Name: Resouro boosted by industry-leading REE results from Tiros samples
Uploaded: 2024-08-13T13:29:50+10:00
Channel: Special Report
Description: In the latest milestone for Tiros in Brazil, met test work has indicated that Resouro (ASX:RAU) has the potential to achieve the highest REE extractions known across the industry.

Resouro completes first steps of its metallurgy strategy with Altilium Group.
Results from assessment of ~50kg sample from Tiros Central Block achieve industry-leading extraction results.
Resouro to continue next steps with Altilium Group as it works towards PEA.

Special Report: In the latest milestone for the massive Tiros project in Brazil, metallurgical test work on the ore has indicated that Resouro Strategic Metals and partner Altilium have the potential to achieve the highest rare earth extractions known across the industry.

The met test results come just a month after Resouro (ASX:RAU) announced the 1.7 billion tonne maiden JORC resource for the Tiros project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, making it the largest JORC combined REE and titanium deposit of its type known in the world.

Resouro has now completed the first steps of its metallurgical strategy with partner Altilium Group after announcing key partners to advance the Tiros project.

An innovative global leader in metallurgy, Altilium Group has been conducting non-conventional rare earth test work. Its aim is to maximise extraction of the high-value metals with minimal waste, which is key to the economics of the project.

Altilium Group assessed an approximately 50kg representative sample, covering five diamond drill holes from the Tiros Central Block JORC compliant resource.

Three leach tests were conducted to understand the metal extractions, with the goal of generating a solution rich in rare earth elements and a residue enriched with titanium.

Notably, the third test, which incorporated a pre-treatment process, achieved the highest rare earth extractions known in the industry to date, including 96.2% extraction of the high-value magnetic rare earth elements.

This rigorous testing process, carried out at Core Resources Laboratories in Brisbane, involved air-drying and milling the sample.

‘A pivotal moment’ for the industry

Resouro president, CEO, director and founder Chris Eager said:

“Completion of our first stage of the Altilium extraction assessment for the Central Block of the Tiros Rare Earth project marks a pivotal moment for Resouro Strategic Metals and the industry as a whole.

“These extraction results, combined with the maiden JORC mineral resource estimate, provide our shareholders with confidence that Tiros’ consistently thick, near surface and highly weathered clay-like material has strong potential to produce excellent results and meet the needs of the global demand for stable supply of rare earth critical minerals.

“Our metallurgical studies will continue the next steps with our partner, Altilium, whilst reviewing options from the more conventional metallurgical study path. This work combined with our infill drilling for mine planning and feasibility and environmental purposes will seek to establish Resouro as a leading rare earth business.

“Resouro is committed to sustainable practices and positive community engagement, ensuring that our growth contributes to the well-being of the regions in which we operate.

“We will continue to update the market on progress to completion of our preliminary economic assessment.”

Optimising extraction, minimising waste

Building on these promising results, Altilium Group is now focused on the next phase of development, which involves designing and executing a laboratory-scale test program to establish the Altilium Ti/REE Process flowsheet.

Altilium Group now aims to optimise the process parameters to improve the grades and extraction efficiency of target metals, including titanium, silica, REEs, scandium, iron, and aluminium.

Christopher Gower, CEO of Altilium Group, said:

“The recent completion of this ‘Sighter Test Work’ marks a significant milestone for Altilium Group.

“By applying our proprietary Altilium Ti/REE Process we have achieved unprecedented levels of rare earth extractions, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and excellence in resource processing. This accomplishment not only highlights the potential of our technology but also sets a new benchmark for the industry.

“Looking ahead, our focus is on refining and optimising the Altilium Ti/REE Process and our other process flowsheets to maximise the extraction efficiency for the target metals: titanium and rare earth elements in this case; and, alumina, iron, nickel, cobalt, scandium and more in the case of our other flowsheets.

“Our goal is to continually enhance the grades, yields and extractions to deliver an efficient and profitable flowsheet, positioning Altilium as a leader in sustainable mineral processing solutions.”

This article was developed in collaboration with Resouro Strategic Metals, 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.