NVRO Metals Limited has reached an important milestone in its efforts to commercialize the NVRO Process™ by successfully completing a continuous production demonstration campaign utilizing material from Hecla Mining Company’s Greens Creek operation in Alaska. This campaign, which lasted for 202 hours, marks a significant step forward in the potential processing solutions for tailings material from Greens Creek.
Collaborative Efforts with Hecla Mining
The continuous production demonstration is a crucial part of NVRO Metals’ collaboration with Hecla Mining Company. The objective was to assess the viability of the NVRO Process™ for processing tailings from the Greens Creek operation. This campaign not only demonstrated the continuous operation of the integrated process but also generated valuable engineering, operational, and metallurgical data that will inform future commercial deployment and investment decisions.
Management believes this successful demonstration significantly lowers the technical risks associated with the NVRO Process™. It enhances the Company’s position in discussions with mining companies exploring alternative processing solutions for complex sulfidic tailings and ores. This campaign is also pivotal in evaluating a larger commercial processing trial of 35,000 tons, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 8, 2026.
Demonstrating Continuous Operation
The primary aim of the continuous production campaign was to showcase the oxidation and recovery performance of the NVRO Process™ under real-world conditions. Utilizing the μNVRO Production Demonstration Plant, the Company operated continuously for 202 hours, following 57.5 hours dedicated to commissioning and stabilizing the process.
During this period, the plant maintained operational conditions that aligned closely with predictions made by the Company’s IDEAS™ digital simulation model. The campaign achieved approximately 97% sulfide oxidation, effectively liberating metals from refractory sulfide minerals. These operational results not only met but exceeded expectations based on prior pilot tests, demonstrating that the established chemistry and process control can translate effectively to continuous operation.
Progressing Towards Full-Scale Implementation
Following the successful demonstration, NVRO Metals management believes the NVRO Process™ has attained Technology Readiness Level 7. The next phase in their development plan involves establishing a full-scale industrial plant, advancing through the remaining Technology Readiness Levels toward TRL 9, which signifies proven commercial operation. Announcements regarding the proposed acquisition and development of the NVRO Metals Hub in Australia’s Northern Territory were made on June 10, 2026, positioning it as the site for future commercial activities.
Preliminary Results and Future Outlook
Preliminary operating results from the demonstration indicate a continued improvement in the recovery of precious metals through the NVRO Process™. While these results are preliminary and should be compared with those from a previous March 2026 bench-scale campaign, they provide a positive outlook on the process’s efficacy.
The grades and upgrade ratios reported are based on analyses conducted by Nagrom on various feed and end product samples. Independent laboratories are also reviewing samples collected throughout the trial. Once all analytical data is received, NVRO Metals plans to conduct a full metallurgical reconciliation and release comprehensive final results.
Management is optimistic about the consistency of the operating performance and preliminary metallurgical findings. They eagerly anticipate the remaining independent laboratory results, which will further validate the campaign’s success.
Building a Clean Technology Future
NVRO Metals Limited is dedicated to advancing clean technology solutions for the recovery of precious, base, and critical metals from refractory sulfidic ores, concentrates, and tailings. By leveraging the proprietary NVRO Process™, centralized processing infrastructure, and a comprehensive commercial deployment strategy, the Company aims to establish a scalable production and recovery platform focused on critical minerals, with the NVRO Metals Hub at its core.
Conclusion
The successful completion of the continuous production demonstration represents a critical leap forward for NVRO Metals, reinforcing its position in the mining industry as an innovator in processing solutions. With a focus on sustainable practices and operational excellence, the Company is well-positioned for future growth and commercial success in the realm of precious metals recovery.
- NVRO Metals successfully completes a 202-hour continuous production campaign.
- Collaboration with Hecla Mining supports potential commercial processing solutions.
- The NVRO Process™ achieves approximately 97% sulfide oxidation.
- The Company aims for a full-scale industrial plant to advance Technology Readiness Level.
- Preliminary results indicate improved recovery of precious metals.
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