お知らせ • Feb 18
Probe Gold Announces Positive Geochemical Results; Confirms Non-Acid-Generating, Non-Leachable Classification for Novador Mine Project Waste Rock and Tailings
Probe Gold Inc. announced positive results from geochemical characterization studies at its Novador mine project in Val-d'Or, Quebec. These environmental geochemistry programs assessed various mining materials, including waste rock, mineralized rock, and tailings from metallurgical testing, to determine their acid-generating and metal-leaching potential. Results to date indicate that the materials are non-acid-generating and non-leachable. This favorable classification will support the development of the Novador project by lowering mining infrastructure costs for material handling and simplifying monitoring during operations and post-closure. Objectives and Methodology: The environmental geochemical characterization programs followed rigorous testing protocols recommended by Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks . These tests assessed the geochemical properties of mining materials through chemical composition analysis, acid-base accounting evaluations, and leaching tests. Additionally, mineralogical analyses were conducted to further refine the characterization. To ensure accuracy and representativeness, a rigorous sample selection process was undertaken. A total of 409 drill core samples were collected to characterize waste rock and mineralized rock from the Novador mining project, distributed as follows: Monique sector: 190 samples; Pascalis sector: 92 samples; Courvan sector: 127 samples. Additionally, 10 tailings samples from metallurgical testing were collected for geochemical analysis. The geochemical characterization programs, conducted by Lamont Inc. (Mining environmental services company) and Probe, were implemented between 2017 and 2024. The sampling strategy provided broad spatial coverage across the three gold corridors, ensuring representation of all lithological units, alteration patterns, and mineralization types. Sample distribution was proportionally aligned with the tonnages defined in the 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) update. This systematic approach strengthens the validity of the results, providing a solid foundation for environmental planning and sustainable development at Novador. Results: The geochemical characterization results confirm that the mining materials at the Novador project are non-acid-generating and non-leachable. The high carbonate content of the host rocks provides a strong neutralization potential, effectively counteracting any acidity produced by sulfide oxidation. Mineralogical analyses further validate these findings, aligning with chemical assay results. To evaluate metal leaching potential, metal concentrations—measured using the aqua regia extraction method—were compared to background levels of the Superior geological province, as outlined in the MELCCFP Guide. Samples exceeding background levels underwent additional testing using TCLP, SPLP, and CTEU-9 leaching tests, as recommended by the Guide. Metal concentrations in Novador mining materials are generally below background levels, except for copper and, occasionally, manganese in all lithological units. In ultramafic and mafic units, nickel and chromium were found above background levels. However, leaching tests under neutral to slightly acidic conditions confirmed that these metals are not leachable. Since the mine materials are non-acid-generating, these results accurately reflect conditions expected during and after mining, reinforcing their classification as non-leachable. All analytical programs (2017–2024) were conducted at AGAT Laboratories (Montreal, Mississauga, Burnaby) and Techni-Lab (Ste-Germaine-Boulé, Quebec), with some tests subcontracted to Eurofins Environex (Longueuil) and Actlabs (Ancaster). Laboratories in Quebec are MELCCFP-accredited, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The entire process, including testing and data compilation, was rigorously supervised by Lamont's qualified personnel. Field Column test Program (Kinetic Tests) Objectives and Methodology: In 2023, a program of kinetic field tests was launched to thoroughly assess the quality of water interacting with materials from the Novador mining project. These tests utilized 1.5-meter-high high-density polyethylene columns, which were installed on-site at the Novador mine. Conducted using mine waste rock from the Monique sector, the tests began in 2023 and concluded at the end of 2024. Additional testing is planned for 2025–2026, focusing on waste rock from the Pascalis and Courvan sectors of the Novador mining project. Testing Methodology: The trials evaluated different lithologies and waste rock composites from each mineralized zone in the Monique area. The columns were filled with drill core intervals carefully selected from the geological database based on their descriptions, spatial distribution, and available chemical analyses. During column assembly, samples were collected for geochemical characterization. The columns were then placed at the Novador mine site and exposed to real climatic conditions. Precipitation was the sole water source, percolating through the columns and collecting at the base after contact with the mine waste rock. Water samples were taken monthly by Probe personnel under Lamont's supervision. Some measurements were conducted on-site, while collected samples were sent to the laboratory the same day to meet preservation requirements. Results: Chemical analysis of the drill core samples confirmed their similarity to the 190 samples from the Monique sector previously characterized in static tests. This validated both the representativeness of the selected intervals and the reliability of the kinetic test results. Water analysis results indicate that mine waste rock in the Monique area is alkaline and does not generate acid mine drainage. Most pH values range between 7.0 and 9.5, with all lithologies and waste rock composites contributing to water alkalinity. Minimal acidity is produced, which is quickly neutralized. Sulphate and metal concentrations remain very low, further supporting static test results that suggest a low risk of acid mine drainage and metal leaching. Drill core sample analyses were conducted at Techni-Lab in Ste-Germaine-Boulé, Quebec, with Actlabs in Ancaster, Ontario, subcontracted for select tests. Water analyses were performed at H2Lab in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec.