amid rising tungsten demand?
- What impact will evolving US critical minerals policies have on project economics and financing?