Met test augur well for Calcatreu (April 30, 2004)

Results from metallurgical tests indicate high recovery rates at Aquiline Resources‘ (AQI-V) Calcatreu gold-silver project in Argentina’s Rio Negro province.

Preliminary laboratory-scale tests conducted by SGS Lakefield Research in Chile indicate free-milling high-grade gold and silver ores with samples yielding “high gold and silver recoveries.”

Combined gravity concentration plus cyanidation returned gold recovery rates ranging from 77% to 98%. Whole ore cyanidation on grinds of 72% and 100% passing sieve no. 400 returned gold and silver recoveries of 94% and 71%, respectively, after 48 hours. Gold recovery though gravity means alone averaged 25.6%, and suggest that gravity separation will likely play an integral role in ore processing at Calcatreu.

The SGS Lakefield study recommends further test work aimed at obtaining design information and assessing the variability of the metallurgical response throughout the orebody.

Aquiline says the met test results will be incorporated into the economic scoping study being prepared by Micon International. Micon’s revised resource calculation for Calcatreu is expected by May 15, the scoping study is due for release by the end of May.

Meanwhile, drilling continues with two drills active at Calcatreu.