Pele Mountain Resources Inc. (TSXV:GEM, OTCQX:GOLDF) announced they have achieved a milestone with their bench scale metallurgical testing program that involves the production of a mixed rare earth carbonate concentrate with uranium oxide.

As quoted in the press release:

Pele has tested the basic processing circuit elements that were the basis of its NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment including pre-concentration using flotation and high intensity magnetic separation, acid baking and leaching, purification of leach solutions, solvent extraction to recover uranium oxide (yellow cake), and precipitation of a mixed rare earth carbonate concentrate. Pele is now advancing processing optimization studies in order to expedite preparations for pilot plant testing and the submission of its updated Project Description to government regulators. Pele remains focused on its objective to obtain a license to construct its Eco Ridge Mine in 2015.

President of Pele, Al Shefsky, said:

Our production of mixed rare earth concentrates and yellow cake is an important metallurgical processing milestone and confirms that Pele Mountain is a clear leader in the race to develop secure and reliable supplies of critical rare earths in North America. We have achieved this excellent progress with the help of a very talented and dedicated team including the proactive and very capable personnel at SRC.

To view the whole press release, click here.