Brazilian Critical Minerals Achieves Low Impurity Levels in Ema Rare Earth Project
BCM (BCM) Share Update August 2024 Friday 2nd
Brazilian Critical Minerals Announces Low Impurity Results for Ema Rare Earth Project
Brazilian Critical Minerals Ltd (ASX: BCM) has announced impressive results from their final slurry desorption tests for the Ema Rare Earth Project, showing very low impurity levels. This marks a significant milestone in their journey to produce high-quality Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC).
Instant Summary:
- Very low impurities: Uranium = 0.2 mg/l, Thorium = 0.02 mg/l, Aluminium = 73 mg/l, Iron = <1 mg/l, Calcium = 11 mg/l, Silica = 6 mg/l
- Tests completed on a 50 kg composite sample from 12 holes and 62 samples
- Key step towards achieving low impurities in final MREC product
- Final impurity removal and REE precipitation process has commenced
- Tests used standard 0.3 M ammonium sulfate leaching solution at pH 4.5, 30-minute leach time, and 40 wt% solid density
- Four exploration auger rigs operating within the Ema central high-grade zone, with results expected in August
- Scoping study and environmental baseline studies in final negotiation
Overview of Results
Brazilian Critical Minerals Ltd (BCM) has announced the final results of their slurry desorption tests for the Ema Rare Earth Project. The tests, conducted by Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), have shown very low levels of impurities, which is a crucial step towards producing high-quality Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC).
The impurity levels recorded were: Uranium = 0.2 mg/l, Thorium = 0.02 mg/l, Aluminium = 73 mg/l, Iron = <1 mg/l, Calcium = 11 mg/l, and Silica = 6 mg/l. These results were obtained from a 50 kg composite sample collected from 12 holes and 62 samples, mimicking a tank leaching project setup.
Significance of Low Impurity Levels
Low impurity levels are essential for the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the MREC production process. The low levels of uranium and thorium, in particular, are significant as they can be removed through simple pH adjustments during the next stage of impurity removal. This ensures that the final MREC product meets the specifications required by European, North American, and Asian offtake partners.
Details of the Testing Process
The slurry desorption tests used a standard weak 0.3 M ammonium sulfate leaching solution at pH 4.5, conducted at ambient temperature with a short leach time of only 30 minutes and a solid density of 40 wt%. These conditions are favorable for achieving low impurity levels while maintaining high rare earth element (REE) recoveries.
BCM's Managing Director, Andrew Reid, highlighted the flexibility of the Ema mineralization, which allows for different processing strategies such as heap leaching and in-situ leaching. This flexibility is crucial for developing a low CAPEX project solution tailored to the current rare earth market.
Ongoing and Future Work
BCM has commenced the final steps of impurity removal and REE precipitation at ANSTO. Additionally, four exploration auger rigs are operating within the Ema central high-grade zone as part of a 12-week program, with results expected in August. The company is also in the final stages of negotiating a scoping study and re-commencing environmental baseline studies.
These developments are part of BCM's broader strategy to convert the inferred mineral resource of 1.02 billion tonnes at 793 ppm TREO into an indicated category, which will inform the scoping study and economic analysis due for completion in late 2024.
The announcement of very low impurity levels in the final slurry tests is a positive development for BCM and its investors. Low impurity levels enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the MREC production process, making BCM's Ema Rare Earth Project more attractive to potential offtake partners. This could lead to increased investor confidence and a potential rise in BCM's stock price.
Investor Reaction:
Analysts are likely to view this announcement positively, as it demonstrates BCM's progress towards producing high-quality MREC. The low impurity levels and the flexibility of the Ema mineralization for different processing strategies are significant advantages. However, investors will be keen to see the final results of the ongoing drilling program and the scoping study to fully assess the project's potential.
Conclusion:
Investors should keep a close eye on BCM's upcoming announcements, including the results of the ongoing drilling program and the scoping study. These developments will provide further insights into the potential of the Ema Rare Earth Project and its impact on BCM's stock value. Staying informed about BCM's progress and strategic decisions will be crucial for making well-informed investment decisions.