OD6 Metals reveals multi-element assay results from its Quinn Fluorspar Project showing exceptionally low impurities and high fluorspar grades, supporting potential direct shipping Metspar and upgraded AcidSpar products.
- Horseshoe deposit averages 70.9% CaF2 with minimal impurities
- Mammoth deposit requires upgrading but shows low contaminant levels
- Low sulphur and base metals reduce environmental and processing risks
- Metallurgical testwork underway with TOMRA ore sorting and flotation
- Quinn positioned as strategic US domestic fluorspar source
Horseshoe Deposit Delivers High-Grade Fluorspar with Minimal Contaminants
OD6 Metals (ASX:OD6) has reported multi-element assay results from its Horseshoe and Mammoth fluorspar deposits at the Quinn Project in Nevada, confirming exceptionally low impurity levels that support the production of premium fluorspar products. The Horseshoe deposit stands out, with an average fluorspar grade of 70.9% CaF2; well above the 60% threshold for Metspar products; and trace levels of deleterious elements such as lead, arsenic, and sulphur.
This combination positions Horseshoe as a strong candidate for Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) Metspar, potentially requiring minimal processing beyond simple crushing and optical ore sorting. The low sulphur content is particularly notable, as it mitigates acid mine drainage risks and eases environmental permitting challenges.
Mammoth Shows Promise with Low Impurity Levels Despite Lower Grade
The Mammoth deposit, while presenting a lower average CaF2 grade of 40.8%, also exhibits low levels of contaminants including lead, arsenic, cadmium, uranium, and thorium. OD6 plans to upgrade Mammoth material through ore sorting and flotation to meet Metspar and AcidSpar specifications. The lower carbonate content at Mammoth compared to Horseshoe could simplify processing, although higher silica levels will require suppression during flotation.
Metallurgical Testing to Optimize Product Quality and Processing
OD6 is advancing a comprehensive metallurgical program involving modern optical ore sorting with TOMRA in Germany and flotation optimisation with Core Resources in Australia. These tests aim to validate processing flowsheets that can upgrade raw ore to premium AcidSpar (>97% CaF2) and Metspar products. Results from these programs are expected later this year and will inform pilot-scale testing and offtake sample generation.
The metallurgical work builds on extensive sampling across Quinn’s multiple deposits and leverages historical data, potentially reducing development timelines and costs. The project’s location in Nevada, a top-ranked mining jurisdiction, further supports its strategic appeal.
Strategic Importance Amid US Fluorspar Import Reliance
Fluorspar is classified as a critical mineral in the United States, which currently imports 100% of its fluorspar needs, primarily from China. OD6’s Quinn Project, with its high-grade, low-impurity fluorspar, could become a vital domestic source for industrial, chemical, defence, and advanced manufacturing sectors reliant on fluorspar-derived products such as hydrofluoric acid, AI semiconductors, and battery technologies.
Managing Director Brett Hazelden highlighted the project’s potential to produce both Metspar and AcidSpar products with significant flexibility for future development. He emphasised the environmental advantages of the low sulphur and radionuclide content, which reduce processing challenges and environmental risks.
Global Comparison Underlines Quinn’s Competitive Edge
Compared to major fluorspar deposits worldwide, including Mexico’s Las Cuevas and Italy’s Silius, Quinn’s Horseshoe and Mammoth deposits exhibit markedly lower concentrations of problematic elements such as arsenic, lead, and uranium. This reduces the need for complex processing circuits and mitigates environmental liabilities often associated with fluorspar mining.
Such low impurity profiles are rare among epithermal fluorspar systems, where base metals and sulphides commonly complicate processing and increase acid mine drainage risks.
Bottom Line?
OD6’s low-impurity fluorspar results at Quinn set the stage for streamlined processing and a strong bid to supply critical US markets, pending upcoming metallurgical outcomes.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming metallurgical testwork influence the economic feasibility of producing AcidSpar versus Metspar at Quinn?
- What timeline and regulatory hurdles does OD6 face in securing bulk sampling permits and advancing to pilot-scale production?
- How might US policy shifts on critical minerals impact offtake negotiations and pricing for Quinn’s fluorspar products?