Meteoric Resources (ASX:MEI) is preparing to demonstrate the group’s technical capacity to produce a high-quality mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product, after receiving approval to construct and operate a rare earth pilot processing facility in Poços de Caldas.
The Minas Gerais State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainable Development granted Meteoric approval, with construction and commissioning set to begin immediately with full-scale operations starting in late October 2025.
The pilot plant is designed to process up to 25kg of feed ore per hour, enabling the production of 2kg of MREC per day.
Meteoric, which has a market capitalisation of $343.32 million, says the establishment of the pilot plant represents a step in the development of the Caldeira Rare Earth Project in Brazil, allowing for continuous production of MREC.
As a result, the company will be able to provide operational certainty of the Caldeira Project, engage in real-time optimisation, provide MREC samples to offtake customers, and develop downstream separation technologies.
Managing Director Stuart Gale says it’s “exciting” to see the pilot plant constructing on the work and effort delivered so far by the team.
“Our geology, metallurgy, and engineering teams have developed an unparalleled understanding of the Caldeira rare earth deposits which place us in an excellent position to develop and deliver the project,” Gale says.
Meteoric Resources is an Australian rare earths-focused explorer and developer that owns the Caldeira Project in the state of Minas Gerais. Caldeira, covering 193km2, contains a 1.5 billion tonne resource and is among the largest and highest grade ionic adsorption clay deposits globally.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Meteoric Resources
