American West Metals has released a comprehensive JORC Code 2012 compliant report detailing its West Desert zinc-copper-indium-magnetite project in Utah, confirming robust resource estimates and metallurgical assumptions.
- JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate spans 700m by 500m by 775m
- Indicated and Inferred classifications based on extensive drilling and sampling
- Metallurgical test work underpins zinc, copper, and silver recovery assumptions
- Historical and recent drilling data integrated with advanced geological modelling
- Further metallurgical testing and drilling planned to refine resource and processing
Comprehensive JORC Report Affirms West Desert Resource Scale
American West Metals (ASX:AW1) has provided a detailed JORC Code 2012 compliant report covering its West Desert Zinc-Copper-Indium-Magnetite Project in Utah, USA. The resource spans roughly 700 metres along strike, 500 metres across, and extends to a depth of 775 metres, with mineralisation remaining open in several directions. This sizeable footprint consolidates decades of exploration, integrating historical drilling with recent assays and geological modelling.
The Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) distinguishes oxide and sulphide zones, with classifications divided into Indicated and Inferred categories. The classification hinges on the confidence in data continuity and the density of sampling, with the first pass indicating Indicated resources and the second pass covering Inferred resources. The MRE was developed using Maptek’s Vulcan 3D software and employed an Inverse Distance Squared interpolation methodology, tailored to lithologic domains.
Robust Sampling, Drilling, and Assay Protocols Support Resource Integrity
The report outlines rigorous sampling techniques, including diamond core and reverse circulation drilling, with samples collected from in-situ material and historic mine dumps. Assays were conducted at American Assay Laboratories in Reno, Nevada, employing fire assay for gold and ICP methods for base metals and critical elements such as indium and silver. Quality assurance measures incorporated certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates to maintain data integrity.
Drill core was oriented and logged with both qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring comprehensive geological characterization. The report notes no significant sampling bias, although it cautions that grades from historic mine waste dumps should be considered indicative due to limited historical controls. Gravity surveys using LaCoste & Romberg and Scintrex meters complemented the geological data, aiding in density contrast detection relevant to mineralisation.
Metallurgical Assumptions and Mining Methods Underpin Economic Potential
American West Metals has incorporated extensive metallurgical test work into the resource assumptions. Zinc recoveries are projected at 65% for oxide heap leach material, 85% for oxide mill leach, and 87% for sulphide mill flotation. Copper and silver recoveries are also factored into the sulphide mill flotation process, with 70% copper and 80% silver recoveries anticipated. These assumptions are based on representative samples and previous test programs, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the deposit’s processing characteristics.
The report assumes open pit and longhole open stoping mining methods with minimum stope widths of 3 to 5 metres. Bulk density values were derived from core density measurements, with outliers removed to establish representative averages for each lithology. Environmental considerations are noted as preliminary, with no restricting assumptions applied at this stage.
Historical Exploration and Future Work Highlight Project Upside
The West Desert Project benefits from a rich exploration history, with work dating back to the 1950s involving multiple operators including Pinnacle, Utah, Noble Peak, Cyprus, and InZinc Mining Ltd. This legacy data has been compiled and validated to support the current resource model. The deposit features skarn and carbonate replacement styles of mineralisation, hosting economically significant concentrations of zinc, copper, indium, silver, and magnetite.
Looking ahead, American West Metals plans further metallurgical test work to refine processing models and additional drilling to test geophysical targets and expand high-priority mineralised zones. This ongoing work aligns with the company’s strategy to advance the project’s development and enhance resource confidence.
The release also aligns with recent developments, including the company’s ongoing 5,000-metre diamond drilling campaign targeting critical metals expansion and its engagement with US government initiatives to bolster domestic critical minerals supply chains, as detailed in recent updates on diamond drilling program underway and high-grade critical metals.
Bottom Line?
The West Desert resource update solidifies American West Metals’ technical foundation, but the path to economic extraction hinges on upcoming metallurgical outcomes and drilling results.
Questions in the middle?
- How will further metallurgical testing impact recovery assumptions and processing costs?
- What are the implications of the open mineralisation for potential resource growth?
- How might evolving US critical minerals policies influence project financing and development?