Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) is making strides in the development of its Tuvatu alkaline gold mine located on Viti Levu in Fiji. The company has initiated work on a new high-grade roscoelite zone, a significant step that aims to enhance its mining operations and tap into the rich mineralization potential of the site.
The Tuvatu mine is already known for its promising geological features, particularly the presence of quartz-roscoelite veining, which is often associated with high-grade gold deposits. This mineral assemblage has been a key factor in the success of various world-class alkaline gold mines. Recently, Lion One reported that an initial bulk sample from this newly identified roscoelite zone returned an impressive 11.6 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold from 861 tonnes of mined material. This discovery is expected to play a crucial role in refining the company’s mining strategy as they incorporate this gold-rich material into their processing operations.
Geologically, Tuvatu is situated within the Navilawa volcanic caldera, a region that has historically been conducive to gold production. The unique conditions here have led to the formation of a complex system of veins that are rich in gold and other valuable minerals. The new roscoelite zone lies about 65 meters below the surface and features a network of both flat-lying and vertical veins that are rich in low-temperature chalcedonic quartz intermingled with roscoelite and other minerals. The intersections of these veins are anticipated to yield high-grade mineralization, similar to patterns observed in other successful mining operations such as the Vatukoula mine in Fiji and the Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea.
Lion One’s operational plans include significant expansions to its processing capabilities. The company aims to increase its mill throughput from 400 tonnes per day to 500 tonnes by September 2025. This expansion will involve installing additional milling equipment, including a tower mill and flotation circuit, which are expected to improve gold recovery rates.
The company’s commitment to advancing Tuvatu is underscored by its recent achievements. In just over a year, Lion One transitioned from initial construction phases to actual gold production, marking a significant milestone with its first gold pour celebrated in October 2023. As mining progresses, Lion One continues to explore further mineralization opportunities within its extensive land package surrounding the Tuvatu site.
Lion One’s leadership, particularly CEO Walter Berukoff, has been instrumental in driving these developments. With a personal stake in the company, Berukoff’s vision for Tuvatu includes not only establishing it as Fiji’s second operational gold mine but also leveraging its geological potential for future discoveries.
The information that relates to mineral exploration at the Tuvatu Gold Project is based on information compiled by the Lion One team and reviewed by Melvyn Levrel, who is the company’s Senior Geologist, a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists.
As Lion One moves forward with its plans at Tuvatu, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on its findings and expand its operations within Fiji’s promising mining landscape. The ongoing development efforts reflect both confidence in the site’s potential and a strategic approach to maximizing resource extraction while fostering local economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development.
