Tectonic Metals Initiates Heap Leach Metallurgical Testing on Flat Gold Project

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 16, 2024 / Tectonic Metals Inc. announced the start of a multi-phase metallurgical column test program at the Chicken Mountain bulk-tonnage intrusion target within the Flat Gold Project in southwestern Alaska. This program is aimed at confirming heap leaching as a viable, low-cost gold processing method. Tectonic's CEO, Tony Reda, highlighted the cost and environmental benefits of heap leaching, particularly relevant as the average grade of gold deposits worldwide has diminished. The initial tests have shown promising gold recoveries of over 95%.

The 2024 program began using historically drilled samples to evaluate the potential of heap leaching. The testing involves two composites of lower and higher-grade material, focusing on leach kinetics and optimal crush sizing. This approach is expected to provide substantial insights into efficient extraction processes, significantly influencing operational costs.

The tests are overseen by Mr. Fred Lightner, P.E., a metallurgical engineer with extensive experience in heap leach projects, ensuring expert validation of the program conducted by Base Metallurgical Laboratories in Kamloops, British Columbia. This facility merges comprehensive testing capabilities to expedite the analysis and optimize the process based on the performance of various ore sizes and compositions.