Galiano gold, the operator and manager of the joint venture (JV) with Gold Fields has released an update on its recent metallurgical test work and plant recoveries at the Asanko Gold Mine.

The program was aimed at further defining metallurgical recoveries at Esaase, and to add to the extensive metallurgical test work previously carried out on the Esaase deposit.

On February 25, 2022, the Company reported that the Asanko Gold Mine (AGM) experienced lower than expected recoveries in Q1 2022. This required further drilling tests to manage the situation.

Pursuant to this mandate, the company introduced an extensive drilling campaign was completed to provide representative samples for metallurgical testing.

According to the company, in Q2 2022, sixteen diamond drill holes were completed, along strike through both the Esaase Main and South pits. The resulting 2,221 meter increments were tested individually at the AGM laboratory as a preliminary recovery assessment.

Per the company’s Q1 2022 report, it noted that it was moving ahead with the technical work already outlined “and will provide periodic updates as we progress through these work programs”. The company noted it anticipates providing an update to the Asanko mine’s mineral reserves post the completion of this work, in Q1 2023.

Results of Metallurgical Test Proves Encouraging

As a result of the above, “encouraging results” have been received from the initial site assessment which determined the cyanide soluble gold content of pulverized intervals via Bulk Leach. This is followed by Extractable Gold technique and then fire assay of solid residue. Results to date indicate alignment with the historical metallurgical testwork previously carried out on the Esaase deposit, the company noted.

The metallurgical testing performed at the Asanko gold mine was conducted on half core material, while the corresponding retained halves have been dispatched to Bureau Veritas in Vancouver for independent third party testing. Results of the independent laboratory testing are expected late in Q3 2022.

During Q2, significant work took place to optimize the AGM’s plant performance. This included revising the mill feed blend regime, increasing the mass pull in the gravity circuit and adjusting operating parameters and reagent additions in the carbon-in-leach circuit.

The optimizations resulted in recoveries increasing quarter on quarter, averaging 84 per cent in Q2 2022. Consequently, gold production was positively impacted with preliminary production of approximately 50,000 ounces during the quarter.

Matt Badylak President and Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Although work continues to further define metallurgical recoveries at Esaase, we are pleased with the initial laboratory recovery results. We are additionally encouraged by the strong performance in the plant during the quarter which resulted in preliminary production of 92,300 ounces for the first half of 2022. On the back of improving recoveries and robust production in H1, we expect to provide an update to full year guidance in our upcoming Q2 disclosures.”
Matt Badylak

The Asanko gold mine which is owned on a 50:50 joint venture with Gold Fields reported low recovery of gold throughput. The Company expects to release its full Q2 financial and operational results after the market closes on August 11, 2022.