Americas Gold and Silver reported promising results from recent metallurgical testing at its Galena complex in Idaho, confirming high recoveries of antimony alongside strong silver and copper recoveries from ore currently being processed.
“I am very excited that results of our test work have successfully demonstrated the potential to recover antimony – which is designated as a critical mineral in the United States – from ore currently being mined at our Galena complex through a specialized flotation circuit,” said CEO and Chairman Paul Andre Huet.
“This breakthrough could significantly enhance value for Americas and its shareholders, as we currently receive no revenue, and were previously penalized for, the antimony in concentrates already produced. Furthermore, we‘re now well positioned as an early mover with the potential to become the only antimony producer in the United States, in the near-term.”
Although Galena has produced significant antimony over its life, the company historically has not realized value for this material due to its insufficient concentration and quality for smelter acceptance.
Americas Gold and Silver commissioned SGS Canada to conduct flotation tests on current mill feed. Antimony recovery was ~90-96% from ore grading ~1% antimony; silver recovery, ~98-99% from ore grading ~50 opt silver; and rougher concentrate grades, ~18-19% antimony and ~600 opt silver. These test results on the tetrahedrite material, noted the miner, indicate that a marketable concentrate may now be possible using modern metallurgical processes.