Nativo Resources has signed an option agreement with Boku Resources SAC to evaluate the Toma La Mano tailings deposit in Peru for potential gold and silver recovery. The deposit contains approximately 1.8 million tonnes of polymetallic material. A feasibility study will determine economic viability, while re-mining aims to mitigate environmental risks. Boku plans a processing plant, with a royalty fee structure set for the precious metals extracted. Final investment decisions are anticipated by the first quarter of 2026.
Nativo Resources has entered into an option agreement with its joint venture, Boku Resources SAC, to assess the recovery of gold and silver from the Toma La Mano tailings deposit in Peru. This project is situated in the Ancash region and is under the ownership of Corporación Minera Toma la Mano, which operates a polymetallic tolling plant that processes various metals from third-party ores.
The tailings deposit, which was generated from both historical mining and ongoing tolling operations, is estimated to comprise approximately 1.8 million tonnes of polymetallic material. Historical data indicate that gold grades in the tailings range from 0.1 to 1.7 grams per tonne, while silver grades are between 10 and 37 grams per tonne; nonetheless, residual grades and recoveries remain uncertain.
Boku is permitted three years to conduct a resource estimate and feasibility study, which will involve metallurgical analysis to establish recovery rates and optimize processing methods. If Boku decides to move forward with a final investment, they may build a processing plant to extract and sell precious metals, with a rental fee of $3 per tonne of processed tailings.
In addition, a 6.5% royalty on revenues will apply, which will increase to 7% once Boku has recouped 30% of its expenses. It is important to note that Boku will not gain ownership of the deposit. The board of Nativo stated that this project aims to address environmental and social risks related to historical tailings, helping to reduce contamination while minimizing land degradation.
Re-mining tailings is presented as a lower-carbon alternative to traditional mining methods, leading to reduced energy usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions. According to Nativo’s chief executive officer, Stephen Birrell, this agreement serves as the beginning of a series of seven similar tailings remediation projects identified in the region.
Birrell characterized the opportunity as straightforward since tailings dumps like Toma La Mano pose environmental liabilities for their owners that must be addressed. Boku’s plan involves utilizing modern technology at a central processing plant to recover gold and silver, remediate the land, and redeposit treated tailings in compliance with current regulations.
Furthermore, Birrell emphasized the low-cost and low-risk nature of this strategy, noting that it allows for quick resource definition with minimal investment and operational costs. The model, if successfully implemented, holds significant scalability potential throughout Peru, where numerous deposits are in need of remediation. Given the favorable gold prices, these initiatives are poised to benefit all parties involved, with a projected final investment decision aimed for the first quarter of 2026.
In conclusion, Nativo Resources has initiated a promising venture to explore the re-mining of the Toma La Mano tailings deposit in Peru, aiming to recover valuable gold and silver. This environmentally conscious project exemplifies a modern approach to mining, prioritizing sustainability and reduced carbon emissions. With plans for a feasibility study and strategic financial arrangements in place, Nativo is well-positioned to make significant advancements in this sector, providing gains for stakeholders and addressing historical environmental liabilities. Future developments are anticipated as the final investment decision approaches in 2026.
Original Source: www.sharecast.com
