Strickland Achieves Outstanding Gold Recoveries from Gradina Deposit
Metallurgical Testwork Confirms Up to 97.9% Gold Recovery Using Standard Processing Methods
Strickland Metals (ASX: STK) has announced exceptional results from its latest metallurgical testwork program at the Gradina gold deposit, part of its 100%-owned 7.4Moz AuEq Rogozna Project in Serbia. The testwork confirmed excellent gold recoveries of up to 97.9%, with an average recovery of 89.9% achieved using standard industry flotation methods.
These results represent a significant de-risking milestone for the Gradina deposit, which is emerging as a strategically important component of Strickland's development plans at Rogozna due to its scale, grade, and gold-dominant nature.
Key Highlights from Metallurgical Testing
The metallurgical testwork was conducted on seven bulk samples totalling approximately 250kg of mineralised material from the Gradina deposit. The samples were processed at ALS Metallurgy Laboratories in Perth under the supervision of specialist mineral processing consultancy Macromet.
Results from the testing program demonstrated:
- Gold recoveries ranging from 64.3% to 97.9%, with an average recovery of 89.9%
- Gold-pyrite concentrate grades of 6.7g/t Au to 57.8g/t Au, with an average grade of 26.1g/t Au
- Strong correlation between gold recovery and head grade, with higher-grade samples achieving better recoveries
- Average mass pull of 12.5% (weight of gold-pyrite concentrate compared to original sample weight)
These results improve upon earlier metallurgical testwork conducted in 2021, which achieved average gold recoveries of around 88%.
| Sample ID | Sample Description | Au Recovery (%) | Concentrate Grade (g/t Au) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDC1 | Au Only Domain – Bulk | 89.2 | 16.4 |
| GDC2 | Au Only Domain – Selective | 92.4 | 43.4 |
| GDC3 | Base Metal Domain | 95.1 | 6.7 |
| GVC1 | Variability – VHG Au | 97.9 | 57.8 |
| GVC2 | Variability – HG Au | 93.5 | 39.0 |
| GVC3 | Variability – LG | 97.3 | 8.0 |
| GVC4 | Hole 169 Fault Zone | 64.3 | 11.2 |
| Average | 89.9% | 26.1 g/t |
Understanding Gold Recovery: The Flotation Process
For investors new to mining terminology, flotation is a common mineral processing technique used to separate valuable minerals from ore. In gold processing, flotation works by mixing finely ground ore with water and special chemicals called collectors. These collectors make gold-bearing minerals water-repellent, causing them to attach to air bubbles that are pumped through the mixture. The gold-bearing minerals float to the surface as a froth that can be skimmed off, creating a concentrated product for further processing.
The excellent recoveries achieved at Gradina using standard flotation methods are significant because they indicate the deposit can be processed using well-established, cost-effective technology rather than requiring more complex or expensive processing methods.
"We are very encouraged by these outstanding results from this phase of metallurgical testwork completed on material from the Gradina Deposit. Given the strategic importance of Gradina in our development planning at Rogozna – because of its scale, grade and gold-dominant nature – it was important to undertake metallurgical testwork early in the piece as a key de-risking step," said Managing Director Paul L'Herpiniere.
Rogozna Project Advancing on Multiple Fronts
Strickland is making substantial progress across the Rogozna Project, with eight diamond drilling rigs currently in operation:
- Four rigs focused on expanding the known gold mineralisation at Gradina to support a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate targeted for delivery by late-2025
- Two rigs drilling within the central part of Shanac
- Two rigs conducting exploration drilling at the Kotlovi and Jezerska Reka Prospects
Assay results from recently completed holes at Kotlovi, Gradina, and Shanac are expected in the coming weeks.
Why Gradina Matters to Strickland's Strategy
The Gradina deposit represents an important component of Strickland's development strategy at Rogozna due to several factors:
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Gold-dominant nature: Unlike some other deposits at Rogozna that contain significant base metals, Gradina is predominantly a gold deposit, which simplifies processing requirements.
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Excellent metallurgical performance: The high gold recoveries demonstrated in this testwork confirm the deposit can be efficiently processed using standard methods.
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Potential for high-grade zones: Some samples tested returned head grades of up to 10.3 g/t Au, indicating the potential for high-grade zones within the deposit.
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Strategic location: As one of four skarn-hosted deposits at Rogozna, Gradina contributes to the overall scale of the 7.4Moz AuEq project.
Investment Perspective: Why Investors Should Take Notice
The latest metallurgical results represent an important de-risking milestone for Strickland's Rogozna Project. For investors considering the company, several factors stand out:
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Resource Scale: Strickland's Rogozna Project already hosts a substantial 7.4Moz AuEq resource across multiple deposits, positioning it as one of the larger gold and base metal projects in Europe.
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Project Advancement: With a maiden resource for Gradina targeted for late-2025, Strickland is systematically building value across the project.
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Technical De-risking: The excellent metallurgical results demonstrate that the gold at Gradina can be recovered using conventional processing methods, reducing technical risk.
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European Location: Serbia offers a mining-friendly jurisdiction within Europe, providing potential strategic advantages for development and marketing of products.
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Exploration Upside: With eight drill rigs operating and multiple targets, there remains substantial exploration upside across the Rogozna Project.
With Strickland continuing to advance drilling at Gradina and across the broader Rogozna Project, investors can expect a steady flow of news as the company works toward delivering a maiden resource estimate for Gradina later this year, further building on the project's already substantial 7.4Moz AuEq resource base.
Ready to Capitalise on Strickland's Serbian Gold Success?
Discover how Strickland Metals is systematically de-risking and advancing its 7.4Moz AuEq Rogozna Project in Serbia. With outstanding metallurgical results confirming up to 97.9% gold recovery at the Gradina deposit and eight diamond drilling rigs currently in operation, STK presents a compelling investment opportunity in the European gold sector. To learn more about Strickland's development strategy and stay updated on upcoming drilling results, visit the company's website for the latest investor information.
