Thor Mining PLC (AIM:THR, OTCQB:THORF, ASX:THR) announced positive results from its initial pump test for a preliminary hydrogeological assessment at the Alford East copper-gold project in South Australia.
The results showed that copper-gold mineralisation at the test site was saturated below the water table, an essential condition for In Situ Recovery (ISR) production. Based on the nature of the oxide mineralisation, the deposit is considered amenable to ISR techniques.
"Pump testing of our initial water bore has shown favourable water characterisation and permeability for potential In Situ copper-gold recovery at our Alford East Project,” said managing director Nicole Galloway Warland.
“This is positive news as we progress the project towards ISR assessment and development of an environmentally, low carbon emission alternative to conventional open cut and underground mining."
The hydrogeology assessment measured ground water levels and quality as well as permeability. Water samples were also collected for use in hydrometallurgical test work.
Thor is earning up to an 80% interest in the project from unlisted Australian explorer Spencer Metals Pty Ltd.