Ionic Rare Earths close to first rare earth production from Makuutu
Published: 10:51 07 Mar 2024 AEDT
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Ionic Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:IXR, OTC:IXRRF) has completed construction and commissioning of the first phase of a demonstration plant at the Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Uganda with first mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) production expected within the next two weeks.
The demonstration technical equipment, including metallurgical equipment, has been installed, commissioned and tested with the aim of phase 1 being to further optimise metallurgical test work.
It will also provide further technical validation bases for grade control, mine design, material handling, metallurgical reconciliation and construction activity whilst also supporting project financing and strategic partner activity.
Mineral processing activity will commence with 24-hour operations to agglomerate and prepare samples for column and crib desorption trials.
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Commissioning filter presses for MREC precipitate filtration.
A key milestone
Completion of the Makuutu Demonstration Plant technical facility is a key milestone for IonicRE and its local Ugandan operating entity Rwenzori Rare Metals Limited (RRM).
The plant's construction and commissioning proceeded seamlessly, with no health, safety and environment (HSE) incidents reported throughout the entire process.
This achievement underscores IonicRE's unwavering commitment to prioritising safety and environmental stewardship in all aspects of its operations and was made possible by the collective efforts of the company’s dedicated team and strong support from the local community.
Makuutu’s basket contains 71% magnet and heavy rare earths content, and is one of the most advanced heavy rare earth projects globally available as a source for new supply chains emerging across Europe, the US and Asia.
To generate MREC samples
“We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our Demonstration Plant Phase 1 commissioning, with expected first MREC production in the next two weeks,” Ionic Rare Earths’ managing director Tim Harrison said.
“This represents another step towards development at Makuutu. This work is essential to validating our mine development plan and generating MREC samples for offtake discussions with potential partners over the next few months.
“The progress at Makuutu also reaffirms our position as a strategic resource for near-term development and a secure, long-term supply of magnet and heavy rare earths for new supply chains to emerge.”
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Agglomerated ore composite samples.
Collaborating with locals
IonicRE says it is proud to highlight its collaboration with the local community, which played a crucial role in the project's success.
Many individuals from the local community were employed as casual labourers, fostering economic growth, and strengthening community ties in the process.
“The progress achieved over the past nine months since works started on site with the Demonstration Plant is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and the unwavering support of the local community,” Harrison said.
To meet growing demand
At the technical facility, front end processing of the material was completed during February 2024. This included the homogenisation, screening and sizing of materials, all providing critical inputs to the desorption processes which are progressing well.
In addition, with the primary construction works completed, the Demonstration Plant is ramping up its operations to a 24-hour schedule to further reduce development time to scale up mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) production which is expected within the next fortnight.
The initial stage of activity at the Makuutu Demonstration Plant positions IonicRE favourably in meeting the growing demand for these critical elements across the various high-tech industries which are so dependent on rare earths.
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