American Rare Earths has made a breakthrough in impurity removal metallurgical tests for processing rare earth elements. Historic challenges with gypsum and silica gel formation were minimized, leading to operational benefits like reduced yield loss and lower expenses. The successful completion of these tests marks a significant milestone for Halleck Creek’s rare earth supply potential.

Impurities like iron, titanium, silica, and aluminum were effectively removed from leachate solutions, with magnesium oxide chosen as the optimal neutralizing reagent. The tests showed high removal rates of these elements, paving the way for efficient rare earth extraction from Halleck Creek ore. This milestone confirms the feasibility of producing rare earth products from the ore.

Hydrometallurgical testing is nearing completion, with SGS creating a mixed rare earth oxide for further processing. The selection of magnesium oxide as the primary neutralizing reagent has proven cost-effective and efficient in removing impurities without forming unwanted by-products. The next steps involve final testing before the end of the year.

SGS tested six neutralization reagents for impurity removal, with magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate showing superior results. These reagents effectively precipitated iron and thorium while minimizing rare earth element losses. The selection of magnesium oxide as the primary reagent is a significant step in overcoming technical and economic hurdles in rare earth processing.

Impurity removal testing on leachate solutions from Halleck Creek ore has shown promising results, with key contaminants effectively removed. This milestone is a critical step in producing rare earth products from the ore and will inform the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study. The successful completion of these tests signifies a major advancement in Halleck Creek’s rare earth processing capabilities.

Read more at GlobeNewswire: Allanite Rare Earths Processing Breakthrough: Successful