Manuka Resources has received $1.07 million from the Australian Government Research & Development (R&D) scheme to enhance the production of silver at the Wonawinta Mine, 80km south of Cobar.
Manuka received funding under the government’s R&D tax incentive scheme after undertaking a successful process improvement program on silver production at Wonawinta.
Manuka’s Executive Chairman, Dennis Karp said the trial program, carried out between October 2022 and February 2023, afforded Manuka the opportunity to observe and optimise performance of the processing plant, both from a throughput perspective, as well as aiding and increasing metallurgical recoveries.
“The improvements and innovations achieved were material, as we were able to increase throughput to an annualized >1.0Mt of material through the plant (from nameplate capacity of 850Ktpa), while also identifying changes to our metallurgical flowsheet.
“Furthermore the rationale behind the improvements has now been recognised.
“We are confident that the changes implemented as a result of the trial will improve plant throughput and silver recovery, driving lower operating costs and ultimately stronger cashflows and more robust project economics,” Mr Karp said.
“We look forward to incorporating the results into our upcoming Reserve statement and production forecast for the Wonawinta silver mine.”
