Nativo Resources has signed an option agreement with Boku Resources SAC to evaluate the Toma La Mano tailings deposit in Peru for gold and silver recovery. The project, containing approximately 1.8 million tonnes of polymetallic material, aims to mitigate environmental risks and presents a low-carbon alternative to traditional mining. The agreement allows Boku three years to conduct feasibility studies, with plans for a processing plant should the project advance.
Nativo Resources has initiated an option agreement to assess the potential recovery of gold and silver from the Toma La Mano tailings deposit in Peru, through its joint venture with Boku Resources SAC. The project is situated in Ancash region, owned by Corporación Minera Toma la Mano, which manages a polymetallic tolling plant that processes various metals from third-party ores.
The tailings deposit, which has accumulated from both historical mining practices and ongoing tolling operations, is approximated to contain around 1.8 million tonnes of polymetallic material. Historical data indicates gold concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1.7 grams per tonne and silver concentrations between 10 and 37 grams per tonne, though the overall grades and recovery rates remain uncertain.
Under the terms of the agreement, Boku has a period of up to three years to perform a resource evaluation and feasibility study, including testing to optimize recovery rates. Should the venture move forward, it may establish a processing plant to extract the metals, subject to a processing fee of $3 per tonne of tailings. Additionally, a royalty fee of 6.5% on revenues will be incurred, which will rise to 7% after recovering 30% of expenditures. Importantly, Boku will not gain an ownership stake in the tailings deposit itself.
The company has expressed that the project addresses environmental and social challenges associated with historical tailings, aiming to decrease water and soil contamination while avoiding further land degradation. The initiative of re-mining tailings positions itself as a lower-carbon alternative to traditional mining, requiring reduced energy inputs and producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Stephen Birrell, the Chief Executive Officer, remarked on the significance of this agreement as the first in a series of seven potential tailings cleaning projects in the region. He emphasized that tailings present liabilities for their owners that must be managed. Boku’s approach aims to utilize modern technology and a centralized processing facility to remediate the land and comply with current regulations.
Birrell described this strategy as low-cost and low-risk, featuring expedited resource definition with limited capital expenditure. He noted that if the model proves effective, it could be scaled across numerous deposits in Peru that need remediation. With favorable gold prices, these projects are advantageous for all stakeholders involved. The company aims to reach a final investment decision by the first quarter of 2026.
In conclusion, Nativo Resources is strategically advancing its agreement with Boku Resources SAC to explore the Toma La Mano tailings deposit in Peru, marking significant progress in the recovery of precious metals while actively addressing environmental issues. The company’s focus on utilizing modern technology and maintaining ecological responsibility signifies a promising venture set for further development. As it seeks to achieve a final investment decision by early 2026, this initiative could pave the way for scalable solutions across similar projects in the region.
Original Source: www.sharecast.com
