- Godophin starts Phase 3 metallurgical testing on Narraburra REE samples alongside ANSTO and Ausenco
- Work seeks to improve understanding of flow sheet and determine initial cost estimates
- Works will also produce a MREC product allowing discussions with potential offtake partners to commence
- Test work finding will feed into the Narraburra scoping study expected next quarter
Special Report: Godolphin Resources has started Phase 3 metallurgical testing that includes production of a mixed rare earth carbonate product using samples from its Narraburra rare earths project in NSW.
Narraburra is a highly prospective REE project with an existing resource of 94.9Mt grading 739 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxides (TREO) that includes a high-grade component of 20Mt at 1079ppm TREO.
Godolphin Resources (ASX:GRL) recently acquired 49% of Narraburra from JV partner EX9, giving it 100% ownership of the +500km2 project, leaving it well positioned to execute its exploration and development strategy.
The resource is proven for hosting valuable magnetic REEs such as the highly sought after neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) used in permanent magnets that are key components of electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Additionally, preliminary metallurgical testing has confirmed that ore from the project may be amenable to low-cost and near-term mining after demonstrating recoveries of up to 75% of the high-value MREEs.
Early testing also found that extraction percentages increase with time and temperature, with a significant increase in REE recovery at 50 degrees Celsius reported for clay-rich samples. from the first phase of metallurgical testing.
Paving the way for offtake discussions
The Phase 3 metallurgical testing, which includes process development testing, is designed to underpin the Narraburra scoping study by providing the required level of understanding of the mineral processing flow sheet.
It will also provide initial cost estimates to be used in the scoping study.
Process development testing includes slurry testing, solid/liquid separation, impurity removal and the production of a saleable MREC product.
Importantly, this round of metallurgical testing will enable GRL to start discussions with potential offtake partners.
“The third phase of metallurgical testing is a critical step in completing the Narraburra REE project scoping study and further highlights the company’s commitment to the development of Narraburra which is being undertaken alongside exploration initiatives across our suite of copper and gold projects,” managing director Jeneta Owens said.
“The scoping study is progressing well with Ausenco’s investigations into the various process flow sheet options driving the design of the Process Development Testing (Phase 3) testwork program.
“This testwork program will provide the processing cost and MREC value inputs needed to complete the financial modelling step of the Scoping Study and so is the next step to understanding the economic viability of the Narraburra REE Project.”
Forward plan
GRL expects the Phase 3 test work to be completed within three months with the scoping study to be delivered during the September 2024 quarter.
This work is also being undertaken alongside exploration planning for the company’s wholly-owned copper and gold projects.
This article was developed in collaboration with Godolphin Resources, 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.
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