Getchell Gold Corp. is currently engaged in metallurgical research at its Fondaway Canyon gold project in Nevada. The initiative aims to enhance the gold extraction process and improve the quality of gold concentrates. The company has announced an expansion of its metallurgical studies, focusing on mineralized materials from the site, which are yielding promising results in terms of recoveries and concentrate characteristics.
In 2024, Getchell commenced preliminary metallurgical testing on both oxide and sulfide samples, contributing to a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) released in February 2025. This assessment proposes an open pit mining operation combined with a conventional milling process capable of processing 8,000 tonnes per day. The goal is to produce a high-grade concentrate for shipment to a local refinery.
2024 metallurgical studies
The initial metallurgical tests, known as the 2024 Met Study, demonstrated the effectiveness of conventional flotation techniques in processing mineralized materials. The study reported an impressive gold recovery rate of 84%, yielding a low-weight, high-grade concentrate. Additionally, it identified methods to enhance these recoveries, although further testing was postponed to align with the 2025 exploration efforts due to time constraints.
Key findings from the 2024 Met Study
A significant outcome of the 2024 Met Study was the multi-element analysis of the concentrate. It showed that any potentially harmful elements present were not in sufficient quantities to affect marketability adversely. This suggests that the concentrate will likely appeal to third-party smelters and pressure oxidation facilities, potentially enhancing its economic viability.
Looking ahead to the 2025 metallurgical study
As Getchell Gold Corp. plans for the future, the 2025 Met Study aims to build on the previous year’s findings. The primary objectives for the upcoming tests include upgrading the gold concentrate, refining metallurgical processes, and defining the concentrate’s market characteristics. By focusing on these goals, the company hopes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.
Objectives of the 2025 Met Study
The specific targets for the 2025 metallurgical testing include:
- Implementing techniques identified in the 2024 study to enhance gold recovery rates;
- Maximizing the gold grade of the concentrate;
- Reducing the mass pull, which refers to the weight percentage of the concentrate relative to the total ore feed;
- Confirming the multi-element composition of the concentrate.
Mass pull is a critical metric, as a lower percentage indicates a more selective extraction process, leading to a higher recovery of valuable minerals while minimizing non-valuable material in the concentrate.
The implications of successful outcomes from the 2025 Met Study are substantial. Enhanced gold recovery could significantly boost the project’s economic prospects, while a higher gold grade would improve the concentrate’s marketability. Additionally, reducing mass pull would lower associated shipping and processing costs, further enhancing profitability. Lastly, a lower concentration of harmful elements would increase the concentrate’s appeal to potential buyers and minimize milling penalties.
As the 2025 study progresses, results will be integrated into the next iteration of the PEA, providing valuable insights into the project’s future.
The scientific and technical details contained in this announcement were reviewed and approved by Patrick McLaughlin, P.Geo., the qualified person as defined under NI 43-101.
About Getchell Gold Corp.
In 2024, Getchell commenced preliminary metallurgical testing on both oxide and sulfide samples, contributing to a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) released in February 2025. This assessment proposes an open pit mining operation combined with a conventional milling process capable of processing 8,000 tonnes per day. The goal is to produce a high-grade concentrate for shipment to a local refinery.0
In 2024, Getchell commenced preliminary metallurgical testing on both oxide and sulfide samples, contributing to a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) released in February 2025. This assessment proposes an open pit mining operation combined with a conventional milling process capable of processing 8,000 tonnes per day. The goal is to produce a high-grade concentrate for shipment to a local refinery.1