Xtierra reports favorable metallurgical tests linked to Bilbao feasibility - Mexico

Toronto-based Xtierra (TSX-V: XAG) has completed oxide metallurgical test work related to a feasibility study on its Bilbao silver-lead-zinc-copper project in Mexico's Zacatecas state, the company said in a statement.
"The oxide test results are extremely positive and indicate that we have a practical and economic solution to the processing and recovery for the oxide resources which represent approximately 40% of the total resource potential at Bilbao," said CEO Terence McKillen.
He added: "More importantly, it allows us to focus on open pit mining methods for the initial development of Bilbao, including all of the oxide and transition resources with the potential of extracting a significant portion of the sulfide resources before underground development."
The tests recovered 61.2% zinc, 41.0% lead, 66.7% silver, 71.0% copper and 55.0% gold, the company said.
Xtierra started the feasibility study in April 2009.
Bilbao has an NI 43-101 compliant 3.6Mt indicated resource with average grades of 3.53% zinc, 2.75% lead, 0.29% copper and 88.23g/t silver and 2.38Mt of inferred resources averaging 2.52% zinc, 2.79% lead, 0.28% copper and 83.08g/t silver, according to the company.