Hillock Creek Nearing Completion Of Processing Flowsheet

DENVER, CO – American Rare Earths (ARR) reported on the preliminary updated mineral processing flowsheet, in addition to progress made on the ongoing optimization work. Halleck Creek is nearing the completion of a robust mineral processing flowsheet with the potential to unlock its immense rare earths resource and become the next producing REE mine in the United States. Given the positive results of recent hydrometallurgical tests3, ARR has incorporated the data received into a preliminary updated Halleck Creek mineral processing Flowsheet. The ongoing optimization work4 continues showing promising results.
Preliminary RCC tests results suggest a potentially more efficient alternative to spirals as the primary beneficiation method. The RCC tests achieved lower mass yields and higher recoveries of REEs when compared to the spiral tests completed earlier in the year. RCC units are currently deployed at scale in mining operations globally and are a proven technology. Bulk testing for the RCC, using material produced in the on-going comminution tests, will confirm whether the RCC, when used in series with the IRMS is a more effective beneficiation circuit when compared to spirals and IRMS.
Remaining Steps to Finalize the Halleck Creek Mineral Processing Flowsheet:1) Create a mixed rare earths oxalate (MREO) from impurity removal samples by precipitating the REEs with oxalic acid. The mixed rare earth oxalate will be calcined to create a mixed rare earth oxide. 2) Using the MREO results, a simulation program will be undertaken to determine the optimal solvent-extraction method for the mineral processing flowsheet, this is a common and conventional practice for a PFS. 3) Upon the completion of the on-going optimization tests, which will determine the most effective comminution and primary beneficiation methods, a bulk sample of Halleck Creek ore will be run through the entire preliminary updated flowsheet, except for the separation and finishing step. This will be the final gating item for the completion of the requisite datasets necessary for the forthcoming PFS report.