Vena Announces Positive Metallurgical Test Results From The Esquilache Silver Project

TORONTO, Jan. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Vena Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Vena") (TSX: VEM, Peru: VEM, Germany: V1RA, USA: VNARF) announces positive results on the preliminary metallurgical testing of outcropping veins and mine dumps as part of the recently initiated program to evaluate near surface resources on its 100% owned Esquilache project located in southern Peru.  The metallurgical tests have been conducted on composite representative samples from the Sepulveda and Elvira veins as well as the principal dumps confirming that the Esquilache project can produce commercially viable concentrates of silver-lead (Ag-Pb) and zinc (Zn) and that the mineralization is processable by standard metallurgical methods.

The head grade of the composite sample from the Sepulveda vein (8 to 10 metre width) ran 6.36 opt (ounces per tonne) Ag. The results from the initial conventional flotation test were very positive with an Ag recovery of 64% and a concentrate grade of 168 opt Ag. A subsequent test that included cyanidation of the tailings increased the Ag recovery by an additional 20%. From this initial work it is possible to predict that the Sepulveda vein will have Ag recoveries in excess of 80%. Additional work is in progress to maximize the recovery.

A composite sample of the principal mine dumps was prepared and assayed 2.95 opt Ag, 0.24% Cu, 1.67% Pb and 3.47% Zn. The initial conventional flotation test was very successful in producing commercial grade concentrates. These included a bulk concentrate grading 58 opt Ag, 52% Pb, 6.5% Cu and a zinc concentrate that graded 60%. Recoveries were 73% Ag, 93% Pb, 88% Cu and 83% Zn. Current testing is focusing on separating the bulk concentrate into individual Ag-Pb and Ag-Cu concentrates.

The composite sample from the Elvira vein ran 4.79 opt Ag. The vein is more oxidized at surface than the Sepulveda vein. The initial conventional flotation test produced a concentrate grading 253 opt Ag with a recovery of 43.3% Ag. Bottle cyanide leaching tests of this material have resulted in recoveries of up to 49% Ag. Tests are underway that will combine flotation followed by cyanidation of the tailings.

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