Indiana Resources proves rare earths potential with 90.5% recovery at Minos

IDA reports 90.5% TREE recovery at Minos prospect
Prospect is part of Central Gawler Craton project in South Australia
Company planning further test work and drilling

Special Report: Indiana Resources has announced a 90.5% total rare earth elements recovery rate from initial test work at Minos, a priority prospect in its Central Gawler Craton Exploration Project in South Australia.

Previous drilling at Minos has delivered outstanding high-grade REE clay hosted intersections including 26m at 4767ppm total rare earth oxides and 1894ppm magnet REO from 46m, as well as outstanding gold results up to 25.9g/t.

This initial hydrometallurgical test work program focussed on beneficiation and leaching of selected clay hosted REE aircore samples, producing 90.5% TREE, 87.8% heavy REE and 90.8% light REE recovery.

These results indicate the flotation concentrates (minus 0.15mm fraction) are amenable to hydrochloric acid leaching and further test work is required to determine optimal leach conditions, the company says.

Indiana Resources (ASX:IDA) says the test work to date validates the REE potential of the 6km x 4.5km Minos target area.

Results validate Minos target area

“These latest results from Minos clearly demonstrate the strong REE potential of this project area in South Australia,” IDA executive chair Bronwyn Barnes said.

“Initial “sighter” test work has focussed on beneficiation of the clay hosted REE at Minos and provided outstanding results.

“High recoveries of both TREO and MREO to a 4% TREO flotation concentrate is particularly encouraging.

“We look forward to the next phase of hydrometallurgical test work which will focus on acid leaching of the concentrate.”

Follow up work planned

Follow-up hydrometallurgical (acid leaching) test work is now being planned along with beneficiation optimisation test work.

The company also plans to test the lateral extent of the Minos target mineralisation by follow-up AC/RC drilling this month.

“These results give the company the confidence to continue drilling to better define the size potential of our 6km x 4.5 km REE target which remains open in all directions,” Barnes said.

“A further announcement will be made once all remaining test work results have been received.”

This article was developed in collaboration with Indiana 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.