Rare Earths10 Apr 2024 08:17
I think the Monte Muambe metallurgy results will be interesting, and have a positive impact on the project economics. Samples are currently with Auralia Metallurgy in Perth (the same company used by Mkango) and SGS Lakefields in Canada, results should start to be released over coming weeks and concluded this quarter.
When Mkango completed their metallurgy testing in 2021, their flotation recovery of TREO went from 67% to 74% and there was a tripling of flotation concentrate grade to 15% TREO from 4.7% TREO. Altona are starting from a higher TREO grade already and using newer techniques and reagents, which bodes well for a significant recovery upgrade and therefore reduced OPEX.
The metallurgy results will also direct this year’s drilling campaign to pinpoint the higher grade zones. The aim being to grow the resource in the most targeted way. If all goes to plan then it should become a project that, at PFS completion, will attract some serious interest.