NO HEADLINE (June 22, 1987)

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In order to increase over-all recoveries for both gallium and germanium at its Apex project in Utah, Musto Explorations has been completing several small but significant capital projects. The installation of a dual impeller agitator has increased the dissolution of both gallium and germanium, says H Lutz Klingmann, president. Three more agitators have been ordered for delivery in mid-July which will complete the improvements planned for the third stage of leach. The new germanium precipitate repulp system has been completed and is working well, he adds. This has largely eliminated double handling of the germanium precipitate, allowing operators to concentrate on other duties.

Test work has shown that soluble losses of both gallium and germanium can be reduced by more efficient washing of the tailings, he claims. Also, work is being done in the laboratory to develop a process that will reduce losses in the extraction of germanium in the plant. Mr Klingmann says the technology for producing 6N gallium was developed in-house in February, 1987. Equipment has been installed in the gallium refinery for upgrading gallium to 6N quality. Development work to produce 7N gallium is currently under way, he says.

In March, the company concluded an agreement to purchase the Lake Nemogosenda niobium/ rare earth property near Chapleau, Ont. The property consists of 2,520 ac of patented claims and 3,520 ac held under license. An exploration program has been initiated on the property.

Musto has entered into an agreement to issue flow-though shares up to a maximum of $300,000 at $4 per share.