NorthWest Copper Achieves 34% Gold Recovery Boost at Kwanika
Event summary
- NorthWest Copper reported 34% higher gold and 37% higher silver recoveries at its Kwanika project through refined metallurgical processes.
- Gold recoveries reached 94.6%-96.3%, while silver recoveries hit 96.3%, with copper recoveries maintained at 88.9%-90.2%.
- Results from the 2025 metallurgical program will be reflected in an updated mineral resource estimate in Q1 2026 and a new PEA by mid-2026.
- The program tested higher-grade zones and demonstrated material improvements through conventional processing methods.
- Paul Olmsted, CEO of NorthWest, stated the results exceeded expectations and align with plans for a more economically compelling development strategy.
The big picture
NorthWest Copper's significant improvement in gold and silver recoveries at Kwanika highlights the potential for enhanced project economics. The results align with broader industry trends of optimizing mineral processing to improve profitability in the face of volatile commodity prices. The upcoming updated resource estimate and PEA will be critical in assessing the project's long-term viability and attracting investment.
What we're watching
- Resource Optimization
- How the improved recovery rates will impact the updated mineral resource estimate and future development plans.
- Economic Viability
- Whether the enhanced recoveries will lead to a more favorable Preliminary Economic Assessment in mid-2026.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which NorthWest can implement these findings into operational improvements at Kwanika.
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