Pilot-scale processing set to get underway

AUSTRALIAN Rare Earths (AR3) is expected to commence pilot-scale processing next month following the official opening of the Federal Government critical minerals hub that’s aimed at strengthening a secure national supply.

The exploration company is currently progressing the Koppamurra Rare Earth Project, in south-east South Australia and western Victoria, with drilling results establishing Koppamurra as a globally significant critical minerals resource.

The Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub at the Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation’s (ANSTO’s) Sydney facility is aimed to assist western allies develop a new critical minerals source to challenge China’s dominance.

AR3 has been selected to be the first industry partner to utilise the new facility and has prepared 30 tonnes of ore from the Koppamurra Project for processing.

“The use of ANSTO’s new facility means AR3 will not need to construct our own pilot plant, saving millions of dollars and a substantial amount of time,” said AR3 Managing Director, Travis Beinke.

“This will help us accelerate the development of the Koppamurra Project by bridging the gap between laboratory testing and full-scale operations.

“Processing of the 30 tonnes of ore involves the extraction of rare earths from clay to produce a Mixed Rare Earth Oxide product. Providing samples of this product to potential customers around the world will assist in helping us secure future offtake and investment agreements with partners.

“The pilot will also allow us to formulate a processing roadmap and generate engineering data that will inform the final design of the project.”

Koppamurra is one of the most advanced ionic clay rare earths projects in Australia with AR3 now moving towards applying for a mining licence.

The opening of the ANSTO facility comes as AR3 works to finalise the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) which is investigating the preliminary economic viability of the project.

The South Australian Department for Energy and Mining has also signed off on the Scoping Report which defines the scope of detailed assessments in relation to groundwater, surface water, soils, vegetation, heritage, air quality, rehabilitation and community engagement.

“AR3 is pleased to be the first industry collaborator to access ANSTO’s new world-class pilot rare earth processing facility. This recognition by the Federal Government of Koppamurra’s potential to be a key future player in building critical minerals sovereignty further strengthens confidence in our plans.

“We are progressing a raft of social, environmental and technical assessments and look forward to sharing results with the community through the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and directly with key stakeholders.

“AR3 will only lodge an application to mine once we are completely satisfied we can operate in an environmentally sustainable and economically viable way. We believe we can do this and we’re looking at how we may be able to improve soil productivity in some areas.

“We see an opportunity to create a new industry for South Australia with investment in the south east region while helping to develop a secure and sustainable rare earth supply chain for renewable energy, electric mobility and defence applications.”