Shamrock completes bioleaching test at Arthur White mine

A demonstration test for the bioleaching process was recently completed at Dickenson Resources’ (TSE) Arthur White gold mine near Red Lake, Ont. Shamrock Resources (VSE) conducted the 2.5-month test to determine if bioleaching could recover suitable amounts of gold from Dickenson’s sulphide ore. Dickenson, which used to ship its concentrates to a smelter in Sweden once a year, has been stockpiling its supply in anticipation of the test results.

While Shamrock calls the test a success, David Libby, president of Dickenson, says Shamrock did not achieve the daily throughput rate that Dickenson had hoped for. Dickenson is now deciding whether or not to carry on with the testing, he said.

The bioleaching process uses bacteria to liberate gold contained within refractory ore by oxidizing the sulphides. Because it releases no sulphur dioxide emissions, the recovery process is considered a big step forward with respect to environmental protection. Although the process has not yet been used in North America, Placer Dome (TSE) has also hired Shamrock to test bioleach recoverability at the Campbell mine.

Meanwhile, Shamrock has been unable to reach an agreement with United States Antimony (NASDAQ) for the development of the Yellowjacket property in Lehmi Cty., Idaho.