Nex Metals Explorations is progressing metallurgical test work at its Kookynie Tailings Project, targeting a capital-light gold production pathway and completion of drilling by October 2026.
- Metallurgical tests underway to optimise gold recovery flowsheet
- Samples submitted to ALS Metallurgy for detailed analysis
- Existing equipment supports low-capital beneficiation strategy
- Results to guide May drilling programme and October completion
- Partnership with Wangkatja Tjungukla Aboriginal Corporation underpins local benefits
Metallurgical Testing Targets Optimised Gold Recovery
Nex Metals Explorations Ltd (ASX:NME) has kicked off a metallurgical test work programme at its Kookynie Tailings Project, aiming to refine the processing flowsheet and verify gold concentrations ahead of planned production. Samples from tailings dumps near previous drill holes have been submitted to ALS Metallurgy, with results expected to shape the upcoming May drilling campaign and the broader development strategy.
Managing Director Ken Allen highlighted that existing equipment owned by both Nex Metals and its partner, Wangkatja Tjungukla Aboriginal Corporation (WTAC), appears well-suited to the proposed beneficiation approach. This alignment supports a capital-light pathway by avoiding reliance on third-party toll treatment and limiting additional investment.
Partnership with WTAC Emphasises Economic and Environmental Goals
The project is being developed under an Empowerment Profit Sharing and Rehabilitation Agreement with WTAC, reflecting a commitment to local participation and sustainable outcomes. WTAC Chairman David Canning emphasised the importance of generating economic benefits for the Nyalpa Pirniku people while ensuring the site is rehabilitated beyond standard requirements once operations conclude.
This collaboration builds on Nex Metals’ recent strategic moves, including its amended sale terms of the Arika joint venture, which will help fund the Kookynie development and exploration efforts in Western Australia and Egypt. The company’s focus on a capital-light model aligns with its broader strategy to become a cash-generative gold producer without heavy upfront costs, as detailed in its amended Arika JV sale terms.
Detailed Test Work Programme to Guide Development
The test work includes particle size distribution, grindability assessments, and gravity concentration techniques such as Heavy Liquid Separation and Knelson Concentration. These steps aim to isolate gold concentrates efficiently, followed by direct cyanidation tests to evaluate final gold recovery. The programme is expected to run for one to two months, with progressive refinements as data emerges.
Samples were carefully selected from tailings dumps 5 and 6, chosen for their proximity to previous drill holes to allow grade inference from historic assay data. This approach ensures the test work reflects representative material, critical for designing an effective processing flowsheet.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
Nex Metals targets completion of the metallurgical test work and drilling programme by October 2026, progressing permits and approvals in parallel. The company’s strategy to develop its own beneficiation capability, leveraging existing infrastructure, aims to improve recoveries over historical methods without significant capital expenditure.
While the test work results remain pending, they will be pivotal in confirming the viability of the proposed processing route and informing the scale and scope of subsequent development. The project’s progress continues to be a key focus for Nex Metals as it balances exploration ambitions with operational pragmatism.
Bottom Line?
Metallurgical results will be crucial to confirm if Nex Metals can deliver a low-cost, capital-light gold recovery process at Kookynie ahead of October milestones.
Questions in the middle?
- Will metallurgical testing confirm gold recoveries sufficient to support standalone beneficiation?
- How will the May drilling results influence the scale and economics of the Kookynie Tailings Project?
- What impact will the WTAC partnership have on operational timelines and community outcomes?