Fitzroy Minerals Reports Copper Recoveries of up to 82.6% from Mini-Column Testing, with Preliminary Larger-Scale Results Trending Higher, at the Buen Retiro Copper Project, Chile
Fitzroy reports 82.6% heap-leach recoveries at Buen Retiro, de-risking the project’s 2028 production path.
Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (FTZ) announced initial metallurgical test results from SGS Laboratories for its Buen Retiro Copper Project in Chile. Mini-column testing achieved total copper recoveries of 59.9% to 82.6% after 21 days, with low-to-moderate acid consumption. Preliminary 1-metre column tests are trending higher, projecting recoveries of up to 95% for mixed material after 70 days.
Physical properties indicate soft, low-competency material favorable for crushing, with medium-to-moderate abrasivity. Process optimization using chloride (NaCl) improved copper recoveries by 3 to 5 percentage points in oxide units. Final metallurgical results are expected to inform the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) planned for Q2 2027. 3-metre column testing is scheduled to begin in early November 2026.
Metallurgical results for Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (FTZ) are in line with or slightly exceed initial management expectations for a heap-leach SX/EW operation. Recoveries above 80% with manageable acid consumption significantly de-risk the proposed processing route.
The news does not introduce new financial terms, production volumes, or unexpected strategic shifts. It is a standard, expected milestone in the PFS development path. The 2028 production target remains unchanged. The update confirms technical feasibility but does not accelerate the timeline or alter the capital structure.
Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (FTZ) is a Chile-based copper exploration and development company. Its flagship project is Buen Retiro, an Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) deposit located near Copiapó, Chile. The development plan targets a 2028 production start using a conventional and enhanced recovery heap-leach and solvent extraction/electrowinning (SX/EW) process.
Caballos is a secondary grass-roots porphyry Cu-Mo-Au project currently in the exploration and geophysical survey phase. Management aims to leverage cash flow from Buen Retiro to fund non-dilutive exploration at Caballos.