Korsnäs REE Project Faces Critical Test as Prospech Accelerates Metallurgical Work
Prospech Limited reports promising metallurgical test results from its Korsnäs Rare Earth Element resource, highlighting apatite as the dominant and well-liberated mineral. The company is fast-tracking bench-scale concentrate production and hydrometallurgical extraction to advance resource development.
- Significant progress in metallurgical testing by PT Geoservices Indonesia
- Apatite identified as dominant and well-liberated REE mineral
- Acceleration of bench-scale REE concentrate production and hydrometallurgical extraction
- Parallel metallurgical programs ongoing in Finland under EU REMHub consortium
- Detailed mineralogical analyses confirm favorable beneficiation potential
Metallurgical Advances at Korsnäs
Prospech Limited (ASX:PRS) has unveiled encouraging progress in its metallurgical test work program for the Korsnäs Rare Earth Element (REE) resource, a critical step in advancing the project’s development. Conducted by PT Geoservices Indonesia, the testing focuses on identifying optimal processing routes to unlock the value of the REE deposit.
The program involved preparing five composite samples from drill core, tailings storage, and lanthanide concentrate stockpiles. Early findings reveal that apatite is the dominant REE-bearing mineral and exhibits excellent liberation characteristics, a key factor for efficient beneficiation. Monazite, another important REE mineral, was also observed as inclusions within apatite grains.
Strategic Collaboration and Program Acceleration
Managing Director Jason Beckton expressed satisfaction with the initial results, emphasizing the significance of apatite liberation for downstream processing. In parallel, Prospech is collaborating with Finnish institutions including Oulu University and GTK Mintek under the EU REMHub consortium, which supports critical resource development across Europe.
To expedite outcomes, Prospech is accelerating bench-scale REE concentrate production and advancing hydrometallurgical extraction tests at PT Geoservices. This includes producing a cleaned lanthanide concentrate sample in Australia for preliminary acid leach and purification testing. These steps aim to deliver the quickest route to actionable metallurgical results while the longer-term Finnish program continues.
Comprehensive Mineralogical Insights
Detailed mineralogical analyses confirm the presence of key REE minerals such as apatite, monazite, allanite, and carbocernaite. The liberation data indicate that apatite is predominantly well-liberated, while monazite and allanite are mostly locked within mineral matrices, informing beneficiation strategies. The mineralogy reports also highlight favorable grain size distributions and mineral associations that support efficient processing.
These findings underpin Prospech’s confidence in advancing the Korsnäs resource towards potential mining operations, aligning with growing demand for locally sourced critical minerals in Europe’s energy transition and mobility revolution.
Outlook and Next Steps
While the metallurgical test work is ongoing and final results are expected in the latter half of 2025, the accelerated program at PT Geoservices positions Prospech to refine processing pathways and enhance project economics. The company remains committed to integrating insights from its international collaborations to optimize resource development and meet stringent environmental and regulatory standards.
Bottom Line?
Prospech’s accelerated metallurgical program at Korsnäs signals a promising step toward unlocking Europe’s critical REE supply chain.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the accelerated metallurgical results impact the timeline for resource conversion and mining feasibility?
- What are the anticipated challenges in scaling up from bench-scale concentrate production to commercial operations?
- How might evolving European regulatory and environmental frameworks influence project development?
