Far East Gold Limited reveals promising metallurgical test results from its Idenburg project, showing gold recoveries around 95% using conventional processing methods. These early findings suggest a straightforward processing route but remain preliminary pending further testing.
- Preliminary tests show ~95% gold recovery at Sua prospect
- Gravity recoverable gold exceeds 50% in bench-scale tests
- Samples include low, high, and average grade composites
- Results support conventional gravity and carbon-in-leach processing
- Further metallurgical work required to confirm processing details
High Gold Recoveries Confirmed in Preliminary Tests
Far East Gold Limited (ASX:FEG) has unveiled encouraging early metallurgical results from its Sua prospect within the Idenburg Gold Project in Indonesia. Testing of composite drill core samples, conducted under the supervision of Mining One Consultants at PT Geoservices in Bekasi, indicates gold recoveries of approximately 95% using industry-standard gravity and carbon-in-leach (CIL) processing techniques. This aligns with historical test work from 2007 by PT Iriana Mutiara Idenburg.
Composite Samples Span Grade Spectrum
The test program evaluated three composite samples: a low-grade (1.1 g/t Au), a high-grade (39.8 g/t Au), and an average-grade (3.7 g/t Au) composite that reflects the inferred JORC 2012 resource average. Diagnostic leach tests revealed that 94-96% of the gold is present as free cyanidable gold, supporting the suitability of conventional CIL processing. Bench-scale gravity recoverable gold (GRG) tests showed more than 50% recovery for the high- and low-grade samples, suggesting a gravity circuit could effectively enhance recovery.
Implications for Processing and Project Development
Dr Mark Steemson, an expert metallurgist engaged by Far East Gold, described the results as "highly encouraging," highlighting the relatively straightforward processing route indicated by the tests. While the gravity recovery figures from bench-scale Knelson concentrators may overstate full-scale plant performance, the data nonetheless support incorporating gravity recovery into the flowsheet. Subsequent bottle roll leach tests on gravity tails achieved high gold recoveries, reinforcing the potential for efficient extraction.
However, intermittent bottle roll tests simulating heap leach processing showed significantly lower gold extraction (around 60% for the low-grade sample), suggesting heap leaching may be less effective for this ore type.
Resource Status and Next Steps
Importantly, Far East Gold emphasises that these metallurgical results are preliminary and do not establish an Ore Reserve or imply a production decision. The Sua prospect's mineral resource remains classified as an Inferred Mineral Resource under JORC 2012, with no material changes since the December 2024 estimate by SMGC. Further metallurgical test work is planned to refine processing parameters, recoveries, and reagent consumption.
This update follows Far East Gold's recent environmental approval for accelerated drilling at Idenburg, which could expedite resource definition and development planning. The company’s methodical approach to metallurgical validation complements its ongoing exploration and resource expansion efforts documented earlier in 2026.
Technical and Regulatory Compliance
The metallurgical testing was conducted with rigorous quality controls and reviewed by qualified professionals, including Dr Steemson and Mr Michael C Corey, Far East Gold’s General Manager of Exploration. The work complies with the 2012 edition of the JORC Code, ensuring transparency and reliability of the reported results.
Bottom Line?
While promising, these initial metallurgical results require further validation before they can underpin development decisions or resource upgrades.
Questions in the middle?
- Will further metallurgical testing confirm these high gold recoveries at scale?
- How might the processing route evolve as resource definition improves?
- What timeline can investors expect for an Ore Reserve declaration or production decision?