ABx Group, an Australian exploration and critical mineral production firm, has reported a breakthrough in its rare earth processing at the Deep Leads Project in northern Tasmania. The company achieved over 98 per cent of rare earths during its impurity removal tests - a major step towards establishing a commercially viable mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product.
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Identifying the ‘sweet spot’
A critical ‘sweet spot’ at around pH 6 was identified, where aluminium, a key impurity, was successfully removed without compromising rare earth retention. Tests were conducted by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) on rare-earth-enriched leach solutions produced from fresh sub-samples of a 100 kg bulk sample.
The company noted that the combination of high extractions during leaching and high rare earth retention during impurity removal means that a high proportion of rare earths in the resources should report to the MREC product, indicating favourable process economics.
Strong economics and customer interest
With rare earth magnet prices elevated and terbium oxide at almost USD 1,000 per kg, ABx aims to position itself as a non-China supply alternative, potentially commanding premium pricing. CEO of ABx Group, Dr Mark Cooksey, said the results are strong evidence that a high proportion of the rare earths in the Deep Leads resource can be extracted to an MREC product.
He added, “We are eagerly looking forward to the production of the MREC sample. Because of high dysprosium-terbium content, high extractions, low impurities and a significant resource, ABx Group continues to receive strong interest from potential customers.” The MREC sample is expected later this quarter, with results to be shared with prospective buyers.
Sunrise bauxite project strengthened
In parallel, ABx has secured USD 2.7 million in funding from Good Importing International (GII) to fast-track its Sunrise Bauxite Project in Queensland. Under the deal, GII will hold a 70 per cent stake, with exports planned through the Port of Bundaberg.
Stage one focuses on completing design, obtaining permits for at least 800,000 tonnes of direct shipping ore, and leveraging existing port infrastructure. Cooksey said, “With strong demand and a tight global supply of bauxite, this partnership places the project in an excellent position to succeed.”
The project hosts an estimated 37 million tonnes of gibbsite-type bauxite, positioning ABx for diversified growth across both rare earths and bauxite markets.
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