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Results are in for a preliminary mineralogy and mineral liberation study conducted by PTX Metals (TSXV: PTX). The study was targeted at refining knowledge on copper and nickel mineralization within the envelope of the W2 deposit.
The study, conducted by the Carleton University Mineral Resource Department in Ottawa, Ontario, has confirmed that copper at W2 exists almost entirely in chalcopyrite, while nickel exists in pentlandite in high grade zones and predominantly within pyrrhotite in the lower grade zone of the deposit. Cobalt meanwhile consistently substitutes for nickel within the pentlandite within the samples studied.
The samples tested meanwhile demonstrated a high degree of liberation at all sizes, with pyrrhotite averaging 96.8%, pyrite averaging 94.2%, chalcopyrite averaging 94.25%, and pentlandite averaging 92%. Liberation tended to increase as sieve size decreased. With the initial success of the program, more advanced mineralogical and metallurgical studies are planned, which will be conducted with material from recent drilling conducted outside of the CA zones.
READ: PTX Metals Hits 49 Metres of 0.35% Copper In Latest W2 Drill Results
A work program meanwhile has begun at the W2 project, the focal point of which is metallurgical testing that is to be conducted by SGS Canada. The program is to test composites from the CA and AP zones with the intent of provide recoverability data on copper-nickel-PGM mineralization that will inform future economic studies. The program is aiming to analyze flotation response from ore and determine what conditions best suit the production of concentrates.
Also scheduled to occur is a 3D-inversion geophysics study, which will use data from a Heli-GT magnetics to establish a three dimensional model over the Central target area. The model is expected to enable PTX to gain perspective on the potential extension of the host lithological unit at depth while setting the base for extensive drilling of the disseminated sulfide envelope and massive sulfide zones.
Initial interpretation of the mag study enabled a correlation to be identified with mineralization and a gabbro lithology unit. That correlation has identified the potential continuity of mineralization along trend as one or more copper-nickel-gold-PG bearing gabbro horizon can be traced for 8 kilometres.
Finally, an age dating study is set to be conducted by the Memorial University of Newfoundland on the W2 intrusion. The study is expected to provide context for the building of a direct link with other deposits within Ontario’s Ring of Fire, refine metallogenic models and assist PTX in understanding genetic relationships to other intrusions within the region and known deposits located nearby.
PTX Metals last traded at $0.105 on the TSX Venture.
FULL DISCLOSURE: PTX Metals is a client of Canacom Group, the parent company of The Deep Dive. The author has been compensated to cover PTX Metals on The Deep Dive, with The Deep Dive having full editorial control. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. We may buy or sell securities in the company at any time. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security.
