58.7% aluminium oxide grade boosts May Queen South bauxite project

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Australasian Metals has returned encouraging results from bulk sampling at its May Queen South Bauxite Project in central Queensland, with composite samples confirming strong aluminium oxide grades ahead of the next phase of metallurgical testing.

The company collected three bulk samples, each weighing more than 50 kilograms, from bauxite outcrops along a 20-metre strike. Each bulk sample consisted of 10 individual samples weighing between 5 kg and 6 kg.

Analysis returned composite aluminium oxide grades of 39.5 per cent, 42.0 per cent and 43.8 per cent, while individual samples recorded grades of up to 58.7 per cent aluminium oxide.

Australasian Metals said the latest results are consistent with bulk sampling undertaken at the project in 2015, providing additional confidence in the deposit's grade profile.

"The next phase of metallurgical testwork will assess treatment pathways and examine the potential recovery of titanium, gallium, and other elements of interest," said Managing Director Qingtao Zeng.

"May Queen South combines a substantial existing mineral resource with proximity to established transport infrastructure."

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Metallurgical studies to assess by-product potential

The bulk samples will now undergo metallurgical testwork to evaluate processing routes, product specifications and process optimisation.

The programme will also investigate the potential recovery of titanium dioxide, gallium and rare earth elements, which could enhance the project's overall value.

May Queen South hosts an inferred mineral resource of 54.9 million tonnes, grading 37.5 per cent total aluminium oxide, 5.2 per cent titanium dioxide and 7.9 per cent reactive silica.

The project is located less than 55 kilometres from rail infrastructure linked to the Port of Bundaberg, providing access to established export logistics.

Australasian Metals is also engaging with prospective partners and customers in China, Indonesia and South Korea as it explores development and commercialisation opportunities for the bauxite project.

The company is a micro-cap explorer and developer with projects targeting precious, base and battery metals across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

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