Vancouver-based Novo Resources Corp. (TSX-Venture:NVO) took off like a Saturn rocket Monday, on positive initial results from mechanical rock sorting tests.
A news release out early Monday noted that the tests are being undertaken by Australian-based TOMRA Sorting Pty. Ltd. TOMRA is the foremost mechanical rock sorting company in the mining industry.
The release said a quartet of five-plus-tonne bulk samples from Comet Well underwent successful sorting, along with three from the Upper Cannonball Conglomerate and one from the Lower Cannonball Conglomerate.
Each sample was crushed and screened yielding truly tiny sub-fractions.Testing was undertaken on each size fraction except for the sub-10 mm size fraction. Mechanical sorting employed a combination of X-Ray transmission and electromagnetic induction.
XRT identifies rocks containing particles of high atomic mass such as gold and EM identifies rocks that become electrically charged due to the presence of metallic particles in a manner similar to the operation of a metal detector.
Novo adds that, with tests now complete, assays will be performed on all fractions of concentrates and rejects to ascertain overall efficiency of sorting. Full results of this study are expected early next year. Sorting of rocks a certain size resulted in a remarkably low mass pull of approximately 0.3%. Visual and X-Ray examination of concentrate indicates gold nuggets are present.
According to CEO Rob Humphryson, CEO, "Although full assays are needed …, the very low mass pull achieved by the TOMRA mechanical sorter bodes well for efficient concentration of gold."
On these tidings, shares in Novo galloped 36 cents, or 15.8%, as the clock approached noon ET on Monday, on volume topping 180,000.
