Here's and example of what's going to happen to a lot of REE hopefuls often associated with granite (BBX's are assoc. with sediments and rhyolite). Failed met testwork results that indicate the REEs are not ionic (IAC). It's not so much the grade that's important, it's the met testwork :
"The lab results show that, although the REE samples grade up to 2500 ppm TREO, the REEs in the granite saprolite clays are not present as a desorbable component when tested under mild desorption conditions. This indicates the REEs are bonded in the colloidal and mineral phases of the granite-clay saprolite and will require stronger acid and longer residence times for liberation. ... REEs in IAC are highly recoverable by mild acid wash at a pH of 4-5." https://hotcopper.com.au/threads/ann-arunta-west-metallurgical-report.7407817/
REEs are very common so every junior and his dog are drilling for REEs, but the key is to find an deposit that contains easily recovered ionic REEs so production costs are low. BBX reckon they're onto a winner but that needs confirmation via met testwork.
BBX Price at posting:
4.9¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
