Bellavista’s Bioleaching Breakthrough at Brumby Sets Stage for Bulk Sampling

Promising Early Bioleaching Results

Bellavista Resources (ASX – BVR) has delivered encouraging initial results from bioleaching experiments on its Brumby Project’s hyper-enriched black shale (HEBS) mineralisation. Early tests have confirmed the presence and leachability of several critical and strategic minerals including Zinc, Vanadium, Copper, Silver, Nickel, Molybdenum, and Yttrium. These findings mark an important milestone in validating bioleaching as a viable extraction method for this complex mineralisation.

The bioleaching trials, conducted under a range of conditions, demonstrated that microbial activity significantly enhances the recovery of target elements compared to chemical leaching alone. Preliminary data suggest that optimizing microbial cultures, substrate composition, and temperature could further improve yields, with ongoing analysis focused on refining these parameters.

Strategic Collaboration and Scientific Rigor

This work is part of a broader collaboration involving the Critical Resources Research Centre (CRRC) at the University of Western Australia, Australian National University, and other leading institutions. Bellavista’s partnership with these research bodies, alongside federal and state government science agencies, underscores the innovative and rigorous approach being taken to unlock the value of the Brumby mineralisation.

Importantly, the bioleaching study is being conducted with an eye toward real-world application, aiming to replicate local environmental conditions such as site temperature and water quality. This pragmatic approach enhances the potential scalability of the process, which is critical for future commercial development.

Next Steps – Bulk Sampling and Scale-Up

Building on these promising initial results, Bellavista plans to commence a targeted shallow drilling program in the fourth quarter to collect bulk samples. These samples will be used for column bioleaching tests that simulate heap leaching conditions, a necessary step to demonstrate the process at a scale relevant to mining operations.

Further surface sampling across the Edmund Basin, including the Kiangi uraniferous sediments, is also planned to assess the broader applicability of bioleaching across Bellavista’s portfolio. The company expects that costs associated with these studies will qualify for R&D tax incentives, providing some financial relief as it advances this innovative extraction method.

Implications for Critical Mineral Supply

With global demand for critical minerals rising, Bellavista’s progress at Brumby could position the company as a notable player in supplying these essential resources. The successful application of bioleaching to HEBS mineralisation offers a potentially lower-cost and environmentally friendlier alternative to traditional extraction methods, aligning with broader industry trends toward sustainable mining practices.

While the results are preliminary and require further validation, the combination of promising recoveries, scientific collaboration, and clear next steps provides a compelling narrative for investors and stakeholders watching Bellavista’s development closely.