ZMI’s ARGO Technology Hits Up to 99% Silver Recovery in Early Tests
Zinc of Ireland’s ARGO hydrometallurgical process achieves near-complete recovery of silver, lead, and copper from zinc leach residues, fast-tracking pilot plant plans for early 2027.
- ARGO achieves up to 99% silver recovery
- Lead and copper recoveries reach 100% and 91% respectively
- Consistent results from three European smelters
- Critical minerals testing underway for germanium, gallium, indium
- Pilot plant targeted for early 2027 with VLAIO funding
Exceptional Metal Recovery from Zinc Leach Residues
Zinc of Ireland (ASX:ZMI) has revealed strikingly high recovery rates from initial leach tests of its ARGO technology, with silver extraction reaching up to 99% across zinc leach residue (ZLR) samples sourced from three European smelters. Lead and copper also saw impressive recoveries, hitting 100% and 91% respectively, underscoring ARGO’s potential to reclaim nearly all valuable metals from what was previously considered difficult-to-treat waste.
Consistent Performance Across Multiple Sites
The testwork, conducted at the metallurgical research centre Solvomet in Belgium, involved triplicate leach tests on 500mL samples from each smelter. Results showed remarkable consistency, with average recoveries of 93% silver, 97% lead, 58% zinc, and 80% copper. This suggests ARGO’s flowsheet can reliably extract maximum value from diverse ZLR feedstocks, a critical factor for commercial scalability.
Pathway to Critical Mineral Recovery and Environmental Benefits
Beyond base metals, ZMI is progressing tests on critical minerals such as germanium, gallium, and indium, elements increasingly vital for high-tech and clean energy applications. Early indications highlight ARGO’s ability to concentrate these minerals, with detailed results expected soon. The technology also promises to reduce landfill volumes by producing saleable residual products, potentially easing environmental pressures on zinc smelters.
Fast-Tracked Pilot Plant Development
Buoyed by these outcomes and supported by a recent VLAIO grant, ZMI is accelerating ARGO’s development towards a pilot plant slated for early 2027. The program includes optimisation of leaching parameters and scale-up simulations targeting a full-scale installation capable of processing over 100,000 tonnes annually. Partnerships with SOLVOMET and Core Resources provide technical expertise critical to this advancement.
Strategic Implications for Zinc and Critical Minerals Supply
ARGO’s success could position ZMI at the forefront of a low-emission, hydrometallurgical approach to zinc and lead recovery, complementing its Kildare zinc deposit near Dublin. This aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainable metal extraction and the EU’s push for securing critical raw materials. However, the ultimate economic viability hinges on forthcoming critical minerals test results and pilot plant performance.
Bottom Line?
ARGO’s early test results set a promising foundation, but the next few months of critical minerals data and pilot plant progress will be pivotal for ZMI’s commercial trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- How will ARGO’s critical minerals recoveries impact project economics and market positioning?
- What operational challenges might arise when scaling from lab tests to pilot plant?
- How will evolving EU regulations influence demand for ARGO’s recovered materials?
