Nord Precious Metals' Test Work from Beaver Mine Tailings Produces Commercial High-Grade Silver Concentrate
Executive Summary
- Nord Precious Metals announced successful testing of its Falcon concentration technology, achieving a commercial‑grade concentrate of 2,114.9 g/t Ag – a 1,173% concentration factor from Beaver Mine stamp mill tailings.
- The results validate the company’s hub‑and‑spoke toll‑processing model and confirm regulatory acceptance from Ontario’s Ministry of Energy and Mines for inclusion in its forthcoming Recovery Permit.
- Commissioning of a 600 t/day modular gravity plant is planned for 2026, positioning Nord to process legacy tailings and generate high‑grade silver alongside critical battery metals.
Key Details
- Test Results – Falcon Technology:
- Head assay: 180.3 g/t and 205.8 g/t Ag (silver).
-
Concentrate grade: 2,114.9 g/t Ag (1,028–1,173% concentration factor).
-
Test Results – Spiral Technology (comparison):
-
Concentrated to 1,268.6 g/t Ag, representing a 616‑703% concentration factor.
-
Tailings Characterization:
- 354 m of sonic drilling in 2020 across 127 holes.
- Grades ranged 13.7–314 g/t Ag; average 79.0 g/t Ag.
-
Associated base metals: 165.8 ppm Co, 341.9 ppm Cu, 114.1 ppm Ni.
-
Regulatory Confirmation:
-
Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines issued written guidance (received Aug 29) confirming toll‑processing arrangements can be incorporated into Nord’s Recovery Permit application for the Temiskaming Testing Labs hub.
-
Environmental & Social Measures:
- Engaged Story Environmental (Haileybury, ON) to advise on permitting under the Recovery Permit framework.
-
Ongoing agreements with three First Nations groups; closed‑loop water recycling incorporated in testing program.
-
Future Operations:
- Automated gravity plant capacity: 600 tonnes per day (modular).
-
Plant commissioning scheduled upon receipt of permit, with initial processing targeted for 2026.
-
Qualified Person Statement:
- Technical information approved by Frank J. Basa, P.Eng., director and Qualified Person under NI 43‑101.
Notable Quotes
“These results validate both our technical approach and our district strategy,” said Frank J. Basa, President & CEO. “Material already mined sits at surface. The metallurgy is proven. The regulatory pathway is clear.”