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Highlights
American Rare Earths reports successful leach recoveries from Halleck Creek project
Atmospheric tank leaching confirmed as preferred method for scalability and efficiency
Significantly reduced impurities support cost-effective downstream processing
American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR), (OTCQB:ARRNF), listed on the ASX 200, continues to progress its Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming, reporting successful metallurgical test results. The company’s focus on refining extraction techniques has led to the identification of efficient recovery pathways for both light and heavy rare earth elements sourced from the Cowboy State Mine.
Atmospheric Tank Leach Confirmed as Preferred Processing Method
Extensive testing carried out at a laboratory in Ontario, Canada, examined various leaching strategies to optimise rare earth recovery. The trials assessed acid-bake, counter-current leach, and atmospheric tank leach (ATL) processes. Among these, ATL emerged as the preferred option due to its operational simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for large-scale applications.
Test AL16, in particular, was identified as the optimal configuration. The trial utilised a blended concentrate composed of unaltered material and fines subjected to magnetic separation, achieving strong recovery outcomes for key magnet-related elements. This setup also enabled favourable thermal and reagent parameters, enhancing operational feasibility for future pilot trials.
Significant Reduction in Leachate Impurities
Compared to earlier tests conducted during the project's Scoping Study, the latest leaching campaign demonstrated a meaningful decline in impurity levels within the leachate. Elements such as iron and aluminium, alongside sodium, potassium, and titanium, showed reduced concentrations. These improvements are linked to an enhanced pre-leach concentrate preparation method that effectively eliminated mineral contaminants.
The refined concentrate process involved gravity spiral separation and integrated rare earth mineral sorting (IRMS), both of which helped to strip out iron- and aluminium-bearing minerals before the leach stage. Lower impurity loads are expected to minimise reagent use and reduce waste output, supporting cost-efficient and environmentally considerate operations.
Scalable Processing Supports Pre-Feasibility Advancements
The company confirmed that ATL was not only technically effective but also commercially scalable. In contrast, acid-bake methods required high temperatures and introduced greater impurity loads, while counter-current systems imposed additional infrastructure and acid requirements. These factors influenced the decision to adopt ATL for the Pre-Feasibility Study flowsheet.
Further impurity removal trials using optimal ATL-derived leachate are now underway. These trials aim to finalise the processing flowsheet and inform the design of upcoming pilot-scale testwork.
Pathway to Rare Earth Magnet Oxide Supply Strengthens
American Rare Earths continues to advance its goal of establishing a reliable and environmentally efficient supply chain for rare earth magnet materials. The company’s focus on scalability, resource efficiency, and reduced impurities supports its aim to contribute to the broader decarbonisation of advanced technology sectors.
