WATCH MD Mike Schwarz discuss the latest Kaolin results and what it means for the REE potential and a conceptual flowsheet for producing both Kaolin and REE products at the Caralue Bluff Prospect (9min)
SUMMARY
• Rare earth element content of high purity kaolin upgraded by 176% during beneficiation
• Laboratory results on the -45-micron fraction confirm widespread, thick intervals of high purity white kaolin mineralisation with very low contained deleterious elements
Significant results from -45-micron fractions include:
- CBAC22-200 – 5m @ 37.6% Al2O3, 0.6% Fe2O3, 0.28% TiO2, 0.07% CaO and 1902 ppm TREO from 11m (62% yield)
- CBAC22-203 – 5m @ 36.9% Al2O3, 0.5% Fe2O3, 1.08% TiO2, 0.02% CaO and 1241 ppm TREO from 5m (58% yield)
- CBAC22-144 – 8m @ 36.8% Al2O3, 0.22% Fe2O3, 0.78% TiO2, 0.02% CaO and 1687 ppm TREO from 10m (70% yield)
- CBAC22-138 – 14m @ 36.4% Al2O3, 0.88% Fe2O3, 0.70% TiO2, 0.07% CaO and 839 ppm TREO from 10m (67% yield)
- CBAC22-162 – 6m @ 35.9% Al2O3, 0.61% Fe2O3, 1.19% TiO2, 0.04% CaO and 1679 ppm TREO from 14m (72% yield)
• Results suggest potential to leach upgraded REEs from high purity kaolin fraction as part of the kaolin processing flow sheet
• Low CaO suggests low acid consumption in REE leaching stage
• Mineralisation is rich in key magnet REEs (Nd-Pr-Dy-Tb) averaging 25% of the REE basket
"The Caralue Bluff kaolin test work shows that the standard kaolin beneficiation process significantly upgrades the REE content of the high purity kaolin by 176%. iTech has the option to incorporate the extraction of REEs into the normal kaolin processing flow sheet, spreading capital and operating costs across both commodities, with potentially significant cost savings."
Exploration Results for Rare Earth Element Projects can be a bit more complicated than for projects targeting metals like Gold and Copper. iTech Minerals Managing Director Mike Schwarz explains what you need to know and what to look out for.
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