• Critical Resources (CRR) progresses its test work program of samples from its Mavis Lake lithium project in Ontario, Canada, producing its first concentrate
• SGS Canada completed test work on a high-grade composite compiled using drill core samples
• While results are pending, CRR says initial indications are that Mavis Lake spodumene is amenable to beneficiation by DMS processing
• A representative-grade composite will be tested next, as part of the wider program set to continue through to mid-February with results due by the end of this quarter
• CRR shares were up 4.6 per cent trading at 4.5 cents at 11:30 am AEDT

Critical Resources (CRR) has made progress in its test work program of samples from its Mavis Lake lithium project in Ontario, Canada with the first concentrate produced.

SGS Canada was engaged by the company to undertake a basic heavy liquid separation (HLS) and magnetic separation test work program since October.

This work is proposed to determine the amenability of Mavis Lake spodumene for dense media separation (DMS) processing.

The samples used for the test work come from drill core that was selected to provide a wide range of spatial locations, lithia grades, lithologies, spodumene intersection depths, and also account for typical mining dilution.

Critical Resources said focus was placed on representing the known Mavis Lake mineralised zone as accurately as possible while designing the sample suite.

From the samples, SGS compiled and created a representative grade and high-grade composite. The high-grade composite has been tested, with the representative-grade due to be tested shortly.

While the results won’t be known until the whole testing program is complete, the company’s Managing Director, Alex Cheeseman, said the initial indications are the Mavis Lake spodumene is amenable to beneficiation by DMS processing.

Testing is set to continue through to mid-February and, once complete, final products will be assayed to determine concentrate grade, impurity profile and recovery/yield estimates.

Critical anticipates it will receive the full results by the end of the current quarter.

“The outcomes of the metallurgical test work will directly support a scoping study and significantly assist us with planning our pathway to production,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“With a major drill campaign underway, our knowledge of the mineralisation and the characteristics of the Mavis Lake Main Zone continue to grow – setting the foundations for the next phase in this exciting project”.

CRR shares were up 4.6 per cent trading at 4.5 cents at 11:30 am AEDT.