Geomega Enhances Hydrometallurgical Process for Rare Earths
Geomega's Innovative Steps Forward in Hydrometallurgy
MONTREAL — Geomega Resources Inc. (TSX.V: GMA) is thrilled to announce recent advancements in its hydrometallurgical process developments for the Montviel rare earth deposit. This exciting evolution underscores the company's commitment to sustainability and efficiency as they work to refine extraction methods for critical minerals.
Significant Developments in Hydrometallurgy
After restarting hydrometallurgical testwork on Montviel in 2022, Geomega has made considerable strides in enhancing the process flow sheet. These upgrades are poised to improve project economics significantly while also reducing the environmental impact in contrast to prior methodologies outlined in 2015.
Key Technical Objectives
The central goals of the ongoing study are as follows:
- Eliminate the costly flotation circuit, which was previously responsible for a 15% rare earth element loss to tailings. Removing this circuit is also expected to eliminate the need for a tailings facility, further reducing capital costs.
- Streamline the process by simplifying the flowsheet compared to work documented and patented in 2020.
- Valorize additional metals found in the ore. By diversifying revenue streams beyond merely rare earths — known for their volatile pricing — Geomega aims to reduce financial risk while enhancing sustainability.
Impressive Enhancements from Testwork
The hydrometallurgical testwork has led to several crucial improvements:
- Removal of fine grinding and flotation beneficiation.
- Valorization of around 40% of overall ore into various offtake streams.
Details on process circuits provide further insight into these advancements:
Circuit Highlights
Circuit 1
- Recover carbonates as a minor revenue stream and reduce waste generation, potentially aiding in paste backfilling arrangements.
- Enhance reagent recovery.
Circuit 2
- Produce a high-purity iron product for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) applications, contributing significantly to revenue while reducing waste volume.
- Achieve an impressive 75% recovery rate to iron oxide streams.
Circuit 3
- Concentrate critical minerals such as rare earth elements, scandium, and niobium, with recovery rates around 95% for Rare Earth Oxide (REO) and Scandium, and 85% for Niobium.
- Generate Iron Phosphate (FePO4) for the Lithium Iron Phosphate battery market, creating another lucrative revenue source.
- Recover manganese and magnesium salts, valuable for agricultural and battery sectors.
Future Steps Following Testwork Completion
Upon finishing the testwork, an internal techno-economic assessment was conducted using Aspen Plus software, emphasizing the viability of the enhanced hydrometallurgical process. Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) will rely on input from external firms to evaluate next steps in advancing the Montviel deposit.
Support and Acknowledgment
Kiril Mugerman, President & CEO of Geomega, expressed gratitude towards the Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources Naturelles (MERN) for their support since the project initiation in 2022. He highlighted the essential role that the Quebec Government plays in fostering the growth of the critical mineral industry, positioning Montviel as a crucial project with inherent advantages in location, resource size, and technical development.
This approach ensures that Geomega can weather the price fluctuations commonly associated with rare earth elements, facilitating the establishment of a sustainable and reliable supply chain in the west.
About Geomega Resources Inc.
Geomega is dedicated to pioneering innovative technologies for extracting and separating rare earth elements and other critical metals integral to a sustainable future. The company focuses on waste valorization across various feed streams, promising to implement environmentally conscious practices while working in conjunction with key industry players to maximize resource recovery.
Geomega also possesses the Montviel rare earth carbonatite deposit, recognized as the largest 43-101 bastnaesite resource estimate in North America. Additionally, it holds more than 16.8 million shares, amounting to approximately 13% of Kintavar Exploration Inc. (KTR.V), which is currently exploring copper projects within Quebec.
Contact Information
Kiril Mugerman
President and CEO, Geomega
Phone: 514-223-1449 ext. 3
Email: kmugerman@geomega.ca
Nancy Thompson
Vorticom Public Relations
Phone: 212-532-2208
Email: nancyt@vorticom.com
Twitter: @Geomega_REE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Geomega Resources Inc. focused on?
Geomega is focused on developing technologies for extracting and refining rare earth elements and other critical metals necessary for sustainable practices.
What recent advancements have been made at Montviel?
Recent advancements include significant upgrades to the hydrometallurgical process and the elimination of costly flotation circuits.
How does Geomega aim to reduce environmental impact?
Geomega employs technologies that valorize waste materials, aiming for sustainability throughout their extraction processes.
What are the main goals of the Montviel project?
The main goals include improving process efficiency, reducing operating costs, and diversifying revenue streams beyond rare earths.
Who can be contacted for more information about Geomega?
Kiril Mugerman, the CEO, can be contacted at 514-223-1449 ext. 3 or via email at kmugerman@geomega.ca.
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