Hello RI Express Alkane Resources has advised that the Demonstration Pilot Plant (DPP) for its Dubbo Zirconia Project will start 24/7 full production in mid to late July. The DPP is located at ANSTO Minerals research facilities at Lucas Heights in Sydney's south. To date, the DPP has processed eight tonnes of ore in several short campaigns of a few days duration to test mechanics and processes. This has produced 9,000 litres of pregnant leach solution and recovered 50kg of zirconium product and 10kg of niobium concentrate. The move to a 24/7 operation will process the remaining 100 tonnes of ore by the end of 2008. Alkane's Dubbo Zirconia Project is located 30km south of Dubbo in NSW and is based on the world's largest in-ground resources of the metals zirconium, hafnium, niobium, tantalum and yttrium and rare earth elements. The deposit also contains significant uranium. A development commitment for the Dubbo Zirconia Project is anticipated in mid-2009. Alkane's other projects include:
- Tomingley Gold Project - currently has 606,000 ounce gold resource within the Wyoming deposits (75% in the Measured and Indicated categories). A recent discovery at Caloma could add significantly to this resource base and a substantial drilling program was completed recently to define this resource. A feasibility study is expected to be completed in early 2009
- ODEJV - Alkane's JV with Newmont has resulted in the discovery of a potentially significant gold deposit at McPhillamys within the Moorilda Project
- Galwadgere - a 2 million tonne 1.00% copper Indicated Resource is being reviewed for its development potential
Westbrook Financial Communications
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