This PR is Excellent But IncompleteFirst of all, the concentrate grade is higher than that achieved at RNC Dumont. This is likely due to the finer regrind size used by FPX (25 micron) versus RNC (45 micron). 25 microns is better for both a higher grade magnetite byproduct as well as for atmospheric leaching potential.
There is a phenomenon called "passivation" with stainless steels, where a thin oxide layer forms on the outside, inhibiting further corrosion. The flip side of this is leachablity and the implication might be the need for pressure leaching. The finer the grind, the more surface area is exposed, the less passivation is a problem, and the less the liklihood that pressure will be needed for the leach process.
At this point, I sincerely doubt that they will spend much time working on pelletizing this extraordinarily high grade nickel concentrate, just so they can sell it to the Chinese for SS production. Battery metals, here we come. Pelletization might still b e in order for the magnetite by-product.
As usual, we are missing some key information. In several previous post, I suggested that the chromite might be better not floating, so that it would stay with the magnetite. We are not specifically told this is ths case but might infer it from this statement:
"The high-grade nickel concentrate produced during the testing program approximates the composition of pure awaruite, a nickel-iron alloy comprised of approximately 75% Ni and 25% Fe."
Looking at the new flowsheet, I see no obvious place where chromite might be lost. By deduction, if it is not in the nickel concentrate, it must have ended up with the magnetite.
Moving to another quote, on the next metallurgical steps, what can be meant by:
"Detailed evaluation of minor elements in the nickel concentrate and iron ore concentrate"?
If the chromite is with the magnetite concentrate, and if the grade of the nickel concentrate is so high that the previous trace elements found during smelting tests are therefore likely to be reduced, in percentage terms, to the point of becoming immaterial, then what "minor element" in the nickel concentrate might be of interest, particularly now that leaching is being considered? Does this imply that I am right about the cobalt potential?
All in, my take is that Turenne might still want to hold back on letting the new PEA fly. He is probably still watching the price of nickel and not quite convinced on timing.