1911 Gold Corporation (TSXV: AUMB; OTCBB: AUMBF; FRA: 2KY) has reached a pivotal juncture in its operational development, reporting highly encouraging results from its comprehensive metallurgical test-work program. The data, derived from mineralized samples at its flagship True North Gold Project and the satellite Ogama-Rockland Gold Project in southeast Manitoba, underscores the company’s commitment to optimizing recovery efficiencies as it evaluates a potential future production restart.
The test-work, conducted by ALS Canada Ltd., provides the technical foundation necessary for the company’s upcoming bulk sampling and test mining initiatives. By leveraging existing infrastructure and refining processing parameters, 1911 Gold aims to establish a scalable, sustainable operation within its expansive 60,000-hectare land package.
Main Facts: Metallurgical Breakthroughs
The primary objective of the latest testing phase was to determine the most effective recovery flow sheet for the diverse mineralized zones within the Rice Lake property. The results confirm that the gold from the True North and Ogama-Rockland deposits is highly amenable to standard industry recovery processes, specifically gravity concentration followed by flotation and cyanide leaching.
For the True North project, testing on a 130 kg composite sample from the L10 Zone (Level 16, -720 m) revealed that more than 50% of the feed gold can be recovered through gravity separation alone. This is a critical operational advantage, as gravity recovery is both cost-effective and environmentally favorable. The remaining gold, which is not captured by gravity, shows high leachability in the flotation concentrate.
The Ogama-Rockland project, located approximately 45 km by road from the True North mill, has also demonstrated exceptional recovery potential. Preliminary tests on a 20.5 kg composite sample achieved an impressive total gold recovery of 96.3%, with 82% of the gold captured through gravity. This suggests that mineralized material from Ogama-Rockland can be processed seamlessly through the existing True North mill, enhancing the potential economic viability of the satellite deposit.
Chronology of Developments
The path to these results has been defined by a systematic approach to exploration and technical verification. Following the successful definition of high-grade mineralization in previous drilling campaigns, 1911 Gold transitioned into a phase of technical de-risking:
- 2025–2026 Exploration: The company completed an extensive diamond drilling program at Ogama-Rockland, yielding high-grade intersections, including 10.41 g/t gold over 3.40 meters.
- June 2026: ALS Canada Ltd. finalized the metallurgical report for the True North deposit, providing the data points required for the current optimization studies.
- August 10, 2026: A critical milestone was reached with the successful test run of the True North primary ball mill. This followed the installation of new liners, lifters, and a state-of-the-art gear lubrication system, marking the commencement of mill recommissioning.
- Q2 2026: In support of its operational goals, the company granted 125,000 deferred share units (DSUs) to its directors, signaling strong internal confidence in the company’s long-term trajectory.
Supporting Data: Technical Performance
The efficacy of the metallurgical process is rooted in the interplay between primary grind size, regrind optimization, and reagent management.
True North Process Optimization
The True North test-work analyzed various grind sizes (87 µm, 112 µm, and 147 µm) to determine the ideal throughput. While historical operations utilized a 75 µm primary grind, the recent tests suggest that operating at a coarser grind could offer throughput and cost efficiencies without sacrificing significant recovery. The addition of a regrind circuit for the flotation concentrate—specifically to a nominal 22 µm—improved overall recoveries by approximately 5%.
Environmental safety remains a core pillar of the process. The testing confirmed that the waste rock possesses no potential for acid generation. The Acid Base Accounting (ABA) and Net Acid Generation (NAG) tests, combined with long-term baseline monitoring, demonstrate that the project adheres to stringent environmental standards, with no risk of deleterious metal leaching.
Ogama-Rockland Potential
The preliminary data for Ogama-Rockland (Table 5) highlights the robustness of the material. At a 101 µm primary grind, the recovery of 96.3% exceeds expectations for a preliminary stage project. The fact that this material can be processed with current plant configurations suggests that the Ogama-Rockland project could serve as a valuable feed source, significantly extending the potential mine life of the True North complex.
Official Responses
Shaun Heinrichs, President and CEO of 1911 Gold, emphasized the strategic importance of these findings. "We are pleased to provide results from metallurgical test work for True North, confirming excellent gold recoveries, with a significant amount of gold recovered through the gravity stage," Heinrichs stated. "Results confirmed moderate reagent consumptions, good residence time, and highlighted opportunities to improve flotation and leach efficiencies."
Regarding the satellite project, Heinrichs added, "Preliminary test work for Ogama-Rockland provided encouraging results and confirmed the clean nature of material which is amenable to high recoveries at the True North mill." He noted that future programs will focus on trade-off studies to finalize the optimal processing parameters during the upcoming bulk sampling phase.
Implications: The Path to Production
The successful test-work and mill commissioning represent more than just technical milestones; they are indicators of a shift from exploration to development.
Operational Synergy
The proximity of the Ogama-Rockland project to the True North mill is a major logistical advantage. By utilizing the existing, permitted mill, 1911 Gold avoids the capital-intensive process of building new processing facilities. The test-work confirms that the two deposits can likely share processing pathways, which would optimize operating costs and improve the overall Net Present Value (NPV) of the company’s assets.
Strategic Objectives
The company’s focus is on building a district-scale operation. By centralizing infrastructure at the True North site, 1911 Gold is positioning itself to reactivate regional mining. The planned bulk sampling program is the final gate before a formal production decision. This program will allow the company to observe the metallurgical performance in a live environment, further refining the data collected in the lab.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
1911 Gold continues to prioritize its relationship with local First Nation communities. The commitment to open communication with the Hollow Water and Black River First Nations ensures that the development of the Rice Lake property proceeds with broad support. This social license to operate is as essential to the company’s success as the geological and metallurgical data.
Market Outlook
While the company has not yet made a formal production decision, the transition into mill testing and bulk sampling provides a clear roadmap for stakeholders. The combination of high-grade drill results, proven metallurgical amenability, and a fully permitted, refurbished mill sets 1911 Gold apart in the junior mining sector. As the company prepares for the next phase of its underground development and infill drilling, the focus remains on de-risking the project and proving its economic viability for long-term production.
The company’s ability to maintain high recovery rates at lower reagent levels, combined with the proven, environmentally sound nature of the tailings, suggests a model of sustainable mining that aligns with modern ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) expectations. Investors will be watching closely as the company moves toward the next stage of its bulk sampling program, which promises to provide the definitive metrics needed to confirm the viability of restarting operations at one of Manitoba’s most prospective gold districts.
For further information, please refer to the official 1911 Gold Corporation website and the company’s latest filings on SEDAR+.
