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Spectrum Rare Earths testing increases concentrate grade at Skyfall

Last updated: 07:20 24 Nov 2014 EST, First published: 08:20 24 Nov 2014 EST

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Spectrum Rare Earths (ASX:SPX) has been able to show an 18% improvement in mineral concentrate grade at the Skyfall Magnet Feed Rare Earths project in the Northern Territory.

The new mineral concentrate grade of 5.7% TREO (38% Magnetic End Use Rare Earths (MEU REO)) was achieved after an additional froth flotation stage. 

This is an 18% improvement on Spectrum’s previously published results and was achieved from only 5.6% of the original sample mass. The improved mass rejection and higher concentrate grades can lead to lower processing plant and re-agent costs. 

There is scope for further improvement as full optimisation tests have not yet been employed as the company progresses towards its 10% TREO target concentrate grade.

Significantly, recovery of both the Magnetic End Use and Heavy Rare Earth minerals was still possible at all stages.

Skyfall has a unique rare earth mix providing it with the potential to produce both the valuable light rare earths such as Neodymium and the rare and valuable heavy rare earths such as Dysprosium and Terbium. 

These rare earths are important components in high powered magnets used in a growing market for strong miniature electric motors (driven by energy efficiency legislation).


Mineralogy Further Defined

Scanning Electron Microscope examination of tailings has identified a new REE mineral not previously seen. This mineral will now be targeted with a tailored froth flotation agent towards improving REE recovery.


Next Steps


Work has commenced on this newly produced mineral concentrate to further enhance Skyfall’s simple acid bake and rare earth oxalate precipitation route. 

Spectrum is aiming to produce its first Rare Earth Oxide Product by reducing the oxalate component. Froth flotation optimisation is planned and work will re-focus on REE recovery.

The company plans to investigate milder leaching conditions as another means to improve the mineral processing flow sheet. Skyfall’s secondary or weathered mineralogy may offer further advantages.


Analysis

These results are significant for Skyfall and the Magnetic End Use Rare Earth District.

First round results from metallurgical testing at Skyfall in the Northern Territory identified a simple flotation route for production of a magnetic end use rare earth chemical concentrate.

Earlier testing achieved a 64% overall recovery into a mineral concentrate through beneficiation by direct froth flotation; and the mineral concentrate graded 4.66% TREO and 38% Magnetic End Use Rare Earths.

Today's results are a further step forward. With Spectrum aiming to produce its first Rare Earth Oxide Product by reducing the oxalate component with results expected in weeks provides a significant milestone and value accretive (share price) catalyst.

As is the scope for further improvement toward the target of a 10% TREO target concentrate grade as full optimisation tests have not yet been employed.


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