Outcrop Silver & Gold Corp. Boosts Recovery with Innovative Ore Sorting at Santa Ana Project
- Outcrop Silver & Gold's ore sorting test at Santa Ana increased silver equivalent grade by 20% while rejecting 17% as waste.
- The Santa Ana project is Colombia's largest silver district, with a maiden resource estimate of 24.2 million ounces of silver equivalent.
- Outcrop Silver's focus on innovative, sustainable mining practices positions it as a leader in environmentally conscious operations.
Innovative Ore Sorting Technology Enhances Silver Recovery at Santa Ana Project
Outcrop Silver & Gold Corporation (TSXV: OCG) recently announces promising results from a sensor-based ore sorting test conducted on the La Porfia vein of its Santa Ana silver project in Colombia. The test, executed by Steinert Latinoamericana, employs cutting-edge technologies such as X-ray Transmission (XRT) and 3D laser profiling to efficiently sort mineralized material into two size fractions: 25–75 mm and 12–25 mm. The findings reveal that 17% of the coarse feed is rejected as waste, while the sorted product boasts a significant 20% increase in silver equivalent (AgEq) grade. Remarkably, the process retains up to 99.2% of silver and 99.7% of gold, underscoring the effectiveness of this innovative approach.
The implications of these results are considerable, as they suggest a substantial opportunity for low-impact pre-concentration in silver mining, which can lead to reduced operational costs and a smaller environmental footprint. Outcrop Silver's President & CEO, Ian Harris, emphasizes the importance of these results in demonstrating the compatibility of the Santa Ana project with modern processing technologies. This alignment is crucial, as the company seeks to enhance sustainable practices within the mining sector while maximizing resource recovery. The successful implementation of such advanced sorting technology positions Outcrop Silver favorably in an industry increasingly focused on environmental stewardship.
The Santa Ana project itself spans an impressive 27,000 hectares, and it holds the distinction of being the largest and highest-grade primary silver district in Colombia. A recent maiden resource estimate indicates an indicated resource of 1,226 thousand tonnes containing 24.2 million ounces of silver equivalent at a remarkable grade of 614 grams per tonne. This resource estimate encompasses multiple vein systems, including La Porfia, which is anticipated to contribute significantly to the project's overall productivity and sustainability. As Outcrop Silver continues to integrate advanced technologies into its operations, the potential for enhanced silver recovery and reduced environmental impact becomes increasingly evident.
In addition to the positive results from the sorting test, Outcrop Silver's strategic focus on sustainability positions the company as a leader in responsible mining practices. The integration of innovative technologies not only aids in resource recovery but also aligns with global trends toward more environmentally conscious mining operations. As the sector evolves, Outcrop Silver's commitment to modernizing its processes will likely play a pivotal role in attracting investment and support from stakeholders who prioritize sustainability in their portfolios.
Overall, the advancements in ore sorting technology at the Santa Ana project may pave the way for a new era of efficient and sustainable silver mining in Colombia.