Lindian Resources (ASX:LIN) reports the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has independently validated its complete sulphuric acid processing flowsheet from Kangankunde concentrate through to specification mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC).
The validation delivers 98% neodymium-praseodymium extraction and 96% total rare earth yttrium extraction in the program’s largest acid bake test.
Lindian says these results exceed all previously reported optimisation results, even improving at the larger test scale.
It adds that the final product has been independently certified exempt from radioactive transport and handling under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards.
Executive Director Zac Komur says these results mark the completion of ANSTO’s downstream metallurgical program.
“These results represent … the technical validation required to support Kangakunde’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading downstream monazite projects,” Komur says.
“Collectively, these outcomes materially reduce technical and execution risk by confirming the process at scale, demonstrating repeatability across multiple concentrate feeds and validating the engineering basis for commercial MREC production.”
Lindian will now focus on recommissioning and optimising the SARECO hydrometallurgical processing plant in Kazakhstan, acquired in March, to process Kangankunde concentrate.
Lindian Resources is an Australian critical minerals producer with rare earths and bauxite assets in Malawi and Guinea.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Lindian Resources
