The Company produced the first sample of high purity Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE) concentrate after a successful commissioning period where all the equipment was tested with clays from the Penco Module.
Pilot Plant Operation
Demonstrating the flowsheet and process design through a pilot plant facility meets the following objectives: Validating the closed-circuit flowsheet by producing a HREE concentrate at a semi-industrial scale, Generating processed clays to confirm that they are chemically stable when returned to the field, Confirming the amenability of the clays to support the revegetation of the reclaimed site through the reintroduction of native plant species, onfirming the processing parameters and process flowsheet design for use in the upcoming Feasibility Study, and ultimately the full-scale plant design, Generating a high purity HREE concentrate for separation trials in support of future off-take agreements, and Demonstrating to relevant stakeholders the environmental sustainability of the process design.
Campaign Parameters
Design throughput of 90 kg/hr, operating on a continuous, 24/7 basis per campaign, Two campaigns, each expected to run for 1 month and representing 2 of the 5 mining zones which will be mining during the initial payback period of the Project, A HREE concentrate will be produced from each campaign.
A final report detailing the full piloting methodology and associated results is expected to be completed by the end of Q3 2023 for inclusion in the upcoming Feasibility Study Report to support the subsequent NI 43-101 Technical Report relating to the
The successful completion of the laboratory testing phase (announced on
The extensive testing program carried out during 2021 and 2022 validated the water treatment requirements for the Penco Module flowsheet, thereby satisfying the objective to minimise the freshwater requirements of the process plant through maximizing the recycling of the process liquors within the plant. During this program, an innovative process was conceived which allows the recycling of water in a closed circuit to meet the goal of zero liquid discharge. As a result, the production flowsheet shows that 95% of the water utilized by the process plant is retained within the circuit, that 99% of the main reagent (ammonium sulphate) is recirculated, and that no liquid residues will be produced, thus negating the need for a tailings storage facility.
In addition, the mining activities do not require the use of explosives nor the need to crush and milling the ionic clay feedstock, resulting in an operation with a very low carbon footprint.
IP Rights
The proposed process flowsheet has two patents in place that protect this innovation. The first has been granted in all the countries that were requested viz.
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Simultaneously, alongside the development of the Penco Module, the company intends to identify further opportunities for increasing rare earth element production. This will involve intensive greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional project 'modules' within the company's concessions.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including statements with regard to: the expectations of the Company's management as to the operation of the pilot plant and expected success resulting therefrom. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under 'Risk Factors' in the Company's annual information form dated as of
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