PC Gold Achieves 99.4% Gold Extraction at Coarse Grind in Spring Hill Metallurgy
PC Gold’s latest metallurgical testwork at Spring Hill reveals exceptional gold recoveries at coarse grind sizes, promising lower processing costs and higher throughput. The Pre-Feasibility Study remains on track for mid-November delivery.
- Up to 99.4% gold extraction at coarse 150µm grind size
- Gravity gold recoveries between 33.1% and 48.9%
- Weathered zones show free milling and low abrasion
- Low lime and cyanide consumption confirmed
- Updated density data to inform December Mineral Resource Estimate
Exceptional Gold Recovery at Coarse Grind Size
PC Gold Limited (ASX:PC2) has delivered compelling metallurgical results from its Spring Hill Gold Project, confirming up to 99.4% gold extraction at a notably coarse grind size of P80 150 microns. This level of recovery, particularly from the weathered oxide zones, stands out for its potential to materially reduce plant power consumption and processing costs, while boosting throughput.
The gravity gold recoveries ranged from 33.1% to 48.9%, with all tested lithological domains achieving overall gold extractions between 90.2% and 99.4%. The weathered composites MC1 and MC2, representing oxide and transitional mineralisation, were free milling and exhibited very low abrasion indices, which bodes well for efficient processing.
Metallurgical Testwork Details and Implications
Six master composite samples covering oxide, transitional, and fresh domains underwent comprehensive testwork by Bureau Veritas and Strategic Metallurgy. The program included assays using photon and screen fire methods, comminution tests, rheological assessments, and gravity-leach and gravity-CIL (carbon-in-leach) tests. The results showed very low lime and cyanide consumption, attributed to the mineralisation character and high-quality site water.
Fresh domain composites (MC3 to MC6) showed a preference for CIL over CIP processing at finer grind sizes (P80 106 microns), with gold extractions up to 98.7%. Ongoing testwork aims to assess whether coarser grind sizes can maintain these high recoveries, which would further enhance operational efficiencies.
Updated Density Data to Refine Resource Estimates
True specific gravity measurements on composites ranged from 2.87 to 3.07 t/m3, consistently higher than the bulk densities used in the July 2026 Interim Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). The Link Zone, notable for its hematite and maghemite content, is undergoing targeted density testing and is expected to have an even higher bulk density. These findings will feed into the December 2026 MRE update, potentially improving resource tonnage and grade confidence.
Executive Chair Ashley Pattison highlighted the significance of the coarser grind size liberation, stating it could drive down power requirements and processing costs while increasing throughput. This aligns with PC Gold’s strategy to advance Spring Hill towards production with a clear focus on cost-effective development.
Pathway to Pre-Feasibility Study Completion
The Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) remains on schedule for mid-November 2026, integrating these metallurgical insights alongside ongoing infill drilling, resource upgrades, and infrastructure planning. PC Gold continues to progress multiple development workstreams in parallel, including underground refurbishment and environmental approvals, positioning Spring Hill for a streamlined transition to feasibility.
With the recent resource expansion to 1.51 million ounces gold and strong metallurgical performance, PC Gold is steadily building the technical foundation to support a robust development case. The pending December resource update and PFS delivery will be critical milestones for investors assessing project economics and production potential.
Bottom Line?
PC Gold’s strong coarse grind recoveries and low reagent use at Spring Hill hint at a more cost-efficient operation ahead, but upcoming PFS and resource updates will be key to confirming the project’s commercial viability.
Questions in the middle?
- Can ongoing testwork confirm consistent high recoveries at even coarser grind sizes?
- How will updated bulk density data impact the December Mineral Resource Estimate tonnage and grade?
- What are the expected cost savings and throughput gains from the coarser grind liberation in the final PFS?
