MONTREAL, June 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. (TSX: QRM ) ( Quest ) is pleased to announce that it has obtained issuance of international patent (PCT/CA2016/051489) from the World Intellectual Property Organization, for the unique characteristics and capabilities of its eco-friendly “Selective Thermal Sulphation (STS)” 1 process.
The published patent titled “Rare Earth Ore Processing Methods by Acid Mixing, Sulphating and Decomposing”, comprises of Quest’s complete rare earth processing methods for its Strange Lake Complex Deposit - from preparing mineral concentrate using one or more beneficiation methods to reduce the amount of ore processed and economically maximize the recovery of rare earth elements to producing a leach solution containing the rare earth elements (REE), that is substantially free of gangue elements.
The STS process developed by Quest has been successfully tested and demonstrated at bench scale and has confirmed the ability to scale-up to commercial scale. Compared to alternative technologies, the superior efficiency of the STS process stems from the facts that it is (i) much simpler and less complex; (ii) it required fewer reagent and lower reagent dosages; (iii) rare earth elements are separated from major contaminants (i.e. Fe, Al, U); (iv) it minimizes process effluent and produces smaller quantities of inert residue; and (v) it entails low capital and operating costs.
Dirk Naumann, Quest Rare Minerals President, said, “ It is of great value that Quest’s entire STS process is being granted protection by way of an international patent. The Strange Lake Complex deposit is quite unique and we have achieved a very high level of customization to efficiently and cost effectively produce high purity mixed rare earth metal oxides in an environmentally friendly manner.”
Pierre Lortie, Chairman of the Board stated, “This patent attests the team's innovative approach and its metallurgical in-depth knowledge. The eco-friendly and efficient STS process is an important asset to Quest and confers a valuable competitive advantage by lowering operating costs. Refinement work continues following a mineral processing breakthrough that could enhance the extraction potential of the Strange Lake Complex Deposit thus enabling Quest to become the first producer of individual Dy, Tb, Pr and Nd metal concentrates in North America.»
A PDF accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...dec8b26661
ABOUT QUEST
Quest is a Canadian-based company focused on becoming an integrated producer of rare earth metal oxides and a significant participant in the rare earth elements (REE) material supply chain.
Quest is led by a management team with in-depth experience in chemical and metallurgical processing. Quest’s objective is the establishment of major hydrometallurgical and refining facilities in Bécancour, Québec, to separate and produce strategically critical rare earth metal oxides. These industrial facilities will process mineral concentrates extracted from Quest’s Strange Lake mining properties in northern Québec and recycle lamp phosphors utilizing Quest’s efficient, eco-friendly “Selective Thermal Sulphation (STS)” 1 process.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements may include, among others, statements regarding the future plans, objectives or performance of Quest, including the Strange Lake Rare Earths Project’s technical and pre-economic feasibility, future financing by Quest, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including the development of the Strange Lake Rare Earths Project or any financing by Quest, or if any of them do so, what benefits Quest will derive from them.
Forward-looking statements and information are based on information available at the time and/or management’s good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Quest’s control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, estimates relating to capital costs and operating costs based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of resources to be mined and processed and the expected recovery rates, together with those described under "Risk Factors" in Quest’s annual information form dated January 19, 2017, and under “Risk Factors” in Quest’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, all of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Quest does not intend, nor does Quest undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable law.
1 Patented
For information: Julie Masse Vice President, Communications Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. + 514 878-3551 info@questrareminerals.com
