LSE-listed Altona has completed all field activities relating to a scoping study on short-term fluorspar mining at Monte Muambe, in Mozambique. The results of the study are expected to be available in the first quarter of next year.

In addition to completing all field activities, the company said on November 4 that a representative ore sample had been taken for assay, beneficiation testing and evaluation by potential buyers.

Altona announced on September 25 that it had started a scoping study for the production of metallurgical grade fluorspar from low-tonnage high-grade veins located along the western margin of the rare-earths-bearing Monte Muambe carbonatite intrusion.

As part of this study, the company's team carried out field activities at Monte Muambe during October. These included a photogrammetric topographic survey of the fluorite zone to provide a high-resolution digital terrain model to serve as base for 3D modelling of fluorspar mineralisation, along with detailed geological mapping of high-grade fluorspar outcrops.

The field activities also included the production of a representative 300 kg crushed sample of high-grade fluorspar ore.

The ore sample will be split into different subsamples and used for geochemical assays and for beneficiation testing. Representative subsamples will also be submitted to potential buyers and offtakers for evaluation this month. The results will be used as inputs in the study.

The study will also take into consideration the potential production of 15 000 t/y to 20 000 t/y of fluorspar over an initial period of five years.

Beneficiation of high-grade ore from the fluorite zone to produce metallurgical-grade fluorspar is expected to be simple and to involve crushing followed by gravity concentration using jigs or a dense medium separation plant.

Altona said the expected size and relative simplicity of this project lent itself to fast-tracking, with potential for commercial sales within 12 months of an investment decision.

"The potential rapid development of fluorspar production from the fluorite zone at Monte Muambe represents an . . . opportunity to monetise an additional part of our investment in this asset. If successful, it would create a cash inflow for the company.

"Furthermore, this project fits . . . our diversification strategy, along with our promising copper exploration assets in Botswana and in Zambia, therefore expanding revenue generation opportunities for the company,” Altona CEO Cedric Simonet said.