Cadence Minerals plc (LON:KDNC), formerly called Rare Earth Minerals before changing its name last month, announced today that mine permitting applications for the Yangibana neodymium project in Western Australia (WA) have been lodged.
Hastings Technology Metals Limited, the company’s joint venture partner in the Yangibana project, submitted an environmental impact assessment with the WA's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hastings owns a 70% stake in Yangibana and Cadence owns the rest.
A referral submission was also lodged with the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Energy while a preliminary mine development proposal has been sent to the WA's Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP).
The EPA and DMP have started a review, which will identify any areas of additional information that may be needed for the permitting approvals to be granted. The review will also clarify the timeline for the approval process.
Hastings plans to construct a processing plant to produce a mixed rare earths carbonate product, through the process of mining, beneficiation and hydrometallurgy.
Yangibana is located in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. Hastings plans to construct a processing plant to produce a mixed rare earths carbonate.
The start-up construction phase is expected to create up to 500 jobs directly and indirectly in and around the Gascoyne region after completing the permitting.
Last month the company said pilot plant testing at the Yangibana has been completed. The pilot plant testing confirmed 70% total rare earth oxide (TREO) recovery at a final concentrate grade of 23% TREO.