Right Resources Posts Strong Tungsten Recovery from Blue Metallurgical Testing
Right Resources' Heavy Liquid Separation testwork on a Blue prospect sample yielded a high-grade tungsten concentrate with recoveries up to 81.6%, supporting gravity-based processing options.
- Heavy Liquid Separation delivers 66.5% WO₃ concentrate
- Tungsten recovery peaks at 81.6% at <1.0 mm crush size
- Fine grinding reduces recovery, flotation tests ongoing
- Sample from single location, larger validation planned
- Comprehensive metallurgical report expected in H2 2026
High-Grade Tungsten Concentrate Achieved in Laboratory
Right Resources Limited (ASX:RRE) has reported promising preliminary metallurgical test results from its Blue tungsten prospect near Tumbarumba, New South Wales. Heavy Liquid Separation (HLS) testwork on a 32 kg composite sample produced a high-grade tungsten sink product grading between 66.5% and 66.9% WO₃, with indicative tungsten recoveries reaching up to 81.6% at a crush size of less than 1.0 mm.
This outcome suggests that the tungsten mineralisation in the tested sample is amenable to gravity-based beneficiation using conventional equipment, a potentially cost-effective processing route. However, the sample was collected from a single surface location and is not considered representative of the entire Blue Prospect, limiting the scope of conclusions at this stage.
Recovery Trends and Processing Implications
The testwork involved preparing feeds crushed to three size fractions; less than 6.3 mm, 3.35 mm, and 1.0 mm; as well as a ground fraction at 80% passing 0.18 mm. Across the crushed sizes, tungsten recovery improved as particle size decreased, peaking at 81.6% recovery for the <1.0 mm feed. In contrast, the finely ground feed showed a lower recovery of 57.0%, indicating that fine grinding may hamper recovery through a gravity-first approach.
Right Resources emphasised that the lower recovery from fine grinding does not imply that fine tungsten particles are unrecoverable. Flotation and magnetic characterisation tests are underway to target fine particle recovery and middlings, with final metallurgical results expected in the second half of 2026. The HLS products have not yet been qualified as saleable concentrates, as further work is needed to address iron and sulfur content and product cleanup.
Mineralogical Insights and Next Steps
Semi-quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis identified quartz as the dominant mineral, comprising about 95% of the sample, with scheelite as the principal tungsten-bearing phase at approximately 1%. The absence of carbonate minerals or sulphides at quantifiable levels could simplify flotation testwork, pending confirmation across more representative samples.
Looking ahead, Right Resources plans to conduct flotation sighter tests using alternative reagent systems, magnetic characterisation to assess integration into processing flowsheets, and larger-scale validation of gravity separation using conventional equipment. The company is also preparing for a 3,000-metre geochemical drilling program at Blue scheduled for Q3–Q4 2026, aiming to build a more comprehensive understanding of the prospect.
Managing Director Graham Howard described the HLS results as "highly encouraging," noting that they support a gravity-first flowsheet approach and represent a significant step forward in advancing the Blue Prospect alongside broader exploration efforts in the Tumbarumba region.
Bottom Line?
While early metallurgical tests highlight strong tungsten recovery potential, the path to defining a scalable, saleable concentrate remains contingent on larger-scale validation and flotation results.
Questions in the middle?
- Will flotation and magnetic tests unlock fine tungsten recovery to complement gravity processing?
- How representative will larger-scale samples be compared to the initial single-location composite?
- Can the planned drilling program clarify the extent and grade variability of tungsten mineralisation at Blue?
