EMC recovers ~85% Rubidium at Mt Edon

Phase 1 extraction test works have returned a maximum ~85% rubidium recovery at Mt Edon
The results pave the way for the next step in Rubidium processing into final products
A maiden resource at the project is on track for release in August

Special Report: Initial results from extraction test works at Everest Metals’ Mt Edon project in WA’s Mid-West region have uncovered ~85% rubidium.

Excitement is building at Everest Metals’ (ASX:EMC) Mt Edon critical minerals project in WA following the efficacious extraction of rubidium during Phase 1 extraction test works.

The results are the product of a collaboration between EMC and Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) Mineral Recovery Research Centre (MRRC), which involves a small-scale laboratory demonstration of all the processing steps in the recovery of rubidium.

Rubidium is ranked as a critical and strategic mineral by several countries around the globe, including the USA and Japan, given its use in a wide range of new energy and high-tech applications such as thin batteries, vapour turbines and in ion engines that could power spacecraft and other military industrial applications.

Destructive method delivers maximum rubidium extraction

The Direct Rubidium Extraction (DRE) test work and studies utilised advanced processes such as ion exchange to extract the rubidium from Mt Edon ore.

Due to the increasing need for sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction processes, these studies aim to develop a state-of-the-art extraction technique that maximise the recovery of rubidium and mica.

Two process methods of non-destructive and destructive were used to extract rubidium and lithium. Various test work was conducted by ECU’s MRRC with results demonstrating acceptable levels of both rubidium and lithium in the leach liquor.

During acidic tests, results indicated that the maximum achievable rubidium extraction is about 41%. When the destructive method was used, the maximum rubidium extraction was within a range of 75±10%.

Results to facilitate future scoping study

ECU team lead and associate professor Amir Razmjou says the rubidium extraction process is progressing well ahead of plan and the team is excited to move toward purification of the rubidium in the next step.

EMC anticipates reporting results from the various ongoing extraction and purification tests in the December 2024 quarter.

The outcome of these tests will offer essential technical and performance data, facilitating a scoping study with a view to then constructing a pilot-scale plant.

A maiden JORC resource at Mt Edon is still on track to be released in August.

This article was developed in collaboration with Everest Metals Corporation, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.