Great Northern Minerals (ASX:GNM) has entered an exclusive binding patent option agreement for the University of Arizona’s licence, offering the company access to advanced flotation technology for bastnaesite and rare earth ores.
The company has the right to negotiate for the licence for rare earth element (REE) flotation technology, which Great Northern says is applicable to its Catalyst Ridge Project in California.
The option is valid for six months, leading the parties to come to a commercially reasonable agreement for the technology. The option will end earlier if the two parties do not agree on terms within 90 days of exercise.
The University of Arizona’s School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources developed the flotation scheme to improve the recovery of REEs sourced from bastnaesite ores.
The technology uses hydroxamic acid-based collectors, returning a reagent dosage reduced by up to 50% compared to conventional methods and still achieving an optimal recovery of between 80-90% and concentrate grades between 30-40% rare earth oxide.
The university used ore sourced from MP Materials’ (NYSE:MP) Mountain Pass Mine, also located in California, in San Bernardino County.
The scheme used lower flotation temperatures, ranging between 40-60°C, which has improved energy costs.
Meanwhile, Great Northern is streamlining workstreams with the university’s School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources for an associated sponsored research program.
The program will comprise multiple phases to build on the research and pilot studies on similar ore types over two years.
The program intends to validate laboratory work, develop the flowsheet, and scale a pilot progressing plant.
Non-executive Chairman Eddie King says this agreement will allow the company to progress towards unlocking the full value of the Catalyst Ridge Project.
“Given the current global significance of processing at the MP Materials Mountain Pass Mine, this collaboration is especially timely,” King says.
“By leveraging world-class research and proven flotation innovations, we aim to significantly enhance REE recovery and reduce processing costs.
“We look forward to working closely with the University of Arizona team to deliver a robust, scalable beneficiation pathway for this strategically important technology.”
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Great Northern Minerals
