PTX Metals Demonstrates 97% Copper Recovery from Locked Cycle Test at W2 Copper-Nickel-PGE Project
Locked-cycle tests confirm high copper recovery at the W2 deposit, supporting the bulk-tonnage potential of the PTX project.
PTX Metals Inc. (PTX) announced the results of its first locked-cycle test on samples from the W2 Copper-Nickel-PGE Project in Northern Ontario. Conducted at SGS Lakefield, the test simulated continuous processing conditions and demonstrated a 97% copper recovery into a high-grade concentrate grading 28% Cu.
Precious metal recoveries were also reported:
- 70% palladium (grading 7.2 g/t Pd)
- 54% gold (grading 0.8 g/t Au)
- Platinum recovery was minimal at 2.3%
The processing flowsheet was simple: grinding to 80% passing 50 microns, followed by rougher flotation and three cleaning stages. Nickel recovery was not assessed due to mass limitations; future testing will focus on nickel, improving precious metal recoveries, and evaluating grind size variability. Management views the results as a technical validation point that de-risks the project and builds the foundation for longer-term evaluation.
PTX Metals Inc. (PTX) released results on August 17, 2026, following up on initial metallurgical data from June 15, 2026, which demonstrated copper recoveries of 92-97% and a 28% Cu concentrate grade. The company’s locked-cycle test confirmed these initial findings under steady-state conditions, validating the technical feasibility of producing a saleable copper concentrate from the W2 mineralization.
This update represents an expected, incremental step in the standard metallurgical testwork sequence for a junior explorer. The news does not introduce new financial data, resource estimates, or immediate development timelines, nor does it alter the company's financial position or near-term cash flow profile.
PTX Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on two primary assets in Ontario. The W2 Copper-Nickel-PGE-Gold Project is located at the gateway to the Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario. The project features a large, sulfide-bearing gabbroic unit with disseminated to massive sulfide zones. Recent drilling has extended the CA1 zone footprint to approximately 1 km x 1.2 km.
The company also holds the Shining Tree Gold Project, located south of Timmins in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. PTX Metals recently commenced Phase 1 drilling at the Ronda Target, targeting high-grade gold continuity based on historic trenching results up to 60.30 g/t Au.
Additionally, the company holds an equity stake in Green Canada Corp., which is undergoing a reverse takeover to become Green Canada Uranium Corp. The entity focuses on the Marshall uranium project in the Athabasca Basin.