Solaris Reports High Recoveries of Over 90% Copper and 80% Molybdenum from Warintza Project Metallurgical Test Work
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Solaris Reports High Recoveries of Over 90% Copper and 80% Molybdenum
from Warintza Project Metallurgical Test Work
January 23, 2023 – Vancouver, B.C. – Solaris Resources Inc . (TSX: SLS; OTCQB: SLSSF) (“Solaris” or “the
Company”) is pleased to report results from metallurgical test work on its Warintza Project (“Warintza”
or “the Project”) in southeastern Ecuador. The Company commissioned FLSmidth USA Inc. (“FLS”) to
complete comminution and metallurgical flotation test work programs. Highlights are listed below and
detailed results in Tables 1-4.
Mr. Daniel Earle, President & CEO, commented: “Warintza is blessed with simple metallurgy that readily
returns high recoveries of critical minerals from standard flotation processes into high-grade concentrates
free of deleterious elements. Historical testing reported high recoveries of over 90% for copper and 70%
for gold; our testing has reproduced these results and established high recoveries for molybdenum of over
80% at a time when molybdenum prices recently eclipsed $30/lb due to structural supply issues in the
sector.”
Highlights
High recoveries for copper (“Cu”), molybdenum (“Mo”) and gold (“Au”) in rougher flotation,
cleaner flotation and locked cycle testing
Low reagent dosages and short flotation times over a wide range of pH levels, and requiring only
moderate to coarse grind sizes for both supergene and hypogene samples
High copper concentrate grades expected from both supergene material at 40% Cu and hypogene
material at 22% Cu with both concentrates containing in excess of 1 g/t Au
High molybdenum concentrate grades expected to meet or exceed 51% Mo independent of feed
type given excellent liberation of coarse grained molybdenite
For context, the Warintza Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”)¹ includes a molybdenum byproduct
estimate containing 150 kt Mo grading 0.03% Mo (Indicated) and 130 kt Mo grading 0.01% Mo
(Inferred), in addition to gold
Concentrates free of deleterious elements, with no significant values of arsenic, antimony,
bismuth or mercury
Optimization testing with larger sample sizes planned for hypogene material aimed at further
increasing recoveries
Metallurgical Test Work Program Scope
The metallurgical test work program at FLS included comminution grind studies on two master
composites, ore characterization, grinding indices, rougher and cleaner flotation tests, locked cycle testing
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and variability rougher kinetics flotation tests. The objective of the test work was to evaluate the
metallurgical flotation response of the master composites and variability samples, establish metal
recoveries, evaluate if any deleterious elements were present, and assess whether clean, high-grade
concentrates could be produced with industry standard processing practices and reagents.
Sample Selection
The metallurgical samples were taken from three drill holes specifically drilled for metallurgical test work.
The hole depths range from 500m to 960m with sample selection ranging from 46m below surface to a
depth of 450m. Seven samples which consisted of 20m intervals of half core were selected for the test
work program for a total weight of 651kg of sample material. The samples were selected from the
Warintza Central deposit to represent the mineralization, metal grades, and lithology type which formed
the first pit phases of the MRE.
Table 1: Sample Selection
Met ID Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Mineralization
S1_2 SLS-59 126 146 20 Supergene
S2_2 SLS-60 112 132 20 Supergene
S3_2 SLS-60 46 66 20 Supergene
P1_2 SLS-59 330 350 20 Hypogene
P2_2 SLS-61 428 448 20 Hypogene
P3_2 SLS-60 260 280 20 Hypogene
P4_2 SLS-61 280 300 20 Hypogene
Total 140
Table 2: Collar Location
Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Depth (m) Azimuth (degrees) Dip (degrees)
SLS-61 800191 9648065 1573 967 255 -72
SLS-60 800258 9648097 1559 873 190 -80
SLS-59 799765 9648033 1571 513 65 -70
Notes to Table 2: The coordinates are in WGS84 17S Datum.
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Figure 1: Metallurgical Drill holes
The metallurgical samples were combined by mineralization type and classified as supergene and
hypogene which formed two master composites (“MC”) for the flotation test work program. MC #1
represents the supergene material and MC #2 represents the hypogene material. Each MC was assayed
to confirm the metal grades are within range of the grades expected in the first phases of a potential mine
plan. The head grades for each MC can be found in Table 3.
Table 3: Master Composite Head Grade
Composite Head Grade
Cu, % Mo, % Au, g/t
Supergene
MC #1 1.22 0.03 0.07
MC #1B 1.13 0.04 0.07
Hypogene
MC #2 0.66 0.03 0.06
MC#2B 0.58 0.03 0.07
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Rougher Flotation Testing
FLS completed six rougher flotation tests on MC #1 and five rougher flotation tests on MC #2. In both
composites, the copper recovery does not appear to be influenced significantly by pH, grind size, or
collector dosages. The rougher flotation tests focused on primary grind size, pH, and collector dosage as
the variables for influencing the flotation behavior. The collector used in all tests is Cytec Aero 8989 for
copper and burner oil as a molybdenum collector. Below is a summary of MC #1 and #2 tests at various
grind sizes and pH.
Table 4: Rougher Recoveries and Grades
MC #1 – Supergene
Actual Grind
Size, µm pH
Recovery Grade
Cu, % Mo, % Au, % Cu, % Mo, % Au, g/t
117 6.8 91.7 89.3 80.3 9.63 0.24 0.38
122 8.5 91.7 88.6 78.2 7.74 0.19 0.43
143 8.5 91.0 90.7 77.3 12.32 0.31 0.65
144 9.8 91.0 92.3 68.2 13.41 0.32 0.85
144 9.2 91.9 91.5 71.7 12.95 0.30 0.92
167 8.8 91.1 86.6 74.0 12.53 0.30 0.62
Average 91.4 89.8 75.0
MC #2 – Hypogene
Actual Grind
Size, µm pH
Recovery Grade
Cu, % Mo, % Au, % Cu, % Mo, % Au, g/t
98 8.5 95.0 94.4 78.0 4.39 0.20 0.38
129 8.6 95.1 91.6 78.8 4.37 0.20 0.39
177 8.6 94.5 93.9 78.7 4.32 0.18 0.39
147 9.4 95.5 91.4 70.0 4.44 0.15 0.45
147 8.9 94.8 91.6 68.8 4.78 0.18 0.47
Average 95.0 92.6 74.8
Cleaner and Locked Cycle Flotation Testing
Batch cleaner tests were conducted to ensure that bulk concentrates could be produced without
significant cleaner losses. One cleaner test was conducted on MC #1 and four cleaner tests were
conducted on MC #2, with regrind size being the most significant variable tested. A second set of master
composites were created with the same blend of variability samples as the original master composites
labeled MC #1B and MC #2B and were used for seven locked cycle tests and copper-molybdenum
separation tests. Batch cleaner and locked cycle testing produces high recoveries for the supergene
composite of 90% Cu and 83% Mo and hypogene composite of 89% Cu and 75% Mo. FLS concluded that
higher recoveries could be achieved for MC #2 and #2B with reagent optimization, which will be
incorporated into the next phase of testing.
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Copper-Molybdenum Concentrate Separation Test
The second set of master composites, MC #1B and MC #2B, were used for the copper-molybdenum
separation of the bulk concentrates. The test work only included a rougher stage molybdenum float that
was carried out for both MC #1B and MC #2B due to the size of the remaining sample. The molybdenum
separated from the copper successfully into a rougher concentrate for both master composites given
excellent liberation characteristics and coarse grain size for molybdenum, with the majority of grains by
mass > 200 microns in size. Flotation testing of the supergene samples produced a copper concentrate
grading approximately 40% Cu and containing in excess of 1 g/t Au. Flotation testing of the hypogene
samples produced a copper concentrate grading approximately 22% Cu and containing in excess of 1 g/t
Au. Molybdenum concentrate grades at 51% Mo independent of feed type.
Endnotes
1. Refer to Solaris’ technical report titled, “NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Warintza Project, Ecuador”
with an effective date of April 1, 2022, prepared by Mario E. Rossi and filed on the Company’s SEDAR
profile at www.sedar.com.
Quality Control & Quality Assurance
Sample assay results have been independently monitored through a quality control/quality assurance
(“QA/QC”) program that includes the insertion of blind certified reference materials (standards), blanks
and field duplicate samples. Solaris employs a QA/QC program consistent with National Instrument 43-
101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and industry best practices. Logging and
sampling were completed at a secured Company facility located in Quito, Ecuador. Drill core is cut in half
on site and samples are securely transported to ALS Labs in Quito. Sample pulps are sent to ALS Labs in
Lima, Peru and Vancouver, Canada for analysis. Total copper and molybdenum contents are determined
by four-acid digestion with AAS finish. Gold is determined by fire assay of a 30-gram charge. In addition,
selected pulp check samples are sent to Bureau Veritas lab in Lima, Peru. Both ALS Labs and Bureau Veritas
lab are independent of Solaris. The drillhole data has been verified by Jorge Fierro, M.Sc., DIC, PG, using
data validation and quality assurance procedures under high industry standards. For the metallurgical test
work at FLS, the ALS labs assay results were used by FLS to produce seven sample composites from the
remaining sawn half core to best represent a range of locations within the Warintza Central deposit. The
remaining half core was sampled by Solaris staff, bagged and sent to FLS at FLS’ laboratory in Salt Lake
City, Utah. The metallurgical test work described in this release was performed by FLS. All sample
preparation, solution and solid assaying and metallurgical studies were performed utilizing accepted
industry standard procedures. FLS conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and is accredited by
the Standards Council of Canada for the specific tests undertaken. FLS is independent of Solaris. Solaris is
not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or
reliability of the data referred to herein.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jorge
Fierro, M.Sc., DIC, PG, Vice President Exploration of Solaris who is a “Qualified Person” as defined in NI
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43-101. Jorge Fierro is a Registered Professional Geologist through the SME (registered member
#4279075).
On behalf of the Board of Solaris Resources Inc.
“Daniel Earle”
President & CEO, Director
For Further Information
Jacqueline Wagenaar, VP Investor Relations
Direct: 416-366-5678 Ext. 203
Email: [email protected]
About Solaris Resources Inc.
Solaris is a multi-asset exploration company, advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in the
Americas, which includes: its primary focus, a world class large-scale resource with expansion and
discovery potential at the Warintza Project in Ecuador; discovery potential at its Ricardo Project and
optioned and owned grass-roots Tamarugo Project in Chile; discovery potential at its Capricho and Paco
Orco projects in Peru; and significant leverage to increasing copper prices through its 60% interest in the
La Verde joint-venture project with a subsidiary of Teck Resources in Mexico.
Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements
This document contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of
applicable securities legislation (collectively “forward-looking statements”). The use of the words “will” and
“expected” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include
statements that high copper concentrate grades are expected from both supergene material at 40% Cu and hypogene
material at 22% Cu with both concentrates containing in excess of 1 g/t Au, high molybdenum concentrate grades
are expected to meet or exceed 51% Mo independent of feed type given excellent liberation of coarse grained
molybdenite, optimization testing with larger sample sizes is planned for hypogene material aimed at further
increasing recoveries, and that FLS concluded that higher recoveries could be achieved for batch cleaner and locked
cycle testing for MC #2 and #2B with reagent optimization, which will be incorporated into the next phase of testing.
Although Solaris believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are
reasonable, readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from the forward-looking statements. These
statements are based on a variety of assumptions including assumptions made about the Company’s ability to
advance exploration efforts at the Warintza Project; the results of such exploration efforts; and the Company’s ability
to achieve its growth objectives. These statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking
statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Solaris Management’s Discussion and
Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2021 available at www.sedar.com. Furthermore, the forward-looking
statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Solaris does not undertake
any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements except as may be required by
applicable securities laws.