Québec Nickel Corp. (CSE: QNI; OTCQB: QNICF) announced the start of a scoping level metallurgical test work program at its 100% owned Ducros project operating in Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Québec. The objective of the metallurgical work program is to perform a preliminary evaluation of the amenability of the Fortin Sill Zone to produce saleable critical metals-bearing (Ni-Cu-Co-PGE+Au) concentrate. SGS Canada (“SGS”) has been contracted to complete the study at its Québec City laboratory facility.
Bottom Line: Mettalurgical testing is a key milestone for any project. The results of this study will allow Quebec Nickel to better understand the economics of the Ducros resource and to move towards mine planning and production.
The metallurgical study has been initiated to follow-up on significant drilling results returned from the Company’s 2022 exploration program at Fortin Sill Zone including:
- 31.00 metres of 0.37% Ni, 0.40% Cu, 176 ppm Co and 0.55 g/t Pt-Pd-Au in hole QDG-22-09 (May 16, 2022 News Release)
- 43.39 metres of 0.24% Ni, 0.25% Cu, 146 ppm Co and 0.35 g/t Pt-Pd-Au in hole QDG-22-28 (August 30, 2022 News Release)
- 11.80 metres of 1.44% Ni, 1,49% Cu, 461 ppm Co and 2.79 g/t Pt-Pd-Au in hole QDG-22-29 (August 30, 2022 News Release)
Figure 1: Photographs: metallurgical test work program drill core (Photo: Business Wire)
Metallurgical Drilling and Sampling
In April 2023, the Company completed several HQ diameter drill holes at the Fortin Sill Zone which will supply fresh material for the metallurgical test work program. The dedicated metallurgical holes were designed to mimic previously completed holes at Fortin Sill Zone and targeted three distinct styles and grades of mineralization including:
- Low grade disseminated and blebby sulphide mineralization with a target average grade of 0.30% nickel + copper
- Moderate grade blebby to heavily disseminated mineralization with a target average grade 0.75% nickel + copper
- High-grade net texture to semi-massive mineralization with a target grade of greater than 1.50% nickel + copper
A total of 150 kilograms of mineralized HQ diameter drill core has been collected for the study and comprises three 50-kilogram samples of each of the styles and target grades of mineralization. Select pieces of representative whole core were selected, catalogued, and packaged in secured plastic pails before being delivered to SGS’ Québec City facility.
Metallurgical Test Work Program
SGS has been contracted to complete a scoping level metallurgical test work program to evaluate the amenability of the Fortin Sill Zone to produce a saleable Critical Metals (Ni-Cu-Co-PGE+Au) concentrate(s). The scope of SGS’ work program includes:
- Bond ball mill grindability testing
- Floatation test work
- Solid-liquid separation testing and
- Environmental analyses
The flowsheet comparison will be performed on a blend of the three samples representing low, moderate, and high-grade Ni-Cu-Co-PGE-Au mineralization, culminating in a locked cycle test on the blended composite and batch rougher and cleaner tests and locked cycle tests on the grade variability samples using the best performing flowsheet.
The 150 kilograms of core samples arrived at the SGS facility at the end of April and preliminary work has begun. The work program is estimated to be completed in Q4 2023.
