Testing Increases Candeleria Leach Pad Recoveries

Testing Increases Candeleria Leach Pad Recoveries

VANCOUVER – Silver One Resources Inc. reported on the initial metallurgical testing using a novel, cyanide-free leaching process that can potentially double silver recoveries and cut leaching times. The leaching process is used in conjunction with a unique extraction process which is suitable for the recovery of silver from refractory mineralization.  This innovative leaching process involves a trademarked technology called TNS. The tests were conducted on representative samples of the largest heap leach pad (LP1) from the past-producing Candelaria Silver Mine in Nevada.

Preliminary metallurgical testing using EPS’ proprietary solutions have significantly increased Candelaria’s leach pad silver recoveries, exceeding 100% in comparison to previous testing using cyanide leaching. The sample tested consists of leached oxides from LP1, crushed to <1 inch (<25.4 mm) by previous operators, and has an average silver grade of 48.1 g/t. Crushing the leach pad material to =2 mm (2000 microns) has returned an average silver recovery of 49% in comparison to the cyanide leach test recoveries of 21% to 29% from past tests commissioned by the Company.

Additional short-term (5-15 minutes) milling to 550 and 110 microns (0.55 and 0.11 mm) increases the leach pad recoveries to 59.9% and 64.4%, respectively. The use of the trademarked TNS technology has positive ESG implications, notably because it reduces environmental impact. Unlike cyanide use, this process consumes minimal water, and no toxic effluents are produced. Furthermore, the residues (tailings) are inert and non-acid generating. More testing on material from both the existing leach pads and fresh ore is planned for the second half of 2024.

Gregory Crowe, President and CEO, said, “The impressive results from the initial testing using EPS’ technology have encouraged Silver One to expand this testing to cover both leach pads and fresh mineralization. The results show the technology performs well in the treatment of difficult or refractory mineralized material, such as the partially leached material on the Candelaria heap leach pads. The use of these proprietary solutions yields potential for possibly doubling silver recoveries in comparison to traditional cyanide leaching. This may positively impact the overall economics of the project. EPS’ leaching agents not only improve silver extraction but are also more environmentally friendly and save water by assisting in the dewatering of tailings, and the extraction process is simpler and potentially less costly. Furthermore, we are optimistic about this innovative technology as it is backed up by EPS’ years of research and development. We are looking forward to continuing testing to optimize the operating parameters, test diverse types of mineralized material including fresh never-leached material, and validate the results.”