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Gold 4,030.20 −2.0% Silver 51.23 −2.8% Copper 6.27 −1.2% Oil 86.04 −0.9% Palladium 1,024.00 +0.2% NVX 0.910 +0.0% MSR 0.435 +0.0% ELE 22.85 −4.0% ALS 53.01 −2.2% APM 5.13 −6.6% AVL 5.46 −5.4% NG 8.84 −9.0% ATY 0.220 −2.2% CN 0.125 −10.7% PMET 3.22 −4.2% ITH 1.99 −11.6% VMET 12.33 −6.9% ABX 56.41 −5.6% PUR 0.370 +8.8% SCY 0.085 +6.2% AUMN 0.300 +7.1% Gold 4,030.20 −2.0% Silver 51.23 −2.8% Copper 6.27 −1.2% Oil 86.04 −0.9% Palladium 1,024.00 +0.2% NVX 0.910 +0.0% MSR 0.435 +0.0% ELE 22.85 −4.0% ALS 53.01 −2.2% APM 5.13 −6.6% AVL 5.46 −5.4% NG 8.84 −9.0% ATY 0.220 −2.2% CN 0.125 −10.7% PMET 3.22 −4.2% ITH 1.99 −11.6% VMET 12.33 −6.9% ABX 56.41 −5.6% PUR 0.370 +8.8% SCY 0.085 +6.2% AUMN 0.300 +7.1%
Production / Operations

Volta Initiates Gallium Recovery Study with Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada

By The Northwire Desk — AI Analysis Feb 17, 2026 · 06:01 VLTA · 0.18 Volta Metals Ltd.
VLTA · Price

Executive Summary

  • Volta Metals began laboratory‑scale bioleaching tests at Laurentian University targeting gallium and rare earth elements (REEs) from the Springer Deposit.
  • Initial test results showed recoveries of up to 75 % for gallium and 56 %–100 % for various REEs.
  • Phase‑two benchwork is underway, with results expected in Q3 2026; positive outcomes could lead to bulk leach validation and potential scale‑up.

Key Details

  • Test Program Partner: Dr. Vasu Appanna’s Biomine Research & Development laboratory (Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON).
  • Target Materials: Small batch of Springer “master mineral composites” representing historic intersected mineralization.
  • Initial Recovery Results:
  • Gallium – up to 75 % recovery.
  • REEs – recoveries ranging from 56 % to 100 %, including neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, dysprosium, and ytterbium.
  • Technology Approach: Combination of specialized microbial consortia, environmentally‑friendly chemical media, and affinity columns for selective metal extraction.
  • Next Phase (Phase‑Two Benchwork): Optimizing chemical and microbial conditions to maximize gallium/REE liberation; results anticipated Q3 2026.
  • Future Plans: If phase‑two results are positive, the program will progress to bulk leach validation studies aimed at scaling the process for commercial application.
  • Historical Resource Context: 2012 Springer resource (4.2 Mt Indicated @ 1.14 % TREO; 12.7 Mt Inferred @ 1.17 % TREO) is historic and not yet verified; an updated mineral resource estimate is expected this quarter based on 2025 drilling.
  • Qualified Persons: Dr. Vasu Appanna (independent QP for testwork); Dr. Julie Selway, P.Geo. (QP for historical deposit information).

Notable Quotes

  • “This sustainable extraction approach is expected to further unlock Springer's potential by supporting the efficient, domestic supply of highly critical and strategic elements.” – Kerem Usenmez, President & CEO, Volta Metals Ltd.
Read the original news release →

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Production / Operations