Atlanta Gold Inc. announced positive metallurgical results from the 107-ton bulk sample extracted from exploration trenches at its Atlanta gold project in Elmore County, Idaho. As previously announced the company processed the initial bulk sample at Knife River Corporation's test facility in Boise, Idaho. This test facility is meant to model their process plant operating in Idaho City which is effectively a giant sluice box that washes away lighter crushed rock from the gold particles.

The 107-ton bulk sample was crushed down to a feed size of 1/8" which was processed in two days through the gravity-washed system, and samples were assayed at four collection points in the system (feed, sluice carpet, underjig and tailings). Free gold particles collected in the system would be sent for refining into dor gold bars; while the remaining sulphide material, commonly referred to as black sand will be further processed offsite. The results indicate that processing of the initial bulk sample left significant amounts of gold behind in the tailings.

Further test work is obviously necessary to improve recovery. Therefore, the company will reduce the grind size of material to a feed size of +50 (+10 mm) mesh, relocate the jigs and reduce the angle of the sluice boxes so that less than 0.001 opt (0.034 gpt) Au remains in the tailings. A small test sample has been successfully processed subsequent to the 107-ton bulk sample, and demonstrates the potential of this refinement.

It is anticipated that an ongoing program will be necessary to customize the process for the material extracted from the exploration trenches, and to optimize recoveries.