Scotgold looking to extend bulk processing trial

Scotgold Resources posted an update to its bulk processing trial on Tuesday, and announced it was seeking to extend the operation.

The AIM-traded company’s bulk processing trial planning permission, granted in May by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Planning Authority, included the installation of a small scale pilot plant to process 2,400t of existing stockpiled ore over a nine month period.

“This initial BPT is progressing well and is scheduled for completion within the permitted timeframe,” its board said in a statement.

“More importantly it has identified potential opportunities to further enhance the economics of the full scale operation.”

Scotgold said that, as it will take some time to fully explore and assess those opportunities and to make full use of the existing pilot plant, the company considers it worthwhile to extend the period of the BPT.

“Accordingly an application has been made to the LLTNPPA to extend BPT operations to the end of March 2018.

“It is planned to process around 4,800t of additional material - the balance of the existing stockpile - over a period of approximately twelve months at a processing rate of around 400tpm.”

Scotgold confirmed that no change to the pilot plant process is proposed.