Southern Palladium (ASX:SPD) confirmed the high-grade nature of the Bengwenyama UG2 mineral resource with the receipt of results from metallurgical test work conducted as part of the definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the Bengwenyama project in South Africa, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.

Results indicated that chromite concentrate recoveries significantly improve with a coarser grind spiral feed, with 65% achieved in the test work compared with 30% assumed in the optimized pre-feasibility study, the filing said.

The results are being finalized into the final DFS-level work on plant design and metrics, per the filing.

Shares rose 8% in morning trade on Wednesday.