Commerce Resources Corp. Provides Update on INRS Test Work for the Ashram Deposit, Quebec
Commerce Resources Corp. Provides Update on INRS Test Work for the
Ashram Deposit, Quebec
May 14, 2020 – Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXv: CCE, FSE: D7H 0) (the “Company” or
“Commerce”) is pleased to provide an update on the ongoing tailings characterization test
programs being completed by the Centre Eau Terre Environnement of the Institut national de la
recherche scientifique (INRS) . The flowsheet for the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit
incorporates a flotation circuit and associated tailings management facility at the mine -site. The
test work at INRS is designed to characterize this material and its behaviour under various
weather conditions over time. The programs are jointly funded through a grant, totaling
$300,000, from the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Nature et technologie (FRQNT) and the
Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles (MERN) (see news release dated June 16,
2016).
To date, characterization work including a series of static tests (TCLP, SPLP, and CTEU) and
kinetic tests (columns and weathering cells) have been completed with very positive results. The
flotation tailings are indicated to be relatively benign with no major issues identified with the
material or its management. Key takeaways include:
1. The tailings are not acid generating due to the material ’s high carbonate and low
sulphide content resulting in a natural neutralization effect. This trait also provides for a
significant cost advantage as no addition of lime is required to achieve neutralization of
the tailings.
2. The tailings are not considered hazardous or ra dioactive (S value = 0.157) according
to Quebec’s Hazardous Materials Regulations and Environmental Quality Act. The
concentrations of U -Th leached during the test work did not exceed any water quality
criteria and are therefore U and Th are not considered a potential source of
contamination.
3. Concentrations of all elements in t he tailings’ leachate fall below the “high -risk”
criteria as outlined in Directive 019.
4. Freeze-thaw cycles appear to play an important role in mineral solubility and add itional
test work is required to further characterize.
Following the completion of the static test program (see news release dated June 5 th, 2018), a
series of kinetic tests (columns and weathering cells) began and remain underway. Column tests
are designed to reasonably reflect a range of on -site weather conditions that a tailings material
may be subjected to over time , and to identify potentially leachable elements under these
scenarios. The data allows for better understanding of how the tailings may be altered over time
and for proper mitigation measures to be implemented if any elements are indicated to be
potentially problematic to the environment.
A total of six (6) columns tests have now been completed – two (2) x water leach, two (2) x
NaCl leach, and two (2) x CaCl 2 leach. The baseline conditions for each test included 28 days at
4°C, 18 days at -18°C, and 10 days at 4°C. The conditions also allowed for the potential impacts
of freeze-thaw cycles to be evaluated. The results of the column test work have been positive
and indicate that the tailings are relatively benign and fall below the “high-risk” criteria as
outlined in Directive 019 by the Ministry of Environment and Fight Against Climate
Change (MELCC). Only Cd, Pb, and Zn exceed resurgence criteria for the protection of aquatic
life. Measurement of partial contents of Cd, Pb , and Zn will be carried out in order to determine
if their contents exceed the natural soil background levels of the Labrador Trough. If the partial
contents measured are lower than the natural background, the tailings will not be considered
leachable under Directive 019 classification.
Figure 1: Diagram and laboratroy set-up for kinetic testing
The project’s next steps include tailing s weathering modelling using PHREEQC software. The
objectives are to; 1) understand which mineral phases are likely to dissolve or precipitate under
specific conditions, 2) evaluate the transport of elements leached from the flotation tailings, and
3) evaluate the behaviour of the tailings under variable temperature, pH, and salinity.
The current tailing characterization project is anticipated to conclude in December 2020.
However, due to the success of the collaboration over the last four years, the Company and the
INRS are exploring a continuation of the tailings characterization work under the same funding
mechanisms.
NI 43-101 Disclosure
Darren L. Smith, M.Sc., P.Geo., Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., a Permit holder with the
Ordre des Géologues du Québec and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101,
supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release.
About Commerce Resources Corp.
Commerce Resources Corp. is an exploration and development company with a particular focus
on deposits of rare metals and rare earth elements. The Company is focused on the development
of its Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit in Quebec and the Upper Fir Tantalum -Niobium
Deposit in British Columbia.
For more information, please visit the corporate website at www.commerceresources.com or
email [email protected].
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
COMMERCE RESOURCES CORP.
“Chris Grove”
Chris Grove
President and Director
Tel: 604.484.2700
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.commerceresources.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the
TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward -looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties
and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward -looking
statements. Forward looking statements in this press release include that , proper mitigation measures could be
implemented if any element s are indicated to be potentially problematic to the environment; and that we might
continue the tailings characterization work beyond December 2020. These forward -looking statements are
subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ
materially from those projected in the forward -looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these
statements from coming to fru ition include that we may misdiagnose problems or prepare solutions that do not
remedy the problems; we may not receive more funding to extend the program; changing costs for mining and
processing; increased capital costs; the timing and content of upcomin g work programs and reports produced on
work done ; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information;
potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumption based on limited test work and by comparison to
what are considered analogous deposits that with further test work may not be comparable; testing of our process
may not prove successful and even it tests are successful, the economic and other outcomes may not be as
expected; the availability of labour, equi pment and markets for the products produced; and despite the current
expected viability of the project, conditions changing such that the minerals on our property cannot be
economically mined, or that the required permits to build and operate the envisaged mine can be obtained. The
forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no
responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by
law.