ASX-listed explorer American Rare Earths reports that the results of recent metallurgical tests on its Halleck Creek rare earths project, in Albany County, Wyoming, in the US, indicate the possibility to establish a potentially low-cost mining and processing operation using conventional technology.
The tests, conducted by Wood Australia, points to favourable characteristics on several counts, including low ore strength and below average ore abrasiveness.
The low ore strength means the ore can be liberated easily, with the ore strength ranking in the lowest fourteenth percentile of more than 1 300 deposits globally, thereby requiring low energy use.
The low ore abrasiveness means the ore will require less coarse grinding at the processing plant, meaning reduced energy expenditure and the opportunity to increase capacity.
These factors will make possible a simplified flow sheet reflecting lower capital cost outlays.
American Rare Earths MD Chris Gibbs explains that one of the major costs in any processing plant is within the crushing and grinding circuit.
"These test results indicate there could be significant energy savings due to the ore softness. Simply put, the easier the ore is to crush and grind, the lower our operating costs will be.”
He adds that it will also enable higher throughput rates and efficiencies as the comminution circuit is so often the limiting factor for plant capacity.
“Apart from energy savings, the less abrasive ore will lead to reduced wear and tear."