Name of the Project
Gakara rare earths project.

Location
Western Burundi, about 20 km south-south-east of Bujumbura.

Project Owner/s
Rainbow Rare Earths.

Project Description
The Gakara project is one of the world’s richest rare-earth deposits.

An enhanced scoping study for Gakara rare earths project has doubled the capacity of the rare-earth elements cracking plant from 5 000 t/y to 10 000 t/y.

The project will produce a high-purity cerium-depleted mixed rare-earth carbonate, containing about 39% neodymium and praseodymium – the critical input materials for permanent magnets required for electric vehicle and wind turbine technology.

The initial 5 000 t/y plant was originally proposed in the 2015 preliminary economic assessment (PEA), based on the strong acid agitated bake, or SAAB, process developed from the testwork completed by SGS Lakefield Canada.

The proposed plant location in South Africa will provide strong synergies with Rainbow's other rare earths project in Phalaborwa, in Limpopo, contribute to the local economy and facilitate a sustainable, transparent rare earths supply chain.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The project cost is estimated at $35.2-million, which compares favourably with the 2015 PEA estimate of $22.3-million for a 5 000 t/y plant.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
In June 2021, in anticipation of the start of negotiations with the Burundi government, Rainbow Rare Earths received notification from government of a temporary suspension of trial mining and processing operations at Gakara while these negotiations continued.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Metallurgical Engineering Technology and Construction (revalidation and update a preliminary economic assessment).

Contact Details for Project Information
Flagstaff Strategic and Investor Communications on behalf of Rainbow Rare Earths, tel +44 207 129 1474 or email rainbowrareearths@flagstaffcomms.com.