Bulk leach program delivers strong rare earth recoveries
Summary
Highlights:
Strong recoveries of the key magnet light and heavy Rare Earths at scale: Bulk leach testing (~3 tonne) delivered magnet rare earth (MRE) recoveries of >60%, reinforcing the scalability of the progressive heap leach approach.
Rapid Leach time achieved: Recoveries were delivered in significantly shorter timeframes compared to traditional heap leaching methods.
Opportunities for further recovery optimisation identified: Opportunities for increased recoveries through reprocessing of lower grade rare earth solution, (‘tail’ solution), currently under investigation.
Ongoing optimisation workstreams: Reagent usage, water recycling, impurity removal and rare earth precipitation test work continues to enhance rare earth recoveries, process efficiency and environmental outcomes.
Advancing Pre-Feasibility Study: Testwork results will inform key project design inputs for the Koppamurra Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), targeted for completion in 2025.
Government Co-Funding Grant: Test work program is co-funded under the $5 million Australian Government grant from the International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program.
Strategic importance for critical minerals supply: Koppamurra is advancing as a strategic and secure source of both light and heavy rare earths, contributing to diversified supply chains vital to the world’s energy transition.
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