ABx Group (ASX:ABX) has recorded ‘outstanding’ results from two rare earth column leach tests conducted by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) as part of ongoing metallurgical studies at the Deep Leads project in northern Tasmania.
Column tests were conducted on 26km bulk samples and results indicate over 80% extraction of ‘high-value’ heavy rare earths, including dysprosium and terbium, exceeding the company’s expectations and confirming that high extractions can be achieved using a range of flowsheet options.
CEO Dr Mark Cooksey says that the results are better than anticipated, noting that “the results suggest that heap leach could be superior to tank leach”.
“ABx is investigating heap leaching because it is potentially lower capital cost and more flexible than tank leaching, which is aligned with the ABx strategy to enter commercial production as soon as possible,” Cooksey says.
ABx is likely to engage ANSTO for another mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) sample from the product solutions from these column leach tests that are similar to the maiden sample produced in December, as previously reported.
All results will inform the process flowsheet studies being conducted in conjunction with engineering partners.
ABx is focused on delivering future-facing materials including heavy rare earths, clean fluorine chemicals, and bauxite.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: ABx
