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Ionic Rare Earths tests metallurgic equipment ahead of demonstration plan completion
Proactive Investors

Published Dec 15, 2023 10:30 - Updated Dec 15, 2023 11:30

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:IXR, OTC:IXRRF) is readying to complete construction of its Makuutu demonstration plant, with metallurgical equipment being tested off-site in preparation for installation.

The company intends to use the demonstration plant to validate its test work and provide a strong basis for grade control, mine design, material handling, metallurgical reconciliation and construction while maximising its contribution to the Makuutu Rare Earth (REE) Project’s definitive feasibility study (DFS).

Ionic has now begun auger drilling at Makuutu in Uganda to collect initial bulk samples that will provide feed material for pre-testing and metallurgic test work programs.

Auger drill mobilised to test site to collect bulk sample test material.

It’s all coming together

“The progress at the demonstration plant site over the last two weeks has been significant with all the elements of having an operational demonstration plant coming together,” Ionic Rare Earths managing director Tim Harrison said.

“These works are essential to validating our mine development plan and generating mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) sample for off-take to our potential partners in Q1 2024.

“This work program will also demonstrate our position as a strategic resource for near-term development and a secure, long-term supply of magnet and heavy rare earth oxide (REO).
“Our focus on the delivery of the Makuutu Heavy Rare Earths Project in Uganda positions us to provide a secure, sustainable, and traceable supply of magnet and heavy REOs into new supply chains forming.

“Along with our Ionic Technologies Belfast recycling facility, Makuutu is key to us harnessing our technology to accelerate mining, refining and recycling of magnets and heavy rare earths that are critical for the energy transition, advanced manufacturing and defence.”

Advanced heavy and magnet REE project

The Makuutu Project boasts a high heavy and magnet REE content of 71%, positioning it as one of the most advanced heavy rare earth projects available as a source for future-facing and emerging supply chains across the globe.

The project has now met all requirements for a large-scale mining lease application, and IXR is awaiting the final verification results and review from the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

The company is directly engages with the Ministry, eagerly awaits the award, and will make an announcement once the licence has been issued.

Ionic says the Makuutu Heavy Rare Earths Project has the government’s full support and is set to become Uganda’s flagship mine.

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