How ABx Achieved Record Heavy Rare Earth Extraction at Deep Leads
ABx Group’s preliminary column leach tests reveal exceptional extraction rates of heavy rare earths from its Deep Leads project, underscoring the potential for cost-effective heap leaching and accelerated commercial production.
- 81% total rare earth extraction achieved in preliminary column leach tests
- High-value dysprosium and terbium extracted at 76% and 79% respectively
- Results represent best large-scale extraction from Australian clay-hosted rare earth deposits
- Heap leaching confirmed as a technically feasible, lower capital intensity method
- Final test results pending, with plans for further mixed rare earth carbonate production
Exceptional Extraction Rates Confirmed
ABx Group Limited has announced preliminary results from column leach tests conducted by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) on bulk samples from its Deep Leads rare earth project in Tasmania. After 17 days, the first test achieved an impressive 81% extraction of total rare earth elements, including 76% extraction of dysprosium and 79% of terbium; two of the most valuable heavy rare earths. These figures surpass previous large-scale tests on Australian clay-hosted deposits, highlighting the unique suitability of ABx’s ionic clay rare earths for heap leaching.
Heap Leaching – A Game-Changer for Cost and Efficiency
Heap leaching, which involves irrigating a heap of ore with a leachate solution to extract metals, offers a potentially lower capital cost alternative to traditional tank leaching. ABx’s column tests simulate this process and demonstrate excellent bed stability and permeability, alongside minimal impurity dissolution. The low levels of contaminants such as aluminium reinforce the potential for producing high-purity rare earth solutions using environmentally benign chemistry.
Strategic Implications for ABx and the Rare Earth Market
These results align with ABx’s strategy to fast-track commercial production by leveraging heap leaching’s lower capital intensity. The company recently produced a maiden mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product enriched in dysprosium and terbium, commanding a basket price significantly higher than peer products. Given strong customer interest, ABx is considering producing additional MREC samples from the column leach solutions, potentially strengthening its market position in the heavy rare earths sector.
Next Steps and Market Watch
The column leach tests are scheduled to complete by the end of December, with final analyses of residues and solutions expected in early January. These results will confirm total recoveries, impurity levels, and leaching kinetics, providing critical data for scaling up. Investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how these findings translate into commercial viability and production timelines.
ABx’s broader portfolio, including clean fluorine chemical production and near-term bauxite mining projects, complements its rare earth ambitions and underscores its commitment to sustainable resource development in Australia.
Bottom Line?
Final column leach results will be pivotal in validating ABx’s low-cost production pathway and shaping its rare earth market trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the final column leach results sustain or improve upon the preliminary extraction rates?
- How will heap leaching scale economically compared to traditional tank leaching for ABx?
- What timelines and capital requirements will ABx outline for commercial production following these results?
