Rapid Critical Metals (ASX: RCM) has reported positive preliminary metallurgical test results from its Webbs silver project and the Consol silver project in New South Wales. The initial rougher flotation program, conducted on three master composites, achieved high recovery rates, signaling that the mineralization responds effectively to conventional processing techniques.

The testwork program utilized a standard sulphide reagent scheme to evaluate the metallurgical response of the silver, lead, and zinc deposits. Notably, the Consol Master composite reached silver recovery of 98.7% and lead recovery of 99.3%, while also recording a zinc recovery of 93.3%. Some samples produced silver-rich concentrates reaching grades as high as 2,051 grams per tonne, highlighting the potential quality of the material. According to the company, these figures represent bulk rougher recovery and provide the technical foundation for more refined processing plans as the project progresses.

"This is a significant milestone for Rapid because metallurgy is one of the most important technical risks in developing any mining project. These outstanding flotation results demonstrate that the silver, lead and zinc mineralisation at Webbs and Consol responds exceptionally well to conventional processing."

— Byron Miles, Managing Director

Building on these findings, the technical team is now planning further laboratory work to improve project economics and process efficiency. The company will move forward with cleaner flotation testwork to better define potential saleable concentrate grades for the silver, lead, and zinc products. This next phase is intended to build upon the initial results and clarify final recovery specifications.

In addition to cleaner flotation tests, upcoming work will focus on optimizing the primary grind size, reagent schemes, and depressant conditions to enhance zinc selectivity within the Consol Fines material. The team also expects to conduct variability testwork across additional composites to confirm that these metallurgical responses remain consistent throughout the various ore zones identified. These steps are considered essential to integrating the laboratory findings into ongoing flowsheet development and comprehensive study work, helping to move the assets closer to a more defined commercial development pathway in the region.

Read the full announcement: Outstanding Silver Lead & Zinc Flotation Recoveries