VANCOUVER, Jan. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - El Nino Ventures Inc. ("ELN" and the
"Company") (TSX.V: ELN; OTCQX: ELNOF Frankfurt: E7Q) is pleased to
announce the results from Phase 1 metallurgical testwork commissioned
by its partner, Votorantim Metals Canada Inc. (Votorantim), on samples
from the Murray Brook polymetallic deposit, located in the Bathurst
Mining Camp, New Brunswick. The purpose of the testwork was to
investigate flotation options for sequential recovery of copper, lead
and zinc concentrates from Murray Brook feed.
The metallurgical testwork was completed at RPC Science & Engineering
Laboratories (RPC) in Fredericton (New Brunswick), under the direction
of metallurgists Ross Gilders and Leo Cheung. Further information on
RPC may be found at the laboratories' website at http://www.rpc.ca
Results
Testwork was completed on bulk drill core samples from the Eastern Zone
and from the Western Zone of the Murray Brook deposit (Figure 1; Table
1). The test program consisted of sample preparation and compositing,
characterization, and batch flotation tests followed by locked cycle
tests on a composite sample. The composite sample head grade for the
testwork is similar to the grade of the current high confidence
Measured resources for Murray Brook.
Locked cycle tests by RPC successfully produced individual copper, lead
and zinc concentrates with the following recoveries and grades (Table
2):
-
Recoveries of 51.4% copper, 1.7% zinc, 4.5% lead, and 12.5 % silver in a
copper concentrate grading 17.5% copper, 6.0% zinc, 6.2% lead, and 591 g/t silver;
-
Recoveries of 36.6% lead, 7.2% copper, 1.4% zinc, and 17.5% silver in a lead concentrate grading 50.3% lead, 2.4% copper, 5.3% zinc, and 833 g/t silver; and
-
Recoveries of 88.8% zinc, 15.8% copper, 8.3% lead and 25.3% silver in a zinc concentrate grading 53.8% zinc, 0.5% copper, 1.1% lead, 95 g/t silver.
A copy of the report is available for viewing on the Company's website. Additional metallurgical work has been commissioned by Votorantim and
RPC, which involves completing expanded and extended locked cycle tests
to optimize copper, lead and precious metal recoveries in support of a
planned Preliminary Economic Assessment in 2013.
Harry Barr, Chairman & CEO states: "The results of the Phase 1
metallurgical testwork on Murray Brook are encouraging, particularly
the 89% zinc recovery combined with good silver recovery. These initial
metallurgical results plus the results of 18,500 metres of drilling
completed since 2011 and the resource estimation of February 2012,
confirm the robustness of Murray Brook as this well-located project is
steadily advancing towards the planned completion of a Preliminary
Economic Assessment in H1 2013."
Sampling
The sample materials were derived from three HQ size drill cores (Table
1). Hole MB-2012-121 was drilled in the Eastern Zone, the shallower
and more copper-rich of the two massive sulfide zones at Murray Brook.
Holes MB-2012-124 and MB-2012-132 were drilled in the deeper, more
zinc-lead-precious metal rich Western Zone. (Description and assay
results for each of the three holes are provided in ELN press releases
dated July 30, August 14, August 28, 2012). The drill core was logged,
split, sampled and shipped to RPC. Intervals of potential secondary
mineralization and fracturing were sampled separately. In total 3226
kg of material was delivered to RPC for testwork.
Figure 1. Massive Sulfide Thickness, 10 metre contours (http://www.elninoventures.com/s/NewsReleases.asp?ReportID=565334): Colour contour map of Murray Brook showing the location of the
Eastern Zone and the Western Zone plus the surface trace of the massive
sulfides. Metallurgical hole MB-2012-121 was drilled in the Eastern
Zone. Metallurgical holes MB-2012-124 and -132 were drilled in the
Western Zone.
Table 1. Drill Core Sample Material for the metallurgical Testwork on Murray
Brook
Description
|
Zone
|
Sample
|
Mass
|
Mass Dist.
|
Assays/Values
|
Distribution Ratio%
|
g
|
%
|
Cu%
|
Pb%
|
Zn%
|
Ag (g/t)
|
Au (g/t)
|
Cu
|
Pb
|
Zn
|
Ag
|
Au
|
MB-2012-121
|
Eastern
|
bottom
|
15908
|
33.3
|
0.5
|
1.0
|
1.9
|
42
|
0.906
|
60
|
27
|
148
|
31
|
52
|
MB-2012-124
|
Western
|
bottom
|
15908
|
33.3
|
0.2
|
0.8
|
2.9
|
35
|
0.263
|
23
|
24
|
28.4
|
26
|
15
|
MB-2012-132
|
Western
|
whole
|
15908
|
33.3
|
0.1
|
1.7
|
5.5
|
59
|
0.591
|
17.0
|
49
|
53.2
|
435
|
34
|
Summary results: average or total as appropriate
|
47724
|
100
|
0.3
|
1.2
|
3.4
|
45
|
0.590
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
Measured*
|
both
|
average
|
|
|
0.3
|
1.2
|
3.5
|
44
|
0.500
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meas+Ind*
|
both
|
average
|
|
|
0.4
|
1.0
|
2.6
|
39
|
0.510
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Grade of current Measured and Measured + Indicated resources (see
Technical Report on www.elnventures.com)
Table 2.Assay and Recovery Results of Locked Cycle Tests for Murray Brook
Description
|
Sample/Circuit
|
Assays
|
Recovery%
|
Cu%
|
Pb%
|
Zn%
|
Ag (g/t)
|
Au (g/t)
|
Cu
|
Pb
|
Zn
|
Ag
|
Au
|
Feed Grade
|
blend of 3 holes
|
0.27
|
1.15
|
3.42
|
45
|
0.590
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cu Concentrate
|
final
|
17.45
|
6.16
|
6.04
|
591
|
1.051
|
51.4
|
4.5
|
1.7
|
12.5
|
2
|
Pb Concentrate
|
final
|
2.40
|
50.30
|
5.27
|
833
|
0.923
|
7.2
|
36.6
|
1.4
|
17.5
|
1.8
|
Zn Concentrate
|
final
|
0.48
|
1.08
|
53.78
|
95
|
0.360
|
15.8
|
8.3
|
88.8
|
25.3
|
5.5
|
Grindability Tests
Composite samples for each of the three Murray Brook drill holes were
submitted for grindability test work. Rod Mill Grindability Indices
for the Murray Brook bulk sample materials averaged 14.6 kWh/t with a
hardness percentile of 55%. Bond Ball Mill Grindability Indices
averaged 10.7 kWh/t with a hardness percentile of 10%. These data
suggest that Murray Brook mineralization is of moderate hardness for a
rod mill and lower hardness for a ball mill.
Mineralogy
SEM-EDS mineralogical studies of the overall composite sample and each
individual drill core by RPC indicate that sphalerite and galena occur
as interstitial grains, inclusions, veinlets and attachments to
pyrite. Chalcopyrite occurs as interstitial grains to pyrite.
Chalcopyrite is less common hole MB-2012-132, consistent with the lower
copper grades in the Western Zone. Covellite is present in
MB-2012-124. Generally, the principal silver mineral is tetrahedrite.
The sulfide grains are mainly 20 µm in size. However, sphalerite
grains 50-100 µm in size are present interstitial to pyrite grains.
Flotation
Primary bulk sulfide rougher floats were carried out to estimate
flotation performance. The reagent regime included 400 g/t CuSO4, pH 10.0-10.5, 33.3 g/t 3418A, 10g/t PAX, 15 g/t MIBC and 11 minutes
total at 1250 rpm. Rougher target liberation grind size was
established to be D80 of ~30 µm. Initial testwork found that flotation
performance was adversely affected by the presence of secondary
(oxidized) material. This latter material therefore was excluded from
the overall composite sample used in locked cycle testing.
Next Steps
Additional metallurgical testwork is planned to be carried out by RPC in
early 2013. The results will be reported in a planned Preliminary
Economic Assessment to be completed in Q1 2013. The additional testwork
will focus on optimizing copper, lead and precious metal recoveries, in
part through processing of larger samples in bigger equipment. An
expanded metallurgical test program, including pilot plant testing, may
be warranted if PEA studies are positive.
Qualified Persons Statement
This news release has been reviewed and approved for technical content
by Ali Hassanalizadeh M.Sc. P.Geo., a qualified Person under the
provisions of National Instrument 43‐101.
About El Niño Ventures Inc. Bathurst Projects
El Niño Ventures Inc. has two active projects in the Bathurst Mining
Camp;
1. Murray Brook Project
The Murray Brook project is a polymetallic, massive sulfide deposit and is the fifth largest deposit discovered to date in the Bathurst Mining
Camp, New Brunswick. The Murray Brook property is located 60 km west of Bathurst. It is
supported by excellent infrastructure, including paved roads, grid
electricity and communities to provide goods, services and skilled
labour.
A $3 million exploration budget was approved for the 2012 exploration
program. It included $2.5 million for drilling to bring resources into
the measured category at the Murray Brook deposit and $500,000 for
exploration of the Murray Brook and Camel Back properties, both of
which are covered by the option agreement with Murray Brook Minerals.
To date, more than 28,000 metres of drilling has been completed with
encouraging results. In February 2012, an NI43-101 compliant resource
estimation was announced (see news release. The technical report is filed on SEDAR.com and also available on ELN's website. An updated NI43‐101 mineral resource estimation and metallurgical test
results are slated for completion in the first quarter of 2013. Results
of these will be incorporated in a Preliminary Economic Assessment
"PEA" that is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2013.
ELN and VMC currently own 70% of the project, of which 35% is held by
each of the two parties. Under a purchase agreement signed by VMC on August 28, 2012 with MBM and
Murray Brook Resources Inc. (collectively the owners), VMC acquired the
right to purchase the additional 30% of the Murray Brook Project from
the owners. ELN has been provided the option to purchase an additional 15% in the
project for a combined total of 50% (35% +15%).
Although the terms of the Participation Agreement provided for a
three-year period to earn the initial 50% and two years to earn the
additional 20%, ELN and VMC completed their earn-in in less than 18
months.
2. Bathurst Option Joint Venture Project (BOJV)
Consists of an initial 4,712 claims in the Tri‐Party Agreement with
Xstrata & VM Canada whereby VM Canada may incur exploration
expenditures of $10 million over a period of 5 years to earn a 50%
interest. VM Canada may further increase its interest to 70% by
spending an additional $10 million over 2 years.
Votorantim Metals Canada Inc. Statement
Technical details in this news release were provided by Votorantim whose
professional geologists conduct operations consistent with mineral
industry best practices. Votorantim accepts no responsibility for this
news release.
About Votorantim Metals Canada
Votorantim Metals Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of Votorantim Metais, a
company that is part of the Votorantim Group that was founded in Brazil
in 1918. The Votorantim Group operates in twenty countries and has over
40,000 employees. Votorantim Metais is the largest electrolytic nickel
producer in Latin America and one of the world's leaders in the
production of zinc, aluminum and nickel. Votorantim Canada Metals
Inc. in conjunction with Xstrata Zinc and El Nino Ventures is operator
of the Bathurst Option and Joint Venture which is actively exploring
for base metal deposits within the Bathurst Mining Camp.
About El Nino Ventures Inc.
El Niño Ventures Inc. is an international exploration company, focused
on exploring for lead, zinc, copper, gold and silver in New Brunswick,
Canada and copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC").
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
(signed)
Harry Barr
Chairman & CEO
El Niño Ventures Inc.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider
(as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange)
accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements. Note: This
release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual
future events or results and are based on current expectations or
beliefs. For this purpose, statements of historical fact may be deemed
to be forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking
statements include statements in which the Company uses words such as
"continue", "efforts", "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "confident",
"intend", "strategy", "plan", "will", "estimate", "project", "goal",
"target", "prospects", "optimistic" or similar expressions. These
statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual
results may differ materially depending on a variety of important
factors, including, among others, the Company's ability and
continuation of efforts to timely and completely make available
adequate current public information, additional or different regulatory
and legal requirements and restrictions that may be imposed, and other
factors as may be discussed in the documents filed by the Company on
SEDAR (www.sedar.com), including the most recent reports that identify important risk
factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained
in the forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any
obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or
to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to
reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events. Investors should not place undue
reliance on forward-looking statements.
SOURCE: El Nino Ventures Inc.