OzAurum Resources Limited (ASX: OZM) has reported positive heap leach metallurgical results from column test work conducted on the James Stage 1 Open Pit at its Mulgabbie North gold project in Western Australia. The test work, completed by ALS Balcatta, achieved gold recovery rates of up to 82% from saprolite and transition ore. These results confirm the project's amenability to heap leaching, supporting the company's objective of establishing a low-capital expenditure production facility.

Data indicates that optimizing the crush size to -8mm could further improve laboratory recovery to 88%. Additionally, the project demonstrated efficient leach kinetics and a low operational cost profile, with cyanide consumption measured at approximately 0.21 kg/t, which is notably lower than industry standard levels. These findings represent a material improvement in recovery potential compared to baseline figures reported in September 2025.

"These results clearly demonstrate the strong potential for a low-cost heap leach operation at Mulgabbie North."

"With dry commissioning of the first 4 modules of plant now complete, we are increasingly confident in advancing towards a near-term production scenario."
— Andrew Pumphrey, CEO and Managing Director

Infrastructure development is progressing, with Polaris Engineering nearing completion of the heap leach plant refurbishment. While unseasonally high rainfall recently caused a three-week delay in pouring concrete foundations for the site, the company expects these to be completed this week. Once finished, the facility will be positioned to process ore from an extensive 8km-long mineralised corridor along the Relief Shear. This holding provides OzAurum with a scalable growth opportunity, encompassing the current Stage 1 development and laying the foundation for future Stage 2 expansion. The company remains focused on finalizing the remaining plant components, including the lime and cement silo systems, to support the transition toward site operations.

Read the full announcement: Outstanding Heap Leach Results Continue at Mulgabbie North