First Tin PLC has provided an update on its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) at its Taronga Tin Project in Australia. The DFS is nearing completion, with the deposit showing potential for low-cost mining and processing techniques. The resource has been estimated to be significantly larger than previously thought, due to a lower cut-off grade and newly identified mineralisation. As a result, the decision has been made to increase the mine throughput to 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), which will result in economies of scale. Modifications have also been made to the gravity circuit in the mineral processing flowsheet, simplifying the process and reducing capital and operating costs. The CEO of First Tin, Thomas Buenger, expressed satisfaction with the DFS outcomes, stating that the Taronga tin deposit is one of the most straightforward hard rock tin deposits in the world.
The DFS results indicate that the tin resource has increased by 240% to 133 million tonnes at a grade of 0.10% tin. The deposit has shown potential for higher grades and could be mined to a higher-grade cut-off if necessary. The mineral processing test work has confirmed that much of the tin can be concentrated at an early stage, simplifying the process flow sheet. The focus of the current study is on recovering the coarse tin, but there is potential to recover additional tin through a fine tin circuit in the future. The process flow diagram consists of conventional crushing, screening, jigging, grinding, spirals, and clean-up of the concentrate.
The Taronga tin deposit is mineable by open pit techniques, located on a hill, and has a low stripping ratio, resulting in low mining costs. The company has confirmed that ore sorting technology is not required for this asset. The final DFS results are expected to be published in Q1 2024.