Rainbow Rare Earths Ltd (LSE:RBW, OTC:RBWRF) CEO George Bennett joined Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with details of the positive results of a 70-day pilot test at the Phalaborwa rare earths project, highlighting key optimisations that have led to significant operational improvements.
"During the piloting, we recognised some key optimisation opportunities and with that we ran the pilot plant far longer but those optimisation opportunities have delivered very, very good results," he stated.
These optimisations include a 50% reduction in heating requirements and leaching tanks, as well as the use of lower-grade, more cost-effective materials. An interim report, expected later this year, will reflect these improvements and support the company's low-cost production goals.
Bennett also mentioned plans to proceed with project financing ahead of the final DFS next year, with ongoing optimisations in reagent use and material purity targets.
"We have achieved 95% purity on the first pass, moving towards our 99.5% target," Bennett noted.