[Ferro-Alloys.com]W Resources PLC (LON:WRES) has seen good extraction rates using a straightforward gravity separation method for tungsten ore produced at its La Parrilla operation in Spain.

 

End to end recoveries through the process plants circuit are estimated at 71% overall WO3 (tungsten trioxide).

 

Gravity recovery is a low cost extraction method where waste is separated from the metal through a washing and screening process.

 

X-Ray ore sorting has also confirmed the potential eventually to boost recoveries to over 93% by treating two-sized feed streams, W Resources said

 

La Parrilla is being developed in stages and the fast track first stage will be designed at a production rate of 1,300 tonnes per annum (tpa) with capacity to double that.

 

W Resources added it anticipates producing a tungsten product at 66% WO3 with arsenic levels less than 0.15%.

 

Michael Masterman, chairman, said:  "As we make good progress at La Parrilla, we are pleased to see our plant design and mine development underpinned by strong 70% plus metal recoveries.

 

“These results underpin the low capital and operating cost of the project and pave the way for plant engineering which is now underway and we remain on track for first production by the end of 2016.

 

Broker SP Angel said: "The test results show a relatively high rate of recovery, however, with a low grade resource (0.096% WO3) and prices of the benchmark ammonium paratungstate continuing at historically low levels, despite a modest upturn on Friday to US$190/200 per mtu, we consider that there is a very thin margin for error on any underperformance on recovery at La Parrilla."

 

Shares eased 4.08% in London to 0.47p.

 

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