Asian Battery Metals Reports 95% Copper Recovery and Strong Nickel Grades

Strong Metallurgical Foundations at Oval

Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX – AZ9) has delivered a significant boost to its flagship Oval Cu-Ni-PGE project in Mongolia with metallurgical test work confirming excellent copper recoveries. Conducted by ALS Metallurgy in Perth, the tests demonstrated that copper-bearing minerals, primarily chalcopyrite, can be efficiently liberated and recovered using a straightforward flotation process. Recovery rates ranged impressively from 89% to 95% across different composite samples, underscoring the potential for producing a clean, marketable copper concentrate.

The flotation process established is notably simple, involving a two-product flowsheet that separates copper and nickel concentrates. Importantly, the copper concentrate contains no penalty elements, which often complicate processing and marketing. This clarity in concentrate quality bodes well for downstream processing and commercial viability.

Nickel Concentrate Optimization in Progress

While copper results are robust, the nickel concentrate remains a work in progress. Initial flotation tests have yielded encouraging nickel grades, but further optimization is required to achieve a market-ready product. The company has already realized improvements through targeted reagent selection and flotation timing adjustments, with further gains anticipated as testing continues. This ongoing refinement highlights the company’s methodical approach to maximizing the value of all metals present in the deposit.

Strategic Development and Exploration Plans

These metallurgical successes reinforce confidence in the Oval project’s development pathway. Asian Battery Metals is preparing to commence a concentrate marketing study, a critical step towards commercialisation. Concurrently, the company is advancing assay results from recent drilling at Oval and the Maikhan Uul Cu-Au VMS project, alongside completing technical and legal due diligence on the latter. Subject to satisfactory outcomes, the Maikhan Uul acquisition could further expand the company’s Mongolian portfolio.

Looking ahead, Phase 4 drilling is planned for early 2026, aiming to extend and better define mineralisation. This drilling will build on the extensive exploration work completed to date, which has included detailed diamond drilling and mineralogical analysis confirming the presence of well-liberated copper and nickel sulphides.

Implications for Asian Battery Metals and Investors

The confirmation of high copper recoveries through a conventional flotation circuit is a pivotal milestone for Asian Battery Metals. It not only validates the technical assumptions underpinning the project but also enhances the attractiveness of the Oval deposit to potential partners and financiers. The absence of penalty elements in the copper concentrate simplifies processing and reduces risk, potentially accelerating the path to production.

However, the nickel concentrate’s optimization remains a key focus area, and its successful refinement will be essential to fully unlocking the project’s value. Investors should watch closely for updates on this front, as well as the outcomes of the Maikhan Uul due diligence and upcoming drilling results.