Childish, and sloppy, that is NOT all Lynas have told us. In reference to the AP & Fresh ore zone (you appear unaware of the later, can't find anything Google?) the statement was made:
"Primary REO mineralisation may have the potential to be amenable to
gravity concentration. The AP Depth Extension Program is also targeting the top of the
fresh Carbonatite that may represent a major primary REO ore source."
As you prefer Google to the people who actually perform the operation of ore beneficiation:
"Gravity concentration is the separation of minerals based on differences in specific gravity. A gravity concentration process is designed
to recover very high grades of valuable ore material into very small masses.
The resurgence of gravity concentration in mining has come about due to its
simplicity and low environmental impact. Gekko Systems has repeatedly proven that optimal liberation of mineral at the coarsest particle size
reduces energy expenditure across the whole plant.
Whether gravity separation of coarse material is used for
gangue rejection or
pre-concentrating mineral-bearing particles,
significant economical and environmental advantages exist."
Now clearly that is "
may have the potential" to be a very cost effective method to present a much small mass to the flotation circuits, which could result in lower costs, or higher recovery grades, or both. I'm not going to speculate, but eagerly await the results, totally confident the people involved will make every effort to find the most effective process route.
Ridiculous concoctions like: "We have already been told that AP ore processing will be more expensive due to additional flotation capex and opex." are plainly misinformation, at best.
(20min delay)