Toronto-based Maritime Resources has received positive metallurgical results from its Hammerdown gold project in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Gold recovery rates averaged 95.9% on samples from the Hammerdown deposit, located in the Baie Verte mining district. At the Orion deposit, gold recovery is estimated at 90.3%, with primary grind of P80 of around 50 microns and with oxygen added to the leach system.

Maritime is continuing to develop the project, and expects to complete a feasibility study by the middle of the year.

It also expects to receive final permitting for construction mid-year.

Maritime Resources has completed project designs for the mine production schedule, grade control drilling programme, the crushing and sorting plant, the Nugget Gold circuit refurbishment, earthworks and associated infrastructure.

At Nugget Gold, Maritime Resources has completed mechanical inspections to evaluate the scope of refurbishing existing equipment and design of the circuit.

The company has achieved a targeted life-of-mine waste rejection rate of 40% on Hammerdown and of 15% on Orion.

Maritime Resources will not need to complete an environmental assessment of the project, as the province released the company from the requirement in May 2021.

Hammerdown contains measured resources of 284,600 tonnes at 11.75 g/t of gold for 107,500 ounces, and indicated resources of 739,100 of 8.17 g/t of gold at 194,100 ounces.