JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Preliminary metallurgical test results on magnetite-bearing iron-ore from West African Minerals Corporation’s (WAFM’s) Binga iron-ore project, located some 80 km from the Kribi deepwater port, in south-west Cameroon, have confirmed the presence of saleable magnetite concentrate, ranging from 61% to 64% iron.

Some 25% of the mined material could potentially be rejected after crushing through low-intensity magnetic separation, while product mass yield ranged between 30% and 35% and iron recovery of between 69% and 75% on grind sizes of 106 µm and 300 µm.

The report concluded that a grind of 212 µm was likely to yield a saleable concentrate.

WAFM noted in a statement on Monday that this grind was relatively coarse compared with values reported by other exploration projects in the region and could, thus, provide a relative process benefit of lower mill power and lower operating cost.

Moreover, the group reported that the material responded well to milling and low-intensity magnetic separation, with an appreciable liberation of magnetite from gangue having been obtained at the grind sizes tested.

The recovery of iron from feed was also high, resulting in a product of saleable grade.

Commenting on the results, WAFM president Brad Mills said the positive metallurgical results, as well as Binga's proximity to the developing port infrastructure, presented a significant opportunity for the company to develop a relatively low capital and operating cost operation that would allow it to generate cash flow.  

“These results also provide key input parameters to progress with our economic analyses and studies of the project, which will inform the work programme for the remainder of the year,” he outlined.

“Pending positive outcomes, our goal is to complete significant additional drilling to increase the resource base at Binga and complete studies of haulage and shipping options which will all form the elements required to deliver a preliminary economic assessment of Binga by the end of the year.”

In addition, ongoing surface geological mapping and sampling at WAFM’s Lélé and Djadom licences, also in Cameroon, had confirmed several prospective iron-ore targets.

These targets would require additional fieldwork in preparation for drill testing. 

Mapping and sampling had also started on the mining company’s other near-coastal Sanaga licence, with “encouraging” early results emerging.

“This is [particularly noteworthy] in view of the proximity of the Sanaga targets to existing road, rail and port infrastructure," Mills explained.