FYI Resources Ltd (ASX:FYI) has completed the first phase of metallurgical drilling at Cadoux Kaolin Project in WA aimed at advancing a bankable feasibility study (BFS) and upgrading the measured resource to proven reserve status.
The program, which consisted of close spaced infill drilling of the current resource, was also designed to achieve key technical project objectives and provides further kaolin feedstock for continued metallurgical test work and pilot plant process studies.
READ: FYI to target deposit definition with drilling program at Cadoux Kaolin Project
Diamond drilling at Cadoux HPA Project
FYI managing director Roland Hill said: “The drilling went particularly well and we are very interested in integrating all of the results and applying it to our ongoing test work programs including the pilot plant.
“We will also be incorporating the information into our BFS and broader mine plan and environmental and permitting studies.
“To expedite FYI’s HIgh Purity Alumina (HPA) development timeline efficiently, the drilling will be utilised as the grade control determining the mining plan on the first phase of mining.
"The detailed drilling campaign is consistent with our strategy of delivering a world leading HPA project with the lead into production being de-risked.”
The reverse circulation (RC) component of the drilling program aimed to:
- Support the current metallurgical model in terms of grade and variation of the deposit as a feedstock;
- Increase confidence in the deposit leading to the conversion of the measured resource to a proven reserve for the first phase of mining; and
- Provide grade control for the mining and increase the predictability of the future production schedule.
The drilling program consisted of 22 vertical (-90 degree) RC holes totalling 614 metres and generating 447 samples, as well as 4 angled (-70 degree) PQ triple tube diamond drill holes totalling 75 metres.
Samples were prepared at site and sent for a series of tests including standard kaolin suite analysis to determine the element grades and quality as well as to test the in-situ moisture of the kaolin.
