The problem with the metal recoveries is one of the main points we have been discussing as the reason the PFS was substantially better than the BFS.
We have looked at how the recoveries dropped over the years and through the various stages. If Teck says they are working on metallurgical studies and engineering studies I think we will be far better off than if they talk about further drilling. We would get further ahead with improved recoveries.
Here is a summary that RabidTiger put up some while ago showing how the recoveries dropped over the years. It is this sort of thing that is killing us and why some of us are not so keen on a big drilling program, but hoping for metallurgical studies/engineering:
|
2008 PFS |
2012 Tests |
2012 BFS |
Copper |
88.4% |
89.0% |
86.6% |
Moly |
71.3% |
64.0% |
58.8% |
Gold |
81.3% |
73.0% |
73.0% |
Silver |
70.7% |
58.0% |
48.3% |
Copper Conc. |
33.9% |
31.5% |
28.0% |