Northern Minerals Ltd (ASX:NTU) has produced its first rare earth carbonate during commissioning of a pilot processing plant at the Browns Range project in northern Western Australia.
The beneficiation pilot plant is close to being fully commissioned while this process has started at the hydrometallurgical plant and the company has started a test work program.
Around 1,000 tonnes of ore have been crushed and first ore has been processed through the beneficiation plant.
The carbonate produced is a precursor to export quality product and the company anticipates the first export to be shipped by the end of this quarter.
READ: Northern Minerals uses injection of funds to fast track Browns Range pilot plant project
Through the development of its flagship project, Northern Minerals aims to be the first significant world producer of dysprosium outside of China.
The research and development phase for the pilot plant started in June and is expected to take up to three years.
Northern Minerals will investigate the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed larger-scale project during R&D phase.
Rare earth carbonate from the on-site laboratory
From explorer to producer
The company’s managing director and CEO George Bauk said: “The development of Browns Range is the result of years of blood, sweat and tears by an extremely talented and dedicated team from Northern Minerals, Sinosteel, Primero Group (ASX:PGX) and other contractors.
“As the pieces come together, Northern Minerals is on the cusp of a fundamental shift in perceptions as we transition from an explorer to a quality supplier of essential ingredients to the electric vehicle revolution.”
The Browns Range project will be officially opened on July 27 by WA Minister for Regional Development, Agriculture and Food Alannah MacTiernan, a year after the first sod was turned.
“Although the opening event is a momentous occasion, in reality it is just the beginning of a prosperous future for the company,” Bauk said.
Product testing
A conceptual design for ore sorting has also been completed, following promising first stage test-work at two ore sorting vendors.
Dysprosium is an essential ingredient in the production of technically advanced magnets used in clean energy and high technology solutions.