TG Metals (ASX: TG6) has reported exceptionally rapid gold extraction of 88% in 35 days from its Van Uden project's laterite material, unlocking potential for near-term onsite heap leach cashflow.
This strong performance was observed with an optimised 25mm crush size, using 15kg/tonne cement addition for agglomeration.
The current laterite resource targeted for initial heap leach utilisation stands at 1.05 Mt at 0.52 g/t Au for 17,700 oz.
Further potential exists in transition material, which may also be amenable to heap leaching, with an estimated 1.85 Mt at 1.05 g/t Au for 62,400 oz.
The rapid leaching kinetics are intended to allow for leach pad turnover on a weekly scale, rather than months, supporting a focus on early cashflow for TG Metals.
Pathway to FID and Rapid Approvals
TG Metals is progressing engineering and design studies to assess the financial metrics of the heap leach operation.
Study outcomes are estimated for Q2 2026, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) targeted for Q3 2026.
The company plans to lodge a mining proposal under Western Australia's EMA rapid approval framework, anticipating an approval timeframe of approximately six weeks.
The Van Uden site benefits from existing infrastructure, including an all-weather haul road, a water bore, and other site facilities.
The laterite material is also located at surface, requiring no pre-stripping and minimal handling, which aims to reduce capital and operating costs.
Resource Growth and Processing
This metallurgical progress follows TG Metals' updated JORC 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Van Uden in April 2026.
The MRE reported a significant 120% increase in Indicated gold ounces, with a total pit-constrained resource of 7.9 Mt at 1.1 g/t Au for 270,800 oz.
The surface laterite portion of the resource was modelled using a lower cutoff grade of 0.10 g/t Au, reflecting its potential for low-cost mining and heap leach recovery.
Previous drilling campaigns have consistently delivered thick, high-grade gold intercepts, strengthening geological continuity and supporting the current and future resource upgrades and pit designs for Van Uden.
Lithium IP and Future Potential
Beyond gold, TG Metals has also lodged a provisional patent application with IP Australia for an enhanced metallurgical flowsheet related to lithium recovery.
This technology is designed to improve lithium mineral selectivity and recovery of spodumene concentrate from processing at its Burmeister deposit within the Lake Johnston Project.
The company intends to integrate this technology into ongoing metallurgical work and future feasibility studies.
It will then explore potential commercialisation through licensing and royalties.
