RE:A question for Retired GeoRetired can provide a more detailed answer but these results were obtained both from gravity concentration and then carbon in leach ( CIL ) on the gravity tails .
Essentially, you would have to build a floatation plant on site , infrastructure, tailings pond etc to support these upstream processing facilities.
In other words, given todays capex costs, substantial upfront costs to do so and an extended time frame before production begins .
So yes it can be done but is that the most cost efficient way to early production ?
NFG does not think so which is why they have a tolling MOU with MAE.
Tolling costs are about 10-12 % of the refined product.
It should be noted that MAE have instituted a tailings recovery study for the Pine Cove tailings Pond .
If successful, it should be able to recover 80% or so of gold fines not recovered by gravity and CIL.
This would incresse total gold recovery of QWN ore, and offset somewhat tolling costs.
Acquiring MAE would be an obvious alternative as the Point Rousse mill is already operating and all of the Hub and Spoke Business model is now in place with the incipient agreement with Firefly.
NFG ..imo ..would be a natural and accretive addition to this model of diversified metal processing , polymetallic production and an import/ export concentrate distribution centre.
FYI, I own a substantial position in NFG .
My criticisms are based on the fact that I like the velocity of the ROI on my investment here to be high..
ie I don't want to wait another 5-7 years of continued dilution when we have obvious early mining options that would quickly elevate our valuation multiple .
AIMHO