Cobra produces first mixed rare earth carbonate from South Australia project
London-listed exploration and development company Cobra has successfully produced a potentially saleable mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) at laboratory scale from its in-situ recovery study on permeable ore from the Boland project, in South Australia.
The sample delivered an “exceptionally” high grade with 62.4% of the MREC product comprised of total rare earth oxides (TREO), which Cobra says is one of the highest TREO grades produced from rare earth element projects globally.
The sample also yielded low elemental impurities of 3.13% with low levels of uranium (34 ppm) and thorium (below 10 ppm).
“Impurity removal is a very important aspect of any rare earth project. To achieve such high purities with 62.4% of the MREC being rare earth oxides in our first attempt is outstanding. Such a high purity product from a simple, low-cost flow sheet is a clear demonstration of Boland's commercial potential.,” commented Cobra MD Rupert Verco.
Based on treated sample grade of 4 447 ppm TREO, about 4.2 kg of MREC could be produced from one tonne of Boland ore at this grade.
“Boland brings together stand-out ionic mineralisation and unique geology that lends itself to low capital and operating costs. These features give us growing confidence of a high margin future operation. Further process optimisation shall focus on increasing the recovery of strategic heavy rare earths that will further increase not only the value and margin of our product but the project's strategic importance,” said Verco.
Meanwhile, he said Cobra would announce initial drilling results next month. A further 7 500 m of drilling is planned over the coming month.
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