Testwork on 29 variability composites were designed to test the full range of rock types and grades encountered in the drill holes with more than 80% of the leachable gold extracted within 10 days, and final column leach gold extractions averaging 82.9% and ranging up to 94.5%.

Metallurgical testwork included fine and coarse bottle rolls and column tests using 0.5-inch and 1-inch crushed material. In total, 87 bottle rolls and 29 column tests were carried out. The phase two metallurgical test work results provide support for a simple heap leach mining scenario and demonstrate oxide material responds well to column testing and should contribute to low capital and operating costs in the future.

"We are extremely pleased with the results from our bulk sample and variability column testing programs at Black Pine, which compare well with other oxide heap leach operations and development projects in the Great Basin. By testing the entire range of grades and rock types, we can better understand the metallurgical characteristics of the gold system across the board and design a process flow sheet that accommodates the variability that we see," said VP Exploration and Geoscience Moira Smith.

A phase three metallurgical test programme will commence on August 19, targeting the recent D-3 discovery, D-1 Southeast Extension, F zone and new M Zone target.

Shares in Liberty Gold are trading at C$2.21, valuing the company at $541 million.