TG Metals Advances Heap Leach Study at Van Uden with Higher Grade Early Production Scenario

Higher Grade Initial Production Identified at Van Uden

TG Metals Limited (ASX:TG6) is sharpening its focus on a heap leach operation targeting the laterite mineralisation at its Van Uden Gold Project in Western Australia. A preliminary scoping study has outlined an initial two-year production schedule featuring 486,250 tonnes of higher grade laterite at 0.7 g/t gold, equating to approximately 10,920 ounces. This grade notably exceeds the 0.57 g/t average of the total laterite resource of 1.05 million tonnes containing 17,700 ounces, suggesting a potential for more robust early cash flow.

The study, still in its early stages, points to a low capital and operating cost pathway, capitalising on exceptional metallurgical recoveries exceeding 90% achieved in recent heap leach testwork. These results, combined with short leaching times, underpin the economic promise of the project’s near-term production prospects.

Preliminary Mine Design and Scheduling Insights

Preliminary mine design work has isolated the laterite resource from the broader deposit, optimising pit shells and heap leach pad layouts to prioritise higher grade material. The proposed heap leach pad is designed around a nominal 250,000 tonnes per annum stacking capacity, with the initial 104-week schedule focusing on the higher grade 0.7 g/t portion of the resource. This strategic sequencing could enhance early project economics by accelerating gold production.

The optimised pits are shallow, requiring minimal infrastructure for access, and are located adjacent to the proposed processing plant. Further schedule refinement is expected as capital and operating cost estimates are finalised.

Advancing Metallurgy, Process Design, and Equipment Procurement

Heap leach column testwork continues, with residue testing underway to confirm final gold recoveries and reagent consumption, critical inputs for the process design criteria and financial modelling. The process design envisions a conventional heap leach circuit involving mining, crushing, agglomeration, stacking, and leaching to activated carbon absorption. Initial plans assume offsite stripping of gold-loaded carbon, with onsite gold room infrastructure incorporated into the design but excluded from early capital expenditure.

TG Metals has engaged WSP Australia Consultants for geotechnical input on leach pad design and is sourcing materials locally for construction. Equipment suppliers with heap leach expertise are providing quotes, and the company is exploring used equipment options to reduce capital costs and delivery timelines.

Exploration and Financing Progress

Complementing the study, TG Metals is awaiting assay results from recent auger and diamond drilling programs aimed at expanding the laterite resource. The company is also pursuing approvals for further reverse circulation drilling along the strike of the Van Uden deposit, seeking to convert unclassified material into a new mineral resource estimate.

Contractors and equipment suppliers have expressed willingness to offer financing solutions, which will be evaluated alongside the study outcomes. This parallel progress on permitting, design, and financing suggests a methodical approach to advancing the project towards development decisions.

Strategic Location and Resource Base

The Van Uden Gold Project sits within the Forrestania Greenstone Belt, a prolific gold region in Western Australia, and benefits from proximity to operating and care-and-maintenance gold processing plants. The broader deposit hosts a total mineral resource of nearly 8 million tonnes at 1.06 g/t gold for 270,800 ounces, with 56% classified as Indicated, supporting near-term mining studies.

TG Metals’ focus on the surficial laterite mineralisation for heap leach processing represents a strategic pivot to unlock value through a lower capex, rapid production pathway. The company’s dual focus on gold and lithium assets in the region underlines its diversified approach to resource development.