RareX assesses multi-critical mineral potential at Cummins Range with testing

• Metallurgical studies underway to define multi-critical mineral potential at Cummins Range
• Testwork targeting 20x mineral concentrate upgrade
• Tests will produce mixed rare earth carbonate and determine gallium and scandium characteristics

Special Report: With demand for critical minerals rising, RareX is capitalising on the multi-element prospectivity of the Cummins Range project with extensive metallurgical test programs.

The project’s potential for rare earths, phosphates, scandium and gallium positions RareX (ASX:REE) to take advantage of several markets and revenue streams, at a time when global supply of these critical minerals is uncertain.

RareX managing director and CEO James Durrant said Cummins Range was emerging as a multi-critical mineral project of significant scale.

“The breadth and depth of our current metallurgical programs will demonstrate that Cummins Range is more than just a rare earth deposit – it is taking shape as a multi-critical mineral project with broad application potential and multiple revenue streams,” he said.

“The combination of phosphate, gallium, scandium and rare earths positions us uniquely in the sector at a time when supply chain security for these minerals is a global imperative.”

REE’s metallurgical programs have the ultimate goal of producing a mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) concentrate at a 20x mineral concentrate upgrade.

Along the way the company intends to gain a better understanding of the gallium and scandium mineralisation at Cummins Range, as well as producing a phosphate fertiliser product.

SGS Lakefield, gallium and phosphate programs

Most of the current Cummins Range metallurgical testwork is being carried out at SGS Lakefield.

A mineral concentrate is being prepared that can deliver a repeat of previous results delivered by BTMR, which upgraded the concentrate by 20x from head grade.

The work will also trace how gallium and scandium deport (how they’re distributed within the ore) within the rare earth flotation regime and assess potential impacts on processing flowsheet design.

At the same time, RareX is advancing two bio-leaching programs for phosphate, working with Biological Inputs Pty Ltd and Agronomy Solutions to produce a phosphate fertiliser.

A second program will test the finer grind Cummins Range product (100-micron vs 400-micron) to optimise overall phosphate recovery.

Finally, REE’s collaboration with Gega Elements will target advanced separation technologies for germanium and gallium, upgrading the minerals directly from ore as well as providing mineral concentrate feedstock.

This article was developed in collaboration with RareX, 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.