TG Metals Limited has achieved over 90% gold recovery in heap leach testwork on its Laterite resource at the Van Uden Gold Project, advancing preparations for a final investment decision in Q3 2026.
- Heap leach recoveries exceed 90% after 52 days
- Laterite resource of 1.05 Mt at 0.52 g/t Au identified for initial processing
- Transition material of 1.85 Mt at 1.05 g/t Au shows heap leach potential
- Mining proposal lodgement and contractor engagement underway
- Final investment decision targeted for Q3 2026
Heap Leach Testwork Breaks 90% Recovery Barrier
TG Metals Limited (ASX:TG6) has reported a significant boost in gold recovery from its heap leach testwork on Laterite mineralisation at the Van Uden Gold Project in Western Australia. Column leach tests have now surpassed 90% recovery after just 52 days, improving on previous results of 88% after 35 days. One sample even showed an indicative 99.8% recovery, although this is attributed to assay grade underestimation and will be refined upon completion of the full leach cycle.
The exceptional metallurgical performance underscores the suitability of heap leaching for Van Uden’s surface Laterite ore, which is physically amenable to rapid gold extraction. CEO David Selfe highlighted that these results reinforce the company’s strategy to process gold onsite via heap leach, avoiding transport, grinding, and tailings dam costs, thereby lowering capital and operating expenses.
Resource Base Supports Low-Cost Processing
The currently defined Laterite resource available for heap leach processing stands at 1.05 million tonnes grading 0.52 g/t Au, containing approximately 17,700 ounces of gold. Additionally, transition material totaling 1.85 million tonnes at 1.05 g/t Au (62,400 ounces) has been identified as potentially amenable to heap leach, pending further testwork. This resource base provides a substantial feedstock for a near-term, low-cost heap leach operation.
Multiple new Laterite targets have been delineated through soil sampling across TG Metals’ tenure, offering the prospect of doubling the existing Laterite resource if drilling confirms mineralisation continuity. This potential expansion is a key focus, with first stage grade control drilling planned following finalisation of pit designs. These developments build on the company’s recent efforts to advance the project’s resource base and heap leach feasibility studies, as detailed in prior updates.
Advancing Towards Final Investment Decision
Preparations for project development are accelerating. TG Metals has initiated lodgement of a Mining Proposal to cover Laterite mining and heap leach infrastructure, with engagement of mining contractors underway. Equipment sourcing has progressed, including identification of used heap leach plant to expedite startup, with final equipment decisions expected imminently.
Mining engineering studies are advancing, guided by preliminary heap leach pad designs that will be refined once full metallurgical parameters are established at the end of the column leach testwork. The company aims to make a final investment decision by Q3 2026, positioning the Van Uden project for rapid progression to production.
Van Uden’s Growing Gold Resource Context
The Van Uden Gold Project’s total Mineral Resource Estimate was recently updated to 7.935 million tonnes at 1.06 g/t Au for 270,800 ounces, with the Indicated category increasing by over 120%. The Laterite component, reported at a lower cutoff grade, offers a near-surface, low-cost mining opportunity well suited to heap leach processing. This complements oxide, transition, and fresh rock resources that may also be amenable to heap leach technology in future phases.
These resource expansions and metallurgical advances follow a series of drilling and exploration campaigns that have confirmed mineralisation continuity and extended the deposit footprint. The company’s comprehensive approach integrates resource growth with processing innovation to enhance project economics and reduce upfront capital intensity.
Next Steps in Metallurgical and Development Programs
TG Metals will continue the column leach testwork to complete the full leach cycle, refining recovery estimates and operational parameters. Further optimisation programs aim to improve reagent usage and lower operating costs. Concurrently, heap leach testwork on other mineralisation types at Van Uden is planned to evaluate broader processing options.
First stage grade control drilling targeting the Laterite zone will commence soon, aligned with staged pit designs. The company’s ongoing engagement with regulatory authorities and contractors signals a clear pathway to production, while the strategic sourcing of heap leach equipment could accelerate project startup.
These developments build on the company’s prior announcements on resource expansion and heap leach testwork results, underscoring a consistent trajectory towards unlocking Van Uden’s value through innovative, cost-effective processing methods and resource growth doubling laterite gold and 88% gold recovery in 35 days.
Bottom Line?
TG Metals’ heap leach advances at Van Uden suggest a compelling low-cost pathway to near-term gold production, but final recovery confirmation and project execution remain key hurdles.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the transition material confirm heap leach amenability and further enhance project scale?
- How will final column leach results impact operating cost forecasts and capital requirements?
- What is the timeline and risk profile for regulatory approvals and equipment procurement?