Australian heavy rare earths producer Northern Minerals Limited (ASX:NTU) reports that the pilot process plant is close to being mechanically complete and various parts of the pilot plant, in both the beneficiation plant and the hydromet plant, have been commissioned. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of ore has been crushed and first ore has been processed through the beneficiation plant with processing through the circuit to continue over the coming weeks.

Earlier this week, the company announced it had initiated a new exploration program at the Australian-based site.

As quoted from the press release:

• Pilot plant expected to be mechanically complete in next week
•  Beneficiation pilot plant close to being fully commissioned
• Hydromet pilot plant commissioning has commenced
• On site laboratory has produced rare earth carbonate during experimental trials in the commissioning phase
• Core R&D activities commenced in June 2018
• Ore sorting concept design completed and testwork program underway
• Official opening with the Hon. Alannah MacTiernan MLC on 27 July 2018
• Pilot plant project aims to assess the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed larger scale project

Commissioning and testwork has commenced in the hydrometallurgical plant through the concentrate dryer and sulphation bake kiln circuits. The balance of the hydrometallurgical plant will be brought online as baked material becomes available. As part of this process, the company is pleased to report that the on-site laboratory has produced rare earth carbonate as part of the test work in the commissioning process. This is the precursor to export quality product being produced. It is currently anticipated that the first export of rare earth carbonate will be shipped during the September quarter.

“The development of Browns Range is the result of years of blood, sweat and tears by an extremely talented and dedicated team from Northern Minerals, Sinosteel, Primero Group and other contractors,” said managing director and CEO, George Bauk.

Click here to read the full press release