American Rare Earths Limited (ASX:ARR, OTCQB:ARRNF) is advancing in its efforts to establish a rare earth mining operation in the United States. The latest update highlights progress in the beneficiation process and an improved mineral processing flowsheet for its flagship project at Halleck Creek, Wyoming. This announcement follows a productive quarter dedicated to test mining and evaluating ore processing techniques.
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Significant advancements in processing technology
The company has reported promising preliminary results from recent tests utilizing a Reflux Classifier Concentrator (RCC).
American Rare Earths suggests this technology may surpass traditional spiral methods in mineral separation. The tests, conducted by Nagrom in Perth, used samples from ten drill holes at the Halleck Creek site, yielding encouraging outcomes.
Improved mass yield and recovery rates
The RCC technology achieved a significant 44% reduction in mass yield compared to conventional spirals, while maintaining similar total rare earth oxide (TREO) recovery levels. This reduction is important, as it usually results in lower capital and operational costs downstream, facilitating the hydrometallurgical processing stage.
Additionally, tests demonstrated an effective removal of gangue minerals, with notable separations of silica and aluminium, alongside a significant reduction in iron content. These results indicate that the RCC could play a crucial role in a multi-stage separation circuit, potentially complementing the Induced Rolled Magnetic Separator (IRMS).
Strategic optimization efforts
American Rare Earths is currently refining its processing methods as part of a comprehensive optimization initiative. This effort aims to enhance recovery rates in its operations. The company is investigating various conventional milling techniques to reduce the production of fines during the crushing and grinding processes. Managing the generation of excessive fines is essential, as it can impede the initial stages of beneficiation, thus making this optimization a key factor in improving primary concentration recovery.
Next steps in the Halleck Creek project
Recent advancements have resulted in a preliminary updated processing flowsheet. This document outlines the process from crushed ore to a mixed rare earth oxide product. The integration of the latest beneficiation and leaching results into this flowsheet underscores the company’s dedication to optimizing its operational processes.
Looking forward, American Rare Earths intends to perform bulk RCC testing on materials produced from ongoing comminution studies. These combined initiatives—focusing on comminution, RCC testing, and hydrometallurgical enhancements—aim to reduce risks linked to the upcoming pre-feasibility study (PFS) and improve the overall economics of the Halleck Creek project.
Positioning for a domestic supply chain
Located on state land in Wyoming, Halleck Creek is designed for open-pit mining and includes on-site processing capabilities. This strategic positioning supports American Rare Earths’ objective to enhance the United States’ efforts in developing a self-sufficient rare earth supply chain. Presently, the nation relies significantly on imports, especially from China, for critical rare earth elements vital for defense technologies, clean energy innovations, and advanced manufacturing applications.
In its latest quarterly report, American Rare Earths outlined significant milestones achieved at Halleck Creek, including successful test mining and initial hydrometallurgical successes. These achievements have been instrumental in mitigating risks associated with the project as it moves towards the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) phase.
With this recent announcement, the company emphasizes that Halleck Creek is now closer to becoming a fully operational mine. The encouraging optimization results have strengthened confidence in the project’s technical and economic viability, setting the stage for future developments.
